It only took me until my fifth decade around the sun to become a fan of Elvis. His music did not inspire my ears through my 20’s, 30’s, or 40’s but it finally grew on me. I wish the music grew on me sooner. There is a lot of variety, lyric interplay, and just great singing. I wonder if marrying the jazz chanteuse Diana Krall helped me enjoy his music more? Oh wait… Were you thinking that dude from Mississippi? Ha Ha… No way man. Not on your life. I’m talking about Declan MacManus… aka Elvis Costello.

I have periodically visited Costello’s music over the years. His period with the Attractions in the 80’s was ever present, but something left me annoyed. I’m not sure if it is the head voice or his vibrato or just the dryness of his music. I never really dug into the lyrics or metaphor, because I never bought his albums. Since this was pre-internet we couldn’t just look them up unless we went to the library that had the vinyl or compact disc to see if the lyrics were in the cover/liner notes… (Oh Cover/liner Notes… I had to teach a Gen y’er about them recently… It was a funny conversation.)

I tried to like his experiments. I purchased the Juliet Letters with the Brodsky String Quartet. I had better luck with Schubert and Beethoven. I purchased Mighty Like a Rose. Again, it was just a laborious listen at the time. Then I would hear Everyday I Write the Book on an 80’s station and I would try again. There was something there I was missing. Then I got Rock Band for our Wii gaming system when the boys were little. I loved drumming along. It was this platform where I heard Pump it Up for the first time. I began to understand the music. I just needed to play it. Experiencing the drum and guitars parts helped me listen to Costello differently… It was strange, but I did not embrace it… until…

About four years ago I walked into the oldest book store in Iowa. The book store is called “The Source.” It is immense. Used books, records, compact discs, and I swear everything is in alphabetical order. I was browsing some used discs in the basement when I came along a large collection of Costello’s music. Most of it was marked down to $2-3 a copy. I bought the compilation, The Very Best of Elvis Costello and the Attractions. This record opened the door to even deeper understanding. His voice warmed up to me.

I have picked up a few more over the years: Brutal Youth, Blood and Chocolate, King of America, and Painted Memory. The earlier purchases Rose and Juliet are also getting some more playing time. I’m finding the melodies to be as artful as the lyrics. It is like I found a composer of modern art song that uses contemporary instrumentation rather than classical instrumentation. Why did it take so long for me to fall in love with Costello’s music?

Before I answer that question, I wanted to take a moment to address Painted Memory. This collaboration with Burt Bacharach is sublime. The arrangements and lyricism are divine works of art. Hearing these two masters of song working together musically is a sensual experience. This is fine art! True fine art! Aesthetically pleasing fine art! It only took me nearly 30 years to figure it out.

Ok, the question. Why did it take so long. I have a theory. I needed to grow into the music. There is a certain worldly maturity to Costello’s music. I wasn’t at that spot mentally for my synapses to connect. My experiences in life did not overlap with his experiences. Whether they be musical, or physical experiences recorded in text and music. Once the synapses connected a light bulb went on and now I can’t get enough. I wish more people would open their minds to new experiences like this.

My theory has absolutely no scientific basis to back it up. It is all conjecture. I just know that some songs from certain artists take me years to warm up too. Some songs I warm up to quickly and then they fade off to the sunset. Then there are the songs I obsess over, let sit for years forgotten and then they come back into my conscious with an even greater importance. I equivocate this to experience and reflection. As we mature and reflect on values, thoughts, perspectives, or even policies we reassess and reevaluate their value. I find this happens all of the time with my musical listening habits.

I’m glad I finally fell into love with Elvis Costello’s music. I finally found that mark that helped me understand. Each album of his is a different creative journey to be welcomed and nourished. I guess I will have to go back to “The Source” and purchase some more music…

…so it goes…