Ty to Rich: OK, I'm going to ask you because you know shit for shit.
What's the deal with Elvis Costello?
I have some on my iPod and I just don't get why he's considered so bad ass. It's fine. But, I ain't gonna name my kids after him.
Fill me in.
Rich to Ty: I'm with you on this. My sister was a big EC fan back in small times which made me immediately avoid him.
I don't know. The dude apparently has some cred from being New Wave or Punk or something but I've never heard the greatness. I got nothing against him, I just don't hear it myself.
I did pass him walking down the street in SF once. He had been shopping near Union Square.
Let me know what you find out.
Ty to Rich: Clean music but no emotion or rhythm really. Uh, crisp production and bold glasses. Yeah, but Sarah also liked David Bowie and he's fairly bad ass and I get it. That's obvious I guess. I'll have to ask Chuck Jung Il.
Ty to Chuck: What's the deal with Elvis Costello?
I'm determined to get to the bottom of this. Why is Elvis Costello legendary and a hero of the people?
Chuck to Ty: How can you question his genre busting greatness?!?
Good to hear from you, man? How are you doing? It's been, what, a decade?
Ty to Chuck: I'm great. But I need to know about this. So, what genres did he greatly bust? Punk? Pop? New wave?
C'mon. I'll get to the pleasantries AFTER you fill me in. You know I love you but I need to "get it" better.
Chuck to Ty: Country/Folk (King of America)
Classical (The Juliette Letters and Il Sogno)
R&B/Motown (The River in Reverse & most of Get Happy)
Delta Blues (The Delivery Man)
60/70s Pop (Painted From Memory)
Jazz/Pop (North, Almost Blue)
They’re by no means the best records in any of the genres but he’s been fearless in constantly pushing his writing style in different directions.
He’s written some pretty great albums where he spans multiple genres on one record like Spike. Brutal Youth, This Year’s Model, Armed Forces & When I was Cruel are some of my favorite records of all time.
Underrated guitar player, amazing voice that has gotten better and stronger with age, first rate live performer. In my mind he’s one of the most accomplished, prolific songwriters of his generation. Hard to think of anyone else with his body of work, and career length who is still writing and performing at such a high level.
Just came out w/ new album (Momufuku?) that he wrote recorded in the span a week or two? [Note: Funny, Dave Wave and I did a track, 50 mg to Freedom, as Mofu Ammu].
Ty to Chuck: So his prowess is that he can do so much?
How are your wife and kid(s?) and others in your world?
I want to see you.
Why is Elvis Costello so meaningful to you?
Chuck to Ty: So much of his music just appeals to me and it's rare to find a musician/songwriter whose music I dig album in and album out. Since I got Imperial Bedroom as a gift back in 1985, I sought out his earlier records and bought each new one as it came out. He's had his slumps but he always comes back with a classic every couple albums.
How's your family? Marlene and Declan (4 1/2) are well...we have another son, Dylan, who is almost a year and a half old. I'm living a couple miles from the house I grew up in. Working in D.C. Marlene's in nursing school so things are quite hectic.
Music-wise, I've been in a couple bands over the past couple years. Back together w/ Scott in our new project, the Hypersonic Secret. Mostly consists of getting together once a week and geeking out on ProTools, jamming with the band and playing out once every couple of months.
We should get together for a beer. Have you heard from Mr. Rich?
Ty to Chuck: Uh, good. I interact with Rich every day. See him several times a year. As close as ever that's how I got on the Elvis Costello stuff.
Thanks.
Yes, a beer would be swell. Oh, and I'm Filipino too.
I still don't get it.
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