Reviews (page 9 of 13)
This was a fantastic new wave album. Catchy, experimental grooves throughout and a lot of fun to listen to. Notable Tracks: - Pump It Up - Hand In Hand - (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea - Lip Service - Big Tears - Radio, Radio 8/10
Ihan kelpoa keskinkertaista rokkia. En tainnut aikasemmista Elvis Costellon levyistä niin pitää mutta tämä on kyllä parempi. Parhaat: The Beat, Hand In Hand, (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea
Never listened to this album before. Pump It Up and Radio, Radio are the singles, and the rest of the album is generally just annoying. Though since tracks seen to have inspired later, better, acts. Go To Chelsea in particular is a precursor to Mirror in the Bathroom, which was released 2 years later. The lyrics are better of being ignored as Elvis comes of sounding like an Incel. Barely giving it a 3.
A few good solid songs on there, but not an album's worth.
First time listening to this album. Pop punk with distinctive guard dog like vocals. Many of the songs I've known and enjoy when they are played, but there were a couple of new to me songs that caught my attention like "Lip Service" and "Lipstick Vogue". "Everybody else is overwhelmed by indifference and the promise of an early bed".
Distinctive voice and generally good, although a bit punchy after a while.
Wow...amazing debut album. Will listen to it again.
Costello’s best album, full stop, and it’s largely thanks to the Attractions. They’re a phenomenal backing band—tight, precise, and woven impeccably with Costello’s vocals.
So opposite of the other music of the 70's. Which made it interesting, and in retrospect, it still is
I'm not the biggest EC fan, but like his songwriting. This album is deceptively inventive without any real hits (I had only heard Pump It Up before). Some cool rhythm changes and details here--reminds me of early Springsteen.
This guy was at the beginning of a creative explosion to where for many years he was practically farting out absolutely devastating tunes all day long. They are pretty much all very negative, desperate and cynical. Pissed at the world, pissed at himself, pissed at his ex (current and future), often all at the same time and all told incredibly cleverly, like a modern Cole Porter. I think this is the first album with The Attractions, Elvis's amazing backing band for an incredible run of perhaps half a dozen albums over the next 6-7 years, all produced by Nick Lowe, a legend in his own right. This run of records stands out as one of the truly great musical accomplishments of the twentieth century, in my opinion. I mean that seriously. Maybe I am forgetting someone but I would say maybe only the Beatles and Miles Davis had such a consistently fertile and productive period. Sounds like very few if any overdubs on this. Very straightforward production and arrangements. Just a basic capture of a sick band playing kick ass tunes like their lives depended on it. You can hear their youth in how far on top of the beat every song feels. I bet if they re-recorded this today every song would be 10 beats a minute slower. Lipstick Vogue is a young player's tune, for example. You don't hear midlife people writing or performing such fast, high energy and emotionally desperate songs. I think this is EC's second album? His songwriting has really tightened up here. He sounds like you don't want to piss him off or else you will be permanently eviscerated on wax in a cleverly biting way. But no one hates themselves as much as Elvis hates himself. He's the GOAT of cynical self-loathing. I dont want to kiss you I don't want to touch. And while we're at it, I don't wanna go to Chelsea, either! This record could have been named (almost Seussically) All The Things I Don't Want To Do. And I'm here for all of it. All the buttons of my overcoat They have fallen off one by one You wouldn't even like me if you'd never had a drink You wouldn't even like me if you never stopped to think Standing in the shadow, turning wives to widows Don't you know, big tears mean nothing You can count them as they fall Big tears mean nothing When you're lying in your coffin Tell me who's been taken in Tell me, who's been taken in Tell me, who, me or yous been taken in Tell me, tell me, tell me
Although I know there are far too many Elvis Costello albums in this collection, I'd definitely vote for this one to remain in a more-reasonable 1001 albums collection, and would be perfectly fine if this were the only one, honestly. There's a lot of great energy and variety in the tracks, and I enjoyed the songs I'd never heard before as much as the hits on this album. (And what great (early) videos/promo films for "Pump it up", "(I don't want to) go to Chelsea", and "Radio radio", although I feared for Elvis' poor ankles throughout.) I also enjoyed reading that Costello managed to piss off Lorne Michaels of SNL by playing "Radio radio" instead of what they agreed to, and got banned for 10 years from SNL. And while the Wikpedia entry for this album is at least twice as long as it should be, I appreciated how it captured how the album was received when it first appeared, as it's often hard to get a feel for what a nearly 50-year-old album sounded like when it was just born. And I completely agree that the Attractions really don't get their due as one of the great backing bands. It makes me curious to listen to the recent version of this album, "Spanish Model", with all lyrics sung by Spanish-speaking singers (but the Attractions remain).
I really liked "My Aim is True" and bought it when it first came out. And then I was done with Elvis Costello. Everything I heard later didn't impress, and I felt guilty that I'd abandoned him. Listening to this album, I stand by my choices. Just not that interesting to me.
Ok album but too punk for me.
This was fine
mid but good
Pre-listening thoughts: I have heard the name Elvis Costello but he feels like one of those things I should know more about but don’t. Like it feels like not having seen The Sixth Sense like I just missed him somehow. Post/during listening thoughts: I would never guess that this was made in the 70s. You could tell me this was 90s/00s and I would believe you. The production is genuinely really great. I will agree with everyone and say there are too many Elvis Costello records on this list but I think at least 1 is worth a listen (not a “you HAVE to hear this before you die” kinda listen but rather a “this could hook you and you might enjoy it casually” kinda listen). It does sound like he’s saying “cause she’s dishes, girl” in This Years Girl 😭. I really like the sound of this though. It’s definitely good but I’m also not sure how memorable it is? Lotsa organ. This is good but nothing is super grabbing me. I think the second half is stronger than the first. I could definitely hear how pop punk stemmed from stuff like this. 6.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nope Fav tracks: No Action, (I Don’t Want to Go To) Chelsea, Lip Service, Lipstick Vogue, Radio Radio Least fav tracks: Little Triggers
Another Elvis Costello album. And I am still left eternally wondering why he has the status that he has. This is... Okay.
