Elvis Costello — The People's Limousine
Album: Out of Our IdiotAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 517
Length: 3:35
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Elvis is a 8 or above
Elvis plays the Grateful Dead?
I guess the creative diversity of EC scares people away or makes them haters. Meh.
They probably hate Beck as well.
They probably hate Beck as well.
Well, I am just a T-bone kinda guy. Love that T-bone. In fact, you might as well call me...
Here are the missing Lyrics:
The People's Limousine
The Coward Brothers
It's a chilly Florentine evening
Two men in Eden hats
Telling tales of the underground
And fishing for ratsPolicemen armed with Uzis
Stand guard but they don't speak
Ain't seen no Michaelangelo
He'll be here next weekThe girl in shoes with the crystal heels
Is chaperoned by her brother
They raise a glass of amber wine
Take pictures of each otherOf the policemen and the fountains
And the sickle and the hammer
And they hail their Uncle Romulus
With his walking cane and cameraShe looked like someone's girlfriend
She looked like a dream
She looked as unlikely
As the people's limousineCome and sit by me, girl
Before I breathe the breath out of you
Hush your mouth and cover your eyes
For I tell your father of youHe paid to have you painted
In the company of angels
Only to find you flirting here
With Chico Marx and perverted anglesShe looked like someone's girlfriend
She looked like a dream
She looked as unlikely
As the people's limousineThe patron saint of television
Smiles down from the shelf
Romulus can't criticize
But he can't bless himselfHe has a tin of pea green paint
And a big roll of black tape
To vandalize these obscenities
Then make his escapeShe walked up to the nice policeman
And asked him for a match
He saw Romulus approaching
And slipped off the safety catchThen cut down her uncle
He was painted red and green
Just as she was kidnapped
In the people's limousineShe looked like someone's girlfriend
She looked like a dream
She looked so unlikely
In the people's limousine
Songwriters: Elvis Costello / T. Bone Burnett
The People's Limousine
The Coward Brothers
It's a chilly Florentine evening
Two men in Eden hats
Telling tales of the underground
And fishing for ratsPolicemen armed with Uzis
Stand guard but they don't speak
Ain't seen no Michaelangelo
He'll be here next weekThe girl in shoes with the crystal heels
Is chaperoned by her brother
They raise a glass of amber wine
Take pictures of each otherOf the policemen and the fountains
And the sickle and the hammer
And they hail their Uncle Romulus
With his walking cane and cameraShe looked like someone's girlfriend
She looked like a dream
She looked as unlikely
As the people's limousineCome and sit by me, girl
Before I breathe the breath out of you
Hush your mouth and cover your eyes
For I tell your father of youHe paid to have you painted
In the company of angels
Only to find you flirting here
With Chico Marx and perverted anglesShe looked like someone's girlfriend
She looked like a dream
She looked as unlikely
As the people's limousineThe patron saint of television
Smiles down from the shelf
Romulus can't criticize
But he can't bless himselfHe has a tin of pea green paint
And a big roll of black tape
To vandalize these obscenities
Then make his escapeShe walked up to the nice policeman
And asked him for a match
He saw Romulus approaching
And slipped off the safety catchThen cut down her uncle
He was painted red and green
Just as she was kidnapped
In the people's limousineShe looked like someone's girlfriend
She looked like a dream
She looked so unlikely
In the people's limousine
Songwriters: Elvis Costello / T. Bone Burnett
sbegf wrote:
This is what country should be more often. Brilliant. Very Dylan-esque to my ears.
Waaayyyy to close to country for me....just not my cup of tea....
This is what country should be more often. Brilliant. Very Dylan-esque to my ears.
For me, King of America is his last great record. The dividing line between his great work and the dreck after.
andrewimft wrote:
andrewimft wrote:
Carly wrote:
this is a new sound for me to associate with Elvis Costello. the other stuff i've heard of his seems to sound a lot different. i prefer the sound of this song....
He has a lot of different sounds he's explored in his career, this one is from the King of America CD sessions but not on the original release, but a bonus track available on the reissued CD. That CD, which is excellent, is more acoustic, folk music influenced, drawing from Dylan, Eric Burdon and the Animals and the early '60's folk-pop scene as a musical backdrop for EC to write great lyrics encompassing personal relationships, political scandal, moronic wars, and social injustices performed within a very tuneful melodic folk-pop context playing acoustic guitar with organ and electric guitar riffs much like Highway 61 era Dylan. His song about domestic violence leading to the destabilization and neofascism of societies ("Little Palaces") alone is worth the price of admission, but every song on it is great. It's a great CD. If you like this song, try the CD.This is REAL ROCK!!! (infectious boppin' Fun : )
parrothead wrote:
I've never heard that Lennon and McCartney were Irish desent before. If this is true it is news to me. I've read a many a books about the fab 4 and never heard about the Irish-English connection before. Paul does have the Mc thing going there in the name which is an Irish name trait.
