Declan Patrick McManus was born in London in 1954. He is now exactly 70 years old!
Of Irish origin, Elvis Costello (his stage name) took his first steps in what is commonly known as pub rock, at a time when these artists were regularly welcomed to cramped stages. Fortunately, this is still the case today, but in fewer establishments. Groups like Dr Feelgood and The Inmates also started out this way.
With albums such as ‘My Aim Is True’ (1977), ‘This Year’s Model’ (1978) and the emblematic ‘Armed Forces’ (1979), he became one of the heralds of English new wave. Very quickly, it becomes obvious that he is not just a nervous little guy who wiggles to epileptic (and often magnificent) choruses like the (almost) reggae ‘Watching The Detectives’ or the percussive ‘Radio Radio’, ‘(I Don’t Want To Go To) Chelsea’ in feverish crescendo and of course the piano of the faithful Steven Nieve on ‘Oliver’s Army’. We can already detect the extent of a multifaceted talent. Underlying, the full extent of his future aspirations are already present with ‘Alison’, ‘Waiting For The End Of The World’ and ‘Little Triggers’.
Costello does not just chisel away at impeccable melodies, he also refines his lyrics with the same goldsmith’s talent (and often wordplay), while he never seems to be looking for the easy way out. With him, ‘Accidents Will Happen’ but most often for the best…
For the rest of his career, accompanied by his faithful Attractions who will give way to the Imposters, Costello increasingly take detours and appears where he is not expected. Commercial success will not always be there, however. In 1981, he will (partially) pour out his interest in country music by releasing ‘Almost Blue’ to the world in Nashville and with covers of Gram Parsons in particular. Subsequently, jazz or soul funk, almost baroque flights and even classical peices with the Brodsky Quartet in 1993 are on the program and according to his moods.
But listen again to gems such as ‘The Only Flame In Town’ (1984), ‘Everyday I Write The Book’ (1983), ‘I Want You’ (1986) or even ‘Unwanted Number’ played with his current sidekicks, the Imposters (2018) and you will be convinced, if need be, of the immense talent this man has. If you are curious, you can also go and search about twenty songs composed with Paul McCartney between 1987 and 2008.
Finally, despite a sometimes abrupt character, we recall his unwavering commitment to Rock Against Racism but also against Israeli colonization in the Palestinian territories. Following pressure, he was however forced to cancel two support concerts he wanted to give in Tel Aviv for the cause. As you can see, Elvis Costello does not mince his words and knows how to make his opinions heard!
(MH with AK – Photo: © Etienne Tordoir)
