Pump it Up - Elvis Costello | College Students' FIRST TIME REACTION!

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[@andyandalex]

I think we’re going to have to hit The Cult pretty soon here from the poll, people have been saying it’s a BANGER!! What’s next with Elvis Costello?

[@loosilu]

Veronica co-written with Paul McCartney)

[@joannwoodworth8920]

More Elvis Costello! • Lipstick Vogue • Radio Radio • (What’s So Funny ‘bout) Peace, Love and Understanding • Watching the Detectives

[@Shadowrider1872]

Definitely hit The Cult!!! She Sells is the one to start with. Then Fire Woman

[@lubilou64]

Ian Dury & the Blockheads. Please!!!!

[@peterquinones3522]

Allison is his masterwork.

[@markgrant5305]

Check out “Watching the detectives.” “She’s filing her nails while they’re dragging the lake.”

[@ilikethisnamebetter]

filing her nails

[@blackeyedlily]

The entire My Aim is True album is one of my favorite albums! I love Welcome to the Working Week (it was my Monday morning go to song) and The Angels Want to Wear My Red Shoes is an all time favorite! 👠

[@blanetalk]

Abraham Liftin' - "Dragging the lake" means authorities are combing the bottom of a body of water looking for a body. It means someone is missing, likely dead and usually homicide is suspected.

[@blanetalk]

In other words, they're looking for a corpse to get evidence.

[@MrWalkingguy]

@@DrumAndDrumber Dragging the lake ... looking for a body.

[@barrycohen311]

Elvis was a Punk / New Wave pioneer. He got started in the mid-70s, in London. He was creating these sounds before other bands picked it up. He deserves extra props for that.

[@gregghelmberger]

"Alison" is one of the saddest, angriest, prettiest songs you'll ever hear. It's slow and gentle and every note aches.

[@mikek5958]

Not as sad as "Almost Blue." (the song not the album)

[@gregortega6547]

Ok song but I don't think the boys will like it too slow too poppy

[@mikeballiet2861]

Hearing the story behind it makes my shed a tear everytime I hear it. Great song. My #2 of his behind "What's so funny 'bout peace, love & understanding".

[@docsmellyfella]

I would say "Tramp the Dirt Down" is his angriest song and a great melody.

[@SirDoofus2u]

@@mikek5958 Almost Blue is virtually Country music, be interesting to watch them listen to that. Great tune indeed, but maybe not the best hook into Elvis overall.

[@gregortega6547]

Watching the detectives you'll love " she's filing her nails as they're dragging the lake" is such a great line. And the drumming is impeccable

[@TYoung023]

“She pulls their eyes out with a face like a magnet”. Oh Elvis... lol

[@windnchgo]

That song was recorded on his first album, before he formed The Attractions. In fact the musicians used were from the band Clover - an early band with Huey Lewis. I kid you not!

[@antacidchain3022]

“It nearly took a miracle to get you to stay / It only took my little fingers to blow you away”

[@Willie_McBride]

We need to revisit this. As far as I know A&A have not done Watching the Detectives yet. And while they’ll probably love every EC song… WTD is so musically intriguing, A&A will devour it.

[@TYoung023]

@@group-music I had to look up a few lyric sources for this. I can’t find reference to “HER” eyes. The correct line seems to be “THE eyes” It makes more sense to me that, with her “magnetic” face, she pulled THE or THEIR eyes out.

[@TheCosmicGenius]

Next Elvis Costello - 'What's So Funny About Peace, Love, & Understanding?" 'Watching the Detectives', 'Oliver's Army' - the list goes on & on.

[@kennethbenson2931]

What's So Funny - banger (Nick Lowe composition). I love all these! Allison, Radio Radio, Veronica....yes, the list goes on.

[@marygoodson4920]

Yes!

[@guitar_player_bernie]

@@kennethbenson2931 true! Nick Lowe composted that one. It was certainly a HIT. I played that song for 10 years in an acoustic band. Never got sick of it.

[@ChipG3000]

@@guitar_player_bernie - Nick Lowe composted it? It deserved better!

[@guitar_player_bernie]

@@ChipG3000 lol. Oops

[@NorthernKitty]

My favorite song by Elvis Costello is actually from later in his career... "Veronica". It's about his grandmother who had Alzheimer's. I break down in tears every time I listen.

