Elvis Costello
by Dai Griffiths

Boogalooing ’bout beekeeping?

Aimed squarely at the academic, Griffiths’ attempt to evaluate the significance of Elvis Costello’s work is a bold and informed study. Griffiths, rather refreshingly, chooses not to assess Costello’s career chronologically, preferring to present a series of essays that concentrate upon significant themes in his writing. This means that oft-overlooked nooks of the MacManus catalogue are explored more thoroughly than more conservative remits may have allowed.

It’s a demanding read and non-musicians may find some of Griffiths’ music theorising hard to grasp. There is, however, evidence of a keen wit at hand, which balances some of the potentially dry discussion. Griffiths is particularly interesting when analysing Costello’s critical reception, unsurprising given his academic background. Indeed, much of the book seems to be an attempt to canonise Costello’s work, almost as if Griffiths is justifying the intellectual study of popular music.

Having said that, any serious (is there any other kind?) fan of Costello will find much of interest. It encourages the reader to rediscover and seek out previously unheard selections from the Costello songbook, as well as making insightful points about various topics, from the mechanics of songwriting to the influence of politics on Costello’s work. For fans only, but recommended.

ISBN 9781845532925

Reviewed by Jamie Atkins
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