Poll: The Angry Young Men of 1978.

Who do you love?

They all emerged at roughly the same time. They all emerged (more or less) out of the bar-band scene. They all came out of the UK. Each ended up as troubadours that transcended their original niche.

Not one of these talents was a "one hit wonder"; all still have thriving careers.

So, if push comes to shove-- which one do you love best? Is this comparison even fair?

 

EC by a mile!

 

Joe for me. I find his stuff more accessible.

 

The updated Elvis!

 

Can't necessarily argue with that as I love all 3 artists. But that doesn't mean they aren't at least somewhat related in theme, focus, origins or output. It's not just a coincidence they emerged all at the same time. One or the other must have left behind a trail of better songs (for you) than the rest.

I think most people would agree they were all plowing the same basic field circa '78. Yet, for some, one of these guys hit the bulls-eye more often than the rest.

 

Elvis is the king

 

That is the most impossible choice ever! I love Joe and I love Elvis. Too hard to choose. Both are brilliant, innovative, great songwriters, are constantly changing and evolving...impossible to decide!

 

Elvis gets the nod. "Armed Forces" is my favorite by EC, but JJ's "Look Sharp" is a very close second. Don't know much by Graham Parker.

 

As great as the debut albums for all three were, Graham Parker seemed to arrive the most fully formed with HOWLIN' WIND. And his SQUEEZING OUT SPARKS was also probably the most traditional hard rock any of the three released. You could play that record for your new wave allergic buddies without a peep.

 

I voted for Joe Jackson. I love Elvis, too, but Joe Jackson - well, he's "The Man".

 

Johnny Rotten!

 

Joe's last studio release (with the original band) "Volume 4" and Elvis' last "rock" album "The Delivery Man" both show these artists in a latter day career high. (They've both much left to say I'm sure!) (We're just about due for some more Joe as it's been 4 (!) years)

 

Of that lot? Elvis Costello.
But if the list included Peter Perrett...

 

Other.

Was Warren Zevon "angry"?

Elvis Costello is one of those people I know I'm supposed to like, but I have never quite gotten him. The most positive category I can put him in is "songwriters best performed by others."

Plus Elvis' records always sounded like Krap.

 

I liked Graham Parker quite a bit in the day, Joe Jackson...never really listened to him much (don't mean to say he's no good, haven't listened to anything of his for many years so I'm disqualified--oops, shouldn't have voted then), but EC..."This Year's Model" is still one of the best albums ever IMO.

Dale

 

There's a place in the world for the angry young man... uuuuuuuuuuuuuh Billy Joel people!

But on topic, I dunno Costello I guess.

 

Thanks for that, Steve! I just tried it and almost fell out of my chair laughing - you're right - but I'm a major EC fan - this revelation may have serious consequences on my future EC listening experiences...

 

There he is. I knew there was some other person I forgot, and you've nailed him, darn it. Yes, another such artist from the same time who should have been included in the list.

Randy Newman is a well-known influence on Elvis Costello, but he's too soft an influence on the dudes we're talking about here.

 

All three put out some great stuff but if I have to pick one, I'll go with Joe Jackson.

 

Joe Jackson wins easily for me. Like an updated Elton for the times, he was very tuneful and easy to hum along to.

Never cared for this version of Elvis. David Lee Roth said it best at the time. "The reason critics like Elvis Costello is because they all look like him." Angry young man? Boring young nerd to my ears. :thumbsdn: