Lyrics to Some Songs About Private Eyes “Watching the Detectives” by Evis Costello “Private Eye" by The Nips "The Continental Op" by Rory Gallagher "Private Investigations" by Dire Straits “The Long Drive” by Hamell on Trial Respectfully submitted by Kevin Burton Smith.
Tag: It’s Only Words
It’s Only Words: “Watching the Detectives” by Elvis Costello
(1977) Performed by Elvis Costello Words and music by Elvis Costello With its ominous (and immediately recognizable) bass line thumping like an implied threat, and the impressionistic snapshot lyrics swiped from a million private eye tales and films noir, the P.I. is finally here, to deal with the clients "who are ready to hear the … Continue reading It’s Only Words: “Watching the Detectives” by Elvis Costello
It’s Only Words: “The Long Drive” by Hamell on Trial
2000 Performed by Hamell Words and music by Hamell in Trial It’s difficult to pigeon-hole Ed Hamell, who performs as Hamell On Trial. Imagine the foul-mouthed love child of Billy Bragg and Lou Reed doing stand-up—with guitar, and you might come close. This noirish little nightmare, from his 2000 album Choochtown, is a shaggy dog … Continue reading It’s Only Words: “The Long Drive” by Hamell on Trial
It’s Only Words: “Private Investigations” by Dire Straits
1982 Performed by Dire Straits Words and Music by Dire Straits A pretty obvious choice. The unnamed gumshoe in Mark Knopler's bittersweet, downbeat blues from the 1982 album Love Over Gold seems to have had a few too many cases turn out like that of the detective in Ed Hamell’s "The Long Drive." He sits in his … Continue reading It’s Only Words: “Private Investigations” by Dire Straits
Its Only Words: Private Eye by The Nips
Performed by The Nips 1978 Words and Music by Shane MacGowan This little piece of braggadocio comes from The Nips (aka “The Nipple Erotors”), a feisty little bar band that played in and around London in the late seventies, best known for their high-energy blend of punk, rockabilly, mod, R&B, ted, indie, and a slew of other influences, and … Continue reading Its Only Words: Private Eye by The Nips