Reviews (page 3 of 8)
Best Song: I Want You. Nothing revolutionary, but a decent song of yearning. Worst Song: Battered Old Bird. When you oversing a song so much that you just abandon any attempt at enunciating. Overall: I really don't like Elvis Costello's manner of singing, to the point that I'm kind of flabbergasted that he features so much on this list. His singing sounds like yodeling if was invented in the American midwest. Each note never knows where the next note is coming from.
Seems like very generic pop-rock.
A very slick, talented, and polished garage band (there I go with the Zen koans again..). This seemed to be produced to sound as *if* it were live/in a garage somewhere and I'm entirely on board. The first half of the album is really good, with standouts being, "I Hope.." and "Tokyo..". The second half slows down some and I think the formula (garage band 'feel') doesn't work quite right. The tempo needs to stay high to let the magic happen. "I Want You" may be the sole exception to this rule. It evokes an early 60s garage band feel that reminds me of that fun, Tom Hanks-directed film from the 90s "That Thing You Do!". The lyrics are a tad shade darker on "Blood.." than the movie's eponymous song, however. (4/5) For being an unexpectedly fun album. Not sure what I expected going in, but Costello delivers here.
I'll admit, I came into this album with some preconceived notions of Elvis Costello and thought I knew what I was getting into, but from the first track I was thrown for a loop. Not so great at first, but by "Tokyo Storm Warning" I'd acquired enough of a taste to settle in. That's when I started to hear so many of the 90s bands that must have been directly influenced by his 33 studio albums. Toad the Wet Sprocket, The Wallflowers, Spoon, Weezer, Wilco, whoever the hell did the Friends theme... Hell, Soul Asylum directly incorporated the skeleton of "Blue Chair" into "Runaway Train," and their singer probably owes him royalties for his stellar impression. There are even hints of Sublime in here, which I'd never have expected to hear. Like most albums, some of it worked better than others, but even when it wasn't great, it was interesting, and I definitely preferred his voice in the calm stuff to the almost punky screaming he'd tear into every so often. But all respect to The Attractions, who pretty well lived up to their names. All in all, it was better than I expected, and while I'm more likely to check out some of his other material than I was before, I'm more inclined to reach for some of those influenced artists I mentioned earlier and show my appreciation that way. It's a solid 3.5/5 that I'll round up in thanks for the legacy.
Variety: 4 Adequacy: 5 Listenability: 5 Uniqueness: 4 Emotionality: 4 = 4.4 rounded down to a 4 "I ain't a-saying you treated me unkind/ You could've done better but I don't mind/ You just kinda wasted my precious time/ But don't think twice, it's all right" - Bob Dylan "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" Though I have a general appreciation of most Costello stuff I've heard, I'm always a bit hesitant to try anything I have not heard before because I think it's going to be a lot of self-indulgent claptrap. But it hardly ever is. Despite what anyone thinks of his public persona, the man seems well intent on making very listenable material, and not challenging people as much as one might think. He's always very pop minded, and even the albums I've went into that don't have any giant hits ( he really had way less than you think anyway) seem like they were at least MEANT to be radio-friendly. Part of this I think comes from his adoration by a certain type of critic who would gush over anything he released, and over time he got filed away with Springsteen and Van Morrison, and latter day Bob Dylan as "Rolling Stone favorites" - which in my mind meant largely well produced, inoffensive, but toothless old man rock. I think Costello himself would be fine to be considered in that company and pretty sure he's performed with all those dudes mentioned. I'm not sure how fair it is to lump him in though. THE TRACKS Side one: Flanko Uno "Uncomplicated" - Big beefy beat opens this one, and it's kept pretty simple with an organ brewing under the surface and bubbling up occasionally to add some heat to the pot. Basic but very effective. "I Hope You're Happy Now" - I read that Nick Lowe produced this and man is it obvious. His fingerprints are all over this. His band of 60s inspired melodic power poppy new wave is on display and sounds great. Would not call the production in polished by any means, but they are definitely going for some sort of rougher faux live band sound. Strong Beatles/ Merseybeat vibes on this one, and love the vocal inflections on the title line. "Tokyo Storm Warning" - Costello's voice I know is a breaking point for some. I know one person who thinks he sounds snotty and sneering no matter what mode he's in. I can hear it more when he's going the extra mile like on this one, but it doesn't really bother me. Mostly comes across as enthusiasm, and his voice cracking at one point hammer this point down. Little bit of a mix of Revolver-era Beatles and Bringing it All Back Home-era Dylan influence here I think. Solid. "Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head" - Costello brings it way down and slips effortlessly into regretful, doubtful mode. More Dylan on display here, but the poppy hooks are still abundant. Favorite lyrics thus far. This could have been a Lowe or Rockpile song. Getting that strong, bright Lowe acoustic guitar sound I love that shares some overlap with some Jeff Lynne stuff that often bleeds over into stuff they produced for other artists ( Costello, Travelling Willburys, Tom Petty, etc...) "I Want You" - And we end side one on an unabashed love song... or is it? Unlike someone like Tom Waits, Costello can't seem to ever go FULL sincere. This very quickly becomes a much darker, obsessive, and even vengeful take on the subject matter. The music drops and stays in that jealous darkness for the remainder as well. A blackhearted torch song that puts a spotlight on just how versatile Costello's voice is. Side two: Flanko Du "Honey, Are You Straight or Are You Blind?" - Costello falls right into some garage rock sounds ( though any of those bands never sounded so clean). Still I think Eric Burden or the Troggs would have been quite happy to have written this one. "Blue Chair" - Bit of blue-eyed soul influence on here I think. Van Morrison vibes. Though not too much as it very quickly settles back into pop rock territory. Musically not as much going on though, with the vocals doing most of the melodic work. "Battered Old Bird" - If you had told me this had come out a decade later I would not have blinked. Sparse instrumentation indicates nothing about the mid-80s to me. Despite being interesting for that reason, this one doesn't hit me too hard and seems a little too message for me. I prefer Costello in sarcastic mode. "Crimes of Paris" - A return to the beautiful pop hooks and instrumentation. Easy enough to shake the prior three songs off and settle back in when this is what you get. Makes me wish there had been more background vocals throughout though. This is something I can imagine Sussana Hoffs and Matthew Sweet doing one of their cover albums. "Poor Napoleon" - Another very