Blood And Chocolate

One thing I'm learning, is that I really do enjoy Elvis Costello. This was aggressive and loud and over modulated, but there's some great tunes in there.

Declan’s best work

frábær

85 / 1069 Never listened to Elvis Costello before, really enjoyed the album. Cool voice!

I tend to categorize Elvis Costello's album in three levels and categories, his first three or four albums are at the top of the list, the next level down would be some of his mid-80's records that are often overlooked and then a handful of throwaway records through the 90's and 2000's that are listenable, but far past his prime. I would rank Blood and Chocolate in the second level, a solid album of really good songs that is underrated and sometimes overlooked. It's not among his best albums, but he seems to be near the top of his game with outstanding contributions from The Attractions and producer, Nick Lowe. Definitely worth a listen.

I never really followed Elvis Costello when I was younger. I have no idea why. This album featured a lot of different types of songs from very high energy upbeat tempos to soft slow songs. But they were all well written and performed. Scale: 5 - My absolute favorites. 4 - Albums I like. 3 - It was ok to listen to it but wouldn't seek it out. 2 - Didn't like. 1 - Absolute shit.

That classic, raucous Elvis Costello sound coupled with more mature songwriting. What's not to like? 4 stars.

Enjoyed this very much. Battered Old Bird is an excellent tune.

I'm a huge Costello fan but this is far from my favourite of his albums. Still pretty good though.

Pretty good

A direct, gritty and highly mature record, B&C has held up extremely well, perhaps because it seems less overtly angry (more resigned) and the sarcasm more understated than the previous records. Still there's plenty of vinegar, this being EC. The no-produciont-is-the-best-production vibe is great, especially for this era and gives a very warm sound. On the downside it's also slightly less fun and tuneful. Best cuts are "Home is Where ...," the vintage "Hope You're Happy Now," "Blue Chair" and the rousing closer "Next Time Round." And one's always had a soft spot for the powerfully unenjoyable "I Want You." The depth and substance are powerful throughout and sustain interest across a full listen. A strong outing from top to bottom, with remarkable consistency across every cut, and quite underrated in the end, it must be said.

I've always heard a lot about Elvis Costello. So far, first couple of tracks are solid. Catchy songwriting and interesting voice. Voice reminds me of Bob Dylan's kid from The Wallflowers. Jacob? I Want You is a solid track for sure. I also really enjoyed Battered Old Bird. One thing I'm getting from this album is Elvis Costello was way ahead of his time.

Good but not anything mindblowing.

Enjoyed this immensely, especially "Uncomplicated," "Tokyo Storm Warning," and "Blue Chair" (but I wish I knew WTF the blue chair is).

Never not a good time for Elvis Costello

Good album. Not many that stood out over the rest but still.

You'll never have to twist my arm to sit down and listen to an Elvis Costello album. This one is solid. I don't think I've ever sat down and listened to this album from start to finish, as most of the songs were new to me. I've found a few new favourites here.

It’s good, but a little bit longer. Often feel a bit to earn and. Cover art 2/5. What on earth is going on here. Trying too hard. Too pretentious

Wasn't bad but it was kind of boring

The most interesting thing about this was learning that Elvis Costello used the pseudonym "Napoleon dynamite" for this album, yet the film having the same name was complete coincidence apparently. I've listened to bits of this frequently since we had it on the list and it's my favourite Costello album, upgrading to 4

Really enjoyed it. Good music and lyrics. Best Costello album I have heard so far in this list

Rock & roll y new wave. Me ha gustado. Un 4.

I’m not sure that all his albums included on the list are worthy on an individual basis to be included, from the basis of being influential or musically innovative. But every single album of his, including this one, are great music. Great rock music with cool guitar parts, melodies, chorus harmonies and a raw live sound.

Elvis Costello is always good for a enjoyable album. One of the biggest surprises in this experiment, I have yet to listen to a bad album of his. While his albums are not revolutionary or groundbreaking but they are consistently filed with good songs

Really good album. Enjoyed this a lot

I like this more than the last Costello album I got from this site (“My Aim is True”), but seeing this is his 11th album (!!) of course his songwriting would strengthen over time

Cool to hear something I had no idea existed. There's also no way the movie wasn't inspired by his pseudonym on this album.

Solid as always.

This has held up extremely well. I remembered it seeming a bit forced and over involved back in the day, but it sounds great today, raw and driving and engaging. Opens strong – first 4-5 cuts are all very good. And ends strong, too – “Next Time Round,” which I don’t recall hearing before is a new BFF track for me.

I love Elvis when he is just rockin' out. The band were barely talking to each other, but were a well honed live unit. They got into the studio and recorded quickly, loudly, and with verve. The album is concerned with sexual obsession and betrayal, which reflects the band's vibe. The reality comes across. Muscular, immediate, honest and loud. Love it.

Listened to on 4/21/22 3.5/5 Favorite song: I hope you’re happy now, blue chair, crimes of paris The rock vibes were lovely and the band did a great job of capturing emotional grunge but the vibes were conflicting in some songs. I liked the loud studio volume recording and how it made you feel like you were front row at their concert. This album was pretty much only about sex and sad relationships but all in all pretty good

Costello in fine form, comfortable with himself and in total synch with his band. Tokyo Storm Warning and Crimes of Paris are entertaining, searing ditties and the imperious I Want You are highlights. Surely no more sinister, twisted song than I Want You was ever committed to wax?

Never listened to this one before, I should listen to more of his stuff, it's always good.

Schmissig, nerdy und selbstoffenbarend. I like Elvis. 3.6

I really loved “This Years Model” in part because it had such a consistent sound - I was a little hesitant on this album but overall I liked it for a lot of the same reasons. “I want you” and “Blue Chair” are highlights

Didn't listen to more than a few songs, but liked what I did listen to.

I love it when an album takes its title from lyrics of a song instead of a song title. And this one comes right out uses the first three words from the first song ("Uncomplicated") for its title. This is usually a pretty good indication that I'm going to dig the album (See also: Nirvana, "Nevermind"). It's quite possible this ends up being my favorite Elvis Costello album. That's not to say it's his best, but it might be the one I listen to the most. Coming into this little exercise, I was only familiar with the first part of Costello's career. I knew nothing about this album and assumed this would give me a reason to ramble on about how Elvis Costello has too many albums on this list. Oh, how great it feels to be wrong!

Quite an ahead-of-it's-time grungy album. Less poppy, fewer hits, quite pleasant.

I loved it, great background music

I am a HUGE EC fan, but I never would have thought that this album would make the list. Don't get me wrong this is a great album, underrated and perhaps forgotten in is catalogue. I lost touch with Elvis after this album, for whatever reason I had no need for anymore EC...for me this album was the perfect farewell. I actually like almost every song and it might be his greatest vocal performance up to this point. 4.5 stars

231221 13:50 3.5

pleasant surprise after only knowing his cover of Charles Aznavour.

Rating: 7/10 Best songs: I want you

Big elvis fan....dunno b&c that well tho... After shaky start..(tracks 1 & 2)...like. I want you?of course ..a classic

Хороший рок и кантри и рок

I Want You and Battered Old Bird are amazing. The album from start to finish is lyrically engaging and exudes a passion and hard edge from Elvis Costello.

