Blood And Chocolate

Nothing special.

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

that one song is fine - i want you, but i wont play this album again

Meh. Don't really care for his voice

meh, started nice but quite monotone

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.

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

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.

List would be better served with a one album per artist rule. Would never reach for this to scratch my Elvis itch, very meh listen. Not a keeper.

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.

I Want You

so boring

Not a fan. His voice is annoying.

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.

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?

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.

if i was an alcoholic this would be a 4

I don't see the appeal to Elvis Costello. This album sucks.

Meh

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?

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.

80s new wave rock. Kind of annoying, theatrical ‘rock’ voice.

There is only one Elvis and Mr. Costello you aint it. 2

Yuck

With each Elvis Costello album, I lean into my opinion more - I recognize the good songwriting, but just don't enjoy listening to it.

Elvis Costello is really starting to wear on me

Can't remember what I said about the other Elvis Costello album. This seems like a Bob Dylan tribute tho.

Don’t get the Elvis Costello love. I mean he’s Ok, and there are a couple of good ones he’s done (I do happen to love to Allison, but that’s not on this record). Just not that enthused by this. Sorry.

David Lee Roth – Once said that all music journalists love Elvis Costello because they all look like Elvis Costello. The music on this album and the band could have had so much more potential if they had ditched the singer! How is Elvis Costello one of the most disliked artists by many, yet his entire discography ends up on every commonly recognized "must listen to" list?

There are far better Elvis Costello albums than this one.

Ok I guess.

There may be great lyrics behind all of this, but musically it’s generally not for me. Apparently he’s majorly influential to the 80s sound, so… good for him

Meh

not for me, i didn’t really like it.

my first listen is without paying much attention to the lyrics, mostly cleaning my room during it the first two songs were kinda goofy and generic, but after the third track i kind of got attached to this song style. Tokyo Storm Warning was quite good It inspired me to start a playlist with songs from this project. Home is Anywhere You Hang Your Head sounds like a song from a sad spongebob episode like when he lost Gary. cant go wrong with a guitar though! Battered Old Bird is such an interesting song! I also like Blue Chair

Fucking Elvis Costello. Not the worst Elvis Costello, but the fact I have a reference point to that comment just makes me very upset with this list

I think I might like this if I wore a black turtle neck, stat on modern furniture, and smoked a cigarette. I just not pretentious enough.

01/11/2025 Just a bit boring, no spice in this. Spotify listeners: 751.9k

Not great

Please no more Elvis Costello albums

I'm only 100 albums into this project, and this is my third Elvis Costello record. So that means there are at least, what, 30 more on this list? Great. This one is ok. His voice sounds a little less goofy this time around, so that's a plus. His songs are ok. "Uncomplicated" - I've never wanted to re-mix a song so badly in my life; I can barely hear the band over Elvis's vocal. A tough way to start an album. "Tokyo" - is Elvis trying super hard to be Bob Dylan, and failing. "I Want You" is appropriately creepy. "Poor Napoleon" is kinda cool. "Next Time Round" is really quite good - why is it last???? And why does it fade out? They recorded a proper ending! What? After this one I'm convinced the world could've lived with just one Elvis. TWO STARS

Rock, singer songwriter, 1986 -> 2

Sometimes I love Costello, sometimes he's pretty boring. I can't put my finger on what it is. This is the latter.

Какая-то скучная фигня. Набор одинаковых поп-рок песен без какой-то изюминки. Это не прям ужасно, но меня бесит вокал и абсолютная плоскость и серость данного альбома. Просто пресная жвачка для ушей. Больше сказать нечего.

Tokyo Storm Warning is kind of a jam. The rest of it I just don’t think I get this guy. I don’t think he’s a good singer? Maybe I’m just a hater? These 47 minutes felt long.

This was a good album. I'm not usually a fan of Elvis Costello, but do like some.of his songs.

2.5

Disappointed in this one

Noioso

Ok, not particularly memorable, not their best work.

Fine. Nothing special.