I own this album on CD, but looking at my Apple Music records, it looks I only listened to it in its entirety one time, and I don't remember much about it. However, I do remember asking for it for Christmas because I'd heard "Pump It Up" and thought I'd give Elvis Costello a try. Well, a try was all I gave him. I never really listened to him much until I started this project. This will be my third album of his to review, after Armed Forces and My Aim Is True. I'm expecting to enjoy this album as well. Hmm, well, now I understand why I only listened to this album once and only came back for additional helpings of "Pump It Up." This album was really boring. Musically, it felt like there was way to much restraint in the arrangements. In Costello's other works, I really enjoy the tension between chaos and order that tends to permeate his sound. There really wasn't much that was fun on this album. I like Elvis Costello's singing, but even his vocals sound a tad dull here too. "Pump It Up" is easily the biggest winner off this album, and "Lip Service" and "Lipstick Vogue" were pretty good too. All in all though, there's just too little to enjoy on this album. Everything that's not those three songs just runs together to me. This was a major letdown for me, but now that I've reviewed all of Elvis Costello's albums from the seventies, I'm really curious as to how I'll feel about his later work.
This really did nothing for me and I’m surprised by its inclusion on the list.
Not my favorite Elvis album but not bad. 3.5
What a great album, he redefined gritty yet refined pop. so many excellent songs on the album. Everything sounds tight. You get some hints of the coming sophistication his following efforts will contain.
i dont know why none of these 70s albums are hitting for me. i thought this was fine but i wouldnt save any of the songs .. sigh
A marked improvement from the previous album. This one actually sounds like it was recorded by musicians and professionals, and features sone actually memorable tunes. Still comes off as generic and doesn’t really feel like it has an identity.
while I can say I've now listened to an Elvis Costello album and that's part of the reason for working through a list such as this...I didn't like it, repetitive and got bored quickly
Not my cup of tea, only got through 1.5 songs
2 Costello albums down
This started to grow on me. Not all over the place, but in little spots.
First listen. Not my kind of thing.
Good but didn’t impress me - Radio, Radio is always good though
Elvis prototypical angry young man record, he practically spits some of these songs. He was considered "punk" by some when he came on the scene that was based more on the attitude than the music. Top 3 EC record for me
I've always liked Elvis Costello. His music covers a spectrum of genres - rock, pop, punk, new wave, country, etc. I like his songwriting, his distinctive voice and his delivery always adds another interesting element to the music. This album is among his best if not THE best. It makes me want to dig out his CDs.
With 6 songs I liked I'm giving this 4 stars even though there were 7 other songs that I was indifferent to. My faves include: The Beat, the commercialized Pump It Up, (I Don't Want to Go To) Chelsea, Lip Service, Living in Paradise, and Lipstick Vogue. There's a lot of energy here and even in my driving listen I picked up on the mysogyny talked about by the many reviewers in the Wikipedia article for this album. But then you also learn that The Rolling Stones Aftermath was a major influence on this album and you understand. It's art. It doesn't mean that Elvis Costello wants to be a woman-hater. Anyway, there's a lot of good stuff here and then some other stuff that's just kind of here, but the good stuff is really good stuff hence the 4 stats.
Elvis Costello parece Berto Romero en la portada.
A good album to listen to if you want your child to think “who is that weird man,” “why are you listening to that weird man instead of hanging out with me,” and “I’m bored now I’m going to head to bed.”
What genre does Elvis Costello go under??
Nothing too offensive, other than some iffy lyrics at times. Probably not one I'll revisit anytime soon and not too excited to get a bunch more albums from him. 2.5
it was like, okay. this is the first of the albums i've listened to where i didn't save any of the songs
Early Elvis Costello is my thing. Great new wavy - power poppy - punk-adjacent tracks that do not leave your brain. Love it!
The energy of fantastically smart punk, but with a much more colorful sonic pallette, and a much more interesting range of subject matter. Not every song on here is a winner, but there’s a solid selection of bangers. A little ‘80s new wave preview too! Excellent.
This is fine. Maybe his best record as a whole that I've heard. Nothing against the songwriting or playing or style of it all but Elvis Costello just has a few hits for me and that's about it.
Nice Pop album
Enjoyable at the time, but writing this an hour after listening, it’s not memorable
That’s how you do inventive pop music. Flawless listen.
This is my second Elvis Costello album and I like this one even more than Imperial Ballroom. This is a really great album and I'm excited to see what other Elvis Costello albums will sound like. I have always listened to Costello's greatest hits but the songs are felt somewhat disconnected for me, though I did enjoy some of the tracks. It's better to hear Costello's albums, because it feels more cohesive to me and this album is no exception. Really great album with songs that clock in between 3 and 3.5 minutes. The organ and keyboards really stand out on this album, which I did not expect. Great surprise to me that I enjoy this album so much.
One of my favorite Elvis albums.
This was the first Elvis Costello album I bought on vinyl. Largely bought because of music media reviews as a must have album. I remember been a bit disappointed when I got it home and listened. Like most Costello albums I’m familiar with it contains some great songs interspread with lesser forgettable ones. Good to hear the songs I like again but skipped through the filler ones. Technically a good album with fine musicianship. This was an iconic album at the time but for my tastes it has not stood the test of time. 3/5 12/7/24
Probably only my fourth favorite Costello record and somehow still on the verge of 5 stars. Just wonderfully performed and written. 4.5/5
2.5
The man loves his keyboard. Thought it was a really good album just don’t know when I’d ever seek out throwing it on again.
I liked this, pleasant for afternoon drive. Vaguely sounded like Lenny Kravitz at points?
