Monday, May 30

May 30, 2016 - Elvis Costello & the Attractions - (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding (1978)


Bursting out of the gate like a mini Born to Run, it's obvious that we have an urgent message before us. This is my favorite Elvis Costello vocal, it's got that deep husky tone with the threat of maybe coughing up phlegm quality to it. I don't know, anyone else hear that? Like he might have a slight cold or adenoidal issue going on.

This song was written by Nick Lowe, I heard an interview with him on NPR a couple years ago, seems like a very cool guy. Well, he's the Jesus of Cool, isn't he? The lyrics express the frustration of living in a world that can often feel cruel and insensitive, insane and disturbing, ignorant and unjust. Why do things have to suck? Why are there people who want power and view life as a game to win and have the desire to keep everything for themselves? Those are the people who think peace love and understanding are funny. Abnormal funny, not ha ha funny. Stay away from me, you stinkin hippie commie, go get a job if you want any understanding from me! Yeah, it's easy to feel small and helpless in this kind of society, you can wonder when the saviors will arrive who will turn things into a utopia, or you can go out and create your own reality and live as though peace love and understanding are all around you. It is really hard to find that sort of courage, but people have achieved this level and someday I hope to also. It's funny 'cause it's true.

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