Reviews (page 7 of 8)
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.
there's been a lot of elvis costello and the attractions on this list, and finally there's been an album i like! this album contains some actual energy from costello, aside from just the singles, and the songs were catchy! see, i knew costello had it in him. a lot of talk on this album focuses on the early grunge sound. i hear mostly new wave, with a little grittiness, assisted by costello's imperfect voice, and my thought was that it was more of a punk style.
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
Tof, maar wat gewoontjes
This is now the third Elvis Costello album I’ve on this list (I think). He generally is hot and cold for me. This one though I didn’t love but I also don’t hate
Fantastic! Standout: I Want You Everything else is great! 4/5
I love Elvis Costello because he sings crooner songs, but is not a crooner. I'll never not love Elvis!
wasn't feeling this one until battered old bird gave me chills w the vocal work. really tells you what the record's about
I wanted to like it more. It was fairly flat throughout the album. No song stood out to me.
I've heard better Elvis, and I don't mean Presley.
Elvis Costello certainly has a way about him. The music really accentuates the poetic lyricism he's known for, even amid tension with the Heartbreakers
Good god. His voice is grating. Especially on the first song.
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.
Not a fan.
Prefer the new wave stuff
#20. This album isn't it. I don't know what it is, but it isn't it. There isn't one song that's even a little bit good. Tokyo Storm Warning is probably the most annoying song I've listened to so far on this list. I can't imagine anyone enjoying this. 1/5: terrible Song added to playlist: Honey Are You Straight Or Are You Blind I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
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
Definitely top tier Costello with some critical songs. The perpetual histrionic agonist love motif does wear thin.
Some enjoyable tunes -- especially on the B side -- that regrettably lack what makes Elvis' lyrics special. "I Want You" is totally unhinged and is the standout song on this collection.
Need a few more listens, but good. 4.
Estoy seguro que Elvis Costello es un buen tipo. Talentoso, por cierto. Es sólo que su música no hace nada para mí.
Rediscovered that I like folk. Though this album sounds more like something I would put on in the background.
3.75
New one to me, really enjoyed it
cool
There were a number of tracks that either felt influenced by a band (particularly the Beatles i.e. "I Want You") or INFLUENCED another band. Blue Chair, in particular, sounds like the Smithereens could have covered this and done it really well. In general this was really good, although there were two songs that were a little weak. "Tokyo Storm Warning" was ok but I felt it went on a little too long. "Next Time Round" felt like just a lot of AAAAAAHHH!! Besides those two songs, I liked the album quite a lot. I didn't feel the volume level was over the top, EC argued about recording levels I think. It seemed fine to me. Definitely four stars at least.
It's a fine album but I don't know what sets it apart from other Elvis Costello albums, or rock albums in general. Costello has a lot of albums on this list, does he need so many? I'm trying to figure out what made this one so special. Reading up on it, a bunch of critics described it as grungy but if they were trying to insinuate it was an early incarnation of grunge, I highly disagree. In the end, I don't think Elvis Costello makes bad albums I just thought this one was about average and not overly unique.
I Want You is a sinister, psychotic masterpiece. But why anyone would choose that as a first dance at a wedding is completely beyond me. Do these people not listen to the words or the tone? Unfortunately none of the other songs on this album are a patch on it. It carries them all. Much as I love Elvis Costello‘s voice and a lot of his oeuvre, the rest of this album doesn’t particularly do it for me.
I like Elvis Costello and love some of his songs. I had never heard this album before, nor had I heard any of the songs. The standout songs were I Want You and Battered Old Bird. I can see I Want You as a song one would send to the person who did the breaking up. Probably preceded by REM’s Everybody Hurts.
Considering the fact that Elvis Costello has released 300 albums (estimate, but probably close), it's impossible for me to know which are really his best. With that in mind, I guess I shouldn't be surprised that every song on this album was unfamiliar. I mean, I think I had heard one or two before, but I didn't know these songs — how can you know the entire catalog? So I'm struck, more than anything, that this cat is a marvel. He's a brilliant songwriter. His compositions thwart convention, he's got a lyrical genius quirk where words mean multiple things at once, and he's rarely not excellent. These songs didn't burrow into my brain, I'd need a few more listens to catch on, and while that might detract in some cases, I have to go with a blanket 4-star review because, unless it's actively a miss, Elvis Costello's work is a class above.
It's pretty good. A handful of solid, even great tracks, a handful of OK ones, and a couple that had me scratching my head over the creative decisions. The band is in good form here, which is saying something since apparently, there was a lot of tension during the recording sessions. This list has 6 EC albums on it, which is at least three too many. This one seems like an easy one to cut.
I was not familiar with this album but navigating to it on Spotify I was really hit by how prolific Elvis Costello is. While this album doesn't have some of the bangers we know from Elvis it was just so damn solid and enjoyable. There's no vibrato I like more than his.
