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Post by Guest on Oct 26, 2019 12:45:04 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Oct 26, 2019 12:54:06 GMT -5
Thanks for posting, it's about time... I give EC credit for changing his opinion, and even choosing to view the documentary would have surprised me... For convenience, the direct link to the article: www.elviscostello.com/#!/news/298768 |
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Post by RobGNYC on Oct 26, 2019 13:18:50 GMT -5
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Post by the Scribe on Oct 26, 2019 15:47:47 GMT -5
 LINDA RONSTADT"In very different times, my reaction to having my songs recorded by other singers was downright suspicious, territorial and, at times even a little hostile. To say the least, I lacked grace.
Five years ago, shortly before an encore performance of "Alison", I told the audience at the Hollywood Bowl, that it was Linda Ronstadt's rendition of that song - which was featured on her big hit album "Living In The U.S.A." - that kept petrol in our tour bus at a time when we were sharing double bill with everyone from Talking Heads to Eddie Money for a $1.99¢ ticket.
Linda Ronstadt and I have never met, so the stage seemed the next best place for such an acknowledgement.
I recently went to see "The Sound Of My Voice" at the Film Forum in NYC on an afternoon double-bill with the new documentary about Miles Davis. While the Miles film was filled with his wonderful music and startlingly vivid photographs and footage, the film mostly told me things I already knew, while the Linda Ronstadt movie was a completely surprising, clear-sighted and unsentimental look at her career, revealing an intelligence, self-awareness and sense of humour that was not always apparent in some of her male contemporaries from the early '70s
I used to joke that musicians invited some terrible curse by taking on my songs and how, having recorded one of my songs, Linda decided to push her luck by recording three more on her album "Mad Love" and the next thing she was singing Gilbert & Sullivan.
Of course, as someone who has spent their career doing the exact opposite of what has been expected of me, this was really a joke that was told against myself.
Nevertheless, I can't imagine a G&S operetta was actually the top of the record company wish list for one of their top recording superstars even if the piece ended up being a spectacular success.
The film tells us that Linda Ronstadt had to persuade her label boss at the WEA record group to bankroll her album with Nelson Riddle in a way that I was never obliged to wrangle with Warner Brothers, regarding the funding of "The Juliet Letters" but then my pop and rock and roll records weren't selling triple platinum, so they had less to lose.
I can't think of an artist of her commercial status who would have even proposed such a collaboration with Nelson Riddle let alone two albums of Mexican folk songs but the documentary shows these records to be a testament to artistic curiosity and daring.
It was a 2019 performance of one of those traditional songs, filmed in Linda's front room, flanked by her cousins that brought me to uncontrollable tears, so much so that I had to slip out of the theatre before the lights came up after the final credits.
My father's Parkinson's related decline saw his senses gradually eroded, until even his sense of taste for a dram was lost but even after his speech was reduced to a hoarse whisper, he was able to still negotiate a challenging tune like "The Way You Look Tonight".
Linda's commentary is frank about the impact of her illness on her ability to control her voice and sing to her own satisfaction but in that precious moment she appears undimmed in the way she could access the emotion of song, in the company of those family voices.
This version of "Party Girl" is a clip from a performance around the release of "Mad Love" - a memento of my less generous youth in so many ways but I urge you to see this wonderful documentary, whether or not you regard yourself a fan of the singer or her musical choices. Perhaps there are human qualities that endure beyond the fashionable poses we may have once affected.
With much respect. Elvis Costello.
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Post by Boo F'n' Hoo on Oct 26, 2019 15:51:53 GMT -5
My Guest Name also is my thoughts on Elvis Costello. 40 years too late to matter to me.
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Post by the Scribe on Oct 26, 2019 16:16:55 GMT -5
My Guest Name also is my thoughts on Elvis Costello. 40 years too late to matter to me.
I think his brash reaction to anyone recording his songs (especially a woman and especially Linda) bothered Linda's fans more than it bothered Linda. Over the years she has taken a lot of criticism for the entire Mad Love album which arguably is one of the best Rock records by anyone. And Alison was superb..Sanborn was superb.
(extract from Rolling Stone Review of LITUSA)
'It's telling that the best performance on the new record is one in which the artist expresses pity not
for herself but for another woman. "Alison" is an understated masterpiece that ranks with Linda
Ronstadt's very finest work. Surprisingly, the reversal of the singer's gender does remarkably little
violence to Elvis Costello's lyric. Instead, it's almost as if a sadder but wiser Ronstadt were
addressing with wary tenderness and a stern, hard-won strength her earlier persona, regretting her
victimization but refusing to indulge "the silly things" she said. And as Ronstadt argues with herself,
her voice and David Sanborn's buzzy alto sax merge sympathetically, divide and commingle once
more–mimicking each other in an intricate, eloquent pas de deux.'
