Writing about Elvis Costello is a problem. Such a problem that we head to the store for cigarettes. The 7-Eleven clerk seems taken by our attire.
Him: Where are you coming from?
DD: Huh?
Him: Is that the new style? Is that the style somewhere?
DD: It must be. I guess it is. New York, maybe. Maybe London. I don't know.
Him: Oh. Are you a stylist?
DD: Yes.
Him: When I get some money, I'm going to have you take me out styling. No, I'm serious! I mean it!
DD: How much are cigarettes here?
Him: A mere pittance. 70₵!
DD: Oh, then I guess I can't get a beefstick.
Carol: Yes, you can! Because I have 75₵, & I'm only spending 60₵.
DD: Oh, good.
Him: (to Carol) And what's that you're wearing? Oh, it's a white heart w/a little violet flower on it.
Carol: Yes.... it's very feminine, don't you think? But she still didn't get the job.
Him: Yes it's very pretty. Do you two live together, down the street?
Carol: No, I live w/the blonde girl.
DD: I'm visiting, & we're writing an article.
Him: For a magazine?
Us: Yes! BACK DOOR MAN!
DD: For hardcore rock'n'rollers only.
Him: Where does it stand?
Us: Huh?
Him: The ARTICLE! Where - does - it - stand?
Us: Oh ... it's Elvis Costello. This Year's Model.
DD: We think he's a creep, but we like his music.
Him: Well, we all have a little creep in us.
Yes we DO all have a little creep in us, don't we. But Universal Creepiness is not why this album is selling so well. In fact, he might as well be saying "Quaalude, Quaalude" instead of "Radio Radio" for all these numbos know as they wait in the record store line, clutching this year's Kansas and Journey 8-tracks alongside This Year's Model. The reason people buy this record (and they DO - A LOT) is because the music, the structure of the songs, and the band are unquestionably GREAT.
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