Let the songs speak today about whatever they're about...

ELVIS COSTELLO ON THE THRILL OF SINGING WITH MACCA AND WHY THE OLD SONGS ON HIS NEW TOUR ARE STILL STRIKING A CHORD WITH AUDIENCES. BY CASEY COOPER-FISKE

- CASEY COOPER-FISKE

RELEASING his debut album in 1977, punk's biggest year, Elvis Costello's thoughtful social commentary and humorous lyrics never quite fitted in with the zeitgeist.

He'd signed to the legendary Stiff Records label, where punk adjacent artists Ian Dury, Wreckless Eric and Nick Lowe also found a home.

Yet performing songs such as Less Than Zero, about a filthy old fascist; Waiting For The End Of The World and Accidents Will Happen, while touring today, he's finding the words speak to modern audiences more than ever.

"None of these songs are written about what's going on, this is a complete coincidence," Elvis, 71, says.

"I just happen to have a lot of songs that sound like they were, of course, they were all written for different reasons, but when you list them like that, they sound almost like you're trying to be clairvoyant.

"So, I think you've got to be careful about not saying, 'Well, I told you so,' kind of attitude, and let the songs speak as they will today about whatever they're about.

"Accidents Will Happen is not about anything in the world of politics, it's about ducking responsibility to your lover."

Born in London, and spending his teenage years in Birkenhead, Wirral, Elvis's hit singles included Oliver's Army, (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding and Pump It Up and he scored 14 top 10 albums during his career.