Reviews (page 6 of 12)
Ik mag die Elvis wel
Eindelijk eens een Costello plaatje dat ik wel echt tof vind.
Goed album!
I think I gave it this score last time
Good Elvis C
Fun and upbeat
Excellent album. Hard to believe it's only his second album - it sounds much more mature than that. 4 stars.
So many classics; and the furious energy of the band.
I groaned when I saw another Elvis Costello album pop up, but that was a mistake. In my opinion, this is much better than the others. Good Rock n Roll energy throughout all the tracks. Vocals seemed more immediate, and was musically just all around better/good. Standouts: “Pump it Up” and “Radio Radio” ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Rounding up.
Maybe this is blasphemy, but this gave me some poor-man's Spingsteen vibes? Just with a lot less Jersey. This Costello album explains why he should be on the list and has good vibes. Still strongly believe blood and chocolate needs to be removed from the list for excessive mediocrity.
I enjoyed this one, wouldn’t have thought it was as old as it was - sounded a lot more up to date
Yeah pretty solid stuff
Classic.
Pretty cool shit.
Nice
Cool and classy.
Enjoyed this more than I was expecting to. Good pace and interesting songs throughout.
Really enjoyed this album.
4/5 very enjoyable listen. Would listen again
Instrumentally and vocally felt like a precursor to modern pop punk. Already sold. 4/5
Pretty fun an album, nowhere near Budokan but I liked this enough to check out Elvis Costello for his voice and sound. Maybe a few songs that aren't as exciting as the rest, but I vibe to this big time. 4+/5
Costello’s best album. The band sounds great together. I love the stab of the organ over the punchy rhythm section and Costello’s breathless vocals. Classic tracks throughout.
good album
It was a ride loved it
Really liked this. Cool voice and playing was good. Not a song I would skip.
Ganska bra faktiskt
Very cool album. Costello always sounds modern to me. Crazy.
Another day, another Elvis Costello album. However, unlike yesterday's middling Brutal Youth, this was excellent. His band The Attractions are super-tight particularly on the jerkier, New Wave tracks (Pump It Up is close to perfect), and I can understand the credit Costello gets as a talented songwriter/lyricist. The production is much crisper than Brutal Youth too, everything sounds clear and sharp rather than the slightly muddy mastering of the later album - really brings out the way the band fit together so perfectly. Didn't tire after a few listens today, will return in the future. It also introduced me to their infamous fuck-you SNL performance - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD_24nDzkeo Top Tracks: Pump It Up, (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea, Lipstick Vogue
годно, мне зашло. Особенно вместе с фактом того, что это 78-й год. Мне кажется, это вот как раз переломный момент, когда совсем уж обскурная поп-музыка 60х-70х приобрела плюс-минус современные очертания (которые тоже уже уступили место новым трендам, но которые мне хотя бы полностью понятны). На самом деле это очень добротный поп-рок альбом, который вполне спокойно мог выйти и в 90-х и даже, может быть, в начале нулевых, если сдобрить его щепоткой эмо-стайла по принципу Фолаут Бой. Не сказать, что все песни прямо запали, но мотивы прикольные, теперь я понимаю, кем вдохновлялись, например, Weezer. Место среди обязательных к прослушиванию альбомов, на мой взгляд, имеет право занимать. За хорошее настроение поставлю даже 8
I enjoyed this one a lot, fun and well made new wave
Very into this.
I feel mostly good things about this album. I like all the songs and it has a really cool energetic rocky vibe. The singer is pretty over the top with how he expresses himself, and sometimes his lyrics seem a bit weird and problematic. Will take more time to appreciate this, but overall I really dig these jams.
Better than I thought.
Tuttu nimi, mutta ei ollut käryä musiikista. Yllättävän toimivaa tavaraa ja menevää rytkettä.
Olis varmaan pitänyt arvostella sillon kun oli kuunnellut. No, muistaakseni mietin et ihan neloskamaa suhteessa aiempiin. Et mennään sillä. :D
Enpä muista että olisi koskaan aiemmin tullut tätä Elvistä kuunneltua, olisi varmaan pitänyt... Mielikuva oli, että Elvis Costello soittaisi jotain nyyhkymusaa keski-ikäisille mammoille. Kaikkea muuta! Menevää musaa tämä levy, melkein kuin punkkia. Lipstick Voguen bassokuviot olisin voinut kuvitella vaikka johonkin Rancidin biisiin.
Pretty good
Another pretty good album. Around a 7 or an 8.
This was a cool record, solid follow up to my aim is true. I can see how a lot of rock derived from this in the 80s.
“This Year’s Model” by Elvis Costello & The Attractions (1978) Now here’s some music with a real message: Clever, well-informed anger, with compositional features to match. Costello gets it. He puts the rock in rock & roll (and, of course, ‘rolling’ into it plenty of obscene innuendo). I hope serious listeners of the 21st century will not be misled by his dismissive and sarcastic denunciations of everything that brings power and pleasure to the definers (owners) of culture. Beneath his neo-prophetic blast is a mind seeking the good, the true, and the beautiful. He pisses off all the right people with extreme prejudice. Musically, Costello is fond of the compositional device of ‘bending’ classic rock & roll sonic tropes toward the irrational. It’s more sophisticated than mere mockery. It reflects a redemptive abandonment of mid-60s popular culture’s self inflicted illusion of hopefulness. It’s a musical expression of the reason why a question mark is curvy and an exclamation point is straight. Now, Costello’s voice is so-so, and he overuses cocky stylings to compensate (It would be interesting to hear Henry Rollins cover Costello tunes). But his band, The Attractions, is great, and his own guitar work is more than competent. Given the 1978 date of this album, I think it can be seen as a precursor to intelligent punk and grunge. This album is definitely worth a listen, and probably worth some thoughtful reflection. Unless you’re already familiar with the Book of Jeremiah. 4/5
Still Elvis Costello, still pretty good. I think I liked it a tad less than the other one but not very significantly. 8
A solid, early new wave record with some surprising instrumentation. STANDOUTS: -The Beat -Pump It Up -Hand in Hand -(I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea -Lip Service -Living in Paradise -Lipstick Vogue -Radio, Radio
Very nice
Finally been getting into Elvis recently and I like this one a lot. The guitar tone is so great to my ears. Jazzmasters for everyone!
