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Words, blood, songs, booze, love, sex, books, trains, joy, despair, guilt, atonement, art and craft craft craft. Outstanding work, and all the better in audio format to hear the music of the man's shouts, whispers and enscorceling charm.
I am a fan of Elvis Costello's music, and enjoyed reading the stories behind some of the events and songs that comprised his career. Its a very long book. I would have been more satisfied had there been a tighter hand editing, and maybe if it were 200 or so pages shorter.
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Nicely written and interesting, just did not have the will to finish. Kind of like listening to a friend who sometimes talks too long and is too verbose.
This was an audio book I borrowed from the library. I was enjoying it but it expired before I'd finished it. Will definitely borrow it agsin.
Whether or not you think this is self-indulgently long probably depends on your knowledge of 20C pop music and/or your enthusiasm for EC and his lyrics.
I'd be interested in a version edited down to half the current length and re-ordered to be chronologically consistent, even if it means breaking his rambles apart. (I mean, mentioning one particular "Memphis in May" event is perhaps TOO MUCH detail.)
Definitely will be heavily cited in the eventual critical biography, though.
I'd be interested in a version edited down to half the current length and re-ordered to be chronologically consistent, even if it means breaking his rambles apart. (I mean, mentioning one particular "Memphis in May" event is perhaps TOO MUCH detail.)
Definitely will be heavily cited in the eventual critical biography, though.
Best parts: the fascinating, vast number of other musicians with whom Costello has interacted and been influenced by - Johnny Cash, Dylan, Nick Lowe, Allen Toussaint, etc., the tales from his early days as one of the "Angry Young Men," and the origins of many of his most notable songs. Weaknesses: the book jumps around in time, even within chapters, so you get more of a feel for his life instead of a clear picture. Plus he gets a little indulgent towards the end, eschewing recollection for ruminating on his relationship with his father. I was a little surprised by the way he basically shrugs off his flagrant adultery against his first wife, but I guess that's all part of sex, drugs, and rock & roll. Overall a memorable and honest read that doesn't mind taking a risk that the reader will close the book liking its subject and author a little less than when the book started.
From BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week:
'Had he not picked up a guitar, and put on the black glasses and porkpie hats, Elvis Costello might easily have been a poet, a Charles Simic or a Paul Muldoon,' New York Times
Elvis Costello, one of the greatest and most influential singer-songwriters, reads his witty, frank and very irreverent take of his 40 years at the top of the music business.
Born Declan Patrick MacManus in London in 1954, Elvis Costello was raised in London and Liverpool, the grandson of a trumpet player on the White Star Line and son of dance-band singer. Costello went into the family business and before he was twenty-four had his first record deal as part of the the first wave of the British punk and new wave movement. His album, 'My Aim Is True', was a huge hit, and with his band, The Attractions, he went on to record some of the most influential albums in the 1980s and 90s. Known for his lyricism, and with a reputation as something of an 'angry young man', he has gone on to become one of he elder statesmen of pop, collaborating with many music legends, including Burt Bacharach, Johnny Cash and Van Morrison. Costello has won multiple awards in his career, including a Grammy Award, and in 2003, Costello and the Attractions were inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In this typically idiosyncratic memoir, he charts his often unlikely rise to international success, the experiences that inspired his best-known songs, as well as the absurdities and the darker sides of fame.
Today, Costello returns to the Hammersmith Palais, his father's old stomping ground, and looks back to those heady early days of British punk.
Written and read by Elvis Costello
Producer: Justine Willett
Abridger: Richard Hamilton.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06p7b7n
'Had he not picked up a guitar, and put on the black glasses and porkpie hats, Elvis Costello might easily have been a poet, a Charles Simic or a Paul Muldoon,' New York Times
Elvis Costello, one of the greatest and most influential singer-songwriters, reads his witty, frank and very irreverent take of his 40 years at the top of the music business.
Born Declan Patrick MacManus in London in 1954, Elvis Costello was raised in London and Liverpool, the grandson of a trumpet player on the White Star Line and son of dance-band singer. Costello went into the family business and before he was twenty-four had his first record deal as part of the the first wave of the British punk and new wave movement. His album, 'My Aim Is True', was a huge hit, and with his band, The Attractions, he went on to record some of the most influential albums in the 1980s and 90s. Known for his lyricism, and with a reputation as something of an 'angry young man', he has gone on to become one of he elder statesmen of pop, collaborating with many music legends, including Burt Bacharach, Johnny Cash and Van Morrison. Costello has won multiple awards in his career, including a Grammy Award, and in 2003, Costello and the Attractions were inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In this typically idiosyncratic memoir, he charts his often unlikely rise to international success, the experiences that inspired his best-known songs, as well as the absurdities and the darker sides of fame.
Today, Costello returns to the Hammersmith Palais, his father's old stomping ground, and looks back to those heady early days of British punk.
Written and read by Elvis Costello
Producer: Justine Willett
Abridger: Richard Hamilton.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06p7b7n
Let me preface my review by saying it is entirely biased. I have been a huge fan of Elvis Costello since his first record back in the 20th century. His songs and ability to master so many forms of musicality are impressive to say the least. Through all my appreciation of his music I knew little about him as a person, influences, life, etc. Unlike some rock star memoirs that entertain the reader with tales of excess and debauchery, Elvis' focus was on his music, the musicians he admires, and family across several generations. Like his songs, one needs to read carefully - there's tremendous nuance and that's for the best - it lets the reader make some interpretations and draw their own conclusions. His flattery and appreciation of fellow musicians (Tony Bennett, Burt Bacharach, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, George Jones, Johnny Cash, etc., etc., etc.) really helped me understand more about who he was and how his music has evolved over the years. He is self-deprecating at times and never gossipy or salacious. Nothing more than a broad and comprehensive retrospective of a musical genius. Phenomenal.
The writing is so skillful and imaginative, you sometimes get lost in the sheer beauty of it. I loved it, and hearing Costello's voice in the audiobook really made the whole experience a memorable one.