Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello emerged from the British punk wave, but later in his career he felt at home in pop, country, jazz and classical music.
The Elvis Costello the pop world discovered in 1977 had something of the young, rebellious second cousin of Buddy Holly – including the heavy, black-framed glasses. On his first albums, the young British singer, guitarist, and composer was still strongly influenced by punk and new wave. His songs were short and energetic, the lyrics measured and sharp. Yet, "My Aim Is True" (1977), "This Year's Model" (1978), and "Armed Forces" (1979) above all demonstrate that Declan Patrick MacManus, as he was born in 1954, is an excellent songwriter. This is also evident in the single "Oliver's Army," a hit in 1979.
Musically, he quickly broke new ground, sometimes making it hard for his audience to keep up. For "Get Happy!!" (1980), he drew inspiration from R&B, soul, and ska. "Almost Blue" (1981) primarily contained covers of country classics, while "Imperial Bedroom" (1982) was another traditional pop album. He continued to oscillate between genres like a musical omnivore with "Punch the Clock" (1983), "Goodbye Cruel World" (1984), "King of America" (1986), and "Blood & Chocolate" (1986). "Spike" (1989) was written during a period of intensive collaboration with Paul McCartney. The single "Veronica," for example, was co-written by both of them. Elvis Costello, in turn, would contribute to the ex-Beatle's album "Flowers in the Dirt."
He further underscores his endless versatility by working with the classical Brodsky String Quartet on The Juliet Letters (1993). Similarly, North (2003) is an album partly steeped in classical atmospheres. He created Painted From Memory (1998) with the legendary American composer Burt Bacharach. He also just as readily dives into the studio with the hip-hop collective The Roots, resulting in Wise Up Ghost (2013). With Look Now (2018), which again features Burt Bacharach, Elvis Costello proves that after forty years as a singer and composer, he hasn't lost any of his talent.
At Platenzaak.nl we have many CDs and LPs by Elvis Costello, including exclusive versions.