I hummed and hawed over giving this 5 stars but after 3 listens it hasn't quite grabbed me hard enough. "Tokyo Storm Warning" has long been one of my fave tracks by any artist after I heard it on a Best Of album. Fave track - this time around, "I Want You" really, really sank its claws into me. That is one hell of a song! The version with Fiona Apple on vocals is well worth a listen too...

Love it

stark!

Liked this though the album was probably a bit on the long side which made it repetitive. Keeping it condensed would've probably added a star but it's really good nonetheless.

What a great record! Listened to it back to back 3 or 4 times.

great album, costello is good

I want to explore more, as he is well respected artist. Seems unique sounding.

Another solid release from Elvis Costello and his last proper release with The Attractions (in the 80's anyways).

this is definitely darker than the other ones but i think it works. 8/10

Vibritas divertidas y relax. Nada supermemorable, pero tiene por ahí algunas partes contagiosas. He de confesar que sí hice algunos skips de cancioncillas que me parecieron muy genéricas, por decirlo de algún modo. La que más me gustó fue Tokyo Storm Warning por el ritmo y la onda atmosférica de Poor Napoleon. Mood: de cuál parroquia robaron su órgano?

it was okay

Creo que no reconocía la voz de Elvis Costello, pero está buena. Disfruté este disco, creo que tiene de repente momentos tristones o muy llegadores que son efectivos, además no llegan a la miseria absoluta. Quizá sí, puse poca atención a las letras por privilegiar escuchar la música que me gustó mucho. Mis favs: "Tokyo Storm Warning", "I Want You" y "Battered Old Bird". 9/10

Oh you mean Bob Dylan if he carried a tune? Oh you mean sounds like church hall dance music from before the Beatles became popular? Yeah of course I loved it. He’s king of the easy listening genre.

love it

He is an artist who heavily leans on his lyricism to drive his songs and, since I don’t tend to actively listen to the lyrics of songs, I feel I miss a large part of what might make this a great album. Musically it is okay but nothing really stood out melodically, rhythmically or in the production.

I’m sorry Elvis, you don’t completely suck but you aren’t for me and I don’t think you’re ever going to get more than a 3. Was this better than the last Elvis Costello album? I’ve no idea because I can’t bloody remember it. I’m sure there are more of them to come - I’ll probably just give it 3 stars and get on with my life next time.

++: Uncomplicated, Tokyo Storm Warning, Honey, Are You Straight or Are You Blind?, Next Time Round +: Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head, Blue Chair, Battered Old Bird, Crimes of Paris, Poor Napoleon +-: I Want You -: I Hope You're Happy Now 6,4/10

I'm not a huge Elvis Costello fan. I don't know what it is -- a lot of his songs sound the same to me. I recognize that they have a good variety of harmonic complexity and they are musically very interesting to me, but when it comes to actually listening to them I just get kinda bored and annoyed. This album was no exception. Three stars.

sometimes i feel like a zombie slayer raising my blade and forcefully removing the brains of the hoards of elvis costello albums and please tell me this is the last one. wait a minute, what do you mean there's still one left? i mean nick cave didn't make me angry, so does david bowie and the beatles, but is this stupid dork (and neil young) actually somebody we need to admire?every single elvis costello songs sounds approximately the same and only this years model is what we need cause that’s a quite nice album with a unique sound but this is just uh-huh. 3/5

Not my fave record of his but it’s still good!

Pretty mid.

i think maybe i would like this more if the songs on here sounded more like i want you because wowwww that song is good

My first Costello album, finally. And I actually liked it!

It was ok, not a massive Elvis Costello fan, it was palatable but no real highlights.

Oh, another Elvis Costello album—and once again, it doesn't win me over. After “My Aim Is True” (immature) and “Brutal Youth” (I still don’t know if that was supposed to be a parody), I’d speculated that he might have been good in the meantime—and indeed, “Blood And Chocolate,” that weird adaptation of *Napoleon Dynamite*, is less bad than the early and late work of Declan Patrick MacManus. We’re not really talking about “good” here yet (or, now that I’ve explored Costello’s best works independently of this project: not anymore), but there are some good song ideas, and his voice is still fantastic. But as with “Brutal Youth,” more input from the producer could have improved things quite a bit—I won’t go into detail again. And once again, the question arises: why is every piece of trash from certain artists on the list, while true legends have been completely overlooked in some cases...

paar goeie songs, paar stinkers... da's een beetje de doorsnee afwisseling per plaat van deze Elvis

He has better

Not a bad album, but maybe not good enough to be included here.

Of all my early indie idols, no one has aged as poorly as EC. Still love him, but a lot of his stuff has not stayed. Still like this album, and some of the songs slap, but it just doesn't hold like it used to.

not my cup of tea

Fender Jazzmaster.

Album was... fine. Nothing stood out to me and didn't really enjoy it that much. Wasn't bad, but also pretty meh. 2.5?

Good narriative songwriting and talented accompaniment, but not really my vibe

It’s perfectly fine - I like his voice and the music is also good. But I struggle to find the thing that really hooks me. Maybe we could have skipped this one from Elvis Costello - there are already other Costello albums in the book.

Typical Elvis Costello, I didn't hear anything standout but it was a reasonable listen altogether

Another one done!

Elvis Costello seems to be one of those artists that always produces material to a good standard and on occasions produces a masterpiece, perhaps it needs more than one listen but this isn’t one of them. Still a good solid album but this isn’t his best work

Love his voice. Songs are just kinda boring. Instrumentally lame minus a few interesting bits. It’s like bob Dylan meets tom petty but scored for a movie soundtrack? I can feel the 80s punk in-wave sometimes, but not enough. 3/5

The music was ok, but none of the tracks got my attention, so what I come away with are the negatives - the music was too busy and noisy at time, and I don't really like Elvis Costello's voice. Still, it wasn't bad background music.

I don't know how to feel about Elvis Costello because he's a wonderful songwriter and arranger but WHY DOES HE SING LIKE THAT

Ok *this * is more along the lines of what I expected from this cat. The man’s brilliant, & he’s got a wide range. 3 & 1/2

this represents what i mostly don't like at music with vocals in general. due to his limited voice range, the instruments are also limited. I would compare him to AC/DC. Their songs sound also very similar to each other...

if i'm being honest this wore me out the slightest bit even while being quite fun and interesting sonically

zero is sick. do not like sad pretty stuff

Not the best Costello album, but still enjoyable.

Idk, something about Elvis Costello's voice doesn't really lend itself to this slower style song. As opposed to the other album that had a pop feel to it, these longer songs with lower tempo and heavy vocals just don't work. It's not offensive or awful, it's just mediocre really. I'm getting the impression that I won't really love any of his albums

Elvis has left the building

I think this guy gets a bit too much hate Start to finish this is a very solid album, Battered Old Bird is probably my favorite but I don’t think there’s any songs I’d consider bad. I really like his voice and the energy it brings to songs, but I think it works well for slower emotional songs as well. Musical talent for the rest of the band is also clearly there, though I don’t think that’s really the focus of the group but more of the songwriting This definitely doesn’t reach This Years Model’s heights however; I don’t think the highs are really that high and there’s a couple songs that I feel nothing for. I concur with the sentiment that the 1001 panel were kinda just a group of Elvis Costello mega fans considering he has 6!! albums on the list, but I’d rather listen to this all day over some of the slop we get regularly. High 3, but I think another good song would bump it up to a 4

Incredibly boring. The only reason I liked the previous Elvis Costello album was because it had Pump It Up, and this album had no recognizable songs and I didn’t really enjoy listening to it.