pretty vintagey number with a touch of an edge. We even get a MOtown nod here I think with the tambourine, which makes the dizzying swirling guitars underneath contrast even better. "Next Time Round" - Classic Costello here, as I think this would not have sounded out of place on his first few albums. But maybe with a bit more jingle jangle. HIGHLIGHTS - "Uncomplicated" - "I Hope You're Happy Now" - "Tokyo Storm Warning" - "Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head" - "I Want You" - "Crimes of Paris" - "Poor Napoleon" - "Next Time Round" MIDLIGHTS - "Honey, Are You Straight or Are You Blind?" - "Blue Chair" - "Battered Old Bird" LOWLIGHTS - Nothing even close FINAL THOUGHTS Am I aging into Rolling Stone old man tastes? I don't think so ( or so I'll keep telling myself), I just think this album has aged incredibly well for 1986. The traditional retro-tinged sound and the avoidance of the "hip and cool" stuff going on at the time gives it a timeless feel that I think would make it very hard for anyone who was not very familiar with his discography to tie it down to even a particular decade. All that said, the album slips out of the groove established in the first half for me and the first half of side two loses me, but only just. Solid contruction and sound, but no hooks again feel like a bit of a desert compared to everything around it. But even the midlights on here are fine specimens. This falls just short of a classic for me, but would happily listen to the whole thing again. PLAYLIST ALTERATIONS FURTHER LISTENING - Seconds of Pleasure by Rockpile - Labour of Lust by Rockpile - 100% Fun by Matthew Sweet - Under the Cover v.1-3 by Sussana Hoffs and Matthew Sweet - When Did We Do That? by Letters to Cleo
Elvis Costello is another name I am aware of without being able to name any of his music. I’m not even 50 albums into this and that is a sentiment I’ve encountered quite a bit. My musical knowledge may not run deep but my enthusiasm and appreciation do. Leaning into those a lot. And there is much to appreciate on this album. That’s because Costello musical knowledge does run deep. Reading up on it seems like this guy loves everything! At first the year of 1986 threw me because I could’ve of heard much of this album on any random 1990 indie movie soundtrack. Something from Miramax or New Line Cinema. But the more I thought about it the more that actually tracked. At that moment in time these movies would’ve pulled from this exact time and this sound. More studied ears may hear a bit of The Beatles, Rolling Stones, or The Byrds but being a teenager of the 90s I’m hearing notes of Gin Blossoms, Sublime, and Radiohead. It’s funny how these musical lineages branch out. Anyway, I enjoyed this album well enough. Track Highlights Tokyo Storm Warning Home is Anywhere You Hang Your Hat I Want You Crimes Of Paris
His music bores me to no end, this has been the worst offender and it's only not a 1 because I'd imagine I'd have a good conversation with the guy
Costello's distinctive voice is apparent here and this is generally a likeable album.
The only track I know from this album is ‘I Want You’, and I actually think it’s the best track. I didn’t find the rest particularly special…
This was a great summer vibe, I could picture myself listening to it while driving on a sunny day
Never understood the Elvis Costello craze
It touched me more than I was expecting
no
it's mid... interesting but i don't get the vibe
It’s alright, but I can understand people whining if the other 5 albums of his on the list sound the same.
Didn't really enjoy.
I refuse to finish it
Solid stuff again. Merited a second listen, which confirmed it was better than a 3.
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
Nonononononononononon crisse c’est le SIXIÈME ALBUMS (6 ALBUMS, TE REND TU COMPTE?????!!!) D’ELVIS COSTELLO GÉNÉRÉ Y’AURA 10000000000% de RIEN de NOUVEAU, du pré-mâché de marde, eeeeeuuuuurgh. Effectivement, rien de nouveau sous le soleil, mais enfin pus de Costello
Didn’t do it for me. Wife said one track was too long, I agreed. She threatened to leave the room if I didn’t change it.
Familiar with Elvis Costello. Never heard this particular album. Good.
I couldn’t wait for it to be over
not a fan, but a few were okay.
I haven't listened to this album in quite some time and I forgot how much I like this, especially the song I Want You.....yeah.
Highlight: I Hope You're Happy Now. Elvis, mate, WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?! The only songs released as singles are over 5 minutes long! I Hope You're You Happy Now or Honey Are You Straight or Are You Blind would have been better choices, because they are a throwback to your trademark new wave/post-punk sound. Blood and Chocolate sounds more restrained, dialled in, compared to earlier releases on the list. I don't feel a viciousness with the vocal delivery. You don't need to listen to all five Elvis Costello (solo and The Attractions) albums on this list before you die. Especially not this one. You'll get by just fine with This Year's Model or Imperial Bedroom. Overall: 3/10
Typically dislike to even hate Elvis Costello, but I actually don't mind this one, early Attractions stuff is definitely slightly more palatable and personally this album is quite good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elvis Costello rocks! Love this album! Such a unique style and voice! Highly recommend!
Booo
His voice just isn’t for me. Other than that, musically the album is fine but I’ve no desire to sit through it again
first Elvis Costello album on this list and i'm kind of scared for when i eventually have to listen to all of them, because apparently this website loves Elvis Costello (so i've heard) pretty generic songs with generic writing, but overall just a decent jam. that's all i can really say about it, it was sort of just background noise to me. this album would be more at home in the 70s i think, it feels like it doesn't fit in the 80s? favorite track(s): Tokyo Storm Warning. idk it was just fun! 6 mins of something relatively catchy but that's about it. I Want You isn't bad either
Great Elvis Costello album.
This is my 6th and final Elvis Costello album here, and probably my least favorite. Pretty stripped back, not much to say about this but not my cup of tea
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
2.5
*dutifully listens to this album* *dutifully thinks of something to say* *dutifully gives it a rating* ... *daydreams of a day when there are no more Costello albums on this list*
a best of elvis costello isn't even worth hearing before you die and there's like a hundred of his albums on here. this was so boring.
This would be a three for being "fine" and "listenable" except I'm sick of this man. He has too many albums on here. Go home.
Im so sick of this fucking guy and his thousand albums on this platform. 1/10
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.
It's my loss, but this record didn't change my view of Elvis Costello. A big part of it is his voice: rock-n-roll posturing, sneering, rasping, trying *so* hard. Why? I'm sure he has a nice voice without pushing himself to be a Rock Singer. He reminds me of early Bruce Springsteen with less songwriting chops and a worse band. I can certainly see the buds of other work, like Wilco and Magnetic Fields. But this one is wall-to-wall blah for me.