Both are Irish names—McCartney is Scots-Irish. Liverpool is a port city on the Irish Sea and roughly on the same latitude as Dublin. Each was for many years—and still are to some extent—the favored crossing between the two countries, Ireland and the UK.
I've never heard that Lennon and McCartney were Irish desent before. If this is true it is news to me. I've read a many a books about the fab 4 and never heard about the Irish-English connection before. Paul does have the Mc thing going there in the name which is an Irish name trait.
Both are Irish names—McCartney is Scots-Irish. Liverpool is a port city on the Irish Sea and roughly on the same latitude as Dublin. Each was for many years—and still are to some extent—the favored crossing between the two countries, Ireland and the UK.
Waaayyyy to close to country for me....just not my cup of tea....
YES!
lemmoth wrote:
Born London - parents split when he was young - moved to the 'pool - then moved back
He's Irish - like Lennon, like McCartney - love the Irish Englishmen
I've never heard that Lennon and McCartney were Irish desent before. If this is true it is news to me. I've read a many a books about the fab 4 and never heard about the Irish-English connection before. Paul does have the Mc thing going there in the name which is an Irish name trait.
Born London - parents split when he was young - moved to the 'pool - then moved back
He's Irish - like Lennon, like McCartney - love the Irish Englishmen
I've never heard that Lennon and McCartney were Irish desent before. If this is true it is news to me. I've read a many a books about the fab 4 and never heard about the Irish-English connection before. Paul does have the Mc thing going there in the name which is an Irish name trait.
apd wrote:
Nope, he's from Liverpool - you can still hear a bit of his Scouser accent, when he talks.
Born London - parents split when he was young - moved to the 'pool - then moved back
He's Irish - like Lennon, like McCartney - love the Irish Englishmen
Nope, he's from Liverpool - you can still hear a bit of his Scouser accent, when he talks.
Born London - parents split when he was young - moved to the 'pool - then moved back
He's Irish - like Lennon, like McCartney - love the Irish Englishmen
Another one of those "I never thought I'd hear that on the radio" songs.
If you don't have "Out of Our Idiot" - find it - it's got lots of wonderful surprises
T-Bone riding high these days
I love the Coward Brothers.
If you don't have "Out of Our Idiot" - find it - it's got lots of wonderful surprises
T-Bone riding high these days
I love the Coward Brothers.
I admit it. I am a shallow, shallow human being. I'm rating this song a 9, just because the album title made me laugh my assets off. And Elvis Costello and T-Bone Burnett? Guh. No bad there at all.
I think it IS more rockabilly than country, but so what? I'm trying to get beyond pigeonholing music. If I like it, I like it, and I try not to care what genré it is or who it sounds like, although I do sorta tend to flaunt my musical (lack of) knowledge if I recognize a style that's similar to something I've heard before.
Having said that, I stand by my initial comments in the first paragraph.
I think it IS more rockabilly than country, but so what? I'm trying to get beyond pigeonholing music. If I like it, I like it, and I try not to care what genré it is or who it sounds like, although I do sorta tend to flaunt my musical (lack of) knowledge if I recognize a style that's similar to something I've heard before.
Having said that, I stand by my initial comments in the first paragraph.
wow, haven't heard this in ages. excellent song.
Original on 7inch Vinyl by "The Cowad Brothers" ( Elvis C & TBone B)
It's wonderful.......
It's wonderful.......
Here is the cover art...
squidish wrote:
Nope, he's from Liverpool - you can still hear a bit of his Scouser accent, when he talks.
He's from London.
Nope, he's from Liverpool - you can still hear a bit of his Scouser accent, when he talks.
WonderLizard wrote:
Crocky thinks lizards are cute. Cute food.
Man, that's cold. Lizards rule.
Crocky thinks lizards are cute. Cute food.
planet_lizard wrote:
Man, that's cold. Lizards rule.
Parrothead is a good example of one that has average talent that has made it big in the RP forums. Maybe it's because he's from a cramped cage that hasn't been cleaned for a while?
Man, that's cold. Lizards rule.
FallenMissAmerica wrote:
That is, without question, the most idiotic thing anyone has ever said on this board. Given that we've had Excelsior and physicsgenius here, that's quite a bit to say.
All good talent comes from England, all good scandal is from the US.....
That is, without question, the most idiotic thing anyone has ever said on this board. Given that we've had Excelsior and physicsgenius here, that's quite a bit to say.
this is about the only thing i've heard with elvis costello that i can stand
stickers11 wrote:
Fair enough, but our Elvis did have a 'country phase' a while back which IMO should have a veil drawn quietly over it.
This sounds more like rockabilly or something but not C&W...