Kann es sein, dass das schon das 4te Album von EC ist, welches mir hier serviert wird? Und immer noch keins von Buddy Holly. Das Leben ist ist nicht gerecht. Und diese Liste auch nicht.

Forgettable

It’s not my fave. The melody is a bit monotonous for my taste.

FREE ME FROM THE CURSE THAT IS ELVIS COSTELLO

This album only reinforced my opinion that Elvis Costello is the most boring of Elvii.

Moyen

It was okay, but it all the songs felt too similar to each other. Weird ass cover. Like who in their right mind spends hours on songs and then makes something like THIS be the cover. 3/10

Ahhh enough with Costello albums!

I always thought Elvis Costello was modern 50s/60s-style music for older folks, and it still doesn't make sense to me at almost 40 years old. I'm thinking at this point it's not ever going to work for me, and that is okay.

i really wanted to like it, but nope (it's not you, it's me)

Fine but not for me

This is my first time listening to Elvis Costello. Caught off-guard right from the first note with how bad this record sounded from an audio quality perspective. It made sense when I read that the entire album was basically recorded "live" in a studio and in one take because everyone hated each other. So they just set up the band as if it were on a stage and recorded it, so none of the audio was isolated. I feel the acclaim that it receives due to its sound is a bit unmerited because it was done completely by accident simply because everyone hated each other and wanted to get it done as soon as possible. It's not attributed to any genius or forecasting for future grunge, it was thrown together to push an album out. It is unique in that it does sound like a live performance, which is cool. Other than that, I think saying you should listen to 6 Elvis Costello albums before you die is a bit.......insane. The album is good, the music is good. That's about it.

Spooky, sordid Elvis Costello album #3. I am now half of my way through the mind of this exceptional individual. I remember liking some of the bits from my previous outing with Costello, notably “Welcome to the Working Week” and “Alison”. There’s always been good bits within Elvis Costello’s albums, so I’m feeling optimistic about this one. Yeah, it’s more Elvis Costello, though I’m not sold on this new musical approach – a lot more abrasive and stripped back than I’m used to. I enjoy Costello’s wit as a lyricist, but that’s about as far as my praises for this album go – it's pretty boring. There are some good parts. “Tokyo Storm Warning” has a neat, almost surf rock sound. “Blue Chair” ain’t bad. I like the instrumental and the way the chorus builds. That’s about it, really. I can’t say the stripped back approach really worked for me. Book time. A deviation from Costello’s previous albums. A whole lotta nothing beyond that, though. Wikipedia reveals that this was Costello’s lowest-charting album with some unsuccessful singles. Panned by critics at the time but regarded as one of Costello’s best in retrospect. Yeah, this shit’s gettin snubbed. In place of this album, I humbly submit Weezer’s Blue Album for inclusion on the list.

Not for me.

He's got a sense of humor, and the band playing behind him is competent enough. However, it's hard to find anything in this album I remotely care about listening to again. He's one of those artists who I'm open to listening to once in a while, but also one where I can't understand why anyone would be a big fan of his whatsoever. Also, it's absolutely hilarious how many of his albums are on this list.

J'allais dire que c'était pas si nul pour un truc du milieu des années 80, puis au bout de 3 chansons c'était quand même pas ouf.

Rating: 5/10 Meh.

I used to think I liked Elvis Costello but this album challenge has disabused me of that notion. I think I mostly just like Oliver's Army, which isn't on this album.

Has some moments but ultimately a bit dull for r&r

Meh…

I don't know if this is a review of this album anymore but there's way too much Elvis Costello on this list. Not giving it a second listen to do a better job.

It's truly insane how many times he is on this list. I wonder if Buddy Holly had lived would we need to listen to Elvis Costello? He should just be a quirky local artist. Again his voice is not interesting. Some of the instrumentation is alright , but this is insane.

1986 Yeah, there's not much for me here. I was hoping for some crowd pleasers, but sadly lacking. Heard before ❌️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ❌️ Unremarkable★★☆☆☆

Seems standard Elvis. Too many albums on this list.

