Reviews (page 4 of 8)
Jesus Christ, another one?
"This is hell"
I own this one already, so I was singing along from the start. Along with Lennon/McCartney, Costello is one of the finest singer/songwriters that Britain has produced (sidenote: check out his collaborations with McCartney - it is exceptional). And so, yes, the songwriting is killer. It's a tight record: Costello plus the four members of the Attractions. You could argue that it's also a bloated album with 15 tracks (was that really necessary?). I have a lot of time for Elvis Costello and while this is not an essential album to include on this list, it was a great way to kickstart my morning.
Please make him stop appearing
This album has a couple good tunes but overall just an okay album, nothing terrible and nothing great. This is a long album at 56 minutes and his vocals do get a bit grating by the end. I am not sure why this is included in albums I must hear.
I thought that I was really liking this album, then a third of the way through most of the songs sounded too similar. He has a cool voice though.
Boring
Although not a huge Costello fan, I do like his early records "My Aim is True", "This Year's Model" and his '80s album "Spike". His work with the Attractions didn't go unnoticed by me, too. I still play "Armed Forces", "My Aim is True", and "Blood and Chocolate" at times. But for some reason I never heard of this album, nor listened to it. After listening, I must conclude that I didn't miss much either. why this is on this list, together with apparently 5 (!) other albums, is a complete mystery to me. It's Costello, and it's competent but lacks the fire of his late '70s work or the adventurousness of Spike. Overall this is one of his weaker and bland productions, so to me it doesn't seem justified to be on this list, especially regarding all his other albums on this list. 3/5
Was ok
Didn't know him but really liked
I am surprised by this album. I ended up liking it quite a bit. I particularly liked the song "Clown Strike" which is the first time I've heard it.
just sick of this guy
Boring, didn't vibe with this at all. 2/5
Can’t say I ever gave Elvis Costello much consideration, so let’s take the chance to do that. Looking at the release date this is much later than the start of his career, so more of a late career effort than an early classic. Wow how come I’ve never listened to this before. This is all of my favorite music rolled into one. Emotional singer songwriter punk. Punk energy and earnest, power pop hooks and folk rock feel and soul. This is so beautiful. My new favorite musician. Anyway five starts and I’m off to explore the rest of Costello’s catalog.
Really nice album if you employ some active listening. Not Elvis' best and not the best ever but very enjoyable.
Cover sucks Music sucks Wish I had 100% amnesia after listening to this crap
Couldn't get into this. Similar to some of the earlier work but lacking hooks and humour. With the style of delivery this comes overs as shouty and often repetitive.
meh
In the past five days I've had two Elvis Costello albums and Kollaps. What will this do to my spotify recommendations? For some reason, the more I listen to this guy, the less I like him, and the more weird vibes I get from his music. This album certainly didn't change that, and I'm still not convinced he is singing the notes he thinks that he's singing. Favorite track: Guess what, I don't have to pick one. This is an entirely self-imposed rule, and I don't even follow it half the time anyway. (I will add a track to my playlist though, because some things are sacred even in the face of adversity.)
I'm not sure how much the annoying voice of him affected my perspective of this record, but I feel that this album is very stale and bland pop rock without nothing interesting going on. Well, some people mention that the lyrics are good, but I have read them and they don't do anything to me (maybe because I was already annoyed by the singing), but at least they don't come as generic, which is always a plus in my book. Besides the super forced singing, there's also one thing that was particularly annoying to me and I couldn't see anybody else brought up. Why the snare sounds like a can? Is irritating. Is not St. Anger's level, but it can get very jarring in some of the songs. Having said all of that, I don't think it deserves a 1 star. Although boring, the instruments are good enough to not make this a miserable experience, despite of them not doing anything truly remarkable.
A great album. Good pop songs.
Brutal Youth was Elvis' 14th (!!) studio album that still manages to be fresh but also sound dated as well, and at almost 57 minutes - it was far too long. Best: This Is Hell Worst: My Science Fiction Twin 2.5 Stars
a lot going on, might re-evaluate later on
Another great and consistently Costello album. If you like him it's a treat. If not, you probably won't care for much of it though there may be a few bright spots. I, personally, adore his lyrics and music. Singing is hit or miss but usually on. I enjoyed this effort in total.
Definitely unessential Elvis Costello, but it's fine.
I’ve wondered more than once if I’d get into Elvis Costello if I gave his stuff a chance. After my first experience hearing a full album of his, the answer is…maybe.
One song made me think of the Gin Blossoms. It was kind of downhill in either direction from there.
This was ok, but I feel like it both passed me by, and also dragged along a bit. Won’t go back to it, but it was ok.
selv som fan er det svært at retfærdiggøre alle de her albums. meget uessentiel, lyder fint men ikke særlig anderledes fra blood & chocolate, som allerede udkom efter hans storhedstid
Elvis Costello laver jo aldrig decideret dårlige plader, men det her er satme et bizart valg til den her bog!
Make it stop 😭 The worst of Elvis Costello and I don't sat that light, because the rest of his albums are absolute trash as well.
Another Costello album. Still find his voice to be grating and the songs to be boring. I guess I just don't like his music. 2/5 Won't listen again
Rounding up because the lack of killer cuts is more than made up for reasons of lifetime acheivement and by the very high quality throughout (including the high-quality production from Nick Lowe). There's a little return-to-form feel, like EC wanted to show he could bring the vinegar and bile – and it largely succeeds on that front. Top cuts include "Too Soon to Know" and "This is Hell" and "Sulky Girl" and "13 Steps" and "Tripped," each of which has moments that suggest the's about to break into one of his signature cuts (hinting at how much there is to like here, though also leaving one perhaps wanting just a bit more).
An album that I wanted it to be finished on like the 2nd track and then it dragged on for another 50. Not my vibe at all but not abysmally bad
One of those albums that was chosen for its brilliance in songwriting. I can't deny Costello's ability to write a song. However, the rest of the album was quite dull, even if he tries a variation of instrumentation. Honestly, listening to the album made me realise that his voice sounds distinctly familiar to a certain Glen Quagmire...
Not sure this album needs to exist. It brings absolutely nothing new to the table except what sounds like Elvis' voice straining to hit notes within an octave. The tunes are unremarkable but bounce along at consistent finger-tapping pace if you're stuck waiting for your oil to be changed or something. That might be it: every song here feels like it might invade your day in pieces, walking into the coffee shop, playing out of a storefront you're going past, someone listening to this at home (why, though?) with the window open. Anonymous and transient, the kind of noise that fills up a negative space in your life that you never notice, like the hum of electronics or rumbling from the street. And a fuckin' hour of it. Bleh.
We have already established that I don't really like Elvis Costello and this album has done nothing to change my mind on that point.
Fun
22/1001 First listen. Last listen. Not for me. The music is okay. The singing is not.
Mostly boring album for me, it had a couple of interesting ideas i guess, but at times truly unlistenable. Why does his voice get so annoying on choruses? How did nobody in the studio tell him to stop yelling so much? I don’t get it. Not a great start to this listening journey..
Eh
nei vil ikke
Screeech
Why are there six Elvis Costello albums on here? No Louie Armstrong but six fucking Elvis Costello. You need to get your fucking head examined.
Good!
It's not offensive or anything but it does nothing for me. His voice is a little annoying at times. Just very samey throughout, not particularly interesting. All the most mid albums on here are so long too, it seems. 15 of what feels like the same song in a row.
Blergh. I think the last album I listened to had a bit more about it, this one I mostly endured my way through. It’s such a distinctive voice but it has the result of all sounding quite same-y and I found it hard to remain interested. The shoutiness seemed manufactured. Maybe just not in the right mood to appreciate it but a miss.
I think I dislike the feeling generated rather than the music specifically. It seems to be a un-happy common theme with Elvis Costello and me. I find an energy and happiness that lifts the album and lets it buzz along on its cool little journey... I guess the problem some may appreciate this heightened buzzy persona as part of his signature appeal I find the result some form of annoying posturing or fakeness. Some people like fake smiles and high fives and some dont. Not sure I am being fair here but I simply cannot explain it in any other way. The slow parts are dull and the fast annoying and repetitive (like a high five drum). Not a winner for me.
The lines about "Flogging a dead horse" in 'Pony St.' seem surprisingly apt for what I see is the 14th studio album from Elvis Costello. This is a perfectly legitimate musical endeavour but my overriding feeling listening to this is that its just less-good music from a slightly over-the-hill artist. Another phenomenon that I have noticed, which happens when music is overly lyrically lead, is that it sounds as though the lyrics were written in isolation and the music was added in as an afterthought. This album was like trying to munch through a word salad. It's overly long, didn't do much for me overall, and I expect that ECs reputation is doing some heavy lifting regarding its inclusion on this list.
