Elvis Costello loves Canada, and not just because that's where his wife, jazz musician Diana Krall, hails from.

The singer-songwriter made his first connection with the Great White North back in 1978 when he played a sold-out gig with the Attractions at Toronto's now-historic El Mocambo club. (A year earlier, the Rolling Stones played a pair of El Mo gigs that became 'Love You Live,' a top-five album in the US and UK.)

Costello's show was broadcast live by CHUM-FM and subsequently received between 300 and 500 promotional pressings in Canada, becoming one of the most sought-after concert albums of his career. The gig was included in his '2 1/2 Years' box set back in 1993, but next month Costello devotees will finally get a chance to buy the album on its own as the first part of the 'Costello Show,' a series of classic live recordings from his career.

At the time of the El Mo gig -- Mar. 6, 1978 -- Costello was still touring behind his debut, 'My Aim Is True,' but was on the verge of releasing 'This Year's Model,' his first album with the Attractions as his backing band. The live album captures the beginning of what we now know to be an enormously successful career that has spanned over three decades and garnered his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The El Mocambo has hosted its share of influential concerts throughout the years. On top of the Stones, the stage has also welcomed the Police, U2 and blues icon Stevie Ray Vaughan at the beginning of their careers. Costello's 'Live at the El Mocambo' will be released Sept. 29 and includes hits such as 'Watching the Detectives,' 'Less Than Zero' and 'Pump It Up.'