This Year's Model

look, I was half named after an elvis costello song. this is so embedded into my head that it almost doesn't matter if I like it. 3.5

Patchy. I was going to give it 3 stars but Lipstick Vogue pushed it up to a 4.

Fast paced and an interesting range of tracks. Kept me interested throughout most of the album. I would revisit quite a few tracks but not all. It sounds incredibly modern for its time! Highlights: Pump It Up (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea Lipstick Vogue Radio Radio

This album has got almost every facet I love within music, except a decent voice. 🤷‍♂️ Doesn´t sound much like 70´s. Very vital. And it´s astonishing how many songs do remind me on other artists/bands I know. "Chelsea" for example could easily be a Red Hot Chili Peppers classic! 😉 Give it another singer and a modern production and it surely would be a blast even more. Favorite: "Lipstick Vogue", "This Year´s Girl", "The Beat", "Pump It Up", "Radio Radio"

Still fresh, still relevant. This Elvis rocks.

I bought four of his albums and saw him live in '89. I loved the singles but never listened to this album before. So much energy and so many punchy songs. Love the basic production and brilliant drumming that drives it along. He's a great songwriter but his songs are rarely pretty, often angry, even spiteful. A year on from 'Alison' he's become bitter and twisted. Radio Radio is my favourite, the lyrics are so good, so eloquent, perfectly delivered, still relevant. 'Some of my friends sit around every evening And they worry about the times ahead But everybody else is overwhelmed by indifference And the promise of an early bed You either shut up or get cut out They don't wanna hear about it It's only inches on the reel to reel And the radio is in the hands of such a lot of fools Tryin' to anaesthetise the way that you feel' 👌

Love it. 4*

I enjoy Elvis Costello. He's got a unique sound, and I consider him essential pre punk, he created melodic structures with approachable songwriting but added some of that punk energy. This album has some classics, including "Radio, Radio".

Pretty good, Mr Costello has a unique sound that I quite enjoy, I should try more of his music.

I've listened to this album before but not in a few years. This is definitely a foundational text of New Wave and a super fun listen. Corporate radio still sucks.

Upbeat, great music. Maybe 1 or 2 songs that are epic, however, the rest of the album allows for more than enjoyable listening... 4 stars for sure!

This is my 2nd Elvis Costello album on the list, and after the stinker before (the 90s album), this was a VERY pleasant surprise. Catchy songs, great melody, great drumming, decent vocals. This is getting saved to my collection

I really like this musical style. Upbeat. Never knew who sang “Pump It Up” before. I like every song individually and would happily listen to them if they came up on shuffle, but having it all at once was a bit too much and made them all sound pretty similar.

Like poppy Talking Heads.

This is a lot of Elvis costello

I enjoyed this!

I don’t understand people who (1) don’t like Elvis Costello; and, to a lesser extent, (2) think this is Elvis Costello’s best album. Don’t get me wrong, this is a great album. But I think “My Aim is True” is significantly better. Still, Elvis Costello was unstoppable during this Aim/Model/Armed period, which is up there with the best three albums runs in popular music. This is an amazing album and well-deserving of being on this list.

This was probably my parents' jam back in the day. I haven't listened to him much outside of his big hits I heard on the radio (which includes "Pump It Up" and "Radio, Radio" I now realize). Funny enough, the most I've listened to him is on the New Basement Tapes album which has a bunch of more modern artists performing lost Bob Dylan songs. My mom gave me the CD in high school. It features Elvis along with Marcus Mumford, Jim James from My Morning Jacket, and others. Didn't love this album but I like it. I think the music is groovy and I like his funky voice, very new wave.

Nice!

Before today I had onyl heard the hits from this album and had not heard it as a piece. It works really well together. Top album. I enjoyed this that much i listened to the 2021 re master that has 40 songs on it! Favourite song: The beat and pump it are classix tunes. Least favourite: All good tunes. Album artwork: Great cover

Light and airy classic "rock". Uptempo and poppy, breezed through the album with no complaints. Loved the keyboardist just kind of falling on chords.

Оливия Родриго жестко вдохновляется Little Triggers 💔

People are really hating on this album in the reviews, but I am 4 songs deep and I really like this album. 4/5

Just a very solid album. Not quite enough to merit the 5/5 but definitely a good time. Highlight tracks include "Pump It Up", "You Belong To Me", "Hand In Hand", "Lip Service" and "Living In Paradise".

Solid from start to finish, excellent bass

4/5

4.4 - This album grew on me massively and by the end I really felt like I wanted to go on a deep dive. I always struggled with Costello, but this is what I love about sitting with a whole album

Great listen

Another great album.

A lot of nice songs

I don't know why I was surprised, but this turned out to be a very listenable album. I wouldn't object if it came back up again in my listening.

This album could fit into any era. It takes from multiple genres of music.

Toen ik zei dat 'My Aim Is True' fungeerde als een springplank naar een toch wel illustere carrière, doelde ik vooral op de sprong naar dit album. Als de 'aim' ergens op doelde, dan was het wel dit werk. Mijn favoriete album van een artiest die ik waardeer, maar het in mijn ogen vaak aflegt tegen tijdsgenoten die zich in hetzelfde grensgebied tussen punk en new wave bevonden. Dit is 'as good as it gets', om maar zo te zeggen. 'This Year's Model' is een vooruitstrevend muziekstuk, dat veel van die tijdsgenoten net voor is met het verbeelden van hoe het muzieklandschap er in 80s UK uit zou gaan zien. Gekenmerkt door speelse keyboards en bouncy guitars, zou de sound van dit album een belangrijke rol spelen in de evolutie van punk-muziek van de grimmige nightclubs naar mainstream radio. Al verzet Elvis zich daar nog wel tegen in het nummer 'Radio, Radio'. De punk krijg je moeilijk uit de Britse man, eind jaren 70. Waar de volle productie van de geweldige Nick Lowe voor een volwassener sound zorgde dan op 'My Aim Is True', zijn het ook de songwriting en de begeleidende melodieën van Elvis die verder opbloeiden. Waar het op zijn debuut soms nogal een karikatuur van Bruce Springsteen leek, is hier echt een persoonlijk geluid te horen. Nummers als 'Lip Service' en 'Little Triggers' volgen nog steeds een beetje de lijn van zijn inspiratiebronnen, maar met een absolute Costello-twist. Het resultaat is dat 'Lip Service' op zijn beurt voelt als een inspiratiebron voor de latere The Jam albums, en voor de jangle pop van The Smiths. Wat een fucking bassline ook. Toch zijn het de opzwepende powerpop songs die de klasse van dit album pas echt onderstrepen. 'Pump It Up' en 'Radio, Radio' heb ik stilistisch altijd gezien als een duo. Ze etaleren dat al hoewel Elvis Costello graag zijn emotionele chanson-kant najaagt, dat hij vooral een verdomd goede schrijver is van up-tempo popsongs. '(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea' moet ook genoemd worden. Een persoonlijke favoriet, het beste gitaarwerk van het album en een intrigerende beat. De tweede helft van het album heeft helaas een reeks van 4 songs waar de één nog saaier is dan de ander. De US-release zorgt ervoor dat ik vier sterren ga geven, door de plaatsing van 'Radio, Radio' als afsluiter. Hierdoor eindigt het toch op een positieve noot. Het is een monumentaal album voor de nieuwe golf aan muziek die de UK charts in de 80s overspoelde. En ondanks dat ik niet zo goed ga op zijn stemgeluid, bevat het album genoeg interessante muzikale vernuftigheden om dat feit te verdoezelen. Íétsjes minder keyboard had gemogen though. 8/10 Highlights: Pump It Up (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea Lip Service Radio, Radio