Great record by one of my favourite songwriters! Such a cohesive album that shows many of his strengths. It’s an album I’ve listened countless times yet still discover new tidbits, that’s what I love about music. These songs got you humming along in no time! 9 out of 10
can’t stand listening to this guy, not my Elvis
Ugh. Elvis Costello and the Attractions sounds like a middle school band, cant stand this album. 1/5
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
Kind of love Tokyo Storm Warning. A lot of this feels like wheel spinning or oil burning or some other car metaphor where the car is working really hard and going nowhere. It all sounds like Costello but it doesn't deliver near enough of the Costello kick. Tokyo Storm Warning, though.
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 struggled to pick favourites out of this album, there was a lot there and not one felt like it missed the mark.
Oh, *another* Elvis Costello album. Familiar from the last one tbh - jangly? Check? Punky? Check? Unique vocal styles combined with observational lyrics? Checkity check.
I like Elvis Costello. I like this album. Do I think it is his best album? I do not (check out My Aim is True or When I Was Cruel or a half dozen others). But there is not a bad song on this one.
First album in roughly 200 I couldn't make it all the way through, utterly dismal. horrific music
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.
I was pretty bummed to get another Elvis Costello album but this wasn't terrible. Decent. Solid 2.5 but I'll round up.
Pretty much like every Elvis Costello song and/or album. Except My Aim is True. That one kicks ass.
Very good, some of the songs got repetitive, but other than that it was a great album.
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.
Seemd kinda gud
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.
I was wondering why I didn't like the sound on this album - I kept checking my headphones and the audio settings and then read that "...Blood & Chocolate was recorded in a single large room at high volume, with the band listening to each other on monitor speakers and playing at stage volume..." I sometimes wish the actual sound of the record/recording didn't make such a difference to me but then again I'm not just listening to the "song" in and of itself, I'm listening to the recording (aren't we all) *of* the song and it's a stupid distinction but also vital. Why am I writing this all to myself?? Anyways - I don't connect with this album as much as his/their first few albums. There are a few tracks on here that I think would have fit in well (e.g. "I Hope You're Happy Now") earlier but it feels like there's more an emphasis on his singing rather than the instrumentation/songs as a whole. Still - it's not bad and a decent listen at worst, just not among my favourites. 5/10 3 stars.
Nice one
It's fine. I like some of his other albums more. This really wouldn't have made this list for me but it's not a bad listen.
i thought it was fun! but not super memorable
Typ Ulf Lundell fast amerikan
What can I say. His dad is a secret lemonade drinker
I had never listened to any Elvis Costello (google says his name is Declan Patrick McManus lol) before today and find myself struggling to think of something about this style that really stands out as his own. It’s fine music, sounds like classic rock and roll (a lot like if Tom Petty were British really) but nothing is particularly unique or profound about it in my opinion. That said, I liked “I Hope You’re Happy Now” and “Home is Anywhere You Hang Your Head,” and “Poor Napoleon” sounds SO close to something I would love, like if the Strokes had done not quite enough heroin to make good music. I can also tell and appreciate that the songs were recorded at concert volume as the energy is definitely there, even if it’s not my cuppa tea. Solid 3/5. Nothing to strongly dislike but nothing really to love. Unfortunately for Elvis Costello, this nonoffensiveness is one of the worst things somebody can say about your art. The only way to create something that nobody hates is to ensure that it can't be loved either. Remove enough spice from a soup, and you'll just end up with water.
Uncomplicated Was very uncomplicated as far as lyrics and chords go……..no other comments
I will admit I took a dip into the Napoleon Dynamite Wikipedia rabbit hole to investigate the Blood And Chocolate album cover. While director Jared Hess claims it didn’t influence the name of the movie, one line in “Poor Napoleon” begs to differ: “One day they’ll probably make a movie out of all of this.” Coincidence? C’mon, Uncle Rico is more likely to throw a football over dem mountains. Either way, I appreciate the abstract artwork. “Uncomplicated” starts off like the Foo Fighters’ “Times Like These” and ventures into the Black Crowes’ “She Talks To Angels.” “I Hope You’re Happy Now” was probably my favorite song on the record, and I particularly enjoyed the organ in the background starting about a minute in. Costello showcases his knack for storytelling in “Tokyo Storm Warning,” when he takes us seemingly around the world in just six minutes, and then immediately does a 180 into the melancholy “Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head.” He even displays contrasting love songs from the slow “I Want You” to the upbeat “Blue Chair.” Elvis Costello may sound like he’s singing through a kazoo with his nostrils clipped shut, but his voice is iconic nonetheless. While Blood And Chocolate doesn’t boast a lineup of Billboard hits, the lyrics are thought-provoking and display his colorful imagination in just 11 tracks. However, I thought the music itself was unremarkable, so I can’t give the album anything other than three stars.
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.
Better than aim
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.
This was enjoyable enough
Yeah ok, charging forth sonically
Loved this, gets better and better with every listen. It was also a joyous break from the recent run of dreary 80s synth-pop.
