Elvis Costello — Alison
Album: My Aim Is TrueAvg rating:
Your rating:
Total ratings: 1998
Length: 3:14
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Oh, it's so funny to be seein' you after so long, girl
And with the way you look I understand that you are not impressed
But I heard you let that little friend of mine
Take off your party dress
I'm not gonna get too sentimental
Like those other sticky Valentines
'Cause I don't know if you are lovin' somebody
I only know it isn't mine
Alison
I know this world is killin' you
Oh, Alison
My aim is true
Well, I see you've got a husband now
Did you leave your pretty fingers lying in the wedding cake?
You used to hold him right in your hand
I bet it took all he could take
Sometimes I wish that I could stop you from talkin'
When I hear the silly things that you say
I think somebody better put out the big light
'Cause I can't stand to see you this way
Alison
I know this world is killing you
Oh, Alison
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
And with the way you look I understand that you are not impressed
But I heard you let that little friend of mine
Take off your party dress
I'm not gonna get too sentimental
Like those other sticky Valentines
'Cause I don't know if you are lovin' somebody
I only know it isn't mine
Alison
I know this world is killin' you
Oh, Alison
My aim is true
Well, I see you've got a husband now
Did you leave your pretty fingers lying in the wedding cake?
You used to hold him right in your hand
I bet it took all he could take
Sometimes I wish that I could stop you from talkin'
When I hear the silly things that you say
I think somebody better put out the big light
'Cause I can't stand to see you this way
Alison
I know this world is killing you
Oh, Alison
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
Comments (186)add comment
My favorite Costello song!
Fergs wrote:
I'll drink to that -- here, here! (Or should I say -- hear, hear!)
Also regarding repeats... a lot of people don’t understand or appreciate just how rare and valuable Radio Paradise is. No commercials and music curated and mixed by a *real person* as well as the incredible depth and variety it plays? NO other streaming service comes close. Case closed.
I'll drink to that -- here, here! (Or should I say -- hear, hear!)
Matt_Maurer wrote:
Singing about shooting Alison is sentimental? Hmm.
(He said Linda Ronstadt didn't understand a single one of his songs, either; but he kept giving her the rights to cover them.)
Just truly sentimental sucker music! But glorious all the same!!!🎶😘🎶🐾🎶🐾🎶
Singing about shooting Alison is sentimental? Hmm.
(He said Linda Ronstadt didn't understand a single one of his songs, either; but he kept giving her the rights to cover them.)
My best friend is called Alison and when we were doing our Nurse Training together many, many years ago, I would sing this to her when we were having a few beers together to let off some steam on our down time. What a memory!
The one I LOVED.....Many years ago.....
Fergs wrote:
Also regarding repeats... a lot of people don’t understand or appreciate just how rare and valuable Radio Paradise is. No commercials and music curated and mixed by a *real person* as well as the incredible depth and variety it plays? NO other streaming service comes close. Case closed.
What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding?
This is such a great love song.
Every time Elvis C comes on, I quickly jump into the comments section to remind myself that I am not allowed to like this, and that it is “bad” music.
Drat - didn’t work this time either.
A solid 8 for me!
This one of my all time faves!
stegokitty wrote:
One of the few EC songs I can take.
WORD
stegokitty wrote:
One of the few EC songs I can take.
raga wrote:
I was going to write the same...
Using initials here almost got me wrong thinking, Eric Clapton, really?
One of the few EC songs I can take.
raga wrote:
I was going to write the same...
Using initials here almost got me wrong thinking, Eric Clapton, really?
I got my diverse taste in music by listening to WXPN- University of Pennsylvania college radio. This is where I had my first exposure to Elvis Costello. The DJ's there were 2nd to none. My favorite show was World Cafe.
Played this on the air during my first year in broadcasting. I agree with some that it didn’t fit in with “normal†Top40. Because we were a college station (but was run like a “real†station) we didn’t have to care about money so we played a mix of Top40 and rock and were the first to break new music. We were very unusual in that we did Elvis Costello, The Clash, Tom Petty etc.
What’s ironic is that we were the 2nd highest-rated station in the market because we had the balls (and ability) to mix it up and be brave. Funny the other stations didn’t copy our success.
I agree with one other comment... When I first played Elvis Costello I thought he was OK. I didn’t get it then but now realize Costello is a genius ahead of his time.
Just truly sentimental sucker music!
But glorious all the same!!!🎶😘🎶🐾🎶🐾🎶
Also regarding repeats... a lot of people don’t understand or appreciate just how rare and valuable Radio Paradise is. No commercials and music curated and mixed by a *real person* as well as the incredible depth and variety it plays? NO other streaming service comes close. Case closed.