It wasn't my thing. No song on this album really grabbed me. I don't want to rate it 1/5 because I didn't hate it; it was just meh. 2/5

I don't get the appeal, much less why this guy is on the list so much. 2/5

I really needed to listen to this generic Elvis Costello album before I died? If anybody else had released this album it would have ended up forgotten, but with Costello's name on it it's somehow important enough for this list. No thanks.

Alkufiilis: sietämätön ääni, tylsät ja toistavat lyriikat. Mikä vitun paskaa tää introbiisi on Pikkuhiljaa paranee. Toivoa ehkä on vielä. Laulajan ääni edelleen paskaa mikä on vähän surullista koska kyseistä herra on tässä se... Tähti... Ei osaa laulaa, hirveä nasaali LOPETA SE NASAALIVONKAUS Kuka päästi tän tänne listalle :))) I just want to talk Home is Anywhere You Hang olis hyvä jos ei olis TOTA VITUN NASAALIVONKAUSTA ja outoa HUOKAILUA. Tästä lähtee vahvat "tää on mun bändi ja MÄ laulan" vibat Damn onko I want you hyvä biisi..? Tosin iskee myös kaikki kliseet :D oon kuullu sata vastaavaa rockbiisiä

Two songs in and this hasn't really captured my attention. Elvis Costello has been recommended for me a few times but I've just never been able to get into his music. I don't know but something about it just doesn't interest me. Tokyo Storm Warning is so repetitive. This is so boring and his voice is so grating.

The vibe of this album is captured perfectly in the first lyrics when Costello blurts out "BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE". So cringey. Costello's singing can be totally tolerable on some songs and then insufferable on others. Over the course of an album, it makes for an unpleasant listening experience. Outside of a couple of songs (I Want You, Honey Are You...) this was a pretty dull listen. Mid 2.

Elvis Costello has a uniquely punchable voice. That opening delivery of "Blood and chocolate" irked me far more than it ought to have. I actually love I Want You -- such a delightfully creepy and weirdly uncomfortable song. Stripped down to the point of feeling tender and downright obsessive. I found this album to oscillate widely. Some songs I hated, others I loved, and most I found were somewhere caught between those two emotions. In a different mood, perhaps I would have liked this more, but as I stand I'm conflicted. For me this is somewhere on the 2-3 boundary; rounding down, because I don't have any desire to go back in for another listen to refine.

Ok, i mean it for real this time, this HAS to be the final Elvis Costello album on here. I fully get his schtick after 5 albums now. He is not ground breaking enough to need 5 albums on here. I have started to realize that his voice sounds like the voice that Family Guy uses for Randy Newman. Wasn't a terrible album I am just sick of hearing him

Awesome another Elvis Costello album. Can't say I've cared for most of the ones we've gotten so far. Again just something about this that I can't get into. The music is always alright (sometimes a bit too rockabilly), but god damn his voice is just soooo nasally. And I love Thom Yorke as a singer. This is just differently bad.

The king of impeccably mid rock songs that are at least two minutes too long. A bleak uninteresting version of ”This years model”. He sounds so spiteful all the time. I agree with the majority here. His many inclusions on this list is totally unwarranted. He has neither a big subcultural following or a broad appeal. An artist who only nerdy rock journalists care for.

Good, solid, middle of the road Attractions album. Aren't I thw.pompouz know it all. It's a bog standard Costello by the numbers l. I like it. Other Attractions albums are avaliable

This started off okay. The opener is quite bumptious. But this got repetitive after a while. I am not fan of Costello’s voice, and while clearly quite emotional on I Want You, it’s not an emotion I really identify with.

A 1986 album that mostly sounds 20 years older than its contemporaries. Elvis puts a "modern" twist here and there, but when it's riffing off the worst era of rock music to begin with, it's just not very appealing.

