We're running the gamut this week in the editorial office, where the conversation centered on a provocative new TV show from music icon Elvis Costello (pictured), a delicious beer, breakfast burritos, another great iPhone app, a hot new blog, some tasty lip gloss and a delectable reissue from Warren Zevon.

"Spectacle: Elvis Costello With..." on Sundance Channel -- If you ask members of the editorial staff to make one of those "dream dinner party" lists, there is a strong chance Elvis would show up on a few submissions. In addition to being a music icon, Costello is a literate, intelligent guy who showed great chops a few years ago while filling in for an ailing David Letterman. His new hour-long show, which premiered Thursday, is described as "Inside the Actor's Studio" for musicians, but it's more than that. Costello, a Hall of Fame rocker himself, talks to guests as a peer and thus elicits more telling responses than the average celebrity interviewer. Elton John, a producer of the show, was the guest on the debut and the two talked at length about songwriting and influences. Costello and friends play music during the show. I'm looking forward to an upcoming episode when Lou Reed actually smiles (gasp!) and reveals the "secret chord" to the song "Sweet Jane." He's also going to talk to Smokey Robinson, Rufus Wainwright and Bill Clinton. This is one worth using the "Record Season" function on your DVR. --Drew Olson

Carlsberg -- Carlsberg's tagline "Probably the best beer in the world" dates back to the early 1970s. I'd never had this tasty brew from Denmark until last weekend, when I ordered one at Fat Abbey. It's a German-style pilsner right in line with my beer tastes. Little to no after taste and a very smooth drink make Carlsberg a great beer for this week's recommendations. --Jeff Sherman

http://www.streetsmilwaukee.blogspot.com -- Attention Milwaukee fashion hounds: there's a new fashion blog on the scene and it's updated weekly with photos of real Brew City people expressing themselves, supporting local or hand-made designs, supporting local retailers or "just looking rad," as the blog quotes. The Streets team was out and about at Art vs. Craft last weekend and captured many stylish shoppers. --Julie Lawrence

Exercising in the morning -- This concept is a no-brainer for many people, I know, but for me, it's a new routine and I love it. I used to try to squeeze in a treadmill run around lunchtime or later in the evening after my kids were asleep, but exercising in the morning is better. I was already aware that morning cardio would make me feel more calm and alert from the get-go, but the surprise bonus is that the daunting thought of exercise doesn't hang over my head for the entire day. I start to think, "I should really exercise today" and then I get to tell myself, "I already did!" Hooray. --Molly Snyder Edler

Warren Zevon (Rhino) -- Although I've always respected Zevon, who was the bull in that tepid '70s California smooth rock china shop, it would be a stretch to call myself a fan. Being an East Coast native, I was always more "Rosalita" than "Carmelita," and listening to the first couple songs on this two-disc reissue of Zevon's first Asylum disc from 1976 -- produced by Jackson Browne and produced for reissue by Milwaukee ex-pat Cheryl Pawelski -- doesn't help much. But by the time we reach "Backs Turned Looking Down the Path," "Hasten Down the Wind" and "Poor Poor Pitiful Me," I'm reminded that Zevon was sassy and ready to mix things up in a scene that was known for it's pillowy snare drums and soft rock fluff. The real revelation comes on Disc Two, when a series of demos and alternate takes strips away the gloss to uncover Zevon's skillful songwriting and amazing piano skills (he was classically trained and gained the approval of Stravinsky!). --Bobby Tanzilo

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7 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by milROCKeeguy on Dec. 7, 2008 at 7:21 a.m. (report)

wow, amazon on the iphone. thats weird, kind of behind in times to the much better g1 t-mobile phone. try and keep up.

Posted by JKrunken on Dec. 4, 2008 at 8:30 p.m. (report)

Elvis's Spectacle is wonderful! What a relief from the normal brain dead fair on talk shows where the host asks superficial questions that have nothing to do with the art or craft of the guest, but instead talk about how beautiful the guest is. (Though I am a Letterman over Leno guy, Letterman is famous for spending the whole interview talking about how someone looks.) This is a real find for musicians and those who truly want to know how it is made. I'm looking forward to the series!

Posted by college_dave on Dec. 4, 2008 at 7:24 p.m. (report)

Great advice regarding Spactacle & 2 1/2 Men! I DVR'd both.

Posted by BCZF on Dec. 4, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. (report)

Zevon was NOT a student of Stavinski, his piano teacher was a student, and Zevon did meet him a time or two.

Posted by Wez on Dec. 4, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (report)

And as for working out in the morning, it's better because the gym is not as crowded and you only have to shower once!