Played this on the air during my first year in broadcasting. I agree with some that it didn’t fit in with “normal” Top40. Because we were a college station (but was run like a “real” station) we didn’t have to care about money so we played a mix of Top40 and rock and were the first to break new music. We were very unusual in that we did Elvis Costello, The Clash, Tom Petty etc.
What’s ironic is that we were the 2nd highest-rated station in the market because we had the balls (and ability) to mix it up and be brave. Funny the other stations didn’t copy our success.
I agree with one other comment... When I first played Elvis Costello I thought he was OK. I didn’t get it then but now realize Costello is a genius ahead of his time.
MountainMike37 wrote:
Easy now. It will be alright.
another radio paradise lie - at least the second time played in the past week!
maybe RP has a different calendar?
maybe RP has a different calendar?
Easy now. It will be alright.
MountainMike37 wrote:
The "Plays in last 30 days" number refers to our Main Mix. You're probably listening to our Mellow Mix. We'll be changing the way that data is displayed, as it is definitely confusing at the moment.
another radio paradise lie - at least the second time played in the past week!
maybe RP has a different calendar?
maybe RP has a different calendar?
The "Plays in last 30 days" number refers to our Main Mix. You're probably listening to our Mellow Mix. We'll be changing the way that data is displayed, as it is definitely confusing at the moment.
I remember when this came out. Elvis Costello didn't do much for me at the time. If you'd asked me about his music then I might have used dismissive terms. Recently though when his music crops up on RP I often think: "Oh. I get it now."
Funny old life.
Funny old life.
another radio paradise lie - at least the second time played in the past week!
maybe RP has a different calendar?
maybe RP has a different calendar?
Steely_D wrote:
While I somewhat admire the idea that you present, I'm not sure this ushered much into the mainstream. Based upon your argument using the top-16 songs of 76. Here are the top 16 songs of 1978 (the following year to this album breaking):
1. Shadow Dancing, Andy Gibb
2. Night Fever, The Bee Gees
3. You Light Up My Life, Debby Boone
4. Stayin' Alive, The Bee Gees
5. Kiss You All Over, Exile
6. How Deep Is Your Love, The Bee Gees
7. Baby Come Back, Player
8. (Love Is) Thicker Than Water, Andy Gibb
9. Boogie Oogie Oogie, A Taste Of Honey
10. Three Times a Lady, The Commodores
11. Grease, Frankie Valli
12. I Go Crazy, Paul Davis
13. You're the One That I Want, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John
14. Emotion, Samantha Sang
15. Lay Down Sally, Eric Clapton
16. Miss You, The Rolling Stones
While I grant you there are 2 greats on this list, coming in the last 2 places, those songs are from established rock artists and not from the new wave. Otherwise, the disco/pop in the list (although some of it quite fun and kitchy) is basically the same as 1976. This is true of pop music in general. Never use the top hits to make an argument about meaningful music.
How about 1979?:
1. My Sharona, The Knack
2. Bad Girls, Donna Summer
3. Le Freak, Chic
4. Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?, Rod Stewart
5. Reunited, Peaches and Herb
6. I Will Survive, Gloria Gaynor
7. Hot Stuff, Donna Summer
8. Y.M.C.A., Village People
9. Ring My Bell, Anita Ward
10. Sad Eyes, Robert John
11. Too Much Heaven, The Bee Gees
12. MacArthur Park, Donna Summer
13. When You're In Love With a Beautiful Woman, Dr. Hook
14. Makin' It, David Naughton
15. Fire, Pointer Sisters
16. Tragedy, The Bee Gees
76 might have been better than 78 or 79 based on it's top 16.
BTW: This is one of my favorites from Elvis. A classic.
Folks don't remember what pop radio was like when this album broke around 1977. Here were the top hits of 76:
1"Silly Love Songs"Wings2"Don't Go Breaking My Heart"Elton John & Kiki Dee3"Disco Lady"Johnnie Taylor4"December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)"The Four Seasons5"Play That Funky Music"Wild Cherry6"Kiss and Say Goodbye"The Manhattans7"Love Machine"The Miracles8"50 Ways to Leave Your Lover"Paul Simon9"Love Is Alive"Gary Wright10"A Fifth of Beethoven"Walter Murphy & The Big Apple Band11"Sara Smile"Hall & Oates12"Afternoon Delight"Starland Vocal Band13"I Write the Songs"Barry Manilow14"Fly, Robin, Fly"Silver Convention15"Love Hangover"Diana Ross16"Get Closer"Seals and Crofts
Fortunately, along came the edgier sounds of New Wave, which basically included Elvis, The Cars, Devo, Pretenders, Tom Petty. They couldn't get played on regular top 40 radio because they didn't fit the picture at that time. They don't fit in that list above, do they?
So folks can complain all they want about this tune, but it represents an open door, the beginning of better times.