Great melodies! Still iffy on Costello’s voice though.
THIS IS GOOOD
This was far better than I expected. It felt like this could have been released today.
Theres some real early signs of punk rock here, and according to the internet that is exactly what it is. My mum has always gone on about Elvis Costello and I just assumed he was some buddy holly type that wouldn't be up my street; however this was a surprise winner for me. I really enjoyed the guitar, synth and punky voice, plus I never knew "Pump It Up" was such an early song, it sounds like something from the 1990/2000s
I always forget that I like Elvis Costello. Peppy and fun, nerdy yet also dumb. Pump It Up is one of my fave pop songs I think?
7
Very good.
I think I finally get him now! He's a punk!
Pretty good! Wasn't sure how to classify it.
Aight
I like this, usually find his voice annoying, but it's not too affected on this record. Some good, fun tunes.
The stride is hit in track four when the production switches to something vampy enough to blend with Costello's vocal affect. This is exemplary of the punk side of new wave, with a few references to other genres: I caught country and hard rock on a not-too-careful listen. The attitude is sneering, which is appropriate for the year and genre (I think new wave now is best melancholy). If there's any lack, it's in the relative simplicity of the arrangements. Melodies are spread out nicely across the band: Neither bass nor keyboard nor voice dominates the record.
It's sharp, it's well-played and passionately sung... but nothing held my attention here.
Better than the last Evil Costello I heard but still wasn’t too impressed.
There were some early hints of new wave, punk rock and alternative rock in this album which were fun, but something about his voice just annoys me. This was a fine album, but just not my favorite.
Nett aber unspektakulär
Some nice drum bits. Otherwise, it felt like the like a proto version of ‘music that’s not for me’
Costello har fått med sex album i boken, vilket är omotiverat många. Inte för att det är uselt, men har man hört ett har man hört alla. Bäst på den här skivan är garagerockiga Pump it up och soulballaden Little triggers. Blir samma betyg som My aim is true, men i en svagare variant.
Har bara hunnit slölyssna. Lät mer bra än dåligt.
Ett bra Costello-album. Ett gediget hantverk utan att vara fantastiskt. Finfint trumspel I No action.
That has to be enough EC now, though he has grown on me a little bit. He feels a little bit ahead of his time in pop rock terms but at the same time much older from the themes. Why's he banging on about girls at the prom and that (or similar, can't remember the exact content)? I think that I quite like the first song or two but the schtick wears out fast because it's very similar. I think lipstick vogue and/or night rally were the best of them. Will be generous and say 2.5/3.
5th Elvis Costello album we've had so far, I don't mind him, but I would say that's perhaps too many Elvis Costello albums! Enjoyed it again. That riff on pump it up must've been used loads as it feels very familiar, but I don't think it's from the original that I recognise it. Maybe an advert? I knew (I don't want to) go to Chelsea too, which is good. My favourite album of his we've had is still the first one we had (blood and chocolate), and every passing album of his we have which doesn't live up to it, dilutes my opinion of him. We'll always have blood & chocolate Elvis 3.5
7/10
Prima
Это хорошо, не выбесило и на этом спасибо
3.25-ish. It’s nice.
Pov : je suis Marty McFly au bal de fin d’année ; un peu mysogyne et le bro arrive pas à articuler for the Life of him.
Better than I thought. I'll listen to it again.
Ok, so this is similar to how I felt about the first album I got to listen from this list from mr. Costello - pretty aight, 3 stars but not more
One of my favorite parts of this exercise is trying to imagine the album of the day in the context of when it was released. Trying to imagine what it must have felt like to take each album home - not knowing what was hidden in the record grooves and exploring the record, the sounds, the textures for the first time. I never understood why or how Elvis Costello was/is considered punk. It’s power pop. Pure, straightforward, pop.
Ok pero no para mí
As with Imperial Bedroom, I feel like I'd like most of these songs significantly more if they were being sung by anyone other than Elvis Costello. I found more to like here than on IB though, but it's still a straight down the middle pick for my tastes. When it's great, it's great. When it grates, I'm in hell.
besser als sein solo zeug aber immer noch langweilig
reminds me of my parents. its crazy how timeless some of it sounds. i never noticed before but christopher owens has almost the same voice as elvis costello. they both kinda sound like they have a cold (in a good way). i don't love most of the songs though and the beat remains the best one on this album
Compared to Chocolate & Blood this is the best album of all time - ergo a 3
New wave power pop with 60s and punk influence. The sound is defined by his voice and the keyboards. The best songs are the more edgy ones (Pump it Up and I Don't Wanna Go to Chelsea). The more pop songs are so so and drive the overall album rating down. Some songs sound like his others with his cadence.
The album was mostly good, the Attractions are a nice band, I want to rip Elvis Costello's vocal cords, out with my bare hands.
Inoffensive but a lot of it sounds like pink being played in the house next door
Oh, well, he has done much better later. I'm not a big fan of his early stuff.
Also a cozzy album i would play as background if I owned a coffee shop.
Another album that probably didn't have the right set or setting for me to sit and appreciate properly. This felt a bit busy and all over the place but if I had the space to listen to this more carefully I might appreciate it more. I feel like all the pieces are there for me to like Elvis Costello, but without more familiarity I can't say I really got this album.
