Elvis Costello is one of the greatest singer-songwriters extant.  His discography soundly shames most of the other pretenders to the throne.  Though he got his start ostensibly as a “punk,” this ruse was quickly routed, and it wasn’t long before critics and fans alike were lauding his songwriting skills.  Though his great songs are too numerous to list, following our stay over the weekend at a Los Angeles motel/hotel we have had Costello’s underrated song-noir masterpiece, Motel Matches, on repeat.  Featuring an alluring melody, well-wrought lyrical couplets and storyline (lyrics at bottom), stellar playing, and above all, Costello’s passionate vocal delivery (he’s one of our best vocalists), Motel Matches is amongst the highest in our ranking of Costello’s great songs.  We only regret it isn’t longer.  Giving you away like motel matches.  Indeed.

About the song, Costello has said:  “Upon my first motel night in Los Angeles I was hoaxed into believing that I had been assigned the very room where Sam Cooke had been murdered. I didn’t sleep much until I found out in the morning that it had occurred in an entirely different location. Such innocence was short-lived, but the infamous Tropicana became the site of many less serious crimes, indiscretions and comedies.”

“Somewhere in the distance I can hear ‘Who Shot Sam?’
This is my conviction, that I am an innocent man
Though you say I’m unkind
I’m being as nice as I can

Boys everywhere, fumbling with the catches
I struck lucky with motel matches
Falling for you without a second look
Falling out of your open pocketbook
Giving you away like motel matches

I wake with the siren in an emergency
Though your mind is full of love
In your eyes there is a vacancy
And you know what I’ll do
When the light outside changes from red to blue

Boys everywhere, fumbling with the catches
I struck lucky with motel matches
Falling for you without a second look
Falling out of your open pocketbook
Giving you away like motel matches”