Decent enough - no particular stand out tracks

Enjoyed this. And remember none of it. I just remember going down the escalator thinking “damn, this kind of rocks.” 🤷‍♂️ 6/10 Pretty Good

Felt like the ultimate Gen X album. Kind of repetitive, but catchy.

3/5

нормальный, местами казалось что ща битлов запоют)

Is Elvis Costello overrepresented on this list? probably? Is this a good album? definitely. Is it among his top 3? no. That said, I'm actually glad to have heard it, being familiar with at least three better Elvis C. albums already, because I know him better now. But don't think it'll send me to the record shop. 3.5/5

No hits?

It's good! It's not This Year's Model. It's not Armed Forces. It's not My Aim is True. But it's good!

This one’s just alright for me. I love his early stuff. But this leans a lot on the off-key singing and loud backing track. It clearly influenced other artists, but it’s far from his best. Definitely did not need this on the list.

That's enough, Elvis Costello. Also, that's enough Elvis Costello!!!

I made it to the 7th song before EC's voice made me long for the sweet silence of oblivion. So, I turned it off.

This was better than I expected and I might even revisit it sometime. I listened to it 3 or 4 times. Didn't have enough that I loved but it didn't have anything I hated. Home is Anywhere You Hang Your Head was my favorite.

better than i expected, fairly catchy. some songs are really not great though, and i started out the album thinking wtf am i listening to

(68/100)

*1986. *Same as all the other Costello albums - I really like the music up until he starts singing, and then I just can't. RATING - 6.5/10

This album is okay. I like Elvis Costello’s voice and his style. The songs are just there. Nothing outstanding in either direction, nice as a background album. Should not be on this list.

Never listened to him. Thought he was someone else actually. Got a great voice. Feels like a lou reed/warren zevon type with a little Springsteen that precedes the true alternative wave of the later 80s/90s. Not bad.

Think this album would be suitable for putting animals to sleep

That guy that brings his guitar to the party made an album

I purchased both King of America (released earlier this same year) and Spike (the next studio album after this one) when they came out, but somehow missed this release entirely. To be fair, King of America was the first Elvis Costello album I ever bought, so I was not yet on the lookout. If I'd had to guess the order, I would have put this one before KoA, which is interesting. I did enjoy it, although I don't know if I would call it one of his most important releases.

More Elvis! This one’s pretty good to be fair, maybe because his voice is less annoying on this one!

Raucus. I could hear CCR in it. But, blah -

I couldn't listen all the way through. Nothing about the music. Just wasn't really feeling it today. I'll give it 3 stars. Not great not terrible. I did actually like I want you

I liked it

Every. Single. Damn. Time I get an Elvis Costello album I have the same freaking thoughts. The music is decent. The songwriting is smart and fun. The lyrics are interesting. Holy shit that's an annoying voice. I guess I'll give it a 3. But it's honestly somewhat arbitrary at this point. Fave tracks: - Tokyo Storm Warning - Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head - I Want You - Honey Are You Straight Or Are You Blind - Battered Old Bird

At times it seems like they are trying to hard but other times the stories/melodies within the songs roll out beautifully and stick with you from track to track. Highlights include "tokyo storm warning" "blue chair"

Meh

Holy fucking over-enunciation Batman. I totally lost the plot when he sang 'water' into a five syllable word. Tokyo Storm Warning sounds like Memphis, Tennessee by Chuck Berry. I listened through twice and there's nothing on here that warrants inclusion in my opinion. So far this dude should have 3 albums tops. This could've been easily replaced with Starfish by The Church.

Yep. A good listen. Lyrically and musically.

Holy shit. His voice is goated. I want you ir surprisingly captivating. Am currently at a 3/5 rating, but I barely listened to it once. It could jump to a 4 easily.

I’ve heard better from Elvis

Definitely not my favorite Elvis Costello album

Elvis Costello is one of the corniest dudes ever to make music. I truly don’t understand how he rose to such popularity.

Unmistakenly Elvis Costello. Has some of the bitterness, envy, and anger of the first two albums without all that pesky political nonsense (I miss the political Elvis). Some new and unique POV in these songs now, though - is the singer in "Poor Napolean" a woman? Nothing all that memorable except "I Want You" which is strikingly creepy, "Battered Old Bird" a surprisingly touching tune - "He'd better have a dream beyond these four walls" - and the three-chord verse/chorus banger "Next Time Round." Totally worth a listen, but one that the anti-Elvis crowd here will present as evidence of two much Elvis. Actually pretty great.

Typical Elvis. I’m starting to think I’m bowing out of him.

middle of the road

As a huge fan of Elvis Costello this is a very odd choice. For me, five of the songs are essential, a few were fine and a couple were grating. This is a fans only album so I can see why others might find it lacking

Very middle of the road for me!

so so

pretty good

This is good in the way Elvis Costello is usually pretty interesting but not exceptional

Honestly pretty good but it gets a little repetitive and tiring, especially his voice.

Ok, this one was a little weird. I don't hate it, which is great because it's my second Costello album on this generator, and the album art here isn't quite as stunning as on some of his other projects. It feels like it's intentionally ramming into your eyes in the most sophisticated way possible. I feel that might be a better reference to the chemistry between the band and the way the album was recorded, and in that sense, historically, it's pretty cool artwork. The album itself starts off pretty catchy, I guess pop-rock without being too predictable. It's been two early morning listens, and I feel like my issue personally is that just about every track has some cheesy element to it. Maybe the lyrics, typically something in the composition. Even as these moments pass by, the overall sound of the record feels like a genuine band with decent sound equipment making a record in their garage. I could see myself enjoying this on a car ride, or leaving it on in the background during lunch on a Sunday. But like, if someone else had it on. 3.2/5

I want you saved this from a 2

Just an okay album. 3 stars or C.

Seems like very generic pop-rock.

Costello's distinctive voice is apparent here and this is generally a likeable album.

It touched me more than I was expecting

It’s alright, but I can understand people whining if the other 5 albums of his on the list sound the same.

A couple of songs on there I quite liked, but probably not enough for 3.5.

Passable

An Elvis Costello album without any hits was inevitably going to be 3 stars

Familiar with Elvis Costello. Never heard this particular album. Good.

Booo

I think this is the kind of album that fans of an artist will love but that won't convince any non-fans. Outside of some raw guitars at the beginning, which become less pronounced as the album goes on, Costello doesn't really try anything here that he hasn't done on earlier albums. It starts off fine, with songs that are enjoyable but not amazing. The middle of the album is the worst, with the overlong and uninteresting ballad "I Want You" and overly bitter "Honey are You Straight." But the album picks up from there, as "Battered Old Bird" may be the highlight and "Crimes of Pairs" is quite good too. As a Costello skeptic I rank this below a few other albums of his that I don't quite love, but I can't deny that it's still an enjoyable listen.