This is the third Elvis Costello album recently and I can definitively say at this point I don't like Elvis Costello. His voice is quite nasal and I can't understand the lyrics when he sings them. Rating: 2

2.5 - Meh

I didn't enjoy the vibe from the first song, it was whiny and felt rushed. I agonized through the first 3 track. Definitely not my thing but I enjoy a bunch of his older songs, just not this batch. The repetition, the length of some songs, the stupid lyrics, it was just a perfect storm of suckiness for me. I honestly didn't enjoy a single a track. The only one I didn't dislike was "Battered Old Bird" but it was 90 seconds too long. I really did not enjoy anything about this album and have NO idea how it was added to this list. It's a 1.5 star album for me.

what's with these music critics and this fucking band only song of theirs i have EVER liked was I Want You

Nothing stood out to me in theis album. Pretty boring

I’m not sure what the hype is about

I have tried several times but i can't get into Elvis Costellos vocals. Really annoying & monotone

Vocals were actively annoying me in this one.

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.

Well it's Elvis Costello alright.

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.

Fine. Liked a couple tracks

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

Tokyo Storm Warning I Want You

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

Ngl I think Elvis Costello is the most overrated musician alive

The vocals here are genuinely not very good.

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.

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.

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

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……

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

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.

Why is there so much Costello in this list?

Annoying.

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

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.

Just eh

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

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.

Basically just unremarkable Elvis Costello. 2/5

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.

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

got tired of the voice towards the end

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.

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

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.

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

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

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 a fan.

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)

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

Fine but blah lots of very samey tracks

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.

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

Disappointing. Some strong songs but mostly uninspiring and samey.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meh.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

He’s too whiny for me and some of the songs sound like a joke.

This album isn’t bad it’s just not that remarkable. Like I probably could’ve died without ever hearing a single lyric, but if a song from it comes on I won’t get violent. So there’s that!

Not for me

The man with the permanent blocked nose.

I am not feeling this album. The songs are repetitive, simplistic, and all kind of bleed together. Im also not a fan of Costello's singing voice in most of the songs. However- i know the simplicity and rough, unpolished sound is a deliberate stylistic choice. I can see how this album was influential on the garage rock sound. Overall, some compelling moments but just not for me

Monotonous New Wave failing to hold my attention. Don't plan in listening again so probably "not next time around".

This album so far seems like a ramble-y string of words, and sometimes I actually like albums like that. Not this one though.

forgettable

Second album de E. Costello. Pas désagréable mais toujours rien de vraiment marquant. Et dire qu'il y en encore 4 de plus dans la liste ... => 2/5

Thought I was a bit of a fan but rapidly less so…

not bad, some good moments throughout

Ain’t it

Literally not a single song stands out.

medio aburrido

É legalizinho até...acho bem pop, as levadas e as melodias de voz.

I want this to remind me of Tom Petty, instead it reminds me of Billy Joel. I just do not enjoy listening to this. 6/10/2024

I don't think Elvis Costello likes Elvis Costello as much as the compiler of the book likes Elvis Costello.

Eh

I dunno. Just couldn't really get into anything on here.

Ça m'a pas allumée ben ben

Ehh honestly not exciting. Most songs have the same easy going feel with no variation. He sounds like he's trying to impersonate Tom Petty (keyword: trying). I can see how people could like this though. He's like the Taylor Swift of this genre.

Insufferable. It always is. V much background for me this one so hard to comment as I cannot engage without it affecting my mood in a very negative way

Elvis Costello voice just sounds like fingernails against a chalkboard for me

first half of the album is good, but the second half isn't great

4.5/10

The end of The Attractions, Elvis would ditch them for a solo life of being an international art thief... Says it all really.

Judging by global reviews I’ve done well after 115 in to avoid an Elvis Costello album of which there are many on this list. Not that I want to necessarily avoid them. Armed Forces is a belter of an album and I was really into Elvis back in his Armed Forces days. I found however that he became a bit samey which is a bit unfair as I know he’s involved in classical music and jazzy stuff (probably thanks to his wife Diana Krall) which are well worth a listen. It’s is more rocky stuff which always feels the same. Listening to this album most of the tracks could have found a home on Armed Forces or other albums of that period. For that reason not an album I would listen to again. 2/5 27/4/24

I thought I was dialing through the top 1001 albums of all-time, and not a $1.00 clearance bin at my local Goodwill.