Already heared This Year's Model and Imperial Bedroom during this challenge. I wondered if an album from much later will be as good. It is.
När Elvis återvänder till det han gör allra bäst, new wave pop, är han sensationellt bra, det är frågan om nån gör det bättre. Öppningsspåret, "13 steps..." , "Sulky girl" och "Just about glad" är fantastiska, ytterligare några spår är riktigt bra. Men han tappar också riktningen och såsar till sig och då blir det genast mindre kul, men aldrig dåligt. "Still too soon..." är det enda egentliga snedsteget. Likt många cd-album från 90talet är det aningen för långt, även om låtarna är korta. Han hade med fördel kunnat skippa nämnda låt och t.ex. avslutningsballaden. Det blir en vrålstark trea till Elvis
Elvis Costello är en artist man så gärna vill tycka om. Trots många försök klickar det aldrig riktigt. Det är ofta nästan bra - men når sällan hela vägen för mig. Den slängiga new wave-/powerpopen kastar sig hit och dit och trasslar allt för ofta in sig i sig själv på något sätt. Och jag förmodar att det är precis så Costellos vill ha det, det ska inte låta för enkelt och rakt. Med det sagt, om jag ska bedöma just den här skivan tycker jag att hans tidiga verk är bättre.
Elvis Costello har alltså med 6 album i boken. Och då är inte samarbetet med Burt Bacharach som faktiskt förtjänar sin plats ett av dem. På något sätt har kritikervärlden lurats in i idén om Costello som en av de riktigt stora i populärmusikhistorien. Jag har själv gått på myten och inhandlat diverse skivor på mässor och loppisar. I regel har det blivit en, max två lyssningar innan de sorterats in i hyllan. Det är helt enkelt inte bra nog. Det samma gäller för Brutal youth. Kantigt och skevt. Costellos röst går inte att ta fel på, men jag vet inte om det är till hans fördel. Jag tröttnar rätt snabbt. Låtarna pendlar mellan tråkigt och rent ut sagt dåligt. Tydligen borde man gilla Costellos musik, men här liksom allt som oftast när jag lyssnat på honom gör jag det inte.
Inte Costellos bästa album. Jag gillar Costellos sång men tycker det saknas starka låtar. Några lågvattenmärken som This is hell och 20% Amnesia. Faktiskt inga låtar som är i närheten av att nocka mig. Bäst är nog All the Rage. Det blir godkänt, men inte mer än så.
..
Elvis Costello is one of the great songwriters, and I don't think he gets enough credit.
Elvis sounds like he's got serious nasal issues. Deviated septum? Just a voice that's hard to listen to for 56 minutes.
A surprisingly strong late-era Elvis Costello album,delivering sharp, witty lyrics and punchy arrangements. The storytelling is top-notch, and while it’s not quite classic Costello, it’s a solid, engaging listen that earns its spot on the list.
Elvis Costello, the bête noire of this list. For God's sake, get rid of some of his albums. Four tracks in This Is Hell came on and never was a song more apposite. I am indeed in a hell of my own making, listening to another interminable Elvis Costello album from 1994 which is to me indistinguishable and no further developed than My Aim Is True from 1977. I am rating these albums based on my personal enjoyment and so this, the fourth Elvis Costello album I have had to listen to, never had a chance. One star, take it, get out of here, don't let the door hit you on the way out, and don't come back.
I always thought Costello just wrote wimpy geek music. And, on this album, he does. To an extent. His voice is like dark chocolate. You eat it, don't enjoy it, yet keep eating it. Suddenly you realise it's actually quite good (and good for you). There are moments where he pulls out some punky-ish numbers where he really puts in a great performance. He knows how to write an unusual (yet engaging melody), and I'm not sure how much of the music he played on, but there was some cool guitar/bass work. Wait, do I like Elvis Costello now? Nah, still a bit of music that sits in the stereotype I have/had. 4 Stars.
This is like having a family dinner because it is your grandfather's birthday. Your younger cousin is sitting at the foot of the table, and trying to make everything about her. Nobody is really listening, because there is already a conversation going on, but your cousin keeps talking about all her achievements, raising her voice gradually until you have to stop your conversation and listen.