Fair enough, but our Elvis did have a 'country phase' a while back which IMO should have a veil drawn quietly over it.
I usually dig Elvis Costello.. but I find this tune to be, quite frankly, very boring.
On another note, Bruce Thomas is one awesome bass player. What a genius.
On another note, Bruce Thomas is one awesome bass player. What a genius.
All good talent comes from England, all good scandal is from the US..... FallenMissAmerican
Now how can I wish you well on you ex-pat-ing?
Carly wrote:
this is a new sound for me to associate with Elvis Costello. the other stuff i've heard of his seems to sound a lot different. i prefer the sound of this song....
He has a lot of different sounds he's explored in his career, this one is from the King of America CD sessions but not on the original release, but a bonus track available on the reissued CD.
That CD, which is excellent, is more acoustic, folk music influenced, drawing from Dylan, Eric Burdon and the Animals and the early '60's folk-pop scene as a musical backdrop for EC to write great lyrics encompassing personal relationships, political scandal, moronic wars, and social injustices performed within a very tuneful melodic folk-pop context playing acoustic guitar with organ and electric guitar riffs much like Highway 61 era Dylan. His song about domestic violence leading to the destabilization and neofascism of societies ("Little Palaces") alone is worth the price of admission, but every song on it is great. It's a great CD. If you like this song, try the CD.
Parrothead is a good example of one that has average talent that has made it big in the RP forums. Maybe it's because he's from a cramped cage that hasn't been cleaned for a while?
All good talent comes from England, all good scandal is from the US.....
T-Bone Burnett's a living legend who can make anyone sound great!
Just look at his list of production credits...
parrothead wrote:
Elvis Costello is a good example of one that has average talent that has made it big in the music business.Maybe it's because he's from Liverpool England?
Average talent? You haven't actually listened to much of his music, have you? If the guy who wrote "Imperial Bedroom" was of average talent, this would be one hell of a talented planet.
He is a brilliant lyricist and composer, and his chord structures & melodies are like no other. You, parrothead, are just dead wrong.
stickers11 wrote:
This sounds more like rockabilly or something but not C&W...
Sounds like the Dead. Not just a little either, very much so.
Hmmm...sorta interesting. Parts of it sound a lot like Timbuk3.
fredriley wrote:
Yeucch! I can't bear C&W, even if it's done by the otherwise admirable Elvis Costello. What was he thinking in getting involved in this lachrymose reactionary genre? Ah well, even Homer nods...
This sounds more like rockabilly or something but not C&W...
The People's limousine? Is that the one Kim Jong Il is riding? 
I have to admit, much as I generally hate C&W, this outside the box. Kickin'!
Uugh.. horrible. He should stay home and give his wife more sex instead of wasting his time in the studio.
Govi wrote:
What Elvis cannot do is select and play good music. A talented musician and composer who has totally wasted his talent on attempting to replicate the art of others in a slightly altered form, without success.
Gee, it's almost as if you don't *like* Elvis.
Normally I don't dig Elvis, but this is surprisingly ok.
Yeucch! I can't bear C&W, even if it's done by the otherwise admirable Elvis Costello. What was he thinking in getting involved in this lachrymose reactionary genre? Ah well, even Homer nods...
It's a chilly Florentine evening
Two men in evening hats
Telling tales of the underground and
fishing for Reds
Policemen armed with Uzis
stand guard but they don't speak
Ain't seen no Michaeangelo
he'll be here next week.
The girl in the shoes
with the crystal heels went chaperoned by her brother
They raise a glass of amber wine
take pictures of each other
of the policemen in the fountains
and the sickle and the hammer
and they came with Uncle Romulus
with his walking cane and camera
She looked like someone's girlfriend
she looked like a dream
she looked as unlikely
as the people's limousine.
Come and sit by me, girl, before I breathe the breath out of you
Hush your mouth and cover your eyes for I'll tell your father of you
He paid to have you painted in the company of angels
Only to find you flirting anew with Chico Marx and perverted Engels
The patron saint of television smiles down from the shelf
Romulus can't criticize but he can't bless himself
He has a tin of pea-green paint and a big roll of black tape
To vandalize these obscenities then make his escape
She walked up to the nice policeman and asked him for a match
He saw Romulus approaching and slipped off the safety catch
Then cut down her uncle, he was painted red and green
Just as she was kidnapped in the people's limousine.
this is a new sound for me to associate with Elvis Costello. the other stuff i've heard of his seems to sound a lot different. i prefer the sound of this song....
parrothead wrote:
Elvis Costello is a good example of one that has average talent that has made it big in the music business.Maybe it's because he's from Liverpool England?
He's from London. Elvis is able to work in any musical style (singing with the SF Symphony, The Brodsky Quartet) including jazz, pop, country, punk, and is one of our generation's best lyricists. Hardly average.