Easy listening sing-along tunes, some great hits.
Reminded me of that clash album, but better
Nothing to particularly write home about but not wholly unpleasant. Fine.
All the right Costello ingredients, just didn’t quite hit on first listen but will revisit. Spanish version muchos intriguing.
Fun, catchy as hell, cool to have such an influential album come up that might stay in my rotation
O cara tem uma voz de bêbado bem característica de alguns outros que a gente já ouviu. Pior que achei bem chatinha, repetitivo, a voz cansa. É animado, voz contagia, mas ao mesmo tempo enjoa. Vou dar 3 na dúvida.
Rate: 7/10.
This is probably my favorite Elvis Costello album. It's weird how low the guitars are mixed. Pump it up is a good song. I don't think I like Elvis Costello.
'78-'83 is the Elvis Costello era I like. What's interesting tho is each album from this period is a mixed bag. Some great songs, some meh songs. There was a Best Of put out in 1985. That thing I played to death when I was a kid. My fav Elvis Costello songs are not on this record. The goodies from this one: The Beat, Pump It Up, Chelsea, Radio Radio, Lipstick Vogue, You Belong to Me
This was the best of the Elvis Costello albums but that isnt saying much because it’s still Elvis Costello
Nunca lo habia escuchado y me parecio bastante divertido
Didn’t have high expectations for this one, the last Elvis Costello album I got was terrible. This one though, it’s not bad. Some of the songs sounded like they were made for a 90’s rom com montage, but on the whole this album is enjoyable. It’s still in the vein of mainstream non offensive “rock” but there’s something there for sure
A few songs I like and the rest of the album pretty average. I don't think this is an album that I would revisit.
I'm sorry that I am unable to appreciate Elvis Costello more than this.
This is the only Elvis I will listen to. I like the sound of his music.
This is probably the best Elvis Costello album I’ve had so far. He’s mostly not for me but I do really like Pump It Up!
This one here is a classic Elvis Costello album. Much is said about the large number of inclusions of its discography but for once and deservedly so, this album is a worthy addition. 8/10 [KEEP]
reminded me of will woods ngl dunno why, prolly cuz of the vocals, so far it's aight, smth I could listen to if anyone put it on I can imagine that this artist was influential in a way during his time
Retro charm meets modern energy
Elvis Costello has a fun and unique sound along with some hits I recognized from growing up, but I wasn’t in the mood for a full album of it today.
I feel like Elvis Costello can get a bit of a bad rap these days. Sure, his stuff was a bit overplayed in the late 70s, and maybe having 5 albums of his on this list is... well okay yeah he's not THAT good. But on This Year's Model in particular, I feel like Costello's style of New Wave-inspired Pop Punk ends up working pretty well! I especially like how Steve Nieve's keyboard sounds on a lot of the tracks such as "You Belong To Me" and "This Year's Girl". A bit dated, maybe, but still really nice to listen to. Costello's vocals are. Well. About as much as you can expect from Costello, although I do like how he sounds on "No Action" a good bit. For an Elvis Costello album, this is well-above the rest. Sadly that bar wasn't exactly high to cross in the first place.
Solid.
3.25 - I liked it more than the last time I tried it.
Ni slabo
He's got his own unique sound, a few good songs on here.
Elvis Costellos poppy sounds are always a fun listen, but the sequence of short and lively songs left little impressions. A fun listen, but not one I'm not going to revisit
I don't particularly enjoy Elvis Costello's vocals or his music overall. It can be repetitive and grandiose at times, which I feel is why Pump it Up is one of his only hits, given that it has an easy hook and simple rhythm. That said, his music sounds ahead of its time and I can see why it found popularity in a time without much competition among the genre.
Eh
I really do like the thought and ideas Costello put into this album and some of his other albums (but mainly this one.) But I just can't seem to jive with him other than a song here and there. I'm not completely sure what it is, I think it's the way he sings the lyrics (not the voice) are what I don't like. Also just a lot of the tracks are underwhelming, and lack any substance for me. This is my second listen of this album (first listen was a year and a half ago/before I started the generator.) Second listen didn't help it's case, I can't get with some of his other albums, so I might simply just not like music of his. Oh well, at least "Pump It Up" is an amazing song. Highlight Song/s: "Pump It Up"
This is a strange one for me, because I can tell the music is good, I can tell Elvis Costello is a solid songwriter and vocalist with a backing band playing a great album, and I listen to a healthy enough lump of Costello that I'm neither unfamiliar with his work or actively not a fan of him. This all seems to point towards a favourable review. Tragically, I just didn't click with this album. I can't even put my finger on anything specific, there was just no spark. Good musicianship, just lyrics, good songs, dare I say good album overall. It pains me to give what-I'm-deeming an objectively good album a middling score of 3, but the lack of personal connection on this one... I can't compute it, it just didn't work for me. I've seen plenty of people leave 1 star reviews for the same reason, I'm not going to be that cruel, it just, as so many people have said before about so many different things, wasn't for me. Sorry Elvis.
While I can see the influence this album has and some songs were really good. This album as a whole wasn’t mind blowing, but I will return to a good chunk of songs.
I feel like I could listen to it again? It’s alright. I feel like a lot of these albums are just meh
I don't quite love it but I certainly didn't mind listening
Solid power pop album with plenty of hits. Loses a bit of steam towards the middle, but finds back to old form in the second half. Oh, and I accidentally found out what They Might Be Giants must have listened to when they wrote "They'll need a crane" ... spoiler: It's "Hand In Hand".
All elvis Costello sounds the same to me
If Television time traveled and also became the get up kids
'Radio, Radio' is an all-time banger. This isn't my favorite album of his, but still a wonderful, bop-filled listen.