Replay yes

My first time listening to a Costello album all the way through and kinda meh. I'm sure it's tarnished by having been so early and so much after stealing from it. But still, this doesn't make me excited to check out the rest of his catalogue. Rounding up to 3.

This Elvis album was ok. I usually really enjoy his work and would listen to it again. Not so sure I would seek this one out again.

It was enjoyable and a pleasant feel good album

I like Elvis Costello. I don't love him. I have friends that think he's the bee's knees (whatever the frick that means?). I definitely like the earlier stuff (My Aim..., This Year's Model, Armed Forces, Get Happy). Thereafter, not as much until Almost Blue and Imperial Bedroom. And again, I have since not been too excited. Sure, there is some great songs in these later albums, but like Blood and Chocolate, they are mostly not up to grade. Elvis C. is a great artist, no doubt. But even Dylan lost "it" at some point.... Was this horrible? Almost.... 3 middle of the road stars.

pop-rock de los 80, bastante musical, muchos instrumentos, tranquilo, similar a dylan u otros cantautores

holy hell im bored

'I had the taste of blood and chocolate in my mouth, the one as hateful as the other' - Hermann Hesse, Steppenwolf. Bit surprised to learn that is not where the title comes from Costello even angrier than usual, and may be his nastiest album. I Want You is a great song but it leaves a bitter aftertaste

I'm slightly running out of ways to say that Elvis Costello is quite good but not exceptional. It's entirely bewildering that this Project has seven(!) of his albums on it. Basically, saying that he's responsible for 0.7% of all great music. I can't get on board with that, especially when all these albums are fairly indistinguishable. Anyway, like I say, this is a bit of a moan when this album was absolutely fine and at times even quite good. Sorry Elvis! Sorry readers!

3.5

6 albums. For whatever reason, Elvis Costello has 6 albums on the 1001 Albums list. Why this is the case? I don't know. All I know is that it's the case and there's nothing we can do about it. He's a talented artist, sure, but as everyone else has said, 6 albums is just too much for an artist like him. Why am I starting my review like this? Well, it's simple. This is the last one. I've finally listened to all 6 of his albums on the list and I never have to listen to another one again! I say this like I'm celebrating, but I don't really have a problem with Elvis Costello's music. Some albums of his are better than others, sure, but none of these albums have been outright bad. Still, Blood & Chocolate is definitely one of the less essential albums of his on the list. This one's an easy cut for me, but that doesn't make it bad. Blood & Chocolate is still a respectable entry in Costello's discography. Is it him at his best? Absolutely not, but it's not him at his worst either. I would say that this is at least better than Brutal Youth. I'm not sure what to say here that I haven't said already about the past 5 albums of his though. His songwriting is good. His singing is okay. The energy is cool. I do think that this album is a little top-heavy and drags just a bit as it goes on, but it's still better than Brutal Youth in the pacing department so I'll give it that. I will say "I Want You" is a really good song. I wasn't sure if Elvis Costello would be able to make a nearly 7-minute long song that actually hits, but this one does. A nice instance of him slowing things down for a change. Other than that, there really isn't anything special here. It's a good album, sure, but everything that this album does is done better in his earlier albums. I do think that the experimentation works better here than on Brutal Youth (I really didn't care for that album, did I?), but it's still lacking a bit in the snappiness department. Good album, but not an essential listen. It's a good listen for people who really love Elvis Costello, but it's not going to convert a non-fan. High 3/5. And now I'm going to completely avoid his music for at least a couple of months or so. I like his stuff, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't sorta tired of it by now.

More enjoyable Elvis Costello.

New to me and not sure I would listen regularly but did enjoy

I am a fan, but this is not his best work.

Je to tak trochu americké...

234/1001 Elvis Costello and the Attractions - Blood and Chocolate Heard before? ❎ Revisit? ❎ I mean, I didn't mind this, but why yet another album of his?

Usual Elvis Costello

Otra vez se me borraron las anotaciones, pinche plataforma pedorra. Bueno pues me gusto el disco, esta bueno. No se me hizo tan tan memorable, la verdad no lo escucharía de nuevo por gusto, igual y solo escuchar 'I Want You' y definitivamente 'Battered Old Bird' las pistas que más destacan del disco a mi gusto, por su trabajo lírico y coral. En general el disco funciona muy bien, no tiene nada de malo, las progresiones armónicas y arreglos melódicos son excelentes, pero creo que no se arriesga mucho, Que al final esta bien, si funciona pa'que cagarla. Sin embargo, eso lo hace poco memorable y desapercibido, a simple escucha. Buen disco, nomás.

This comes out of the gate so strong! 'Uncomplicated' is original and cool. And then the rest is just more Elvis Costello's usual time. I generally like his usual thing, but how many albums of it do we need?

This album was weird for Costello. It had some cool songs, but it was a mix of experimental songs and pretty standard music for him. The first song had almost tribal sounds. Overall had mixed feelings.

Not really a fan of him.

its good

I went through a big Elvis Costello phase as a teenager so I was curious to see whether I still felt the same about this album. It’s an interesting one to rate because although the songwriting is excellent throughout, some songs (especially opener Uncomplicated) just don’t do it for me. At the same time though, the run of songs from I Hope You’re Happy Now to I Want You is incredible. Side 2 has the highlight Battered Old Bird which, with I Want You, is one of my favourite Costello songs. I love the closing track Next Time Round but the second side as a whole feels slightly weaker. I am splitting hairs though because it is a very solid record and quite an exciting listen.

#271/1001. Somehow it is really hard for me to figure out Elvis Costello. It's not that he or his music needs to be categorized nicely between this and that artist in order to help respect or show a place in a musical map. His music mostly confirms to existing standards, I am not sure what is or was innovative, if anything was. This leaves his character, which can seem arrogant, sincere or longing, but not as arrogant, sincere or longing, as many others, so what is left? Perhaps repeated listens would help, but they haven't helped so far. But much more interesting than most of the rock and pop here so far.

This wasn't bad in and of itself but it has irritated me because why am I listening to my 5th Elvis Costello album? They all sound the same FFS

I love the organ but just don’t get the hype

Uncomplicated 3.7 I Hope You're Happy Now 3.8 Tokyo Storm Warning 3.6 Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head 3.5 I Want You 4.2 Honey, Are You Straight or Are You Blind? 3.8 Blue Chair 3.4 Battered Old Bird 3.2 Crimes of Paris 3.2 Poor Napoleon 3.3 Next Time Round 3.4 Score: 3.554545455

A band I struggle to fall in love with, but understand the significance of. Another one for the best of approach. Good album, but unspectacular.

Another Elvis Costello album, decent but preferred some of the others. All tracks decent, none that stood out as particularly better than others

Elvis Costello is another musical blind spot for me. Like The Smiths, I kind of wrote off a lot of 80s music for whatever reason, so I'm glad to be getting a chance to dig in. I feel like this is a weird intro album to his music, being his 9th, and the last one with The Attractions. Overall I'd say I wasn't blown away. It feels like music that was a refreshing alternative to a lot of the synthy, glammy pop that was happening at the time, but for me it just wasn't super compelling. His voice was pretty grating, the lyrics were a bit contrived, and the songs were pretty straight ahead rock and roll, with a few edgy twists. It didn't do much for me, but it did have a few interesting moments. I'll throw it a 3/5.