Not terrible to listen to - not my style either. I want you was the best in my opinion
2,5
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
Like this more than the last Costello album we had (the one with the elephants on it). It felt like an anti-Valentine's Day album which I liked. I liked the musical layers to a lot of the songs. Felt that his voice was more in control than normal which was a plus.
ok, I like some Costello but not really sure why this album is on the list. it doesn't seem as strong as some of the others we've listened to. kinda boring. I'll say again-just because an artist is gifted does not mean you need to put the majority of their work on this list (looking at you Bowie, Neil Young, Dylan, etc.). It waters down their impact.
Really enjoyed this, a lot of variety and some corking tunes even on first listen.
I know that context is key, but this is just kind of OK. Why does Elvis Costello get so much love from hipsters? and why the FUCK does he warrant SIX albums in this stupid-ass project? His voice is fine, the music is fine, the album is fine. So much good music left off this list but we've got six albums of this donut to slog through.
Feeling in my bones that today’s album would be Elvis Costello, I threw My Aim Is True on the turntable last night. Right artist, wrong album. But a double dose of Declan never disappoints. Not as memorable as some of his best, but still a great listen.
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
Ya not really a fan of this guy and his voice. Just weird love songs.
Nope
I actually think this is the worst Elvis Costello album I've ever heard
Best Song: I Hope You're Happy Now Two days in a row of Elvis Costello. Do not get me wrong, Elvis Costello is alright, I would say above average. However, is there a need for so many Elvis Costello albums on this list. There isn't one Ozzy Osbourne solo album, Tool album, plus countless other legitimate bands that should be on here. Instead we have too many Elvis Costello and Nick Cave. It loses its objectivity and makes the author(s) just look like fans and that is it. 4/5.
I finally never have to listen to this fucker again Will I listen to again: 0%
Don't know a lot of Elvis Costello,good album
Good songwriting
Not my bag at all, none of the tracks appealed to me in any way and I couldn't tell you a single thing about it after listening.
This list has made me hate Elvis Costello. He's like John Mayer. He's really, really good at delivering sounds that other people pioneered. As such, I cannot truly give his music the lowest score, and that makes me hate him more. Take your two stars, you bastard.
holy hell im bored
Music was OK Vocals were SO SO
I never really dug him, his cover of Beautiful was good, but pretty meh otherwise
Not his worst album, but not his best. The dynamism of his early stuff, combined with better production should have meant this would be better. Odd choices for singles from it. Best thing I found about it is that it's Napoleon Dynamite on the cover.
'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!
why
3.5
surprised this one has such a low average rating, i really liked it?? i want you was definitely the standout track but i didn't really think it was that bad
i'm sorry man i find elvis costello insufferable. 'home is anywhere you hang your head' and 'i want you' were both good but everything else ranged from "we have warren zevon at home" to painful.
I had a big Elvis Costello phase / "Clicking" last spring but I had never heard this one. It may reignite my phase.... I thought it was excellent, perfectly acidic in the way most of my favorite stuff of his is, great raw production.
Not a massive Elvis Costello fan, but this album had the sound of the early albums and I rather liked it.
Really solid throughout and one knockout (I Want You)
Did not like. Couldn’t get through it
Elvis is just so consistent.
Very enjoyable
So maybe this list didnt need any more costello, but a few really good songs and its well worth a listen.
Ok so this is my FIFTH Elvis Costello album, and I’m not exaggerating when I say they have progressively gotten worse and worse for me. This obviously being the worst. So far his shtick has been endearing and charming. I could even tolerate his “unique” vocal delivery because it felt like the energy was there and the songs were fun and catchy. This album however I feel overexposes his flaws more than it highlights his better qualities. I felt his vocals were the most grating and awful that I’ve heard from him so far. The instrumentation had its brief moments but they are all horribly overshadowed but his lack of quality vocals. I can’t state enough how this album has been the final straw for me with Elvis Costello, I’m genuinely afraid to look to see if he has any more albums on this list cause it’s absurd at this point. A common complaint about this list is people will take their favorite artist and bitch about how few albums there are on this list. For example, I have previously bitched about the complete lack of Primus albums and the lack of Ween albums, but I Elvis Costello have 5 albums is so ridiculously insulting you could even use artists I wouldn’t normally defend or even think about. For example, Kiss, Tom petty, Micheal Jackson, My bloody valentine, ELVIS PRESLEY, The Ramones, Earth Wind and Fire, PRINCE, Ray Fucking Charles!!, Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Bob Marley, Talking Heads!!! Like are you for real? I eventually just got so bored of looking to see how many artists had less albums that I had to search to see how many had more. Any guesses? Nope! 7…SEVEN! That means they think Elvis Costello is on the same plane as Paul Simon, and The Rolling Stones!!! This is one of those rare occasions where the integrity of the whole list needs to be questioned. But that’s the end of my rant about this undermining the whole list as a whole. My actual opinions about this album is that it’s boring, forgettable, and easily the worst Elvis Costello album I’ve had to listen to so far, hopefully there are no more….
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.
Just Meh. Elvis has some good singles but none of his albums have blown me away, and this lacks even a standout song. Honestly, as an album it's probably a 2 as it's not outright offensive, but this is the worst example of the author stacking the book with his preferences. I really don't see what this album adds to the list that Imperial Bedroom or My Aim Is True hasn't already done, so it gets a 1. Doesn't inspire me in any way and doesn't need to be here.
New to me and not sure I would listen regularly but did enjoy
I am a fan, but this is not his best work.
Without the awful vocal delivery, this might have clawed its way to two stars. But it didn't, it's awful, it actually made me cringe a few times due to just how dreadful it was. I think the low point was the Battered Old Bird song, which made my skin crawl. Music evoking a strong emotional response is something I look for, but my response to this was simply a case of, "how could these people make such slop and then have the lack of shame to release it upon the world". Droning, on, and on, and on, awful lyrics, awful backing music. One star.
Je to tak trochu americké...
Such a boring album and some of the worst lyrics I've ever heard. I've never been dryer.
