Born on August 25: Elvis Costello never lacked attractions

Declan Patrick McManus, his real name, was born in London in 1954. He is therefore 71 years old today!

Of Irish descent, Elvis Costello took his first steps in what is commonly called pub rock, at a time when these hot spots, serving lukewarm beer without a false collar, regularly welcomed artists onto their cramped stages. This is fortunately still the case today, but in fewer establishments. Bands such as Dr. Feelgood and The Inmates also got their start this way.

With albums like "My Aim Is True" (1977), "This Year's Model" (1978), and the iconic "Armed Forces" (1979), he became one of the heralds of English new wave. It quickly becomes clear that he's not just a nervous little guy who wiggles to epileptic (and often magnificent) choruses. Thus, the (almost) reggae "Watching The Detectives" or the melodic evidence of "Radio Radio", the crescendo of "(I Don’t Want To Go To) Chelsea" and of course the piano of the faithful Steve Nieve on "Oliver’s Army". illuminate the early years of his career. We can already detect the extent of a multifaceted talent and the full extent of his future aspirations are already present in the background on "Alison", "Waiting For The End Of The World" or "Little Trimmers". Costello does not just chisel impeccable melodies, he also refines his lyrics with the same goldsmith talent. And in no way seems to seek the easy way out. With him, "Accidents Will Happen" (to borrow the title of one of his songs), but almost always for the better…

For the rest of his career, most often accompanied by his faithful Attractions, Costello increasingly took side roads and appeared where he was least expected. Commercial success, however, wasn't always forthcoming. In 1981, he (partially) indulged his penchant for country music by releasing "Almost Blue" in Nashville, featuring covers of Gram Parsons, among others. Subsequently, with jazz and soul funk, almost baroque and even classical flights with The Brodsky Quartet in 1993, Costello transformed himself into a talented chameleon.

But listen again to gems like "The Only Flame In Town" (1984), "Everyday I Write The Book" (1983), "I Want You" (1986), or "Unwanted Number" with his current bandmates, the Imposters (2018), you'll be convinced, if need be, of the man's immense talent. If you're curious, you can also seek out some twenty songs composed with Paul McCartney between 1987 and 2008.

Finally, despite his sometimes abrupt nature, we'll recall his unwavering commitment to Rock Against Racism and also to Israeli colonisation in the occupied Palestinian territories. However, due to pressure, he was forced to cancel the two support concerts he planned to give in Tel Aviv. That was in 2010, and the skies have darkened even more in Israel since then. As you can see, Elvis Costello doesn't mince his words and knows how to make his opinions heard!

(MH with Stéphane Soupart- Photo : © Etienne Tordoir)

Photo: Elvis Costello on stage at the Werchter Festival (Belgium) on July 5, 1981