Recent survey serves up the disrespect Elvis Costello does not deserve
The first question we must ask ourselves is if Elvis Costello is truly a “classic rock” performer. He did make rock music early in his career, but he was more punky-pop or garage rock. He certainly isn’t something akin to the Eagles. Costello was a much better songwriter with a biting wit and unique melodies that did not accidentally put people to sleep.
The reason the above is mentioned is a website called 24/7 Wall St. has put together a survey where they did a bit of research on who baby boomers dislike the most as far as “classic rock” artists go. Costello is sixth on the list which is ridiculous. To be more clear, the website’s list is one of “least favorite,” which is a weird phrase.
That implies that the artist is liked but not as much as some other performers. It’s a bit like a singer being number 10 on a best-of-list. That’s not bad, though that is likely not what 24/7 Wall St. means by its article. It is probably more about being disliked.
Baby Boomers reportedly have a strong dislike for Elvis Costello
Costello is one of the best songwriters in rock. His gems like “Alison” and “Radio Radio” include lyrics such as this:
“You either shut up or get cut up, they don’t wanna hear about it
It’s only inches on the reel-to-reel
And the radio is in the hands of such a lot of fools
Tryin’ to anesthetize the way that you feel”
But again, Costello never sounded like what people might think of when someone mentions classic rock. That mostly belongs to more bland artists such as Fleetwood Mac. Had Costello written Fleetwood Mac some tunes then Mick and the rest might be better.
The other issue with the survey from the website with a somewhat clumsy name is the number “least beloved” musical artist is Frank Zappa. What? How in the world is Zappa a “classic rock” artist? His music doesn’t really fit any kind of singular genre.
Also, if you happen to be a Beach Boys fan then tough, at least according to the survey. Brian Wilson is listed at number 10. Oddly, the Beach Boys as a whole aren’t listed, just Wilson.
Poor Lenny Kravitz is number eight. He doesn’t really fit the classic rock mold either.
One of the best and funniest parts of the article is that 24/7 Wall St. lists each artist’s net worth. That is a bit like saying, “OK, Baby Boomers…you don’t like them fine, but look how wealthy these people are!” That’s also the sad part. The article implies that simply because a performer makes a lot of money then that gives them value. Good thing Glenn Frey is on the list to disprove that theory.