A bit dull.
Well this was unexpected, I quite enjoyed it!
I’ve always heard of Elvis Costello but I’ve never listened to him. This album taught me why I should and why I shouldn’t. Blood and Chocolate, aside from being not a good thing to combine, is a good album. Yet, it’s a little too boring. It’s a new wavey post punk album but it has a classic garage rock feel to it that I haven’t really heard before. It’s as much new wave as it is garage rock. It’s a nice combination, but it just doesn’t click with me. It’s good, I like the sound, I just don’t vibe with it that much. That being said, a few songs have a grunge influence and they’re the best songs on the album. It sounds like something from the late 80s but a few years earlier. These songs are also generally slower and if it’s something I like, it’s slower songs. Other than that, it’s just that new wave garage rock. Eh, it’s fine. I didn’t hate it but it’s not really something I’d listen to again. 6/10.
Never listened to Costello before, but this was damn fine
Elvis Costello kinda always sounds the same to me. Which isn't altogether a bad thing. Just gives me pretty simple 50's rock n' roll vibes.
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
About time we heard from this legend, but This Year's Girl and Armed Forces seem to win over this.
Pop-rock sin contemplaciones. Sin grandes alardes, con buena voz y canciones con ritmo. No me ha aportado nada especial
I've always had a bit of an on/off relationship with Costello's music; this is definitely an 'on' album; not flawless, but up there with his best work.
Never been a fan of EC; I find his vocals really grating. I did however like it more as I progressed through the album.
физическое присутствие костелло и куча его альбомов вызывают вопросы алкоальбом: пиво bud
нахуя он тут -- хз
So boring.
Not a Costello guy
The first few elvis Costello albums I got always had a couple songs that really jumped out to me and explained why he had so many entries on this list. For this one, I couldn’t find much memorable about it at all and am even struggling to write this roughly 24 hours after listening. He’s clearly talented but I really don’t see why he gets so many spots on this list while some other classic albums aren’t on here.
I have no doubt that Elvis Costello is an accomplished and talented musician. I think the fact that he put out an album as recently as 2022 speaks for itself. Mr. Costello is nothing if not a career musician. However, I do not care to evaluate so many of his records. I can understand listening to his first two records, maybe even Armed Forces, but anything beyond that is perhaps overdoing it. I will say that I Want You is a spectacular closer to side A, and side B has some stellar songs such as Blue Chair and Battered Old Bird, but I think I've had enough of Costello.
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.
Started strong but tailed off and some songs were actively annoying
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...
This was an album that I didn't think I was going to like as I listened to the start of the first song. However, he really won me over as the album went on. I don't have a huge amount to say about it, other than that it's cool that he was able to keep putting out consistently good work for this many years 4/5
Siis eihän tässä muuta vikaa ole kuin että on selittämättömästi rasittavaa. Tai ei oikeastaan selittämättömästi: liian itsetietoista mutta myös hailakkaa
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 know that at least on the subreddit it’s kinda a running joke that costello has so many albums, for me this is only my second of his and to be honest it’s very middling 3/5
Each song was interesting, but none of them grabbed me musically
One of the more comfortable artists of the 80s. Nice mix on this one
Probably my favorite EC&A album so far. Still a 3.5 (rounded down per protocol).
Mukaansa tempaava.. Lyriikat hauskuttavat kuuntelijaa... Kolme tähteä älkää pelätkö antaa ihmiset..heikko kaatuu elontiellä..
it's fine
The last album in the 11 albums in 10 years run Elvis put together during the late 70s/80s with the Attractions. This one sounds a little less dated than some of the albums in that span. I also followed his catalogue chronologically, so one of the last I dove into from that period (alright I never dove in Goodbye Cruel World). There are some outstanding tracks on this one - the first 5 songs or so are some of his best and the back half is also very strong. This one is almost a culmination as well of all the genre hopping Elvis did during the period. A classic among many classics in his catalogue.
"I Want You" is a great song overall. I can hear at least a few contemporary bands that draw from this album.
I've grown to like Elvis Costello later in my life. Used to find his voice grating and monotone, now I dig it. This album was good, not great.
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 enjoy Elvis Costello in small bits. this was a good album.
Blood and Chocolate by Elvis Costello & The Attractions is a raw and aggressive album that showcases the band's intense energy. Released in 1986, it features driving rhythms and gritty guitar riffs, exemplified in tracks like "I Want You" and "Tokyo Storm Warning." Costello's biting lyrics provide social commentary, although some lack depth. The production is solid but occasionally muddled. While not reaching the same brilliance as their earlier work, Blood and Chocolate is a strong entry in their discography. It captures the band's tightness and rock sensibilities, offering a compelling listening experience for fans of Costello's distinctive style.
