Complicated Shadows: The Life and Music of Elvis Costello

By Graeme Thomson

Book Overview

Elvis Costello is undoubtedly one of the most important and challenging musicians of the last thirty years. Complicated Shadows paints a detailed portrait of an intensely private, complex, and creatively restless individual. It draws on a wealth of new research, including exclusive interviews with people from all stages of Costello's life and career: classmates, friends, members of his early bands, former lovers, members of the Attractions, producers, and various collaborators. Complicated Shadows unearths many previously unknown details about Costello's childhood in London and Liverpool and his early years as a struggling musician, as well as his turbulent personal life. It also reveals the circumstances surrounding his marriages to ex-Pogues bassist Cait O'Riordan and jazz singer Diana Krall, and the bitter breakup of his longtime backing band, the Attractions. Complicated Shadows contains a full examination and analysis of the entirety of Costello's vast and varied musical output, both in the studio and on the stage.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1841957968
• ISBN13: 9781841957968
• Release Date: April 2006
• Publisher: Canongate Us
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

From MacManus to Costello and back

No biography can ever have everything but for me this feels very in depth. I really appreciated the insights into Elvis' childhood. I knew Ross and Lillian ( parents ) were in the music business but I now have have clear visions of how Elvis' eclectic music roots flourished. I have 'loved' Elvis since 1978, personally I couldn't put the book down.

Very Happy !!

This arrived on time and in great condition. Recommend the seller. Great book too.

In a word...Excellent

This is without a doubt THE book on EC. I found it to be a REAL page turner, and was assembled in a brilliant way - especially the opening chapter. I honestly think Elvis himself would agree that it was done with accuracy, sensitivity and fairness. It's insightful, intelligent, and extremely interesting. A great bonus to go along with the fine research done are many never before seen, very interesting photos. Great Job Graeme!!!! You did the man proud!!

The best Costello bio I've seen

Elvis Costello has been my favorite artist since 1979, when in college I bought "Armed Forces" and was blown away. I quickly bought everything by him that I could find. Over the years I've also purchased several EC biographies (some obscure and now out of print). This new book is by far the best of the pack. It is very well written (by a Brit) and has literally hundreds of interesting tidbits I'd never heard before. It also fleshes out many well-known stories, answering a lot of questions in the process. It's a must-have if you're even a moderate fan of EC's music or enjoy good biographies of brilliant people.

GREAT BOOK!! BUY IT!!

Anyone interested in Elvis Costello should enjoy this book. Covers a lot of material that has previously been written about but is so well written and provides so much more new info that it is simply a must for your bookshelf. As an added bonus, it also provides a lot of great new photos. Just a wonderful read all around.