[@bobschenkel7921]

Elvis Costello is a combo of Buddy Holly and Bob Dylan. A rocker and a wordsmith, with a nerdy look for the 1980's New Wave generation.

[@blackeyedlily]

Well said!

[@kjmorley]

In the context of the times, he was a breath of fresh air, after rock ‘n’ roll went off the rails. Devo, Talking Heads, and Elvis Costello saved music for me in the 80s.

[@jbigger59]

With a lil bit of "? and the Mysterians" thrown in.

[@michaelt.b264]

@@kjmorley and Tom Petty don't forget Tom Petty. There's an undeniable similarity between Petty and Costello.

[@kjmorley]

@Michael T.B I love Tom Petty. He kind of sneaks up on you. I like him more and more as each year goes by.

[@jpirard]

Accidents Will Happen is a killer song by him

[@surfpsych]

✔ I second this🔊

[@seanie002]

Bought that single in 1981 having seen them live a few days earlier. The cover was inside out. Shop keeper explained that it was one of the accidents 🤷‍♂️ Another ‘accident’ was the the hooks were in the chorus not the verse. Genius songwriter.

[@reedlibros9636]

I love Accidents will happen

[@ericstratton7600]

Dudes don’t make too much out of it..it’s just a fun tune not everything has to be Stairway to Heaven. 😀

[@joelbrittain6379]

Lol. Bang on.

[@thesnoyls]

Exactly. Its a song about wacking off.

[@danl.909]

@@thesnoyls It's a song about a prick teaser who forces him to wack off.

[@antarcticorb9197]

@@danl.909 hope he used his left hand... 😆

[@iancunningham5576]

Chances are Elvis wouldn't get diggin' to Zeppelin...But who knows, He has created so many songs since PUMP IT IP. But it still holds up. One of his greatest early hits. Also, a guitar solo missing??? Thus sing doesn't need guitar-bation. It is about...the other, master.

[@paulcompton2128]

You will NEVER run out of good Elvis Costello songs to listen to. Billy Idol is a pebble, Elvis Costello is a planet.

[@michaelkeefe8494]

'The angels want to wear my red shoes' is my favorite Costello tune. He had tons though, all full of his sarcastic sensibility.

[@blackeyedlily]

My favorite too!

[@michaelkeefe8494]

@Rob Blues mostly

[@huskyntucky]

one of my favorite lines of any song -"I'm so happy I could die, She said drop dead and left with another guy" he has the best (most bitter/sarcastic?) lyrics.

[@richardnanian6075]

"Oh I used to be disgusted / But now I try to be amused" is a good motto for life.

[@jefffinn1105]

One of the few guys that has aged perfectly, same Nick Lowe. Not pretending today to be a kid.

[@brianoneil9662]

Elvis is one of the more impressive songwriters with not only diverse musical styles but an impressive array of vocal styles. Also angry, sweet, bitter, hopeful, almost any adjective except average and ordinary.

[@stephenschmidt6779]

Entire "My Aim is True" Album. If your really interested in production, then, entire "Imperial Bedroom" album. Best album of the 80`s.

[@LeChaunce]

...that wasn't The Soft Boys' "Underwater Moonlight".

[@truthdweller3454]

Produced by Geoff Emerick, The Beatles' sound engineer.

[@debbiecook8777]

yes

[@vincerogers8446]

ever

[@littlejimmy7402]

Elvis Costello is incredibly underrated. His lyrics are amazing. This was early New Wave, guitar solos were kind of on the outs.

[@theresahegarty6466]

Exactly! Punk and New Wave were not about guitar solos.

[@theccpisaparasite8813]

@@theresahegarty6466 most of them couldn't play a guitar solo if they had to. It was part of the aesthetic. He was one of those punk--new wave artists that started the 80's. I liked it, but virtuosity wasn't what this genre was about

[@Buggins]

Honestly I think it's his greatest strength. Im not even a massive fan of Costello but i would say he's one of the greatest lyricists in rock music.

[@davidgoldstein1526]

We were dancing to this music back then. A guitar solo wasn't necessary This song is an "A," all day

[@jaquestraw1]

All day

[@mhump23]

S for me!

[@nyobunknown6983]

Yup, had to give them a thumbs down for the very poor song analysis. To do a good job at this you have to ignore your musical bias.

