Reviews (page 4 of 7)
Nice!!
Poppy rock ballads mostly. Not bad but dragged on too long. He sings very clearly. Stand-out: Pony St.
- gefiel mir irgendwie besser, als die Alben, die wir bisher von Costello hatten (vielleicht war ich bei den anderen Alben nicht in der richtigen Stimmung dafür, who knows) - es wird viel an seiner Stimme gemäkelt, finde die absolut in Ordnung - insgesamt war es für mich eine stimmige Platte, teilweise fühlte es sich an, wie Filmmusik - es hat allerdings kein Song besonders herausgestochen
I like it. Maybe becoming a fan? Certainly wouldn't skip it. Solid three stars.
February 23, 2025 Album #412 was my fifth and last Elvis Costello (Imperial Bedroom), now we’re at #1056. I pretty much enjoyed them all, but he hasn’t really stayed in my regular rotation since then. Hence I can’t really back up my opinion why I was cold on his debut, My Aim Is True, or why I markedly favoured Blood and Chocolate. It was like 3 years ago ;( What I do know is that it doesn't press the dopamine button the same way Imperial Bedroom and This Year's Model have. Reuniting with the Attractions was a good move (the soulful lushness of "All the Rage" comes to mind), but I don't know why that isn't reflected in the album packaging. (Diva.) The book cites this as an especially angry album of his. Maybe it's as simple as the more overtly cynical he gets, the less I enjoy the album overall 3.5 "Pony St", "This Is Hell", "Still Too Soon to Know", "13 Steps Lead Down"
Rating: 6/10 Pretty decent, not his best but far from his worst.
A song writer of some talent. There’s always a certain standard to his work but sometimes a little bit samey. Not his best but still good
If the author needs to make room for newer records, this can easily be removed. I like it, but it sounds too much like his old albums to be on the list. Favorite song: 13 steps lead down
Man's got a voice fit for Broadway, and seems to try to incorporate a Broadway feeling/vibe into his vocal style - which doesn't always land (for me). I didn't NOT enjoy it, but probably wouldn't be pressed to revisit it anytime soon.
Feels like it's supposed to be lyric driven ...rock, pop, alternative... Not sure how to describe it, but most of it just didn't resonate with me.
Stop trying to make Elvis Costello happen, it’s not going to happen.
Becoming more and more aware that there’s really only two Elvis Costello songs I want to come back to, and neither are on this album. Wasn’t bad, and I do love the ear tickle you get when he goes on a vocal run, it’s just not something I’m all that into. Middle of the road like my feelings towards Elvis Costello’s music.
This is kinda dumb. A third Elvis Costello record? Not pumped for this one. Well I was wrong. Different from the others and had a great sound to it. I wouldn’t mind listening to this one again. Nice ballads, some upbeat, some chill some attitude. I think most surprised by his voice I liked it this time around more than I thought. Only checked a couple of song credits and there were other writers - not sure if they covers or he don’t write anything. Listened again a little closer. It’s fine. Three stars.
Best Elvis Costello album, but I still don't really get him
I have liked some Elvis Costello songs over the years (Everyday I Write The Book, Allison, Veronica) but have never actually listened to one of his albums. I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked it.
This was better than I initially expected! I mostly thought it would be basic power pop (And at times, it is) but it manages to keep it interesting by not just playing to the same old style but also doing more with it to create some really pleasant and enjoyable songs (2nd and 3rd were my favorites probably) A pleasant surprise all around.
Once again met with an Elvis Costello album, once again finding it wasn't really my cup of tea. Good instrumentalset with vocal work I can't appreciate. It was somewhat better than the first one I listened to, but not by a whole lot.
13 Steps Lead Down is a good tune. Still Too Soon To Know is not my cup of tea. I do love the story of Elvis basically remaking the Attractions. My Science Fiction Twin is good. Favorite Hour is a fine ender.
Elvia Costello doesn’t miss often for me. Although there are a few misses on this record, it’s thoroughly enjoyable. I listened to this because of the 1001 list. Elvis Costello has 6 albums on said list. I have yet to get one I haven’t enjoyed, and as good as this is, I’m not sure it belongs on the list.
Loved my aim is true but this didn't quite hit the mark.
3 maybe 4
Never been a big fan of Elvis Costello, mainly due to his voice. So was curious to see how this album 'panned out'. The opening tracks reinforced my worst fears, wobbly/quivering verses and loud stomping/shouty chorus. I can recall an episode of Frasier were EC was performing in the cage were Nialls and Frazer frequented. The joke was once he started playing Nialls snootily complained whilst everybody else cheered EC. For once I was in complete agreement with Nialls. Terrible racket! The album then seemed to settle down and melody was more audible. Things settled down and I quite liked This is Hell and Clown Strike. Overall, I get why people like EC but its just not my cup of tea. 3 stars from me.
It’s ok
Elvis fan, who can get bored with Elvis too. So I suppose the album fits both. Musically I think it's quality, and I am among those who appreciate his vocals. But it does drag. Lyrics, when I catch them, are typical of Elvis. Thought out, intentional and elegant.
Few standout tracks, Kinder Murder is great, basically anyhting that sounds like his first two albums. The rest is just ok.
It’s Elvis Costello it’s at the least going to be pretty OK. And this one is… pretty OK. No real gems, but a solid record: it sounds like him, the production is good. He’s done better. Many have done far worse.
It was ok. Didn't really connect for me like his first 3 albums. It was lacking energy for me.
Not bad, but I don't really understand why it's here. By all means, educate us about EC's late 70s contributions to the quirkier side of British pop. But I don't think this represents anything very interesting about 1994. It feels like the selecter just thought, ooh, Elvis Costello did a decent 90s album that no-one knows about. Well, it turns out, so he did. It's quite good in places. Some of the lyrics are very good. But it's not very exciting - in fact it really drags in the middle - nor, as far as I'm aware, is it representative of any notable musical developments at that date: the best bits hark back to the sounds of the mid-70s, which were done better by other people; sorry Declan.
I’ve enjoyed the Costello stuff on here a lot but this isn’t one of his best I think. Probably got enough albums on here hasn’t he
very fun, as costello is
My first Costello ! I can see a lot of the talent here and it’s certainly polished and well produced with good vocals and instrumental work . It doesn’t have the consistency or z factor for me to give it a 4 but it’s a very solid work and enjoyable listen
Very fun, not super special imo
Probably not in my top 10 EC albums. Pretty standard fair but EC is always interesting
This album is very middle of the road. Aside from one or two songs I don't think it is all that interesting or memorable. A bit of an odd duck here where I don't get the reason for it's inclusion.
Not popping like his other albums.
Solid, some peaks with good tracks but samey. Not Costello's best, and doesn't help the over-representation argument
Costello number six. This only cements my feelings toward him and his music: he's made a couple brilliant albums at the start of his career that highlights his sharp songwriting, and everything else that follows is more or less for people who really really like his stuff. I can't really think of a reason to recommend his catalogue after his work in the '70s. I dunno man, it's not bad! How many of these do we need on the list though? Did we get the point across?
He can certainly write a catchy tune and it is well produced with great backing but and its a big but... his vocals do not really work for me. With the right voice this could be a 5 as I think the tunes are great - unfortunately I'm probably a high 3.
It’s a good album. He’s a great storyteller. I didn’t love the songs though. I liked the stories.
Listened to the first couple of songs, its fine but not really grabbing me, might be the late night listening hour
Really sparse production that’s nice for one song but didn’t really appreciate a whole album. Might revisit if/when in the mood but it ultimately feels like a schtick
As usual I liked Elvis Costello less than I think I should, he just fades into the background. I don't think I noticed a single song but it was pleasant enough.
I liked a few of the tracks, but I thought this album was a little bloated. When Elvis Costello goes full crooner, it’s just a bit much for me, but I have to give him credit for the craftsmanship of his songs.
Rock alternativo. Un tanto rollo. Ni fu ni fa.
Bonito. Elvis Costello. Un poco pesado al final. Más corto, mejor, como me pasa siempre con Elvis Costello.
Ok songs but I don’t like his voice
6/10… power pop / modern rock
I really enjoyed Armed Forces and This Year's Girl. This album didn't move me through. I think he needs a faster tempo or something more punk like to move this one along. 2.5 rounded up.
This album felt more melodic and less punchy than some of the others. No standouts, but not as tough to get through. Explored some interesting topical elements. I feel like this whole 1001 albums thing is just a ploy to make us listen to the curator's favorite artist.
Liked this more than the previous Costello album we got, but still not a huge fan
This sounds like every other Elvis Costello album. Mostly mediocre with one or two good songs on it. This one doesn't seem to have as many bad songs as usual though.
2nd Elvis at 404
Pretty decent effort from EC
I like Elvis Costello, but this was just okay for me.
Not my personal cup of tea at all. Found his voice to be extremely grating
No ha estado mal, de lo mejor de Elvis Costello que he escuchado por aquí, aunque solo me he guardado Pony St. aún así le voy a dar 3 estrellas.
Much like the Neil Young on this list, there is a surprising volume of Elvis Costello, it can vary from quiet to loud, the song writing is always excellent, the voice can divide opinion and if you get it you love it, but it can equally piss people off. This doesnt deviate from the above. I wouldn't be a fanboy, but ive heard enough to appreciate it without falling in love.
01) Pony St. - 6,5 02) Kinder Murder - 6,5 03) 13 Steps Lead Down - 6,5 04) This Is Hell - 6,5 05) Clown Strike - 6,0 06) You Tripped at Every Step - 6,5 07) Still Too Soon to Know - 6,5 08) 20% Amnesia - 6,0 09) Sulky Girl - 6,5 10) London's Brilliant Parade - 6,0 11) My Science Fiction Twin - 6,0 12) Rocking Horse Road - 6,0 13) Just About Glad - 5,5 14) All the Rage - 5,5 15) Favourite Hour - 5,5 TOTAL: 6,13 (61/100) Current ranking: 269/330
I liked this, in places, more than I hvae done most of the stuff we've had from him. He's lyrically a bit too earnest and on the nose most of the time, but it works every now and then. There's a fun energy to it, I liked London's Brilliant Parade best, 3/5.
It was just OK. Elvis Costello has a bit of an expiration date for me and it was well before 1994. I do like his compositions and musical blending of jazz and pop.
One of the more three star experiences of my life. He's a very competent and serviceable singer and songwriter, but I'm yet to hear anything from him that really moves me particularly.
Once again, a Costello album which sounds like any other Costello album
I still don’t know who his target audience is. He’s not rock, not jazz, and his lyrics aren’t all that inspired.
Didn’t mind this one at all. Would possibly give it another listen.
Some of this was better than expected! His grittier songs were great, loved most of those though I wish the guitars were more raw and present in the mix. Great songwriting there, and his voice really suits it too! Then I really struggled through the wishy washiness around track 6 & 7 especially. Gave me the vibes of Billy Joel's more noncommittal songs (the Italian Restaurant one, oh my god). Luckily that didn't last right the way to the end. Basically, a mixed bag
Brutal Youth is just about the same quality as all of Elvis Costello's other albums, as in its an alright album but its nothing that will blow anyone away. This one seems to be more in line with This Year's Model music-wise rather than Blood And Chocolate which is kinda a shame since i did like the latter album more. This one is still a pretty fine album with it having quite a few solid songs with some pretty decent musical ideas. Despite all of that, the album isn't really too much to write home about. It is alright but you can do quite a bit better than this. Best Song: Still Too Soon To Know Worst Song: All the Rage
I think I would only listen to his greatest hits, this sounded like a bunch of the same songs back to back to back. It wasn't bad at all, but just a bit boring to listen to the whole thing.
This was alright, quite listenable but by the end starting to sound quite samey. 3*
Lighthearted pop
This is a fine Elvis Costello album. I think Costello is an important artist, and while I’m sure several of his albums deserve inclusion on this list (Definitely This Year’s Model), I’m not so sure about this one. Billed as a reunion of The Attractions (only partially true), it’s a decent collection of songs. It has a fairly cohesive sound, but there doesn’t seem to be as much of a consistent through-line, and it goes on for a little too long. I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt and rate it 3 stars, but I’m sure it could be argued that there are better Elvis Costello albums that should have been included on this list, or just better albums by other bands (since apparently Costello has 6 albums included on this list).
I’m at a 3. For a top 100 album of 1978, I’d say that was alright. Hold on, this is from 1994? Oh, jeez. Yeah, this album really wears its target audience on its sleeve – it’s a Reagan administration album made right around the point of the Clinton administration, which is to say, for 1994, this just feels outdated and out of touch with its contemporary sounds, especially for a sort of pseudo-rock album. It’s not quite MTV Unplugged, but it sure as hell ain’t Nirvana either. When trying to really figure out what this sounded like to me, I ended up writing down “a mismatched hybrid between Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel, while capturing neither of what makes either of them so good, and just sort of getting the leftovers,” which… yeah, I’d call that accurate. I’m sure Elvis Costello has better albums than this, but this just wasn’t super captivating to me – while there’s not a bad track here, and everything’s an enjoyable listen, you can only really coast on “that was alright” for so long. There’s not too many standouts; I’d say of the 15 tracks here, I only really liked about 6 of them, so that’s batting just under average. It’s not certainly not a bad album, and I’d even recommend it. It’s simply not working for me, if only because it doesn’t feel like an album from 1994 should, and there’s just better albums that do this style and sound that have come out both long before and long after it. However, it could easily work for someone else; a 4 or a 5 on this album wouldn’t feel that unjustified to me. The framework of a truly great album is here, it’s just missing something for my tastes. Hence, the 3.
он ничего такой, бодрый, но какие-то сомнительные реплики кидает
Pretty enjoyable Elvis album, all in all.
I am torn on this one, it’s about half and half for me. I found I would like one song (cool organ part) then the next song is kind of underwhelming. It’s not bad by any means, but probably not something I will find myself looking up again.
It’s fine - I prefer This Years Model or Armed Forces, but it’s still EC
I thought it was lackluster compared to his earlier work. But maybe that was the point. We get old, we mature and we change.
I love Elvis Costello’s voice but this album didn’t grab me yesterday
Very questionable inclusion but not a bad album necessarily. Costello is a songwriter of considerable talent and the bright spots shine through even on this album, even if as a whole it feels a bit redundant (I mean seriously, 6 Costello albums?)
I have grown in admiration for Elvis during this journey. Does Costello have more entries than Priestly? Controversial
Not my favorite music of his, but still good nonetheless.
elvis costello is pretty fun and 10-15 years after his peak he is still fun
We have both grown to appreciate Costello's voice more than we used to. This is a pretty standard Costello album: enjoyable to listen to but nothing overly standout. As much as we enjoy Elvis Costello, we're not sure he warrants quite so many albums on this list.
Meh.
It was pretty good. Also kind of generic, watered down punk-ish but not quite. Kinder Murder was good. I liked the bass tone on a lot of the songs, a bit fuzzy, not drowned out in the mix, more of an emphasis than most music.
Some interesting stuff there, I was almost expecting to get bored to death and I didn't really. I gave the last Elvis Costello album 2 stars and this was just a bit better so there you go.
Very basic bubblegum rock pop. Also not a fan of Elvis Costello's vocals which feel all over the place.
i messed with the poppy vibe but this thing is just too long
chille muziek wel
Elvis Costello coming on the wings of a Joni Mitchell review is actually perfect. See, I really like both these musicians BUT neither of them are staples in my archive. I have spent time thinking about that, and other musicians over time that I kind of "let go." Elvis Costello has a few songs that are on my all time favorites list. So why is he not himself on the short list? Well, lyrically he is as poetic as MItchell, and his musical style is unique and interesting. I think maybe it is because when casually listening it is hard to make out his lyrics. There is an old joke about how they made a mixed album with "songs you can hum to." All of them chosen because somewhere along the way the lyrics become hard to follow so instead of singing, you kind of "hum" along. I think one must really HEAR what Elvis Costello is singing to FEEL his true power. Luckily there are plenty of people who don't have this struggle. Too bad for me.
-A lot of these songs sound like anime theme songs but like in a good way… it’s very catchy and high-energy which I always like -Kind of started to fall off toward the end of the album in my opinion but the start and middle parts were really good -Favorites are Kinder Murder, Clown Strike, and London’s Brilliant Parade
He was better with the attractions. I find everything he does is so Elvis Costello. Not necessarily samey but just really really elvis Costello. Nowhere near his best work. 3.2
Brutal Youth ‘Cool, must be getting toward the end of the album’, _looks down_, ‘Fucking hell, track six!?’. There are some decent songs, some great ideas, some very good lyrics and I like the production and playing, particularly the bass throughout, but I can’t shake a slight nagging sense of pointlessness. While it’s by no means bad or unlistenable, it’s just feels very undynamic, if that’s a word. It’s not that it’s bland or half hearted, my ears definitely pricked up at certain parts, and I found my self tapping along from time to time, but each song tended to just come and go, and by the end of it I didn’t really feel anything, neither enriched or diminished. I do actually like Elvis Costello - This Year’s Model, Armed Forces and Get Happy are great great records - but I do have this same reaction to a lot of his other stuff, maybe it’s how he constructs his melodies, or the tempos he works at but I find myself not minding it, but kind of zoning out into nothing. I won’t go through song by song, as it seems a bit pointless, but things I did pick up on and like were Nick Lowe’s bass on the songs he played on, the exuberance of Pony St, Kinder Murder is good, the do do dos on Clown Strike, the intro to Sulky Girl, the organ on My Science Fiction Twin and the Neil Young-esque guitar on All the Rage. With all that in mind it’s kind of hard to rate, it’s a perfectly fine album with good things about it. I’d not be averse to listening to it again, but I really can’t see me ever remembering it exists after today. 2 is too low(e), so I’ll reflect my ambivalence and go 3. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.5/5. This list is far too oversaturated with this dude.
Not as strong as the other album
Bit boring
Vibin. This is hell, clown strike,
Pretty good
Tasalaatuinen ja kevyt. Helppoa kuunneltavaa.
Ihan toimiva setti
Makes me wonder where I know "Elvis Costello" from? Because it's not this. This is like if a quirky Bruce Springsteen did a collab with the Spin Doctors, making music for Gen X sitcoms. Competent and not horrible, quite droll even, but I did not, in fact, need to hear it. And I just saw that the guy has 5 more albums on here. The sound of me sighing.
I liked this a lot more than Blood and Chocolate, but it still wasn't my favorite. It started out pretty decent, but it just felt like it dragged on after a while. Some of the music was cool — very pop punk. But towards the middle it started getting weird and went past cabaret to circusy. Elvis' voice also gets grating after a while. I also can't believe there are six Elvis Costello albums on this list. There are so many artists who should be on here but aren't and he gets SIX?! Pfft. 3/5
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would, even after listening I feel like I shouldn't have enjoyed it as much but here we are.
Some good songs but enjoyed my first Costello album more.
Listening to Elvis Costello always gives me a melancholic nostalgic feeling harkening back to my late youth. This album is typical of that, but Elvis is not something I would listen to on a regular basis, too much of a crooner lounge music style So this is 3.5 rounded down to 3 for me
Eipä tämä nyt niin ihmeellinen ollut. Hyvää perus Costelloa 3/5
Listalla on kyl liikaa Costelloa, mut on tääkin solid. 3/5
Elvis Costello on ihan ok, mutta tämä levy jäi vähän listalla keskinkertaiseksi.