A live version by Ms Ronstadt ( from Budokan Hall ,Tokyo, Japan, Feb.27 '79 ) has surfaced ; have a listen
www.mediafire.com/download.php?2jh9fezhth0
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Post by erik on Oct 26, 2019 17:39:25 GMT -5
I was one of those who gave this British interloper unshirted holy Hell for all the negativity and extreme shade he threw Linda's way. But now the "war", such as it ever was, is now over, and I'll just let bygones be bygones.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 26, 2019 19:35:25 GMT -5
I was one of those who gave this British interloper unshirted holy Hell for all the negativity and extreme shade he threw Linda's way. But now the "war", such as it ever was, is now over, and I'll just let bygones be bygones. I am with Erik on this one. EC ticked a lot of people off for his punkish attitude aggravated by alcohol. This is not an excuse, rather an explanation. Peter Asher wisely noted at the time that Elvis would be expected to trash Linda's recording. I recall that Elvis was so loutish that he used racial slurs, and was so obnoxious that rocker Bonnie Bramlett belted him (which EC admitted he deserved). I would hate to be held to things I said in my younger and more foolish days. Elvis made a most gracious and respectful statement, I am willing to wipe the slate clean... |
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Post by the Scribe on Oct 26, 2019 19:46:51 GMT -5
I was one of those who gave this British interloper unshirted holy Hell for all the negativity and extreme shade he threw Linda's way. But now the "war", such as it ever was, is now over, and I'll just let bygones be bygones. I am with Erik on this one. EC ticked a lot of people off for his punkish attitude aggravated by alcohol. This is not an excuse, rather an explanation. Peter Asher wisely noted at the time that Elvis would be expected to trash Linda's recording. I recall that Elvis was so loutish that he used racial slurs, and was so obnoxious that rocker Bonnie Bramlett belted him (which EC admitted he deserved). I would hate to be held to things I said in my younger and more foolish days. Elvis made a most gracious and respectful statement, I am willing to wipe the slate clean... Did Bonnie belt him because of his Linda Ronstadt comments or just because he was obnoxious? I think marriage and kids calmed him down a bit...as age will too. I wonder what his famous wife thinks of Linda and his comments? Such an unlikely match. |
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Post by erik on Oct 26, 2019 20:07:18 GMT -5
Quote by robertaxel:
I think Linda herself would be more than willing to bury whatever hatchet there was if she and EC got the chance to meet one another. Linda seems to be a forgiving person when the time is right, as it likely would be in this case (IMHO).
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Post by Deleted on Oct 26, 2019 20:44:43 GMT -5
"
Did Bonnie belt him because of his Linda Ronstadt comments or just because he was obnoxious? I think marriage and kids calmed him down a bit...as age will too. I wonder what his famous wife thinks of Linda and his comments? Such an unlikely match.
I think he was being an overall obnoxious SOB..
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Post by germancanadian on Oct 26, 2019 21:06:01 GMT -5
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Post by erik on Oct 26, 2019 21:53:14 GMT -5
Quote by robertaxel:
If memory serves me right, it was when Bonnie pointed out the similarities between EC's music at the time (1979) and 1960s R&B, that EC, reportedly more loaded than a two-dollar pistol, made the mistake of calling Brother Ray Charles a "blind, ignorant n***er", resulting in the aforementioned belting.
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Post by Belle on Oct 26, 2019 21:54:30 GMT -5
My Guest Name also is my thoughts on Elvis Costello. 40 years too late to matter to me.
I felt the exact same way when I first popped in to this thread. I was winding up a deft strike too, cuz I've hated on Elvis C for a long time.
Then I read it.
Elvis Costello is redeemed in my eyes after this.
How did that happen?!? In less than 5 minutes too...
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Post by RobGNYC on Oct 26, 2019 22:05:42 GMT -5
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Post by the Scribe on Oct 27, 2019 0:40:54 GMT -5
My Guest Name also is my thoughts on Elvis Costello. 40 years too late to matter to me. I felt the exact same way when I first popped in to this thread. I was winding up a deft strike too, cuz I've hated on Elvis C for a long time.
Then I read it. Elvis Costello is redeemed in my eyes after this. How did that happen?!? In less than 5 minutes too...
Didn't Elvis Costello do somewhat of a tribute to Linda at an appearance in Tucson in the not too distant past? Including a background of Linda from Living In The USA? I will have to research that. It was after that I forgave him but I think he regretted his early years for quite some time and has been making amends. I figured if Linda could then who am I not to. |
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Post by fabtastique on Oct 27, 2019 2:01:54 GMT -5
What a lovely article, even if it was long overdue !
It seemed a very childish approach at the time and thankfully it didn’t tarnish the success of either LITU or Mad Love .... and Elvis did well from the royalties as he acknowledged.
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Post by PoP80 on Oct 27, 2019 8:19:10 GMT -5
I'm pretty blown away by this change of heart, but I think the film educated him about Linda. Aside from his cockiness in the past, he was probably not that familiar with Linda's exceptional knowledge of music, integrity, and scope of her talent. That's why this documentary is so important for everyone to see. The fact that he admitted that he was brought to tears at the end of the film speaks volumes.
