No-one quite knew what to make of Elvis Costello when he first appeared in 1977. The name (real name of Declan McManus would never have worked)was peculiar enough, but combined with a look that was Buddy Holly for the new wave era, Elvis was certainly different. He was termed "new wave" but was obviously more talented than many that could barely thrash a guitar.
He helped himself to get a record contract by playing on the back of open lorry in London. It may be unusual, but it got him noticed.
The debut album "MY AIM IS TRUE" contained several classic songs and although not hits they endure through to today, particularly "ALISON" (a song once covered by country diva Linda Ronstadt).
"WATCHING THE DETECTIVES" charted in the UK in Autumn 1977 and confirmed to the general listening opublic what some already knew. This guy could sing a little, but he could really write a tune and a lyric.
The next album, "THIS YEARS MODEL", was a barn storming collection of songs, the highlight probably being "PUMP IT UP", still a favourite with fans to this day. From the release of his third album "ARMED FORCES" in 1979, it was clear that this guy was going to be a major player.
The album was top 10 in both the UK and the US and the fact that he had no US single hits from the album is perhaps indicative of the market he was getting there - slightly older and more sophisticated than the normal single buying teenagers.
He then produced a collection of critically acclaimed albums over the next three years, particularly "IMPERIAL BEDROOM" which many view as the pinnacle of his recording career. However, the sales did not reflect the quality, especially the singles sales, with no chart entries coming from this great work.
After rectifying commercial failure with "EVERYDAY I WRITE THE BOOK" taken from the "PUNCH THE CLOCK" album, Costello had a spectacular failure that was "GOODBYE CRUEL WORLD" in 1984.
After a period where prodeucing other people took up more of his tiem than recording, he released the album "SPIKE" in 1989. This included work co-written with Paul McCartney. The single "VERONICA" was a minor hit in the UK, but significantly was his biggest US hit single. It was alleged that Costello referred to his time working with McCartney as being frustrating and disappointing. The two writers not forming a friendly partnership.
He still records good music although his output is heard less and less on the mainstream radio stations in both the UK and the US. Collaborations like those with the Brodsky Quartet (THE JULIET LETTERS) during the 1990s may have helped alienate him from some of his more traditional support base, although it did help gain him even more critical acclaim.
When all is said and done, Elvis/Declan has left a superb legacy and is the perfect role model for any aspiring singer/songwriter.
Bio written by: KennyGordon |
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