- Honestly really enjoyed the vibes, some solid rock - 3.5 round down - Battered Old Bird, I Want You, Honey Are You Straight Or Are You Blind
- Solid vibes - I Want You is eerie and interesting, really enjoyed it
Pleasantly surprised by this one. I didn’t know the songs, but I’ll listen to them some more. Good songs, and you can feel the tension between the band members. Also, it was great to see Nick Lowe working with Elvis again.
I came to Elvis Costello & The Attractions late, in my 20s in the 90s and everything I heard I pretty much liked, saw him play live and still somehow managed to avoid this complete album. Fairweather fan it seems, but, hey I have heard it now, I like it. Although I will say it doesn't quite strike me in the same way as some others have it might just be time and place syndrome.
Solid!
The last great Elvis Costello album. It's his only 80s album that I think holds up with the energy of his late 70s output. "I Want You" is stunning.
Again, sorry Elvis but I just can't get into you.
Nice
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
My appreciation and respect for Elvis Costello has only increased through this process. He does have a lot of albums on the list, but each is at least decent and an enjoyable singer songwriter record. They also all have their own distinct character. This is more raw and crunchy than the earlier ones, which is clear from the opening riff of 'Uncomplicated'. An underrated artist. Rating: 3.5/5 Playlist track: Uncomplicated Date listened: 16/05/23
Some good pieces that caught my interest, decent
A couple of OK tracks but it never really excites
Pretty underwhelming
BL: Elvis Costello's solo work I am familiar with but not with his work with the Attractions. Will see how it turns out AL: Liked this a lot. Very well orchestrated and composed. a mixture of simple and more complex tracks all playing into one of the best heartbreak albums of all time in my eyes FT: "I Hope You're Happy Now" "Home is Anywhere you Hang you're Head" "Battered Old Bird" "Crimes of Paris" 5/5
More Elvis Costello fare. I mean by now k get it - you either like Costello or you don’t - and all his material is basically very much the same brushstroke. If you like him - then you’re going to like every record - if not - you’re going to bemoan every time one pops up. So far I always find myself in the latter camp.
The incomparable Elvis Costello
Really cool album. Love it.
Ik ben Elvis Costello meestal wel gunstig gezind, maar dit is een saai album. Het kabbelt, het klotst en raakt kant noch wal (oh wat ben ik lekker op dreef).
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.
Not bad. Especially liked the closing track.
This immediately grabbed me with unexpected cacophony and whallop: That’s how you begin an album, nerds! Drums sound great, making my head do a Wilko Johnson dance. The Boss brought to mind, another midlife discovery with a gift for narrative, anthem and soaring. Surprised by how much I like Costello’s voice. The garage band guitar sometimes verges on no wave chaos, which is magnificent, as if the songs are barely able to hold together. The record is well paced, rockers, laments, introspective bits all feel like they’re in the right place on this first lesson. Yeah, I’ll get this. I think this is a record I’ll find more to like on further goes.
I seem to prefer Elvis Costello in small chunks, the albums never hold my full attention. His voice is far more idiosyncratic than Dylan's ever was, and the songs can be a bit unimaginative. Nonetheless, there are a good few bangers on here; a stingy 3*
Bland as ever from Mr Cosmello. Is this the last one I have to trudge through yet??
Good catchy songwriting, nothing super incredible on display for me.
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
Another classic album!
Couple stand out songs, mostly good background music
A few standouts in a reallly consistently listenable album. Loved "I want you" and "Blue chair". Chorus sections are great, highly energizing, and exactly what makes rock music so good. Low 4/5.
this is lame
L'album a une belle unité, mais parfois j'avais un peu l'impression d'écouter une même longue chanson. Entraînant, belle énergie.
Objectively 3
boring as hell, every song sounds the same, and its not even a good sound. I want you is a nice song though
Yeah it’s alright just kinda 70s rock.Nothing really wows me.It’s fine.Nothing horrendous like a 3.5.Maybe I should give it a relisten.
This is obviously an important release, even during the American-irony of the opening and closing. Core Costello, but better than just that; I couldn't hear the live recording setup particularly, but that, too, makes sense. The songs don't try to do too much but also avoid navel-gazing.
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.
He has six albums on here (for some reason), so I had to get one eventually. Blood And Chocolate is fine. I don’t think it deserves its place here at all, but it was fairly enjoyable. It has a few long songs, but ‘Tokyo Storm Warning’ and ‘I Want You’ are the two best anyway. It definitely shouldn’t be here, but I wouldn’t object to listen again.
This was an unexpected treat.
Different, but in an enjoyable way! Also, not really that different.
Nothing wrong with this album, but not anything that knocked my socks off
this was… fine. very much an elvis costello album, which isn’t really a good thing. getting a bit sick of this era
por que me hacen esto
Costello's best album.
I Want You is one of the best songs ever written but the rest of the album doesn’t match up sadly.
Blood And Chocolate by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
I feel like a bunch of these legends sound awfully the same.
One thing I'm learning, is that I really do enjoy Elvis Costello. This was aggressive and loud and over modulated, but there's some great tunes in there.
