The Curse of Sophistication

A good Wednesday evening to the collected masses.  Today is a special day in Ideological Cuddle land, as it marks the 56th birthday of one of the 2 or 3 greatest songwriters alive today - Declan Patrick MacManus, aka Elvis Costello.  He is right at the top of my favorite artists list, next to the likes of Tom Waits and Bob Dylan.  The thing that sets Elvis apart from those visionaries is his constant ability to try, and succeed at, new styles.  He's the ultimate musical chameleon, going from literate punk, to R&B revivalist (Get Happy! is clearly the music snob's choice for best Costello album - I agree completely), to country music jester, to straight rock and roller, to torch song savior, to Nawlins preacher, to alt-country crooner, and everywhere in-between.  His discography is the blueprint for hyper literate, catchy songwriting.  Josh Ritter, Joe Pernice, Ted Leo, Billy Bragg, Ray LaMontagne, Nick Lowe, even his contemporary in the British punk scene, the legendary Joe Strummer - they all have written in the style that he perfected.  Each of his albums have their own charms, but I'd select This Year's Model, Armed Forces, Get Happy!, Imperial Bedroom, and King of America as the 5 best (in no particular order).
For the vinyl obsessed (ooh ooh! me! me!), his original picture sleeve singles on the Stiff Records label are highly collectible and quite affordable.  The parade of collectible picture sleeve singles continued upon his switch to Radar Records in the UK with "Radio, Radio" and "(I Don't Wanna Go To) Chelsea" being favorites.  The ultimate 45 from the early E.C. collection, might be his 1979 red vinyl Valentine's Day single of "My Funny Valentine" - knock-off copies exist, so buyer beware.
I could go on for hours about dear old Mr. McManus, but the best way to celebrate his birthday is to listen to some of his music.  Below, you'll find live versions of many of my favorite Costello tunes (yes, I know that "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself is a Burt Bacharach song).  All are of beautiful quality and most are acoustic versions (many with just Elvis and Steve Nieve, The Attractions' virtuoso piano player).  Enjoy:
UPDATE - LINKS REMOVED
"Temptation" (Live at Massey Hall, Toronto, Ontario, 1996)
"Little Triggers" (Live on the Elvis Costello/Steve Nieve Tour, 1996)
"(I Don't Wanna Go To) Chelsea" (Live on the Elvis Costello/Steve Nieve Tour, 1996)
"I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself" (Live on the Elvis Costello/Steve Nieve Tour, 1996)
"The Other End of The Telescope" (Live on the Elvis Costello/Steve Nieve Tour, 1996)
"Riot Act" (Live on BBC Sound Stage with The Attractions)
"45" (Live on The Tonight Show, 1999)

And last, but certainly not least, his best known song with some beautiful transitions to some Motown classics (including "The Tracks of My Tears" and "No More Tear-Stained Makeup") :
"Alison -> Tears Medley" (Live on the Elvis Costello/Steve Nieve Tour, 1996)

Until next time, celebrate the musical gifts of Mr. Declan Patrick MacManus, and listen...