Elvis is alive and well, and he'll prove it at 8 p.m., Sunday night in Rec Hall.
Since 1976, Elvis Costello has released 12 studio albums and has had an incredible number of hits including "Alison," "Pump it Up," "Oliver's Army," plus covers of songs like "I Can't Stand Up for Falling Down," "Psycho," and many others.
One of his best known songs was written by Elvis' Sunday night opening act, Nick Lowe, titled "(What's So Funny) 'Bout Peace, Love and Understanding," — a song covered today by bands such as U2.
Elvis, the stereotypical model nerd, peers from behind his thick black goggles to bring us music that ranges from pop to country to rhythm and blues, with class and insight.
He has worked with such talents as Glenn Tilbrook from Squeeze, T-Bone Burnett, and most recently, Paul McCartney.
His debut album, My Aim is True won the 1977 Rolling Stone critics award for best album.
Next came This Year's Model which featured "Radio, Radio," "Lipstick Vogue," and "No Action," and earned Elvis a worldwide tour.
It was no accident that Armed Forces led to a sold-out concert tour, and the hit "Accidents Will Happen." Costello then decided to produce the first album by the group the Specials.
Costello began working with Nick Lowe on his next efforts, Get Happy and Ten Bloody Marys and Ten How's Your Fathers. Elvis then dabbled with Nashville sounds on Almost Blue.
"Everyday I Write the Book," from Punch the Clock, was a favorite of the crowds, and served as an excellent follow-up to Imperial Bedroom.
In 1985, Elvis produced Rum, Sodomy and the Lash from the Pogues, a group which included his wife, Cait O'Riordan. Later that year, Elvis' own The Best of Elvis Costello and the Attractions was released.
The Costello Show (featuring Elvis Costello) - King of America was released in 1986, followed by Blood and Chocolate, which featured different styles of songs like "I Want You." This album also marked the return of Nick Lowe.
The compilation Out of Our Idiot soon followed, only to be the introduction to Elvis' current release Spike, on which the talents of T-Bone Burnett and Paul McCartney are found.
Opening act Nick Lowe may be most popular in the United States for his 1978 hit "Cruel to be Kind." Lowe has worked with industry powerhouses Paul Carrack, Dave Edmunds and Graham Parker.
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