There are a couple of decent songs on this, but as an album it's not for me. Too many things that just don't do much for me. I'm still not a big fan of EC's sound either, which possibly doesn't help.

I don’t think there should be more than 1 Elvis Costello album on this list. And this album was not the vibe

Man the music on this album, and the band on this album could have had so much more potential only if they would have ditched the singer!!! How is Elvis Costello one of the most disliked by everyone, but some how his entire discography ends up on every commonly recognized “must listen to list”?

in the middle of ok

Another one?

Not a huge fan, I’m sure others are.

It's okay, it's got a few good songs but whatever

It's just kinda noisy?

Meh

Nothing special - sounds very similar to other albums from Elvis Costello and the Attractions. Pretty boring.

Elvis Costello, the CEO of extremely average music. I don't even hate the guy or anything, he's just so ungodly samey and unremarkable in any way.

This is the sixth and, from the looks of things, final Costello album on this list, and these have definitely been a case of diminishing returns. His first couple of albums were great, but I feel like the later we’ve got into his career the less inspired the writing has become, and the more annoying his vocals. This one isn’t as bad as Brutal Youth, and there are a couple of great tracks here and there, but overall it’s just not that enjoyable.

I really didn’t like the production on this record. Elvis’ voice was too loud, I couldn’t hear anything else in the mix. Guitars were too clangy, just kind of hurt my ears to listen to.

One decent song. Pretty lame overall

This was just okay.

How many of this guy’s albums are on the list? (And why??) I’m 99 in, and this is already the fourth Costello album I’ve gotten. Here’s hoping I like this one more than the others. …No. I still don’t like it. (“I Want You” wasn’t bad)

2.5

I didn’t hate it but I can’t get into the sound of his voice.

Before starting this project I thought I liked Elvis Costello ok. But after being given three albums now I think I actually find him deeply unpleasant. This album has all his usual drawbacks (his voice and bitterness) but isn't as catchy as the last one (This Year's Model). Overall: meh.

Mid british lego rockband music

Album 406 is my 5th Elvis Costello album. Only have to listen to one more for the next 600 albums!

never been a fan of Elvis Costello. meh. Tokyo Storm Warning, Next Time Round and Crimes of Paris are ok I guess.

2,5

I think it was OK - couldn't tell the difference from all the other bloody Elvis Costello I've been made to listen to

Similar to bob dylans vocal inflections - i do not like elvis costellos singing. I am highkey struggling to finish.

This will be the second Elvis Costello album that I’ve heard after This Year’s Model. That album was amazing and impressed me a lot, so I have high expectations for today. Neither have had Oliver’s Army though, and that’s such a banger. Songs I already knew: none Favourites: I Want You This seemed to start well and enjoyable for me but I found myself losing attention after only a few tracks. It did come back again for I Want You, but I then found myself zoning out again. This just didn’t seem to have songs as catchy as This Year’s Model, which left me feeling a little let down. My loss of attention did leave me focussing on how weird Costello’s voice is though. Isn’t it weirdly whiny?

Can't stand his voice. The music is fine though. It would be better with a different singer.

Det er stadig slet ikke mig. Jeg kan ikke helt snuppe hans stemme. Der var et sted eller to hvor foden gik i takt.

Another day, another Elvis Costello album that must be heard before one gets killed by death.

Pretty mid album with no real songs i would come back to

Eh, it sounds sort of like This Year's Model but more tired and trying to hard. I'm sure Costello die-hards love it, but I am not one of them. This Year's Model is enough for me.

En av världens mest överskattade artister strikes again. Är det tredje eller fjärde skivan jag haft med honom? Och jag tror att jag enbart haft en skiva med den riktiga Elvis, The King. Å vart fan är Nick Cave? Snart 500 skivor och inte fått en enda.

Meh

Much better Costello to pick from

Costello wanting to sound like Dylan. This is the second Elvis Costello record that I have listened to in this list and it is only marginally better than the first one.

