2008 Woodie Awards
The Daily OrangeBetter with age
Middle age musicians explore new sounds even in latter parts of career
By Dave Arey
Posted: 4/8/08, 12:13 AM EST Section: Decibel
Morrissey
Age: 48
Why is he still relevant?: The former lead singer of The Smiths is probably the most serious man in rock. Everything, it seems, is a tragedy - politics, animal rights even sexuality. He was always angry, even when he was being funny, and as a result he became the voice of discontent for a generation. Since by all accounts he actually is an unpleasant person to be around, he's never had to change.
Most recent album: "Greatest Hits," released Feb. 4, 2008
Elvis Costello
Age: 53
Why is he still relevant?: They may share a first name, but Elvis Costello and Elvis Presley couldn't be more different. A spectacled former English teacher, Costello was an offbeat sex symbol at best. People listen to a Costello album knowing they're going to get a big vocabulary and a wide range of genres, and throughout the years he's sung everything from country to vocal jazz, and (mostly) gotten away with it.
Most recent album: "The River in Reverse," released June 6, 2006
Tom Petty
Age: 57
Why is he still relevant?: From "American Girl" to "Free Fallin'," Petty's best songs have always been - let's face it - a little corny. However, he makes no apologies for this. Even as he's grown older, he hasn't become one of those artists who insists on shoving new things down his fans' throats. If you come to a Petty show expecting to listen to classics like "Runnin' Down a Dream," you're probably going to hear it.
Most recent album: "Highway Companion" released July. 25, 2006
dwarey@syr.edu
Age: 48
Elvis Costello
Age: 53
Tom Petty
Age: 57
dwarey@syr.edu
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posted 4/08/08 @ 8:03 PM EST
the boss is the love of my life<3!
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