It's been nearly 350 albums since I heard Imperial Bedroom. I was wondering when I would get another Elvis Costello record. As it turned out, the album of his that I got today was another record rife with tensions. Blood & Chocolate was the last album Elvis recorded with the Attractions backing band for eight years, largely due to growing antipathy between him and bassist Bruce Thomas. It certainly didn't help matters that the Attractions were sidelined for the album King of America, released earlier in the year. This increasing animosity towards both parties led to the recording sessions being done as quickly as possible, largely live in first takes. Now, it's nothing new for an act to be going through tumultuous times and still release one more good record before breaking up; Pink Floyd did it with The Wall, and Van Halen likewise with 1984. Could the same be said for Blood for Chocolate? I think so, but it's not quite great. There certainly was a consensus to throw back to the rock and roll styling of Elvis's 1970s album run, to the point of bringing Nick Lowe back for production once more. Yet the overall sound seems noisier and looser, with distorted guitars, a punchier rhythm section, and rushed production that didn't have time to be further polished. It almost sounds like a precursor to grunge. Adding to that sentiment are the generally dark lyrics, chock full of revenge fantasies, guilt-ridden scenes, and outright spite. From the stomping obsession on "Uncomplicated" into the jealous musings on "I Hope You're Happy Now" and "Next Time Round", the snapshots of apocalyptic scenarios on "Tokyo Storm Warning", the lowly ballads of "Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head" and "Blue Chair", and the troubled relationships detailed in "Crimes of Paris", there's a seedy underbelly to the stories and sceneries Elvis sang about on this record. That said, I think there is a limit to Elvis's dark lyricism. The obsessive romance in "I Want You" came off as a meandering re-tread of The Beatles' "I Want You (She's So Heavy)". The conceit of "Honey, Are You Straight or Are You Blind" seemed way too on-the-nose in describing this woman's feelings for another girl. Finally, "Poor Napoleon" was a plodding malaise in the arrangement of this song about a one-night stand, with Pogues bassist Cait O'Riordan's guest vocals being very underutilized compared to the preceding "Crimes of Paris". Still, I think Blood and Chocolate turned out pretty good despite tensions between Elvis Costello and the Attractions. It was certainly worth a listen.
I feel like this generator is shining the worst light on Elvis Costello. He’s a legend, but some of these albums are not it.
This was not fun to listen to. The first track is easily one of the worst I have heard on this list. Awful. Things do improve slightly after that, but the vocals are generally grating, the music is all the same and the mood is self-congratulatory. Not an absolute disaster, but it is all so boring. I won’t listen again.
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?
Day779 - i’d say elvis costello is one of the more controversial artists on the list. and you know what? its turned me into quite the fan
Usual Elvis Costello
Alt rock vibe
Songs as long as the titles
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.
Discazo. Fuerte al medio, bien pegadizas las canciones y con alguna vueltita rara en ritmos, arreglos, etc. 8/10
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?
I really enjoyed this. Very chilled..not mad
4.5/5
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.
I know it seems Costello has way too many albums on the list, but I mean c'mon some of them, like this one, are absolute BANGERS! I don't mind as much Costello taking up space as a bunch of these other artists. He's consistantly at least okay to good. This one he really creates a special album. Great sound, great lyrics, great hooks. "I Want You" is one of his best ever. Haven't seen the reviews yet, but I hope this isn't one people just decided to take their anger out on, because that would be a mistake
I’ve enjoyed the earlier Costello I’ve heard, but this misses the mark. Maybe one really solid track for me on this one.
Not really a fan of him.
Hey, stop hating.
its good
Man I'm getting a streak of good albums I sure hope I don't get a bad one. 5/5
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.
Why are the vocals so loud. They’re clearly not the highlight here.
Usually irritated by Elvis Costello but this album was surprisingly okay
Elvis Costello appears on the 1001 list 6 times. That’s 5 times too many. No more No more
I feel a bit sorry for Elvia Costello - this challenge just seems to make a bunch of people hate his music because they are forced to listen to everything single thing he's ever done, and maybe its partly the overload rather than the music that brings out the haters. Fair call though, his music is shit and I will literally die if I have to listen to another album.
Elvis Costello complied this list 2/5
Gear: Dunu SA6 Artwork: 👄🐵📕 Productionb 🌀💩😖 Music: 🤔🥺🤮 Rating: 🍫(🍫)/5
The only crime this guy made, was to have Elvis on his name... despite that, music's good. Nice one, backup Elvis! :)
#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
Somehow, every Elvis Costello album I listen to is worse than the last. And I still have 3 more to go… yippee. Anyways… This album feels very dull, and very repetitive. It’s almost art rock but just sounds so flat. Nothing really stood out as great to me on this one.
Actually fuck this guy
I like this band so I might be grading on a bit of a curve, but i enjoyed this album a lot.
Really not a fan
初めて聞いたアーティストだけど、これミスチルの元ネタだな。 ミスチルがビートルズと地続きのロックをやっているという感じに聞こえて結構好き。
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.
A surprisingly great album of the 80s. I love “I Hope You’re Happy Now”, “Tokyo Storm Warning”, “Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head”, and “Crimes Of Paris” it’s a great album, I was pleasantly surprised
This is a proper wake-up call of an album. After some of the more polite entries recently, this is nasty, aggressive, and undeniably British. It sounds like a band playing live in a small room with the amps turned up too loud, and that raw energy is exactly what makes it work. Tracks like 'Tokyo Storm Warning' drive hard with a relentless rhythm, while 'I Want You' is a dark, claustrophobic masterpiece. The guitar tone is sharp and vicious—perfect territory for a Rat pedal. It’s a dense, angry record that definitely demands a second listen to fully unpack, but it’s a very solid return to 'Meat and Potatoes' rock.
I would be happy to never get another Elvis Costello album...please nooo!
Just saying, I don't know this man or his band. Right now, I am only judging his album. Album cover pretty cool. However, all of this gets overshadowed by HIS VOICE???? what the fuck is happening
I honestly zoned out a ton during this
Another Elvis Costello album, decent but preferred some of the others. All tracks decent, none that stood out as particularly better than others
I don’t dislike Elvis Costello, but I was really bored listening to this one.
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.
I just don't get Elvis Costello.
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
Not my favorite of Elvis Costello’s albums but still a solid listen
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 feels like I should like it, but I just don’t. Tokyo storm warning is pretty good, though a little long
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
I feel like I should be a fan, but I’m just not into Elvis Costello. This album gets better. I think it’s his voice I don’t like. Each song gets better. But something is still off to me.
3.5
I really hate this man’s voice. And these songs were so bad. Why make bad songs last so long? There’s only so much torture I can take. Why so may Elvis C albums on this list?
I'm sure if I had any interest in what Elvis was going on about, then this would probably be a work of genius, but I don't. If he put as much effort into his tunes rather than the word vomit, this review could have been very different.
I Want You //
Energetic album with some solid vocals, kept me engaged the whole way through. Didn't think I would like it this much after the first track but it got a lot better later on, the length is also perfect. I really enjoyed "I want you", "Battered Old Bird" and my favourite one "Blue Chair".
2.4
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
I like Elvis but I guess just not his music. If I liked the sound of his, I would like it better, but I just don’t. Wish I did.
