I Don't Like Reggae, I Love It: The History of "Watching The Detectives" by Elvis Costello

As reggae and punk rock were colliding and coming together in the UK in the 70s, The Clash’s version of Junior Murvin’s "Police and Thieves" would create a cultural domino effect that would result in several iconic songs including Bob Marley’s “Punky Reggae Party” which gave the new social phenomenon a name. It was also to serve as a direct influence on a young up and coming singer-songwriter named Declan MacManus.  He  would later change his name to Elvis Costello and write the first noir reggae song – Watching The Detectives.  The song was written during a 36-hour jag while Costello was hopped up on caffeine and who knows what else. He had been listening to The Clash’s first album which he initially hated but which grew on him the more he listened, particularly “Police and Thieves.” If you’ve listened and received some value from this episode, then please help support the podcast for as little as $3 per month on Patreon. Supporters get access to exclusive content like special episodes of this series and advanced promo chapters from my forthcoming book Ska Boom: An American Ska & Reggae Oral History. Just go to patreon.com/skaboompodcast for more information.Please note: The music clips included in this podcast fall under the “Fair Use Doctrine” as defined by Section 107 of the Copyright Act. The law allows for use of music clips for purposes of criticism, comment, and news reporting.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices