Notre Dame Observer, October 6, 1978: Difference between revisions
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<center><h3> From the crest of the new wave — Elvis </h3></center> | <center><h3> From the crest of the new wave — Elvis </h3></center> | ||
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Elvis Costello?...What songs does he do?... | Elvis Costello?... What songs does he do?... Oh... Wait. Whadja say his name was again? | ||
Elvis Costello is the King of New Wave | Elvis Costello is the King of New Wave, that marvelous sound comprised of at least three definite categories: nonclassifiable entities such as Patti Smith and Tom Verlaine; power pop; and the infamous punk rock. This compendium draws from mid-60's groups and hits such as the Rolling Stones and "Gloria," which, in turn, had their roots in 50s rock, (As someone reasoned, "They can't call it 'old old wave' because nobody would buy the stuff, so they call it 'new wave' instead.") | ||
It is nearly impossible to lump Costello in any of the aforementioned groups, although he probably resembles Smith and Verlaine more than any others. His music is definitely not simple-minded, three-chord punk, nor does it sound like rehashed Raspberries, yet it is still distinctly different in most ways from other Wave soloists! Elvis stands alone with his slashing cynicism and his acrid anger, under which lies a soul flagellated by rejection. He sometimes scorns what he loves most, but, again, spares no mercy for the unjust. | It is nearly impossible to lump Costello in any of the aforementioned groups, although he probably resembles Smith and Verlaine more than any others. His music is definitely not simple-minded, three-chord punk, nor does it sound like rehashed Raspberries, yet it is still distinctly different in most ways from other Wave soloists! Elvis stands alone with his slashing cynicism and his acrid anger, under which lies a soul flagellated by rejection. He sometimes scorns what he loves most, but, again, spares no mercy for the unjust. | ||
What happened to him that gave him such a hostile outlook towards everything? Costello won't say anything about when he was known in a working-class London neighborhood as Declan McManus. He recently told a reporter from ''Gig'' magazine that if his background didn't mean anything to people then, he doesn't see any reason why it should now. About all the public knows about him is that while he was operating a computer at the Elizabeth Arden cosmetic factory, he was also hounding various English recording companies. Finally, in what seemed almost a fruitless attempt, Costello persuaded Radar Records to sign him on in 1977. Since then, his first LP, ''My Aim is True'', proved to be a New Wave chartbuster, something rather unusual for the regular pop ratings. ''This Year's Model'', his second LP in less than a year, is following the same trend, and "I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea" soared in sales last spring in Great Britain. (Unfortunately, "Chelsea" and "Night Rally" | What happened to him that gave him such a hostile outlook towards everything? Costello won't say anything about when he was known in a working-class London neighborhood as Declan McManus. He recently told a reporter from ''Gig'' magazine that if his background didn't mean anything to people then, he doesn't see any reason why it should now. About all the public knows about him is that while he was operating a computer at the Elizabeth Arden cosmetic factory, he was also hounding various English recording companies. Finally, in what seemed almost a fruitless attempt, Costello persuaded Radar Records to sign him on in 1977. Since then, his first LP, ''My Aim is True'', proved to be a New Wave chartbuster, something rather unusual for the regular pop ratings. ''This Year's Model'', his second LP in less than a year, is following the same trend, and "I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea" soared in sales last spring in Great Britain. (Unfortunately, "Chelsea" and "Night Rally," two of the best songs on the disk, are included only on British pressings.) | ||
Thematically, one of Costello's targets is society's sheeplike tendency to follow the leader, whoever that may be. In the case of "Night Rally," it is the National front, a vehement and destructive group of British racists. Here, the mood is like that of an airless, emotion-void city waiting for the arrival of Nazis. The troops are ready to mobilize, and Costello warns the potential victims: ''"They're puttin' all your names / In the forbidden book / I know what they're doing / But I don't want to look."'' After establishing such an ominous tone, he admonishes the soon-to-be Front followers: ''"You think they're so dumb / You think they're so funny / 'Till they got you runnin' to their Night Rally."'' He tosses in a glimpse of what's in store: ''"Everyone is all fancy / Treated glasses / Some are in the back room / And they're taking those night classes."'' "Rally's" threatening, march-like quality helps the listener conjure up an image of the ranks forming at the far end of the boulevard. The whole idea may be exaggerated, considering that the National Front is such a miniscule outfit. However, the point definitely comes across. It makes you think. It disgusts. To a certain extent, it even frightens. | Thematically, one of Costello's targets is society's sheeplike tendency to follow the leader, whoever that may be. In the case of "Night Rally," it is the National front, a vehement and destructive group of British racists. Here, the mood is like that of an airless, emotion-void city waiting for the arrival of Nazis. The troops are ready to mobilize, and Costello warns the potential victims: ''"They're puttin' all your names / In the forbidden book / I know what they're doing / But I don't want to look."'' After establishing such an ominous tone, he admonishes the soon-to-be Front followers: ''"You think they're so dumb / You think they're so funny / 'Till they got you runnin' to their Night Rally."'' He tosses in a glimpse of what's in store: ''"Everyone is all fancy / Treated glasses / Some are in the back room / And they're taking those night classes."'' "Rally's" threatening, march-like quality helps the listener conjure up an image of the ranks forming at the far end of the boulevard. The whole idea may be exaggerated, considering that the National Front is such a miniscule outfit. However, the point definitely comes across. It makes you think. It disgusts. To a certain extent, it even frightens. |
Latest revision as of 09:17, 3 March 2019
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