Blood And Chocolate

The most interesting thing about this is that the cover art (by Costello himself) is where the movie Napoleon Dynamite (his nickname for himself(?)) gets its name. Actually, upon further digging, the writer/director apparently didn't know Costello used that name previously. 'He later said, "Had I known that name was used by anybody else prior to shooting the whole film, it definitely would have been changed ... I listen to hip-hop, dude. It's a pretty embarrassing coincidence." Hess claims that "Napoleon Dynamite" was the name of a man he met around 2000 on the streets of Cicero, Illinois, while doing missionary work for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.' Learning all sorts of things today, but what comes as no surprise is that I still haven't found an album by Elvis Costello that I like other than This Year's Model.

Love the raw production. There's an immediacy to this record, not found elsewhere in his catalog. Best songs "Home is Anywhere You Hang Your Head", "Poor Napoleon", "Next Time Round", and "I Hope you're Happy Now". It's not consistently great all the way through, but it's a worthwhile record for any collection.

Generellt ett sound jag har svårt att ta på allvar, men när viben blir lite mer normal skiner en hel del balla idéer igenom och stundtals genialiskt flow i dynamiken och Costellos sång.

Visst!

Not sure how this one flew under the radar for me. Not the same energy/angst as My Aim is True but feels like a bit of a turning point. Overall very enjoyable

The more Elivs Costello albums I gotten the more I hate the him. Before starting this list, I was indifferent to him.

Well it's Elvis Costello alright.

Regular

I've always said Elvis Costello is an artist I respect but don't care much for. This was the first album I've heard of his. It was alright. Some good songs. Bit long. His voice ia mildly annoying but I like him more now.

It turns out that Elvis Costello is one of the most important artists to this list! Far too many Elvis Costello albums on!!! This album again is o.k. but nothing remarkable except his f***ing voice.

Pretty good

Fine. Liked a couple tracks

His voice is HORRENDOUS 1 ⭐️

IT was OK. Typical Elvis Costello. But not his best.

Idk I know people complain about Costello on this list but I guess I just enjoyed the lyrics and the choruses and the melody lines and the voice and the grooves. Call me simple I guess. But that’s just me

Tokyo Storm Warning I Want You

Costello is the most productive songwriter I've ever seen

3.5

He kinda goofy the more and more I hear of him. Unique voice. Nothing jaw dropping as far as music and lyrics though. Just really nothing to come back to for me.

not for me

I'm so tired of hearing Elvis Costello. The album was ok, I even liked a couple songs, but it doesn't need to be on this list. Only like 100 more Costello albums to go...

Kinda funky and deep

Ngl I think Elvis Costello is the most overrated musician alive

Why does his voice sound like that. DNF Best Song: I Want You Rating: 2/10 (Irritating) Stars: 1/5

Grew on my after a few songs, I think there are some really well constructed pop-rock songs on this record but with a raw punky energy. His vocals are a bit hit and miss for me but overall I think it's a great record.

Kinda better than This Year's Model.

Pretty cool, the songs all kind of blue together but a great post-punk album. Will definitely go back and listen to more Elvis Costello in the future

Ok album. Det är typ allt jag kan säga. Det finns ingen lätt som sticker ut. Det är samma lunk i alla låtar, inte dåligt men inte särskilt bra alls. Så egentligen är det mindre bra. För det är musik som inte orsakar nåt i kroppen. Jag kändes så här efter att ha lyssnat typ två gånger, "jaha".

Har man hört en skiva av Elvis Costello så känns det som att man har hört allt. Det är inte dåligt, hyfsat melodiöst och trallvänligt, men lyfter aldrig till några rejäla höjder. Så puttrar det på, på exakt samma förutsägbara sätt genom hela skivan.

After the 3000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000th album by this clown, I don't even have the energy to talk about how much i hate him anymore. Fuck this guy, fuck the guy that put all of his mediocre obnoxious albums on this list, and fuck you dear reader

The vocals here are genuinely not very good.

Is Elvis Costello undergoing radioactive decay? It seems like with every new record he puts out, it’s about half as good as its predecessor. Once again, it just feels like Costello and The Attractions are only capable of making one (1) album, and they proceeded to spend 15ish years remaking that album, with each new attempt only being about half as good as the last attempt. For me, as someone who started with This Year’s Model and is working backwards now thanks to this generator, this is a strange experience. Yes, Blood and Chocolate is a million times better than Brutal Youth, but that doesn’t mean it’s good. I really have been trying to sit with this record, because I think there are some okay qualities on display here. I like a couple of the songs, or at least their choruses. I have “I Want You” stuck in my head, even though I don’t think I really enjoy that song that much. I like the story-telling of “Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head.” I do sincerely like “Crimes of Paris” and “Poor Napoleon,” especially the latter’s rhythm section. I can listen to Blood and Chocolate all the way through without pulling my hair out. But it’s a drag of an experience. That’s in large part because almost every song only has about 3.5 minutes worth of material, but was stretched out to be around 5 minutes. On the other hand, every song that’s 3.5 minutes long or less feels underdeveloped. This alone sets up a huge issue, and really ruins any potential enjoyment I could have, even if this is just a This Year’s Model redux. But on top of the slow pacing that makes me feel like I’m losing track of time in a sensory deprivation tank, there’s still more issues. For one, I kind of hate the choices The Attractions seem to make. They always seem so dead-set on dodging expectations with a bob and weave, but it typically ends them up in places that sound like the wrong notes, and I mean that literally. I think this is most obvious to my ears on the first 3 tracks. Additionally, the production feels…wrong? Reading up on it, it seems like the intention was to sound lo-fi and gritty, but that’s not what’s going on here at all. In practice, it mostly just sounds like the soundscape is misplaced and out of wack; elements that should be in the forefront are background, and vice versa. The whole thing feels like it’s peaking; it’s not in the red à la Californication, but it is heavily in the yellow. That’s not an aesthetic choice, that’s just a wrong choice. Costello isn’t the worst thing you can listen to, but the more time I spend with his late-era Attractions records, the less interested I become in his music overall. It’s a strange point of comparison, but it reminds me of my feelings around Fall Out Boy, and Blood and Chocolate is like Folie à Deux. I don’t just say that because “Battered Old Bird” sounds like “What A Catch, Donnie.” In general, Fall Out Boy seemed to try so hard as they went on to not be a pop-punk emo band, even though they kept just writing the same songs, so by the time of Folie à Deux, it just felt tired. It’s no surprise that Costello is an obvious influence on that band, because that’s about how I feel about him, too. Blood and Chocolate feels like a tired record, one where the audience knows the jig is up, yet the band soldiers on away, to their own detriment. Still, because it resembles something closer to that original magic than the truly awful shit that followed, people like to give it a positive reassessment, even when it doesn’t deserve it. I don’t see what value anyone can get out of Blood and Chocolate on the whole. There’s a few good songs, and it’s not the worst, but it’s not great, either. On a worse day with less patience, I would hate it more. This is a fan album, and if you’re a fan, this is probably where you should (and will) get off the bandwagon. But even as a fan, you might be better off living in blissful ignorance if you avoid this one.

