Tuesday, March 10, 2026

The Bestacle Of Spectacle


 

Elvis Costello's "Spectacle" lasted for only two seasons. In a perfect world, we would still be watching today. Big name artists and music obsessives sat together on the stage, discussing their influences, telling stories and singing together. Levon Helm, Allen Toussaint, Bono, Richard Thompson, James Taylor, Rosanne Cash, Lou Reed, Bruce Springsteen and co-producer Elton John, were just some of the legends that shared their time with Elvis.

I hadn't thought about the show in years, but sharing the Norah Jones song last week reminded me that I had some audio. 

So here is something I put together for your listening pleasure. If memory serves, all of the guests were backed by The Imposters.

TRACKLIST:

Ballad Of A Well Known Gun- Elvis Costello & The Imposters
Seven Year Ache- Rosanne Cash & Norah Jones
Tennessee Jed- Allen Toussaint, Nick Lowe, Richard Thompson, Levon Helm, Larry Campbell & E.C.
Everyday I Write The Book- Ron Sexsmith, Jesse Winchester, Sheryl Crow & E.C.
Crying In The Rain- James Taylor & E.C.
Show Biz Kids- E.C.
Straight To Hell- Jakob Dylan & E.C.
Sham-A-Ling- Dong-Ding- Jesse Winchester
The Longest Days- John Mellencamp
Don't Forget Me- Neko Case
How Many Times Have You Broken My Heart- Norah Jones & E.C.
Shoot Out The Lights- Richard Thompson & E.C.
Border Song- Allen Toussaint & E.C.
April 5th- E.C. , Rosanne Cash, & Kris Kristofferson
Ring Them Bells- Ron Sexsmith, Sheryl Crow & E.C.
Perfect Day- Lou Reed- & E.C.
Sunday Morning Coming Down- Kris Kristofferson
Down River- Elton John & E.C.

zip 

 

15 comments:

  1. Excellent Sal - thanks so much!

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  2. Thanks so much for this. A great show and an awesome playlist.

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  3. Oh, what a great show. The Jesse Winchester performance of Sham-a-Ling-Dong (or whatever) is so marvelous. It breaks my heart every time. I have to give a shout out to the video because watching the other artists rapt with attention and one of them quietly shed a tear is so beautiful. Looking forward to these other highlights. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGabTMx8mOM

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  4. Oh man - what a gift! Thanks, Sal!

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  5. This is very cool. Thank you!

    Captain Al

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  6. Thanks very much, Sal.

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  7. Great show! I remember the episode where Lou Reed trashed Yes 9or maybe just Rick Wakeman)

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  8. The show was a marvel, EC is a really great host...Much thanks for this!

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  9. Netflix wants even more $$ from me to watch it 🥴

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  10. I've often wondered why Macca was never a guest on the show. Even if they would only discuss their collaborations.

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  11. This looks like a terrific mix. Thanks. But I'm worried because I'm not recalling the show. With this lineup I'm sure it would have been something I'd have watched.

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  12. A wonderful show indeed. Thanks, Sal.

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