[@mhump23]

@@nyobunknown6983 unfortunately they seem to have gone from wide eyed innocents amazed at the world of music around them to 2 typical youngsters who think they know so much and it shows that they know very little.

[@sergeantpete6295]

Pretty much every Elvis Costello song, the lyrics are all double or triple entendre's, try and keep up boys. Also, the synth organ is the lead instrument. Even if they felt a need for a solo, the guitarist wouldn't be doing it. @mhump23 Yep.

[@yacava]

I’ve always loved that the song builds to where you expect a guitar solo then it just moves on. Definitely done on purpose. And how could you not mention the bass line? It’s killer.

[@eldwomco]

Indeed about the bass! Iconic bass line! I recently started playing bass, would love to play it, but not ready! Lol!

[@hamishanderson6738]

Agreed, the bass makes this.🤟

[@Mark_McC]

Smart, geeky, misfits LOVED Elvis. He’s one of those dudes where once you ‘get’ his music, you’re down the rabbit hole and a fan for life. Watching the Detectives and Allison are probably my faves, but I gots a ton other by Elvis the I love.

[@fredhall6525]

I think that was the David Lee Roth quote. "The critics like Elvis Costello because they look like Elvis Costello."

[@historyguy5942]

You’ve got Costello spot on!

[@davidgeorge1294]

Elvis Costello is rock royalty!

[@rickhamlin5733]

Any intro to Elvis Costello has to start with ‘Watching the Detectives’

[@sst3d]

Agreed

[@FizzFop1]

His song "Veronica" always struck some emotional trigger for me...sad yet beautiful.

[@brooksrowlett2494]

If you can watch the video without tearing up, you are either heartless or incredibly strong.

[@windnchgo]

Co-written with Paul McCartney.

[@victoria383]

His best song

[@junietunes2148]

Punk is not known for guitar solos, it was a direct FU to the guitar hero thing. I have so many Elvis Costello songs to recommend: Watching the Detectives, Radio, Radio, Allison, What's So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding, I Want You, Shipbuilding, Brilliant Mistake, etc, etc, etc! I wasn't sure if you guys were trully ready for EC, and by giving it a B+ you kind of proved that, but I feel confident you'll give him another try and a higher rating.

[@Shadowrider1872]

🥰

[@iancarr8682]

Shipbuilding is great but needs to be the legendary version by Robert Wyatt

[@susanklasinski1805]

That's a good EC starter pack!

[@junietunes2148]

@@Shadowrider1872 😘

[@stevetanner3019]

Elvis Costello “Every Day I Write The Book” is one of my faves. ❤️❤️

[@HALberdier17]

The reason it didn't have a solo is probably because he played Punk and New Wave. That genre was basically the antithesis of Metal and prog rock which had really long song and solos.

[@danl.909]

"That genre was basically the antithesis of Metal and prog rock which had really long song and solos." Exactly. Everyone was sick of that shit and dying to hear something new.

[@ChrisMaxfieldActs]

@@danl.909 "Don't bore us, get to the chorus!" Tom Petty.

[@scottboswell6406]

You're exactly right, which is why I'm not sure the guys will 'get' it.

[@truthdweller3454]

Very few solos in Costello's tunes now that I think of it. The first one that comes to mind is Chet Baker's trumpet solo in "Shipbuilding".

[@drkmriggs]

One of the best lyricists ever. And you could dance to his tunes!

[@allisonreed7682]

Next from Elvis Costello - “Watching the Detectives” 🖤🎶

[@scottboswell6406]

What? Not "Allison"? Hahaha!!!

[@allisonreed7682]

@@scottboswell6406 Weird, right? 😆 I do love “Alison,” too. But the reggae vibe in “Watching the Detectives” is so, so cool!

[@Shadowrider1872]

🥰🥰

[@allisonreed7682]

@@andreivolkov1237 “My Aim Is True” was such a welcome stranger to me when it was first released. It didn’t sound like anything I had ever heard. It still resonates with me to this day. But he didn’t disappoint with the six albums that followed, either, including “This Year’s Model.” “This Year’s Girl” is a fantastic song! I hope @Andy and Alex will keep an open mind about Elvis Costello. I think they’ll be surprised by how diverse his body of work is.