3.0 Elvis Costello is fine but one of the greatest album’s of all time?
fun and funky and fresh
I had no idea Elvis Costello played music like this. I always pictured him like some Tom Jones clone. Still, it wasn't really my thing
A lot of listeners of the list complain about the number of Elvis Costello albums on it. I consider a lot of those albums too be fitting on such a list, but this one is not. Brutal Youth is an ok, so so album. It is certainly not bad, but even Elvis Costello has made several greater ones (f.e. Spike). This is a three stars max.
This could be perhaps stand to be a bit MORE brutal, actually. Still good.
Never the bogfest fan of Elvis Costello, but must admit that this album is pretty decent
3.5/5
Much like Steely Dan, I generally enjoy listening to Elvis Costello, and have one or two of his albums, so it's always nice to get him in the collection's rotation. But this particular album is a bit of a mystery, as there's nothing particularly distinctive about it; the Wikipedia entry for the album is remarkably scanty (and provides no context for why this might have been included); and, more damning, the Wikipedia entry notes that there are six(!) Elvis-Costello-related albums in the 1001 Albums project, which seems about 4 (or 5?) too many. But who knows? Maybe some of the other ones are truly distinctive or totally different genres. "Brutal Youth", though, seems pretty classic Elvis Costello, and while that's perfectly fine, it's also neither super exciting (at least to me) nor does it have any classics or radio hits.
Elvis has this thing where he decides if he just sings things in certain ways they're automatically melodic and they just aren't. Pony St. is an example of this but he does this so much that I wonder if maybe the songs of Elvis I actually do like are accidents. Perhaps I don't really like Elvis, just the few "off" songs that happen to match my taste. This is my first time listening to this album and I read "kinder murder" with a German understanding of "kinder" and I'm a little bummed that the song isn't about killing kids. Now he's on 13th steps and I'm quite happy. This is the Elvis I like, nay, love. Thank you, Elvis! This is hell is pretty funny; Just About Glad and All the Rage are also good.
sure, why not. this is fine, but could easily be replaced on this list and nobody would miss it.
Hörbare aber etwas zu langweilig Stimme. Sanfter ruhiger (Kuschel)Rock. Das Album ist nicht sehr abwechslungsreich aber für einen gemütlichen Kaminabend im November in Ordnung. Kein Song fiel besonders auf - weder positiv noch negativ.
First record I’ve actively disliked at first. Grew on me a bit lyrically but not what I was expecting from EC, for sure
6/10 This is an Elvis Costello album. It has none of the singles that Elvis Costello is famous for. It is about as Elvis Costello as you would think if someone told you that Elvis Costello wrote an album and here it is. I was not surprised because it sounded exactly like Elvis Costello. On the bright side I like Elvis Costello in general. 4-1-2024
Would be better if he could sing. lol
Better than expected, kinda britpoppy, didn't completely win me over yet
If the Dunne Brothers were sexist
Very Elvis Costello
Nothing more than average.
Mediocre.
It's been almost 500 albums since I got another Costello so maybe I'm more receptive to it. Nonetheless, it's still pretty bland. And too long. 2.5/5
Bit repetitive
Lots of the Elvis Costello charm, but didn't hit me in the same way as Armed Forces.
eh.
I haven’t listened to this one before. A lot more Beatles vibes to me compared to his first two albums. Not a lot of hits and I had to replay “20% Amnesia” like five times to confirm he didn’t just drop the n-word (apparently Costello says “naked” like a slur).
This bounces between good and bad so it lands squarely in the middle. Songs like 20% Amnesia are a tonal nightmare but otherwise its okay.
Elvis Costello has always been a 3/5 for me. This album did nothing to change that. Just fine!
I like Elvis Costello but this one wasn’t a standout. Good album though.
He has an amazing voice, the tracks and the album as a whole had the perfect lenght. However, none of the songs were really outstanding or anything...
Okie
Elvis Costello’s fourteenth album and he is still going strong. Brutal Youth feels like a confident return to that sharp, punchy sound he does so well. The songwriting is tight, witty and full of bite, but there is also melody and craft running through it. It does not reinvent the wheel, but it does not need to. It is a solid, enjoyable record from an artist who clearly still had plenty to say. There is energy throughout and it works well as a complete album. No obvious weak moments, just strong, well written songs delivered with that unmistakable Costello edge. Favourite song: Pony Street Least favourite: None. Every song is worth a listen Album artwork: A cool and understated cover that fits the tone of the record perfectly
Why's this book so obsessed with Elvis C
Not his strongest album, but still enjoyable
I'm fine with a bit of Elvis Costello but this album was just ok. I can see some excitement over its initial release and whether it was actually a reunion of the Attractions. But taking the long view, is that that really very interesting? It's not a bad album but not as impressive as his other work. It doesn't feel significant enough for this list.
3.3 - Well, it looks like my reluctant tour of Costello's catalog has finally, FINALLY come to a close. It's mostly felt like how I imagine it might feel to visit a museum exhibition of the Green Bay Packers with father-in-law. It's well done and mass appealing. But, good God, you couldn't force me to give a flying fuck! I hope to never hear another note of Elvis Costello besides, maybe, a few cuts off of "My Aim is True."
The 1001 is gonna make me go from feeling meh about this dude to hating him. 🤦 I guess this still earns the 3.0 though, there are some fun songs.
Vi har hatt sinnapunk, forvirret punk, analpunk velkommen til: Litt misfornøyd men ellers ganske glad punk. Som er helt ok, noen kule låter. Men ganske tradd. PS. Hvorfor ser han ut som en minihitler på coveret?
In my high school and college years, I listened to a lot of Elvis Costello and saw him in concert a few times. It's been a long, long time since I've actively listened to him -- nothing negative in that; my interests just changed over the years -- so it was nice to listen to another of his albums. This album was released soon after I drifted away from Elvis Costello, so I don't think I'd heard anything from it before. It's solid Elvis Costello music, quite good, and I'm glad I got to hear it.
It’s fine. I don’t know why but Elvis Costello has never done it for me. It’s not aggrieving in any way, just doesn’t spark anything.
duplicate
It okay.
Never paid much attention to this artist. Found the record not bad per se, just monotonous and uninteresting. [0111/1001]
Really enjoyed the first half of the album, but it drops when you get to the 20% Amnesia track.
To quote another listener: "Reasonable album but it doesn't keep up with much of Costello's earlier work." I agree with this. The album is also too long. Some songs might probably grow a bit after repeated listens, but every time I put this album, I am not so inclined to listen to it again immediately (unlike EC albums from his classic period).
Reasonable album but it doesn't keep up with much of Costello's earlier work.
Another album of listenable but not exceptional Elvis Costello material. 20% Amnesia is a little annoying. Overall I could have done with a shorter playtime; an hour of Costello's voice is a little too much to bear.