Recognized from girl talk. Sounds like Lenny kravitz in little trigger. Didn’t love it at first probably bc I never have listened to Elvis Costello (that punk rock blind spot). But some of it grew on me. Likes the accordio-ish sound, which seems unique. Listened to on drive from Trapani to Agrigento in Sicily
Meh
Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it, probably won’t remember it. Also not a massive fan of Costello’s voice for some reason.
I’ve never been all in on Costello but I needed to hear something with songs and new wave after a procession of average albums so he gets marked up.
maybe i’m just not in the mood for it but i thought the album was just okay? the first two tracks were not bad but it got a bit boring halfway in
Really fun album. This Elvis guy knows how to make a banging tune - even better than his namesake! Best Track: The Beat Worst Track: Big Tears
Best Song: Pump it up Worst Song: Night Rally
83/100
My favorite Elvis Costello record. So many good tunes. The B side has a few misses. But you can’t ever go wrong with Radio Radio.
I have said a few times that there are too many Elvis Costello albums on this list. This one, however, absolutely deserves to be here. A fantastic and energetic new-wave-and-kind-of-a-bit-of-everything-else record with really fun lyrics and some great musicianship (especially highlighted on Lipstick Vogue)
Pretty good
# Playlist Track - The Beat # Notes - First time listening to Elvis Costello. - Is there some SKA in this thing? I ended up listening to it a few times. A bit more annoyed at first, then got more used to it, and then actually thought it was really cool. - It sounds modern at times. It's fun, but there are a few downers, so I'm taking a start out.
I'm really digging this album. It's got a great groove to it that makes me want to keep listening to it.
Fantastic!
I might like this more if his voice wasn't so annoying
Great album. Definitely worthy of 3.5. Just not a 4 for me.
Not my cup of tea
Pretty good. Was at a show of his some decades ago where he insulted the audience, along the lines of "Well, you fuckers showed up so let's get this over with". Good times.
elvis costello is at his best when he’s slowly crooning and that really shows in this. he shines the most when he’s really getting down and dirty but other than that, i think it was just mostly solid. definitely do think that this is a lot better than most of the 70s stuff i’ve listened to 1.) chelsea 2.) little triggers 3.) no action
Elvis !!!! No Presley sino Costello, pero aún así otro grande de la escena
3.5/5
I like his sound and distinctive voice. Although I wouldn't put this album in my regular rotation, it's a nice listen.
This is a really solid album, and if I haven't had to listen to ALL his other lesser albums from this list I probably would have given this a 4, but the fact that I physically cringe when I hear/read his name he loses a point.
Was not expecting to like this as much as I did. Great band! Cool album! 3.5stars
I think it's easy to say this is Elvis Costello's best album. Every song is a banger. The drumming in particular is great and I love the keyboard. Costello also has his catchiest tunes here. Love this album, almost makes me "get" the whole Elvis Costello thing
When I first hit play I thought YouTube Music had somehow managed to cue up the wrong album. Then I heard Elvis' unmistakable voice and realised it's that rare beast: an upbeat Costello LP. I really like this. Maybe I should make an effort to listen to more of his stuff. I do tend to enjoy what I hear generally from him.
A little repetitive and not overly interesting. A couple good songs, but probably won’t revisit
Quite good. Not my normal taste but enjoyed it
Every song feels so much longer than it actually is.
Lots to love about this album. For me, it’s mostly the attitude in the lyrics. Costello set the standard that later “pop punks” tried and often fell short of achieving. Certainly not their fault since that’s such a fine line to tread. Fun fact: I first learned of Elvis Costello from a Marvel Comics “team up” issue in 1981 when Spider Man was singing “Oliver’s Army.” Hard to get more pop punk than that!
I have always wanted to like Elvis’ work, but the songs I have heard have not caught my interest (except for the hit “Veronica”). Clearly I have never heard this album. It’s good and catchy; I liked it even better the second time. Probably a 3.5, but I’ll round up to a 4 because it was startlingly not strange.
The more I listen to Elvis and the older I get, the more I like him.
- War sehr cool. Crazy, dass 1978 schon solche Musik gemacht wurde. Hätte ich mindestens 10 Jahre später verordnet. Da ist ja echt alles drin: Rock, Pop, Prog, New Wave, Punk(?), Reggae(?). - Leider stach da kein Song so richtig raus und auch seine Stimme wurde mir während des Durchgangs etwas zu viel. - Dennoch cool arrangiert und komponiert. Hat mich regelmäßig wirklich überrascht. 3,25/5
- ganz stimmig, aber so richtig catched es mich irgendwie nicht
Good album
Not sure why I don't listen to EC more. This is really good, but I think it lacks a certain "edge" I want to my music. It's power poppy, but not enough?! Does that make sense? Great lyrics and cool sounds, but not something I'm going to go to on a regular basis.
YAYAY
Wow! I actually thought this one wasn’t all that bad. The album is upbeat, catchy, and melodic. The keyboards brought out a distinctive new wave flavor that was colorful and a little quirky. Hopefully, moving forward, I’ll find more Elvis Costello albums I like. So far, the ones I heard before this would have been better off without Elvis Costello’s vocals in the first place.
Great songs excellent recording amazing album five stars
Probably the best one from him. I mean, if there weren’t five others from him, I think this album would have better reviews.
Not bad. Some of these songs could grow on me. Favorites: Big Tears, Radio Radio
Pretty fun listen
i fear i had to skip 'this year's girl'. 'the beat' grew on me - love the instrumentals, very boppy. did not like 'pump it up' at all, very strange to me that that's his top song. 'you belong to me' started off strong but began to get on my nerves. '(i don't want to go to) chelsea' was quite possibly a favourite. actually idk it also started off stronger. hmmm... still undecided. slightly amanda-palmer-esque 'lip service' was fun (i think the album's beginning to grow on me) i liked 'living in paradise' - although i think either i've heard it before or it sounds really similar to another song. 'big tears' i did not really like, felt too repetitive 'radio, radio' was quite dance-y but his voice can be slightly grating i think it's just the intensity of male singers i'm not dealing with.... some of the songs were nice but the whole album was just a bit much for me and his voice can get slightly whiny.... but saying that the second half of the album was far superior to the first.
- this is not what i expected - not sure what exactly I thought it would be but not upbeat groovy pop - After Listening: Yeah I liked it, didn't super jump out to me but it was a pleasant surprise. Haven't disliked any album so far even remotely, and I think I like this more than The Pretenders album
Another retread with the next several albums by artists we've already heard from is a bummer, but here we are. Not sure what else I can say about this album that is much different than the previous couple Costello reviews. Elvis has the kind of music and voice that you have to be in a mood to hear or it can wear on you after a while. I thought this album was decent enough with enough hits I remember from my younger days. Imo, this is the best of the albums we have heard from Elvis and I enjoyed a number of tunes. Pump It Up, The Beat, Chelsea, Lipstick Vogue and Radio Radio all stand out for me. I didn't find anything real negative to say. Can't say I would normally seek out this guy, but all in all, a pretty solid album. 3
3.5 Lowkey incel music about not getting girls coming from a dude who looks just like Buddy Holly - this is basically Weezer if they took themselves too seriously. I say that as a huge Weezer fan though, and while I’m not proud to admit it, I quite enjoyed this album as well. I don’t know what that says about me, but this is far and away the best of this guy’s stuff I’ve heard. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still not something I feel overly strongly about, but it’s definitely a pleasant surprise after our past couple outings with the guy. There isn’t any one song here I fell in love with or found myself immediately saving, but I did find pretty much all of them to at least be enjoyable - or even borderline danceable in some cases. While I’m familiar with and historically have not been the biggest fan of Pump It Up or Radio, Radio, hearing them within the context of this album actually helped me appreciate them a bit more. However, if you ask me, they’re far from the best of what this album has to offer - No Action, This Year’s Girl, (I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea, and You Belong to Me were probably my favorites and all songs that I think deserve a bit more attention among Elvis’ catalog. Though, you really can’t go wrong with anything here. That all to say, as solid as this album is, it’s more of a solidly good than a solidly great - I’m not walking away as any sort of born again Elvis Costello fan, but I will give him credit for putting out something I enjoyed. While I still have quite a bit of his catalog to check out, I feel confident in saying this is probably the dude’s finest hour.
the greatness of elvis costello on full display. although it is not my favorite album of his, it's pretty damn near the top. from front to back, it's oozing with cool. snide, clever attitude is dripping from this thing. the production is great, the now-iconic sound of the organ on this one holds up quite well. elvis' lyrics and songwriting are top notch and fun, sometimes with a bitter underside. just a great album overall.
Was never a huge fan, but this album was good!
Awesome album
I liked this more than I remembered liking it when I was in college. Pump It Up is a great song, but unfortunately Elvis Costello's vocal delivery style puts me off. 3.5
I had fun the whole time
The songs were well-written and exciting! I just don't fully vibe with the style of the album.
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
PUMP IT UP honestly the rest of it is Fine but that song slaps
Patchy. I was going to give it 3 stars but Lipstick Vogue pushed it up to a 4.
Meeeh. 'Pump it up' is a really good track. But the rest is all a bit, meeeeeh. I was a bit surprised by the Afro Beat lite vibes. I thought the Police had the sole ownership of that trope. Still waiting for the moment of realisation of "oooh that's why people like the scouse Elvis".
Costello clearly inspired a ton of groups I love (hints of Straits, Hold Steady, Gaslight), but none of the tracks here feel particularly sticky or like they have real oomph.
Luego de un debut glorioso con "My Aim is True", Elvis Costello forma a "The Attractions" para la grabación de este LP. La decisión no pudo haber sido más acertada, ya que desde este disco en adelante, el británico llegaría a componer una seguidilla de discos que no se pueden considerar más que lo mejor que el género del "Power Pop" puede entregar. Un poco de New Wave, un poco de Punk, un poco de Pop, Costello te entrega eso y mucho más, con letras inteligentes y sarcásticas. Entiendo que algunas personas no entiendan el atractivo de este disco o de la discografía de MacManus, pero esta pieza musical definitivamente pertenece a esta lista. Un real indispensable del catálogo musical occidental.
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"
Nice
Still fresh, still relevant. This Elvis rocks.
Good stuff
Less very Elvis Costello.
Pump it up!
There are some good tracks on this, for sure. I have just never really liked Elvis Costello's voice - it's a bit annoying! But that's just my opinion. I appreciate the vibe of this, but not sure I would choose to listen to the whole thing again. Actually, I am sure - I won't!
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' 👌
A decent album that left me with no strong feelings or opinions. Relatively inoffensive with some good tunes sprinkled throughout. Not a massive fan of the lead singers voice and it did break the immersion for me now and then. Recognise a few songs from Dad playing also (the better ones in the track-list of course). Perfectly fine, but wont be returning most likely! Favourite track: Pump It Up
I can definitely hear the influences on later indie rock and britpop. Hard to believe this came out in the 70s, it sounds much more modern. Some good tracks scattered around but on the whole it’s not interesting enough to make me want to listen to again and again. Lipstick Vogue is brilliant though.
probably my favorite Costello album to date? it was aight actually, and i rather enjoyed some parts. Pump it Up is a dope one, and Radio Radio was also pretty good. i think overall i would have to say that i enjoyed this much more than his other albums, but don't want comparison to be the killer of my joy. ill give it a three, but probably still wont come back to Costello much
#247. 39 minutes of music that is tolerable, but not really much else. 3/5: ok...ish Song added to playlist: Pumpkins It Up I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
This album was the reason I had to take a break from this, I just couldn't make myself finish it it was so boring and obnoxious. 3/10 Please don't make me listen to this again.
Love it. 4*
Okay, but does not hold your attention. Very difficult to get worked up liking or disliking this guy
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".
It is ok but I will never become a big Costello fan.
