Elvis Costello

In the summer of 1977, I was doing some student work in a bakery in Aylesbury, Bucks, when a colleague came running up, excitedly telling me that "Elvis Costello's coming to Friars!" (the local rock club). I had never heard of Elvis Costello. His enthusiasm intrigued me so I went to the gig, despite not having heard any of his music. It was the "Stiffs" tour featuring Ian Dury and Wreckless Eric. Costello headlined and played an impressive set. 

After that, I bought the My Aim Is True album and then, the following year brought This Years Girl. Many more live experiences of Costello and his excellent band The Attractions would be forthcoming over subsequent years as this quirky, bespectacled and passionate artist became one of my favourites. 

He was an ideal new wave anti-hero - odd-looking yet possessed of a superb instinct for a piece of wordplay in his lyrics. He also knew his music and was influenced by country music, Stax soul, Motown, early rock 'n' roll, jazz and easy listening crooning. His output over the years has covered many different styles and although something of an acquired taste, particularly vocally, his material is invariably thought-provoking and challenging. He never makes an ordinary record.

Click on the images for in-depth reviews -
My Aim Is True
This Year's Model
Armed Forces
Get Happy!!
Trust
Almost Blue
Imperial Bedroom
Punch The Clock
Goodbye Cruel Wld
King Of America
Blood And Chocolate
Spike
Mighty Like A Rose
Brutal Youth
Kojak Variety
All/Useless Beauty
When I Was Cruel
North
The Delivery Man
Momofuku
Secret Profane
National Ransom
Wise Up Ghost
Look Now
Hey Clockface
Boy Named If
El Mocambo Live		     
Ten Bloody Marys
Out Of Our Idiot

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