In no way is this much Elvis Costello a must listen. Its so many albums already and so many of them are barely mid. Did Elvis Costello write the book? I just do not see the appeal.

This is the 5th album that this last has spit out to me from Elvis Costello, and all I can conclude is that "tastemakers" who made this list must really want it's readers to like Elvis Costello. This may be the worst album of the bunch. I just find this so boring and uninteresting.

kinda annoying kinda boring kinda meh

Descent album I could probably listen to again. 3.5/5

This album feels like most of his albums, I like it, but nothing sticks out and most of the songs sound the same.

I appreciate Elvis Costello is a talented man. I do. But I still don't like him.

Sucks. I could tell by the name it would suck because they type of person that thinks thats a cool or interesting title will definitely make shitty music

It feels quite sedate. It's just kind of ambling along in the background, and it doesn't stir any real passion in me. I don't really understand the appeal. 2.5 rounded down.

5.5/10. To be honest kinda the same as last one. The songs had were nice enough with a slow epicness to them, there were nice guitar parts and good vocals. However they just seemed to lack that extra kick of raw emotion that left most songs feeling a bit bland. Maybe the lyrics told more of a story than I discerned on my one listen but I'm also not convinced. In the end my favourite track ended up being the more whimsical outro tube which was actually quite compelling. All in all, just didn't hit hard enough to score higher.

Biased, I'm a know who listened on vinyl

Had a great voice. I just want taken by these songs.

finally listened to a full album through. I'm not an Elvis Costello fan at all but this was a good album. except for I Want You. came across creepy.

Bisschen anstrengend aber ok

I'd like to thank Elvis Costello for this album. Because I enjoyed it? Fuck no. I'm 5-6 albums deep into reviewing this list and catching up, so my ratings still obviously require a bit of calibration. I'm realising now my 2-star rating for Van Halen was a tad harsh - there was nothing I specifically didn't like about that album, it was just a bit of an overdriven-lead-guitar blur. This shit, however, is my new benchmark for a 2-star album. Good grief. I genuinely went in optimistic, having heard folks praise Costello as one of the best songwriters of his time. My listening notes were as follows: Track One : "Something about this is annoying. Can't put my finger on it. Hoping for better after this opener." Track Two: "Nevermind, I know exactly what it is. There is a horrific disharmony between the instrumentation and vocals. Surely this smooths out later in the album" ... Track Five: "Fuck this. Could the man have just done another take? On ANY of the songs? Why does this sound like Elvis Costello doing drunk karaoke of Elvis Costello?" This album was fundamentally irritating to listen to (even "I Want You" to an extent) and I genuinely think this is the musical equivalent of enjoying ultra-stinky cheeses like Blue Vein; it's horrible, but you've consumed so much of the normal stuff you just want to feel something. Honestly, if you enjoyed this, just stop listening to music for a while. Let your cochlear nerve recover. The only redeeming part of this album is some solid rhythm lines and production which save it for fleeting moments where Elvis just shuts the fuck up. If Costello dropped an instrumental version, I'd honestly give it a listen. This is my first angry review.

"I want to make an album where the entire focus of the album is on me, and my voice, because I'm a narcissist." "Okay Elvis... Can you sing well? "no but ill pretend like i can and we'll turn down the instrumentals so everyone HAS to hear me :)" this album would have been infinitely better if this elvis costello cunt shut the fuck up for more than one second i grew tired of his stupid singing style and the album felt endlessly long as a result shit album did NOT enjoy

Nothing very exciting but nothing too offensive either, maybe the most milquetoast album in a while. It's sorta catchy but I really don't know if there is much from this album that I would want to save to a playlist. Costello has a voice that feels like it would get annoying at first but is actually pretty easy to get used to, I'm looking forward to getting more of his well received albums

Sure I’ve heard the hits but man these deep cuts are different??? 0 woah mamas 0 movie set in Hawaii themed tracks 0 spousal rapes Honestly I’m not even sure this IS Elvis at all……

Tbh before this list and even going into this album I knew every little about Elvis Costello so I did some research about him, his music and his significance. His father, Ross MacManus, was a singer in the Joe Loss Orchestra and even sang on a popular R. White’s Lemonade commercial in the UK. Paul Kagame and his government have faced numerous allegations over the years, including: Political Repression & Assassinations Targeting Opponents: Opposition leaders, journalists, and former allies who criticize the government have been jailed, exiled, or even assassinated. Notable Cases: Former intelligence chief Patrick Karegeya was found strangled in South Africa (2014). Exiled general Kayumba Nyamwasa survived multiple assassination attempts. Opposition politician André Kagwa Rwisereka was found murdered in Rwanda (2010). His Real Name Isn't Elvis Costello He was born Declan Patrick MacManus in 1954. He took "Elvis" from Elvis Presley and "Costello" from his great-grandmother’s surname. Crackdown on Press & Free Speech Independent media in Rwanda is heavily restricted, with journalists being arrested or fleeing the country. Some Rwandan exiled journalists have been killed or disappeared under mysterious circumstances. On tour, Costello has sometimes performed as an opening act under an alias, playing different styles before his main set. Human Rights Abuses & Forced Disappearances Human rights groups report that Kagame’s government uses torture, forced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings to maintain control. Suspected critics and dissenters often go missing or are later found dead. He Was Almost in the Beatles' Movie "Yellow Submarine" Costello was considered for the voice of a character in the animated film but ultimately wasn’t included. Role in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Conflicts Kagame’s government has been accused of supporting armed groups in eastern Congo, leading to mass violence and instability. The M23 rebel group, accused of atrocities, has been linked to Rwanda’s military. UN reports have implicated Kagame in resource exploitation and human rights violations in the region. He Got Banned from "Saturday Night Live" In 1977, he was booked on SNL and was supposed to play "Less Than Zero," but he abruptly stopped mid-song and launched into "Radio, Radio"—a protest song against corporate media. NBC banned him for 12 years! Election Rigging & Lifetime Presidency Kagame has been in power since 2000 and has won elections with over 90% of the vote, raising suspicions of fraud. In 2015, a constitutional change allowed him to potentially rule until 2034. Wow what an interesting guy, the album is alright I guess, I really enjoyed, Tokyo Storm Warning, Battered Old Bird and I want you 7/10