2nd Elvis costello I listened to ever (and from this list). By song 3 I was thinking it's alright, but I don't think I like his voice. Very much liked 'I want you'. After that, nothing else struck a cord but I recognized some influences I assume he gave to later musicians.

All the songs here kind of sounded the same and none particularly stood out, but at the same time I didn’t mind it

Не плохо, но не цепляет 5/10

I like Elvis Costello but this isn’t great. Tokyo storm warning and hope you’re happy now probably best track

It's alright, but it's not the best Elvis Costello album by far. It's not even in the top 5. It wasn't terrible, that being said.

Wasn't bad, it's kind of like the gorillaz in a way in my head, maybe gorillaz mixed with nirvana? idk

3.5

5/10 - I preferred Brutal Youth.

I Want You is one of his best songs and there are some other good songs on here (Tokyo Storm Warning, Crimes of Paris), but overall it's one of his weaker albums. 6/10

We've had a lot of "this is fine" type albums lately.

I Want You is one of the most poisonous songs ever written. You go from "oh this is an intense love song" to "holy wtf dude" and it's brilliant. The rest of the album doesn't live up to I Want You, but it's still classic Elvis Costello. A high 3 - maybe a 4 on another day. One of the best songwriters of his generation.

Good rock-and-roll sounds. Strong beginning and end, but a very weak middle that I didn't care for.

I know this is supposed to be tailor made for me, everyone is shocked I don’t love him but I just don’t. It’s fine. Maybe at the time but it’s not for me.

6/10 I was pretty interested to listen to this. I've heard bits and pieces of Elvis Costello before, but not really indulged in much more than a casual listen here and there. Apparently this is categorised as "Rock and Roll" and "Hard Rock" and hard was not something I'd mentally associated with Costello, so that had me intrigued. Oddly, while I get the edge of rock and roll in there, and it hints a little bit towards punk in places, this leans way more towards the indie rock that would follow rather than anything hard. His voice, which is probably an acquired taste, seemed the heaviest thing about the record and even that sounded more like the gruff delivery of a ska punk singer than a hard rocker. It jarred a little with me at first, and still does in places, but it did grow on me. With regards to the songs themselves, Costello does seem to have a tendency to write songs that do quite a lot of things by the book, but he occasionally throws in little twists to throw you off really nicely. When he gets it right, this was pretty solid and there were a few tracks that worked really well for me, with good development and interesting musical ideas blended with good melodic composition. Unfortunately, for me he doesn't really do enough of that on this record and things have a tendency to drag out a little too far or get stuck in a bit of a musical rut a little too often. I felt like the flow of the album was a little inconsistent and while I enjoyed moments of it, it didn't really do enough to grab me. Interestingly it did sound almost ahead of its time, because there was a lot of bits that felt very 90s and 00s indie, while on the flip side it did call back to older rock and roll styles. It was a nice blend and I'm actually interested to hear more from him, despite the fact that this didn't quite grab me. Uncomplicated - Not a bad start. It is, appropriately, a pretty uncomplicated composition and could probably do a little bit more, but it's got a decent vibe even if it's a little basic and static musically. I Hope You're Happy Now - This is a decent rolling number that makes some really nice transitions and chord changes. There's a natural flow to the composition and it never hangs on one thing for too long before moving on, but is still a very coherent song. The bass is of particular note and drives the track really well. Tokyo Storm Warning - Another rolling rhythm here and it's quite persistent. It's decent enough, but for me it drags itself along on without much change for too long and it ends up being too repetitive. There are changes here and there, but the general thrust and rhythm changes very little and his vocal becomes grating singing the same melody with the same inflection again and again and again. For six and a half minutes. Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head - There's a nice onward flow to this. It's sombre but uplifting in equal measures. It doesn't linger on one part for too long and has some interesting progressions. It's not the most exciting song, but it's not bad. I Want You - There are some really nice chord choices in here that don't just follow the obvious trajectory. They're used sparingly which improves their effect too. It's a really nice groove of a track that slowly builds and falls away with great dynamic control. It feels very sincerely delivered, but is perhaps a little too long. Honey Are You Straight Or Are You Blind? - This is more of a rock n roll inflected track. It's ok, but it feels a bit underdeveloped and one paced. But it does it all in a couple of minutes, so doesn't overstay its welcome. Blue Chair - Somehow, Elvis has written something that sounds like a Christmas song but isn't one. I mean, it's pretty good, but it's definitely a Christmas song about a blue chair. It's got a nice lilting rhythm to it and the musical structure moves around nicely. It's not spectacular, but it does what it does pretty well. Battered Old Bird - There's something about this that I really like. It's got a bit of drive to it despite the general laid back vibe of the track. It's got some interesting rhythmic and musical choices that keep you guessing, but the central vibe is solid and keeps things anchored. Crimes Of Paris - Things are more by the book here. Again, it's nice enough but doesn't do anything particularly spectacular or vastly interesting. Weirdly, this is a song that feels kind of ahead of its time, in that it sounds quite like a 90s indie song. One of those ones that's kind of familiar from radio airplay, but you couldn't pick the band name out of a list. Poor Napoleon - Similarly to the last song, this is ok but doesn't do anything particularly engaging or interesting to elevate it above a fairly bland experience. There are moments where it threatens to darken into something a bit more oppressive and daring, but it never actually descends to that, which is a shame. Next Time Around - And we close on a slightly meandering rock and roll edged number that suggests that it inspired a lot of 90s indie musicians and has a touch or REM to it. It's another that's not bad but doesn't really deliver anything particularly memorable. Decent enough, I suppose, but nothing more than that.

Iets te theatraal voor mij. Wel wat Tunes

This was fine. Elvis is fine. I'm not sure why this one is also on the list when there are so many of his though.

I know Elvis Costello gets a lot of flake from people in this challenge for having too many albums. On the one hand, he has some genuinely great songs. But I've gotta say, his discography definitely has some forgettable ones too. With this being my sixth and final Costello album of the challenge, I definitely feel that he deserves a place on the list. Just not six. "Blood & Chocolate" is fine, but it's nothing groundbreaking.

Highlights: Home is Anywhere, Crimes of Paris, Blue Chair, I Want You, Next Time Round

Neither high nor low for me, much like anything I've ever come across from Elvis.

Pretty straightforward rock n roll. Elvis is a solid bandleader, but for the love of god PLEASE no more Elvis... this is the fifth album of his I've gotten...

This is what I’d vote as the most punk ECA album

Generally a fan of the artist, this particular record didn't do all that much for me. I like the earlier more punky energy.

Another Elvis Costello album. Great. So far I've had three suggested. I haven't felt that any of them have been must-listens, let alone all of them. Don't get me wrong. I actually kinda liked this album despite not really liking Costello's voice (I think maybe rock isn't the genre he's supposed to be singing or something). The music was fine and the songs were decent enough. I am just struggling to see anything here that would make this worthy of this list. It's very OK, but not really more than that. The album started off fairly well, with most of the early tracks being pretty enjoyable. But it started to fall off as it went on. By the time I got to the Battered Old Bird/Crimes of Paris portion, I was ready for it to be over. Unfortunately there were still three more songs to go. I think if the album had been shorter, I would've been able to rank it higher. But, eventually, the length made my general dislike of EC win out. All that said, I think this was a pretty OK record. I wouldn't mind hearing a number of the songs again. I don't think I will listen to the whole thing again, though. Overall: 2.75/5

01) Uncomplicated - 7,5 02) I Hope You're Happy Now - 7,5 03) Tokyo Storm Warning - 7,0 04) Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head - 6,5 05) I Want You - 7,5 06) Honey, Are You Straight or Are You Blind? - 7,0 07) Blue Chair - 7,0 08) Battered Old Bird - 6,5 09) Crimes of Paris - 6,5 10) Poor Napoleon - 6,0 11) Next Time Round - 6,0 TOTAL: 6,82 (68/100) Current ranking: 506/794

This feels like a significant step down from the quality of his first few albums. Some decent songs but some pretty monotonous ones as well. Not an essential entry in his discography, or on this list.

I like a bit of his solo work, never heard him with his band. Pretty groovy iwl. I don’t like the slower songs as much. Fav song is ‘Next Time Round’.

An interesting album that I think I'll get more out of with repeated listening, in particular for the lyrics.

Not my favourite by him, quite varied

Not his best album, but interesting all the same. Some very raw and edgy content showing a different side.

Elvis Costello has more dimensions to him than I realised, with this album going to some surprisingly dark places, contrasting with what I would have considered his more typical jubilant mood. Interestingly the title track was the only one I didn’t particularly vibe with, the rest of the record is a lot smoother. The slow, mournful ballad I Want You is the best song I’ve ever heard from him - a career highlight!

I love I Need You and a couple of others, but the bulk of the album didn’t land with me so going low 3

Elvis Costello is a clear connection between the rock n roll of the 1950s, and its revival in the 2000s. In other words: Elvis Costello helped make rock and roll a little bit less cool, even if he kept it alive.

Beste Lieder: I want you

good stuff by Declan

I was so disappointed when he started singing Sometimes I can't tell if I like these unique singers or hate them. I love the Smiths why don't I love this? Maybe because it doesn't sound good Love the original artwork, this album really does have it's ups and downs. I think there's a high probability I forget about it by Sunday though.

I like battered old bird.

Enjoyable, I liked Tokyo Storm Warning the most

Elvis Costello goes two for two in albums that I think are otherwise fine but released around music I think is far superior. Seriously, 1986? The year of Graceland and The Queen is Dead? I'm going to keep this really short as to not mirror my previous review of the band because it really does fill the same features. Bits of this album are fine listens, bits are good and bits are not. I also think I might just not like his voice in certain contexts which could easily be a lack of exposure but for now I certainly hold the opinion that I do not, and I like listening to Dave Mustaine... sometimes. Really we're banking on that debut album from 1976 to see if my opinions change on EC but for now I'd say give it a listen but don't expect much. Best songs: I Want You Worst songs: N/A Rank compared to everything else so far: 38/44 (below Chris above Songs the Lord Taught Us)

on the whole i dont know if i would return to this, there were a handful of songs i enjoyed but mostly felt like i was dragging my feet through it

The better of the 5 Costello albums I've gotten so far. God's, how many more can there be? 3/5

Great album

There's nothing really wrong with this 1986 release but it feels like an attempt to try recapture the feeling of Costello's first few albums, especially after a string of then-recent digressions and misfires. He tries out a few new ideas (like the extended lengths of tracks like "I Want You" and "Battered Old Bird") but many songs on this collection seem like lesser cousins of his tighter, stronger numbers. Side 1 has a few standout tracks like "Uncomplicated" and "Tokyo Storm Warning" but side 2 is a letdown, full of forgettable numbers. In addition, the arrangements on most of this album's tracks are plain vanilla and don't really give the Attractions an opportunity to shine, either - the backing music could have been played by any set of competent musicians and one might hardly notice the difference.

I quite like Elvis Costello but this isn't my favorite album by him. Man still can turn a phrase and knows how to build a song. I just feel like it may be shows a little through the music here in places? These songs feel built?

I guess this is his "no bangers" album? It's alright but far from his best work and a weird choice for inclusion in this book. TIL the movie "Napoleon Dynamite" is named after the painting on the cover here.

Surprised at how much of THIS Elvis is on this list.

The Good: We get chocolate! The Bad: It is laced with blood… The Ugly: Realizing that the attractions aren’t that attractive… I think this is my third album from Elvis C, either with or without that backing band, and the main thought that was going through my mind listening to this album was “been there, done that” While I am writing this review, I am listening the album Main Course by the Bee Gees, which is having me scratch my head as I don’t understand why Elvis Costello has 6 albums listed, fucking Morrissey/the Smiths roughly 7, yet these three brothers, who wrote nearly as many NUMBER ONE hits, only have 2 albums on this 1001 journey? I am dreading having to listen to the other 3 albums by Costello… will dish out 3* as it was still listenable stuff, but it kind of deserves a 2 1/2*… Back to listening to an album that is giving me more enjoyment… go Bee Gees go!!!

My second Costello album after Imperial Bedroom, 4 stars, and it was grand I suppose but nothing overly memorable. Top Track - I Hope You’re Happy Now

I swear the cover is trying to spell out 'Napoleon Dynamite'

Just okay, nothing memorable.

I’m at a 3.5 that I’ll bump down to a 3, though I'd rather leave it at a 3.5. I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s really not a bad album. It just feels like a less polished version of his mid-to-late ‘70s style, and while it doesn’t fall as far as Brutal Youth does in terms of feeling out of touch for the time period (given the slight lean towards a garage rock tone here), it’s a style that does show its age a little bit here. The Attractions do generally sound great, with a few tracks muzzling them to give way to Elvis’ vision for some moodier atmospheres at times. More than that though, Elvis Costello’s songwriting is mainly what’s starting to show its age here; the imagery & concise hooks he had on his poppier ‘70s stuff isn’t as prevalent, with a broader overview of things that paint muddled pictures. It’s been a while since we’ve gotten Brutal Youth, but this feels like the most… not “bland”, but disjointed / unfocused writing I’ve heard from Elvis since then. His vocals can still get them out well (if a little nasally), but in terms of capturing a precise meaning, I found myself baffled & not very compelled by a lot of the album, especially on the stretch between “Blue Chair” & “Next Time Round”. Granted, I’m not opposed to being baffled if the tracks sound good enough; “Tokyo Storm Warning” sounded like a Bob Dylan-esque masterclass of just yapping into the wind with a broad outline of something, but it sounded really good, so I liked it. I am a little baffled by a lot of the tracks, actually, including a lot of the first half too. I have no idea what the fuck “Uncomplicated” is doing here as an opening track, and it set a really awkward tone. A few tracks felt a little long, a few tracks felt unclear (I dunno if there was murder or not on “I Want You”), there’s a weirdly mild homophobic air around “Honey, Are You Straight or Are You Blind?” (though I think that’s just the ‘80s stigma talking), and ultimately, the whole album feels weirdly disconnected despite feeling so familiar to his usual fare. I don’t think it’s a bad album, because I am at a 3.5, and I’d rather leave it there, but this never finds a consistently strong set of tracks to warrant going up to a 4, hence the bump down to a 3. No more Elvis Costello on the list for us – doing the math (a 3, a 4.5, a 4, a 5, a 4 & this 3.5) adds up to a solid 24/30 in terms of personal rating, or what averages out to a 4. That feels about right, honestly. I do think 6 albums is overkill; at the very least, I don’t think this album or “Brutal Youth” need to be here, because his best 4 albums paint a pretty complete & compelling picture of his musical stylings. It’s a good showcase of ‘70s new wave with a pop/rock lean, and I do genuinely like the guy a lot. I don’t blame people for getting tired of constantly seeing him on the list, but I think it’s worth giving him a fair shake. I enjoyed his stuff, at least. Still a good slice of pizza & all that.