Was ok but a bit same same in parts. For its time, it seems like others were doing it better
This is my least favorite Elvis Costello iteration: the crooner. Get angry, Declan!
Nice return to the old days for Mr. Costello. A good straightforward rocker. Favorite track: A Kinder Murder
Meh. Not sure if I liked or disliked. Pick middle and move on.
Does this guy have a fucking album for every year of the Earth’s existence?! 4/10
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 was alright. Not sure why this album is on the list? Neither earth moving, revolutionary nor trend setting. I realize I'm not cool enough to like Costello. Beyond Oliver's Army, Watching the Detectives and Alison, everything else of his sounds alright, but nothing I 'appreciate'.
The more I listen to Elvis Costello the more annoying he gets.
It's Elvis Costello. It's idiosyncratic and will definitely divide opinion. I like his music, but I get why it wouldn't be for everyone. Saying that, this one feels pretty accessible for the most part. You can hear bits and pieces which have clearly been influential to other artists, too. Decent, but not life changing.
No standout tracks
2/5
Not as good as I remembered it to be.
Greit nok. Hadde forventa litt høyere nivå fra 90-tallet.
?? really gotta wonder who came up with this list. 2
Genuinely, why did we need another Elvis Costello album? We already had five of them, and this one isn't even one of the good ones. I'm sensing an agenda here.
another album by costello. i listened to this one while i exercised today. despite the mostly peppy and positive sounding instrumentals, this is clearly an album about a midlife crisis. initially when you turn it on, you'll probably think it's all happy but legit as soon as you listen to the lyrics, that positive power turns into nervous power. the whole album is a boulevard of broken dreams, mostly about periods in his life where he regretted or periods where things have gone better. i thought it was a pretty good listen for the most part.
Musique sympa mais sans plus
J'ai jamais regardé friends mais je pense que le générique sonnerait pareil. Rien de bien marquant
First off I’m a huge Costello fan. I consider his first five albums to be masterpieces, but that might be because I was in my early 20s when these albums came out, they were a strong rebuke to disco, which was popular at the time. However, this album is really bad. His classic sound is buried beneath questionable production decisions and haphazard melodies. I recommend listening to This Years Model which was both groundbreaking and better suited to his voice.
There's no denying Elvis Costello's talent as a lyricist, and the music on this album is tight and well-produced, yet, somehow, I just can't seem to connect with the artist's musical style. If I could, it would have been a five-star album for me. As it is, just four.
I didn't really get much out of the lyrics, and a lot of them were really annoying and repetitive. The audio quality was really nice I guess, at least it was notably interesting when I started listening. Didn't really get much out of this one.
This was the first time I had ever listened to Elvis Costello. I have yet to make up my mind on him. I think he could grow on me, but I am not there yet.
Meh
Best Song: This is Hell Elvis Costello is another one the author seems to adore. I'm not going to knock it, he's not bad - simply not my cup of tea all the time like Costello-heads. It's standard rock n roll and fine. The biggest problem is it's replayability, I don't think it's there. Maybe as background music but, for me, there's much better albums I would choose to listen to before this.
Boring. Long. I didn’t think Elvis Costello was even still relevant in the 90s.
Musikalsk metervare af en ringe kvalitet. Det bedste ved albummet er at det får andre skod albums til shine.
Jeg har aldrig følt en sangtekst har ramt min situation så præcist som da Elvis C. sang “This is hell, this is hell I am sorry to tell you It never gets better or worse”. Men jeg har sgu ikke lyst til at vende mig til det. Det må være nogle særligt kedelige mennesker der påskønner Elvis Costello. Musikken er så intetsigende og uinteressant at det irriterer mig. Det er ikke engang dårligt nok til at være en 1er. Toppen af kedsomhed.
When the whole album summary is just listing who played on what tracks you know you’re in trouble. Same when this list is mentioned in the summary. This album had both.
after 6 of his albums on the list, my main elvis Costello takeaway is simply surprise at how consistent his music is. this is not a compliment
Elvis Costello has been a mixed bag for me on this challenge so far. I’ve liked some, and disliked others. This album falls into the former, as I found myself enjoying this more than expected. If I had one complaint, it felt like it went on a bit too long. 3.5 / 5
Maybe marginally better than Blood and Chocolate. 2.5.
