Elvis Costello's honest playlist reveals the songs that shaped him, from Jimi Hendrix to Bob Dylan, and why he can't listen to Pink Floyd. In a recent interview, the legendary singer-songwriter opened up about his musical influences, guilty pleasures, and the one band he finds dreary.
Elvis Costello's Musical Journey: From Hendrix to Dylan
Costello's love affair with music began at age 12 with The Wind Cries Mary by Jimi Hendrix. "Hendrix was known for outgoing music, but I was a romantic soul, so the emotional side of his music led to that strain in my own writing," he says. That early influence is evident in Costello's own emotionally charged songwriting.
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Another song that holds a special place in his heart is 'Cross the Green Mountain by Bob Dylan. "It's a bit hidden away, but in the very top tier of his songwriting," Costello notes. "It's full of images from the American civil war: conflict, overwhelming love, officers being shot, mothers receiving terrible news. It's poignant and involving."
The First Single He Bought
Costello saved his pocket money to buy the Fame at Last EP by Georgie Fame from Potter's Music Shop in Richmond. "He introduced me to Gerry Goffin and Carole King, Louis Jordan, Ray Charles, Big Joe Turner, Mose Allison, Willie Dixon and Lambert, Hendricks & Ross – which was a lot of education for an 11-year-old who didn't play an instrument," he recalls.
The Song He Can No Longer Listen To
When asked about a song he can no longer listen to, Costello doesn't hold back: Anything by Pink Floyd. "Never could, never will. I find their music dreary. I love the imagination and playfulness of See Emily Play, but after Syd Barrett left they just..." he trails off. Clearly, the post-Barrett era of Pink Floyd doesn't resonate with him.
Karaoke? Not for Costello
As for karaoke, Costello is not a fan. "Karaoke? Certainly not. I do this for a living. Would you have made my great-grandfather dig ditches for fun?" he quips. Instead, he prefers to live vicariously through Bill Murray singing (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding in Lost in Translation.
Key Takeaways from Elvis Costello's Playlist
- Early influence: Jimi Hendrix's emotional side shaped Costello's romantic songwriting.
- Hidden gem: Bob Dylan's 'Cross the Green Mountain is a top-tier songwriting example.
- First purchase: Georgie Fame's Fame at Last EP introduced him to many musical legends.
- Dislike: Pink Floyd's music is dreary to him, except for early Syd Barrett work.
- Karaoke: He avoids it, preferring to watch Bill Murray instead.
Comparison of Elvis Costello's Musical Tastes
| Category | Song/Artist | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| First song he loved | The Wind Cries Mary by Jimi Hendrix | Emotional side influenced his writing |
| Song he knows all lyrics to | 'Cross the Green Mountain by Bob Dylan | Poignant and involving |
| First single bought | Fame at Last EP by Georgie Fame | Introduced him to many artists |
| Song he can't listen to | Anything by Pink Floyd | Finds their music dreary |
| Karaoke song | None | He does this for a living |
FAQ
What is Elvis Costello's favorite song?
Elvis Costello has cited 'The Wind Cries Mary' by Jimi Hendrix as the first song he fell in love with, and 'Cross the Green Mountain' by Bob Dylan as a top-tier songwriting example.
Why doesn't Elvis Costello like Pink Floyd?
He finds their music dreary, though he appreciates the early Syd Barrett era, particularly 'See Emily Play'.
Does Elvis Costello do karaoke?
No, he does not do karaoke. He says he does this for a living and prefers to live vicariously through Bill Murray's performance in Lost in Translation.
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