The people complaining? Sometimes I wish that I could STOP you from talking when I hear the silly things that you say.
1"Silly Love Songs"Wings2"Don't Go Breaking My Heart"Elton John & Kiki Dee3"Disco Lady"Johnnie Taylor4"December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)"The Four Seasons5"Play That Funky Music"Wild Cherry6"Kiss and Say Goodbye"The Manhattans7"Love Machine"The Miracles8"50 Ways to Leave Your Lover"Paul Simon9"Love Is Alive"Gary Wright10"A Fifth of Beethoven"Walter Murphy & The Big Apple Band11"Sara Smile"Hall & Oates12"Afternoon Delight"Starland Vocal Band13"I Write the Songs"Barry Manilow14"Fly, Robin, Fly"Silver Convention15"Love Hangover"Diana Ross16"Get Closer"Seals and Crofts
Fortunately, along came the edgier sounds of New Wave, which basically included Elvis, The Cars, Devo, Pretenders, Tom Petty. They couldn't get played on regular top 40 radio because they didn't fit the picture at that time. They don't fit in that list above, do they?
So folks can complain all they want about this tune, but it represents an open door, the beginning of better times.
The people complaining? Sometimes I wish that I could STOP you from talking when I hear the silly things that you say.
While I somewhat admire the idea that you present, I'm not sure this ushered much into the mainstream. Based upon your argument using the top-16 songs of 76. Here are the top 16 songs of 1978 (the following year to this album breaking):
1. Shadow Dancing, Andy Gibb
2. Night Fever, The Bee Gees
3. You Light Up My Life, Debby Boone
4. Stayin' Alive, The Bee Gees
5. Kiss You All Over, Exile
6. How Deep Is Your Love, The Bee Gees
7. Baby Come Back, Player
8. (Love Is) Thicker Than Water, Andy Gibb
9. Boogie Oogie Oogie, A Taste Of Honey
10. Three Times a Lady, The Commodores
11. Grease, Frankie Valli
12. I Go Crazy, Paul Davis
13. You're the One That I Want, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John
14. Emotion, Samantha Sang
15. Lay Down Sally, Eric Clapton
16. Miss You, The Rolling Stones
While I grant you there are 2 greats on this list, coming in the last 2 places, those songs are from established rock artists and not from the new wave. Otherwise, the disco/pop in the list (although some of it quite fun and kitchy) is basically the same as 1976. This is true of pop music in general. Never use the top hits to make an argument about meaningful music.
How about 1979?:
1. My Sharona, The Knack
2. Bad Girls, Donna Summer
3. Le Freak, Chic
4. Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?, Rod Stewart
5. Reunited, Peaches and Herb
6. I Will Survive, Gloria Gaynor
7. Hot Stuff, Donna Summer
8. Y.M.C.A., Village People
9. Ring My Bell, Anita Ward
10. Sad Eyes, Robert John
11. Too Much Heaven, The Bee Gees
12. MacArthur Park, Donna Summer
13. When You're In Love With a Beautiful Woman, Dr. Hook
14. Makin' It, David Naughton
15. Fire, Pointer Sisters
16. Tragedy, The Bee Gees
76 might have been better than 78 or 79 based on it's top 16.
BTW: This is one of my favorites from Elvis. A classic.
stegokitty wrote:
I was going to write the same...
One of the few EC songs I can take.
I was going to write the same...
Steely_D wrote:
As a child of the 70's, I consider at least half those tracks to be 'classics' in their own right... I mean, who hasn't danced (or laughed) their ass off to Play That Funky Music or Love Machine in the past two decades? If you're over 38, admit it: you can sing along with Don't Go Breaking My Heart, I Write the Songs, Silly Love Songs and/or Get Closer. A Fifth of Beethoven is one of my ringtones. Oh, What a Night is a great little pop song (was it in Guardians of the Galaxy? if not, it should be in the sequel). 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover is probably played on this here radio station...
Folks don't remember what pop radio was like when this album broke around 1977. Here were the top hits of 76:
1"Silly Love Songs"Wings2"Don't Go Breaking My Heart"Elton John & Kiki Dee3"Disco Lady"Johnnie Taylor4"December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)"The Four Seasons5"Play That Funky Music"Wild Cherry6"Kiss and Say Goodbye"The Manhattans7"Love Machine"The Miracles8"50 Ways to Leave Your Lover"Paul Simon9"Love Is Alive"Gary Wright10"A Fifth of Beethoven"Walter Murphy & The Big Apple Band11"Sara Smile"Hall & Oates12"Afternoon Delight"Starland Vocal Band13"I Write the Songs"Barry Manilow14"Fly, Robin, Fly"Silver Convention15"Love Hangover"Diana Ross16"Get Closer"Seals and Crofts
Fortunately, along came the edgier sounds of New Wave, which basically included Elvis, The Cars, Devo, Pretenders, Tom Petty. They couldn't get played on regular top 40 radio because they didn't fit the picture at that time. They don't fit in that list above, do they?