Misschien wel het beste werk van Costello. Sound is anders dan My Aim is True en het is lastig kiezen tussen deze twee. Doe ik dus ook niet. Beste van deze plaat? De nummers. Ze zijn typisch pakkend, catchy en kruipen onder je huid. Ook al is de muziek niet hard of vol met gitaren (zelfs wat meer piano)- de plaat rockt ontzettend. Tempo is hoog en de kwaliteit van de losse song is ontzettend sterk. Sommige nummers lijken best op elkaar, wat je het gevoel geeft telkens weer even thuiskomt bij de essentie van de plaat. Costello wist waar die mee bezig was en ik vind het heerlijk om dat te horen. 8/10 Highlights No Action Little Triggers (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea. Radio, Radio

When he walked through the doors kicked in by the Punk revolution, Costello was clearly so much better equipped than many of his peers, not least as an excellent song-writer with a long exposure to many styles and genres. This all on display here with the added benefit of the excellent Attractions as backing. “Pump it up” and “..Chelsea” still sound suitably lively and fresh, despite their 46 years.

I'm a fan of EC. Witty lyrics, hook heavy songs. Some of the punk aesthetic, but cleaned up and polished. I remember asking a smart classmate what he thought of New Wave he answered, old hat. The book copy talks about the album being about the struggle of relationships. But Chelsea isn't about that nor Radio Radio. There are seven EC albums on this list. That seems excessive. 4*

Classic Costello unique sound and pretty good example of his artistry

There was a period when I was really into this album. “No Action” is a favorite. Musically, I love the manic circus organ vibe, and lyrically Elvis Costello has always been “rock and roll’s scrabble champion.” But thematically, I guess I’m identifying less and less with the youthful anger aspect. The cool part is that his music changed as he did over the years - he wasn’t trying to retain his youth like other artists.

Give it up for The Attractions ladies and gentlemen! The rhythm section and drum 'breakdown' on Lipstick Vogue literally making me cry. It's not Punk Rock, it's another level of Elvis Costello that didn't show up on "My Aim is True." More complex. More inscrutable. Deeper. Heavier. Angrier. "Big Tears mean nothing {scowling} When you're lyin' in your coffin" Jesus! Easy, Elvis! Then they just toss off "Radio, Radio" like it's a Sunday afternoon jam with friends. Fantastic. Takes a while to get into, but once you do, it's a pretty fulfilling musical experience.

Excellent musicality! As it turns out, I’m not the biggest fan of the vocals.

Another new listen, as I expect most of these to be. I've listened to My Aim Is True plenty of times, but never this one for some reason. I'm optimistic that this one will at least match that record's quality, if not overshadow it. It was definitely a more solid listen than the other project. I'll need to give it another listen at some point.

these guys are always a fun listen

I like Elvis Costello & think this is a solid post punk album. It's not as accessible as the mega popular stuff, but it's solid nonetheless. 3.5 stars.

Classic Elvis

I was such a hater when I first heard this album. I didn’t understand Costello. But these songs are quirky as fuck and awesome.

Lip service is great, the rest of it is fine

Catchy. Ez fun album.

Very solid. Catchy with great drums and bass.

4,5

blijft lekker

Pretty good album. Sounds like it could’ve been released at any point in the last 40 years.

A lttle poppy, a little punky. Top end musicianship. I dig it. My only complaint is that the production sounds very "late 70s".

i enjoyed this album! it's really more of a four-star album to me but one of the better ones on 1001 so kind of 4.5 range? elvis costello is at his best here with the power pop/new wave jams. the backing band sounds great, super locked in and punchy on all instruments. i also discovered that there is a 2021 release called Spanish Model, which takes the same backing tracks and replaces Elvis' vocals with performances by spanish-language artists. interesting idea and there are some big names there! favorites: this year's girl, pump it up, little triggers, i don't want to go to Chelsea, lip service, lipstick vogue, radio radio

Great stuff. A good one.

Zany and energetic, one of the first iterations of alternative rock in its pop structured glory. This album will surprise you if you have an open mind. Not a tastemaker or exceptional example of first wave/new wave but, just fun pop rock with awesome melodies.

Really great one this. Not as good as My Aim Is True but has alot of the aspects I liked about it. That keyboard sound is so good and so recognizable. The 3/4 singles (depending on whether radio radio counts) are great. The album tracks are great. The Beat was a real standout.

I dig it. Reminded me how cool Costello is. No surprises, just good rock n roll. Songs added to Spotify: 3

I think this is the first one that I've already listened to multple times. 4/5

It was a nice album. I recognized almost all the songs.

I was introduced to Elvis Costello & The Attractions through the 1¢ tape deals Columbia House used to be known for. You could get like seven tapes for a penny or something to start a membership (the deal always changed), but I think you were restricted to certain albums. I think I had five or six and needed a few more so I went with Elvis Costello's greatest hits because it seemed interesting (had never heard of him before that). Pump It Up was one of my favorites on that tape and this album is pretty much peak Elvis Costello for me.

