Elvis Costello: The Quiz
Test your knowledge ofElvis Costello, whom Nick Paumgarten writes about in the November 8, 2010,issue of The New Yorker.
- 1.
In his piece in the magazine, Nick Paumgarten talks about Costello’s alter egos. Which of the following is not one of them?
- A.
Henry Coward
- B.
Napoleon Dynamite
- C.
The Beloved Entertainer
- D.
Howard Coward
Correct Answer
A. Henry CowardExplanation
Nick Paumgarten's piece in the magazine discusses Costello's alter egos. The answer, Henry Coward, is not mentioned as one of Costello's alter egos in the article.Rate this question:
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- 2.
How does lemonade factor into Costello's life?
- A.
It was his drink of choice when he quit alcohol.
- B.
He and his father recorded a television commercial for lemonade.
- C.
He and his wife always keep it in the refrigerator; it’s their twin boys’ favorite drink.
- D.
The word “lemonade” is part of the title of one of the first songs he ever wrote (as yet unreleased).
Correct Answer
B. He and his father recorded a television commercial for lemonade.Explanation
The correct answer is that Costello and his father recorded a television commercial for lemonade. This suggests that lemonade has some significance or importance in Costello's life, possibly due to his involvement in promoting or endorsing the product. This could indicate a professional connection to the beverage or a memorable experience related to it.Rate this question:
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- 3.
“Music critics hate me and love Elvis Costello because they all look like Elvis Costello.” Which singer said this?
- A.
Steve Perry
- B.
Bret Michaels
- C.
Bryan Ferry
- D.
David Lee Roth
Correct Answer
D. David Lee RothExplanation
David Lee Roth said this quote. He is suggesting that music critics have a bias towards Elvis Costello because they physically resemble him. This implies that their judgment of music may be influenced by personal factors rather than purely objective analysis.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Costello's song "Alison" was modelled in part on "Ghetto Child," by the Detroit Spinners, a group popular in the nineteen-seventies. Which of the following is another Spinners single?
- A.
“Mighty Love”
- B.
"He'll Never Love You Like I Do"
- C.
"This Is Your Life"
- D.
"Marionette"
Correct Answer
A. “Mighty Love” -
- 5.
Which of the below television shows has Costello appeared in?
- A.
“30 Rock”
- B.
“Will and Grace”
- C.
“Two and a Half Men”
- D.
“Treme”
Correct Answer(s)
A. “30 Rock”
C. “Two and a Half Men”
D. “Treme”Explanation
Watch Elvis Costello on the Simpsons.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Who tells Paumgarten that Costello “can toss off an album in an afternoon”?
- A.
Diana Krall
- B.
T Bone Burnett
- C.
Paul McCartney
- D.
Jake Riviera
Correct Answer
B. T Bone BurnettExplanation
T Bone Burnett tells Paumgarten that Costello "can toss off an album in an afternoon."Rate this question:
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- 7.
Nancy Franklin wrote in the magazine about Costello’s collaboration with Burt Bacharach. In which movie did the two musicians appear together?
- A.
“Notting Hill”
- B.
“Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”
- C.
“Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me”
- D.
“Love Actually”
Correct Answer
C. “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” -
- 8.
Which Costello song has the following lines: “With only the blue light of the TV on / Lip reading threats and false alarms / There's a boy somewhere holding hands with himself.”
- A.
"Human Hands"
- B.
"Little Triggers"
- C.
"Tramp the Dirt Down"
- D.
"Radio, Radio"
Correct Answer
A. "Human Hands"Explanation
The correct answer is "Human Hands". This song by Costello includes the lines "With only the blue light of the TV on / Lip reading threats and false alarms / There's a boy somewhere holding hands with himself."Rate this question:
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- 9.
On which album did "Everyday I Write the Book" originally appear?
- A.
"This Year's Model"
- B.
"Get Happy!!"
- C.
"My Aim Is True"
- D.
"Punch the Clock"
Correct Answer
D. "Punch the Clock"Explanation
"Punch the Clock" is the correct answer because "Everyday I Write the Book" originally appeared on this album.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Costello had two Top Forty hits in the United States. Which of the following is one of them?
- A.
“Veronica”
- B.
“(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes”
- C.
“(What’s So Funny ’Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding”
- D.
“Watching the Detectives”
Correct Answer
A. “Veronica”Explanation
Watch Costello perform “Veronica,” “Rate this question:
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- 11.
Costello sings a cover of “Baby It’s You” with Nick Lowe as a bonus track on “Goodbye, Cruel World.” Which are the following songs can also be attributed to Lowe?
- A.
“Cruel to Be Kind”
- B.
“(What’s So Funny ’Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding”
- C.
“Beat of Your Drum”
- D.
“The Space Between”
Correct Answer(s)
A. “Cruel to Be Kind”
B. “(What’s So Funny ’Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding” -
- 12.
The writer Bret Easton Ellis named two of his novels after Costello songs. Which are they?
- A.
“Veronica“ and “Love Went Mad”
- B.
“Less Than Zero” and “Sleep of the Just”
- C.
“Imperial Bedrooms” and “Less Than Zero”
- D.
“Clubland” and “God’s Comic”
Correct Answer
C. “Imperial Bedrooms” and “Less Than Zero” -
- 13.
In the book “High Fidelity,” what are Rob’s top five favorite Elvis Costello songs?
- A.
“Alison,” “Little Triggers,” “Man Out of Time,” “King Horse,” “Everyday I Write the Book”
- B.
“Man Out of Time,” “Satellite,” “(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes,” “How to Be Dumb,” “Pump It Up”
- C.
“Watching the Detectives,” “No Action,” “High Fidelity,” “Little Savage,” “All the Rage”
- D.
“Accidents Will Happen,” “Man Out of Time,” “Brilliant Mistake,” “I Want You,” “Deep Dark Truthful Mirror”
Correct Answer
A. “Alison,” “Little Triggers,” “Man Out of Time,” “King Horse,” “Everyday I Write the Book”Explanation
The given answer lists Rob's top five favorite Elvis Costello songs as "Alison," "Little Triggers," "Man Out of Time," "King Horse," and "Everyday I Write the Book."Rate this question:
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