Repetitive.
Consistently underwhelming
Another pleasant album to listen to. Nothing to make me stop what I’m doing and really listen, but definitely something I could put on to have in the background. Notable tracks: Kinder Murder, 13 Steps Lead Down
disliked it but then it became a little charming
Better than I thought it would be. Not my type, not terrible.
something here. not for me. music: hated. (⌐■_■)
Lukewarm on Elvis Costello, but don’t think I can go as low as 2 for this one. Lots of songs I liked, some filler. Wish it was 45 minutes instead of 60.
Best Song: Kinder Murder. I like when he starts to lean into a heavier rock vocal. Worst Song: Still Too Soon to Know. I don't know if it's possible for Costello to sing this song any harder. Overall: Bland rock. I was really fatigued with Costello's voice by the end of the end of this one. Really just a consistently middling offering.
Quute like a few songs on here. As ever with EC the voice is my problem. It just isn't a pleasing experience.
It’s fine. Not bad, not great. Misses the drive of This Year’s Model.
first listen an alright album not his strongest
I knew I wasn't done with Elvis Costello but it doesn't make it any better when I get another one of his albums. I get why david bowie and the beatles get like 8 albums, even the who makes sense, but why this guy? It's not bad; and he's definitely evolved his music from the first album to this one unlike the who which is basically all the same but I don't get the cultural impact like I do with the others. I'm glad it's "Elvis Costello does the 90s" rather than "Elvis Costello clings to the 70s and 80s in the 90s" but it wasn't anything special and definitely didn't beat the fatigue.
I’d give this 3.5 stars if I could.
Kinder murder sound pretty horrible until you hear the pronounciation. This would be 4 starts if i didn't kind of hate his voice.
Voice is a struggle to listen to. Good lyrics, mix of styles across the songs.
He has made alot better albums
Good, not listened very closely though
I do not want to live in Pony Street but I found Kinder Murder much more enjoyable and This is Hell really grabbed me in the reflective feels of mortality. And Clown strike slapped me in the face. I was really ready to just grit my teeth through this album but I stand very much corrected. I even went back to Pony Street and I think I needed the lyrics in front of my face. Still I do find that the album drags a little and is a bit whimsical. I feel like if you like this album you really love Elvis Costello. I think I’m just warm on it. 3/5
I guess I do like the trashy type of pop rock. It reminds me of some broadway shows like Little Shop of Horrors where it feels a bit cheesy music
I don't get the hate for Elvis Costello on this list. Six albums is excessive for an artist without a good justification, but Brutal Youth is a pleasant album that highlights his writing and offers a range of eclectic sounds. 3.5/5
I liked it more than I thought I would. Listened to the front half, liked the energy of it.
Suspiciously fun
I liked it. Wish I listed a little closer, but I may need to relisten later. For now, 3.5
Clever lyrics, interesting stories (reminds me of Billy Bragg) and he has a good voice - but I just don't like the music. 'King of America' had 3 standout brilliant tracks, but this doesn't seem to have any.
It being 90s in sound makes it ok-no 3/5 not bad but not great.
After the first song I was ready to hate this, but I grew on me the more it went on. I'm really unsure about his voice at times. I think I liked it more than didn't so its a high 3 but not sure it can scrape a 4
“But it`s by Julie Andrews And not by John Coltrane”
Enjoyed overall
This was fine. Pretty much what I expected from Elvis Costello. I don't find his music to be the most enjoyable, but I didn't mind this one.
I didn't realize that Elvis Costello had a punk side. This is decent.
Strange lyrics
This album is just alright for me. Nothing I would choose to put on.
Sympathique, l’investissement du chanteur est patent et attachant
He has so many better ones, but this is okay I guess.
It’s my first Elvis Costello album. From what I gather it’s not really that representative of his catalogue. What I’m hearing is a kind of typical wordy pop rock with grungy guitars here and there, strong 90s vibes. I can definitely hear a lot of references to Bowie, Dylan or the Beatles. Sounds a lot like Pulp too, but this influence goes rather the other way, right? Overall it’s ok. Not bad but also does not really stand out. The songs flow nicely one to another and I really enjoy his singing (although my wife says he sounds like Ryan Gosling). Apparently the lyrics are supposed to be fantastic. I can’t tell. English is my second language and I can’t force myself to go through the entire album and analyse all the hidden meanings in one day. I really liked Rocking Horse Road sound - reminds me of Like a Rolling Stone. Overall, 3/5. Maybe it could grow on me with time up to a 4.
Costello sounds unfiltered and too old to record a record like this totally raw. That lends Brutal Youth the compilation feel. Reunited band offers touches which push the corners of the package a little.
I like this best of Costello albums.
He’s a great songwriter but this album was a bit long and drab some great songs tho
It’s ok
I don't understand why music critics love Costello so much. It all sounds... Fine. I'm never mad about it but it doesn't ever seem particularly interesting. But apparently there's 6 albums of his on the list. Go figure.
It’s good but not great a perfect example of an artist having too many albums.
Too much product, not enough sustenance
Kinda some fun songs here
Good stuff. I can't quite tell why I'm not fully keen. Is it a little bit too repetitive? Or just a little too pedestrian - as though he is playing within himself, and not really going for it? 3.5 stars.
Enjoyable. Some thought provoking songs, Kinder Murder especially. Classic Costello really.
Allemaal leuk en aardig, die prima liedjes van Elvis, maar er is toch iets wat me niet zint in zijn muziek? Gemis aan zout en peper? Zijn stem? Geen idee!
Ik vind die stem net iets te neuzelig. Ik ken maar een paar nummers van de heer Costello waar ik echt blij van word.
haven't always been the biggest Costello fan but this is pretty good.
Rock alternativo. Un tanto rollo. Ni fu ni fa.
Klassisk Elvis. Varken mer eller mindre. Kanske en aning mindre, då.
Buen disco. La voz de él no me gusta en absoluto pero las composiciones son buenas. La batería suena siempre igual, eso es algo fastidioso también.
An artist I always think I like but really I haven’t listened to much more than the hits, and his excellent stuff with the late great Burt Bacharach. Another 3 but I’ll definitely listen to this again and imagine it will grow on me as the lyrics become more familiar. I might be tempted to delve into the catalogue as well.
That one is partially good
Enjoyable Elvis record. Not sure it’s 1001 worthy
Sounds like classic Elvis Costello. I have most of his 70s stuff and a bit of his 80s material but I'm not sure how much more I need. Still, this isn't bad at all.
