Diamond Dave vs. Elvis Costello, Once More for the Glory Days

Sound and Recording
B. Thomas Cooper
Editor


The more things change, the more they stay the same. The year is 2007, but it sure feels like 1984. Why you ask? Well for one thing, I’m writing about David Lee Roth and his nemesis Elvis Costello in the same article.

I believe it was none other than David Lee Roth who once stated: "Rock critics like Elvis Costello because they look like Elvis Costello." David whom, you ask? My reply is, precisely. You see, it was also DLR who famously remarked: "Here today, gone later on today."

Perhaps both statements bear merit, with one distinction. David Lee Roth is a goner, and the rock critics are still writing about Elvis Costello, albeit, he's no longer this years model. True, David has rejoined the Van Halen brothers for an up-coming-reunion tour, but I wouldn’t hold your breath. We’ve all been down that road before, and it’s barricaded. Elvis, on the other hand, never really went away, releasing new music every year or so.

Elvis was born Declan Patrick MacManus on August 25th, 1954 in London England. A gifted songwriter, his quirky demeanor was quickly embraced by the early British punk movement. Costello's first album, My Aim is True' was released early summer of 1977. The album cover featured the now infamous photo of Elvis looking like Buddy Holly. The album spawned two classic singles in America, Alison, and the haunting Watching the Detectives'.

Elvis Costello has often been credited with possessing a virtual encyclopedia of songwriting ability. Three decades and countless releases into his career, critics still write about Elvis because he continues to be relevant in an irrelevant arena. Indeed, his contemporaries are mostly gone, with few exceptions. Elvis adapted to a career as an outsider years ago, and has come to represent the ultimate survivor. He is perhaps the most diverse and prolific songwriter of his generation.

Elvis Costello is currently touring Europe in support of his latest CD, Almost Blue', but don't shell out your hard earned cash expecting to see that skinny, knock-kneed kid from the seventies. Elvis has matured, as has his music. He has redefined the accepted parameters of Rock and Roll and contemporary songwriting. Yes, Elvis Costello still resembles a record critic. An old, balding, bearded critic perhaps, but is that really so bad? Long live Elvis Costello, always more jester than king.

As for Diamond Dave, the jury is out. It’s an uphill climb for David and the boys, and frankly, I’m just not convinced Roth can get a grip. I'm afraid that ship has sailed for the last time, and is currently taking on water at an alarming rate. My advice: abandon ship. Women and children first, of course.