[@rongurr9941]

@@andreivolkov1237 the 1st two albums both have great song, kind of punk but with a harder bassline ,heard these in mid 70's while in high!!!** school

[@Ramitupyourkilt]

Late in 79 I turned 19. This was our 'Alternative' genre including The Clash, The Jam, Squeeze, XTC, Pistols, The Police, Ramones and some others. Elvis Costello 's first two Albums were great, all songs were listenable unlike most LP's . Costello has amazing back up vocals on Squeeze's 'From Whisper To A Sceam' which is an absolute banger.

[@JohnRandall7]

Watching the Detectives is a must.

[@j_muller]

"i don't want to go to Chelsea" and "Watching the detectives" are great bangers.

[@jokermtb]

Only Elvis songs I actually like

[@legionofbarry]

Elvis Costello is a music legend, royalty. He has a 50 year career all over the map. Such passionate and expressive vocals, always. Talented musician and song writer.

[@lgnrn8v]

Well said.

[@billcahoon8862]

Watching the Detectives, Angels want to wear my red shoes, Everyday I write the book.

[@davidteller7681]

"Radio, Radio" is a banger that takes on modern radio programming

[@submandave1125]

With the added bonus that it got him banned from SNL on the very first show.

[@davidteller7681]

Yeah, ain't it great! I was watching that night

[@alphasixty1316]

Radio Radio, got them banned from Saturday Night Live

[@pinewaves]

If you want more of this kind of music, give a listen to the following: “Tempted” - Squeeze “Pulling Muscles from a Shell” - Squeeze “I Got You” - Spit Endz “Hour Glass” - Squeeze “This Beat Goes On” - The Kings “Steppin’ Out” - Joe Jackson

[@PatriceChristian]

Squeeze is my all time favorite band. (Second fave, XTC.) Great list!

[@SilentCriket]

You forgot about "Black coffee in Bed" by the SQueeZe.

[@bendancar]

He's been writing amazing songs for 40 years. From punk to jazz to R&B and then some. Check out "Watching the Detectives"

[@patrickmcgough2416]

“Hell bent or heaven sent” he sure had a way with words.

[@Spartyfan87]

"Every Day I Write the Book" is a must listen for Elvis Costello fans

[@richardnanian6075]

EC hated that song for a long time and refused to play it. Then someone - I forgot who, unfortunately - did a cover of it and Elvis said it redeemed the song for him. He changed his own arrangement and now sometimes still plays it in concert.

[@danl.909]

He hates that song. I've never understood why. I love it, as do most EC fans.

[@richardnanian6075]

@@danl.909 He hated it for a long time, but I saw him in concert a few years ago and he talked about it. As I said above, he said someone else did a cover of it, and it made him hear the song in a new way. It redeemed it for him, and now he doesn't mind playing it.

[@larrywilliams1372]

Agreed. Very creative lyrics and a great melody too.

[@truthdweller3454]

And for non-fans. It was one of his very few top-40 hits, although he should have had many.

[@tjport1980]

I saw Elvis Costello in the 70’s for 92 cents. The best almost dollar I ever spent

[@jgsrhythm100]

Elvis Costello is what bands like Weezer , Blink 182 and others want to be. This track is circa 1978 BTW.

[@jeffreypayne9597]

"Everyday I Write the Book" is one of the most clever songs lyrically - EVER. PLUS, it's catchy as all get out.

[@SteveMenardDesignDXM]

This was our soundtrack during art school in the late 70s… Elvis Costello, The Sex Pistols, the B52s, The Clash, The Jam, Talking Heads, David Bowie…

[@rebeccabehrman1786]

That's a great list!

[@Jillyconjem]

*sigh* 💜💜💜

[@susankeller4170]

My whole college experience

[@Dylan_Platt]

Haven't listened to a ton of Elvis Costello yet, but just from this track I can absolutely see why you mention him in the same breath as B52s and Bowie. Good good stuff.

[@jamespasifull3424]

Been there, bought the t-shirt! 🤣

[@tedsmith7814]

You want a guitar solo? The bassist us killing it.

[@RicoBurghFan]

Down the Elvis Costello rabbit hole you go! You must do Watching The Detectives, Mystery Dance, Alison, Radio, Radio, Oliver's Army, Everyday I Write The Book, Brilliant Mistake, so many more. Would really love to see you react to any of his first three albums, My Aim Is True, This Year's Model and Armed Forces. Yeah am an EC fanboy and I'm proud of it! 😃

[@richardnanian6075]

I'd add "Lipstick Vogue."