Greetings,
T-Bone Burnett is no slouch, either! Playing guitar for Bob Dylan, producing all sorts of folks from Los Lobos to Leo Kottke to "Brother, Where Art Thou?" -- good stuff, all!
Neil
lmic wrote:
Short answer: "My Aim is True" was released in 19-frackin'-77!!!
When we become accustomed to something simply because it's become the norm that, at its inception, was revolutionary...... yes, it may seem uninspired to current eyes 'n' ears. Witness flix from Orson Welles, or John Ford, or Scorcese, e.g.... That their formerly fresh devices have been approrpriated and conventionalized into the mainstream may well diminish their impact, but not their basic quality!
Elvis is like, roots-Mod! In his day, he beyond was rad! (And, I think, still is...)
I enjoy the Battlestar reference :-)
parrothead wrote:
Elvis Costello is a good example of one that has average talent that has made it big in the music business.Maybe it's because he's from Liverpool England?
Your handle would indicate a fondness for Jimmy Buffett..Now there is a career that's lasted way to long on below average talent. And Liverpool had nothing to do with it!!!
parrothead wrote:
Elvis Costello is a good example of one that has average talent that has made it big in the music business.Maybe it's because he's from Liverpool England?
Short answer: "My Aim is True" was released in 19-frackin'-77!!!
When we become accustomed to something simply because it's become the norm that, at its inception, was revolutionary...... yes, it may seem uninspired to current eyes 'n' ears. Witness flix from Orson Welles, or John Ford, or Scorcese, e.g.... That their formerly fresh devices have been approrpriated and conventionalized into the mainstream may well diminish their impact, but not their basic quality!
Elvis is like, roots-Mod! In his day, he beyond was rad! (And, I think, still is...)
parrothead wrote:
Elvis Costello is a good example of one that has average talent that has made it big in the music business.Maybe it's because he's from Liverpool England?
The thing about him is he is such an anomaly. What could be more punk than a lad from Liverpool doing country? I love him.. and I can't judge how he comes across in Nashville cos I ain't from Nashville either, but, hell, I love his spirit!
parrothead wrote:
Elvis Costello is a good example of one that has average talent that has made it big in the music business.Maybe it's because he's from Liverpool England?
I wish I had 1/2 of his average talent.
crowhog2000 wrote: 
:nodhead:
... OK ... 
...
:nodhead: ...
pvcnote wrote:
I'm "THE FIRST" 
Can I "enrol" as well.
The man can't sing !!
Elvis Costello is a good example of one that has average talent that has made it big in the music business.Maybe it's because he's from Liverpool England?
jammin'.....sorry dude! this tune rawks!
Glitterbug wrote:
Am I the only one who can't stand E. Costello? He just doesn't 
do it for me...
I'm "THE FIRST" do it for me...
Am I the only one who can't stand E. Costello? He just doesn't do it for me...
do it for me... Govi wrote:
What Elvis cannot do is select and play good music. A talented musician and composer who has totally wasted his talent on attempting to replicate the art of others in a slightly altered form, without success.
I beg to differ with you.
meadowwoods wrote:
I had to get up to dance to this one...
What CAN'T Elvis Costello do?
What Elvis cannot do is select and play good music. A talented musician and composer who has totally wasted his talent on attempting to replicate the art of others in a slightly altered form, without success.
I had to get up to dance to this one...
What CAN'T Elvis Costello do?
First time hearing this. Not bad.
And I've never cared for T-Bone's voice but in this track it blends with EC's quite well.
Elvis has always done country well.
Wow. This reminds me of The New Riders of The Purple Sage. Their old stuff that is.
I've had a problem with Costello's voice before, but here, with that upbeat folksy country beat it works great!
I've never heard this before. When it opened, I was thinking, "Buddy Holly?"...
Pretty good.
Hmmm. This song was added to the CD version of the great King of America album, and I always thought it was just a shitty outtake. Almost every song on King of America is infinitely better than this. (IMHO of course.)
:nodhead: Platypus wrote:
This is a nice addition to the EC catalogue.
wow! decent Elvis... who knew?
Now, now....
This is a nice addition to the EC catalogue.
What a tune!! For a little history, this was released under the name "The Coward Brothers" as a single in 1985. There is no mention of T-Bone and Elvis.
Crap! That makes me feel old...I still have the single!
Crap! That makes me feel old...I still have the single!Yeeeee-haaaawwwww! Yippy-ay-oh-ki-yay!
Ahem.
I guess I got carried away there for a minute. Must be that ****-kickin' music from Ten-o-see that got to me.
Ah... my favorite Elvis...
First time hearing this and it\'s great! :D
wow! decent Elvis... who knew?
limousine ;)
The alternative Everly Brothers? Nice mix, though even when Elvis Costello's is doing backing vocals, he keeps sounding like a leadvocalist.
c.