Elvis Costello's redemption
Crazy that this was made in the year it was I can appreciate the expression in his voice But idk. It was surprisingly fun sounding though
Surprised how modern this album sounded! Incredible bass tones and really locked in performance by the whole band. It's funny his name is Elvis bc he sounds a little like Elvis. Clearly an influence on [[The New Pornographers]] and other indie hybrid synth/rockers. I'd give this album a 4 but I felt the underlying gender tension was uncomfortable. It seems there's been a lot of discussion about whether this album is misogynistic or at least adversarial towards women or whether he's simply assuming that persona/viewpoint as a chacter sketch (supported by the album cover). Either way it's something that might make me less likely to revisit what was otherwise a great album.
Pourquoi pas C'est assez entraînant J'aime bien l'idée C'est assez répétitif quoi 3
Great Songs: No Action, Pump It Up Good Songs: Tiny Steps, This Year's Girl, You Belong To Me, Hand In Hand, Lip Service, Lipstick Vogue, Radio, Radio, Mid Songs: The Beat, Little Triggers, (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea, Living In Paradise, Night Rally, Big Tears Bad Songs:
I'm digging this one. Not the biggest Elvis Costello fan, but I'm coming around. There's some fun stuff on here. It's interesting hearing this and knowing when it was released. You can hear how this style began to permeate throughout the 80s in particular. Dig it.
Nee, dit is nog niet het laatste album van Elvis Costello dat we voor onze kiezen krijgen! Zes albums heeft de man erin staan, en euhm ja, waarom eigenlijk? Ik vind het wel aardige muziek, maar zo speciaal is het nou ook weer niet. Ik bedoel, wat staat er op deze plaat? Een zuurstokorgel, een ripoff van The last time van de Stones, en het typische neuzelstemgeluid van de man zelf natuurlijk. Hier is echt helemaal niks bijzonders aan. Zonde, want hier had ook gewoon nóg een plaat van Morissey kunnen staan. Hm, nu ik het over deze snoblieveling heb, wanneer krijgen we dáár weer eens een album van? (Kijkt naar het album van morgen) Oh ja...
This is pretty good. I’m a bit of an Elvis Costello fan. I probably wouldn’t own a copy of this but it’s probably better than The Black Album.
It was fun but forgettable
Another ok album. Another not my style.
Finally, the last Costello album on this list. And all sound the same, somehow. This is his second album, so a bit more on the lower end.
Álbum divertido, dinamico. Así muy especial? No lo sé, se parece a muchas cosas que he oído. Pero eso no le quita lo divertido
Excellent album. A 3,8
Siento que es un indie ochentoso, podrían ser tranquilamente temas de los strokes o arctic monkeys pero con un toque ochentoso. Me hizo acordar a the kooks ni bien sonó el primer tema.
How is it possible that Elvis Costello is English and David Byrne is American? I could never figure that one out.
Good
Certainly one of the better of this legion of albums by Elvis Costello. I think this is as high as he goes…
Gun
Cookie-cutter /5
#88/1001 🇬🇧 I like the earlier era Elvis much more than his later stuff. This is punchy, up beat record with some sharp lyrics and a great backing band. I think that its Best tracks: (I don't want to go to) Chelsea, Little Triggers, Pump it Up.
Classic
5/10 Best songs: You Belong to Me, Lip Service, Lipstick Vogue First time listening to Elvis Costello and my big takeaway is that his vocal affectation and pared back music give big pop-punk vibes, albeit 20 years too early. I'm of the opinion that this would be a good album if it were sung by someone else (who didn't do the specific pretentious affectation Elvis does). It's not exactly bad, and a few songs are pretty good, but I sure don't think I'll ever willingly listen to this album again.
I enjoyed some of the ska sounds and guitar riffs Saved song was The Beat and (I Don't Want to go to) Chelsea
All sort of sounded the same but there was nothing actually terrible
Pump It Up = classic. Also familiar with Radio, Radio. The rest of this is alright. Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it. Different sound, unique to Elvis Costello. (3)
I didn't love or dislike this, and I look forward to not loving or disliking all of his other albums.
I was listening to Little Triggers and I got concerned since I know how Oliver's Army goes. Was he going to say it again? Anyways, this is where my love for Elvis Costello begins to subside and I begin to hear why a lot of you can't stand him. There's points where his voice becomes too much, like he's doing an SNL impression of himself. My Aim Is True is solid, but I didn't expect to not really love the two Attractions albums I've gotten. There are great songs on both that are on albums with other songs that I don't care for. Out of any new songs I could've found, I will admit that Lipstick Vogue is a great one. Oh, Elvis, you'll get that one and Radio Radio and Accidents Will Happen...and I Hope You're Happy Now. Shoutout Bruce Thomas on bass (6/10, 3/5 on this scale)
Nothing to bad or good. Feels like 2000s rock in some songs. Low 3
Fav- you belong to me 3/5
Es más o menos equilibrado aunque mucha de su música parece por momentos usar la misma pista o que tienen arreglos muy muy similares fuera de eso para una tarde entretenida y descubrir variedad está bien
Buen álbum, con mucha energía
I genuinely thought this album was from the early 2000s, ahead of its time Favourite track: Living in Paradise
Had some good songs, overall quite listenable
Это было интересно! Обязательно переслушать!
His sound is fine. But really isn't something I'd go seek out to listen to, more just something milquetoast to have on in the background. Standout is "Pump It Up"
No era necesario poner más discos de Elvis Costello. Me gusta pero prefiero descubrir nuevas cosas. En su línea
Reasonable
"Pump It Up" is such an all-time bop. Patrick Stump has to be a Costello fan.