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Post by eddiejinnj on Oct 27, 2019 9:55:21 GMT -5
I was kind of uncontrollable at that point. I had made it through almost the whole movie until the scene at the end with her family. Just that emotional response at the end speaks volumes as to the impact that she can no longer sing as she wants has; especially on those who find Linda's music important in their lives. The reasons for sobbing are multi-faceted. eddiejinnj
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Post by 70smusicfan on Oct 27, 2019 10:33:34 GMT -5
I think the Elvis commentary is good, but it wallows in a modern failing I see far too often. Elvis admits his bad behavior, but never actually says "He's truly sorry." Not that Linda would care, but... I just saw a John Wayne film on afternoon TV yesterday where he repeatedly says, "Don't say you're sorry, it makes you look weak." But, nowadays everyone admits failures and then makes excuses and rationalizations, but never really apologize. I think a simple, "...and for that I am truly sorry." would make the commentary more sincere.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 27, 2019 10:55:41 GMT -5
I think the Elvis commentary is good, but it wallows in a modern failing I see far too often. Elvis admits his bad behavior, but never actually says "He's truly sorry." Not that Linda would care, but... I just saw a John Wayne film on afternoon TV yesterday where he repeatedly says, "Don't say you're sorry, it makes you look weak." But, nowadays everyone admits failures and then makes excuses and rationalizations, but never really apologize. I think a simple, "...and for that I am truly sorry." would make the commentary more sincere. You do make a valid point, however his heartfelt commentary signed 'With Much Respect' says a lot... |
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Post by erik on Oct 27, 2019 13:22:43 GMT -5
Quote by robertaxel:
Yes, and somehow I think people like The Duke missed that--it's more cowardly not to admit being wrong.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 27, 2019 13:39:21 GMT -5
I'm not surprised by Elvis Costello's original negative comments about Linda's versions of his songs. People in "the arts" are generally emotional people who become upset rather easily (read about "affect intensity"). But it's good that, even though he didn't actually say "I'm sorry," he at least expressed remorse. That's more than a lot of people ever do. So, +1 for Costello. And as long as I'm typing, a Happy Halloween to all. Boo!  --- |
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Post by eddiejinnj on Oct 27, 2019 17:53:09 GMT -5
Your post 70's reminds me of a 70's song. You know song I a thinking of probably and I truly agree with your analysis re: true apologetic remorse. eddiejinnj
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Post by eddiejinnj on Oct 27, 2019 18:06:48 GMT -5
70's says that people admit they are wrong but don't say they are sorry which shows remorse rather than acknowledge make excuses/ rationalize but not apologize. This is clearly illustrated in his first paragraph. Excuse - different times Rationalizes being territorial etc. at best his acknowledgement of being wrong was a lack of grace. I say this in defense of 70's proposition. I hadn't commented yet on this thread as I don't really have a particular opinion of EC. Never been an important artist to me. Not at all saying this to be mean or disrespectful of his personage. I remember it being ironic that he ended up doing more classic standard material. I also thought at the time of the Alison comment that he was simply wrong and lucky Linda even recorded it. eddiejinnj I am just make reference to his article/letter in analysis brought up in this thread.
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Post by Richard W on Oct 28, 2019 11:09:20 GMT -5
Changing one's opinion -- especially a well-vocalized, public opinion -- is extremely difficult. There's a lot of thought processes involved for a person to not only realize, but publicly admit, that their previous opinion was wrong.
Opinions, once formed, have an insidious life of their own, and do not give up their positions without a fight.
I give Costello credit for doing the (rare) hard work, additional points for even bothering to see the documentary, and an admiring tip of the hat for making his change of heart known.
I do not need to hear the words "I'm sorry." His lovely essay, and the fact that he took the time to write it, says more to me than those two words.
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Post by Partridge on Oct 28, 2019 13:02:35 GMT -5
My Guest Name also is my thoughts on Elvis Costello. 40 years too late to matter to me. I agree. Costello has had 40 years to make amends. I had always hoped that he would issue a sincere apology perhaps 20 years ago that might lead to a collaboration with Linda Ronstadt. After all, he has worked with many artists in her circle- Emmylou, Rosanne, Orbison. I only read his article once, but to me it seems what made him teary-eyed had very little to do with Linda or his previous words about her, but that her current health situation reminded him so much of his father, who also had a debilitating disease. |
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Post by Dianna on Oct 28, 2019 13:06:50 GMT -5
At the time, he was resentful of her and even jealous of her success. That's the vibe I'm getting. Oh well, he's grown up now.
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Post by the Scribe on Oct 28, 2019 15:06:35 GMT -5
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Post by eddiejinnj on Oct 28, 2019 15:12:01 GMT -5
I have mixed feelings re: that Hilburn guy, too. OK he made a book character based on her but slammed her most of the time. It seems at a time when she could use the positive feedback especially early on. Then see him in the movie like he is this Ronstadt affectionado. I could really care less that EC wrote that. I think it is quote better than nothing but in a lot of cases it may have been just as much or more for him than Linda. Never know, maybe his wife had input on it. Again, he is not important to me in my sphere of influence. If he and Linda became the best of friends I would be happy if she was but that doesn't mean that I am quote happy with the whole EC thing. Kind of similar when some thought Nicks at Linda's induction was kind of strange. eddiejinnj
PS: Yes, she did nail Party Girl big time and also Alison on the other thread.
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