The album would be much better without his voice. ugh. Maybe he's just not my type.

Aburridísimo. Elvis Costello es el autor que todo apunta a que me debería gustar y nunca lo hace. Lo he intentado varias veces en mi vida y nada. No me interesa.

I mean...meh? Very jangle pop, which I am learning I don't tolerate from just anyone. This also has some VERY early grunge vibes in terms of gritty guitar and what can only be described as that "grunge drawl". But really, nothing felt too special about this album and I was pretty bored by the end of it. I know this project has a ridiculous amount of Costello on it, so I guess I will be waiting to see if I can find anything interesting about his music on a future album. Today was not that day.

Maybe an acquired taste

I kinda just don't like his voice. songwriting is really good though.

Some of the songs are extremely repetitive. But some of the lyrics are compelling. Don’t love his voice because it sounds kind of strained and wimpy.

I don't know why but I genuinely laughed when i first heard his voice come in. Second song was OK. Some of these lyrics are so corny.

Fuck Elvis Costello

Didn’t listen to all of it but some of the songs I did were ok. Nothing stood out

Estoy seguro que Elvis Costello es un buen tipo. Talentoso, por cierto. Es sólo que su música no hace nada para mí.

The creators of the 1001 album book must think that Elvis Costello is the second coming of Christ as they almost snuck his entire discography in the list! At first I didn't mind Elvis Costello but after enduring album after album I really despise his music. Just because it's your favorite artist doesn't mean that everyone needs to listen to everything's he's created.

Music for music critics

ok

We've had some earlier Elvis Costello on this app and I've enjoyed it. This? Nah. This has flickers of inspiration but fails to catch fire. What's the point of adding a sclerotic mid-period album on this list? Perhaps Costello became 'better' and more 'tasteful' in his songwriting at this point, but it's also tamer. And, frankly, much more boring. Pipe and slippers rock.

Aww, man. I was looking forward to this but ended up being let down like the lot of you. Is it mean to say there's just too many words? That sounds like the criticism in the movie Amadeus, but... I felt like my ears and brain reached capacity pretty early in the album and ol' Elvis was just getting warm. There's no doubt he puts more effort into having a literary voice than most vocalists, but it came off as a bit too much on this one for my tastes. I liked "Uncomplicated" and "Battered Old Bird." There are certainly good ideas here, but a lot of these songs feel stripped down and minimal to the point of unfortunately never reaching a point where I felt genuinely excited by any one tune. Ah well. Given that this is the 46th Costello record on the list and there are 72 more to go I guess I shouldn't be surprised that there's at least one that kind of missed the mark.

I enjoyed "Uncomplicated" and "I Want You" very much. Let's establish something here: he can't sing and the tunes he sings sound the same on every single song. The songwriting isn't bad. However, I just never "got" this guy, which is probably just fine with all the hipsters who swoon whenever Costello's name gets mentioned.

Do I need to listen to this before I give it two stars? They're all the same. Music that sounds like it was made by a music critic, which is probably why so many of these turgid turds are on this list. Honestly, if the editor ever reads these. The one with a camera on the front. That can stay in. Replace the other ten Elvis Costello albums with interesting albums please. Gave it five tracks. I was right.

I really did not like the sound of this, his voice is so sleepy and drowsy I don’t really know what else to say. I’m very familiar with him as we’ve had many of his albums and he never really clicked for me.

Typ Ulf Lundell fast amerikan

I could not take this guy's voice seriously. At his worst, he sounds like a Family Guy character. Does he really sound that like in every day life? As for the lyrics, this week we have have some incredible songwriters and that's why I am more attuned to the severe drop in lyrical quality that is this album. Too often the chorus is him repeating the name of the song over and over, the worst culprit being I Want You. It's a shame because I thought that after the intro track Uncomplicated that this would be a fun, if middling, rock album, but ol' Costello felt the need to spread his wings and add in some ballads that fall flatter than than my affect listening to this album.

I put this on the other night, thought to myself "Gosh, Costello's voice is pretty rough, isn't it?" then promptly fell asleep. Not the most ringing endorsement, I'm afraid.