This album is an absolute blast. Costello’s energetic and almost zany vocal style immediately grabs you, and the few slower songs throughout the record keep it varied and make for such a fun listening experience. I loved it. Best Track: This Is Hell
Long album that got boring pretty quickly.
The gall of the least original artist since the other Elvis taking a sassy swipe at Julie Andrews. At least she can sing, brother.
Yea man. It’s Costello. It’s rock. It’s pretty good.
So boring and honestly his voice is kind of annoying.
Just okay I suppose. Easy listening, absolutely nothing wrong with it.
It's not for me. This album would have been better if it were 15 tracks shorter.
Elvis Costello is largely inoffensive, but also largely unspectacular. It boggles my mind that he's got 6 albums on this list. I don't get it. This album was...fine, like pretty much everything I've ever heard from this particular Elvis. It was not bad by any stretch, but there is a 0.0% chance that I will ever choose to listen to this again. 3.2
I like Elvis Costello, and this album was good and I enjoyed listening to it, but it eventually gets to the point where every song kinda sounds the same and it's like a single hour-long song. So by the end of the album, I was definitely ready to listen to something else. Good, but kinda needs to be in smaller doses, IMO. Three stars.
Please stop
Superbe album!
I mean, it sounds like an Elvis Costello album. Weirdly timeless - I was kind of hoping he was gonna try to make a grunge album or something, you know, to be hip with the times, but nope. It’s an Elvis Costello album. Nothing amazing, nothing particularly interesting either. I didn’t hate it.
Really solid stuff. More polished than some of his early albums and a good number of hits. My faves: “kinder murder”, “13 steps lead down”, “just about glad”. But really every song is great, end to end.
Not heard this for ages!
The problem with Elvis Costello is that he spent what 20 years writing the same songs over and over and over again, the fact of the matter is he's never written a pet song. But unfortunately, he has so few standouts among the hundreds and hundreds of little diddies. He's composed over the years that they all just meshed together sound the same. Don't stand out. He's never really broken style. I mean, this record has a little bit of crunch in it because it's 1994. But that's about it.
About what I expected it to be
Okay, now I get the reverence for Elvis Costello. I was only really familiar with the big hits and some of his work as a producer, but wow. This is a great record. Easy 4 stars, could likely rise to 5 after a few more listens.
Although "Brutal Youth" was published in1994 when I was consistently looking out for the latest music, I did only recognize the cover but remembered none of the songs. I instantly liked Elvis' voice, but a few seconds later wondered why he didn't book a pro guitar player for recording (or elaborated more at least on the electric guitar tracks himself). Hence, the upbeat tracks (e.g. "Kinder Murder", "20% Amnesia ) sound much like a 90s school band to me. As a consequence, I can recommend the tracks without much electric guitar like "You Tripped at Every Step".
meh.
It's fine. Nothing really stands out for me, either negative or positive.
No entiendo a este hombre. No se lo que me quiere contar. No le niego el mérito musical, pero no me llega en absoluto. A veces me recuerda a ese cuñado que toca la guitarra y dices "pues lo hace bien, pero es que no es mi rollo". Yo que sé, pero no me interesa.
Easy five stars!
Not really my vibe
4/10
Could not get through what I assume is the insinuation of Kinder Murder (Rape and abortion?). Music is OK, some of the lyrics are painful, his voice is not my fave. this is just so damn dark. (hence I guess BRUTAL) Listened before? N Saved tracks? N Favorite track? This Is Hell (If I had to pick one), Just About Glad ⭐️ ⭐️ Didn't like it very much
Volvemos luego de la pausa de ayer con Elvis Costello, artista del que estuve escuchando su discografía durante este año. Suena como un disco de rock alternativo de los 90 pero con las particularidades de Elvis Costello en sus letras, en su forma de componer y cantar. Un tipazo. Hasta mañana, gente.
I love these songs, but still struggle with Elvis' vocals--they've never really done it for me. Still, might be a 4.5
Elvis Costello is an interesting artist to come out of this project for me. obviously has an edge to him but also has a very soft, almost sweet side. not unlike Bruce. and i think when he leans into that softer side he shines brightest. but this was a very nice listen throughout either way
my main elvis costello opinion is why does he say the n word on like every single album. good music though
Lots of interesting lyrics. Not the album I found the most exciting.
