Being that August 25th is Elvis Costello’s birthday I figured it would be a good time to take a look back and look at his 10 most popular songs. This English singer-songwriter released his album in 1976 titled My Aim is True. He then formed the band The Attractions as his backing band that he has toured with over the years. He has become a staple in the pop genre and has won many awards for his music including Grammys and Brit Awards. In 2003 Costello was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
10. Clubland: With an influence from the band The Police, this song is about reckless behavior being introduced into an already toxic environment. Everything seems good on the surface, but deep down life is not as good as it seems.
9. New Amsterdam: Here Costello tells the trials and tribulations of the life of a rock star living on the road. It’s a personal and specific song that other people who feel they have little connection with others can appreciate.
8. High Fidelity: The song has a nice little piano opening and then picks up the pace with some catchy lyrics. Costello has a lot of energy here that makes this a very fun song.
7. I Can’t Stand Up Without Falling Down: This is not an original Costello song but he makes it his own. He incorporates a R&B element to it. The organ and rhythm section mixes well with the vocals.
6. Accidents Will Happen: The cover of the single was printed inside out in reference to the song title. The Museum of Modern Art also selected this music video for their “Golden Oldies of Music Videos.”
5. Oliver’s Army: Costello writes from the perspective of a kid who is desperate enough to join the army because he has no other options. This song has an important message that Costello felt he needed to get across.
4. Radio Radio: Costello once played this on Saturday Night Live to the displeasure of the executives and he was banned from the show for over a decade.
3. Pump It Up: This has become a popular song to play on the PA system at sporting events. The bass gets things started and when Costello comes in there is a good chance you are going to want to dance as you are getting pumped up.
2. Chelsea: Another song with a cool bass riff. There is a fair amount of cynicism in this song that is about a posh London neighborhood.
1. Watching the Detectives: This is a song Elvis additionally wrote. Costello uses this song to comment on the nature of obsession. It still holds up pretty well today. It was also Costello’s first single.