Segundo disco de Costello, de su excelente serie de 5 (producidos todos por Nick Lowe). Cualquiera de ellos, tal vez este y el siguiente (Armed forces) sean los mejores. Las conocidas (I don´t want to go to) Chelsea y Pump it up son la punta de lanza de este fenomenal disco. Little Triggers es una de las mejores canciones del album. This year´s girl y Lip service no bajan un milímetro el nivel. En la versión estadounidense del álbum, se exluyeron "(I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea" y "Night Rally", y se añadió la vibrante "Radio Radio" para cerrar el álbum. Otros discos editados en 1978: debuts de Kate Bush, Pere Ubu, Magazine, , Public Image Ltd., Dire Straits, Police, The Only Ones, Devo, The Cars y Siouxsie and the banshees, (también Chris Rea y Midnight Oil), así como discos esenciales: The man machine, C´est CHic, Plastic letters y Paralell Lines, Some Girls, This year´s model, Darkness on the Edge of Town, Incantations, Équinoxe, Ambient 1: Music for Airports, All mod cons, Some girls, One Nation Under A Groove, Outlandos d´amour los directos de Cheap Trick, Thin Lizzy, Bob Marley, AC-DC y The last waltz, e incluso Grease.
No es lo peor de Elvis Costello, pero sigue siendo Elvis Costello
Again, wow, this is bad.
Elvis Costello is a curse to this generator
If his first album was a tribute to all of the music that influenced him, this second album would be the one that went on to influence so many other artists. You can hear The Replacements, Cocteau Twins, The Pixies and Smashing Pumpkins. It’s stupid how far this album reached.
Haven't heard this artist before. Immediately found the vocals to be a turn off, as he sounds whiny and nasal. Overall a forgettable album 2/5
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.
The second Elvis Costello album to appear here and the one I've heard the most about. Overall though, I feel the same about 'This Year's Model' as I do about most of Costello's other works. While I admire how colorful and erratic this album is generally, its herky-jerky presentation just comes off as messy rather than eclectic in the scope of the entire album. I will endlessly compliment how good each instrument here sounds, especially on a song like 'Chelsea' with that instrumental interlude with the guitar, bass, and synth. There are some great blends here. It does generally sound like something you'd hear in the late 60s pop scene, though obviously re-vamped and scaled to the sound quality you'd expect from the late 70s new-wave and post-punk era (also more shamelessly artsy). I'd also like to note the way Elvis tackles melody - taking this very linear approach which contrasts the labyrinthian way he approaches generally simple topics lyrically; it fits the music generally. Though I can't say I enjoy the occasionally snotty-relationship'y lyrics here. I still liked a few songs like 'The Beat', 'Living in Paradise', and 'Hand in Hand', but Elvis is just not an artist that resonates with me on a deep level. Rather, he's more a figure in music history that I'll continue to respect from a distance.
A vibe. Costella has a cool voice: quirky but tuneful. The songs are good.
first time listening to Elvis Costello, I thought I'd like it more
What a killer album. Costello's acerbic lyrics and melodies are second to none. The Attractions are slayers-- the drums drive hard, bass lines are some of the best ever and the keyboards bring a frantic but poppy sound. It's pop, punk, new wave? It's all of those and more. Just great. 4.9 - deduction for non-album singles (and who else would do something so baller on SNL)
Hmm, nice but also a bit on the boring side. Apparently being named Elvis isn't enough.
Another Elvis Costello album but this one failed to grab my attention in any serious way. It's consistently good but doesn't ever really raise its head much higher than that and I don't think I'll come back to it in any hurry.
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.
I learned from this album the way to make a pop song is to repeat the title 100x. I thought it was ok. Didn’t feel super memorable to me.
I know the movie came out well after the peak of Elvis Costello’s career, but his voice always reminds me of the lead singer in That Thing You Do. Not a bad thing, but I definitely might watch that movie tonight. You can clearly hear all of the influences other bands have picked up from E.C., including Lenny Kravitz who essentially stole his whole vibe while singing. Also not a bad thing, because I really like a lot of the bands that picked up that influence. It was a short, easy listen that'll I'll come back to again for sure.
I hated his voice.... then I loved it.... then I hated it again. I think it works well with the upbeat pop songs, but I really don't like it with the slower songs.
It’s fine, I guess, but can’t say I’m looking forward to listening to the 5 other Elvis Costello records on this list.
Like poppy Talking Heads.
This is a lot of Elvis costello
I enjoyed this!
Never was a fan. And still not after listening to 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.
New Wave Pop/Rock Several nice upbeat songs 3/5 ⭐️ favorite: Radio, Radio
A good album by Elvis Costello & The Attractions, I can see why he has and remains popular to that early Gen X crowd. This Year's Model still sounds like an album that could have been produced in the last decade or so, with its alternative new wave sound. Best: Pump It Up Worst: Night Rally
Wrong Elvis. Got a classic in there tho.
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.
This was a pretty mid album. Fav Songs: The Beat Pump It Up You Belong To Me Radio, Radio
I really liked this one. Felt like a modern day indie album, as relevant today as ever.
I kind of like The Beat, Pump It Up, You Belong to Me
It's fine generic indie rock
Elvis Costello is a bit hit or miss for me, but I thoroughly enjoyed this album. It's an interesting musical bridge, where you can hear the influence of earlier British rock along with the sounds that would influence later punk and new wave bands in the 80s. Strong songwriting combined with great energy made this real treat.
yea I just couldn't finish this one. I like Pump It Up. I know that he played "Radio Radio" with the Beastie Boys on SNL. But this just does nothing for me. I WANT TO LIKE IT. But no.
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
I was excited to hear this album and this man, my dad says this is one of his favorite artists. I gave this album a few listens and I just don't see it. I will say, maybe I've spent too much of my life listening to copycats of this guy's style, but the music felt pretty bland. I read some people talking about how this was punk but it just has no teeth. It lacks strong hooks or fancy instrumentation. I just don't know what to think of this album, everything sounds good but none of the songs stuck with me after the tape shut off. I did find it improved upon revisits. I could see this album growing on me, but I guess I just want to like it more than I do.
Thought I liked a song Costello cameo in a movie or TV show. Went digging and was guessing maybe this from Austin Powers: https://youtu.be/k0z498xEtT4?feature=shared But i mixed him up with Buddy Holly- Everyday. Not sure why lol.
The backing band (the Attractions) are the best part of this album. The drumming in particular is really good. The repeated riff on “Pump it up” is one of those guitar licks you hear all over the place; I now know where it came from. Maybe even more recognizeable when it’s the organ/keys doing it. This album is fine. Its the kinda stuff you hear in a brewery or a bar you like to go to after work. It's not bad and you can hear the influences it has on later records in the future. That could be why I didn't rate it higher, the whole concept has been done a lot better by what would come.
Never listened to Elvis Costello knowingly before and I really don’t get what the big deal is tbh When he says “don’t you know I’m an animal” I liked that line and it made me think, but maybe not in the way the song intended
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 💔
I’ve been meaning to listen to this one for a while and I did quite enjoy it. Didn’t TOTALLY vibe with it but I enjoyed I don’t want to go to Chelsea and pump it up
This was alright a pretty fun listen but nothing too crazy about it
This was fine I guess 2/5
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".
A couple of classics, a few others that basically sound the same, and a few dull moments that would probably not make it onto an album nowadays. Not great, not terrible, but decent
Solid from start to finish, excellent bass
Boy, that was a bit more than I expected. I always thought this guy was a dork. Turns out he's a perverted prick. Interesting album. I don't know if I'll keep it on rotation.
I have owned a few of his records (My Ain is True, Armed Forces, Imperial Bedroom) and bought a best of (Girls, girls girls) but never heard this one all the way through although it has one of my all time favorite song of his: I dont want to go to Chelsea. Amazing how his sound matured from the debut album to this album. Great album.
4/5
I wasn't feeling this one. His singing style always sounds forced and/or fake to me. Lyrics get weird at times, too. The band sounds good though.
Elvis Costello is genius.
Just not for me
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
Very middle of the road, inoffensive and unspectacular. 3/5
Great listen
Another great album.
meh. Not bad I guess
I'm kind of meh on Elvis Costello. I really liked the first 3 songs on the album, but then it just fell off for me. Not terrible, just not super engaging. I've definitely heard worse on this list and wouldn't turn this off if it came on a playlist, but I wouldn't seek it out either.
A lot of nice songs
Good. Very listenable. Not much that really stood out but plenty that was fun.
Meh.
meh
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.
Best grappige nummers, maar nou ook weer niet zo heel bijzonder
Nothing terrible, nothing great
Another talented song writer lost to a tragic synth addiction. I started out really liking this one. I thought he was a lot like a zanier Joe Jackson but he just kept hammering and hammering and hammering the synth. One album ruined by a synth addiction is a tragedy- a whole decade of them is a statistic.
Redelijk hyped was ik wel toen ik zag dat dit album van Elvis Costello aan de beurt was. Hier staan mijn twee favoriete songs van Costello op: The Beat en Pump it Up. Verder dan deze twee ben ik helaas nooit gekomen. No Action is een prima opener. Ik ben fan van de stem van Costello, de riffs en drums zijn goed upbeat, niks mis mee. Zelfde geldt voor This Year's Girl. Dan moet ik toch even ranten: waar ben ik in hemelsnaam naar het luisteren bij Little Triggers. Nee, dit doet het hem niet voor mij. Stoor me meteen aan het nummer. Ik ben lichtelijk getriggerd (ha-ha). You Belong to Me is gewoon gejat van The Last Time van de Stones? (was voor hun ook geen origineel, oke, maar wel bekend gemaakt) Hand In Hand is meh. Maar, lichtpuntjes zijn dan wel (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea en Radio, Radio. Conclusie: ietwat teleurstellend, de beste nummers van de plaat kende ik al. Qua luisterplezier was het toch ondermaats. Twee nummers vond ik naast de nummers die ik al kende de moeite waard om helemaal met aandacht te luisteren. Highlights: The Beat, Pump it Up, (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea, Radio, Radio Rating: 6,5/10
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
I really like part of it. Another part of it is generally fine. The rest is… kind of annoying I guess? Some good stuff here, and appreciate the songwriting, but listening to it was a bit of a rollercoaster.
I do not enjoy Elvis Costello
forgettable
He’s so cool. I don’t get it at first, but eventually it clicks and I just fall in love. I get why he’s divisive but I love him
Day 5/1001. 3. I understand the appeal here, and i did enjoy it, but i think this album just caught me on the wrong day. “the beat” was my favorite track.
Elvis is best in small bites
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*
Why can’t you rate stars and a half on this? Anyways it’s a 3.5/5 but tbh it’s closer to 3 than it is 4
Achei moderno para época. Bem pop e pop/romântico. Parece que influenciou Leny Kravits. Alegre e animado. No final um pouco enjoativo
The most listenable Elvis Costello album I've heard. I'm still not sold on his voice/schtick, but there were a couple of tracks I'd come back to.
This album is full of little triggers that really enhance the sound
I’m sorry this is kinda boring. I felt like I was waiting for the album to kick into high gear the whole time I listened to it. Maybe this album was the pioneer of the boring generic New Wave genre as a whole? 2.0
Classic Costello unique sound and pretty good example of his artistry
I really enjoy Costello’s voice, the music is tight, and there isn’t anything majorly wrong with any of the songs. But there also wasn’t much that was distinct within the album. I would find myself surprised that multiple songs had passed and I didn’t realize. The “hits” sounded like every other song. Which again, wasn’t a bad sound, but there wasn’t a single song that stood out that I was eager to listen to again.
One of the best albums of the 70s!!!
This Year's Model is a pretty decent album. It isn't exactly super interesting and it doesn't do anything all too new but the songs are good and catchy in their own right. The songs had some good rhythms and none of them felt too samey or out of place. One of my major complaints with the album is the fact that the song \"Night Rally\" ended far too abruptly but it wasn't a super bad issue. This album isn't amazing but its good at what it does. Best Song: (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea Worst Song: You Belong To Me
A solid 3.5. I would definitely listen to this again
Loved record one of his best.
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.
bit boring
Oh yeah, I’ll go 5 here. Great album, with monsters from tip to tail. I got into this a bit late in the game, but some good friends dialed me in about 15 years after the release, and I’ve never turned back. This album always picks me up, reminds me of good times with those same good friends.
Annoying singer. Fave Song- Pump It Up
In my country Elvis was not played too much. The crappy radio stations robbed me of some wonderful music. This album is great from start to finish. Easy listening, no filler song. Elvis is much more than I was taught. Learned this a few years ago and hope everyone can listen to his music
This album was perfection.
Very energetic and lively. Reminds me of music I’d hear on a TV sitcom.
A few good songs interspersed with a lot of mediocrity.
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.
Tudo me incomodou, não consegui
3/5
I can't believe this community bitches about Costello so much. Yes, he does have too strong a presence on this list but this one absolutely deserves it. If someone told me that they didn't like this album my face would scrunch up and I would wonder what was wrong with them. I mean enjoy what you do, but this shit rules.
Standard early Elvis. I always thought he should have quit after his first album. His debut was brilliant and it's been downhill ever since. Largely driven by his massive ego.
Not bad never listened to Elvis Costello
The man himself! Definitely a fan of THIS Elvis. This is yet another one I never sat down with start to finish but I’ve always enjoyed the hits from this record. It’s post punk but kinda not really? I think this was the breakout record but 1978 was a fucking banner year for a lot of bands lol. I’m a sucker for the Hammond organ sound and it’s all over this album. It’s fun, funky and is great for a nice sunny day. It has a timeless feel that is kind of hard to capture for post punk BUT it isn’t really post I guess? I remember as a kid hearing Radio Radio and liking it but I didn’t appreciate him until much later. Songs like (I don’t want to go to) Chelsea have a fun ska beat and are just cool little stories. Top notch stuff here, great tunes and production. Gonna add this to my regular rotation for sure!
I don't have a lot to comment on this. Mostly I listen to these while working so a rating and elaboration is secondary. This is a bopper, okay?
I used to work with hippies in a natural food store and this was THE ONLY album we could agree on, so I've listened to it a lot... just not in many years. And I'm about to change that because this is simply incredible. Tough to pigeonhole into any specific sound; it's not really post-punk, it's not new wave, it's rooted in rock and roll, and has crazy pop hooks that still don't overly polish the teeth of this release. Not a bad track on here.
This Year's Model has some of my favorite Elvis Costello songs on it, but I don't think I've ever listened to it all on its own. Pretty good overall, would definitely play again.
This album is so good. It was a complete surprise to me when I heard it 20 years ago and liked it so much. It of course still holds up. 4.75/5
Not an Elvis Costello fan- not sure if it’s his voice or the Buddy Holly glasses that turns me off- but this is as good as he gets. Credit where it’s due. C-
There are a few songs I really like. He's unique and a treasure, but I never have gotten into his catalogue. Will give it a few more listens.
Hands down the best Costello album I've listened to thus far. He really embraced the power pop genre for this one moreso than the weird ass new wave horseshit he did later in his career. Favourite songs: Pump it Up, (I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea, Lipstick Vogue, The Beat, You Belong to Me, No Action, Living in Paradise Least favourite songs: Night Rally 4/5
Unique vibe, great voice, still fresh after all the years - really fun listen.
Icky
Sort of stunning that is album number 1,050 for me. But seeing another Elvis Costello album at this point got me thinking about levels, at least in terms of this list. Through the powers of Excel and being able to sort artists I've awarded multiple 5 ratings, some things are obvious. The Beatles, Stones and Dylan are what I thought they were. But there have also been some pleasant surprises, like giving both Bowie and PJ Harvey 5 ratings for 4 of their albums (so far, although at this point I'm thinking I've listened to all of the Bowie and PJ albums on the list). So if I go create a mythic level that's reserved for artists who I awarded multiple 5's (and again, I realize this is completely subjective and only my opinion, but hang with me for a second), that level would include the Beatles, Stones, Dylan, Bowie, PJ Harvey, Jimi Hendrix, Springsteen, Nirvana, Prince, Johnny Cash, REM and Stevie Wonder. That's a pretty goddamn elite list - oh sure, you might argue against PJ being included, but I'll also argue that her reputation will continue rise over the years and eventually warrant mention with those others. Plus the mythic level needs female representation - and I think I've got a few more Joni Mitchell albums to listen to, and she undoubtedly deserves mythic status. This is a long way of saying that Elvis Costello belongs in one of the two levels below the mythic level. That's not a diss at all. That second level alone includes artisits like Aretha Franklin and Simon & Garfunkel. He's just not at that mythic level, and probably has one or two too many albums on this list. But "This Year's Model" absofuckinglutely should be included. Some might argue it's his best work. I won't stand in your way of making that argument.
Excellent musicality! As it turns out, I’m not the biggest fan of the vocals.
Elvis Costello made emo/pop-punk albums before those genre labels existed. As a grown-up emo/pop-punk girly, I am the target audience for Elvis Costello. Great record with only a couple missteps, big fan!! *EDIT*: This generator did me a huge favor by giving me This Year's Model early on, because I've learned (like all of us doing this challenge will eventually) that Costello has diminishing returns. I wanted to revisit this to make sure that I'm still on board, and yeah, I really am. Maybe even more now that I know how the rest of his discography with The Attractions plays out. I think my only critique is that this is a long/exhausting listen for one sitting, but I also think this record works best when you extract the songs instead of playing them as a single album front-to-back. Still, I'm a sucker for this vibe, and this is the time where Elvis Costello *really* gets it right, with almost no flaws whatsoever. (Re-rated from 4/5 to 5/5 on June 2nd, 2025)
Thought I could like Elvis Costello. I was wrong
This album was ok. I’m pretty indifferent about Elvis Costello. I think I just don’t understand what he is, or where he fits in.