[@barriekelley2241]

You hit the nail on the head there. If you own those three albums, you have the cream of his career.

[@mikeballiet2861]

You didn't list "What's so funny bout peace, love & understanding"............why? I love all his stuff but think that song was his best.

[@annewoodard6803]

In the 80’s we needed to get up and dance. I played this in my bar in St Louis and the crowd would always go nuts.

[@wicky4473]

Part of the ‘new wave’ post punk type stuff...he’s a great songwriter, influenced loads of others. A real sign of the times... still going strong! Whiskey...

[@johnpbh]

He's got so many more..... "Watching the Detectives," "Olivers Army," and "Everyday I Write The Book" for just three. Alex, it wasn't a synth it was a vox electric piano but you were quite right about the style. It was written along the lines of Dylan's Subterranean Homesick Blues. Elvis Costello says it was a sarcastic song about the rock and roll lifestyle.

[@flubblert]

"Everyday I Write The Book" Elvis Costello. Greaaat song.

[@cityhonors1]

😍 and now for something completely different 😏 from what you just heard! 😁🐰

[@flubblert]

@@cityhonors1 yep.

[@nealpierson9072]

He definitely has a lot of less commercial songs, but a few big commercial ones as well. He rode the line between punk, new wave, and power pop, at least until he was established enough to go in any direction musically that he fancied. He's basically done every genre of music by this point. Still going strong.

[@rickpaul4216]

I understand that you guys didn't "live it" but from a historical perspective, this music along with the Police, Talking Heads, Joe Jackson, and Gram Parker was revolutionary. BTW, part of the New Wave was no bombast, no overblown production. There were very few guitar solos. My favorite song from that record is "Radio Radio." The lyrics are unbelievable. He actually uses the word "anesthetize." Or maybe do "Whats so Funny About Peace Love and Understanding" from "Armed Forces," or "Watching the Detectives" from the "My Aim is True" (contains the lyric "She's filing her nails as they're draggin' the lake.")

[@richardnanian6075]

Graham Parker may be the only songwriter who is more bitterly sarcastic than E.C.: "Stupefaction," "Empty Lives," "Protection," and more.

[@rickpaul4216]

@@richardnanian6075 “Passion is No Ordinary Word.”

[@richardnanian6075]

@@rickpaul4216 Oh, right. Damn it, I can't believe I left that one out of my short list. That literally used to be my favorite Graham Parker and the Rumour song.

[@burmajones803]

@@richardnanian6075 yes to GP and the Rumour. I think Stick To Me would.scratch their guitar solo itch but give them a good taste of a new wave flavor.

[@spikeboots5133]

Yeah, agreed "Watching The Detectives" should be your next Elvis Costello tune.

[@lubilou64]

Love this!! Watching the Detectives is my go to Costello track. It’s quite dark - “she’s filing her nails while they’re dragging the lake” 😱 You know what would go well with some Elvis Costello though.... Ian Dury & the Blockheads!!! 😂

[@jameswalls4172]

Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick

[@lubilou64]

@@jameswalls4172 Oh the bass in that song! Dare I say the best bass line ever?!

[@barriekelley2241]

Let’s throw in some Joe Jackson.

[@lubilou64]

@@barriekelley2241 nice 👍🏻

[@cardboardbelt]

This is one of Elvis' more straightforward songs. He is a great songwriter who is ALL over the map stylistically. I might have told you to go in first with "Watching the Detectives," but the only way to fully appreciate him is to take in the full breadth of his genius. Check out "Alison," "The Crooked Line," "Sulphur to Sugar Cane," "Chelsea," "Let Me Tell You About Her," "High Fidelity," "In the Darkest Place," "Pills and Soap," "Shipbuilding," "Blue Chair," "Goon Squad," and "Veronica." and that's JUST the beginning. He frustrates some people because he insists on doing such a wide variety of music (country albums, albums with classical musicians, R&B records, a whole album with Burt Bacharach), but that's part of why I love him so much. In the end it's all about the songwriting.

[@mrgordons]

Should have gone for Watching the Detectives, his first hit. It's a masterpiece.

[@victhedude417]

Elvis hosted a great talk and performance show called "Spectacle" from 2008-2010. You can find it on dvd. He is a very bright fellow, great host, fun show!

