Happy Birthday, Elvis (Costello)!
Hey Soul Mates,
today is Elvis Costello's birthday. As a kid, I was always mystified as to why anyone else would be called "Elvis?" There was only one real Elvis, the king. But here was Declan MacManus from Liverpool calling himself "Elvis."
Now, I didn't know today was his birthday, but for some reason Costello was on my mind. He was all I listened to on my iPod this afternoon. I went through his Greatest Hits and the first few tracks from his collaboration with Burt Bacharach. While I was jamming (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea and walking around North Hollywood, I was thinking, I should write a blog about the nicest people I've met in the music industry and I'll start with Elvis Costello. But wait, was Blondie Chaplin nicer or was Prince? Well, Blondie probably gets most attentive; Prince most patient. Not to name drop, the purpose was to let you know who I thought was brilliant in person. If it wasn't Elvis, he's up there.
I actually met Elvis and Burt backstage at the Universal Amphitheatre back in '99 when they played a show there together. I managed to get behind the building and saw the two of them rehearsing with their small orchestra outdoors. When the session was done both of them were still chatting and I decided to approach them. Burt was simply California cool and all that implies. Elvis on the other hand was all smiles and happy to meet me. He vigorously shook my hand when I told him how much I enjoyed Painted From Memory. I was still DJing at a local record store and mentioned that I'd been giving it plenty of spins. His reply, "Good on you!" One could be cynical and say that was the reason why Elvis was personable. But I don't think so. He asked if I was into playing music and didn't mind taking time with a fan. When I told him I'd be up front for the show, he enthused, "I hope you like it." Quite humble for someone I would call a megatalent. Granted he is literally a foot shorter than yours truly, so I had a lot going for me.
[That makes me think of my favorite moments from Stardust Memories, as all kinds of nutty types ask Woody Allen's character for autographs. At least I didn't press Elvis for one.]
I've been told many times that my vocals are reminiscent of Elvis'. I can see that. Or rather hear that. I take it as a compliment. I certainly like enough of his music, although I didn't get into him until he did his collaborations with Paul McCartney. For those unfamiliar with Costello, he's worth checking out. Some numbers of his that I really like are: Veronica, Everyday I Write The Book, Chelsea, Pump It Up, Thirteen Steps Lead Down, Accidents Will Happen and Man Out Of Time.
Gotta give Costello props, too for working with Allen Toussaint on the Katrina benefit recordings.
So, when I saw this evening that it was his 52nd, I figured I had to give him a shout out.
Happy Birthday, Elvis Costello!
What's so funny about Love, Power, Peace?
today is Elvis Costello's birthday. As a kid, I was always mystified as to why anyone else would be called "Elvis?" There was only one real Elvis, the king. But here was Declan MacManus from Liverpool calling himself "Elvis."
Now, I didn't know today was his birthday, but for some reason Costello was on my mind. He was all I listened to on my iPod this afternoon. I went through his Greatest Hits and the first few tracks from his collaboration with Burt Bacharach. While I was jamming (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea and walking around North Hollywood, I was thinking, I should write a blog about the nicest people I've met in the music industry and I'll start with Elvis Costello. But wait, was Blondie Chaplin nicer or was Prince? Well, Blondie probably gets most attentive; Prince most patient. Not to name drop, the purpose was to let you know who I thought was brilliant in person. If it wasn't Elvis, he's up there.
I actually met Elvis and Burt backstage at the Universal Amphitheatre back in '99 when they played a show there together. I managed to get behind the building and saw the two of them rehearsing with their small orchestra outdoors. When the session was done both of them were still chatting and I decided to approach them. Burt was simply California cool and all that implies. Elvis on the other hand was all smiles and happy to meet me. He vigorously shook my hand when I told him how much I enjoyed Painted From Memory. I was still DJing at a local record store and mentioned that I'd been giving it plenty of spins. His reply, "Good on you!" One could be cynical and say that was the reason why Elvis was personable. But I don't think so. He asked if I was into playing music and didn't mind taking time with a fan. When I told him I'd be up front for the show, he enthused, "I hope you like it." Quite humble for someone I would call a megatalent. Granted he is literally a foot shorter than yours truly, so I had a lot going for me.
[That makes me think of my favorite moments from Stardust Memories, as all kinds of nutty types ask Woody Allen's character for autographs. At least I didn't press Elvis for one.]
I've been told many times that my vocals are reminiscent of Elvis'. I can see that. Or rather hear that. I take it as a compliment. I certainly like enough of his music, although I didn't get into him until he did his collaborations with Paul McCartney. For those unfamiliar with Costello, he's worth checking out. Some numbers of his that I really like are: Veronica, Everyday I Write The Book, Chelsea, Pump It Up, Thirteen Steps Lead Down, Accidents Will Happen and Man Out Of Time.
Gotta give Costello props, too for working with Allen Toussaint on the Katrina benefit recordings.
So, when I saw this evening that it was his 52nd, I figured I had to give him a shout out.
Happy Birthday, Elvis Costello!
What's so funny about Love, Power, Peace?
posted by Norman K at 7:20 PM
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