For over 10 years, a piece of my heart has belonged to the man behind the song, Alison. Declan McManus better known as Elvis Costello first appeared on my radar in the early 90's during a replay of his infamous appearance on Saturday Night Live. His unwillingness to buck to the demands of the higher ups struck a cord with me. From that day on Mr. Costello had my respect.
By the time college came along I was swept up in the man's charisma, soaking up as much information about this innovator as I could. I loved his music and couldn't help sharing the love I was feeling with everyone I encountered. My steering wheel took the brunt of my adoration, assuming the role of drum set as I drove around Long Island listening to Radio Radio, over and over. There even came a time where I found myself defending his honor while riding on the LIRR, after a fellow passenger tried to tell me that Mr. Costello stole his look from Rivers Cuomo.
Although I never fell victim to the boy band phase that afflicted many of my peers, I did eventually come to know what it feels like to love something so much it hurts. Upon being surprised with two tickets to an Elvis Costello show, I promptly burst into tears. At 26 years old, I found myself holding my breath while this person I had spent so much time admiring played through his second encore. I clutched my heart while singing along to (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding as if it were Justin Timberlake standing before me.
Even though young attractive musicians may be a dime a dozen these days, Elvis Costello continues to outshine his successors. In a world where so many voices bleed into one another, his remains one of the most distinct in the music industry. Despite our age difference, my affection for E.C. never waivers. Anytime he appears on television, I still break out into exclamations worthy of a 12 year old girl.
While my horizons certainly have expanded over the years, the work of Elvis Costello will always be the beginning and end of every mix cd I make. Through his music, I have learned what it means to surrender yourself to the moment. It is because of him that I am able to lose myself in a song. Now if that's not love, than I don't know what is.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Are you feeling a little crush coming on? If so, you can check out some of Elvis Costello's best moments here:
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