[@bodhisattva3774]

Nice! Got to hit Allison and Watching the Detectives.

[@royalway12]

Two of my favorites. His concerts are great.

[@kimbunchalastnames5357]

"everyday i write the book" is my favorite elvis costello song, and he was one of my favorites at the time. the lyrics are perfect: they tell a story in one long pun. other non-costello but significant songs from the era include "save it for later" and "i confess" by english beat, and "tenderness" by general public (including key members of english beat), "in a big country" by scots band big country (also "fields of fire," "look away," "wonderland," and "eiledon"), the dream academy's "life in a northern town," and the cure's "friday i'm in love," "lovesong," "pictures of you," "just like heaven," and "in between days." there are some pretty great one-hit wonders, too, like "belly of the whale" by the burning sensations (lol), thomas dolby's "europa," "turning japanese" by the vapors, wall of voodoo's "mexican radio," and XTC's "making plans for nigel," "general and majors," and "senses working overtime." and i'ma stop myself here, before i just fade away, still listing songs.

[@peterquinones3522]

"She's like a chemical" - Jesus Christ what a great lyric!

[@Every_Day_islike_Sunday]

She's like a narcotic!

[@charlieboard4862]

EVERY song on those first three albums had Hall Of Fame caliber lyrics.....

[@frankpentangeli8104]

@ It's not in vain if it's accurate.

@@frankpentangeli8104 Frank: Do I merit heaven? St. Peter: Jesus, no. Like that?

[@danl.909]

@ Buzz off. Go to church or something.

[@1Sngr]

He's an exceedingly nice guy in person, as well.

[@CBGB_1977]

He really is! I met him at a show at the Cain’s Ballroom here in Tulsa. I was wearing my CBGB t-Shirt and was close to the stage. He pointed me out right before the show ended and said in his think accent, “Aaaany guiurl in Tuuulsa, Oaklaahomaa with a C.B.G.B. T-shirt on, is worth my time! Come take a photo after the show, love!” And sure enough he met my husband and I, took some pictures, gave me an autographed song of a song he was working on that day on notebook paper with a few lyrics and handwritten guitar chords! He was wearing a purple velvet fedora with his sunglasses and a cool suit. He was SO nice & funny! I have all those photos and the song framed. That was definitely a highlight of my life since I’ve been a fan since I was a kid.

[@robert_bbiii]

One of the best with a lyric and a turn of phrase.

[@manualboyca]

What?!? No mention of that killer bass line during the chorus?!?!?

[@cherinoelke]

Man, I'm not even awake yet and I started dancin around my bedroom. Elvis Costello, and Joe Jackson are two from the new wave era you should check out more. Since you guys love great lyrics, Watchin the Detetives is without a doubt the next choice. Thanks as always!

[@Blinkerson55]

Elvis is top 4 for me with Jethro Tull , Zeppelin, Beatles. Cheers, Chicago Ray

[@jcroston3266]

Elvis follows his own rules, well said dudes!! He was in your face pop-Punk but his ballads were so amazing also. Like 2 totally different styles of music, all A’s. Radio Radio, Watching the Detectives, Shipbuilding (ballad), a Good Year for the Roses (ballad). Either way you’re good!

[@historyguy5942]

Had a drummer in the band I played with in college that LOVED Elvis Costello. We played this song along and “Allison” 3-4 nights-a-week for about two years. As far as the guitar solo goes, this album was release in early 1978 which was a time that “Popular music” was still being influenced by Punk--and that was certainly the case with Costello. Not many guitar solos in Punk. Allison on the other hand actually starts out with a little guitar solo. Haven’t listened to this song for years (for obvious reasons) but I enjoyed listening to it after so long and a flood of mostly good memories came over me. Thanks for doing the Elvis man.

[@stpnwlf9]

Unique voice as singer, songwriter, arranger, and producer. Elvis Costello was very influential in the new wave era as it transitioned toward alternative rock.

[@neurons0nfire]

Watching the Detectives is definitely the jam. Allison is incredible, but for a banger, I’d go with watching the detectives.

[@TrashWerewolf]

YESSSSS!!! Elvis has entered the building!! Super smart lyrics, usually dripping with cynicism and sarcasm, laid over a fresh new wave/punk sound!!! He is The King of New Wave!!!

[@submandave1125]

Putting my word in for "Beyond Belief." A truly uncategorizable song with the smoothest wordplay.