Didn't gripp me but groovy baby
White ska-adjacent Lenny Kravitz with a touch of B-52s.
Pretty generic. Pump It Up was catchy. I found the rest of the album pretty bland and boring. 2
What an annoying style of singing. 'Pump It Up' is a banger though.
My favorite EC album. His first with The Attractions. Great bass & drums from Bruce and Pete Thomas (no relation) and Steve Nieve’s nagging Farfisa organ driving the whole thing. And Elvis’ songs considerably up the ante from the first album. These are really angry songs of failed relationships and (mostly) personal betrayals, delivered with piss and vinegar combined with tongue-in-cheek. Lip service, indeed.
It was pretty good
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.
It's fine
doof
Easy listening, picture this stuff on at a dance bar back in the day
Okayish first half, hella boring second half, I started yawning heavily by the end of it. (I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea stands out, it's good
once again - what the fuck am I listening to
I've never been a fan of Elvis's voice. His band is undeniably talented and his songs are catchy but his vocals just sorta wreck this for me.
Not a fan.
these guys are always a fun listen
A pleasure to hear some more from our friend Mr Costello so soon! Costello > Presley
Elvis 3 times in the last week is a bit much! I liked pump it up because it was in rock band but I’d probably not listen again
I'm not mad, you're mad! I'm just bitterly seething and telling anyone who'll listen I don't even care. His best album by miles. Great combo of 60s pop song writing and new wave sounds, of swirly organ and funky synth. The bass parts are so good, really the load-bearing element here, carrying the groove and ripping lines all over the neck. He'd be way more popular if he'd quit here instead of sticking around being an incredibly boring VH1-style loser for 4 decades
Sure
Qualche canzone interessante alle mie orecchie, ma non spenderei soldi per comprare il disco
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.
90's indie rock from the late 70's. I will not be listening to Mr. Costello again.
Enough with Elvis Costello. There is no way he deserves three albums (so far) on this list. I really hope this is the last one. Once again, while it can be listened to, it is not innovative or compelling in anyway.
Classic Elvis
This album feels more contemporary than it is - “pump it up” I always assumed was a 90s song. I don’t love it but I can see how it would have been kind of cool at the time. It did grow on me a bit as the album progressed and it became more “fun” I think. But overall? Meh.
I was on the fence about 4 stars or 5 until I got to Radio Radio.
This is a pretty good album. I remember once I was writing a paper and I hit play song vs playlist by accident and listened to Pump it Up nonstop for hours and went into a weird mental space.
I think I like this more than the first Elvis Costello. My Aim is True. But it still sounds too sanitized. Feels like music for a liquid dish soap commercial. It's like punk with a Kokomo era Beach Boys vibe. Lipstick Vogue had some interesting bits.
4/14, 29%
Muy bueno
I feel like this album is kind of a prelude to the 80s. If you like New Wave music you'll dig this. Elvis Costello seems like he's probably an interesting guy. I like this album even though it may not be his best work. I'm not really sure what else to say about this record - it's got catchy songs, good lyrics, full sound. It's not something I would play all the time but I definitely enjoyed listening to it. 3/5.
This is a completely fine album. Nice enough to pass 40 minutes with, nothing bad or unpleasant, but also nothing that really stands out. A high 3, but still a 3.
3.5
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.
Bro Elvis Costello has to articulate more like come on. My favorite misheard lyric is on I dont want to go to Chelsea. I dont want to check your "balls" I actually like this The back half is so much stronger than the first half basically lip service to the ending is so so strong and amazing songwriting and the band is immaculate you just have to go through the first half to get there ahhh. After the first song it is hard to listen to but I like costello and if this is apparently his best record then yeesh I am okay
This Years Model is Mr. Costello's answer to the question "do you think you could fit two albums worth of ideas into one?" To which he appears to have answered intensely in the affirmative. I would say my enjoyment begins here and ends here. Its an invigorating blast of rock and roll pastiche with a punkish flair that just rips. 14 songs in 42 minutes, and not a wasted note to be found. Even the more relaxed waltzy Little Triggers feels anxious, angsty, and frankly very horny! I guess what Im saying is I really like everything Im hearing: Excellent melodic sense and vocal delivery, truly furious drumming, and plenty of musicality--But...and it's not a big one, but I just want a place for my ears to REST. Am I old? Is this album too develish and spritely for my ailing bones? I'm tempted to look up the inevitable 'reverbed and slowed' playlist on youtube to test my theory. But I mean, final word? There really isnt a missed step or false start here...and for the amount of ground this sucker covers, that is REALLY impressive. Its certainly not wanting for guts!
Album was okay, some of the songs were alright. Still find Costello’s voice to be annoying. 3/5 Probably won’t listen again
This album still sounds as fresh as it did back in the late '70s.
Loved it
Lip service is great, the rest of it is fine
Catchy. Ez fun album.
not my thing
Very solid. Catchy with great drums and bass.
Fresh sounding for being a 70s album. Never heard any of his work before, I enjoyed it.
Once again I have an issue with the voice, especially when the lyrics at the end are extremely repetitive! I could not finish 2/5
Not as good as I remembered, a couple of good tracks but I prefer his debut.
One of the better Elvis Costello albums. The songs 'Pump It Up' and 'Radio Radio' alone make this one worth your time. As with his other albums, there's some filler too, but here are enough hits to ignore them. Here Costello continued the momentum of his strong debut album.
I was just recently feeling thankful to have gone so long without an Elvis Costello album, but now I got two in a week :(
4,5
Elvis is generally awesome