Some of the songs on here make me think that maybe Mr Costello should have considered a career as a novelist or a poet rather than a singer? Tokyo Storm Warning could have done with like 70% fewer words and it would have been a stellar track. I guess whoever the producer was on this album gave him the same message as the next two songs on side A are less verbose and tighter overall (I Want You drags but it's the end of this side and I have always loved this song). This album doesn't have any bad songs on it, but I did find myself having to rewind tracks as sometimes they kind of flew by me. On a repeat ACTIVE listen (i.e., not listening to this while writing a report at work) the clever lyrics elevate the music and you can appreciate the instrumentation a lot more. All that said, I didn't walk away from Imperial Bedroom as a stark raving Evlis Costello fan, and despite this containing my favourite song of his I don't see myself coming back to listen to this whole thing anytime soon but there are certainly songs that will make it into my rotation of dadslop. Minus points for Crimes of Paris not mentioning two guys mugging you at knifepoint on the Paris leg of your post-university solo holiday to Europe :) Highlights: Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head, I Want You, Battered Old Bird

Kind of boring. Still find his voice to be sort of annoying. Overall it was okay. 2.5/5 Probably won’t listen again

starting to think this book is an elaborate prank to make people listen to elvis costello

I already know I like this cause of Tokyo Storm Warning

Schon wieder Costello? Trotzdem angehört. Ich finde, „Blood & Chocolate“ gehört zu den besseren Werken.

i dunno if this site will ever make a real fan out of me, but this was the most enjoyable of the three costello records i've heard

I liked this much better than most EC albums.

this my second elvis costello album. it's okay so far but nothing really stands out

Good album some songs were really catchy with a good vibe like "I hope You're Happy Now" or "Blue Chair" but sometimes his voice sounds kinda weird and some songs are a bit boring so not bad but wasn't really into it.

Album cover is cool Classic pop rock, nothing stunning 3

Not bad.

Why is there so much Costello in this list?

I think they added the Costello albums when they were still doing 1001 discographies

aka "I Want You and Other Assorted Okay Songs"

4.5

(8.4) ★★★★

"I Want Yoh" is a great song, the. Rest is okay, but not mind blowing. 3.5 stars

I've always gone back and forth between this and My Aim is True as my favorite Elvis album, and I think this probably narrowly edges out that album. There's a lot of strong songs on this and it sounds great, which are two things you couldn't say about Punch the Clock and Goodbye Cruel World. Highlights for me are "Uncomplicated", "I Hope You're Happy Now", "Next Time Round" and especially "I Want You", which is probably the greatest thing Elvis ever wrote. 4.5 stars.

Nice raw enervated feel in places. There are some neat melodic twists and turns and also some cool lux instrumental textures. Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head is pretty rich sounding and kinda reminds me of Windfall Island. In terms of songs though there are no other absolute favourites and as it drags on it does get more samey. Too much blood, too much chocolate and no other magic third ingredient. Costello’s voice does seem to be more forced, contorted and annoying even more than usual as well. 3.5 stars.

Never listened to Elvis Costello before (and maybe I should brace myself, sounds like he has a lot on this list), but this was pretty good to me. A lot like Dylan in his song structures with a large emphasis on lyrics and word play, but the music does rock pretty nicely. Also like Dylan, his singing kinda sucks. I guess that makes it distinctive, but also distracting at times. Tokyo Storm Warning is fun, but damn does it sound like Memphis, Tennessee. I Want You is pretty good as well. It's haunting and obsessive and has some cool musical twists. Interested in hearing more.

Annoying.

Found it pretty ‘samey’ and gave up about half way. I enjoyed ‘Armed Forces’ so much more.

Better than the last Elvis Costello I listened to, but I straight up hated that. Here I disliked the beginning, got into it for one or two songs and then it lost me again. I just don't like hus voice and everything feels unstructured. Shoutout to the army of kazoos, really added that dramatic weight when it was needed

Not awesome, but much better than everyone thinks. Story telling paired with rock/ post punk musical styles. Better than Bob Dylan or Morrissey. Perfectly good. Three stars.

I do enjoy Elvis.

Some pleasant songs

I have never quite been a Costello fan, though he had many great singles I couldn't quite get into any of his albums. I know I either had this or listened to it a lot at the time and I think it has, again, some of his best songs. Tokyo Storm Warning & I Want You in particular. I have so much more context about what is good and bad and average in the albums to listen to that I'm confident now to say that this is a good album.

Keskinkertaista, ei huonoa, ei erikoista. Elviksellä parempiakin levyjä. Jotkut kappaleet vähän ärsyttävän junnaavia. Parhaat: Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head, Blue Chair

Guy has some really interesting melodies and chord progressions. Its irresistable (and markedly difficult) to whistle along

Goes many places. Can’t say I like it much but feels very earnest and dorky (positive)

Really good stuff. Just kept getting better the more I listened to it. Would go extra hard during the summer.

This is probably one of my least listened albums from Elvis Costello and I’m not sure why because it’s really rather good. This is very much a back to basics album after the experiments with Americana on the previous album. The opening track sets out a theme - this is literally uncomplicated rock, focussing on a raw sound and straightforward lyrics. Tokyo Storm Warning channels Bob Dylan circa 1965 with vivid scenes on each verse and similarly I Want You channels the Beatles She’s So Heavy with a repeated lyric that builds a claustrophobic atmosphere of an obsessive relationship.

I was not really familiar with Costello, and it migth have been good when it was released, but all I could hear here is an outdated version of rock'n'roll. Nothing really exciting, nothing really standing out -- maybe one or two titles at best.

I’m a fan of Elvis Costello. But this album doesn’t do it for me.

Just eh

I don't think any amount of albums will get me to like Elvis Costello. The instrumentals are fun, but his voice just doesn't do it for me. Overall a decent album, but not my cup of tea.

Yeah I did not enjoy that, this blokes singing is annoying me big time.

Ye decent, might have to check out more of this Elvis fella

Elvis is the Bob Dylan of the garage-pop genre. A truly amazing song-writer. He’s not a tremendous vocalist but he’s better than many and the passion he has fir his characters is obvious and endearing. This album lacks the recognizable hits on many of his albums — but he’s channeling Roy Orbison, REM, and others into his world of loveable ruffians. It’s a 3, but might be a 4 on a second listen.