[@submandave1125]

@donereally I caught Elvis during a solo tour ~2015 at the Ryman in Nashville and was so pleasantly surprised when he did a version of this at the piano. Brilliant.

[@cancaragold6266]

Oliver's Army is my favourite Costello tune

[@markmurphy558]

Never been a fan. The best I can say is that he was very DIFFERENT when he burst on the scene. "Allison" which is in no way a banger, is my favorite.

[@harriotteworthington3147]

If you’re outta luck or outta work, we can send you to Johannesburg....

[@harriotteworthington3147]

I so wanted a bumper sticker that said “Hell Bent or Heaven Sent” in the day...

[@michaelt.b264]

Yeah I think Oliver's Army got canceled

[@michaelt.b264]

@Penderyn Lewsyn yeah but the Chancellor's don't care what the songs about all they hear is that one word! That's all that matters. Too them.

[@imaweerascal]

Please do 'Shipbuilding' - honestly think it's his best song. It's so beautiful and mournful and tragic and somehow magical.

[@rebeccabehrman1786]

Diving for dear life when we could be diving for pearls.

[@imaweerascal]

@@rebeccabehrman1786 yes - that line always gets to me!

[@jsm2420]

Robert Wyatt's version excels too

[@truthdweller3454]

Trumpet solo by Chet Baker

[@lara314]

Yes! Costello's catalog is so diverse but this is a great start! That bass line is epic. It easily replaces a guitar solo.

[@allisonreed7682]

Yes! The isolated bass track could be a song in its own right! So, so good!

[@burmajones803]

They didn't even talk about the bass! Talk about missing the best part of the song.

[@allisonreed7682]

@@burmajones803 agree!

[@14gilbertst]

"(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" is a great Elvis tune. Blood and Chocolate is my favorite Elvis album.

[@darrylgarvin3002]

Brings me back to music blasting from the frats on a Spring day when everybody's windows are open. Love "Watching the Detectives."

[@michaelanderson2881]

I was in college 1980-1984 and that is EXACTLY what happened! Thumbs up!

[@darrylgarvin3002]

@@michaelanderson2881 I graduated in '85. Did it happen to be at Rutgers?

[@michaelanderson2881]

@@darrylgarvin3002 You bet--but it's a little scary that you know that.

[@darrylgarvin3002]

@@michaelanderson2881 I said Rutgers because that's where I went. I had no idea where you went. I lived in a dorm on College Avenue my Junior year - right across the street from the frats on College Avenue. We could have run into each other on campus or in classes.

[@Sotto_]

Elvis Costello is such an accomplished musician. He's still involved in the music scene. Right up there with Joe Jackson.

[@LaserRanger15]

What's So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding...that's a good one

[@clintatk]

Listen to a few of this cat's tunes before making a judgement on what he's about. His repertoire is vast! 😎👍👍

[@aisu825]

These guys are so clueless on every video they post.

[@clintatk]

@@aisu825 I find their comments thoughtful and insightful after just one (or sometimes 2) listen. You're probably someone who heard these artists multiple times over years. Today one has to listen to isolated cuts which makes taking in the whole artistic picture hard. My point is that Costello is worth a deeper dive to discover him. I've got no problem with their honest take.

[@cameronmccaskell5024]

@@clintatk Agreed. I don't believe they never commented on the bass in this song though. Wtf?

[@TB6791]

First time ever saw him was on Saturday night live and I thought wow this dude 🤯... unplugged walked off the stage

[@scottboswell6406]

I mentioned that in one of my comments! That clip, and an 'anniversary' return with the Beastie Boys, are on YT!!

[@heathcornbeef]

Cheers you dude's i haven't heard this for so long i remember when this was released awesome then awesome now

[@colleenmelton6735]

The Fratellis did the album Costello Music. Henrietta is the first song on side A of that album. Elvis Costello has so many great songs. I think you are really going to enjoy discovering more of his work. One of my favorite songs is "Veronica" which was based on Costello's grandmother who had Alzheimer's. It was written by Elvis Costello and Paul McCartney and produced by T-Bone Burnett and Kevin Killen. I think you will like it. Great reaction guys. Stay safe and rock on.

[@outernothingness1177]

"I wonder if he's got others that aren't so commercial" :-D Yeah, he made a whole album singing to a string quartet. And an album of instrumental ballet music. And ... and ... and ...