So folks can complain all they want about this tune, but it represents an open door, the beginning of better times.
The people complaining? Sometimes I wish that I could STOP you from talking when I hear the silly things that you say.
1"Silly Love Songs"Wings2"Don't Go Breaking My Heart"Elton John & Kiki Dee3"Disco Lady"Johnnie Taylor4"December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)"The Four Seasons5"Play That Funky Music"Wild Cherry6"Kiss and Say Goodbye"The Manhattans7"Love Machine"The Miracles8"50 Ways to Leave Your Lover"Paul Simon9"Love Is Alive"Gary Wright10"A Fifth of Beethoven"Walter Murphy & The Big Apple Band11"Sara Smile"Hall & Oates12"Afternoon Delight"Starland Vocal Band13"I Write the Songs"Barry Manilow14"Fly, Robin, Fly"Silver Convention15"Love Hangover"Diana Ross16"Get Closer"Seals and Crofts
Fortunately, along came the edgier sounds of New Wave, which basically included Elvis, The Cars, Devo, Pretenders, Tom Petty. They couldn't get played on regular top 40 radio because they didn't fit the picture at that time. They don't fit in that list above, do they?
So folks can complain all they want about this tune, but it represents an open door, the beginning of better times.
The people complaining? Sometimes I wish that I could STOP you from talking when I hear the silly things that you say.
As a child of the 70's, I consider at least half those tracks to be 'classics' in their own right... I mean, who hasn't danced (or laughed) their ass off to Play That Funky Music or Love Machine in the past two decades? If you're over 38, admit it: you can sing along with Don't Go Breaking My Heart, I Write the Songs, Silly Love Songs and/or Get Closer. A Fifth of Beethoven is one of my ringtones. Oh, What a Night is a great little pop song (was it in Guardians of the Galaxy? if not, it should be in the sequel). 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover is probably played on this here radio station...
Steely_D wrote:
Absolutely - Elvis was the thin end of the wedge on the radio stations in my area at the time and fortunately their formats weren't as rigid as they are now. Soon I was hearing Talking Heads, XTC, Motels, Romeo Void. It was like being back in high school and listening to the transistor radio after dark so I could hear Cream and Hendrix on the NYC stations. Rock continues to progress, you just have to find the new stuff on the internet these days.
Folks don't remember what pop radio was like when this album broke around 1977. Here were the top hits of 76:
1"Silly Love Songs"Wings2"Don't Go Breaking My Heart"Elton John & Kiki Dee3"Disco Lady"Johnnie Taylor4"December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)"The Four Seasons5"Play That Funky Music"Wild Cherry6"Kiss and Say Goodbye"The Manhattans7"Love Machine"The Miracles8"50 Ways to Leave Your Lover"Paul Simon9"Love Is Alive"Gary Wright10"A Fifth of Beethoven"Walter Murphy & The Big Apple Band11"Sara Smile"Hall & Oates12"Afternoon Delight"Starland Vocal Band13"I Write the Songs"Barry Manilow14"Fly, Robin, Fly"Silver Convention15"Love Hangover"Diana Ross16"Get Closer"Seals and Crofts
Fortunately, along came the edgier sounds of New Wave, which basically included Elvis, The Cars, Devo, Pretenders, Tom Petty. They couldn't get played on regular top 40 radio because they didn't fit the picture at that time. They don't fit in that list above, do they?
So folks can complain all they want about this tune, but it represents an open door, the beginning of better times.
The people complaining? Sometimes I wish that I could STOP you from talking when I hear the silly things that you say.
1"Silly Love Songs"Wings2"Don't Go Breaking My Heart"Elton John & Kiki Dee3"Disco Lady"Johnnie Taylor4"December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)"The Four Seasons5"Play That Funky Music"Wild Cherry6"Kiss and Say Goodbye"The Manhattans7"Love Machine"The Miracles8"50 Ways to Leave Your Lover"Paul Simon9"Love Is Alive"Gary Wright10"A Fifth of Beethoven"Walter Murphy & The Big Apple Band11"Sara Smile"Hall & Oates12"Afternoon Delight"Starland Vocal Band13"I Write the Songs"Barry Manilow14"Fly, Robin, Fly"Silver Convention15"Love Hangover"Diana Ross16"Get Closer"Seals and Crofts
Fortunately, along came the edgier sounds of New Wave, which basically included Elvis, The Cars, Devo, Pretenders, Tom Petty. They couldn't get played on regular top 40 radio because they didn't fit the picture at that time. They don't fit in that list above, do they?
