The 'Other' Elvis


This week for #MusicMovesMe, we have ‘Your Choice’ - meaning there is no assigned topic or theme for the week. I have gone back and forth about what I was going to post today.  Part of me wanted to start a new series, and part of me wanted to hold off on that for a minute. Then, I caught a piece of trending news in the music world and my brain said ‘A-HA! This is it’.  Well, okay, then. It’s hotter than Satan’s Kitchen at Thanksgiving, and I don’t want to give this post much more thought.


Most of you are familiar with Elvis Presley, but do you know the OTHER Elvis?

Okay, I know that’s a fairly easy answer for some of you, as you have expressed a distaste for him - but let’s be honest here - those of you who dislike this guy are most likely jealous of his equally talented wife. How do I know this? Well... I’ve seen some of your comments regarding the both of them. That’s my story and I’m stickin' to it!

So who is this “Other” Elvis and why is he on the forefront of my mind?

No, I haven’t been chatting with our dear friend Jeffrey, lover of all things Diana Krall (where is Jeffrey these days anyway? Which one of you guys ran him off? I miss his rants!)  Oh dear, this heat really is getting to me as I’ve drifted from subject. 

Ahem. Back to business.

Elvis Costello is who I’m talking about. That’s his stage name. His real name is Declan Patrick MacManus, and yes, he is married to the beautiful Diana Krall.

He began his career as part of London's pub rock scene in the early 1970s and later became associated with the first wave of the British punk and new wave movement of the mid-to-late 1970s. His critically acclaimed debut album, My Aim Is True, was recorded in 1977. Shortly after recording his first album he formed the Attractions as his backing band. His second album, This Year's Model, was released in 1978, and was ranked number 11 by Rolling Stone on its list of the best albums from 1967–1987. His third album, Armed Forces, was released in 1979, and features his most successful single "Oliver's Army". His first three albums all appeared on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Costello and the Attractions toured and recorded together for the better part of a decade, though differences between them caused a split by 1986. Much of Costello's work since has been as a solo artist, though reunions with members of the Attractions have been credited to the group over the years. Steeped in wordplay, the vocabulary of Costello's lyrics is broader than that of most popular songs. His music has drawn on many diverse genres; one critic described him as a "pop encyclopaedia", able to "reinvent the past in his own image".

Costello has won multiple awards in his career, including a Grammy Award, and has twice been nominated for the Brit Award for Best British Male. In 2003, Costello and the Attractions were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked Costello number 80 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

Recently, Elvis Costello was treated for a small but very aggressive tumor. His surgery was successful. As a cancer survivor, we love to hear those four little words - No Evidence of Disease.  Post surgical advice told him to rest for 3 to 4 weeks, which he did. At the end of the 4 weeks, he embarked on a European tour.  After the first performance, he realized he was not yet ready to continue the tour and needed to spend more recovery, canceling the rest of his tour.

The good news is that he has a new album coming out in October, and he is slated to begin touring the US in November.

I’ve put together a short playlist of his tunes.  I find his music to be soothing and it’s something that I like to have playing in the background on a quiet day.





What are your thoughts on his music? Had you heard of him before? Are you one of those that are ‘jealous’? Tell me about it in the comments below.



Before you leave, I should probably tell you the results of the most recent battle of the bands here.  We battled to determine the ‘REAL’ Side A of Sir Paul McCartney’s 2 newest songs. After watching the votes come in, I can see how he ended up a Double Side A record. It was like watching a tennis match. I've included my vote in the final results.

The final results:

“I Don’t Know”  with 8 votes
“Come On To Me”  with 8 votes

Most of the comments stated that they could go either way, depending on their mood at the time of listening. Thank you everyone that took the time to vote! Be sure to stop back on July 15 for the next battle of the bands!

Don’t forget to visit the other bloggers in this musical bloghop! 





Comments

  1. Mary,

    I'm not an Elvis Costello fan but I do enjoy listening to his mewsic when I stumble upon it. I didn't know this Elvis originated across the pond but then I'm learning over the years a large number of popular artists/bands are from the UK. I never notice Elvis' British accent until now. Maybe, it's because you tipped my brain off to hone in to his dialect. My favorites and most soothing picks from your lists to my ears are "She", "God Gave Me Strength", and "Still".

    The first person I thought of when you mentioned Elvis' famous wife was Jeffrey. I wonder what he's doing. I believe he participated in the April A2Z Challenge but haven't checked back in with him since that time. Yeah, shame on me!

    Thanks for sharing your freebie song picks with the Monday's Mewsic Moves Me gang, my friend. Have a boogietastic week!

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    1. Thanks for stopping in Cathy!

      I'm like you, in that I'm not a huge fan, but I do enjoy listening to his music from time to time.

      Have a great week!

      ~Mary

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  2. I enjoyed Elvis Costello back in the day. I thought he was good. Thanks for spotlighting him. Very nice.

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    1. Hey there Patrick!

      He did have some good ones back in the day. This turned out to be a pretty fun post. Thanks for stopping by.

      ~Mary

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  3. I have listened to some of Costello's music, but not really been a follower of his. I'm glad to hear he beat the dreaded cancer.

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    1. Hi Vandy!

      I'm like you. I listened and enjoyed, but didn't really follow. Cancer can be a beast, and I'm glad to hear that he is taking the proper precautions to heal.

      Good to see you here.

      ~Mary

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  4. Well, there's one I know of. My hubby was a fan of his for a while. Plus he mentioned he had Cancer, but he beat that. I must say as far as tunes I think the best one I like was called, "Allison"! I must say you did a great job tellin' us about Mr. Costello! Gonna tell hubby about this post I know he'd love to read it. Thanks for sharing my friend! Have a rockin' day & week! hugs

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    1. Thanks Marie!