With his style being this post-punk/new-wave type thing, you would think i'd be more into it than I am. I do really enjoy it though, there's not really a band song on here. The singles bang, the deeper cuts are still super catchy. I hear there's a lot of Costello on this list, so maybe those will finally make him click for me.

Fuck to the yeah.

Iconic Elvis C. Such a unique style.

My least favorite of my favorite Elvis Costello albums. Everything he does well gets its start here, but it's all still pretty embryonic, with a lot of songs getting by more on the force of their performance than the quality of their craft. Which is a bummer compared to how great his songwriting eventually gets, but hey, sometimes you wanna hear steve nieve go apeshit over a song about masturbation, and you can only get that here.

Classic

Couple of ground breaking classics.

Very good

I loved the sound but the lyrics were so lazy and repetitive.

Fun stuff.

great white folk rock! Almost got through the whole album! Halfway at least

wait these guys are british? Light 4

Here backed by The Attractions, Costello's second studio album. One of the Stiff Records roster, Costello emerged on the back of the pub rock and then punk explosion and on into the post-punk era and then onwards into major league start status, all of the back of exceptional song craft. This is a fine album, stand out tracks for me are '(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea' and 'Pump It Up', but the whole album is great.

I like this album. Good vibes and some great tracks to back it up.

How cool I would have been in 1978 to know this album. Glad I got to hear it now. Catchy, edgy.

This album really grew on me on the second listen.

Proper devil music, classic

First time actually listening to Elvis Costello though his reputation proceeded him. This backing band is insane. The drums and bass are both phenomenal. I was not sold at first but Chelsea, Living in Paradise, and Lipstick Vogue are all great tracks that grabbed me immediately. After a few listens and reading up about our man Declan, I think this is good music that suffers from just being too self aware. Elvis, as he calls himself, is the son of music industry parents and was part of the industry from birth. It's pretty apparent on this album. It's an interesting blend he hits on these tracks. He is biting and swaggering in a way that screams out his desire for authenticity but the tracks themselves are polished and clean as if designed by committee. I can hear the New Wave sounds bubbling up on this album and the punk rock vibes he's going for, I just don't fully buy it. I think Declan is authentic to himself, but who he is as a person is someone so influenced by posturing and marketing that he's fake even to himself. Interesting music, but I don't think I'll be coming back to it.

Standout Tracks: "No Action," "This Year's Girl," "Pump It Up," "Little Triggers," "Lip Service," "Lipstick Vogue," "Radio, Radio" Lyrics/Vocals- 3/5 (lyrics great, Elvis Costellos vocals hit or miss) Instrumentals- 4/5 (lot of songs sounded similar Vibes- 4/5 Overall- 4/5 Whenever I think of Elvis Costello I think of him getting banned from SNL for playing "Radio, Radio" even after Lorne Michales specifically said not to and to play "Pump it Up" instead. Costello went against this request because he felt that the American public would relate to "Radio, Radio" more. He was banned from SNL for the switch up, then when he was unbanned he pulled the "same stunt" with the Beastie Boys. Anyways, all of the Elvis Costello I have heard in my life was from this album, and I understand why now. This was a great listen. Very upbeat, lots of great tracks, and lots of talent is apparent on this record. Elvis Costello's voice is hit or miss often times. I've always felt that his vocals are very "full of himself," if that makes any sense. Sometimes it fits the song, other times it was a little bit grating or difficult to listen to. Regardless though, you can really understand why Costello is held in such high regard by many rock lovers by listening to this album. It's poppy, catchy, and fun, but when you listen to the lyrics you can understand the message behind them.

New artist/album although I have heard of Elvis Costello.. I enjoy the punk flavor with some classic 70s aspects as well, like synth keyboards. ‘Pump it up’ reminds me of ‘Voodoo Child’ - possible sample/influence there; one of my album favorites. Noticing some familiar sounds that remind me of later artists like Counting Crows and Tom Petty, but also earlier like the Who (‘You belong to me’ resembles ‘my Generation’). Interesting phrase “she’s last years model” in ‘(don’t want to go to) Chelsea’ when the album is titled “this Years Model”. Overall I really enjoyed the whole album, pretty cohesive across the board.

Favorite Tracks: This Years Girl The Beat Pump It Up You Belong to Me Hand In Hand Living in Paradise Radio Radio

Good album! Heard a bunch of it before but a few songs I didn’t know

Favorite tracks: Pump It Up, Little Triggers, Living In Paradise Rating: 4/5

Liked it, will listen again

I’ve never been a big fan but this album was interesting and relaxing. Will def keep on my list.

This is my first time lie to Elvis Costellos music. His voice and demeanour on the tracks took a while to get used but once I did, I enjoyed this project a lot more. This is one of those projects I can see myself getting sick of or getting more admiration by the 3rd listen. Favourite tracks are ; The Beat , Pump it Up, Miss Trigger.

One of my favorite Costello albums. “Radio, Radio” is a classic song.

Not really our thing, but not bad!

4,5

A few really good songs and fantastic drumming throughout. I get why people love this but it’s not really my thing

In my high school and college years I listened to quite a bit of Elvis Costello, and I saw him in concert a couple times, too. I always liked his sound and style, and he has his own signature voice and approach to pop, which is great. This is a wonderful album to me in that it’s both creative and very well performed and also gives me a nice trip down memory lane. I don’t listen to him as much anymore so this gave me a good reason to enjoy it.

Costello would make some great music with the Attractions. This has a couple of great tracks, and a lot of work finding their footing. Undeniable chops, but not *great* great yet.

Really good. Lots of energy and poppy synths, with a cool spunkiness in Costello's vocal that reminds me of Billy Joel around the same time. (I still prefer the Piano Man's chops, though.) The compositions aren't especially memorable, but they keep the listener constantly engaged with radio-friendly instrumentation that plays it just safe enough to be universally appealing while still incorporating punk and pop sounds that would've been fresh and new at the time. Special shoutout to Chelsea and Living In Paradise for having a sick riff, and to The Beat, No Action, Pump It Up, and Radio, Radio for just being really strong overall.

