Primitive, Limited

One theme Elvis Costello seems drawn to time and again is the idea of man’s futility. Often it’s specifically “man,” versus “woman,” although sometimes it’s also more the futility of humanity writ large. 

“Drum and Bone” is one such futility song from 2008’s sorely underrated Momofuku. I think EC fans might be shocked by how highly Momofuku rates for me; it’s just a stellar collection of songs with a loose sound and expert coloration from the Imposters along with singer-songwriters Jenny Lewis and Johnathan Rice, who provide backing vocals and guitar throughout the record. 

Lewis’ support vocal is a standout component of “Drum and Bone.” Costello delivers the lead vocal with equal parts bite and restraint, like a cobra weaving in for the kill. Alongside him, Lewis can act as counterpoint, sometimes with an inflection that seems to dismiss the lyric and the way it tiptoes toward self-pity. “You’re not really buying this, are you?” she seems to say at times.

Is it still self-pity if it’s true? It’s not paranoia if they’re really following you. Despite the best intentions of his song and best efforts of his mind, he remains a flawed, primal creature, a beast in well-tailored suits and expensive spectacles. But he’s not quite sure about that, either, because he’s not admitting anything; throughout, the word “maybe” facilitates his dodge. 

We are most certainly skin and bone, but the singer’s suggesting maybe it’s all we are, that the rest of what we can achieve as people is outweighed by our inability to control our most base instincts. That impulse is always there, at rest or at play, and it can be overwhelming. 

At some point, he shifts his pessimism to his choice of expression. If mind over meaty matter is futile, then how much more futile is any effort to express real feeling? 

As he’s expressed on songs like “I Want to Vanish,” “Radio Silence” and “If I Could Believe,” he remains unconvinced of the impact his music makes. Not only that, he wonders if it might be better to just not make it at all. He wants to beat the drum and drone until he gets unknown; as he sings it, Pete Thomas supplies a tight groove that provides instant rebuttal.  

Listen to “Drum and Bone” on the streaming service of your choice.

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