Prairie Sun, March 24, 1979: Difference between revisions
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By now (say, late '77, but who keeps track?) the most asked question in America was "Who is Elvis Costello?" ''My Aim Is True'' was getting a fair amount of airplay in markets where people aren't afraid of their own shadow, especially the most sentimental song Costello has recorded so far, "Alison." Though the public didn't much notice, when radio movers and shakers heard La Ronstadt sing an Elvis Costello song, they brightened up to the fact that he might be more than just another "punk" artist. | By now (say, late '77, but who keeps track?) the most asked question in America was "Who is Elvis Costello?" ''My Aim Is True'' was getting a fair amount of airplay in markets where people aren't afraid of their own shadow, especially the most sentimental song Costello has recorded so far, "Alison." Though the public didn't much notice, when radio movers and shakers heard La Ronstadt sing an Elvis Costello song, they brightened up to the fact that he might be more than just another "punk" artist. | ||
''This Year's Model'' endeared Costello to a whole new group of fanatics. People scrambled for the import to get "Night Rally" | ''This Year's Model'' endeared Costello to a whole new group of fanatics. People scrambled for the import to get "Night Rally," a different cover and two extra songs on a single. Stiff 45's went flying out of America's specialty record stores faster than day old bread, and various El paraphernalia (buttons, posters, stand-up displays) dished out by his U.S. label, Columbia, were at a premium. | ||
But Elvis wasn't a star. | But Elvis wasn't a star. | ||
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The curious but non-concert-going types caught his act on ''Saturday Night Live'' and figured they had it right all along— this guy's not very good. True, Elvis didn't translate well to telecide, but then he didn't care to. He was building a career — if that's what it is, on his own terms. Anyone who didn't like it — fook 'em. | The curious but non-concert-going types caught his act on ''Saturday Night Live'' and figured they had it right all along— this guy's not very good. True, Elvis didn't translate well to telecide, but then he didn't care to. He was building a career — if that's what it is, on his own terms. Anyone who didn't like it — fook 'em. | ||
And what about Nick Lowe? Truly one of the most hysterically sly people to ever hold a control knob, Lowe has produced every song Costello's ever set to vinyl. From album to album the studio tricks increased in number until on ''Armed Forces'', | And what about Nick Lowe? Truly one of the most hysterically sly people to ever hold a control knob, Lowe has produced every song Costello's ever set to vinyl. From album to album the studio tricks increased in number until on ''Armed Forces'', it's hard to tell sometimes who is making the record. | ||
Nick Lowe can easily be called the Walter Mitty of rock 'n' roll. On ''Armed Forces'' alone he pays musical tribute to Roy Orbison, Abba, the Beatles, the Beach Boys, ?{{nb}}and the Mysterians, Bowie, Procol Harum and Bruce Springsteen — never once letting you know for sure who he was thinking about. Even if Nick will never be quite comfortable enough doing this for his own records, he has learned well how to do it for Costello. | Nick Lowe can easily be called the Walter Mitty of rock 'n' roll. On ''Armed Forces'' alone he pays musical tribute to Roy Orbison, Abba, the Beatles, the Beach Boys, ?{{nb}}and the Mysterians, Bowie, Procol Harum and Bruce Springsteen — never once letting you know for sure who he was thinking about. Even if Nick will never be quite comfortable enough doing this for his own records, he has learned well how to do it for Costello. | ||
While ''This Year's Model'' contained an acceptable blend of pop songs ("The Beat" | While ''This Year's Model'' contained an acceptable blend of pop songs ("The Beat," "You Belong To Me") and social consciousness ("Radio Radio," "Lipstick Vogue"), many complain Elvis lost his bite on ''Armed Forces''. | ||
It can be argued that "Chemistry Class" and "Moods For Moderns" are harmless exercises in cute rhyme for no reason, but there's always reason to believe Elvis had more in mind: | It can be argued that "Chemistry Class" and "Moods For Moderns" are harmless exercises in cute rhyme for no reason, but there's always reason to believe Elvis had more in mind: |
Revision as of 19:09, 11 August 2018
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