Mér finnst Imperial Bedroom, fyrsta Costello platan sem ég hlustaði á fyrir þetta verkefni, vera betri en þessi. En, ég er samt svag fyrir þessari líka.

This album is still this year's model.

Previously rated: Armed Forces (3/5) My Aim Is True (4/5) Imperial Bedroom (2/5) **************************** Good, catchy, lots of variety here. May be as good or better than My Aim is True. Every time I hear Pump It Up, I can't help but hear that Wild Wild West song. How did EC not sue over that?

Relevant for the time. Now a commercial theme song.

Great classic rock album Didnt know Costello jammed this hard

Crazy to think this was edgy punk/pub-rock in the 70's. I've always admired Elvis Costello. He inspired so many punk/emo/rock artists lyrically and musically. This album was a great listen, I really enjoyed it. It's timeless. Best Tracks: No Action This Year's Girl

This is the fifth Elvis Costello album I've got through the project. Only one more to go! 🫠 Similar to all the others, it's fun pop rock - an entertaining listen, but not exactly my favorite, and certainly not deserving of 6 slots in the list. Ho hum. Fave tracks - "Lipstick Vogue" is baller. "Radio, Radio" and "(I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea" are great too.

Very good listen. Much prefer his earlier work. The stuff about his blue shoes and his time in prison, rocking out with the other inmates! 3.7

I don't generally like Elvis Costello's voice, but it's hard to deny the art-punk genius of the Attractions' instrumentalism. What really, and I mean REALLY stood out for me was the bass playing of Bruce Thomas, to the point that I think this album needs to feature Bruce on the cover :D. There are some great tracks on here - Lipstick Vogue's upbeat punk vibe, and The Beat's funky rhythm section (which is what made me sit up and take notice of the Attractions rather than Costello himself), and the more famous Pump It Up. There are undeniably catchy moments on this album such as (I Don't Want To To Go To) Chelsea. I find that Costello is at his weakest when he's trying to do the croony ballad's (Little Triggers). He's far better suited to belting out upbeat, punkier stuff, e.g. on the Jam-esque "You Belong to Me". Initially I gave this 3 stars, but I listened to it again and it's kind of grown on me. So it's a pretty solid 4 I think.

Enough Costello's come across here enough times now to make clear that there's not going to be too much stylistic variety between albums, so you'll either be on board with him or not (he is a consistent 4/5 for me). This one's maybe a little bit cleaner/tighter than *Armed Forces*.

Ive never really listened to elvis costello and I enjoyed it. Was nothing mind blowing but I could see myself exploring his discography.

Some good tunes. Some filler but the good outweighs the average

Have never really listened to Elvis Costello but knew some of his songs and liked them. Did not realize he started in the 70s and started so incredibly strongly. This was one hell of an album, and quite a start for The Attractions backing him.

I still personally only like one album by Elvis Costello, which is the one he did with Burt Bacharach. Otherwise, I don't really care for his voice, and that prohibits me from appreciating other albums. However, his songwriting skills, and the arrangement and composition of the songs is so impressive. There is so much going on at almost any given moment, that I do believe Costello deserves all the praise he gets. I'd probably give this album 3 stars for me, but I bumped it up to 4 due to the fact that I can't deny the art, even if its not to my personal taste.

It’s a fun one

Bit scarred by this years girl but all in all good

Good punk + good new wave = very good. 4 stars.

bravi, what a masterpiece

Wow. Really good. Loved No Action

Standouts: Pump it Up, This Year's Girl, (I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea, Others: Little Triggers, You Belong to Me, Hand in Hand, Living in Paradise,

Pretty catchy songs

This is a really solid album, and the two singles are especially great. I'm not a huge fan of Costello and think he is over represented in this book, but this is definitely the best I've heard from him so far. His band sounds fantastic and the production is great too. Nice album cover as well, overall a very good project. 8/10

Very much enjoyed it

So I love the melodic bass lines. That’s my aesthetic. In fact, what works best for me on this album is the Attractions, whose playing is fun, energetic, and sounds awesome together. I also love the Power Pop sensibilities of the album (that’s my other aesthetic). The only thing I struggle with is Elvis Costello himself. I’m not crazy about his singing, which sounds like he’s just been punched in the stomach. And a lot of the melodic choices are strange to me—sometimes discordant or vague. It means that few of the songs end up being catchy, despite the instrumentation leading me to believe otherwise. And so I’m of two minds with this album. I love the orchestrations and production, just not the songs or vocals, which are kind of the point? But I do think I’ll be returning to this album. It seems like it might grow on me, like I’m acquiring a taste for Elvis Costello.

Fun, I hadn’t heard of this guy before

Was für eine Neuentdeckung für mich

Been waiting for an end to end Elvis Costello album. One of the coolest dudes and brings it all together on this one.

A lot has been said about the high number of Elvis Costello albums on this list. But many of the songs on this record are catchy and good to dance to, so I don't have any complaints. Sounds like alternative before alternative was a separate genre. It is also really quaint and stylish. (Yes, my taste is really basic. I am easily impressed by any 70s British music).

4.5

I've never actually sat down and listened to Elvis Costello before. I was pleasantly surprised!

Elvis and his band are quite prominent on this list and I view him as very hit or miss. I think of the albums of theirs I’ve gotten so far, this is one of the better ones. I think it would grow on me the more listens I give it.

How does it not feel generic? The secret is the killer melodies. A total laugh, liked it a good deal.

I liked it. Not much else to say. Pretty good album all the way through. 7/10 Top 3: 1. No Action 2. Pump It Up 3. The Beat

Juuust crept into 4⭐

enjoyed more than I expected

I remember disliking the first elvis costello album I heard on here, so this is definitely a pleasant surprise

Nice, good solid music, doesn't even sound dated

Quite good. I wouldn't listen everyday but the variety is nice.

Haven’t heard this all in before but it was awesome! The Spotify recommendations from after the album played through were equally as excellent!

I enjoyed this quite a bit! I didn't know Elvis is basically like Bruce Springsteen's dorkier cousin.

Ahead of its time, proto punky

Samey, but good samey.

After who knows how many Elvis Costello albums on this list, FINALLY I get it. This is a great album - not, for me, a 5 star, but one where EC’s greatness and clear songwriting skill very clearly shines through.