Strong 5/10
I like his popular stuff. He is quirky. Interesting. Sings like a wonky gentle punk Brit who got dunked in punk then blues, and this is what came out. Playful yet sad, upbeat and depressing in equal measure. Perfect teen alternative music.
I frequently have cause to complain about the white boy rock critic bias of 1001 albums list, and this is kind of a case in point. Elvis Costello, bless him, is the quintessential darling of white boy rock critics. There are six (six!) EC records on this list, and, while I am a fan of EC, I find it hard to regard this record as essential listening. Admittedly, I find a lot of his 90s output hard to stomach (a covers album! a ballet! collaborations with unexpected artists like the Brodsky Quartet or Burt Bacharach! concept albums!), and so this more straight-ahead rock album is much more to my taste. Re-uniting with the Attractions is a good thing, and I enjoy the relatively unadorned rock presentation, but the songs seem under baked, and there are plenty of other EC and the Attractions albums that are better. Why is this one essential listening? I loved 'When I Was Cruel' a lot, and think it is a far better example of later-period EC rocking out. Love EC, but this album is a bit "meh", really. Maybe I'm being too harsh. Even a mediocre Elvis Costello album is still pretty good, so I am giving this 2.5, rounded up.
I’m an Elvis Costello fan but I’ve never heard this album before. There are definitely a bunch of albums of his that I’d put on this list and this isn’t one of them. But I still enjoyed it. His lyrics are often a pleasure. And just as often, his words get in the way of the music. He’s a smart writer but I think he can overwrite his lyrics sometimes (especially on a mid-career album like this). “20% Amnesia” was cool because he tries something bold and different with that song, which I like. A full band sound suits him better than a stripped down style in my opinion. His singing takes on a little extra sneer when he has a rock band behind him. (Or maybe his sneering just sounds more at home with a louder sound.) I’ll confess that part of my enjoyment of these songs was hearing echoes of other, better Elvis Costello songs in them. But that’s part of the fun of being a fan of an artist. You enjoy the mediocre stuff because it reminds you of the great stuff! 🤷🏻♂️😎 Fun songwriting observation that I’m sure amused Elvis Costello: this album has songs called “Pony St.” and “Rocking Horse Road.” 🐴
I like Elvis Costello. He's never been too frequent of a listen for me though and I think this album might highlight why. The genre's inside are like rock/indie (specifically different from "indie rock") with a tinge of light punk and a tinge of 1950's rock. I like acts that do their own thing but also at times when I want to hear a punk band I'll listen to a punk band or when I want to hear an indie rock band I'll do that. And for some reason when I listen to his stuff I often get the sense that it's nice tunes at a foundational level but the blend isn't often a good blend for me. Now that's not to say that this is bad, and I really do respect and value genre bending, I think it's just some stream of consciousness philosophizing on why I wouldn't have gravitated towards his stuff at times in my life. At first listen I find that his songs are actually pretty attractive and easy to get. His voice is unique and yet not so much to be distracting, and the guitar work is always cool. "This is Hell" is a track that I wasn't sure if I would like it from the start but ended up really enjoying it. The chord progression and melody sit together so well. I keep looking for albums on this list that have very low play counts. I want to see an album some day that has like only a few thousand listens. Most of these have hundreds of thousands (accounting for only Spotify) and I'm sure it's skewed towards newer acts somehow as I bet acts prior to the 2010's had uncountable amounts of listens on A-tracks and CDs and cassettes. This one has some pretty low ones- like track 15 "Favourite Hour" has 81k and it's not too common to see songs that are under 6 figures in play counts. Overall it's a 3/5 for me. Pretty middle of the road and I mean that in a nice way.
Good! Weaker than some of his other work though in my opinion.
I've always wanted to like Elvis Costello but apart from his early stuff he just seems to get blander and blander. It's inoffensive and well played and produced but there's no spark for me.
It's decent but far from great. I have bought multiple Elvis Costello albums, but once again, this album shows the British bias of the "1001 Project". This album reached #2 in the UK, #34 in the US, and elsewhere... crickets. I like Elvis (again, I've paid money for his albums), but this doesn't deserve to be in the "1001 Albums" list. If I never heard this album before I died, I would not have missed out. On RateYourMusic.com, out of Elvis' studio albums, this is ranked by listeners as his *13th* best. It's very average. I did not enjoy having to finish the album. Nothing stands out. It's meh. I admit to being in a bad mood while listening, but this didn't help -- instead I found myself thinking "How average! And it goes on for four more minutes!" 2 1/2 stars. I'll be generous and round up simply because it was not bad, but it was mostly boring, which is almost as bad.
I knew Elvis Costello had a long career, but gosh, how many records could be released with the same sound? Don’t get me wrong, the guy rocks, but think that the formula sometimes makes you feel tired. Even the stones and the Ramones expanded their ways record after record (maybe AC/DC did not) but with this one, our loved Elvis pretended to keep us listening to My Aim is True even almost 20 years after the original release. Again, love that record and the next 2, but this one-Brutal Youth- lacks a spark… I may come back to some of these songs if I happen to find a Costellogist out there and want to come across as a connoisseur.
Typical Elvis Costello sound. Nothing really stands out on this one. Not nearly as good as some of the earlier stuff. Still a pleasure to listen to, but I don't think I'd seek it out.... 3/5
Another solid entry but it dragged too long.
Rating: 6/10 Best songs: This is hell, You tripped at every step
I know the song This Is Hell from Gilmore Girls. I honestly like his earlier albums better. This isn't bad and I may end up liking it more on further listen.
3/5.
I like later Elvis Costello but this album is a bit too punk for me
A bit boring but still good
It's an Elvis Costello album.
This is a solid effort from Elvis Costello. I gave it a really good long audition of at least 3 or 4 listens under varying conditions. Admittedly while I found it pleasant each time it did take time for individual songs to announce their presence, though This Is Hell did hit immediagtely and remains a standout track. Other favourite songs; Pony Street, Kinder Murder and Sulky Girl. So while not as immediately impressive as his best efforts with no really GREAT songs, it deserves a listen especially if you like Elvis Costellos middle period (ie Blood and Chocolate, King of America, etc...) 3.5 stars
Better than I expected, a lot of it sounded a bit samey but enjoyable all the same
How much Elvis Costello is there on this list? It's about as fine as the last one. He has a fetish for 50s Americana and puts on a silly accent, his lyrics are plain and sometimes mundane. Musically well structured but unexciting. He feels alone, but I'm not sure why. I think it's because he's pretending to be someone he saw in a magazine and must know, deep down, he hasn't quite gotten away with it
This is definitely an Elvis Costello album. You get what you pay for and you get your money's worth. This is not a bad thing as I love Elvis Costello's unique brand of agit-pop and his work is consistently great. I am just wondering if this something that is essential enough for this list.