[@GratefulZen]

Costello emerged in the late 70s British punk and new wave movement which was a reaction against the “bombast“ of rock music such as progressive rock & therefore leaned away from long songs and guitar solos.

[@grega8586]

Y'all should check out Elvis' first appearance on Saturday Night Live... almost his last, too :-D

[@hyperbolicpants]

If you're looking for guitar solos, you're just going to have a hard time with punk and new wave in general. That whole umbrella genre was a deliberate reaction against that kind of guitar-driven rock. These tunes are much more about establishing a beat or a melodic theme and just pounding away at it while everyone jumps up and down in a sweaty mob in some basement dive. That said, I think you'll grow to appreciate Elvis Costello's musicianship the more you explore his work. He's a seriously talented dude, with golden pipes.

[@robertdegrazia9668]

Great song writer !!! Awesome live show with the Attractions

[@susanklasinski1805]

Fratellis are the band that had an album called Costello Music

[@alanhynd7886]

Chelsea Dagger. Any Blackhawks out there?

[@Shadowrider1872]

🥰

[@christinawoolley6206]

Oh yes......watching the detectives and Allison are a must!!!

[@markgrant5305]

My favourite Elvis Costello tune. Love the energy. Sounded great in the late 70s and just as great NOW!

[@blaneski4]

"Watching the Detectives" is by far his best...everything off the My Aim is True album is very good.

[@samcook1545]

I recall when he first came on the scene he was considered a “punk“ musician, maybe because of his minimalist approach. Whatever the case may be, he diverted his punk influences in a very creative direction

[@justinreiter]

Dead on with the jamming in the car driving through the park to this song. He has a huge catalogue of music. Cheers fellas!

[@aileenturrietta7553]

I voted for Costello. Glad you got to him. Another great reaction and yes, it's hard to capture how we felt at the time. Rock on guys!!!

[@hays9008]

Omg I love, love this guy he flips from the kooky, deep lyrics, poetry to beautiful ballads. Watching the Detectives.

[@jksgameshelf3378]

SO many amazing songs. Amazing songwriter with an amazing band (and no guitar solos needed).

[@sirslice]

Elvis Costello and the Attractions... an S all the way! The bridge between punk and New Wave.

[@johnnydarman711]

Oliver's Army - political statement in a pop style. Very good Less Than Zero - great song, great lyrics

[@angelriot]

“Alison” and “Verónica” are amazing songs!!! I can’t listen to Verónica without my eyes tearing up big time.

[@leemcclements8889]

Oliver's Army, Allison....a few more good Costello songs.He was always described as the guy with Elvis Presley's first name, Lou Costello 's last name, and Buddy Holly's glasses.

[@blanetalk]

Elvis also hosted "Spectacle", a musical interview show for two seasons that was amazing. One musician interviewing another provided some great insights into their art. And both years he had a "guitar pull" episode where he'd get together with 4 or 5 other songwriter/musicians where they would take turns playing their music for each other. Those episodes are MAGICAL! Parts of them are on KZbin, but SEE the whole episodes IF YOU CAN!

[@coolbadger6]

This guy has had so many hits in so many genres. Also he’s Married to Jazz Piano great, Diana Kroll.

[@joeg1992]

Elvis is a vibe, he is a true artist and you need to consume a lot of his music to understand him. The one thing that always tuck with me was an interview with Paul McCartney where he said he was stuck writing one of his albums and he called Elvis for help. That is the ultimate seal of approval to me. I’ve seen him live several times and it is always a great show.

[@aryehbarson]

This is got such a fun bass line, which I think makes the song. I like playing it. This was New Wave, more consumable than punk but still more edgy than most anything else at the time, often thanks to the lyrics. New Wave wasn't known for guitar solos, in fact most New Wave eschewed solos in general. There's more emphasis on keyboards, especially synths, in New Wave. If you're getting more into this genre, you need to add XTC to the rotation.

[@burmajones803]

Actually, I think new wave emphasized the bass more than synths. No synth in this song, for example. It's a farfisa. But so many great new wave bassists. It was used as a melodic instrument as much as a rhythm instrument.

[@aryehbarson]

@@burmajones803 true about the cheesy Fafisa, but a survey of other New Wave bands reveals a lot of synth adoption..