Pump it up is so good. The album is great, but it never hits as hard or as high as pump it up though

4/5 Not as revolutionary now as I’m sure it was in the days. It’s a very tight album. I was torn between 3 & 4 because I was expecting a bit more. But I realized I’ve been too ready to drop a 3. And, 3 should be reserved for the “meh, didn’t hate it and don’t need it.”

Really good. There's a few songs that especially go hard, but overall really quite good. Particularly enjoyable energy and sound, very classic

Sasvim ok, nista spektakularno

Dobar je, ima zanimljivih

Lots to like here if you like Elvis Costello's distinctive vibe. Pump it up is rightfully the best known track, but I also liked Little Triggers for being something different and the breathlessness of Lipstick Vogue

Been a while since I've listened to this album. I'm not hugely bought into Elvis Costello, but I remember this album surprising me. The Beat, is a hoppy jam. Tight drum and bass with solid song writing around it. Great song. Followed up by Pump It Up, which features more of the same. You Belong to Me, is another one that stand out from the rest, as is (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea. I enjoy the beachy guitar tone. Lipstick Vogue jams; especially the bass breakdown midway through. Big Tears is my least favorite, but the album ends strong on Radio, Radio. I feel about the same listening to this now as I did 10 years ago when I was first introduced. For what it is, this is a really solid quirky, pop-rock album. I feel like I will never be fully converted to love Elvis Costello; something about his schtick is a bit too quirky for my taste. But end to end this album is solid -- more hit than miss in my opinion. Really love the bass tone and found the writing to be good. 4 / 5

Will absolutely listen again, best album so far. Though it soundet a bit like Tom Petty.

quite interesting how this album has many rock variants at that time. Nonetheless, the lyrics are emotional but not that interesting? IDK

There’s something retro, but fresh about this. A great listen.

Heyyy it's an Elvis Costello album I actually liked. What are the odds! I didn't know he wrote Pump It Up, although it makes a lot of sense in hindsight. The theme of the uncompromising beauty standards in our society and how transient the quality of 'attractiveness' can be made me unhappy. It seemed, when I caught that theme, that the band presented it as a matter of fact. You're this year's model, that's it. Personally I would have taken a more critical tone, but perhaps that simple statement of fact was intentional commentary rather than unexamined and harmful beliefs. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.

Aguanten los temones cortitos del capo.

This is some of the better Elvis Costello on the list, when it's at its best it bangs, and it's short enough to not have a great deal of filler. Pump It Up smashes it out of the park and gets us up to a 4/5.

Excellent album. I’ve been meaning to listen to Elvia Costello properly forever. He played a lot in my house growing up and I figured I’d like his work. This was a lovely listen.

i liked lipstick vogue

Costello comes off as a total douche. But that’s not always negative when making rock music. This album really has some great songs (the beat, I don’t want to go to Chelsea, lipstick vogue) and it is especially well arranged and produced. It still sounds great.

This was excellent! Hadn’t heard a lot of this Elvis prior to this so a real discovery! Will for sure check out some more and add to the list for purchase! Excellent album!

I thought Elvis Costello was a lot softer than this. This was unexpected and I quite liked it. I wouldn't give it a five-star, but it's a four star for sure.

Quite like this - never been particularly into Costello, but this hit lots of buttons for me and is listenable to.

Surprisingly good. I never quite got him before this. Other than Alison his songs sounded a little too affected. But this album is a banger.

classic Costello

Rating: 7/10 Best songs: The beat

My first Elvis Costello album.. he be kinda snarky. The music sounds ahead of it's time.

Weezer for my dad! Favorite track: Pump It Up

my opinion of elvis costello has gotten worse since i found out he was british Favorite Track: Chelsea 3.5-4/5

An album I’ve listened to plenty times and will listen to plenty times to come

really liked this much more than expected! definitely feels like an album my mum would like. there were a couple songs i enjoyed less and one i skipped upon second listen, but overall i’m impressed for a genre i don’t necessarily consider myself a fan of

I just love Elvis Costello’s voice and style.

Didn’t know Damian Barrett was moonlighting as a new wave rocker as well as being an AFL media puppet, pretending to be a journalist. Also, ‘This Year’s Model’ is better than ‘Armed Forces’.

New wave. Animado. Venga, un 4.

4.3 - Dimery has tried his damndest to expand my Costello appreciation and I’ve suffered through many of his fussier later works than I care to recall. For me, these two first albums of his encapsulate most of the upbeat new wave pop of his that I enjoy. So many excellent songs brimming with energy and just enough emotional depth, including “No Action”, “Pump it Up”, “Lip Service”, “Little Triggers.” I may still slightly prefer “My Aim Is True.”

Love this!

Muy buen disco. Me gustó, es novedoso. La primera parte del disco es tremendo, después se pincha un poco y se vuelve repetitivo. Si pienso con el cerebro es un 3, pero el corazón y la piel me aconsejan ponerle el 4.

Little bit power pop, little bit punk. Can very much get on board with this.

I have no memory of listening to Elvis Costello previously, I honestly don't even know what genre I expected but this feels more modern sounding than 1978. I'd probably guess that it's from the 90s or something instead of the 70s. I was not expecting to enjoy this album as much I did.

upbeat, a bit grungy, rocking out in a mellow way

Ok, there may be too much Elvis Costello on this list. This is another album that really deserves to be on here. Angry bloke, pop perfection

4/5. This album grew on me the more I listened to it. The songs are super catchy and it feels a lot like punk without coming off as entitled from a white dude. Plus the instrumentation is really clean and well produced.

Fun and enjoyable! Pump it up is a great one.

Superb! Musically catchy as hell, lyrically nasty as hell. My favourite Elvis Costello and Attractions LP. Fast paced anti-love songs - only slightly slows for Little Triggers. Love, love love.

Based album. This was some real music about feelings and vibes in the 70s. I love “pump it up” and “radio radio”.

It's alright, just that it didn't leave a lasting impression

This is a really great album. I've listened to it before but really enjoyed it even more this time around. I listened to it a couple of times throughout the day. Standout Tracks: This Year's Girl, Pump It Up, Little Triggers, You Belong To Me, Lip Service, Night Rally, Big Tears, Radio Radio

Exactly what you’d expect

Solid sounds, did not sound like what I would typically associate with the 70s. The ones I really liked I really did, where as the others were whatever and weren't noticeable when I was listening to it in the back.

