Absolutely outstanding

Even if you have never heard a note of EC’s brilliant music, this book will fascinate you and touch your heart. A tribute to several lifetimes of music and a reflection on 20th century rock and roll like no other. Elvis Costello seems like the Forest Gump of music turning up at many of the most important moments and recounting his behind-the-scenes perspective like a fly on the wall who is also playing a tune in the second act. What a gent!

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The Master Showman

I've got both the hardback and audible versions of Elvis Costello's autobiography. The man himself is the reader on the audiobook. This is a very fine account of Declan's life and his relationship with his father is touching. If you are looking for scandal and salacious stories then you won't find any here, except the well known Ray Charles incident. He talks about his collaborations with the likes of Sir Paul McCartney but keeps his personal relationships under wraps. I have had the privilege of seeing the great man six times and will be seeing him again next year at the London Palladium. He is fantastic live and he has written so many great songs. One could say Elvis is too self-critical and underplays his great talent for writing songs and performing live. In my opinion, he is the best songwriter and indoor live performer over the last 40 years.

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Perfection

This is quite simply the most honest and heartfelt musicians autobiography I have ever read.

The non-linear structure just adds to the joy of it.

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A superb biography for music lovers

A lovely biography passionately read by Elvis Costello himself. Wonderful stories and heartfelt memories.

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Needs staying power

If like me you know little more about the author that his late 70s early 80's career with The Attractions then you're in for a real eye opener.
Liked:
The narration by Elvis,.He's a great storyteller and has a relaxed, understated style that's easy to listen to. Needs to be as the tome is over 18 hours!
What I learned about the myriad of musicians that Elvis worked with and their music.
Discovering the broad talents and considerable reputation of the man himself.
The book isn't linear, it jumps about all over the timeline making it like a long chat with the author. 18 hours of 'next...' would have been tough.

Negatives
Many rambling sorties off track that just didn't hold my interest. Towards the end there's several minutes of something approaching a short story that seemed to have no context. It's pure self indulgence and happens too often, hence 18 hours of book! I wanted to ffwd too many times but resisted the urge to do so.

Overall it's a great insight in to what made the man. it's all about family and music, swerving any muck raking surrounding relationships and substance abuse. Stick with it's one for the music lovers.

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What a fabulous life

Wonderful recounted by that man himself - his eloquence prevalent in every phrase and observation - a master of the English language and one of the greatest songwriters from these shores.

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Great to hear Elvis narrating his autobiography.

I was 14 years old, very short-sighted and having to wear national health glasses (black frames) and very self-conscious, living in a working-class area of Paddington, when I first heard "watching that detectives", just new straight away this is going to be my music, Love the music stories, and Elvis talking about his family history.


Elvis makes a fine narrator

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Goes on a bit!

Good. Too many quotations. Too little information. I. E. No mention of failed marriage to 2nd wife or affair with Bebe buell

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Genius

Completely changed my opinion, a most impressive story well and honestly told . I am listening back to those old albums with a new appreciation

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Spectacle!

Fantastic book written and read perfectly by Mr. Costello.
I particularly enjoyed his vocal delivery and impressions.
When telling the story of his father's passing, hearing the emotion and hearing Elvis' voice slightly crack, brought a tear to my eye.
I do home Mr. Costello continues writing, as I'd love to hear him read another audio book.
A superb memoir.
Highly recommended!

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2 people found this helpful