Elvis Costello
What if Buddy Holly hadn't died in a plane crash? What if he had taken the bus instead? Then, in the mid-60s, with an urge to try something new, teamed up with a post-electric Bob Dylan. What would that have sounded like?
The answer: Elvis Costello. Liverpool born Declan Patrick McManus started writing songs and playing guitar when he was fifteen. He came from a musical family. After seeing Nick Lowe perform, Costello decided to start his own group, Flip City. He still kept his day job as a computer operator at Elizabeth Arden cosmetics. Some demos arrived at Stiff Records but they wanted McManus as a single. And a "single" he became. Also, in an effort to create his own identity, he became Elvis (the origin of that name is pretty obvious) Costello (his grandmother's maiden name). Nick Lowe (small world) produced his early recordings.
 Elvis Costello |
Costello's first single, "Less Than Zero," was an all out attack on British right wing leader Oswald Mosley. The second was the more accessible ballad "Alison ("my aim is true")." July '77 was a great time for Elvis. First, he quit his day job and second, he organized his backing group, The Attractions - Steve Nieve (keyboards), Pete Thomas (drums) and Bruce Thomas (bass).
Late in his career Elvis Costello recorded with Tony Bennett, Paul McCartney and Burt Bacharach. Perhaps it was due to his father being a bandleader. But there was a time when Costello was the cleverest, most interesting and compelling Rock 'n' Roller around.
Elvis as a Rocker hit his peak in the late '70s and early '80s. "My Aim Is True" ("Alison" and the bopping "Watching The Detectives"), "This Year's Model" (his first album with the Attractions), "Armed Forces" ("Accidents Will Happen" and the humorously satirical "Oliver's Army") and "Get Happy!!" show Costello at his songwriting and performing peak. His songwriting has a freshness and unique spin to it. Costello's vocal style is casual as if sharing a piece of news with friends. Still, he ranges from intense passion and commitment to almost Woody Allen style comic whining.
Though he never got much credit for it Costello was also one of the first "New Wave" Rockers to successfully incorporate reggae and other musical styles without sounding forced or condescending. Ultimately though, his songs are his calling card. Insightful and challenging, Costello's songs cover politics, social mores and relationships with wit, bite and satire. Those songs along with some great jangling guitar Rock are the reasons Elvis Costello and the Attractions are vital.
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