I really like Elvis Costello’s vibe and voice.

- First time listening to an Elvis Costello album - Thought it was very good, sounded like it could've come out anytime between 60s and 90s - Fav songs: (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea, Lip Service, Pump it Up

I liked it

This was great. Kind of dragged a little bit at the end but man oh man what an A Side. Need to get more into Costello because each album I listen to I feel like I’m seeing more and more how influential he was on artists I like. High 4.

One of the better albums of his, but please, no more costello now

The wiki page calls him "The encyclopedia of pop", which I think is accurate. Lots of different elements pulled in for a fun mix

Slightly prefer My Aim is True, but this is great.

Great album, really enjoy Elvis Costello's voice and delivery. Absolutely favourite song from this is 'The Beat' Saved tracks: This Year's Girl, The Beat, You Belong To Me, Hand In Hand, Living In Paradise

Great album

Man I LOVE Costello's singing, and the instrumentation on "Living in Paradise" and "The Beat" is great. "Lipstick Vogue" has insane energy, one of my favorite songs of his.

Great!

One of the most brilliant songwriters! Elvis Costello's second album and arguably his finest achievement. Great catchy pop songs with punk influences. Costello is a great wordsmith and he features a great band to really his lyrics into remarkable songs. Key tracks: No Action, This Year's Girl, The Beat, Pump It Up, Little Triggers, You Belong To Me, (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea, Living In Paradise, Lip Service, Lipstick Vogue, Radio, Radio. 8 out of 10

December 23 2022 HL: "Radio Radio", "Lipstick Vogue", "No Action", "Pump It Up" Could complain again about the excess of EC&tA here, but I enjoyed this one pretty much all the way through. Was reading about this album’s debt to the Rolling Stones, ca. Aftermath era. It has both the infectious riffs/choruses, as well as lyrics that make you go “Man, Costello\Jagger kinda sounds like an asshole here!” The driving punk tempo energizes the tracks without getting obnoxious.

LP

I like elvis costello! he is one of my biggest happy surprises from this whole project. This one wasnt my favorite, but it made a fun conversation at work yesterday.

A variety pack of awesome late 70s music. Great all around, makes me want to check out more costello even if he's grossly over represented on this list

Good

Very good album, in the vein of Tom Petty with a bit more new wave.

One of Elvis's best albums, before he got older and turned to the bad.

This album is ahead of its time.

I recently discovered I liked Elvis Costello, so this was very enjoyable.

New wave. Animado. Venga, un 4.

Muy bueno.

This album was cool, I’ve kind of slept on Elvis Costello. The bass playing is pretty sick on this

This was fine. No song really got me going. Really well done though.

What a fantastic album, really liked a lot of this. Melodic, fun, bouncy, plenty of nods to rock and pop heritage.

I don't know why, but the keyboards bothered me the first time I listened to this. It shouldn't really, it's not like they went out of their way to have them be intrusive. I think it's really more on "Radio Radio" than anything else, and that being the final statement, the last song, that's where it digs in. I never really liked that organ sound for that song, and I'm not sure why. But besides that minor quibble (and it's really minor; it doesn't make it unlistenable. I just think it's a little overpowering on the song.), Elvis always gives interesting songs. Such a raw, young EC compared to what we know now. Really enjoyed it, only knew the one song from before. Going back and forth between a strong 4 and a 5. Right now, I'm sitting on a 4. Multiple listens may make it a 5.

Another solid Elvis Costello album; I'm starting to figure out how good he is. Still, I wasn't completely blown away like I was with his debut album. I even went back to the other one to see why I liked it so much. Maybe they're pretty equal and both are worth a 4; I'm not sure this is a 5. I really liked side one, especially the 4-song sequence from No Action to Pump it Up. Side two wasn't as good, but still plenty of energetic fun and great lyrics. I know Chelsea is a big favorite (it's solid) but the track I liked best on side two was Living in Paradise (or maybe Lip Service). I still don't know how to characterize his sound (rockabilly punk?) but I think that's a good thing. It's one-of-a-kind and good.

Really digging Elvis Costello. I enjoyed this album a lot but I'm giving it a 4 rather than a 5 because most of the songs aren't sticking with me (except for Pump It Up, which is a major ear worm). But I definitely want to listen more and dig deeper into his catalog. Good stuff. Favorite tracks - Pump It Up (I knew this song previously but didn't know it was Elvis Costello. Excellent song - really fun), No Action (great start to the album), This Year's Girl (Love the start of the song - I notice a lot of similarity to the Cars, who were contemporaries), Little Triggers (nice laid back tune - I really like his singing style), I Don't Want to Go to Chelsea (this one caught my attention every time I listened even when not paying close attention. Cool track).

The Attractions are amazing, groovy base and drum lines, very fun to listen to. 5 stars. Elvis was fine; odd singing style and very repetetive at times. 3 stars. Averaged out to 4.

Original and groovy

Love this punk!

It's absolutely insane that this relatively mediocre man has nearly 1% of all the albums on this list. That being said, this is easily his best album. If any of his albums deserve to be here, it's this one. The whole thing is pretty light and breezy with some good riffs throughout. Just what ya want in a rock n roll.

This is my 246th album I must hear before I die, and already the 5th Elvis Costello one. Entire genres seem to have been overlooked thus far, but at this rate I'm guessing Costello's entire repertoire has made it onto the list. Now, this might need some culling because not all of them really have the importance or musical need to be there, but at least keep this one on the list. This might just be Elvis Costello's best. Costello, who proves again he's a sort of mix between Graucho Marx and Woody Allen creates razor-sharp songs with rhythm, with a vibe and a sneer here and there. And that sneering clever anger in his lyrics is where his voice lends itself really well for. It's an album that still sounds fresh, even though it's over 40 years old.

Declan stendur ávallt fyrir sínu. Ég velti því fyrir mér hvort það sé nokkurt listafólk annað sem hefur haldið nánast sama sándi gegnum áratugalangan feril sinn.