Declan’s best work
5/5 I know EC's albums through King of America but missed this one the first time around. I was surprised by how gritty and aggressive it was - a lot like This Years Model but with even better vocals. Great songwriting as always.
Rock
Some of these lyrics are really out there. It's not endearing. I'm so glad this is my last album of his
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
I had two of his albums in a row, and I just really don't like it.
OK.
Hlustaði með öðru eyranu. Frekar meh
frábær
the curator of this list is clearly a costello fan as there is no way he has 3 of the 1001 albums by any other means. that said, i didn't hate this as much as i did the previous one of his on here.
Blood and chocolate is my favourite meal. I eat it every Thursday afternoon after I just fucked your mum in the ass.
Lot of Elvis on this list. Blood and Chocolate sounds like the other one dying on the toilet.
85 / 1069 Never listened to Elvis Costello before, really enjoyed the album. Cool voice!
This album is jangly and unsettling. Sometimes in a charming way and sometimes in an annoying way. The lyrics are uninteresting and give me nothing new. It certainly is not Costello's best work, but I've definitely heard worse. The whole thing gives me the vibe of 'yup, this certainly is an album'. Nothing extra, inspiring, or memorable about this whole project. No atrocious, heinous, or unforgivable acts have been committed either, but my feeling is that nothing has really been committed. A perfect example of a. 3/5
I tend to categorize Elvis Costello's album in three levels and categories, his first three or four albums are at the top of the list, the next level down would be some of his mid-80's records that are often overlooked and then a handful of throwaway records through the 90's and 2000's that are listenable, but far past his prime. I would rank Blood and Chocolate in the second level, a solid album of really good songs that is underrated and sometimes overlooked. It's not among his best albums, but he seems to be near the top of his game with outstanding contributions from The Attractions and producer, Nick Lowe. Definitely worth a listen.
I never really followed Elvis Costello when I was younger. I have no idea why. This album featured a lot of different types of songs from very high energy upbeat tempos to soft slow songs. But they were all well written and performed. Scale: 5 - My absolute favorites. 4 - Albums I like. 3 - It was ok to listen to it but wouldn't seek it out. 2 - Didn't like. 1 - Absolute shit.
Okay
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!
Costello offers more of his signature groovy New Wave sound with added crowded raw instrumentation. The singing style and Beatlesesque melodies are reminiscent of power pop legends like Big Star and Badfinger (e.g. Home is Anywhere), but also the lofi sound and synths in some tracks remind me of later 90s power pop like Guided by Voices (Tokyo Storm Warning, Next Time Round). There are a couple standouts here that could belong on a compilation, but otherwise most of the songs here are sonically tame and derivative of his other work. If not for the variation in instruments and synth effects, most songs would be forgettable. Favorites: I Hope You're Happy Now, I Want You, Crimes of Pairs, Poor Napoleon
That's gonna be a no from me dawg
eh c’est pas si pire
I like EC, but this wasn't the album I would have picked for this list.
I love Costello but this isn't his best work
That classic, raucous Elvis Costello sound coupled with more mature songwriting. What's not to like? 4 stars.
I cannot comprehend the critical fascination with Elvis Costello. He's a hack and everything he puts his hands to is garbage. This album is no exception. It's a terrible album by a terrible artist. I mean, why would I want to listen to this poser wail on and on about his sexual frustration for 45 minutes? Oh, right. I don't. It's garbage and I hate that I had to listen to it. It's saved from truly failing marks only because this project has shown me that there are some TRULY horrible albums out there. This one isn't actually painful to listen to. It just sucks.
1. I feel like Elvis Costello is cooler than me and I don’t know why. 2. Like a loudspeaker with a sharp tweeter, I get listening fatigue quickly with this album. Like 30 seconds and I’m out. 3. Why why why?
I’m not usually a huge fan. There was one track I loved but it wasn’t good enough to put the whole album over 3*
Enjoyed this very much. Battered Old Bird is an excellent tune.
Elvis Costello is pretty cool most of the time. Here he’s pretty darn good. His backing band bringing a swagger to the tunes that lets the audience in on what’s going on and the story he’s telling.
There's too much Elvis Costello in this list, but this feels like one of his better albums. I kind of get along fine with just This Years Model and select few other tracks though.
I listened to this album immediately after Armed Forces. I don't think it's nearly as hooky and accessible as the earlier album, and I think it's less interesting lyrically than the social commentary that you get on Armed Forces. Another case of not a bad album, but we're going to be getting a lot of Elvis Costello, so does this album need to be included? I might soften up a bit on a subsequent listen...
another bad 80's album
Very close to giving it a one star. Shite.
I'm pro-Elvis but didn't know this record or any of its songs. Happy and slightly surprises that it's an absolute treat. Someone used the word infectious, whicj is a great description. Best song, I Hope You're happy now.
Blood & Chocolate is the 11th album by British rock singer songwriter Elvis Costello. This grungy, new wave, rock album was pretty good, but nothing really stuck out to me as amazing. Although it was a decent album, I don't think I'll ever listen to it again.