I live Elvis Costello and this album was good, but nothing on the album really grabbed me as a stand-alone track like some of his other albums
Nothing particularly wrong, it's just a bit Elvis-by-the-numbers.
decent
This is the second Elvis Costello album that I've gotten and I can definitely get into his music easily. Not bad at all, will probably give this another listen!
Popmuziek, maar voelt een beetje 13 in een dozijn. Prima muziek die me een beetje aan Weezer doet denken. ***
meh
I've never been a fan. I appreciate that he is a very good songwriter. But his music kind of reminds me of that one friend who records their songs on a cassette deck and then pulls it out at a party and wants everyone to listen to it, and it just kills the vibe.
It's a nice album. Good cerebral songs.
Elvis Costello. again. Roll up my sleeves as I think this is finally the last one in the batch, and well it's the one of the most listenable as a whole. His nasal voice and awkward song concepts are still there, but there are few standout tracks here and there. Costello has better songs, but the albums they rest in are uneven. This one is a bit more of an all rounder - but I'm all Costello'd out by now. He's good, but not good enough to have his whole discography here.
Not in my top 10 of his…but still worthwhile tracks…and his least is most musician’s “more.”
Bon j'ai écouté les 3 premières chansons et je reconnais clairement le style. On ne se trompe pas. c'est quand même plus rock que les 2 précédents albums que j'Ai eu sur la liste. J'aurais tendance a dire que j'aime mieux cela. Ce la doit être plus tôt dans sa discographie 3.5
Ok, kind of middle of the road
Je dois vraiment m'habituer à son style parce que c'est mieux passé que prévu. Toujours pas 100% sûr d'être fan, mais je comprends un peu plus l'impact qu'il a pu avoir.
One of the nicest outcomes using this app has had on me is that it helped me revise my judgment on Elvis Costello. Don't pay too much attention on the reviews I've left here about *This Year's Model* and *Armed Forces*--I just needed a little more time to digest Costello's peculiar aesthetics in those early records of his. In spite of my initial reluctance, I actually went back to those LPs to finally understand what's great about them. So I guess you can add one point to the grades I've left at the end of those reviews (update: I'm editing them right now). Sometimes, a day is not enough to understand somewhat convoluted sorts of songwriting that are actually stellar once you get the hang of them (see also: Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Vampire Weekend or Lana Del Rey). That being said, and this time I'm dead set I'm not making a mistake here, I don't think *Brutal Youth* should be included in a list of 1001 essential listens. This record is decent and generally well-crafted, of course (because, hey, it's Elvis Costello here), and the first four tracks are lively and witty enough to give you the idea that you're in for a great ride. Yet, unfortunately, and apart from "20% Amnesia", everything after soon becomes a little too drowsy and self-indulgent. Costello does what he usually does, i.e. penning sophisticated lyrics that are sometimes too obtuse and smart for their own good, along with composing middle-of-the-road pop rock tracks that are as much a showcase for his harmonic skills as they are easy on the ear. The problem is that in more than the two thirds of this LP, you can't help feeling that none of those songs are really memorable, at least not in the way its counterparts were in Costello's more famous LPs. Besides, the vocals sound a little off sometimes, as if Elvis's intentions as a singer were not that clearly defined during the recording. It's a problem that also plagued an album such as *Blood & Chocolate* before, but at least you had a highlight like "I Want You" in it to make up for those shortcomings. There are a couple of highlights in *Brutal Youth*, I'll grant you that. But they aren't as good as the song I've just quoted here, and they're certainly not up to the level of *most* tracks on Costello's early records. To put it in a nutshell, it's hard for me to imagine many casual and even not-so-casual fans of this artist actually singling out this album. So, next, please. Number of albums left to review: 750 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 124 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 62 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more important): 65 (including this one)
Some really strong songs, but didn’t blow my socks off as an album. But it’s still Elvis Costello.
Kinder Murder is something else. Not an album I'm familiar with, but I recognise some of the songs. Some of this sounds very 1994 but not too dated and still unmistakably Elvis Costello. Together this seems to work very well. Probably a bit overlong. Enjoyable.
The list has made me a Costello fan, even tho there is too much of it here. This Is Hell is the highlight from this album, because isn't it tho??
I like Elvis Costello but this album is almost too polished in a way compared to what I expect. Definitely more of a fan of his earlier 80s stuff.
I quite like Elvis Costello, it turns out, although this wasn't as infectious as some of his other albums
You know when someone labels the Christmas presents wrong and you are given a lovely floral scarf, which would really suit aunty Susan? That's how I feel about this. In this metaphor aunty Susan has perfectly good taste, by the way. In an alternate reality, I had a flatmate who was obsessed with Elvis Costello and I learned to love this album along with the rest of his back catalogue, and I could carry off a floral scarf with panache and lavender eau de toilette.
Witty lyrics from a disgruntled wise man.
Though I have listened to most of Elvis's albums, I hadn't actually completely listened to Brutal Youth. I rank his first four albums high in my "must-hear" list and his output of quality music has been extraordinary. Brutal Youth isn't among his best, but it's still a constantly good record, with a few standout songs. Overall, he has a lot better albums (which will probably show up here soon) and I consider this among his mid-range material that shouldn't be overlooked.
High three.
It was OK.
This was just ok in my book.
Elvis Costello makes his 90s revival with several new ideas, but for the most part, you know what to expect. This is an album for fans: it's not experimental but more-or-less the same type of New Wave music he'd been making with the Attractions since the 70s. More fuel for pleasure. Classic New Wave music. I'm a fan of his voice and optimistic instrumentals, with jazz influences and sick keyboard effects. None of his best songs are here, and there's many boring ones (and it's also too long), but there's a lot of quality. Favorites: Kinder Murder, This is Hell, Clown Strike, 20% Amnesiac, London's Brilliant Parade
Our fourth Elvis Costello album. And it really doesn't change the opinion I have from the first three in any way. So here goes - my opinion on Elvis Costello, applicable to at least 4 of his albums: Good singer. Mostly boring songs with a few standout tracks or part of tracks. Unfortunately, not enough to carry the album though. Too much filler. Production pretty bad (although better than on the other three).
I can tell this is well written and put together, I wanted to like it, but found it mostly dull...it seemed to get better towards the end, which may be a sign Costello was growing on my, but I'm not sure.
Really not bad but damn it felt like 3 hours
Some decent individual songs but plods along, especially when compared to the energy of My Aim is True
Not bad but not impressive either
Reminds me of Cliff Richard's dick. Soft.
Top Red is Elvis.
