Wednesday, May 27, 2009

#50 Elvis Costello

Elvis came from the London pub scene. He combined rock with punk with new wave in creative ways. He has the ability to reinvent himself on a dime and is one of rock’s edgiest writers. Costello’s look has been described as a “menacing Buddy Holly.” His first great song , “Allison” is sarcasm wrapped in pop. Throughout his career, Costello has delved into soul, country, baroque, and politics. Recently, he toured with The Police.

Rock n Roll Moment: Elvis got banned from SNL in 1977. He was a last minute replacement for the Sex Pistols (visa problems-go figure). Instead of playing a song the record company wanted, Elvis broke into “Radio Radio” instead. For that, he was banned for a dozen years.

Essential Elvis Costello:

My Aim Is True (1977)
This Year’s Model (1978)
Armed Forces (1979)
Get Happy (1980)
Imperial Bedroom (1982)

Costello’s Top 10:

Alison
Pump It Up
Radio Radio
I Can’t Stand Up For Falling Down
Shipbuilding
Watching the Detectives
Accidents Will Happen
Peace, Love, and Understanding
Veronica
Oliver’s Army

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