This was a nice listen. The blend of new wave and punk, paired with lyrics exploring objectification, angst, and desire, makes it a good way to start the day. The downside is that the first half is far more memorable, while the second half feels a bit padded. Some of those tracks could have done more on the instrumental side, and the vocal performance occasionally slips into autopilot. I'd revisit the album at some point to see if I missed anything. My favorite songs are "This Year’s Girl" and "The Beat".
Great
A lot of my experience with this album was "ohhh, he sang that song??" Short and sweet. Fun stuff!
Enjoyed that, big standouts Pump It Up and Radio Radio.
Elvis Costello's voice just doesn't do it for me but I like the actual songs . It was also a decent length for an album and a decent enough time
not my genre of music I try to like it but I cant
Quite nice.
It was pretty fine, but in general, I'm not a huge Elvis Costello fan. I don't dislike his music, though.
I accidentally listened to the back half of this record on shuffle, so I had to go back and listen again. Some heaters on this one. No Action, Pump It Up, and Living in Paradise are my favorites. Weirdly enough My Aim is True was one of my most listened to albums in college. Love that record. This one isn't as cohesive imo despite having more critical acclaim. I like it. 3.5/5
There is something off-putting about this album, but I cannot put my finger on it. Is it my mood today? Is it the singing? The lack of essence? I really don't know 5/10
His best song is "Just give a kidney, to a father or a dad", and that wasn't on this album for some reason. Really disliked the singing on this in the morning but the backing band is great! Some great wee tunes, but lacklustre writing and ok singing performance. Overall good
It’s ok. Elvis isn’t a very good singer, so if you can get past that…
Pretty good
3.5/5. My third Costello album so far, and this is honestly the best one yet. there’s a lot of fun little riffs and bass grooves on here where it almost starts feeling a little post-punky. Highlights would probably be “pump it up”, “little triggers” and “I don’t want to go to Chelsea.” Elvis Costello also shows himself as a solid lyricist here. A good album overall, there’s a decent handful of songs I could see myself coming back to. I agree with the critique that Costello is over-represented on the 1,001 albums list, but if any of them belong, this one is probably it.
When No Action, the first song started, it gave me so much of a mid-2000's vibe that I had to double check that I was listening to the right album. The rest of the album though is a lot more "normal" for its time. Still, an interesting discovery as I'd heard the name but never listened to Elvis Costello. All things considered, a pretty okay album.
While I've always viewed Elvis Costello as a skilled and intelligent song writer, I've never been a particular fan of his work, and that remains the same after listening to this. There's nothing bad about it - Pump It Up is a solid pop rock track as is the Blondie-esque Radio Radio. The majority of the rest of the tracks just sort of passed me by, leaving me asking myself why he wanted to sing in an American accent when I knew he was from Liverpool! I think i was expecting it to be a little bit angrier, but found it a little underwhelming. A middling 3 stars.
I've not really been a fan of Elvis Costello over the years, but listening to a full album from years ago makes me think I've been a bit unfair. It's not a bad experience. Musically and lyrically good. I still don't like his vocal style, but it is what it is.
Dunno why it just feels like a bit of a chore listening to this today! It is not the mood but I’d take it over bloody linkin park
Pretty darn good for 1978. Good BPM but meh on variety. Bops: 1-Pump It Up 2-(I don't want to go to) Chelsea 3-Radio Radio
Ok I’ll officially say it, after all of these Costello albums I no longer like him. It’s just the same shit over and over again and that would be fine if it was so original it was inventing its own genre like a lot of The Who albums, but this is just 60s style radio friendly rock n roll with better more modern (for the 80s) production. So it’s basically a complicated tribute band with an annoying grating singer. The weirdest part about me getting so sick to death of this man and his band is that I can concede that this is probably their most pop culturally relevant album, it has all his biggest hits like “radio radio” and “pump it up”. But I’m just done with this act, I went from being moderately impressed with albums like “Armed forces” which is probably my favorite album of his, to being just so upset and frustrated with his persistent presence on this fucking list. He has completely overstayed his welcome for me. I pray that this is the very last album I get of his. And I won’t rate this album based off of my disgust for his entire body of work, I’ll keep it civil and review this album honestly and not give it a dramatic score, I just can’t take any more of this man.
I thought this was a strong second album by Costello! A fun British new wave album that wasn’t too deep or mindblowing. I do find Costello’s voice to be a little irritating to listen to at times but overall I enjoyed this album and would give it another spin in the future!
it is what it is, heard it few times and I don't really care
I can see why this is a historic album, and definitely some great playing and songwriting, but somehow it falls a little bit flat for me in 2026.
Okay, chill rock. old school
I guess this is power pop? I don't know. I don't really see the connection to punk nor do I have enough of an understanding of new wave to see how this fits in. The songs are mostly okay— I like the fruity little organ but I don't really care for EC's exaggerated vocal stylings.
02-03/03/26
Good felt like it would have fit in seamlessly in the late 90s.
decent. can hear a lot of effort went into this music
Esta bien pero hasta ahí.
This guy is interesting, but the song writing is not the same
zdecydowanie sredniak tegoroczny model, jesli brac pod uwage cala dyskografie costello
This is very good gym music I’m in the album started off hot with some great songs to run and lift weights too, so I definitely added them to my playlist but after I got out of the gym, the album sort of fell flat so it gets another three out of five for me because it has its purpose don’t get it twisted I might come back to it when I need a good gym pump because I mean pump it up was fire. But I went through the deluxe edition 40 songs over two hours. There are some good songs in here but nothing that blew me a way to get a four or five so three is where it lies.