So folks can complain all they want about this tune, but it represents an open door, the beginning of better times.
The people complaining? Sometimes I wish that I could STOP you from talking when I hear the silly things that you say.
Absolutely - Elvis was the thin end of the wedge on the radio stations in my area at the time and fortunately their formats weren't as rigid as they are now. Soon I was hearing Talking Heads, XTC, Motels, Romeo Void. It was like being back in high school and listening to the transistor radio after dark so I could hear Cream and Hendrix on the NYC stations. Rock continues to progress, you just have to find the new stuff on the internet these days.
One of the few EC songs I can take.
notremotely wrote:
And I thought you went all Joseph Conrad on me...
Sadly, this song died for me the night Billy butchered it serenading Allison, on Melrose Place. I can't hear it without thinking of that show.
Oh the horror.
And by horror, I mean Billy's frightful singing and the atrocity that was Melrose Place, as well as my tv-watching taste at that time. (College dorm days, what can I say?)
Oh the horror.
And by horror, I mean Billy's frightful singing and the atrocity that was Melrose Place, as well as my tv-watching taste at that time. (College dorm days, what can I say?)
And I thought you went all Joseph Conrad on me...
Folks don't remember what pop radio was like when this album broke around 1977. Here were the top hits of 76:
1"Silly Love Songs"Wings2"Don't Go Breaking My Heart"Elton John & Kiki Dee3"Disco Lady"Johnnie Taylor4"December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)"The Four Seasons5"Play That Funky Music"Wild Cherry6"Kiss and Say Goodbye"The Manhattans7"Love Machine"The Miracles8"50 Ways to Leave Your Lover"Paul Simon9"Love Is Alive"Gary Wright10"A Fifth of Beethoven"Walter Murphy & The Big Apple Band11"Sara Smile"Hall & Oates12"Afternoon Delight"Starland Vocal Band13"I Write the Songs"Barry Manilow14"Fly, Robin, Fly"Silver Convention15"Love Hangover"Diana Ross16"Get Closer"Seals and Crofts
Fortunately, along came the edgier sounds of New Wave, which basically included Elvis, The Cars, Devo, Pretenders, Tom Petty. They couldn't get played on regular top 40 radio because they didn't fit the picture at that time. They don't fit in that list above, do they?
So folks can complain all they want about this tune, but it represents an open door, the beginning of better times.
The people complaining? Sometimes I wish that I could STOP you from talking when I hear the silly things that you say.
1"Silly Love Songs"Wings2"Don't Go Breaking My Heart"Elton John & Kiki Dee3"Disco Lady"Johnnie Taylor4"December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)"The Four Seasons5"Play That Funky Music"Wild Cherry6"Kiss and Say Goodbye"The Manhattans7"Love Machine"The Miracles8"50 Ways to Leave Your Lover"Paul Simon9"Love Is Alive"Gary Wright10"A Fifth of Beethoven"Walter Murphy & The Big Apple Band11"Sara Smile"Hall & Oates12"Afternoon Delight"Starland Vocal Band13"I Write the Songs"Barry Manilow14"Fly, Robin, Fly"Silver Convention15"Love Hangover"Diana Ross16"Get Closer"Seals and Crofts
Fortunately, along came the edgier sounds of New Wave, which basically included Elvis, The Cars, Devo, Pretenders, Tom Petty. They couldn't get played on regular top 40 radio because they didn't fit the picture at that time. They don't fit in that list above, do they?
So folks can complain all they want about this tune, but it represents an open door, the beginning of better times.
The people complaining? Sometimes I wish that I could STOP you from talking when I hear the silly things that you say.
Shimmer wrote:
The backing band was Clover, two members of which from this collaboration would star in other bands. John McFee, a ridiculously talented multi-instrumentalist, has been with the Doobie Brothers for 35 years. Sean Hopper was (with Huey Lewis) the germination of Huey Lewis and the News. Clover's founder and leader, Alex Call, wrote Tommy Tutone's "Jenny/867-5309." Pretty cool band. However, I agree with another poster, after Clover moved back to Mill Valley, Elvis had to find another band. The Attractions, as I would think the following albums would demonstrate, didn't lose a step.
I love this album. Wish he could've stayed with this band instead of forming the Attractions.
The backing band was Clover, two members of which from this collaboration would star in other bands. John McFee, a ridiculously talented multi-instrumentalist, has been with the Doobie Brothers for 35 years. Sean Hopper was (with Huey Lewis) the germination of Huey Lewis and the News. Clover's founder and leader, Alex Call, wrote Tommy Tutone's "Jenny/867-5309." Pretty cool band. However, I agree with another poster, after Clover moved back to Mill Valley, Elvis had to find another band. The Attractions, as I would think the following albums would demonstrate, didn't lose a step.