Never listened to a full Costello album, but I know for a fact he has better stuff than this. Still solid showing I suppose, also can tell that they might be giants were very much influenced by him, so that’s a plus.

I say this as this is my second Elvis Costello album on this list - I get the feeling that he's going through a personality crisis in the middle of this album. That album he released nearly a decade earlier was so polished, put together, soft even. I think he is trying to go for a more punk, proto grunge style as the times are changing, but I really just don't buy it. I think there are parts of him trying and mostly failing to do a grunge album and there are parts of him playing back the hits. Overall it feels a bit unfocused and like it doesn't all fit together. Also his grungey voice is hot garbage.

A third Elvis Costello is just dumb. No offense to Mr. Costello. Must be filler for this list. Without even hearing this I bet I can think of a thousand other records that deserve to be listened to. I listened and there were a couple good tunes but I didn’t need to hear this - I don’t think the Costello catalogue is so diverse or essential that this needs to be here. Stones, Beatles, Bowie yes they deserve multiple listings. My mistake. This is the freaking fourth Elvis Costello record. List lost some credibility.

I didn't love it, but this was solid. Probably the most I've ever enjoyed Elvis Costello. 3.4

Basically just unremarkable Elvis Costello. 2/5

3.5 - kinda liked it more than I expected

Good artist. Good music. Not his best album, but ok.

Fuck this loser and fuck this album

The surprising thing is that it's an Elvis Costello and I didn't hate it.

Pretty good. Highlights include: “Tokyo Storm Warning” “I Want You” “Blue Chair” “Poor Napoleon”

I just can't deal with Elvis Costello. Even the songs I like bother me in some way. "I Hope You're Happy Now," "Blue Chair," and "Next Time Round" are probably my favorite songs, with the latter being the reason this is getting a 3 and not a 2. But I'm not sure if it's his voice or what, but even when I like Elvis Costello, he grates on me. There definitely is no good reason for him to have so many albums on this list, though. That's for sure.

Not the best effort on this one for my tastes.

The music is pretty good. But there was nothing that really caught me and I am trying to recalibrate my ratings as I feel I have been getting more and more generous with my stars. I can't see myself coming across this album in the future and thinking, "You know what, I could really use some Blood and Chocolate this afternoon." So 3 stars it is.

I was expecting a lot better. I'm aware of many of his more popular tracks, but I hadn't ever listened to an album. Maybe it's one of those albums that gets better with each listen, but I couldn't put myself through it again. It's weird because I've always considered Elvis Costello to be a sort of musical genius\savant etc (admittedly, on a small sampling). It was listenable, but nothing special, so it's only 2 stars for me.

p544. 1986. 5 stars. A stark reminder of just what he was capable of, and how far he has fallen in recent years. Stiletto sharp lyrics and cracking tunes. Essential Costello listening.

Actually enjoyed this. Reminds me of what Wilco is inspired by. Interesting song writing but not super memorable; needs further listening

Can't believe there a 6 Elvis Costello albums on here!

Förutom två eller tre låtar så är det här inget att hänga i julgranen.

My third album from this guy, and Costello seems to be one of those artists that I lose patience with over time. His voice is goofy and distinctive (in a bad way), completely overpowering the other instruments in terms of what captures the listener's attention. It has the unfortunate effect of making all of his music sound very similar. The cons of this album, in my opinion, are shared by all of Elvis's other works. Something about his voice frustrates me, like it's in an uncanny valley between a few other, better vocalists. He sounds *kind of* like Billy Joel, the better Elvis, the Strokes, and a few other rock bands from various eras mashed together. Another problem, related to that one, is that the music doesn't really bring anything new to the party, other than some decent compositions. The style is an odd sort of soft-punk, with clear 50s/60s R&B and rock influences. (My friend and I argued briefly about whether this counted as rock, and we couldn't come to an agreement. But being "genreless" isn't necessarily a good thing.) There's a lot of filler music and poor mixing on the album too. And the more I listen to Elvis Costello, the less effect the positives seem to have on me. I Want You, Blue Chair, and I Hope You're Happy Now are some of the better compositions – especially when paying attention to the instrumentals only – but the singing is poor. Honey Are You Straight Or Are You Blind tries to take an instrumentally experimental approach to fast rock'n'roll but doesn't really get there. Many of the tracks are obviously too long, including Battered Old Bird, Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head, and the egregiously repetitive Tokyo Storm Warning. For the latter track, the melody is actually pretty good, but by the first six minutes it's become very stale. Per another review: "Nothing was awful about this album, but nothing felt special. I spent more time digging into lyrics and story behind it, and still didn't spark excitement. Meh." (Agreed.) 2/5 Key tracks: I Want You, Blue Chair

I’m glad I listened to this. Now, I have an escape plan when guests overstay their welcome at my place. I’ll just put this on.

got tired of the voice towards the end

First didn’t get it at all 5th track got me going though Don’t think it’s one of the greatest albums for me, but I can def listen to it without getting mad

Greatly exceeded what I expected if it, fun and a cool rock album

This album was okay. I enjoyed the music much more than the lyrics and vocals, but at the same time wouldn’t want it only as an instrumental. Perhaps for Elvis Costello fans this is an important album but I admit I don’t get it.

so far the best one of them

Not bad but not necessarily good. I guess I could have it on in the background but I don't know what I would walk away with after the experience. I didn't even know where to place the genre. Not because it was so experimental, but because it was nothing

Yup. That’s Elvis Costello alright.

With all bad records on this list taken into consideration, I wonder if the most criminal thing about this list still is the amount of Elvis Costello records brought in. I think this is the third of the fourth, and I can't for the life of me see what he has done to deserve that. I can only pray that this is the last, but I am afraid that might not be the case. Maybe it's a thing you either love or hate, but I simply can't stand this mans voice anymore. His labored wheezing can sometimes be categorized as singing, but mostly not. I have a hard time putting a finger on what the issue is, but his singing just lacks depth somehow, and feels fake. Perhaps an unfair comparison, but with Bruce Springsteen you always feel that what comes out is deep, sincere, and there is emotion in it. With Costello it's just words that he's projecting, but there's nothing behind the curtain so to speak. A bit like a teenage who tries to sound cool singing, but fails to understand what cool is. Since his singing seems to be front and center on the album, devoid of any type of interesting riffs or melodies, the rest of the album also becomes extremely uninteresting. Really not my cup of tea. Guess it probably deserves a weak 2 or something, but I'm just so tired of him so I'm going to drop it to a 1.