Interesting album. I've heard his name a thousand times, and I've heard the hits a thousand times, but I've never attached the name to the songs. On first listen I didn't love the vocals but I looped it a bunch of times and I don't really hate it anymore. Just normal 70s poppy jangly music 6.4/10
Interesante y fun musicalmente. Los instrumentales en casi todo el disco tan diver. Pero me costó econtrar temas que me de ganas de guardar. Otro álbum que no me molestaría tener de fondo mientras trabajo pero no escucharía por mi misma para pasarla bien.
some cool songs, but that british sound just gets old
bem legalll, gostei do ritmozinho e tals
Elvis is one of those artists who I like, but don’t love. There’s lots to like, it’s spiky and in your face and the musicianship is great. But there’s something that stops me truly loving it. There’s other albums of his I like more, and some I like less but it’s all 3 star stuff
It was enjoyable, one song I recognized but nothing truly memorable!
If I was an Elvis Costello fan, this would be probably my favorite album. The song Radio Radio was a pretty good bop. And Pump It Up was good with so many covers. He had the pop sensibility of Elton John, but the quirky flavor of Oingo Boingo and early ska. There’s just something about his voice and meandering vocals though, that I just can’t get into. Maybe I’m not smart enough to be an Elvis Costello a fan.
The singles are great, but I struggle to get through an entire Elvis Costello without a break - it’s the voice, mostly, but there is also a slight smugness in there which palls after a few songs.
I've always heard great things about Elvis Costello, and some of the tracks I've heard I've enjoyed. This has Pump it Up in which is a really infectious song. 3/5 Overall it was good, but not something I'm desperate to listen to again.
Not memorable for me, but sounds good
Musicly its fine but his delivery makes it come across as disingenous
Very peculiar sound. After a few songs I grew pretty bored of it though. Still, I appreciate an artistic choice and this record has to be up someone alley.
This album felt like how people who want to says music is dead would describe music. Still it did have some bangers . 7.5/10
I've listened to this a handful of times, trying to understand why people consider this his best record. And each time I come away from it feeling like it's fine, but I wouldn't really choose to put it on. Guess I'm not a music nerd after all. 3.5
Ehhhh..... leaves a LOT to be desired. Very samey, not memorable.
So many tracks, most of which sound exactly the same. The most harmless of background music
Pump it up
I really liked these songs, but wish the mix)/recording quality was better.
Thought I would hate it because I hate Elvis Costellos way of singing but album was quite good
Didn’t make me feel nearly as much as Imperial Bedroom, but still pretty fun.
This sounds like what Flight of the Concords parodies.
Elvis and I don’t really get along, but this wasn’t nearly as bad as I was expecting
Sounding very Tom Petty in some of these
Like it 3/5
Pretty alright, I like his unique voice, and songs feel full of life. No Action and Lipstick Vogue were my faves. Definitely sounds like a 70s album. 6.1/10
Enjoyed that
Nothing really drew me in or caught my attention with this album. Overall, it was okay but it didn't have a track or part that was worth coming back to.
Good album and I generally like Elvis Costello. But he has... 6 albums on this list, why exactly?
Pump it up
I appreciate Elvis Costello, I enjoy Elvis Costello, but I don't listen to Elvis Costello, does that make sense? I guess that means I will listen to him, but will not seek out his music, maybe I should listen to more, but that is just another name added to the pile of names.
Viel über den Mann gehört, aber das war das erste Mal, dass ich mit seiner Musik in Berührung gekommen bin. Weiß noch nicht, was ich dazu sagen soll. War musikalisch in Ordnung, hat mich aber nicht umgehauen, habe nicht so sehr auf die Texte geachtet, aber ich habe kein gutes Gefühl dabei.
My favourite was Lip Service.
Starting to feel that Elvis Costello has been overly represented in this 1001 album challenge.
I've been on tenterhooks, ending in dirty looks Listening to the Muzak, thinking 'bout this 'n' that She said that's that, I don't wanna chitter-chat Turn it down a little bit or turn it down flat Pump it up when you don't really need it Pump it up until you can feel it Down in the pleasure center, hell-bent or heaven sent Listen to the propaganda, listen to the latest slander There's nothing underhand that she wouldn't understand Pump it up until you can feel it Pump it up when you don't really need it Hey! She's been a bad girl, she's like a chemical Though you try to stop it, she's like a narcotic You wanna torture her, you wanna talk to her All the things you bought for her, could not get a temperature Pump it up until you can feel it Pump it up when you don't really need it Out in the fashion show, down in the bargain bin You put your passion out under the pressure pin Fall into submission, hit-and-run transmission No use wishing now for any other sin Pump it up until you can feel it Pump it up when you don't really need it Pump it up until you can feel it Pump it up when you don't really need it Pump it up until you can feel it Pump it up when you don't really need it Don't really need it Don't really need it Don't really need it
Fun facts: his first name is not Elvis, and his last name is not Costello... How does someone who looks like the world largest nerd write such cool songs? And does he not look like he carries a slide rule? An artist that doesn't have a single absolute banger of an album, but his greatest hits are definitely great. Good songs across the board, not great. But Pump It Up (rock band anyone?) and Radio Radio are classics. When he played Radio Radio on SNL, it turned the world on its ear, if only briefly. Enough to elevate this to the rare air? Not really. Probably a 3 1/2, so going 3 stars.
I’m disappointed by this album. I can’t really recall why I feel like it’s a bad album, all I know is that I don’t like it. I like Pump It Up, but that’s about it for the album.
I was ready to give this a higher score after listening to it yesterday morning, but then in the evening it took me a good few minutes to remember what the days album was. So it obviously didn’t make much of an impression on me. This album takes a lot of different ideas and puts them all into one big melting pot. There is a lot on offer here. We've got Ska music, and some new wave, and some pop rock/punk. All genres that are adjacent to each other in some way. And he does his best to blend those elements together on this album. I found that this album also balances two different time periods in music. I thought that his vocals would feel right at home on a 2000's pop punk record. But the instrumentation, especially the keyboards and synths sound straight out of the late 70's and early 80's. This record is just full of interesting combinations of ideas. Did I need to hear this before I die? Eh, maybe
6 elvis Costello lps on the list, including his first 3. I like these records, but this is overkill. You need to hear My Aim is true (the debut) for sure, but instead of this one, listen to Nick Lowe's Jesus of Cool instead. The songwriting is equally good and acerbic, but Lowe has no records on the list, which is insane.
