Elvis Costello was an incendiary figure in his youth, defying authorities and executives who wanted to censor his music and performances — but now the eclectic singer/musician/songwriter is showing the world it’s OK to mellow with age.
In a recent Sesame Street episode, Costello made a guest appearance to sing a duet with Elmo about, in typical Sesame Street fashion, counting to 10 — the problem is, Cookie Monster ate the number 2 and he can’t count any higher. The chosen song was “Monster Went and Ate My Red 2” — a parody of Costello’s classic “(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes,” which appeared on his 1977 debut My Aim Is True and was also performed on Top of the Pops .
Playing a toy guitar alongside Costello’s acoustic, Elmo was dressed just like the singer in a suit, wacky tie, top hat and square frame glasses. He even got Costello a new number 2, only for Cookie Monster to devour it again. Sure, the whole montage is super-cheesy, but it is a kids’ show and worth watching just to see Costello’s versatility (and facial expressions). Plus, who’d’ve thought Elmo knew how to harmonize?
Check it out for yourself below:
Thanks to Stereogum for the tip.
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