Boh, un po' un accostamento casuale di canzoni, soprattutto "Battered old bird"
I don’t get it
I'm a huge Costello fan but this is far from my favourite of his albums. Still pretty good though.
Pretty good
A direct, gritty and highly mature record, B&C has held up extremely well, perhaps because it seems less overtly angry (more resigned) and the sarcasm more understated than the previous records. Still there's plenty of vinegar, this being EC. The no-produciont-is-the-best-production vibe is great, especially for this era and gives a very warm sound. On the downside it's also slightly less fun and tuneful. Best cuts are "Home is Where ...," the vintage "Hope You're Happy Now," "Blue Chair" and the rousing closer "Next Time Round." And one's always had a soft spot for the powerfully unenjoyable "I Want You." The depth and substance are powerful throughout and sustain interest across a full listen. A strong outing from top to bottom, with remarkable consistency across every cut, and quite underrated in the end, it must be said.
I've always heard a lot about Elvis Costello. So far, first couple of tracks are solid. Catchy songwriting and interesting voice. Voice reminds me of Bob Dylan's kid from The Wallflowers. Jacob? I Want You is a solid track for sure. I also really enjoyed Battered Old Bird. One thing I'm getting from this album is Elvis Costello was way ahead of his time.
a perfect alloy of lyrical inventiveness and pop skills
Ehhh. Ok if your type of music
Not a bad album, but not an exceptional one. There is too much Costello here.
no from me
not quite 2,5. it's almost ok
eeeh
Elvis Costello gets a bit more raw and a bit less memorable. lots of Costello-voice and emotional twang. 2.8/5
notes - the mixing on this is really strange - vocals are SO LOUD - drums are really distant and too quiet - guitars are super shrill - what happened?? album was recorded at “stage volume” using the bands live gear - last album elvis costello did with the attractions for 8 years - Prefer next years model for sure Fav - Tokyo storm warning - Really cool guitar parts and post-punk style Least fav - Honey are you straight - Short little goofy song that followed the emotional heaviness of I want you 2.5/5
Good but not anything mindblowing.
Enjoyed this immensely, especially "Uncomplicated," "Tokyo Storm Warning," and "Blue Chair" (but I wish I knew WTF the blue chair is).
I very much like Elvis Costello, but this album was a snoozefest. I'll stick to his earlier stuff.
Never not a good time for Elvis Costello
It’s good
Enjoyable, and interesting enough, but not particularly impactful.
So so, not a bad album but I'm not sure why it's special Pleasant listening
The grating and one-level voice had me longing for instrumental breaks. The stale and predictable instrumentals made me long for the vocals. It was like sitting through a family member’s political speech at the Thanksgiving dinner table when you don’t share the same views- I just couldn’t wait to get out of there.
Good album. Not many that stood out over the rest but still.
What a great voice! First time listening to Elvis Costello (although I've heard of him many times before) and I'm already hooked. This album might be an example of one where music is really just an uninteresting background. And well, they are really nailing the "uninteresting" bit. Blood and Chocolate is one of many albums recorded by Elvis Costello and The Attractions. They are playing mostly upbeat rock songs (rock'n'roll with some modern influences, in my opinion) with very uninspiring rhythm section and occasional great guitars and mini solos. Definitely this album was made to show the great vocal range by Elvis, and better music would just be in his way. There are few songs, that when listened to out of the context of this album can be a great joy, like "I Want You" and "Battered Old Bird", but this is not enough to change my opinion about this record. To sum this up, Elvis gets full five stars, The Attractions one, so we have an average of three. But despite this rating, I would be very curious to check another albums by Elvis. Maybe there is something more suited to my taste?
Well it is unmistakably an Elvis Costello album. I love Elvis Costello but to be honest, apart from I Want You, this album isn't essential. That isn't to say it isn't good album
Je suis pas trop fan de costello mqlgré le nombre d'album dans la liste. Celui ci n'esr pas mom favori de la liste. 3
This has a good sound. I've only listened to a limited about of Elvis Costello but I enjoyed this one. The Attractions sound great and Costello has a very raw sound to his vocals. This has some lows as well. Some songs are forgettable. Still worth checking out. 3/5.
2, screaming.
I don't mind a bit of Elvis Costello. This was just a background today though
I love a bit of EC, even this one which isn't one of his best.
Comme vous l'a annoncé eltrapeze, la génération de cet énième album de Costello a créé un véritable ras-le-bol au sein de la communauté. L'opération Anti-Costello va avoir lieu très prochainement, restez connectés.
Malgré nos multiples manifestations anti-Costello, Robert n'a pas cedé d'un pouce, et continue de nous noyer sous les albums absolument minables de Costello. Nous allons donc devoir procéder à une opération coup de poing très prochainement, vous en saurez plus dans les prochains reviews. Nous n'esperions pas devoir en arriver là, mais la cause anti-Costello va nous obliger à sortir les grands moyens.