There is entirely too much Elvis Costello on the list, but this one wasn't bad. Liked the low-fi garage sound, and 'I Want You' is an absolute banger.

Maybe one of the better EC albums on the list, despite no tracks I knew before. But talk about overrepresentation - this is his 5th! I've had so far, and I'm really not sure even 1 is required. 3.3/5

Im not sure why but elvis Costello is some nostalgia bait for boomers type thing in my head. I guess kinda but it has way more going for it than just that. I usually take a nap with some slower and less in your face type songs bit I liked thay side of the record more than anything. The middle portion of this tracklist is the best parts. Less into the bookends but still. I wouldn't say this is the best thing ive ever heard but I liked it way more than I would have thought. Decent shit

Decent 3,5

Didn’t love all of the vocals but I liked some of the songs.

Didn’t do much for me. Nothing terrible, but nothing that stood out as great either.

How were we not tired of this same formula by now. It is a good formula, but this is the same as his other albums with I Want You sandwiched in

Enjoyed this, but not too much. Was really difficult for me to get through the album to rate it. I think I liked it more than “this years model”, but not enough to give it a point up.

I feel like I should like this more than I do - it's evocatively composed throughout, and Costello's novelist eye remains on display. I guess the stories themselves just feel so depleted - emotionally exhausted and same-y. Hurt people hurting people, forever and ever, worlds without end. I don't feel like I have the right to demand more optimism out of an artist but I do wish for at least a broader psychological palette than the one Costello is painting with here.

Kann man hören. An manchen Stellen scheinen musikalische Fähigkeiten zu fehlen - Absicht?

This is my first album by Elvis Costello. I liked it, kinda. I can see why more than 1 album from this guy is annoying. I can't wait until I am on the Elvis Costello hate train as well. About the actual album, it's just kinda boring but also similar to what I would usually listen to. The difference is the pretty bad singing at times. Also, some songs just go on and on. Nothing bad, but nothing really great.

It was fine, but nothing worth listening to again

Musically, this is really well done. I just couldn't get into the album myself.

Meh, tiene buen ritmo, y líricas pegadizas, pondría una que otra rola en un soundtrack para Guardianes de la Galaxia

Sounds like most other Elvis Costello albums. Pretty standard stuff

It was ok

Chocolate and Cheese>>>>>>Blood and Chocolate I don't get the appeal of this Elvis

Artists I like fall into two categories, the "greatest hits" category where I like the songs if I hear them on the radio and would be happy with a greatest hits album and those artists that I adore where I want to have every album. Elvis is in the former and this was really lovely but apart from the song I Want You, one of my favorite songs ever, the rest was energetic but didn't stick with me.

Really nice to listen to.

On paper, Elvis Costello should check all the right boxes for me… but here I am, once again, writing a think piece about his voice. It’s kinda bad, right? I can tell he tries and he clearly writes songs for someone who can sing, but he always sounds just a little bit flat when he’s chasing notes. Sometimes it’s only a half step, but other times it feels like half an octave. I think maybe I’d like him more if he embraced his range and just did less. Maybe not. But his voice is literally all I can think about when I listen to his records, and that’s a shame. There’s a line in “Blue Chair” where he says “it’s your turn to cry and my turn to sing” and that feels like the most relatable lyric on the record. I think I liked this more than Imperial Bedroom, but I’m still pretty apathetic about it. He’s got 33 studio albums, I’m sure there’s one out there for me.

He's a great musician, but I personally don't prefer his voice. Still a good one, though.

This was Ok, although I much before Elvis Costello’s solo albums

I think Elvis Costello is the most three star musician I've listened too. I don't mean that in a mean way. He just sounds veryyyy standard/classic rock. He writes good songs and has some bangers but it'll just never beat that threshold for me of being generally nice to listen too. At least for awhile likely.

This dude loves words. Decent music/instrumental. A lot of these songs feel like they could belong in a movie. His voice is kinda nice. I wanna take another look at this album there’s something that interests me. Might not be my favourite stuff in the world but definitely good.

Usually like Costello’s work more, not this one as much. Tho did have some good songs

Wasn't feeling this one until around the back half, when for some reason it really started to grow on me. I think I finally get Elvis Costello, and it was an incredibly rewarding album (although I was really not digging it for half the duration).

I've heard I Want You before because of my parents, but that was the only song that caught my ear and only because of that.

I know it’s a trope of this list that there are too many Elvis Costello albums, but the ones I’ve had so far have really landed (I may not be saying that in 8 albums time mind you). As a band leader, he really knows how to put out a cracking album. This one had a lovely mix of slower emotional tracks and more upbeat stuff. Yeah, not ground breaking, but solid stuff.

I don't know why but man I have a hard time really getting into Elvis Costello. I think it might be his voice. It kinda drives me nuts. Overall this is pretty decent though. I don't think it's a bad record, I just don't think it's for me. I also learned today that Elvis Costello used the pseudonym Napoleon Dynamite which is quite interesting.

later

Not sure why I had to listen to this before I died. This is the most 3/5 you could possibly get. Not offensive, not enjoyable, just background music for a student film.

ok

In most cases, Elvis Costello’s voice just does not work for me. This is one of those cases, which made listening a bit of a chore. The album has some alright songs for the most part, but whenever Costello tries to add an edge to his voice, which he does a lot, it just ruins it for me.

CJ, Silda, Ela and Jess all voted 2 stars. Some good songs. I would rate 3/4 stars

There's a few good songs on here.

Hey, an actual good songwriter!

First listen

Meh. Not terrible.

There sure is a lot of Costello on this list, and most of the entries are albums I'm not particularly interested in (would be okay if I got Armed Forces or Imperial Bedroom). He's not my favorite artist

Good

Didn’t like but not bad either

„Blood and Chocolate“ erschien 1986 und markierte für Elvis Costello & The Attractions eine Rückkehr zu einem raueren, ungeschliffenen Sound, nachdem die Vorgängeralben teils stärker auf Pop und Produktion gesetzt hatten. Aufgenommen wurde das Album in den Olympic Studios in London, produziert von Nick Lowe unter dem Pseudonym „Nick Lowe a.k.a. Colin Fairly“. Musikalisch bewegt sich die Platte zwischen New Wave, Pub Rock und einem kantigen Gitarrenpop, der Costellos frühere Aggressivität wieder aufleben lässt. Songs wie „Tokyo Storm Warning“, „I Want You“ oder „Uncomplicated“ zählen zu den prägnantesten Stücken – teils bitter, teils zornig, mit Texten, die zwischen verletzter Leidenschaft und zynischer Beobachtung schwanken. Costellos Gesang ist bewusst roh gehalten, was gut zum ungeschönten Klangbild passt. Das Album wirkt stellenweise düster und intensiv, weniger eingängig als seine großen frühen Erfolge, dafür ehrlicher und kompromissloser. Es zeigt Costello auf der Schwelle zwischen seiner wütenden Jugend und einer reiferen, reflektierteren Phase.