Didn’t really know what to expect here. (I expect that to be a theme in general here.) Kind of feels like proto-punk almost. I’m a little surprised by the swagger in the vocals. I’m not crazy about the organs, but the songs were mostly pretty slick. Standouts: No Action, Pump It Up, Little Triggers, You Belong to Me

This is better than the other Costello albums on here. I'm still not a fan, but I'm beginning to understand why people like him.

elvis costello - this years model (1978) notes - this albums production has held up super well, sounds great - everything is very clear, direct, punchy - elvis costello has a very specific vocal delivery that i actually enjoyed - short and sweet songs! fav - the beat - i really like the organ in the verses - and the distorted vocals sound really good over this song least fav - little triggers - not a fan of the repeating lyrics or instrumental 4.5/5

Elvis Costello kills. Apparently a lot of people have commented on this album as an influence on the punk genre which was still just starting in the late 70s. I can definitely see; the band is on adrenaline throughout the entire album. Elvis Costello's voice slightly annoys me at times, but his music is good enough to overlook it.

This album came out in 1978 at the advent of new wave which is where I would mostly place this album. It clearly takes a lot from punk but has a great sense of melody that smooths it out a bit. The lyrics focus on disillusion and center in voyeuristic objects giving added significance to the cover art. This album was hugely influential on new wave music and ranks among Costello’s best.

Great listen.

Really good, poppy but punky but groovy. I REALLY need to get better headphones

Great set of tunes, punky/spikey music, great lyrics. This was Costello at his peak.

3.5/5. Best Elvis Costello album I've listened to so far. It's kind of fun, light and enjoyable.

I've only ever listened to My Aim Is True, which is a great album. This just feels like an even better album. From what I read, My Aim Is True was solely Elvis Costello. When the Attractions entered the picture, it really changed the game of what Elvis Costello could create. This had me go down the rabbit hole of reading about Backing Bands, and it totally makes sense how the backing band can open up opportunities for the otherwise solo artist.

Quite a few excellent songs on here. No self-indulgent noodling or overproduction.

Dva puta prošo album, dobar je, sviđa mi se, lako ga je slušat, ritmičan je i feel good nekako i catchy. Taman jedna četvorka ide.

The Beat rules! I don't want to go to Chelsea is classic. Great album overall but not sure I can listen to the whole album at once. Would love to hear any of these songs in mixes though.

I will always give a listen to something new (to me) from Elvis Costello & The Attractions. I usually like at least some of the tracks, even if the whole album doesn't get on my list for a full re-listen. This Year's Model felt more consistent than some of Elvis Costello's other albums. Every track on This Year's Model was at least okay, and most were potential tracks to come back to for a re-listen. I knew the singles "Pump I Up" (my favorite track) and "(I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea", but "Lip Service" and "No Action" were tracks that I added to my personal play-list. I could come back to this album for a re-listen.

Iconic and super cool, this album epitomises a whole genre. Tracks are mainly upbeat RnR pop with a smattering of slower tracks that later characterised Elvis's songwriting. Intelligent lyrics and inspired keyboard from Nieve.

I enjoyed this album quite a bit. After the first few songs, I thought I'd get tired of Costello's voice and the energetic cynical lyrics. And while I was not huge on the second through fifth songs, I found the latter half of the album grabbed my attention much more. This isn't my favorite representation of New Wave, but I look forward to hearing more from Costello and other artists like this. (3.5 leaning towards 4 stars)

Pretty interesting to hear inspiration for music I like. Can’t stand his voice.

Apart genre, en ook een nummer met wat nostalgische waarde voor mij

Pretty good. Did not age at all

Always enjoy his music

Good stuff.

Similar to his debut, with some more keyboard thrown in

I never knew he was English, there you go. Still doesn't increase my rating though, albeit I'm being generous as he's a great songwriter, and occasionally his voice carries it off, but too much averageness.

Seriously, how could anyone listen to current popular music and not think, “How did we get from Elvis Costello to One Direction.” It just boggles the mind. (7/10) FT: Little Triggers

The songs are upbeat, driving and have a sense of purpose. Pump It Up is a killer hit. (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea is a good showcase of brit punk/pop. Great album, will need to revisit

This was a great album, lots of hits but also lots of gold in the album tracks. Sounds like a band that has been playing for 20 years, tight and talented.

I've never really listened to Elvis Costello ever. This site has introduced me to a bunch of work, and Honestly It's pretty good.

This is mighty fine. Pump it Up and Radio Radio are both killer tunes but the whole album is solid.

Elvis still had a lot of gas left in the tank when he made this album. There are a number of catchy melodies, he mixes up the styles a fair bit and The Attractions have a nice punchy sound. Overall he was way ahead of most of the "punk bands" around that time, lyrically for sure. I agree with MC in that Lipstick Vogue and Chelsea are highlights. My co-judge can't figure out why Pump It Up was such a hit.

I think Elvis Costello's best work appeared on his first three albums. His debut album is my fav but his second album - This year's model features some real bangers with sweet hooks: This year's girl, The Beat, Pump it up, I don't want to go to Chelsea, Lipstick Vogue and Radio Radio. These songs were veritable anthems in the pop-punk era.

For Pump It Up and Radio, Radio alone I would be 4 stars, have always been on my playlists, I want to say 3.5 for the album but I can't so I rounded up to 4.

Great album - I’d forgotten just how good a songwriter he is. Really enjoyed revisiting this.

Listened to on 5/30/22 4/5 Favorite song: this year’s model, radio radio Elvis Costello continues to be a bop but this album felt a bit more scattered and the end of the songs were repetitive but I would listen again for sure

I think this is his best album. I love how he samples so many types of music in one album but it just doesn't pop like I want it to

Eli is Costello is my guy

A bop and a jam

Solid album all the way through.

It sounds totally out of time, in a good sense! The opening song is like 00s and then you see 1974. Stunning!

Yes

Sneaky good. I'd never guess this is 44 years old. Curious why this guy didn't have a bigger career...

Solid album

I love all things Elvis. I've often wondered if he was handsome whether he would have been more famous. I real the 33 1/3 for Armed Forces and was surprised to learn he had a racist/xenophobic streak in his past. Great music though. Someday I have to do a deep dive on the whole library.

Now I get why Weezer exists

My favourite Elvis.