How many Elvis Costello albums is on this list?!?! I was tired of him before, but this is a new low point. I struggled listening the whole way through, his vocals sounds like an angsty teen, with the breathy singing and whining. The mixing sounds like something coming from a demo. Lowest points I remembered was “Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head” which sounded like some kid recording a demo trying to sound like Bob Dylan. The next track I wondered if it was a Dylan Cover. If only it was. I found “I want you” incredibly cringe and downright bad. Edging close to spoken word, in the words of Elenor from The Good place: “Nobodys idea of heaven is a 3 hour spoke word poem”. I don’t want to here more Costello now. Please generator make it stop.

I like his voice but found the rest of this dull. I genuinely fell asleep listening to it.

I fancy voice of Elvis, even this one. Issue with this album is that it didn't throw enough hooks ti water to catch me. Again, like with so many albums lately, it started, gave few good vibes and ended.

I'm familiar with Mr. Costello in name only and had no expectations from this album. I've never heard of this band of his tho. Not impressed with this album of the year. I hear energetic rock/pop, Costellos voice is a bit disruptive and nasal at the same time, which I do not particularly like. I have no means to set this into a timeline of pop music, for comparison reasons, to discover the significance of the release, nor do I want to. Ah, I've just realized this release is of no meaning nor value to me.

Well, I just finished listening to black metal band Akhlys' album House of Black Geminus, and cued this up next. Needless to say, it was not a smooth transition, and made this album sound a bit bland. Maybe it is poor timing for me to listen to this, but I wasn't moved at all. The songwriting is there, but yet again, I don't like the vocals. I'm having a hard time figuring out why this is on the list. 2.

Hmm. This was okay. It seems like there is a lot of Elvis Costello on this list. I feel like he really honed his specific style and sound, and it seems like he stayed within that. This is quite similar to the other stuff I've heard from him.

Elvis Costello sure can pack a lot of words into a song. I wonder what the word count is on "Tokyo Storm Warning." I definitely didn't catch everything the first time around but listening to great lyrics like these is a treat. The Attractions are in rock mode too, which makes the wordiness of the songs easier to digest. I'm a fan of Elvis Costello but I haven't heard most of the albums from this middle era of his career so this was an enjoyable listen.

Wow what an album cover. It's striking. It's got a... face for radio? "I Want You" is the biggest song on this album but as I'm listening I'm really thrown off by the mix.. or maybe a compressor on his voice. He's just so loud compared to the rest of the band and it sounds like some mistaken settings on a compressor. Like his softest moments in the vocals are louder than a snare drum, which doesn't feel right. I either have to crank my speakers (and then his voice is booming and too loud), or I lower the volume and hardly hear the band. Big let down here. What a beautiful song though. By the end I was totally enthralled and surprised by how heartfelt and desperate he sounds. The topic of "wanting" or "unrequited love" has always been very interesting to me despite personally being in a long term relationship. Love and all of it's forms is generally the one umbrella reason for why humans make art in any medium and these desperation ones always grab me hard. By the time this track is over I just want to sit in silence for a bit and contemplate. I've had a tough week and this song has made me think about love, like how fortunate I am to have my relationship, and I'm so happy to be moved by this piece. I'm also so happy to have the patience today to have given this song a good listen beyond the first few minutes when I was frustrated by a production element. This really ended up being a nice listen for me. 3.4 ish.

damn that's good

Elvis Costello & The Attractions - Blood And Chocolate First introduction to Elvis Costello and honestly, his music is great. Reminded me of that one iconic song from toy story, but in a good way. This feel so much fun to listen and that's what i mainly appreciate it for, also that it does offer really catchy hooks and riffs and all. Overall, this is good! 1.- Uncomplicated = 9/10 2.- I Hope You're Happy Now = 7/10 3.- Tokyo Storm Warning = 8/10 4.- Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head = 8/10 5.- I Want You = 6/10 6.- Honey Are You Straight Or Are You Blind = 7/10 7.- Blue Chair = 8/10 8.- Battered Old Bird = 8/10 9.- Crimes Of Paris = 8/10 10.- Poor Napoleon = 7/10 11.- Next Time Round = 9/10 FINAL SCORE: 7.7/10

A raw and bloody steak thrown at your face and then expecting you to say "thank you" afterwards. Costello's divorce album is every bit as angry, bitter, love lorn, sleazy and harrowing as you'd expect it to be. It's a work of genius as the instruments and vocals are as in your face as an ex lover in a slanging match. Plenty of blood and as cloying as chocolate. I could pick any track of this album as the best. Not an ounce of fat. Best Tracks: Uncomplicated; I Hope You're Happy Now; I Want You

Not bad but not his best

Favorite Track: I Want You

Not interested in the work of elvis costello

Costello is talented that comes through in most his work … this one was really hard for me to get into initially I liked brutal youth more than this , but I think Elvis Costello music kinda grows on you now for the second album in a row .. a strong 2 but a 2 for me

Not my thing at all.

I've always thought My Aim Is True was my favorite Costello record, but damn, maybe it's this one? The guitar tones are incendiary, and Elvis' lyrics and hooks are as strong as ever. 5/5

Wow!!!!!! This stunk

I had no clue this album existed. So jangly and grungy. Love Elvis Costello but this one is not his best. 2⭐️

I hate you Elvis Costello

Talented artist. Found the second half more enjoyable.

Great album. Can't really say anything wrong about it other than Costello is not in my normal rotation.

Costello's one of the biggest reasons I might actually go read the book. Why is he on here so much

Is the author of this book just a huge Costello fan? None of these albums I've gotten from him sound different. There were only a couple good songs. The album isn't good enough on its own to get anywhere near this list and it isn't a reinvention of sound by Elvis so why tf is this here? Rating: 2.0

It’s like blood and chocolate if it was all blood and no chocolate

It’s ok, a bit disappointing considering I really liked his last album on this list

sadly changing the 114 to 0 on the "days without an elvis costello album" sign

Not for me. 1/5

Listened to it

One of my least favorite vocalists

Didn't hate it and there are some decent tunes but I will always struggle with his voice

I knew from the first song that this was not going to be my thing...not a fan of this style of singing at all. Song 2...still struggling. Song 3...I give up.

These songs are like what you would hear in an indie movie when the main character is going through something. Good for setting a mood in a movie. Not great for listening to all at one time.

Not bad but not something I’d listen to with free will.

It's mild good. Mild, but it's enjoyable, good.

More obnoxious and less interesting than the rest of his stuff, which never really wowed me either. It feels like it's simultaneously lazy but also way too tryhard.