RP’s fixation with Elvis Costello is one of the great musical mysteries to me. I’m a long time RP listener and through the years I’ve heard a lot of Costello’s songs. All more or less as tasteless as a sugarless cake. With one notable exception. Which is “(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding”. The reason this song is so great is because it was actually written by Nick Lowe. Which pretty much says all about Elvis Costello.
Peter_Bradshaw wrote: 
.... Mr Costello at his very best 10
Agreed! My favorite by him.. Such a great song
"did he leave your pretty fingers lying in the wedding cake"....what a line!
.... Mr Costello at his very best 10Agreed! My favorite by him.. Such a great song
"did he leave your pretty fingers lying in the wedding cake"....what a line!
.... Mr Costello at his very best 10One of Elvis's best.
Great song.
Nice!
slippery wrote:
Why would someone call you "Alison"?
Pardon my french, but why in Gods name would anybody call their anus "Alison" ?
Why would someone call you "Alison"?
Once in the last 30 days... nowhere near often enough!!
Again?!?!?!? 10 times a day!!!!
awwwwwwwww.... just opened the site and I missed this by two songs !
I love the PSD button, now how about a PIA button, Play It Again; for times like these when one of my all time favorite songs just played.....and I missed it.
What ya think Bill, it's just one more button to code. Love you guys! Thanks for everything.
I love the PSD button, now how about a PIA button, Play It Again; for times like these when one of my all time favorite songs just played.....and I missed it.
What ya think Bill, it's just one more button to code. Love you guys! Thanks for everything.
ScottishWillie wrote:
Ok - without looking them up, name 5 - just 5 Elvis Costello albums that you didn't like. Otherwise...shut the ......
hippiechick wrote:
Possibly the only Elvis song I really like.
Not quite true for me, but certainly the only album of his that I ever liked.
Ok - without looking them up, name 5 - just 5 Elvis Costello albums that you didn't like. Otherwise...shut the ......
My second favorite country song, next to the Stones Wild Horses.
Doesn't get much better than this!!
Classic Elvis. Great stuff.
Pardon my french, but why in Gods name would anybody call their anus "Alison" ?
THE REAL KING ELVIS!
Hannio wrote:
Excuse me Sir, but prefer your vomit to this artist.
This song is so sweet! Oh, excuse me, I just vomited into my mouth a little.
Excuse me Sir, but prefer your vomit to this artist.
apd wrote:
I think the underlying hostility is the point.
Zackly! Thanks, you pegged it Edgy and lovely... plaintive, I'd say.
linden wrote:
I've always been creeped out by the underlying hostility of this song. Maybe I'm the only one who hears that.
I think the underlying hostility is the point.
I've always been creeped out by the underlying hostility of this song. Maybe I'm the only one who hears that.
I think the underlying hostility is the point.
hippiechick wrote:
Possibly the only Elvis song I really like.
Not quite true for me, but certainly the only album of his that I ever liked.
This is one of the best, I have faith in the world when most agree.
I like this music very much!!
Never get tired of this one!
All I can think of now when I hear this is when Billy sang it to Alison in an episode of Melrose Place. TV ruins everything.
Hannio wrote:
Dude, you vomit every time you opine.
This song is so sweet! Oh, excuse me, I just vomited into my mouth a little.
Dude, you vomit every time you opine.
What a great song-has stood up so well.
Pyro wrote:
I saw him interview Elton John on that show.
Well that wasn't the best episode, IMHO, but the series as a whole was great.
I saw him interview Elton John on that show.
Well that wasn't the best episode, IMHO, but the series as a whole was great.
Shimmer wrote:
No, no, no. The Attractions; Steve Nieve, Bruce Thomas and Pete Thomas, were a kick-ass band. Pop music bands don't much better than they were.
I love this album. Wish he could've stayed with this band instead of forming the Attractions.
No, no, no. The Attractions; Steve Nieve, Bruce Thomas and Pete Thomas, were a kick-ass band. Pop music bands don't much better than they were.
hippiechick wrote:
Possibly the only Elvis song I really like.
SweTex wrote:
I saw him interview Elton John on that show.
Did anyone but me see Elvis's "Spectacle" series he did on Sundance? Brilliant.
I saw him interview Elton John on that show.
Did anyone but me see Elvis's "Spectacle" series he did on Sundance? Brilliant.
HarrO wrote:
Yes and Yep.
Perfect. 10
Yes and Yep.
Perfect. 10
I love this album. Wish he could've stayed with this band instead of forming the Attractions.
Takes me back, way back - Introduced me to Elvis and been a fan ever since.
Possibly the only Elvis song I really like.