This album has a small soundstage, but lots of energy. Full of dancey tracks and pop melodies, it sounds a lot like an indie rock record that would have been released in the 2010's. It didn't really blow me away, but it is a very positive listening experience. The record has a super consistent sound and flows well track-to-track. Fave tracks: No Action, Pump It Up, (I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea

Wonderful post-punk. I'd forgotten how many of these songs I'd heard independently before and enjoyed so to hear them collected with the rest of the album was great

Liked this one! Pretty fun songs.

Nearly a year into this generator with my first Elvis Costello album. I hear there's a ton. This exceeds my expectations. Costello manages to condense 14 tracks in a single album, at an average length of 3 minutes each. The production is incredibly polished. Everyone is so clear, I'd be willing to just listen to the instrumental. Yet Costello is such an entertaining vocalist, never boring me for a second. This is one of those albums you can hear the transition from punk to New Wave. Not just the direct vocals and forward lyrics, but in the rhythmic, rapid drumming and the guitar controlled yet full of personality. But there's plenty of other genres fused in, like the power pop of "Little Triggers" and "Hand in Hand." It's a very accessible album, easy on the ears, plenty of hooks, and unique synths and other techniques that make each song stand out for one reason or another. And if you don't like one? Easy, just waiting a minute or two and you get something entirely new. Favorites: No Action, The Beat, Pump It, Chelsea, Lip Service, Living in Paradise, Lipstick Vogue

Doesn't have the hooks or the moments of brilliance of My Aim is True or Armed Forces, but makes up for it in sheer consistency. No filler, just consistently good songs.

A very Elvis Costello album. I dig it. I used to think his voice was too whiny, but I guess I've finally aged out of that tone that bothers young people but not old people. It's a solid album--but even more solid in the first half.

Lekkere up-tempo popmuziek, beetje punk- of ska-achtig. Doet me ook af en toe denken aan een Engelse "Doe Maar". Favorieten zijn het openingsnummer "No Action" en "Chelsea". ****

Lively rock, with Costello's distinctive voice decorating the music nicely

Some belting tracks - the singles in particular. Tight band and some novel organ parts.

enjoyable nerd rock

Rating: 3.5/5 Playlist track: Pump It Up Date listened: 08/04/22 Surprisingly energetic and rocky. I enjoyed this a lot. A couple of songs I knew, but had no idea they were Elvis Costello. Love a bit of mellotron.

There was plenty of energy, some decent songwriting, catchy arrangements and great vocals.

Great lyrics and arrangements, there's evidently much talent at work here

A really nice album. Worth listening to twice.

Elvis never does anything remarkably innovative, but he repackages all the great elements of rock and pop of the 50s and 60s, with a bit of that 70s punk edge, never failing to produce a great album.

Just an overall good album, classic rock and roll mixed with some new influences and outcomes an album that keeps a good pace and quality throughout its 40 minutes runtime. Costello doesn't amaze but he never disappoints

Great pop album

Bril

Elvis Costello is another one of those artists I just never listened to. I've heard about him my entire life and may have heard a song of his here and there but never investigated. I regret not doing it earlier. This is great music. Nothing much more to say. The vocals really fit with the music and listening to the 2021 remaster, the production sounds really fresh and great. I know there are more Elvis Costello albums on this list but I might go search them out myself. Also a personal touch is that he lives in my home town and my mother has seem and his wife shopping at the local grocery store numerous times. She's interacted with them a little bit since she is a huge Diana Krall fan and

absolutely loved it.

Forgot how much I loved this album and their music..listened twice was so rocking’

Muito bom.

I love this record. We own it. I listen to it 3-4 times a year. My favorite time listening was just after new year's in the early moments of a year at a party we were hosting a few years ago. I put this record on and the party that was waning picked up. I saw my friend's Dan and Iris making out in the room by the record player. I guess they like this record too. Elvis Costello has so much spunk. And he fits so many damn lyrics into a single 3-minute song.

Elvis Costello is cool, man. Like in a timeless way. Any of his stuff could have been released at just about any point in time and been just far enough outside the mainstream to be recognizable and relevant, but also way different and cooler than everything else.

Housework music lol

This was a fun listen. None of the songs stood out to me, but none of them were uninteresting

My second EC album on the list and this one different than his later Imperial Bedroom - definitely a more raw approach which I think he had for his first ~3/4 albums. Major point: I love Costello's bass playing; I thought that warranted more credit than I ever remember hearing - it really drives all of these songs and it's hot in the mix. Overall this album is catchy as hell, with "Pump It Up" always being a radio favourite of mine and the US versions of this album always contained "Radio Radio" which is another classic 70s pop rock tune. One detailed semi-negative -> I do like his early material far more than after e.g. first 4 albums but in retrospect I sometimes grow tired of that organ. It's definitely a *sound* and in a lot of ways that's a great thing for an artist to have; to me it is distinctly Elvis/The Attractions, but just something a bit droning at times. Anyways - a fun album that doesn't necessarily give me chills but it's quality driving late 70s raw rock and I'll always enjoy hearing it. 7/10 4 stars.

pretty fun stuff as usual

This is the most Elvis Costello I have listen to in one sitting. Loved it!

Great rock album Very groovy Easy listening

I'm discovering I've got a thing for punk rock bands with keyboards.

I liked most of the tracks on this album, not all of them. But it's not hard to see the significance this album has had on albums in the future.

A few familiar tracks. Very of its time, clearly influential.

-"The Beat," "Pump It Up," "(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea," "Lipstick Vogue," and "Radio, Radio" are all quite good songs -"Lipstick Vogue" has an awesome drug intro and sweet bass throughout -Solid rock album, I like the bass throughout it

Elvis for sure has a unique sound. This one had a couple I've heard before, they are great, but overall the album is solid.

Pretty good. 7/10. Not as strong as my other 4s but better than the 3s.

Elvis Costello is one of those musicians that I've never really listened to, but that I've always been curious about. This was certainly the right album for me to listen to to get into him. It's poppy, but still innovative. You can tell right away from listening to this album that it influenced a lot of music that came after it. Solid 4/5, and I could see this being 5/5 with repeated listens

I know Elvis C. isn’t everyone’s favorite. But this is a great album! 4.5

loved it.

Enjoyed this more than My Aim Is True, maybe because of the addition of the Attractions which gives the sound more power, Pump It Up the best track

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