His voice is so annoying I can’t make it past half of this

Album 653 of 1001 Elvis Costello & The Attractions - Blood And Chocolate (1986) Rating : 4.25 / 5 I think I've said this before but it is the same now. I always like what I hear from Elvis Costello but, for some reason, never just search him out for a listen. Don't really come across a song of his that is just bad.

Not a fan.

Jedan od boljih costella zapravo meni

first listen it's alright

Loved it!

There is a ton of Elvis Costello on this list and while I think his sound and style is unique and deserves an album on this list, the four or five albums are not equal. This would probably be a 3.5 for me.

Solid album. Maybe his best 80s album. The Attractions provide terrific backup to Costello's whims and rages against love and romance. Most reviews I've read didn't care for it but I liked it quite a bit.

pretty eh, and like i've said before his voice isnt it for me either (though this is probably the most enjoyable his voice has been)

Genuine question: Is Elvis Costello anyone’s favorite artist? He’s on the same level as Coldplay to me. I can not and will not care about him.

alltaf ánægður með declan. ekki hans allra besta en afar dramatískt og fullt biturðar eins og ég. 4,5.

The more I listen to Elvis Costello the less I like him. Insufferable little twat with an annoying voice. Can’t relate to the lyrics and the way he arranges his “poetry” seems really forced. Musically the arrangements are very ordinary standard rock. Are you sure he’s not just someone the industry pushes people to like to see how much we follow the opinion makers? Is it part of a big experiment just so people who rate him a 5 can feel smug and superior in their culturedness?

When Elvis Costello tries something new (“Uncomplicated”, “Battered Old Bird”), it sucks. Otherwise, this is exactly the same as Armed Forces. It’s fine, but there’s nothing about C-tier Costello that I’d consider “essential”.

It just kept getting worse as it went on.

Mid

Great Album!

Very solid, not my favorite, but a good listen

this was alright

da isch etz scho s 3. elvis costello album womer hend, isch jo okay aber het de dude so ifluss gha? uncomplicated isch chli moniton aber cool. i hope youre happy now easy petty aber no cool. tokyo storm warning au easy hässig irgendwie. ok ich glaub ich ha das gern? es isch e huere chaos d melodie mega repetitiv aber s het huuere energie. home is where dingsbums findi easy arsch er singts nöd guet. i want you easy cool gitarre slappt. jo coole song. straight ir are you blind und blue chair hani chli semi spannend gfunde. battered old bird gfalltmer chli meh aber er isch trotzdem ide gegend am umerüefe bin etz bi next time round und find s ganze album eeeher langwilig s isch zwor oft luut und mit drive und viel gfühl aber musikalisch findis nöd spannend.

nervige stimm bueb!! jo find uncomplicated chli nervig iwie haha I hope you're happy now di di het wieder charme dur d nervigkeit, de costello isch anigs rifach es zweischniidigs schwert hahahah ah und blood and chocolate isch en insane name au tokyo storm warning isch sooo weird und iwie hetsmi zerst gstört und aber denn nachane wieder gfalle hahahah I AANT YOU LIEB ICH UND HASS ICH costello dini stimm muss nöd ih mim ohr sii demit ich dich ghör bro er spricht sache mengisch so komisch us? han scho mehrmals "nazi" ide lieder ghöre, derbii heter jz gseit "did not see" hmm jaa ich würd 3.5 geh, will nüt isch eürkli hangeblibe aber s het doch sache geh wo ich cool gfunde han guets 3?

I’m ok with this one.

Absolutely hated this album oml 😭

Curiously lacking in fire compared to other Attractions albums I’ve heard. Snooze.

I already hate the cover. But the music is solid. Can relate to the "I Hope You're Happy Now" a lot.

Reminiscent of Tom Petty, but worse. Somehow felt offbeat and boring at the same time.

I see Elvis Costello, I give 1.5*

Maybe just wasn't in the mood for Costello's voice (overly whiney) but this was a letdown. Enjoyed another album by him (My Aim Is True) but not this one. Even the popular seductive turned frustrated "I Want You" was bad. The rest was pretty bland rock that I won't return to.

One of his best if only he'd avoid the tendency to take his voice to places where it has no place being - strained, shout-y and grating (i.e. the end of "Battered Old Bird." )

I think the author genuinely mistook this guy for the other Elvis, because why are there three albums on here by this nasally fuck

The album opens with a brick wall of sound, irascible and scornful – songs of endurance and bitterness. Later songs develop through classic early Beat Group to Beatle-esque, all with the hallmark of Costello’s layered wordplay

A little scruffy, especially on a couple of songs, but when this is in a good groove it's pretty incredible.

The only good elvis Costello album. Trust me, I’ve heard all of them

It's good Elvis Costello album with a few songs that rise above

3.5 leaning towards 4

I don't love Elvis Costello generally. I think his voice is pretty poor, like C-grade, and he's fine garage rock but doesn't do anything really exciting, novel, or virtuosic. I hadn't heard this before, but nothing about this CD really changes my mind on that. Even relative to the other Costello CD on here I think this one is kind of dudly - it doesn't have a single really strong pop hook on it, his voice seems to have gotten worse (he's older on this than on "This Year's Model"), and the composition is even more by-the-numbers. It's not awful (although his voice can be grating at times), but I'd never put it on again.

not my fave Costello sound

A back to basics album, energetic, and with a raw, live feel. I Want You, Tokyo Storm Warning and Uncomplicated are excellent. Trails off a bit on side two.

The first time I heard Elvis Costello, I thought he sounded pretty good. But now, after I've gotten five of his albums, I've grown sick of him. There's nothing new, nothing innovative, nothing exciting about him. I don't understand why there's so many of his albums on this list.

Meh

Perushyvä

Ihan ok, mut ei eeityisesti tunteita herättänyt

Entirely too many Elvis Costello albums in this list. Every one of them sound alike so could have gone with just one...

Not my style

Elvis Costello's singing style is inauthentic, pretentious and the reason I couldn't get through this record. 2/5

I think this is the best Elvis Costello album. It rocks, it's weird, it's got good tunes. Truly, this is 4 and a half stars, its brilliant but I'm not always in the mood for Elvis Costello. Do I round up or down?