Hannio wrote:
I've always been creeped out by the underlying hostility of this song. Maybe I'm the only one who hears that.
This song is so sweet! Oh, excuse me, I just vomited into my mouth a little.
I've always been creeped out by the underlying hostility of this song. Maybe I'm the only one who hears that.
Excellent song. I'm glad it became a hit because it helped to get more airplay for his unique perspective and take on songs. His Watching the Detectives is one of my favorites of his.
Sadly, this song died for me the night Billy butchered it serenading Allison, on Melrose Place. I can't hear it without thinking of that show.
Oh the horror.
And by horror, I mean Billy's frightful singing and the atrocity that was Melrose Place, as well as my tv-watching taste at that time. (College dorm days, what can I say?)
Oh the horror.
And by horror, I mean Billy's frightful singing and the atrocity that was Melrose Place, as well as my tv-watching taste at that time. (College dorm days, what can I say?)
This song is so sweet! <blurp> Oh, excuse me, I just vomited into my mouth a little.
Surprised me to see Elvis Costello acting as one of the many fill-in hosts for David Letterman when he was recovering from his heart attack(?). Also surprised me how intelligent, witty and utterly capable Elvis was in this role. The guy was unassumingly but definitely impressive.
westslope wrote:
Ditto. Not a fan, but this one might be OK.
No, Elvis loses me on the chorus. I'm a bad Canadian. I do not like Costello's music.
The first time I ever heard this song, it was on the radio as my new bride and I pulled into the hotel parking lot on our honey moon. Years later, after we broke up, the first post-marriage girlfriend I had was named .... Alison. So was Elvis trying to tell me something? ;-)
I know the lysrics are depressing but I happen to know and love an Alison. Thanks, Bill! 
hcaudill wrote:
I once knew a girl named Angie. At one point, to be funny, I sang to her "Angie, Ayyyyyyyngie, they can't say we never tried". I expected her to roll her eyes and tell me I was the 108th guy to think of that. Turns out she had no idea what I was referring to - she had never heard the Rolling Stones song in her life! Can you imagine!
No, I cannot.
Was she raised by wolves in a cave or something?
morgsy67 wrote:
I'm not a fan of Elvis Costello- to the point where I reach for the mute when he is played.
For some reason this song is the only one I enjoy.
Ditto. Not a fan, but this one might be OK.
This reminds me of the summer of '87 with many of the evenings spent in my favorite college bar. We played this constantly on one of the very early CD jukeboxes. Ahhh them memories.
2->1
imadalfn2 wrote:
Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town 
Try having "Beth" by Kiss sung to you! My daughter's name is Ruby so she has some better song choices to sing to her. 
Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town
wferrier wrote:
One of his better songs and look who he married!!!!
https://www.dianakrall.com/
Gotta agree! Love the guitar, too!
One of his better songs and look who he married!!!!
https://www.dianakrall.com/
Absolutely incredible to hear/see live last night. Just Elvis, with no band. It was amazing. Truly.
ppak wrote:
How about this? My June bride and I both heard something in this song so....in the passage of time... we conceived a daughter named Alison. She grew up to be a college radio DJ and the name of her show is..."My Aim is True" - True Story
I wish I'd thought of that when I was a college radio DJ.
volnomad wrote:
One of my favorite songs. Would have been my daughter's name, had she not been a boy. 
How about this? My June bride and I both heard something in this song so....in the passage of time... we conceived a daughter named Alison. She grew up to be a college radio DJ and the name of her show is..."My Aim is True" - True Story
I remember when this LP came out, they didn't know how to classify him...classic stuff.
most excellent sound..very soulful
ThePoose wrote:
Veronica was about Costello's grandma who had dementia, and the song was co-written by Sir Paul.
And I believe Macca plays bass on it, too, but I'm not totally certain.
Try having "Beth" by Kiss sung to you! My daughter's name is Ruby so she has some better song choices to sing to her.
mortimer wrote:
So Elvis Costello is doing Lexus commercials now.
I would if I could.
I think "The Other Elvis" is a real genius.
This tune is not one of my favorites but still nice to listen to it.
Thx, RP!
I once knew a girl named Angie. At one point, to be funny, I sang to her "Angie, Ayyyyyyyngie, they can't say we never tried". I expected her to roll her eyes and tell me I was the 108th guy to think of that. Turns out she had no idea what I was referring to <...>
hcaudill, very nice anecdote, thanks' for that.
All those merry-go-round melodies we carry around, the World obviously round, all around, you-me-us, stay close, DNA waltz, centrifugal force : Two in One !
Then the sharp pin question of the Outsider blows up the System, just counterclockwise...
smileyally wrote:
Only about 108 guys have ever sung this song to me ever in my whole life...How about all you Wendys, judys, micheles, etc ?
