Which was most influential

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by AustinChief

Elvis Costello and here is an obscure one.

Elvis Costello is a genius of epic proportions. It's unfortunate that he probably won't be recognized as such until years after his passing but he will be recognized.

[rico]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Elvis Costello is a genius of epic proportions. It's unfortunate that he probably won't be recognized as such until years after his passing but he will be recognized.

I bought this "Storytellers VH1" CD at Goodwill and ended up loving it. One of the songs is Elvis Costello. I think it's called, "just a memory," but I'm not sure. The chorus goes, "losing you, is just a memory, memories don't mean that much to me." I scream that song at the top of my longs when I hear it. And ya know what? That is the only Elvis Costello song I've ever heard. I want to check out more of it. Which songs/albums do I start with?

[AustinChief]

Originally Posted by rico

I bought this "Storytellers VH1" CD at Goodwill and ended up loving it. One of the songs is Elvis Costello. I think it's called, "just a memory," but I'm not sure. The chorus goes, "losing you, is just a memory, memories don't mean that much to me." I scream that song at the top of my longs when I hear it. And ya know what? That is the only Elvis Costello song I've ever heard. I want to check out more of it. Which songs/albums do I start with?

Well sir.. you have come to the right place!

Here is the problem.. Elvis Costello has done it all. His music spans so many different styles and genres that it's hard to just say "start here." BUT at least we have a starting point with "Just a Memory." That came from Get Happy! his 4th album. That song is slower than the typical songs on that album. So if you want that style, you will want to go forward in time with his work rather than going back. That style is closer (imho) to Trust or what is often considered the greatest EC album (produced by Geoff Emerick) Imperial Bedroom.

If you want I can suggest some favorite songs and see if they are on YouTube. Oh, another good "starter" album I have found is King of America. it really defines the "middle" of his career for me and is just a damn good album.

[AustinChief]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Elvis Costello is a genius of epic proportions. It's unfortunate that he probably won't be recognized as such until years after his passing but he will be recognized.

Now we are talking! I am a crazy stalker-esque Elvis Costello fan. To the point of not only having pretty much any and all recording but also tracking down any OTHER artists he mentions as an influence or person he likes and studying them as well. yeah I know, sad.

It was Costello that turned me on to the Specials, the Pogues, Nick Lowe, Chet Baker, the Flying Burrito Brothers, the Louvin Brothers, Jesse Winchester and countless others...

OH and Aimee Mann... here is one of my favorite songs that they wrote together.. if anyone is interested.

[rico]

Originally Posted by AustinChief

yep, and Gordon Lightfoot and Elvis Costello and here is an obscure one.. but they were MASSIVELY influential.. The Kingston trio.

EDIT: I just saw you mentioned Phil Spector.. I have been harping on him all thread. Crazy amount of influence and innovation from him.

Surprised that no one has mentioned Zappa or Captain Beefheart.

I've noticed that a lot of musicians mention David Bowie as being influential. Fred Neil is another one. Heck, he wrote the original "Everybody's Talking" popularized by Nilsson. Totally awesome. His most popular song is probably the song that played on the Sopranos when Chris relapsed at a carnival setting. Song is called "The Dolphins." Good shit.

Jeff Buckley is a semi-recent obscure musician that I notice many artists reference as being influential. Most notably Thom Yorke. I heard that he was one of the contributing factors that prompted Radiohead to move on from their "Pablo Honey" sound in terms of vocals. Many hardcore Buckley fans claim that you can notice Yorke channeling Buckley in Kid A.

Noticed that there are a lot of connections with the bands I have mentioned in this thread:

Nilsson: worked with John Lennon and when the members of the Beatles were asked who their favorite American musician was, one or more of them instantly replied, "Nilsson." Nilsson covered a Fred Neil Song called "Everybody's Talking." Bob Dylan, before becoming Bob Dylan, played harmonica for Fred Neil. Jeff Buckley's father, (Tim), covered "The Dolphins." Stone Temple Pilots front man has mentioned David Bowie being his most prominent musical influence. Same with Trent Reznor (my all time favorite musician). David Bowie mentioned Jeff Buckley's "Grace" album as 1 of 5 he would choose to have with him on a deserted island. Thom Yorke reportedly is a huge fan of Buckley and has been accused of channeling him. Scott Weiland is a huge Radiohead fan....claimed that the OK Computer album was contributory in getting him through one of his rehab stints.

Another band that I've noticed referenced as being influential to other artists: Joy Division.

Here is "The Dolphins" by Fred Neil. Great song. Obscure as hell. Below it is the original version of "Everybody's Talkin'."

[|Zach|]

I respect the impact Elvis had but I don't get a lot of enjoyment from the music. Just never loved it.

[Baby Lee]

Originally Posted by |Zach|

I respect the impact Elvis had but I don't get a lot of enjoyment from the music. Just never loved it.

OK, at this point confusion creeps in.



Costello or Presley?

[|Zach|]

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

OK, at this point confusion creeps in.



Costello or Presley?

Costello. Hands down. That has no bearing on popularity or impact just me sitting down and enjoying music.

[Baby Lee]

Originally Posted by |Zach|

Costello. Hands down. That has no bearing on popularity or impact just me sitting down and enjoying music.

I put Costello right around Cohen, with a major elevation d/t his Radio stunt on SNL.

[|Zach|]

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

I put Costello right around Cohen, with a major elevation d/t his Radio stunt on SNL.

That is fair. Though I like Costello's fringe and new ideas while being popular enough to stay relevant. I see Cohen as a great but safer act.

[MOhillbilly]

Black Flag influenced a Shit load of acts.

[Baby Lee]

Originally Posted by MOhillbilly

Black Flag influenced a Shit load of acts.

Shit, I haven't even opened up my Fugazi, Smiths, Pixies, Sonic Youth, Flag, Husker Du bag yet.


Simmer Down Now!!!

[|Zach|]

Sorry to take this convo a million ways but...one artist I really love that I think should get more credit is Josh Rouse. This seems to be shared by almost nobody.

That an Jude...but my case for Jude is much weaker...fell in love with an album in the late 90's and have been waiting for that quality since.

[AustinChief]

Ok here is a good primer on the Imperial Bedroom album...







Let me know if you want darker, or more melodic, or more upbeat... I can steer ya in the right direction!

The more I think about it, this album or Trust or Armed Forces really should be decent starting points.. unless you want the REALLY raw (by raw I mean emotionally not musically) stuff... then we'd want to try out the first two albums.

[rico]

Originally Posted by AustinChief

Ok here is a good primer on the Imperial Bedroom album...







Let me know if you want darker, or more melodic, or more upbeat... I can steer ya in the right direction!

The more I think about it, this album or Trust or Armed Forces really should be decent starting points.. unless you want the REALLY raw (by raw I mean emotionally not musically) stuff... then we'd want to try out the first two albums.

Both vids = awesome. I am now listening to some more of his songs on youtube.