Spectacle: Elvis Costello With...

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Season 1
Season #: 5, 2, 1
User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 4 out of 11

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User Reviews

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  1. TSpencer
    Dec 30, 2009
    10
    It is not flawed enough to lower to 9. Mostly because I can't knock a show for not being longer. I love every minute of the show, but feel that there is a longer conversation happening that I only get the highlights. It is less like being at the table with Elvis and his guests and more like being in the booth next to him. Sometimes for the sake of time, the conversation shifts It is not flawed enough to lower to 9. Mostly because I can't knock a show for not being longer. I love every minute of the show, but feel that there is a longer conversation happening that I only get the highlights. It is less like being at the table with Elvis and his guests and more like being in the booth next to him. Sometimes for the sake of time, the conversation shifts abruptly, but it always remains interesting. It may be true that Elvis loves his guests a bit too much, but I he is asking questions that always have interesting answers.… Expand
  2. CharlesR
    Dec 30, 2008
    10
    So much of television aims at that lowest common denominator. While Costello's program is certainly accessible to the masses, it does open doors to the deeper rooms within the minds of master musicians. I particularly enjoyed the discussion with James Taylor. Some of the critics cited here complain that the show lacks direction or has a meandering feel to it. If you want to watch the So much of television aims at that lowest common denominator. While Costello's program is certainly accessible to the masses, it does open doors to the deeper rooms within the minds of master musicians. I particularly enjoyed the discussion with James Taylor. Some of the critics cited here complain that the show lacks direction or has a meandering feel to it. If you want to watch the Tonight Show or Good Morning America, that is always out there for you. But a show like this, rather than going a mile wide and an inch deep, does take the deeper dive into a topic. That is something that those who are passionate about music , or simply have inquisitive minds, ought to appreciate.… Expand
  3. MikeR
    Nov 25, 2009
    10
    Elvis is a witty interviewer who, like us, is interested in more than just nonsense and self-promotion from his guests.
  4. StevenHuete
    Sep 18, 2010
    10
    This series is a must see for music lovers. Elvis manages to capture the true essence and genius of every artist he interviews. The performances are amazing. Elvis has a rare ability as a musician to draw out fellow musicians and articulate their influences and the magic that is their art. The intimate connection he allows us to share with these incredibly talented artists is unrivaled inThis series is a must see for music lovers. Elvis manages to capture the true essence and genius of every artist he interviews. The performances are amazing. Elvis has a rare ability as a musician to draw out fellow musicians and articulate their influences and the magic that is their art. The intimate connection he allows us to share with these incredibly talented artists is unrivaled in any other forum I have seen. Hopefully we will see many seasons that will open even more singers and songwriters to their appreciative fans.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best TV Season of 2008
86
#86 Most Discussed TV Season of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    80
    All the performances are rough and under-rehearsed, which makes them appealing. Costello also keeps the atmosphere relaxed during the interviews, never seeming too eager to interject his own commentary or jokes.
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  2. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    75
    Though Costello’s discussions with musicians falter from time to time, they also contain quite a few interesting stories and conversations. And whenever things threaten to slow down, the musicians just pick up their instruments and sing instead of speaking.
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  3. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Randee Dawn
    50
    Alas, the program has little direction and almost no flow.
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