We've had a lot of "this is fine" type albums lately.
Nothing special.
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.
Elvis Costello’s voice is annoying to me. It’s too much. And what is up with the cover of this album? It looks like a suspicious looking dog with beady little eyes and a sea captain’s hat on is peaking out from behind a book. Am I missing something? What actually is this? I don’t like it.
definitely one of the best/my fav costello albums. others include: this year’s model, king of america, imperial bedroom. special love for later when i was cruel and delivery man. not a bad song on the album.
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
Favorite Track: I Want You
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.
This rather passed me by today. Maybe not the right mood to appreciate it properly but it really doesn’t feel like its inclusion on the list is necessary, particularly because they have way more included than is necessary. It might have been 3 stars on another day but it’s not another day.
Elvis Costello opened my eyes to something interesting: '60s rock and roll revival as a viable path for new wave. It's kind of hard to pin down exactly what his sound is, but this is the description that makes the most sense to me. And this sounds interesting, which is too bad, because I think Costello's music is just fine. Blood & Chocolate has some interesting highs, but as a whole, I would say the album works out to be just approximately fine. I really do like Elvis Costello's lyrics and vocal presence. I think the best word for his writing is "witty", he has a lot of cool images and ideas you can catch if you're listening close enough. And the vocal approach is *sort of* in the punk tradition, and it works for me consistently. But the songs on this album are really hit or miss. At Elvis Costello's worst, I think his sound is more dated than classic, and he has a good few songs that just aren't that interesting. But every once in a while he will choose to do something extremely interesting for a brief period of time, and remind you that he kind of has these little flashes of new wave-y art house sensibility. And there some songs here that I do just like. Uncomplicated is loose and rockin' and I like it. Tokyo Storm Warning's writing kind of reminds me of Dylan. Battered Old Bird goes to some really interesting places with some really interesting vocal flairs. My favorite song here is the (thankfully lengthy) I Want You. The really tense, angular and skeletal place it ends up in as soon as we hear that weird little electric guitar is my favorite thing on the album. And the way the song builds is really cool. I'm kind of struggling to rate this, it's not bad: there are cool moments, a few good songs, and the writing is good. But a lot of the time, it kind of undershoots, relying too much on it's rock and roll revival sound, and just ends up kind of boring. I'm gonna put it at a respectable 2 for now.
Not my favorite from Elvis Costello but some interesting moments
Elvis Costello’s output between 1977 and 1990 remains staggering. It was a remarkably prolific period where, with the singular exception of "Goodbye Cruel World", his hit rate was almost flawless, particularly across his first four career-defining records. While "Goodbye Cruel World" marked his first true misstep, he staged a magnificent recovery in 1986 by releasing two contrasting albums: the refined, Americana-inflected "King of America" and the visceral, jagged "Blood & Chocolate". "Blood & Chocolate" is a spikey, abrasive affair. It is loud, distorted, and raw; a dark record that feels as though Costello was finally purging something from his system. Reunited with producer Nick Lowe, the band recorded together in one room to capture a dense, thundering "big sound". Yet, for all the instrumental chaos, Lowe’s true triumph lies in the vocal production. Costello’s voice is captured with a stark, dry clarity that strips away any artifice - it is arguably his finest vocal performance on tape. The album’s dual nature was famously reflected in the naming of its sides: - The "Blood" Side (Side One): Dominated by aggressive, "bleeding" tracks, this side captures the record's rawest and most vitriolic energy. - The "Chocolate" Side (Side Two): While the grit remains, this side leans into slightly more melodic structures, offering a bitter-sweet counterpoint to the carnage of side one. The album’s pillars are undoubtedly the searing "I Hope You're Happy Now", the sprawling travelogue of "Tokyo Storm Warning", the harrowing obsession of "I Want You", and the punchy, soulful "Blue Chair". Critically, "Blood & Chocolate" was revered upon its release, and its reputation has largely endured. While perhaps less immediate than the pop-infused brilliance of his earlier work, it remains a vital, compelling piece of his discography. It is a dense, challenging, and ultimately excellent record. Four stars. Side one: Blood 1 "Uncomplicated" (4/5) 2 "I Hope You're Happy Now" (5/5) 3 "Tokyo Storm Warning"(5/5) 4 "Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head" (4/5) 5 "I Want You" (5/5) Side two: Chocolate 6 "Honey, Are You Straight or Are You Blind?" (3/5) 7 "Blue Chair" (5/5) 8 "Battered Old Bird" (4/5) 9 "Crimes of Paris" (4/5) 10 "Poor Napoleon" (4/5) 11 "Next Time Round" (4/5) Total - 47 Average - 4.27 225/1001 125/225 albums reviewed were new to me
Boooooo tomato tomato
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.
that one song is fine - i want you, but i wont play this album again
Highlights: Home is Anywhere, Crimes of Paris, Blue Chair, I Want You, Next Time Round
My comments are pretty much the same for this, as for the other two Costello albums I've listened to from the project.
Awful gets worst the longer it goes on
unpleasant voice
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
Awesome!!!