Not as good as his earlier albums imo
Interesting! I'd never seen this featured in any list before and I am not sure if it's considered as a classic. First thing that struck me is the intricate vocal melodies Costello is capable of. Yes, I already knew, but for some reason this seems to be particularly stressed on this record. Second, whenever I play a Costello album most of the times I find myself thinking about Blur. In 1994, Elvis Costello reunites with the Attractions and kind of goes back to the more nervous sound of their beginnings. There is room though for delicacy (You Tripped At Every Step, This Is Hell with vocal harmonies and string arrangements in a very Beatles-y manner, London's Brilliant Parade) It's pretty much a long album and could probably use some trimming down, but the first half is strong enough to keep my attention from wandering.
Still can't get into Costello at all.
It's Elvis Costello.
I wouldn't say this is Costello's finest record, but it's much better than I expected for a later-day album.
I've always reservations about Elvis Costello's music. Something in the way his songs are constructed have always impeded my desire to listen to them. I wonder how I'll get on listening to an entire album? The answer is I liked it ok. I didn't love it. I still don't connect with that rambling structure well. I feel like most songs are run-on sentences. Not something I hate, nor something I will seek out. Guess its a meh from me...
Sounds like a 70s or 80s Elvis Costello album, not as weird or precious as feared. It's OK
Jazzy. But not too jazzy.
Foi me conquistando. Bom.
Some cool tunes but not my favorite Elvis Costello album
He's a little bland but at the same time, the music isn't too bad.
An enjoyable album.
So. Yesterday I had Elvis Costello. Today? Elvis Costello. When I went to the wiki page for this album I found out that this is one of SIX E.C. albums in the top 1001. ...?? SIX! Well screw it, at this point I expect - nay, want - the rest of the week to be Elvis Costello. (OK but really?) Look, I like Elvis Costello. Like. I don't quite get it though (meaning 6 albums?) and this isn't a fair review because now I'm creating some sort of meta-critique of how much he should or should not be represented in a subjective listing of the ~1k most important albums ever. He's not 6-worthy. Not sure anyone is to be fair. I can only assume this one is here because he reunited with his band The Attractions for the first time in nearly a decade. Cool? I mean, it's pretty decent - but I don't know if it's better (or worse) than his other few I'm familiar with. It's...Elvis Costello and if you're familiar with his old work it sounds like a slightly softer 90s version of his 70s material. Which yeah, nice enough. So. Overall, there are some good songs (personal faves: "13 Steps Lead Down" and "My Science Fiction Twin"), but the album is too long (EC was definitely an artist who benefitted from the pre-CD era of ~45minute max album lengths) by about 5 songs, it's not quite as punk/raw as 15 years prior but it's still a fun listen. Kind of an easy 6/10; straight 3 stars. A safe album, aka nothing explicitly bad but outside of a few choice cuts I probably wouldn't go out of my way for it. Then again maybe I've just had too much Elvis for one week...
was ok, nothing wow though - had an expectation that lyrically I would be really impressed but not really
again nondescript
2.8 - I want to like Costello more, but it’s hard to pull off. Tracks like “Sulky Girl” and “Just About Glad” are enjoyable and the lyrical wordplay is fun, but overall his music sounds repetitive and overly focused on his (still unique and quality) vocals. It too often feels just a bit too stilted for me to lose myself in - it’s a very top of mind type of music.
7/10
didn't grab me like I hoped...just okay.
I enjoyed it, didn't give it my full attention really as I was cooking and that but it was good to have on
Not the biggest Elvis Costello fan, but this album was enjoyable. Not memorable at all to me, but still a decent listen. 3.5/5.
I wonder if the first half of 1994 felt as epochally accelerated to live through as it looks now, 30+ years in the future. Nirvana coming to a screaming halt while Dookie takes pop punk mainstream, Frank Black and Kim Deal both going their own ways to varyingly brilliant effect, “Supersonic”, triphop ... transitional moment after transitional moment. And there in the midst of all that maybe not upheaval but certainly dynamism, Elvis Costello. Once again putting out an album of 15 solid, honest to goodness bloody songs. Once again managing to be both behind and in front of the trends du jour. Once again being maybe a little too easy to take for granted. Brutal Youth has songs that sound like The Lemonheads, anticipate Arctic Monkeys and really, really put me in mind of The Cribs. There are crafted pieces that wouldn’t sound out of place on Rubber Soul, and at least one moment where I thought about Fall Out Boy and My Chemical Romance (“20% Amnesia”, obviously). And that’s my experience of Elvis Costello – an artist who, and even by dint of his chosen stage name, is somehow impossible to talk about without in the same breath also talking about everyone else. Beyond iconic, he is synecdoche. I enjoyed this record. And I gather 1994 did too. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
I started off thinking it sounded like any other EC record, same sneery vocals, same mid-tempo mild rockers... Then it kinda got its hooks in me. Great musicianship in the band, and he's singing his lil nerdy white ass off.
More upbeat than the last album of his, less ballad-ey. Really enjoyable.
Apparently there are 6 costello albums in this list. I like his style, I like his music, but...... is he responsible for 6 of the greatest albums of all time? no. obviously he isn't.
Okeydoke
Rock
No había escuchado a Elvis Costello. No dudo que sea un genio, pero este disco se me hizo muy básico. Espero que otros que seguramente van a estar en el listado estén mejores.
EC vibrato fatigue.
Sometimes interesting and unpredictable musically, other times not so much. Sometimes his voice is annoying, other times perfectly expressive. Wasn’t my cup of tea but it wasn’t bad. Faves (not in order): This is Hell, Clown Strike, Still Too Soon to Know, London’s Brilliant Parade, Just About Glad
Mixed feelings on this one... not memorable, i finished listening and didn't even remember half the songs. probably would never listen again but it wasn't terrible... it was just mediocre. 5/10
Vintage Elvis songs. Listening while traveling so I didn’t pay a lot of attention to the album
I found the album to be a little weird. I'm not quite sure I am a fan of his vocals, but it wasn't hard to listen to. The ending got a little slow, but over all it was enough to get me to explore his other music which I think speaks for itself.
good album...never heard of the guy before
Interesting 3? 3.2?
I feel really neutral about this one lol
Typical Costello as far as I can tell. Not bad.
Alt/independent rock. Piano, guitar, drums, solo and harmonized vocals, occasional brass. Clever lyrics and rhyming schemes.
Not superior Costello, by any stretch, but there’s always enough variety, texture, idiosyncratic turns of phrase and weird vocal flexion in any of his songs to last the day, let alone his albums.
Was sceptical at first because it was not what I expected, but there were some really good lyrics, which I really connected to