I once knew a girl named Angie. At one point, to be funny, I sang to her "Angie, Ayyyyyyyngie, they can't say we never tried". I expected her to roll her eyes and tell me I was the 108th guy to think of that. Turns out she had no idea what I was referring to - she had never heard the Rolling Stones song in her life! Can you imagine!
volnomad wrote: For some reason I laughed about as hard about this comment as for almost any I've read here. And I've been listening and reading here for a LONG time.
One of my favorite songs. Would have been my daughter's name, had she not been a boy.
For some reason I laughed about as hard about this comment as for almost any I've read here. And I've been listening and reading here for a LONG time.
meydele wrote:
Not my favorite Elvis song (which is Veronica with Everyday I Write the Book a veryclose second). How about some Veronica, Bill?
Veronica was about Costello's grandma who had dementia, and the song was co-written by Sir Paul.
dmax wrote:
There was a period in the 80s-90s where Elvis put on so much weight he looked like Jerry Garcia. It gave us a chance to rework his songs.
Alison - My Aim Is Food
Two Big Hitlers
What's So Funny Bout Fats, Proteins, and Carbohydrates
Every Day I Write the Cookbook
We cracked ourselves up. And there were a lot more where this came from.
How about the 'Weight watching detectives'?
Elvis Costello and Stephen Stills once got into a fist fight at a club in Ohio. I would have loved to have seen that.
In March 1979, Costello capped off this productive period in his extra-artistic life by getting himself into a scrap with Stephen Stills (of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young fame) and Bonnie Bramlett (a minor singer from the '60s) in a hotel bar in Ohio. Again motivated by an unclear principle, he did his best to offend them, finally resorting to a burst of profanity and bigotry, capped with the assertion that Ray Charles was a "blind, ignorant ******."
I'm not a fan of Elvis Costello- to the point where I reach for the mute when he is played.
For some reason this song is the only one I enjoy.
Overlooking the story, which I'm sure is great, it's dull, bland, sleepy, and nasal, as usual.
Blah.
So Elvis Costello is doing Lexus commercials now. Rock and roll.
mute
This song continues to move me even after having heard it for so many years. It shows the stumbling of a woman's life as watched helplessly from the wings, and conveys it in a way that points up similar sorrows I've seen in my own life. What a song.
davin wrote:
I have to admit I am not an Elvis Costello fan, I find him incredibly cheesy pretty much all of the time. Just a taste thing I guess.
i agree-ith, ye ol' man of opinions.
...oh yeah, and here's the most closely related emoticon:
volnomad wrote:
One of my favorite songs. Would have been my daughter's name, had she not been a boy.
... that boy is going to be messed up.
So I gather you called him Al?
volnomad wrote:
One of my favorite songs. Would have been my daughter's name, had she not been a boy.
AliGator wrote: 
BillG knows I'm listening.
Aw, ain't it the TRUTH?!
Elvis is King
No, Carl Perkins King.
Elvis King.
Carl Perkins Night Train.
Tylor wrote:
Yes, a little too much Elvis in the building.
No such thing.
I have to admit I am not an Elvis Costello fan, I find him incredibly cheesy pretty much all of the time. Just a taste thing I guess.
One of my favorite songs. Would have been my daughter's name, had she not been a boy.
I think somebody better put out the big light 'cause I can't stand to see you this way.
So very, very good.
BillG knows I'm listening.
Catalytic wrote:
I've always loved this tune. Haven't become tired of it yet.
Amen ta that. 9
Zep wrote:
Maybe this will get played at MY wedding.
I know, I was hoping for six.
Anyway back in the day as a DJ I played this at a wedding reception, where the bride's name was indeed Alison. The groom (not the hippest dude in the room) heard the line about "take off your party dress" and stormed over wanting to know if I had ever had any relations with Alison.
Maybe this will get played at MY wedding.
rocteur wrote:
That's 4 Elvis Costello songs in 24 hours.
I know, I was hoping for six.
Anyway back in the day as a DJ I played this at a wedding reception, where the bride's name was indeed Alison. The groom (not the hippest dude in the room) heard the line about "take off your party dress" and stormed over wanting to know if I had ever had any relations with Alison.
Not my favorite Elvis song (which is Veronica with Everyday I Write the Book a veryclose second). How about some Veronica, Bill?
I've always loved this tune. Haven't become tired of it yet.
rocteur wrote:
That's 4 Elvis Costello songs in 24 hours.
I am starting to think that you should listen to RP only once a week, any more than that and the material get's too repetitive...
Wow, are we (by which I mean you) really sooo oversensitized to the Clear Channel habit of overplaying songs that we can't handle it when Bill plays different songs by the same artist 4 TIMES IN 24 FREAKIN HOURS!!!?? Or is it that you just don't like Elvis?