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 Costello early recordings. His first single, “Less Than Zero,” was an all-out attack on British right wing leader Oswald Mosley. But it was “Radio, Radio” that caused a stir.

When Costello & The Attractions appeared on Saturday Night Live, as a substitute for the Sex Pistols who couldn’t get visas to enter the U.S., Costello was told not to play “Radio, Radio” which criticized the broadcast industry. After a couple of measures of “Less Than Zero,” the group launched into “Radio, Radio.” Like nobody would notice. Costello didn’t return to the show for 12 years, leading many to incorrectly believe he was banned from the sketch comedy series. 

Costello’s second single was the more accessible ballad “Alison (“my aim is true”).”

“Armed Forces” (“Accidents Will Happen” and the humorously satirical “Oliver’s Army”) and “Get Happy!!” showed Costello at his songwriting and performing peak. His had a freshness and unique spin with a casual vocal style, as if sharing a piece of news with friends. Still, he ranged 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” artists 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 covers 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.

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 singer/songwriters around.

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