      I like 'Allison' as well. I first listened to 'She' and it got stuck in my head for a minutes. Glad that I could help bring back some memories for you and the hubby.

      ~Mary

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  5. Terrific Battle, MARY!
    I always find ties to be unsatisfying, but there's no disputing the fact that a tie is the sign of a well crafted BOTB installment, and it certainly beats a shutout all to hell!

    I bought Elvis Costello's debut album on LP right after it came out and I played it quite a bit. I still enjoy most of the songs on that collection (although I no longer own it). But I lost interest in Costello pretty quickly. I know I also purchased his second album shortly after its release, but I didn't play it very often. Somehow, it didn't grab me the way the first LP did. I think his shtick, or the novelty of Elvis Costello, wore off pretty quickly for me. (Nevertheless, I'd still much rather listen to E.C. than to his wife, who really rubs me the wrong way for a couple of different reasons.)

    ~ D-FensDogG
    STMcC Presents 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS'

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    1. Hey there Mr McCarthy!

      I think in this case, the tie only proves the point that McCartney wasn't able to choose a proper Side A as well. Like many said, it just depends on your mood when you are listening to either song.
      This one turned out to be somewhat satisfying.

      I admittedly haven't listened to much of Costello's work. I remember listening to 'Radio, Radio' and I know I watched Knotting Hill - but I don't ever recall hearing the song 'She' that came from there. I think it will be interesting to see what he comes out with on this latest album.

      ~MMQE

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  6. Although not a huge fan of Elvis Costello's he's certainly earned his place in music history. I was happy to learn his cancer is under control, as well.

    A BOTB tie seems fitting here. I didn't think either McCartney song really stood out.

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    1. Hi Debbie

      Good to see you here again :) I find it really surprising that for an artist to be listed so highly by Rolling Stone, and with all of the other awards he has received - that many people are either not familiar with his music or are not huge fans.

      Thanks for stopping by!

      ~Mary

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  7. Guess we'll never know which is the real side A is, will we?

    My brother Kip got me into Elvis Costello with his first couple of albums and songs like "Allison," "Watching The Detectives," and "Radio, Radio." Haven't really kept up with him after that, so I'm glad you stuck with a lot of the older material. Good set!

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    1. Hi John

      To be honest, I couldn't really find any of the newer stuff. This makes me all the more curious about what his new album will be like.

      ~Mary

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  8. McCartney has been knocking out hits for so long now that most of his songs might seem like hits these days.

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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    1. He certainly has a knack for it! I kind of hope he never stops.

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  9. Congrats on the tie. I think a tie is a great result, although it does leave you wanting to declare a winner but with a tie, you know that you've put together a kickass battle with well-matched contenders, so Way to Go Mary!

    I haven't thought of Elvis Costello in eons! I've never been a follower of his but I do like Watching the Detectives, Pump It Up and Alison. And I'm absolutely captivated and fascinated by his footwork! How does he not break his ankles?? Good Lord, I can't take my eyes away from his feet! :)

    I had no idea he was married to Diana Krall. You mentioned that many of the BOTBers don't like her? What's up with that?? I must have missed that chapter...

    It was interesting seeing some of Elvis Costello's later stuff ... and his more mellow stuff. It's an obvious maturity. And how neat that he was associated with The Roots! I didn't make the connection until I watched the video and recognized them as Jimmy Fallon's house band! That was neat. I love those guys. Especially the guy that introduces the Thank You Notes music: he has the hilarious deadpan stare!

    Thanks for introducing me to some unfamiliar "Other Elvis" music.
    Have a great week. I'll touch base with you sometime tomorrow about our battle plan... :)

    Michele at Angels Bark

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    1. Hey there Michele!

      He does have some fancy footwork! The battle really did turn out to be pretty good. A tie is far better than a blow out any day!

      I've got my contenders for this upcoming battle narrowed down to three. I'll be listening to those three on heavy rotation for a day or two before I eliminate one before the big battle. still working out the contenders for the 8/1 battle. This is going to be a fun collaboration.

      Catch you later!

      ~Mary

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  10. I got no qualms with Mr. Costello... but I'm here because I appreciate how you called out the haters on their ish xD. Most people would rather criticize because that's easier than DIY.

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    1. It's all good, Ada. Everyone is a critic in their own right. My calling them out was mostly tongue in cheek.

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  11. I couldn't wait to get to your blog after seeing the thumbnail of EC! Love him and all his incarnations but especially his first three records. Up until I stopped going to concerts, I'd seen his every show in NYC. Once I had to go up to Harlem to get tickets cos the Ticketron (remember them?) was out of order in midtown.

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    1. Hi Cathy!

      Seeing him in concert must have really exciting! His earlier albums seem to have a bit more 'spunk' to them, but I like how he has progressed to a mellower sound (in my opinion) as it gives me good background music for my day.

      ~Mary

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  12. You know, it's such a funny thing. Elvis Costello is VERY talented, no doubt. He sings in so many styles; you will never say "oh, that's obviously Elvis Costello, ho hum." It certainly isn't from jealousy! But, try as I might, I can't get into his mewsic. Well, maybe three of his songs, Watching the Detectives, On the Radio and Every Day I Write the Book. And now, I am pulling for him to beat his cancer; when he had to cancel is tour my heart sank.

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    1. Oh Alana,

      My heart sank for him as well. But I'm confident that he is simply just needing more rest and restoration. Cancer really does take a toll on the body, and even if he didn't have any other treatment other than surgery, the older we get the longer it takes to get back on our feet. At least that was the case for me. I felt like crap far longer than the doctor said I would. Because his sound is a bit diverse, I'm curious to see what his upcoming album sounds like.

      ~Mary

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