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
### **Blood and Chocolate** – Elvis Costello & The Attractions (1986) **In-depth Review: Lyrics, Music, Production, Themes, Influence, Pros & Cons** --- #### **Overview** Released in 1986, *Blood and Chocolate* is Elvis Costello’s final album with The Attractions during their original run. It’s a raw, emotionally volatile record that blends garage rock, new wave, and literate punk. Produced by Nick Lowe, the album is often seen as a return to the aggressive, organ-driven sound of *This Year’s Model*, but with a darker, more emotionally complex edge. --- ### **Lyrics** Costello’s lyrics are as sharp and venomous as ever. Themes of **betrayal, obsession, revenge, and emotional decay** dominate the album. Tracks like *“I Want You”* and *“I Hope You’re Happy Now”* are lacerating studies in romantic bitterness. *“Tokyo Storm Warning”* is a sprawling, apocalyptic collage of global dread, filled with surreal imagery and political undertones. The album’s title itself—*Blood and Chocolate*—suggests a duality of **violence and sweetness**, a metaphor that runs through the record’s emotional tone. > “The lyrics are blistering songs about sexual despair and disgust” – *Blender* magazine . --- ### **Music & Production** Musically, the album is **loud, messy, and deliberately under-rehearsed**, giving it a live, garage-band feel. Nick Lowe’s production is **raw and unpolished**, which some critics found off-putting, but others praised for its authenticity. The Attractions are in top form—Steve Nieve’s organ is prominent, Pete Thomas’s drums are punchy, and Bruce Thomas’s basslines are tight and melodic. > “Noisy, messy, loose and at times under-rehearsed sounding” – James E. Perone . The album also features **early grunge textures**, with distorted guitars and chaotic arrangements that prefigure the 90s alt-rock movement . --- ### **Themes** The emotional core of *Blood and Chocolate* is **relationship breakdown**, particularly Costello’s own divorce. Songs like *“I Want You”* are not just breakup songs—they’re **emotional autopsies**, dissecting obsession and rejection with surgical precision. There’s also a **nihilistic undercurrent**, especially in *“Tokyo Storm Warning”*, which paints a world on the brink of collapse. > “One of the album’s central themes is man’s capacity to endure… life goes on” – *Los Angeles Times* . --- ### **Influence** While not as commercially successful as some of Costello’s earlier work, *Blood and Chocolate* has grown in stature. It’s now seen as a **crown jewel** in his discography, influencing later alt-rock and indie artists with its **emotional rawness and sonic experimentation**. Some fans and critics even rank it above *King of America*, released the same year . --- ### **Pros** - **Lyrically brilliant**: Costello at his most emotionally cutting and literate. - **Raw production**: Adds urgency and emotional weight. - **Strong performances**: The Attractions are tight and explosive. - **Genre-blending**: Mixes punk, pop, garage, and early grunge. - **Emotional depth**: A fearless exploration of heartbreak and despair. --- ### **Cons** - **Overly dense lyrics**: Some critics found the wordplay too clever for its own good, obscuring emotional clarity . - **Inconsistent pacing**: A few tracks feel like filler or lack memorable hooks. - **Production divisiveness**: The lo-fi, “live” sound may alienate listeners expecting polish. - **Repetitive themes**: The album’s obsession with romantic failure can feel claustrophobic. --- ### **Final Verdict** *Blood and Chocolate* is a **ferocious, emotionally raw masterpiece** that stands as one of Elvis Costello’s most uncompromising works. It’s not an easy listen—it’s bitter, loud, and sometimes overwhelming—but it’s also **deeply human**. For those willing to dive into its chaotic heart, it offers some of the most **powerful songwriting and performances** of the 1980s. > “A raw and bloody steak thrown at your face… Not an ounce of fat” – User review . --- **Recommended for fans of**: Nick Cave, early R.E.M., The Replacements, Leonard Cohen’s *Songs of Love and Hate*.
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’.
Catchy pop album. Sounds a bit like Costello is trying to do his version of "Bringing It All Back Home". Very solid. Highlights: "Tokyo Storm Warning" and "Blue Chair"
Amazing album. It feel so new and fresh
Quite liked it. Like Elvis Costello's voice. I'll listen again.
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
Meh. Don't really care for his voice
Lyrics are so cheesy this sounds very 80s. I can’t tell if this is serious or silly. This sound is not for me, so far I like the slower songs better. I don’t like the way he pronounces words it’s so annoying
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.
There's absolutely no need for anything beyond the first 3 Costello albums to be included on this list. It's not like he's Bowie with several different eras. This is just the same style as the early albums, but worse.
meh, started nice but quite monotone
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.
Thought album was really good. Loved the rock and roll with classic rock mix. Just a very nice album.
I like battered old bird.
11 disco, una vuelta al rock y a los Attractions (tardaría una década en volver con ellos) y Nick Lowe, y músicos americanos del calibre de T Bone Burnett... sin buen rendimiento entonces pero que ha ganado mucho con el tiempo. Un retorno a estructuras simples y melodías directas, un poco Pub Rock. No llega a ser This Year's Model (1978) y Armed Forces (1979) pero mantiene un buen nivel. Uncomplicated es algo bruta. I Hope You're Happy Now, Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head, Honey, Are You Straight or Are You Blind? por ejemplo. I want you, se hace pesada, pero no en el mal sentido. Battered Old Bird tiene una estructura más compleja, con varios cambios de ritmo. Crimes of Paris es un temazo y Next Time Round es el Boss pasado por el tamiz de Costello. Blue Chair está inspirada en Prince!! Los singles «Tokyo Storm Warning» y « I Want You » no tuvieron éxito. Como anécdota aquí toca la bajista de The Pogues , Cait O'Riordan, a quien por ello le dedicaron unas rencorosas letras en su clásico (y a Costello, el rey de la America) Fiesta de 1987. A mi, sin embargo no me parece su mejor disco, y creo que tiene ya suficientes en la lista.
meh.
4th album from Elvis Costello. I enjoy him. But this one probably the least of the four though. Not sure why this one made the list. He doesn’t need 4+ albums on this list. He’s not that great. 2.75
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)
It is true that Elvis Costello was never better than when he was working with the Attractions, but it is also true that listening to Elvis Costello albums is a tortuous experience. I'll just say what I think most of us are thinking: Elvis Costello sucks as a singer and songwriter. If these songs were polished and performed by an actual skilled singer and performer they might have a chance to shine, but holy hell does Declan Patrick McManus make it difficult to enjoy.
Every album you discover of Elvis Costello's is such a unique, rewarding experience. Blood and Chocolate is no exception!
Just because your name is Elvis, doesn't mean you should make music.
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
I love Elvis Costello
The better of the 5 Costello albums I've gotten so far. God's, how many more can there be? 3/5
Would never reach for this to scratch my Elvis itch, very meh listen. Not a keeper.
I'm not listening to another Elvis Costello album.
I was thinking this was marginally better than the other Costello stuff I’ve been subjected to, but then he put on a low gravelly seductive voice and sang “I want you” over and over. Negative sex appeal. Probably like a 1.5, but I can not reward this behaviour.
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.
4- Stars (10/15)
this must be a joke
The man seemingly has two volumes - drunken yelling, or breathless warbling. Neither are up my alley. This album feels like it's three hours long.
Never been a fan of this Elvis
Surprised at how much of THIS Elvis is on this list.
I feel like I'm rating this album highly for how much I felt like it would just hurry itself along a little, but I really enjoyed it.