Tää on ihan jees, mut en tiiä miks just tätä hypetetään. Omasta mielestäni kolme ekaa EC levyy on ne mitkä jengin pitää kuunnella. Ei tämä. 3/5
Syytän osittain äskeisen Claptonin aiheuttamaa aivolamaannusta, mutta ei tääkään iskenyt. Aina Costelloon eri listoilla törmää, mutta ei ihan mun juttu.
Elvis Costellolla on kyllä hauska ääni ja muutenkin aika jees levy.
Rockig, laute Stimme
You'll never have to twist my arm to sit down and listen to an Elvis Costello album. This one is solid. I don't think I've ever sat down and listened to this album from start to finish, as most of the songs were new to me. I've found a few new favourites here.
Definitely not for me. There aren't any songs on this record that I find myself wanting to revisit. Oh well.
It’s good, but a little bit longer. Often feel a bit to earn and. Cover art 2/5. What on earth is going on here. Trying too hard. Too pretentious
Not heard this one, but sounds like it could be one of his best after his first 3 albums, which were all stunning.
not as good as Imperial Bedroom imo but still pretty fuckin great 9/10
I had never listened to Elvis Costello before. This album wasn't what I was expecting - in a good way - but also wasn't highly memorable either.
I think what I like best about Elvis Costello is his writing His lyrical style can be dark, sardonic, sometimes funny. This is not one of my favorite EC albums, but it still shows some sharp, stinging perspectives that are solely ECs.
Überraschend gut. Vorher noch nie etwas von gehört, war aber positiv überrascht.
3.5 stars. "I Want You" was the best song on the album. Why so many Elvis Costello albums on this list?
Not an Elvis Costello fan and this album didn't change me. Just kind of a forgettable album. 6/10.
Didn't hold my attention at all. Not a single stand out track on the whole album. Not one of his better albums and definitely not worthy of being on this list.
Wasn't bad but it was kind of boring
First time really listening to this artist. Pretty impressed
Can appreciate it but not my type of music
I enjoyed one or two songs. I didn't enjoy the rest.
Thought it was a decent album
The most interesting thing about this was learning that Elvis Costello used the pseudonym "Napoleon dynamite" for this album, yet the film having the same name was complete coincidence apparently. I've listened to bits of this frequently since we had it on the list and it's my favourite Costello album, upgrading to 4
Pareceu ser importante, mas não me agrada.
liked a few of the songs, most of them didn't particularly strike me
PREFS : TOUT MOINS PREF : RIEN
Really enjoyed it. Good music and lyrics. Best Costello album I have heard so far in this list
Well that worked out well, I was probably going to listen to this today anyway. Y’all one star wankers need to grow up.
Not as good as some of his other albums.
Not my taste
Rock & roll y new wave. Me ha gustado. Un 4.
Does Elvis Costello get paid by the word? He crams a lot of words into these songs and I’m not sure most of them are needed. In that spirit, a quick and to-the-point track by track review: Uncomplicated - No. I Hope Your Happy Now - Solid power pop, this would’ve made a better opener than Uncomplicated. Tokyo Storm Warning- Six minutes is way too long for this. Home is Anywhere You Hang Your Head - That got awfully pretty towards the end. I Want You - This is basically a Summerteeth-era Wilco track, no? Never really made the connection between Jeff Tweedy/Wilco and Elvis Costello, but holy shit, this had to be an influence on his vocals. Honey Are You Straight or Are You Blind? - Thank god this was only two minutes. What an obnoxious riff. Blue Chair - I can not unhear the similarities in the vocal stylings of Costello and Jeff Tweedy now. Battered Old Bird - “he’s a battered old bird and he’s alivadupalellwerlllll.” This song sucks. Crimes of Paris - This is what I was expecting from an Elvis Costello record. Relatively straight forward power pop. Poor Napoleon- “She called you her magic fingers”. This is what happens when you get paid by the word. You come up with terrible metaphors…ones that should still haunt their author 36 years after being forced upon the world. Next Time Around - another pretty standard power pop number, REM’s “Stand” bears a striking resemblance to the chorus of this song.
He is just not my thing
I’m not sure that all his albums included on the list are worthy on an individual basis to be included, from the basis of being influential or musically innovative. But every single album of his, including this one, are great music. Great rock music with cool guitar parts, melodies, chorus harmonies and a raw live sound.
Elvis Costello is always good for a enjoyable album. One of the biggest surprises in this experiment, I have yet to listen to a bad album of his. While his albums are not revolutionary or groundbreaking but they are consistently filed with good songs
There are some decent songs. I hear similarities to modern bands that may have been influenced by this.
Great EC album from his classic period. Check out his list of "500 Must-Have Albums" on Vanity Fair.