3/5

This is my first time listening to Elvis Costello since high school when i decided i didn't like Elvis Costello and, let me tell you there's a lot i didn't realize. Like i had no idea he was English, and i didn't realize this was an 80s album partially because it doesn't sound 80s to me until crimes of Paris and partially because I thought he was one of the guys who died in the place crash with buddy holy. it turns out, despite not being able to tell these things i STILL really don't like Elvis Costello i almost liked Tokyo Storm Warning for it's groove but just like the rolling stones Going home and John Lennons i don't wanna be a soldier mama, it felt like it went on way too long and insufferably. But then it got to I Want You and i don't know what happened, but that song goes hard. I started to think maybe i do like Elvis Costello. I like the writing and the composition of it a lot but felt like a different arrangement/performance would fit better so I started looking up covers and Fiona Apple has a great version and there's one Elvis did with the Roots that's pretty great too! Oh my God, that song After that it got bad again. Turns out i don't like his music. I'll give it a 3 though

Tokyo Storm Warning rips. I want to thank this album for Napoleon Dynamite. Elvis Costello seems like the guy who was super lame through most of school but because the coolest guy after school and is super stoked to rub it in everyone’s faces. This album feels very interesting and I feel like I’m really close to “getting it.” But I don’t know if I have what it takes to truly connect with it. There’s some really fantastic stuff here. There’s some lyrics here that are compelling, some sounds that feel innovative, and a concept that seems enthralling to those who care. It’s like driving past a car meet where in like “o shit that looks neat” and I imagine what it would be like to know anything about cars except instead of cars it’s smoking cigarettes and arguing about Roy Orbinsin vs Kraftwerk.

Crikey me cunt furs it’s another Elvis

I liked Battered Old Bird, the rest ranged from meh to ok

I did enjoy it. But he’s not got my favourite voice. Simpsons: Yes

not that good. different elvis

You know how you go to a theme park and there are bands that play for shows and what not? That’s what this reminds me of. It’s not bad and part of me thinks I could causally enjoy it but it’s also not great. The fact that this guy has so many albums and I know the name is impressive but I can’t think of any specific song.

I like Elvis Costello, but this album is probably my least favorite so far. Best song Battered Old Bird.

Blood & Chocolate will be my last Elvis Costello album, as well as my last album from 1986 to review. As luck would have it, yesterday was my penultimate album from 1986, and now, a day later, I bid goodbye to that year. I really hoped that I would fall in love with at least one of EC’s albums, but so far, I’ve only had a few four-stars. Let’s give New Wave Elvis one last chance to blow me away! Alas, Blood & Chocolate won’t be getting five stars from me, meaning EC peaked at a few four-star ratings. B&C was fine, and I’d rank it in the middle of the pack as far as his albums that I’ve reviewed go. On some of EC’s better efforts, I’ve really loved his signature guitar and keyboard playing, but to me, it felt like that particular flair was missing from most of this album. On top of that, it felt like the keyboards didn’t play as prominent a role in the music on this album either, which was a bit of a letdown to me. On top of that, a lot of the songs on this album felt a little too long, which to me, watered down the message in the lyrics a bit. As far as the positives on this album, the songwriting was strong, and there were some pretty clever lyrics. And even though this wasn’t really what I wanted from EC musically, it was still a good album, and fairly enjoyable to listen to. Some songs that stood out to me: I liked the guitar on “Uncomplicated,” and the organ playing was organ too. The overall sound was interesting, and the bass and drums rounded out things nicely The organ on “I Hope You’re Happy Now” was good, and the bass rounded it out nicely. The lyric “you make him sound like frozen food, his love will last forever” was excellent. I loved the overall spiteful and angry tone of the lyrics. “Blue Chair” was one of the strongest songs on the album. The rhythms were excellent, and I couldn’t help but sway along as this song played. The chiming sound that was used was really great too. “Battled Old Bird” was really beautiful, despite the story in the lyrics being incredibly uncomfortable. “Crimes of Paris” and “Poor Napoleon” were the best part of this album. Ioved the backing vocals from Cait O’Riordan on both songs, and the guitar and bass playing was really solid too. The tambourine on “Poor Napoleon” was a nice touch too. After reviewing six of EC’s albums, I think he’s one of those artists who I’d just prefer to listen to his hits. His albums are fine, but I can survive on just the highlights of his career.

My least favourite of the Elvis Costello odyssey on this list. On first listen I was heading for a 2 as felt the song craft (which has previously been his saving strength) was much weaker than the other albums so less of an overset against the vocals - which I have always struggled with. On repeat listens it did grow on me - and whilst still probably my least favourite of his albums on this lists its a solid 3.

mid

Still not an Elvis Costello guy

it’s cool and all but this guys voice is pissing me off

I feel like I’m supposed to like this more than I do. There are some clever turns of phrase and a few moments where the Hammond sneaks through nicely, but overall it didn’t grab me. It’s fine, solid even, but not something I’d find myself seeking out again. More of a respect listen than a love listen.

Didn’t finish it but liked what I listened to especially Tokyo Storm Warning

like Elvis Costello, but towards the end I'd had enough. Decent enough, but a bit samey. Disappointed overall.

I find Elvis Costello to be very whelming.

If you said "hey I'm gonna put on an Elvis Costello album" and didn't tell me anything else about it, I would hear this and say "yeah, that's Elvis Costello alright".

I have nothing against it and not enough for it, just some lukewarm extra Costello for whoever's craving it It's a relatively not-so-upbeat collection for Elvis Costello, so I guess that's a slightly different lens to hear his musical stylings through

Standard rock album. Was fine.

Elvis Costello nær ekki almennilega að höfða til mín. Ég get samt ekki sett fingurinn á af hverju. Þetta er allt voða svipað og allt í lagi í bakgrunni en ég myndi aldrei setja þessa plötu á sjálfviljugur.

Good album, a little far away from what I love. 6.3/10

there’s just something about him I don’t vibe with …. And he’s literally built exactly for my music taste

I don't know man it's like fine I guess.

Very noisy. Sometimes good, sometimes bad. Elvis Costello is a mood. I haven't listened to much Elvis Costello, but I've always thought he reminded me of Tom Petty. I just googled their names together and found an article about Tom Petty complaining about "Radio Radio" ripping off the ending of "Listen to Her Heart" hahaha. I guess this aligns with EC being more punk than TP.

Second half of the album really picked up a lot more traction compared to the first. Very cheesy, but it's not bad that's the thing.

Love this album