Does he deserve to have 6 very bland and unmemorable albums on this list? how much did he pay the curator?? Everything sounds the same, nothing memorable, whiney and very static. Had this been my first album it would have gotten 2-3 but this list has given me a reason not to like Costello music at all so it will be a 1. I think he deserves maximum of one album because prior to this list i thought he was a one hit wonder and i still don't tolerate more than "watching the detectives"(and tolerate is even a stretch there) They reeeeeally need to update this list and make it less biased because Costello has not a huge cultural impact (most people will probably not know him), his music is far from interesting or unique and it's so similar and bland that i don't remember any tracks just his awful whiny voice

Wow, this list-maker really likes Elvis Costello. Like his other entries here, this was a solid if unspectacular album.

Get another album that I had heard singles from but never the album in its entirety. Greatly enjoyed it nice to have in the collection

Not sure why this is an album I need to hear before I die. Every song sounded pretty samey, nothing special

Interesting to hear him not song all ballads but I do t think his voice suits anything but.

This is the same as all the other Elvis Costello albums. I just don't get the appeal. He's an ok singer/songwriter but it isn't worthy of the admiration he draws.

Elvis Costello was, is, and shall be one of Britain's finest songwriters. Focusing on themes of love and loss (a well much travelled to and from down the years), he and his band wrest some fine tunes and make this an engaging part of their oeuvre. I'm docking myself a star for the use of the word 'oeuvre'. This one gets a 3 from me.

Fine but blah lots of very samey tracks

Costello is my favorite of all the Elvises.

Not enough in these songs to really hook me, although I can see the artistry and talent.

I have never paid a ton of attention to Elvis Costello and now kind of wish I did.

I'm not sure why, but I enjoy Elvis' vocal style more and more as I age. Some very good songs here and it's a completely new album to me, near as I can tell.

I hate this man

Normally, I like Elvis Costello and the Attractions, but this album just seemed really whiny.

Certainement dans les albums que j'ai le moins aimé de Elvis Costello. Probablement dans la même lignée que Imperial Bedroom. 4/10

Usually just excited for Elvis’ albums to end. Dude has way too much to say about everything.

Not my favourite by them

start of the album was shit, skipped a song, it was very boring and meh. i dont think this guy is my thing at all. i didnt love i want you, but it was more interesting than the other songs. are you straight or are you blind is a weird one - stranglers esc, not terrible. i dont think rock is my thing genuinely. or maybe this shit is basic as all hell and boring. blue chair is more fun, growing on me a bit. overall, very mid album, litterally almost nothing interesting.

Not his best, but still bloody brilliant!!!!

It was nice

There may be a couple of songs by Elvis Costello that I like and enjoy, but they are not on this album. I find his voice to be like nails on a chalkboard.

I don’t get it. Why does list love these monotone singers so much? It’s so bland and boring, and keeps me from finding any enjoyment out of it. It’s not as bad as Bob Dylan’s voice, but it was creeping close to it. Unfortunately it seems this isn’t the only album of theirs on the list, so I’ll have to struggle again.

eh

A génerous store as was hesitating over a 2. Lots of song I hated but a few reasonable ones

Like every Costello album, I like about 75% of it. Still a good album though!

Disappointing. Some strong songs but mostly uninspiring and samey.

Don’t know much about EC but there’s some pretty good songs on this.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

I liked it in theory but something didn’t click for me on an emotional level

I've lived decades thinking Elvis Costello was either overrated or I was missing something. I was missing something. His first two albums (My Aim & This Year's Model): energetic, fun, rocking new wave. His third album (Armed Forces): Stylistic change, not so excited about it. Don't know about the lay of the land from there to here, but this 1986 album has the same energy as those first albums. It's different; he's expanded his lyrical scope, the songs are longer. Kind of like a garage band that's had a very, very long time to practice and develop their craft. These are songs I want to return to. Reminds me of an album like Dylan's Blood on the Tracks, but more direct, more rock/garage and (for me) more musically arresting. Or a collection of songs like you'd get from The White Stripes, but less blues. I get it, some people are still feeling Elvis Costello is overrated. I just encourage you to consider that maybe, just maybe, you're missing something. This is great stuff.

Not my favorite Elvis Costello album.

i like this album 5/5

Good, but something about his style always picks at me. Can totally see the allure though.

Trouble getting into this one

He's pretty good but I also find this boring.

This album sucks. So boring.

BY FAR the best Elvis Costello album on here (5/6 done so far, one to go). Costello does not insist on showcasing his insufferable vibrato, although his voice still leaves something to desire. The songs are well written with 'Tokyo Storm Warning' and 'I Want You' being standout tracks.

One of his better albums vocally. I still don’t get why you would need to listen to this much Elvis Costello in one lifetime. His songwriting really isn’t that impressive. Almost done with him for this list - and maybe for good?

God, this was a slog. How can they be so enjoyable on one album, and so grinding on another? His voice was really getting on my nerves by the end of this!

It was Elvis Costello 👍

i like elvis costello

80’er rock, et par god numre indeimellem, men ikke noget vildt

ok no fuck this I can't make it past the 4th song on this album. I'm sure there are some nice melodies later down or whatever but this is some of the most insufferable rock I've heard in a while, and I was forced to listen to pearl jam just few days ago.

Elvis Costello has been someone that I have really wanted to enjoy ever since I played 'Pump It Up' on Rock Band in high school. However... it's just not in the cards for me it seems. Tokyo Storm Warning and Home is Where You Hand Your Head were pretty good, but everything else was just on in the background. I also found I Want You to be... creepy. Sorry Elvis C, but I can't do it.

I don’t really like Elvis Costello’s style. Maybe it feels like the voice is too performative or something. The songs feel like they should be more memorable than they are as well.

Some of the riffs sounded familiar but I’m not sure if they’re samples or if later artists sampled Elvis Costello. It wasn’t bad by any means, just wasn’t for me.

I don't dislike Elvis Costello, but I'm never going to put him on. I liked the first album we listened to of his more (This Years Model).

I’ve never been a big Elvis Costello fan and this didn’t change my mind.

Not bad, but overrated right?.

Really modern/timeless rock sounds. Hugely influential for the indie rock sound of the 90’s and 00’s.

First Elvis Costello album nearly 400 in. Judging by the other reviews I have more to come! Fortunately I quite like him, although this isn't his best. I did really enjoy a few tracks in the first half, Tokyo Storm Warning and I Want You notably show what a great lyricist he is. It sounds a bit samey after a while so 3*

Of all the artists, why did we have to get two Elvis Costello albums? :(

Nope

When (many) people remark there's too much Elvis Costello on the list they must be referring to albums like this. I generally like Elvis Costello but this was unremarkable and not really list worthy

Please, no more Elvis Costello.

awful lyrics, the most annoying singing voice you ever did hear, and every song goes on 1-2 minutes longer than it really should. a truly crap album.