Maybe if these were spread out I may have found it enjoying but I just had a Costello album and thought it was meh. There was one song I could think of I enjoyed on this one. It’s safe to say he’s just not for me. 4.4/10
Really good album. Enjoyed this a lot
I like this more than the last Costello album I got from this site (“My Aim is True”), but seeing this is his 11th album (!!) of course his songwriting would strengthen over time
Enjoyable
Cool. Cool. Not a big Elvis fan but I didn't hate this one. Matter of fact. I can't recall a thing about it. I'm nonplussed.
Cool to hear something I had no idea existed. There's also no way the movie wasn't inspired by his pseudonym on this album.
very meh
Ikkje spesielt minneverdig, men ikkje dårlig heller
Har aldri hørt på Elvis C., men har mistenkt at da e litt plagsomt. Greit å få bekrefta mistanken
no
Really not a fan of Elvis C.
Solid as always.
Elvis is a dick but this one is all right.
not bad
I do like Elvis Costello, but perhaps I have primarily heard his more popular tracks. Blood and Chocolate was all new music for me. There are several tracks that I saved for a re-listen. I found the last few tracks of the album particularly engaging ("Battered Old Bird", "Crimes of Paris", "Poor Napoleon", "Next Time Round"). "Tokyo Storm Warning" was another favorite track. I liked these new-to-me tracks. There are a couple of tracks on the ablum that I would skip (including "Honey, Are You Straight or Are You Blind?") on a re-listen. These tracks that I would skip keep me from rounding up to a full four stars.
So this is 5 of 6, and looking at my past reviews it seems I like one or two tracks but never quite the whole album and this one holds that pattern too. I Want You is a standout track, Tokyo Storm Warning, and Blue Chair caught my attention.
This has held up extremely well. I remembered it seeming a bit forced and over involved back in the day, but it sounds great today, raw and driving and engaging. Opens strong – first 4-5 cuts are all very good. And ends strong, too – “Next Time Round,” which I don’t recall hearing before is a new BFF track for me.
I agree (as a fan) that there are too many Elvis Costello albums on this list. I would rate this one 6.5/10. There are are couple of good pop songs on it, but nothing stands out or is remarkable.
Boring.
I love Elvis when he is just rockin' out. The band were barely talking to each other, but were a well honed live unit. They got into the studio and recorded quickly, loudly, and with verve. The album is concerned with sexual obsession and betrayal, which reflects the band's vibe. The reality comes across. Muscular, immediate, honest and loud. Love it.
probably the best Costello's album so far, it was kinda fun, but I still don't understand the recognition this guy gets
A stream of words, have you heard one Costello album you have heard them all
Listened to on 4/21/22 3.5/5 Favorite song: I hope you’re happy now, blue chair, crimes of paris The rock vibes were lovely and the band did a great job of capturing emotional grunge but the vibes were conflicting in some songs. I liked the loud studio volume recording and how it made you feel like you were front row at their concert. This album was pretty much only about sex and sad relationships but all in all pretty good
Not bad, but also not very good
I'm not the biggest Declan fan, though there's plenty of stuff I love. This is second tier for me.
Costello in fine form, comfortable with himself and in total synch with his band. Tokyo Storm Warning and Crimes of Paris are entertaining, searing ditties and the imperious I Want You are highlights. Surely no more sinister, twisted song than I Want You was ever committed to wax?
better than the first Elvis Costello on this list 2.5
Decent but forgettable pop music. Sounds like it was recorded quickly, but none the worse for it. Honey are you straight or are you blind, and I hope you're happy now were my favourite songs.
Eh
I found this bland
Never listened to this one before, I should listen to more of his stuff, it's always good.
Intense, intriguing and very much of its time.
Schmissig, nerdy und selbstoffenbarend. I like Elvis. 3.6
Napoleon Dynamite, isn't it? Nope, it's just Elvis No. 2, and just like Elvis No. 1, he apparently makes bland, uninspired albums (despite the fact that he is playing at a freaking stage volume inside a room big enough for an orchestra). But this one specifically does have a few hits, most notably "I Want You". Thank god Elvis No. 2 lives during the times where great singles are also included in albums, unlike Elvis No. 1. Oh! And the two Elvises have a pretty different, albeit generic, sound. This one is pretty grunge-like. I wonder if his voice is great in ballads. Like Elvis No. 1, his voice is annoying when he's singing rock.
Costello albums for me usually have 1-2?songs that are great, along with stuff I barely like. This is the same. “I want you” is a great track.
No es mi estilo
Mjög næs plata. Declan klikkar ekki.
meh
Hrottalega leiðinlegt
Somewhere between Armed Forces and This Year’s Model.
no. made me feel like i was in a dirty pub. the songs droned at my head, fixated on the song title repeating the same 10 seconds over and over. *fave tracks - i want you, poor napoleon. *I want you - because it reminded me of somthin from shrek. *poor napoleon - I liked the two words that were repeated 100s of times +album art - the picture I believe is of napoleon, pretty hot. but that font and border makes me feel sick. 4/10