On Wednesday evening we went to the Mondavi Center in nearby Davis, CA to see legendary singer-songwriter-musician Elvis Costello. I’ve seen him at least 7 or 8 times over the years, maybe more, and he has never disappointed. And now he has so much poise and stage presence that he can perform with any version of his numerous bands, or even solo. And that’s what he did here. It was just him and his guitar. Well, he had about 8 or so different guitars, for different sounds on different songs, but you get the idea. He stood and/or moved around for most songs, but sat for a few.

He chatted between songs and was his usual witty self. He noted he hadn’t been back to Davis since the late 70s in the Coffeehouse, when people threw drink cups at him. This time he received a much warmer reception. The crowd wanted a second encore but the lights were turned on and it was not to be. But he did play songs from throughout his long career, including three new unreleased songs, also a couple others I didn’t know, and string of classics, including the following (not in order and not necessarily a complete list):

Here’s a list of our recently acquired music. Remember, any item with an asterisk we’ll blame on Petra B!  It’s OK, we love her! And remember, some of those might be good too! See what you think:

Prince “Superemix-3″ vinyl 12” *
Waits, Tom “Glitter And Doom Live” 2CD
Hutchinson, Eric “Sounds Like This” CD
Bazan, David “Curse Your Branches” CD
DiFranco, Ani “Sacramento 10.25.03” CD
Blur “Midlife: A Beginner’s Guide To Blur” 2CD
Davies, Ray “The Kinks Choral Collection” advance CD
Bowie, David “Space Oddity (40th Anniversary Special Edition)” 2CD
Bowie, David “Space Oddity (40th Anniversary Special Edition)” Advance CD
Joplin, Janis “The Woodstock Experience” 2CD
Jefferson Airplane “The Woodstock Experience” 2CD
Los Lobos “Goes Disney” CD
A Fine Frenzy “Bomb In A Birdcage” CD
Carlile, Brandi “Give Up The Ghost” CD
Case, Neko “Middle Cyclone” CD

Are these really the best of 2009? Hmmmm…

As usual, I included plenty of singer-songwriter types. But there’s also some modern rock, classic rock, art-folk, polka, whatever. Maybe not too much polka now that I look at it. I’m sure there are plenty of other good albums out there that were released this year, but maybe I just didn’t hear them. Anyway, here are eight 2009 releases that I like a lot and some other ones that are worth listening to also. Am I crazy (again) or did I get it exactly right this year?

The top eight, not necessarily in order of greatness, after the jump:

This past Wednesday night, we went to a free concert called “Acoustic Christmas”. Well, it was free if you donated a toy for homeless kids. Not a problem! They deserve holidays gifts just like everyone else. It’s not their fault they are homeless.

First, thanks to local radio station 100.5 The Zone for putting this on and “giving away” tickets. Yay! One beef, though. Each artist only played about an hour, which I’m sure is shorter then either of their normal sets. Ingrid, in fact, mentioned it. She asked what time it was and someone yelled “It doesn’t matter”. Then she explained they only allowed her a set amount of time. Why is this, promoters? Both artists got a standing ovation, yet no encores and only short sets allowed?

OK, enough. It was still a very enjoyable show. Both artists were acoustic (guitar and piano) and both had a second person accompanying them. Ingrid Michaelson (learn more, web site) opened the show even though much of the crowd was waiting for David. But I’m sure she won over most of the audience with her charm and wit, not to mention her ultra-catchy songs. She performed a bunch of songs from her fine new album “Everybody”, as well a couple from her previous albums. She threw in a cover or two also. Her between song patter was funny and fetching. If you don’t own “Everybody” and “Girls And Boys” then go buy them now. I’ll wait.