Spectacle: Season 2 [Blu-ray]

Good Company, Great Music
I dock this two-DVD set a star only because the second season of Spectacle, originally broadcast on the Sundance Channel, was truncated by it's abrupt cancellation in 2009. The interviews and performances are eminently watchable and listenable, however.

The inimitable genius Elvis Costello, a walking musical encyclopedia, hosts the show. It's a relaxed mixture of conversation and song with some of the finest musicians and songwriters working today: Bono and The Edge on the first program; Neko Case, Sheryl Crow, Ron Sexsmith, and Jesse Winchester on the second; Levon Helm, Nick Lowe, Richard Thompson, and Allen Toussaint on the third; Elvis himself on the fourth (interviewed by actress Mary-Louise Parker); Ray LaMontagne, Lyle Lovett, and John Prine on the fifth; and Bruce Springsteen as the sole guest on the final two programs.

There are four extras on the DVDs: a behind-the-scenes documentary called "Inside Notes" hosted by co-executive producer David Furnish,...

Elvis & Friends
Season Two of Elvis Costello's interview/jam session show is worth the purchase for the two episodes of his interview with Bruce Springsteen. Mr. Costello & Mr. Springsteen are old friends and it shows in the playful banter the two exchange. The musical numbers are awesome including an inspired medley of Mr. Springsteen's "Radio Nowhere" and Mr. Costello's "Radio Radio" as well as a take of Sam & Dave's "I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down" (which Mr. Costello covered on his Get Happy!!! album) in which they decide which one of them is going be Sam and who is going to be Dave. Mr. Costello has an inquisitive interviewing style and his status as a rock legend himself helps him get more out of his guests than just a normal interviewer might.

Essential for Springsteen fans - and fascinating for others- but with one gripe
I did not have an opportunity to see this Canadian produced show - which was recorded at both the famous Apollo Theater in New York and in Canada - on cable TV and I have not seen Season One yet, so, when Music Video Distributors released this set this month (they are not involved with Season One), I checked it out. Up front I have to tell you that I'm not a fan of Elvis Costello's singing. I think he's VERY knowledgeable - and his rapport with his guests (including insightful questions) is obvious - but I just never got into his vocalizations. That said, I really enjoyed this set.

The centerpiece is the two-part interview with Springsteen. I don't ever remember Springsteen doing an interview that long. He is very open and relaxed (almost to the point where he stumbles when trying to get words out (lots of "uh"'s) but that makes it real. And he plays great! So ALL Springsteen fans - if you haven't seen these shows, grab this.

The other episodes are interesting...

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