It’s impressive how chameleonic Elvis Costello is. This is my first time listening to this album and I pretty much like it. It’s his style, but novel at the same time. Great choice
The first of six Elvis Costello albums that I'll be reviewing during this exercise, and a good one. My perception of Costello is colored by a friend who worked on an American tour with him in the '90s and described him as one of the least pleasant musical artists he had ever been around. Unpleasant or not, though, the man could make some good music. Blood And Chocolate was a return to form for Costello after a (commercially) failed attempt at Americana on King of America. His band, the Attractions, were pissed at him after being sidelined on the previous album, so Costello decided the best thing was to be around them as little as possible, recording everything quickly in a massive studio space far apart from each other, doing no more than three takes and overdubbing only vocals and harmonies. And it worked! The album has a terrific sound (shout out to longtime Costello producer Nick Lowe, a terrific recording artist in his own right who we will... not be reviewing on this list? No Jesus of Cool/Pure Pop for Now People? What?) and despite the breakneck pace of recording, is tightly played. It also helps that the songs are good. "I Hope You're Happy Now," "Tokyo Storm Warning," the creepy "I Want You," "Blue Chair," "Crimes of Paris" and "Next Time Round" are particular highlights.
Das war in der Tat ein spannender Schritt in der Musikgeschichte
i want you 1986 Rock and roll, hard rock united kingdom
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'
I Want You
so boring
Just okay, nothing memorable.
Pretty good. Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head and Crimes of Paris reminds me of Michael Penn; since this album predates his work, I wonder if it was a direct inspiration or just a coincidence. I Want You remains one of my favorite Elvis Costello songs; the (inadvisable) yearning is palpable.
Not a fan. His voice is annoying.
When I started this list, I could safely say I was a fan of Elvis Costello. Of course, I'd only really heard 'My Aim Is True' (plus "Radio, Radio", "(What's So Funny About) Peace, Love And Understanding?" and Weird Al's pastiche "I'm So Sick Of You"), but what else did I really need? I mean, right? As far as I knew, this was all he sounded like — and I liked that sound a lot! Heck, I can claim 'My Aim Is True' as one of those "in my soul" records because of how much I've listened to it. So I didn't look into his discography any further. But now that I've taken this deeper look, with five extra albums of his under my belt, I think I can safely say this: when I say I'm a fan of Elvis Costello, what I really mean is that I'm a fan of his first three albums. 'My Aim Is True', 'This Year's Model', 'Armed Forces' — **that's** the stuff I love, when he leans hard into New Wave and pub punk. He could be singing about anything; I just love that **sound**. Especially the keys he uses on 'em, goodness! It's when he seriously strays away from that sound, as he does on 'Brutal Youth' and 'Imperial Bedrooms', that I start to check out. Neither of those albums are bad (far from it!), but I just don't enjoy their sound as much. I think it puts me a hair out of step from Robert Dimetry and all of the people who contributed to this book. From what I can tell, Costello is mostly on here for his skills as a songwriter — which mostly means "his lyrics." And it's not that I don't care **at all** about Costello's lyrics; for the albums I care about, I do really enjoy a lot of what he writes. But on those other two albums, that seems to be the main draw, and ... I'unno, I've never been much of a lyrics person. In music outside of rap and country, I'm never gonna pay attention to them as much as I know I do the general sound, and if the sound can't pull me in, what chance do the lyrics have? It's really led to me wondering, like a lot of other people, why exactly Costello needed to have six albums on this list. (Though at least I don't just leave a "1" and move on.) Me, I would've been just fine with only half of that. That half, of course, would not include this album. I'll tell you, I did like it quite a bit, but if this album means anything to me, it's just as the one of the six that really cemented my opinion on Costello. After the failure of his previous record, it was a deliberate attempt to recapture the sound of 'This Year's Model' and 'Armed Forces', and ... yeah, **of course** I'd like that. Costello even got Nick Lowe back to produce it! That's neat! And, yeah, if you're someone who **did** like 'This Year's Model' and 'Armed Forces' and wanted more of it, this is your stop. It rocks, it rolls, it's lively ... it doesn't have that 70's keyboard sound I love so much, but pretty much everything else is just as I want it to be. Heck, it even got me to pay attention to the lyrics on some of these songs, and they can be pretty good stuff, too. But, y'know, this is all **if** you want more of that sound. Honestly, if you've already got 'This Year's Model' and 'Armed Forces', I'm not 100% sure why you'd also need Elvis Costello trying a decade late to recapture that sound? And he does it pretty well, all things considered, but it's clearly a step below those old albums, even if it's just a little. There are also the few songs that stray from the sound, and, I mean, I don't wanna come across like any deviation from the sound **I** like is suddenly the end of the world ... but I can't tell you I enjoy them as much as I do the 'Model'/'Forces' stuff. Take "I Want You", for example. I keep seeing that touted as a highlight for how unsettling it is, and how bluntly honest Costello's lyrics are, and it's like ... yeah, I get it. I appreciate it. But next to how hard "Tokyo Storm Warning" goes, I have a hard time really getting into this. It's just a bit too lowkey for my tastes, y'know? (And come to think of it, "Tokyo Storm Warning" might actually go on a hair too long.) And it's like ... for real, I have no issue with Costello deviating from the sound of his first three albums. He wants to go off in all kinds of weird directions and make classical music or jazz, he's free to do that. That's his prerogative, and I am absolutely not criticizing him for it. It is simply just a matter of taste. And I guess I just don't have much of a taste for much outside of his first three albums. And something about this discussion feels unfair to 'Blood & Chocolate', too. It's bad enough it has to compare itself next to 'Model' and 'Forces', but it can't even exist on its own without being used as a conversation piece for the wider Costello discography and how many of his albums are on this list. It's got good tunes, honestly; I did enjoy my time with it. I guess it's just the result of this being the last Costello album my group is ever gonna get — I'm in a bit of a reminiscent mood, y'know? For what this album is worth by itself, I think it's a good time. It's Costello returning to the sound I think he was at his best in, and he does it well. You might be bound to find a song or two like it, even if you've never heard 'This Year's Model' or 'Armed Forces'. I guess if you're one of those people who're so sick of Costello you give every one of his albums a 1 on sight ... well, I sort of doubt you're gonna listen to it anyway. But as for me, who is, by all technicalities, a Costello fan, I think it's pretty dynamite.
More of the same sound that Elvis is known for, but that isn't a bad thing. Solid 4 Stars. (Weird cover art, though.)
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.
No había escuchado más que I want you, excelente canción. Gana con las escuchas, pero no es mi lp favorito de Costello. Se merece un 4 por toda la carrera.
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.
I despise Elvis Costello as a vocalist. And even I Want You was pretty poorly constructed as a song imo, 1/1
I love This Year's Model, but haven't been able to get much into Costello's other work, aside from (What's so funny 'bout) peace love and understanding. Listening notes: -Man his voice can really grate if I'm not in the mood for it. -I Want You is really good. Has this creeping tone that really works. Review: In general, I think this album doesn't really work. But I like I want you.
