The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
(c)1998-2002; (c)2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
All other sections in this Literature Study Guide are owned and copyrighted by BookRags, Inc.
Born Declan Patrick Aloysius McManus, British singer, guitar-ist, and composer Elvis Costello has been a mainstay of the popular music scene since his 1977 debut disc, My Aim Is True. The son of a jazz bandleader, Costello rode to prominence on the initial wave of British punk—and thanks in part to a stage persona that made obvious reference to Buddy Holly. A gifted lyricist with a flair for wordplay, he did his best work in collaboration with the Attractions, a virtuoso backing band anchored by Bruce Thomas (bass), Pete Thomas (drums), and Steve Nieve (keyboards). The band's early records, polished to a metallic sheen by producer Nick Lowe, combined Beatlesque pop smarts with an appreciation for American soul. The best of these are This Year's Model, Armed Forces, and Trust. Costello escaped from Lowe's clutches to record what is considered his masterwork, 1982's lyrically bruising, intricately textured Imperial Bedroom.
Hinton, Brian. Elvis Costello: Let Them All Talk. London, Sanctuary Publishing, 1998.
Thomas, Bruce. The Big Wheel. New York, Faber & Faber, 1991.