Büro, Heidenheim, Deutschland. Ganz okay.
top 3 - Pump It Up, The Beat, (I Don’t Want To Go To) Chelsea.
I liked it!! I don’t really remember what it sounds like it was just good
5.5/10
Thought it was good listening. I feel like there wasn't an X factor I was looking for. Songs sound similar to one another or it may just be the voice. 3/5.
After a lot of misses this one entertained me more. I know Costello isn't a favorite of the community, but I reserve my dislike for worse albums.
I don't like this guy. This is the second album, and it is much better than the first one, which I think was his debut album. The band is good in this one, but Costello remains unlikeable in a way I can't pin down. His voice is grating to me, and his songs are way too cynical. It sounds like I have a lot more of him to go. I'll give it a 3 because the band is good.
very mid, not bad not great
I listened through this once and nothing stood out to me. During my second listen I paid more attention and liked it a bit more. There's some aspect of this music that reminds me of Blue Rodeo and I think that's what I am responding positively to. Overall, this is decent, but not my taste. What frightens me is that this is our first Elvis Costello album out of 6 on the list 😬
Dit klinkt als een band die bedacht is voor phineas en ferb. Niet het ergste ter wereld, maar de vocalen beginnen na het zoveelste nummer over jaloezie op mijn zenuwen te werken. 5/10
GOING IN: Not fussed really LISTENED WHILE: commuting FAMILIARITY: Know the artist, not the album SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Might come back to it DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Fair enough BODY'S VERDICT: Sitting nicely - Motionless appreciation FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 2.5
Favourites: 1. (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea 2. The Beat Least Favourite: Radio, Radio
Solid
It feels cheesy and nerdy, so I love it! Jokes, I remember liking this more a few years ago. It’s pretty catchy but also slightly jarring. Will probably give it a few listens.
I like Elvis Costello. This is a nice album. Is it one of the 1001 in my opinion? Probably not, but I would still listen to it in a moment of nostalgia in remberence of a distant youth!
Good songs
I can definitely see The Rolling Stones influence, similar to Sticky Fingers but blended with similar blend to the Cars which came out the same year funny enough. The overall quirkiness of his voice blends well with pop funk rhythms.
It was fine? Don't feel strongly about it.
• Based on No Action, this song is more my style than a lot of the recent ones have been • I obviously have heard Pump It Up before, and I've heard of Elvis Costello, but I never realised he was the artist behind that song • I liked Little Triggers • So far the songs have all been good lengths, none have felt like they've overstayed their welcome at all • I haven't had as much to say about the individual songs on this album, but Living in Paradise is another really good one so far • The lyrics of Radio, Radio feel very prescient. The topic absolutely still applies today. While I didn't have as much to say about this album as I have about others, that may be a good thing. I enjoyed listening to this album. While I don't know if I'll be rushing back to listen to it again, I am looking forward to hearing the other Elvis Costello albums coming up. Favourite song: Living in Paraidse
Fun and catchy AND short and sweet. Not the biggest fan of Elvis Costellos voice. Will listen to songs from this album again, can’t say the same for others on this list Favorite songs: the beat
Love me some Costello, 3.5
The previous missive we had from Mr Costello was for me a massive disappointment. This one however was much improved. It is much more as I expected. Other than the 2 well known ones, the supporting cast of tracks were all ok. Nothing outstanding, but nothing too terrible either. And it all fitted together well. Definitely worth a 3.
Should I be looking forward to the year after's model? After this, I'd have thought not, as this has to have been the high point in Elvis' career surely?
I’ve heard some songs from this album, but never listened to the full album. All decent songs, but not my favorite. I enjoyed the mix of different genres, but there was just something missing to really get me hooked. Likely won’t listen to the whole album through again.
Not bad! Not exactly my jam, but I respect the talent on display here, in particular his distinctive voice. Maybe not a master of the mic at the same level as the other Elvis, but still enjoyable.
A bit samey
Very listenable. I do find his voice pretty grating though.
New wave at its best. I thought I was back in 1978 again. Great album and good to hear it again.
I've never really been a big fan of Elvis Costello and think that most of his songs sound the same. However, I have liked several of the singles, including "(I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea" which is included on this album.
For the most part enjoyable but no song really stands out to me. I did only listen to the whole thing once and then some of the songs I replayed. I'm a bit torn between a two or a three here. However, it is better than a lot of other albums that I have rated a two. I will give it a weak 3 star rating.
6/10
1. Omg banger?! 2. Slay the fuck 3. Vibe (iba vibe) Uz neviem uz som sa stratila ale je to velmi supis No co ja viem, lepsie ako peter gabriel 3 ale nie uplne dokonale asi 3,5 Asi si to musim vypocut este raz, alebk viete co? Nie Takto som to citila tak to takto bude a basta
Really fun vibes, could definitely get into this. The Beat is my fave by a mile.
Heard of Elvis Costello but never listened to an album. No action was fine. Nothing special. Good songwriting/rhymes on this years girls. Pretty good song. The beat is fun. None of this is life changing so far though. I like pump it up. Definitely dated but catchy nonetheless. Good guitar too. Little triggers is forgettable. You belong to me in the other hand is a great song. What a bass line. And the keys too. Honestly wish it was longer. Hand in hand is pretty good too. Good production. Good production again on lip service. Really well written again, catchy chorus. Living in paradise is kind of simple but it’s fun again. This is all refreshing/fun music at least. Lipstick vogue might be my favorite on this album. Production and lyrics are both really good. I want more of it. Night rally is just ok. Kind of forgettable. Big tears is pretty fun. Good production as is most of the album. Radio radio is pretty fun too, not much range on this album but overall pretty good. Probably won’t listen again. 2.6 stars.
