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From the Archives: Interviews with Elvis Costello.

Two archive interviews with singer-songwriter Elvis Costello. First, we present a conversation from 1989, then we fast forward to an interview recorded earlier this year (1/27/94). In the late 1970s Costello burst out of Britain's pop-music scene as the angry young man with a fresh sound. He's known for making connections between different musical communities. He's collaborated with Paul McCartney, Ruben Blades, Aimee Mann of "'til Tuesday," David Was of "Was (Not Was)," and T. Bone Burnett. Now Costello is back with his original band, "The Attractions," and with producer Nick Lowe. Their latest release is "Brutal Youth," (Warner Bros).

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Other segments from the episode on June 24, 1994

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, June 24, 1994: Interviews with Elvis Costello; Interview with Nick Lowe; Commentary on the definition of "world music."
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16:14

From the Archives: British Songwriter Nick Lowe.

Rock musician and producer Nick Lowe. Lowe was a main figure of the British pub-rock scene in the early 70s, then in the late 70s Lowe joined forces with Dave Edmunds to form the band "Rockpile." At the same time, Lowe was producing albums for artists such as Elvis Costello and Graham Parker. Lowe went solo in '78, and had hits with "I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass," and "Cruel to be Kind." His production credits during that period included The Pretenders, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, and John Hiatt. (Originally broadcast 3/15/90)

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04:13

What World Music Is and Isn't.

Commentator Milo Miles discusses the definition of the term "world music." Miles discusses Angelique Kidjo, Deep Forest, Big Mountain.

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Transcripts are created on a rush deadline, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of Fresh Air interviews and reviews are the audio recordings of each segment.

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22:16

Singer/Songwriter Elvis Costello.

Singer/Songwriter Elvis Costello. In the late 1970s he burst out of Britain's pop-music scene with a sound and attitude never seen before. He was the angry young-man with a fresh sound. He's known for making connections between different musical communities. He's collaborated with Paul McCartney, Ruben Blades, Aimee Mann of "'til Tuesday," David Was of "Was (Not Was)," and T. Bone Burnett.

Interview
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46:47

A Pub Rocker and Pop Songwriter on Their New Collaboration

Musicians Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello join us to talk about their new collaborative album, "Painted From Memory." (Mercury) The two have been working together for nearly two years, beginning with the Grammy-nominated single "God Give Me Strength" (from the film "Grace of my Heart"), included on this album. Singer-songwriter Elvis Costello has recorded over 17 albums in his 25 year career. Composer Burt Bachrach is said to have revolutionized the sound of the sixties, with dozens of top ten hits, several Grammys and Academy Awards.

Interview
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35:44

Elvis Costello Brings His Guitar to the Fresh Air Studio.

Singer/songwriter Elvis Costello. Previously with the band The Attractions, he later went solo. Since then he has performed and recorded with The Brodsky Quartet and jazz guitarist Bill Frisell. He's written about 300 songs. His new release is "All This Useless Beauty" (Warner Bros) which he recorded with The Attractions.

Interview

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