Elvis Costello is a unique voice that he embraces and can do some very fun things with. I'm not sure anything stands out in this album enough to justify a 5 star review, so I think it's a solid 4-star album.
I'm almost at the end of this list and this feels like the 10th Elvis Costello album in here. My conclusion? I don't get it.
Solid enough songwriting but not much else for me. I could hear shades of John lenon and Bob Dylan in the songwriting style so I feel like I should love it. It doesn't seem to add much to those foundations though. The sound of the band at this point in time doesn't do too much for me and I actually find his affected vocal delivery a little bit annoying. Maybe it was just the wrong day's for me to be open minded to this?
Enjoyable! Some upbeat rock tracks
Really grooving rock.
Just some bland rock from a guy who I ruled out with the first album I got of his on the list. Best part was when I walked past a construction site and I couldn’t hear the album
Another list pick due to the fact that Costello is an incredible songwriter. Other than that, it is an incredibly bland rock album that is slightly experimental but misses being anything and it doesn't help with his voice being quite annoying to listen to.
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?
if i was an alcoholic this would be a 4
"Honey are you straight or are you blind" was a real lowlight of this one
Cool album so far! Has lots of 60s an 70s rock influences. Elvis Costello has a raspy but warm tone; I don’t think I’ve ever heard Elvis Costello before but I like it so far. Is Tokyo Storm Warning a political song? It’s steady song to vibe to but what is it about? I’m curious to find out… the scream at the end was quite unexpected but pleasantly surprised me. Home is Anywhere is a heartbreak song. His home used to be the woman who left him heartbroken, but now home is “where (he) hangs (his) head.” The sounds more hopeful and reflective than sad or melancholic as one might expect. I Want You caught me off-guard! He sets the scene by singing softly, making me think it was a sweet love song. But then, the music softens and there’s a bluesy vibe with minimal guitar. The song becomes more…erm…passionate? Bro is yearning hard for this woman 😭. Or rather, it sounds more like obsession—in an unhealthy way. I got to experience the duality of Costello, it’s pretty cool how he can switch between a fun song and a song about deep infatuation. Blue Chair seems like a personification of sadness after experiencing heartbreak. That’s a unique way to put it! Once again, Costello shows variety with a soft ballad in Battered Old Bird. The music builds and there’s more piano in this song than the other tracks. In terms of songwriting, Costello can easily switch between folk-style lyrics and short, repetitive, catchy lines all while managing to set the story and mood for the song. Going back to the track, I’m not sure what the song was about because I was writing here, but I’d like to go back and dissect the lyrics and figure out the story he’s telling! I’ve noticed he had vocal stims where he sort of whisper screams in the song. Not the best way to describe it, I know!! Next Time Round, maybe referring to his next album, he’ll be over this relationship! Yipeee!!! Honestly such a great album I was pleasantly surprised. I love when an artist can have so much variety in an album while still staying true to their style of music. This album will def go in my usual listening rotation!
This would definitely be in Costello's top ten if not his top five. I enjoyed the album and would welcome another listen.
I don't see the appeal to Elvis Costello. This album sucks.
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.
Light country rock?? meh
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
Meh
Sounds like most other Elvis Costello albums. Pretty standard stuff
4/5 master lyricist
DNF
First Elvis Costello album i've listened to. It was very OK. I could see myself enjoying it more maybe if i listened to it again?
It was ok
Shut up Elvis
Yeah sure, why not ANOTHER Elvis Costello in this list. I think it's the 6th one I get here. I don't think he even made ONE good album and I really don't see how somebody could justify his presence SIX TIMES on this list. Weirdly, I think it's his less bad input here. Can't say I like it either.
Painful listen.
80s new wave rock. Kind of annoying, theatrical ‘rock’ voice.
1001 albums dads must listen to feel validated about their music tastes. 1.5
There is only one Elvis and Mr. Costello you aint it. 2
Yuck
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.
I played this one to death back in the day. So much fun coming across it. Still great. Always love Elvis Costello. I Want You is the favorite track for me.
With each Elvis Costello album, I lean into my opinion more - I recognize the good songwriting, but just don't enjoy listening to it.
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.
I know Elvis Costello but not sure if I have ever listened to him and the attractions. This first song blew me away, was not ready for that. Ironic to listen to this because I can hear a lot of influences from a lot of music that I generally like in modern music. I dig this. Good stuff.
Elvis Costello is really starting to wear on me
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.
It's funny that the time I have given his first 8 or 10 albums can be measured in thousands of hours and yet somehow I never once listened to this one all the way through. This album is on the other side of the mountain. The side where the trail leads back down to earth. Maybe he got his personal life in order or his drinking more under control, but it sort of feels like he doesn't have as much emotionally gripping music to make. I Want You and Blue Chair are much the best here and worthy additions to the cannon. Home is Where You Hang Your Head is pretty good, too. The rest of this is kinda ponderous to me. A lot of songwriters feel compelled to put out new material on a regular schedule whether the material merits it or not. It has the effect of diluting their overall impact and damages their place in the firmament. I think about this a lot because if I get into the regular habit of writing then I will definitely write more than if I don't have a habit, but if I put myself into a situation where I have to produce on any kind of a deadline then while I will have more finished songs, few or even none of them will stand the test of time. Or worse yet, you accidentally re-write other people's material, as appears to have happened here with Tokyo Storm Warning basically being a poorly disguised Nineteenth Nervous Breakdown. Anyway, I love Elvis but this album should not be on this list and makes me question the person who put it on there. Get Happy!, Trust, This Year's Model are only the first three examples of EC albums I would have put on here before this one.
There are far too many Elvis Costello albums in this collection, which makes it hard to rate any of them fairly, but thankfully this is a solid album overall, and seems worthy of being included (if for no other reason than his painting on the cover painted by (titled?) "Napoleon Dynamite", predating the movie by a couple of decades...). The highlights are mainly on the first half/side, "Tokyo storm warning", "I want you" and "Battered old bird". I also appreciated the recording style of cramming the Attractions (who weren't all that happy with Costello, sadly making this their swan song) into a single room and recording in single takes; quite a contrast to the prevailing 80s production sound, and strangely refreshing. Ironically, it sounds as if this album is more or less a return to his earlier form after a different sound on his previous album ("King of America"). Given the obsessive focus on Costello's earlier career, I wonder if that album--or really anything after "Blood & Chocolate"--might have been better for this collection, given how much this album sounds like so many others by Elvis Costello in this collection? Either way, I'm glad to see that I have only one more of his albums to go at this point ("My Aim is True").