Thank goodness for Public Radio and the Canadian Broadcasting Company in particular. CBC has, along with our NPR, presented many of the best interview/performance moments of the year in the arts, and in particular in music. Most recently on CBC, the superb songwriter, Nick Lowe, was captured at Studio Q performing his great song for these (and any other) times, Peace, Love and Understanding. The song was made famous by the colossally talented Elvis Costello. We repeatedly have played/play Costello’s version (as viewed way below with the Imposters when Costello graciously filled in for David Letterman when Letterman had emergency heart surgery in 2008), but love Lowe’s version here with its softness and subtly to match the lyrical mien. And for those needing the song’s tablature, you’re set with this video. Check it out below and Costello’s version after. And then pick up Nick Lowe’s excellent new album, “The ConvincerThe Old Magic” (released in September) and hear what pop songcraft is all about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ywceG6onqg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XYFJUP84lE