A bit dull.

Not my favorite at all.

Didn’t like the guys voice. May have been because I played it as somewhat background noise but tracks sounded same-y. 4/10

физическое присутствие костелло и куча его альбомов вызывают вопросы алкоальбом: пиво bud

нахуя он тут -- хз

Not a Costello guy

I initially thought 'Jesus Christ, another Elvis Costello album!?' It wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be, but I really don't need to listen to any more albums by him.

2/5. Some good songs on here but mostly annoying. There seems to be a constant strain in wanting to actually want to sing. The instrumentation is there but Elvis does not want to be there. Which makes me not want to stay for long.

A well produced rock-and-roll and new wave album. The talent is there, and some songs - particularly in the second half - are quite good. But for some reason I can't warm to Elvis Costello's music. Is it the singing, his voice, the not memorable songs, or a combination of all these? I don't know but overall I haven't found this album interesting or great and I haven't enjoyed it...

Voisin kysyä jälleen: miksi? Mutta ilmaisenpa mieluummin ilahtuneisuuteni siitä asiasta, että vaikka EC:n sävellykset kuulostavat tälläkin levyllä musiikkiopiston pophistorian kurssin loppuharjoituksilta, niin ne ovat sekä laadultaan iskevämpiä kuin aiemmilla levyillä että sisukkaammin esitettyjä. Mistä biisistä muuten tuo I Want You-kappaleen melodia on?

I simply do not understand why anyone considers this good, let alone belongs on the 1001 albums you MUST hear before you die. I'll add it to the list of albums that calls into question the legitimacy of this entire list.

I was really interested in listening to this because of how polar the reviews were. I fell a little towards meh. I skipped more tracks than finishing which was disappointing. Really was not memorable. Saved Tracks: Home Is Where You Hang Your Head I Want You

A couple of OK tracks but it never really excites

Pretty underwhelming

Noemde ik het album Armed Forces nog tijdloos, krijg ik nu van dezelfde artiest toch een gedateerde plaat zeg. Je zou zeggen dat het saai was als je niet af en toe wordt opgeschrikt door een rauwe keelkreet (Battered Old Bird) of omdat blijkt dat Ross van Friends achter de toetsen zit (eind Tokyo Storm Warning).

Het probleem met Elvis Costello is simpelweg die aanstellerige nasale zeikstem van hem, die elke keer net naast de toon zit. Daar is bijna niet aan te ontkomen. Maar de eerste twee nummers zijn zowaar prima aan te horen. Tokyo Storm Warning is net 19th nervous breakdown van de Stones, maar dan met een Dylanesque zang. Op nummers 4 en 5 krijgen we dan die typerende zeurstem van Costello, die me mateloos irriteert. En zo wisselt het zich een beetje af op het restant van het album, ene keer katergejank andere keer een prima uptempo nummer. Al met al stoor ik me nog steeds aan de zang, maar zijn er gelukkig genoeg nummers waar hij wat minder prominent is. Voor een Costello album is dit nog net door te komen. 2,5 ster die ik graag afrond naar beneden als straf voor die paar helse kutnummers.

Bland as ever from Mr Cosmello. Is this the last one I have to trudge through yet??

Meh

kinda gave me the vibes of a tone downed springsteen album. unfortunately i think a lot of the songs would have been much better with a different singer and different arrangements

I don't get the appeal of Elvis Costello. There are a few moments where something interesting is trying to break through in this one, but overall this is just unpleasant listening.

Meh, if this hadn't followed another one of this band, it might have gotten a higher rating, but it wasn't as good.

meh

Hlustaði með öðru eyranu. Frekar meh

Lot of Elvis on this list. Blood and Chocolate sounds like the other one dying on the toilet.

Why this album ? There are at least five better albums by Elvis Costello and the Attractions. If all of them are in the 1001 list then it is too much. It gets 2 stars just for being written by Declan Patrick MacManus.

Another Elvis Costello record. Still not a fan. Stop trying to convert me!