(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
Tag: Rock’n'Roll
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