Second Elvis Costello record so far and one that I had higher hopes for given I knew three of the songs going into it. Alas, while I did like it more than his debut, there isn't much here outside of the songs that I knew (with maybe the exception of "Lipstick Vogue"). I still love those songs in the context of the record, especially "Radio, Radio." I didn't hate the record by any means, but two albums in (out of like the 6 or 7 of his on this list) and I am starting to question why so many of his albums are included in this collection.
This is fine. It's a 2.5 for me. I guess if I'm feeling generous I can get to a 3 after a couple of listens.
One of those super well known artists, that I never awarely listened to. Catchy for sure
I went into this album with somewhat high hopes because I've seen a lot of music critics RAVE about Elvis Costello and to be honest, I've only heard a few songs by him, Pump It Up being the most famous, and I like that song, but the rest of this album was just.... meh... I understand why this album is on the list, but it just didn't hit for me. 3.3 / 5 stars
I didn’t listen to the whole thing, but enjoyed what I did listen to.
Every time I listen to an Elvis Costello album, I'm just left with this overwhelming feeling of neutrality, but sort of in a good way. Some albums leave me with the same feeling because they are boring or generic etc, and I have never thought that of an Elvis Costello album, but for some reason his music just does nothing for me. It's more than just "boring but inoffensive," I can tell that it's really good quality music, but for some reason it has still yet to really grab me.
first album ranking !!! you belong to me pump it up lipstick vogue radio, radio no action the beat big tears hand in hand living in paradise night rally (i dont want to go to) chelsea this year's girl lip service little triggers
Two songs in and I'm surprised this was released in the late 70s because it sounds like it belongs in a Shrek movie.
The version I chose was only 37 minutes, thank you very much. Why so many Elvis Costello entries in this list? Drums are great in some of the arrangements. Listened before? N Saved tracks? N Favorite tracks? No Action, Lip Service ⭐️⭐️⭐️ It's Ok but not for me
Yeah! I don't know how to rate this! Didn't mind listening to it at all, enjoyed most of it, a nice 39 minutes 3.5 I think? Rounded down, but honestly could go either way Songs added to playlist: - The Beat - Pump It Up - Radio, Radio
Unbelievably modern. It doesn't sound like the 70s, this is instead more like 90s music. Way ahead of it's time.
This is #day505 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… this is already my third Elvis Costello record. Between four albums with The Attractions and two solo ones, that's honestly a bit much for a single artist's representation, and I'm tired of pointing it out. I don't think I'd ever choose to explore his music on my own outside of this challenge. That said, This Year’s Model is a fine album with a tight, punchy sound. This is a 3 out of 5. Looking forward to #day506.
It’s hard to not enjoy an Elvis Costello album. Songs like “Pump It Up” and “(I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea” clearly standout, but not to the extent that everything else is a dud in comparison. It’s a cohesive set of songs that have that recognisable Costello feel to them, even if some have aged better than others - “The Beat”, for example, sounds very 80s in a way others don’t. If I could give it 3.5*, that would be fab - but I can’t, and I don’t think it’s quite deserving of 4*.
Hsben wir damals gerne gehört
ALL THE SONGS SOUNDS THE GODDAMN SAME. I do like the Bowie/Jarvis Cocker sounds to it tho lowkey. Don’t hate it, quite fun, nothing revolutionary.
This was good 3 stars
This is equal part dumb and sexist, but I can't quite call it trash cause it's growing on me, and a bit catchy. I do not like most of it, but the songs I do enjoy sound different with each listen. I think it's important work musically, but the lyrics and the character he puts on are a turn off.
Little who? Pretty basic but still enjoyable. I liked the vocals, but I don't know what more to say. The atmosphere is nice, and the songs are generally fun but nothing out of the ordinary. 7/10
Pretty cool
3.5
3.0
Spoko, nie mój typ, może zbytnio klasyk i wydaje mi się, że to jest kicz. 6.5/10
Eh, not for me. His voice is a little off-putting. The 2-tone/pop rock blend approach of new wave leaves much to be desired. "Little Triggers" and" (I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea" are pretty good jams though. The former is a ballad, the later is basically what everyone agrees to be the best on the album.
Un disco que se escucha fácil y que se olvida igual. Fav: Little Triggers
Stark trea ändå, Pump It Up och Radio, Radio är låtarna jag hört mest med Costello innan det här projektet
Låter bra men börjar väl räcka med denna snubbe?
very creative album
overall i find this album to be overly repetitive, from the lyrics, the overall melodies and the instruments used i just believe it needed something different to break up every song and differentiate them. i enjoyed the upbeat feel and the raspy voice, almost reminded me of the beatles.
This is not a genre or style I'm most familiar with or that I like very much. It made me think of the Red Hot Chili Peppers at some time.
Fine, but impressed with the song lengths. Get in, get out, don't overstay your welcome; appreciated.
This is a pretty average new wave album. I see that it's widely considered Costello's best album; which doesn't bode well for his five(!) other albums on the list. It has some very good pop songs, but it is by no means great. The singing isn't great, and neither are the lyrics; it's distinctly average all around. It's the kind of album that doesn't really leave a mark on listeners.
Some songs were really catchy but I do feel like if you’ve heard one Elvis Costello song, you’ve heard them all, so…
There's some bops in here, if you asked me what songs they were, I couldn't tell ya
grew on me as i got through it fun album probably wont come back to it
I don't know - I can see how he influenced others, but I just don't really like this. (3/5).