I don't know if it was the EQ/mastering or what, but the sound of his voice felt very grating and felt like it didn't go with the music at all. I couldn't finish this one.

For some reason I had it in my head that I liked Elvis Costello. This album was a reality check. I did not like this album. You know how some people have a really punchable face? That's how I feel about his voice.

Not great

I've heard a lot about this guy. 1st one at #387

More cheeky tunes from Elvis - I'd never heard any of these songs before. This was fun but not urgent for me. I think with more listens I could get more into it, his wordplay and attitude are always fun.

There's good to great songs on this album but some tracks, at least on Spotify, have a bizzare mix(?). Its like they've boosted Elvis' voice and just kept all the other instruments at a certain level making a cocktail of indistinguishable noise. I do like Elvis and the Attractions, even got to see them live once and they killed it. But unfortunately, this album is broken

I've never understood the appeal of Elvis Costello.

Kind of like this album for the energy and freshness of the tracks. It is not fantastic, but quite good still

No idea why this particular elvis costello album is on this list. Plain and pedestrian. 1

his voice is whiny and grating. don’t like his band very much, although there are some great bass lines. EC has a very punchable face.

The music isn’t bad but then again, I have no problem whatsoever with Costello’s producing role. His nonstop lyrics and vocals just don’t do it for me. No idea why he’s popular as I’ve only liked one song he’s ever done and it ain’t on here.

Kraftvolle und interessante Stimme.

A fun jangly album with some highlights such as Next Time Round and Tokyo Storm Warning.

Not their best album but not bad

I hear echoes of this in just about every band from the 90s I grew up loving, so you won’t hear any denials of the impact and long tail on this one from me, just not my thing these days.

Many of the songs are a little too whiny and tinny. Highlights despite that: "Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head"; "I Want You"; "Blue Chair"; "Crimes of Paris"; "Next Time Round"; "Battered Old Bird";

solid and so consistent, costello is such a natural songwriter

-I read about this album in a book and it’s definitely interesting, though think I prefer the other Elvis Costello album on here. The lyricism and vocal style is really cool, but the songs do definitely blend together and go on really long at some points -Favorites are I Hope You’re Happy Now and I Want You

I love this album. I don't think there's a weak moment on it and I love the swampy live in the studio sound despite how much the bass player moans about it. Side one encapsulates so well the self pitying horror of the spurned man. Side two is a great collection of stories that crept up on me over time.

Meh.

¡Qué belleza la voz de Elvis Costello! No conocía este disco, pero me encantó, así como otras obras de este músico.

this is longest 47 minutes i've ever felt in my life omg make it end it might be just because i hate this guys voice but i feel like its a little too loud in the mix

Songwriting is pretty good, but I'm not sure he has the voice for this

I thought this album was called Black Chocolate and then got really confused why someone like Elvis Costello would name an album that. There is definitely an effort put into this album but in regards to what level of orgasm it gives my ears? It’s on the level of “someone knocked on the door after a handful of fist pumps”. Choice cut: I want you …..I guess

I like Elvis Costello. He’s pretty steady and reliable albeit his voice is a bit samey. This album is a solid recording in the Costello catalogue. He’s just never going to set my world on fire

'Battered Old Bird' was a good listen. Rest of the album didn't really bring out much for me.

I was between a 3 and a 4 here. I haven't listened to much Elvis Costello, but I found this album a fun one to listen to and enjoy.

Have heard his name often, and I'm sure I've heard more of his music, but this was just ok.

This was a bit more raw for Elvis Costello, especially that first track. Didn't read the wiki yet, but I'm assuming this was one of his earliest albums. Great but not at his best. Still had some growing into his style to do.

Elvis Costello- I like his voice on this record. Cool production and 60’s vibes. Band sounds great .. Songs are good but not as fun as some of his other records. Tough to rate because I’m a fun but it’s probably my least favorite of the records I know. 3.5-4

I had an ok time listening to this. Never really got the appeal of elvis costello - always felt a little like someone cosplaying rock n roll to me. But there were some kind of cool moments and vibes. Really didnt like his singing on battered old bird

It’s very thought out but too theatrical. Maybe it would be more palatable if someone else was singing

Love Elvis Costello. This is a good album, just not one of my favorite of his. But, an "okay" EC album is still better than most.

Tried to get into Elvis Costello and never really managed to. In this one the singing sounds a bit like They Might Be Giants.

I have had very little exposure to Elvis Costello. Years ago I purchased a best of CD that was released in 1994, but only listened to it a couple of times because it just didn’t grab me. Needless to say, my expectations were not very high for this album. However, for the most part I enjoyed it and may give it another listen. It isn’t anything that I would purchase, but it exceeded my expectations…not too bad.

I do not know how Elvis Costello convinced anyone he was good. This is my second album of his from this list, and do not look forward to any others. His voice is obnoxious and none of this is good.

Highlights: I Want You, Tokyo Storm Warning, Battered Old Bird, that delightful drawing of Napoleon. 3.5 stars. Probably just one more killer track away from me rounding up, but I still think it’s a strong set of songs that I’m pleased enough to have heard before I die.

I Want You is one of the greatest songs ever recorded. Raw emotions, compelling lyrics, and some fine restrained production. Every instrument shines - the organ up high, the guitar hogging the lower register, rhythm section holding everything together. That two note dissonant guitar riff/solo is gold.

I know this is good but his singing style just annoys me

this guy has been killing it on this list i have to say

Surprisingly good. Enjoyed this album more than i expected. His single style is a little goofy but it grew on me and they riffs were catchy. I can see why he had a following - kind of like a more melodic Dylan ?

Unspektakulären und in Ansätzen langweiliges Album mit viel Schumm Schumn und kaum Highlights. Es strahlt ein wenig Ruhe aus und ist musikalisch grundsolide.

I've discovered that I really don't care for Elvis Costello.

i know embarrassingly little ab elvis costello but being thrown into the thick of someones later career is deffo one of the more fun parts of this little project. idk what brought him to this point, how typical this is for him ect, but i was enamored with this almost immediately. its great, full-blooded rock music with a strange embryonic quality...like he shattered the whole genre into pieces and glued them back together partly in an attempt to rebuild from memory but also inject his own instincts into the very dna of musical history. the attractions kick an unbelievable amount of ass and the songs are hypnotic and offputting and very cozy to me honestly. rly excited for anything else i roll from him

Not a fan of Elvis Costello. His voice always seems to be the same on each track.

Oh goddamn this is worse than the last one they gave me.