Paying homage to one of the greatest singer-songwriters in history, Midtown has offered a striking rendition of Elvis Costello’s “Pump It Up.” Their latest release is the third single pulled from the group’s forthcoming EP, We’re Too Old To Write New Songs, So Here’s Some Old Songs We Didn’t Write, and follows covers of Pavement’s “Cut Your Hair” and Lagwagon’s “Know It All.” While Midtown’s cover of “Pump It Up” still maintains the essence and attitude of Costello’s high-energy, punk-rock classic, the group has amplified the single with fresh instrumentation for a more modernized sound. Midtown takes a heavier, more… Read more »
British singer-songwriter Elvis Costello on Tuesday defended musicians who speak their minds in these “fairly dangerous times” and warned Americans to guard against “any attempts by people who swindle their way into office.” Addressing a music industry dinner in Beverly Hills, California, Costello also criticized the British political system, which he described as “privileged people handing wigs to one another making the laws of the land.” The 48-year-old musician, famed for such songs as “Oliver’s Army” and “Everyday I Write the Book,” was being honored by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, a music licensing group that also… Read more »
In the late 1970s, Elvis Costello wore a punk snarl to go along with his sharp suits and horn-rimmed glasses. Twenty-five years later, the prolific troubadour has replaced it with something more subtly sinister. Cruel Smile, a companion LP to Costello’s latest studio album, When I Was Cruel, features B-sides, rare cuts and live versions from that album, as well as a handful of fan favorites. Due October 1, the 14-track enhanced CD also includes the video for When I Was Cruel’s “45,” according to an Island Records spokesperson. Costello selected the tracks himself, most of which were previously unavailable… Read more »
Elvis Costello and his band, the Imposters, were nearing the end of a rousing, rocking set at a Manhattan club when the audience’s attention began to wander. As he started his final encore, the chilling tale of a jilted sociopath, “I Want You,” loud conversations and laughter could be heard from the Bowery Ballroom bar. Costello didn’t say anything, or even look annoyed. Instead, a malice-filled reading of the song did the work for him. The music quieted to a whisperlike level as Costello stepped away from the microphone to shout the line, “Did you call my name out as… Read more »
Bob Dylan and Elvis Costello will hit the road for a 13-date fall tour of the East Coast, kicking off on September 22 in Duluth, Ga. and wrapping October 9 in Rochester, N.Y. Dylan is currently touring Australia and New Zealand, and will also perform September 16 at the Austin City Limits festival in Texas. A complete list of the tour dates can be seen via BobDylan.com.
Billy Bob Thornton’s counting on an Elvis sighting. The “Monster’s Ball” actor and screenwriting Oscar-winner for “Sling Blade” began a two-week, nine-city concert tour Friday showcasing his rockabilly musical roots. He announced he’s going to team up with rocker Elvis Costello on dates in Minnesota, Michigan and Ohio. Thornton, who began his music career playing drums and opening for artists including Humble Pie, Hank Williams Jr. and the Earl Scruggs Review, met Costello during the actor’s recent European tour. Costello joined him on stage for a surprise guest appearance in Dublin. “I have always been an admirer of Elvis Costello,… Read more »
Elvis Costello has a busy spring/summer ahead of him in support of his new album, When I Was Cruel, his first one of new material in seven years, due April 23rd. Costello will kick off a tour on May 18th in Portland, Oregon. The thirteen-date tour runs until June 24th in Atlanta. In between dates, you can catch Costello at Tower Records in-store appearances. On April 19th, he’ll do a signing in Philadelphia; on the 21st, he’ll be in Chicago; and on the 23rd, he’ll be in New York. On April 29th, Costello will appear on an episode of Musicians… Read more »
As Fall Out Boy are gearing up to celebrate the 15 year anniversary of their fourth studio album, Folie à Deux, the group has shared an extra special treat for fans to commemorate the December 10, 2008 release. Across their social media accounts, the band shares, “Introducing Folie à Bleu, the 15th anniversary vinyl edition. The label changed the color of the album cover to blue without asking us & we didn’t want it all to go to waste. Only 2,500 of these were pressed. once they’re gone, they’re gone!” Read more: Say Anything Announce ‘…Is A Real Boy’ 20th… Read more »
What better way to kick off a weekend than with new music? Featuring new tracks from All Time Low, Paramore, Green Day, and more.
Basslines and Protest Signs is Brett Callwood’s column looking at the intersection of music and politics. This week talks about punk artists’ opinions on wearing masks and getting vaccinated.