Not entirely sure on this one. Low to mid 3? Not as fun as the other costello record I rated but a refined sound
I've not really listened to Elvis Costello, though I do know This Is Hell from an episode of Gilmore Girls. I like the instrument parts and some of the lyrics, but his voice is so off-putting. And there are 5 more of these on the list? Why? Just About Glad this one is almost over. Listened before? N Saved to library? N Favorite track(s): This Is Hell ⭐⭐: Didn't like it, didn't hate it. Saved no tracks.
This is my second Costello album. I thought I preferred this one to the other at first, but then it didn't seem to end. His vocal is annoying. Why doesn't it fit with any tune? And that's every single song. The more I hear, the more it gets on my nerves. After so many songs it just sounds like "uh uh-uh UHH uhH UH-uh-uh uHHhhh." I don't even know what the guy looks like, but I get the impression that he looks like a tosser and moves annoyingly when performing. He'd be good if he was somebody else, because the music isn't bad - I dare say it's even good in places - I can hear the influence on skater punk rock which I love, and that's the only reason this isn't getting a 1 star review. Two of his albums down and I'm really not convinced. Four to go (sigh)...
At its best, this is boring, bland, and inoffensive. At its worst, this is derivative, annoying, and trying way too hard. One or two Elvis Costello songs are fine, but 15 songs all together makes for a monotonous listen.
Pretty classic
Pretty solid.
Ok
Love the singer and the album
1001 albums, but why did over 5 of them have to be from Elvis Costello? I am so confused. This is easily the most insufferable album by Mr. Costello from beginning to end, and the fact it's near an hour long was brutal (ha, get it, like the name of the album!). Giving this a 1 star.
Uhhh. Frankly the amount of Elvis Costello on this list alone should be enough to invalidate the whole concept. I mean, don't get me wrong, I don't mind the inclusion of one or two of his albums; he is talented and made *some* good music. But in the grander scheme, I have not found any of his albums to move the needle that significantly to justify all of their inclusion. The only silver lining here is that I think this is his last entry on the list. Here's to hoping we can enjoy the remaining hundred or so albums in peace... Instant is my hate for Pony St. If the instrumental was isolated it would still be a bad song. But with the vocals this is fucking intolerable. First song I've skipped in a while. The fact that they chose this as a leadoff does not bode well... At least Kinder Murder is less awful. But to my earlier point, this sounds like 20 other Costello songs on this list. Actually enjoyed You Tripped at Every Step, but any good will earned is completely thrown out by 20% Amnesia. Outside of the opener and 20% Amnesia this wasn't terrible. It also wasn't something that I feel like I benefited from in any way. I feel like his music exists in polarizing extremes, where the poles are "this is actually kind of fun" and "dear God make the bad man stop." I for one am glad this one is over; the softest of 2 stars.
Hopefully this is finally our last Elvis Costello album. Six albums is far too many. Thought he would skate by with all 3s, but I couldn't find a 3 anywhere in this album.
That was our 5th Elvis Costello album and it was an hour long.
This is Hell is a pretty good representation of how I feel listening to more Elvis Costello. Vocals are just so bad immediately. Make it stop. I wish I had 100% amnesia. Actually enjoying All The Rage. Worst of 2's. That was not my favorite hour.
Brutal Youth may grow on me, but this might be one of the few instances where I'll rate an album based almost solely on both the production and length. Often, the vocals are placed high in the mix while the instruments are shoved in the back. The result gives many songs an almost empty feeling while fighting against itself trying to deliver the punch it needs. Trimming back the 56 min runtime may have been beneficial. Where this album does succeed, however, is in it's softer and quirkier moments.
Just don't get this one at all. There must be at least six other Elvis Costello albums in the book because this one doesn't have anything noteworthy at all about it. It's a paradigmatic "this guy used to be good" album.
Snoozefest
5/10 - Elvis Costello sounds old timey and it’s not my favorite
I do not like Elvis Costello
Brutal lyrical prowess from the one and only.
De 5e keer dat ik de verkeerde Elvis mag luisteren. Ik heb nog geen enkele keer de grap kunnen maken dat ik me met z'n album Costellijk vermaakt heb, wat ook een beetje schuurt. Ik geef het gewoon weer een kans. Ik zet het gewoon weer aan. Na 10 seconden: Ohja, zo klinkt die lul altijd. Ik weet alweer genoeg. De liedjes zijn helemaal niet onaardig, maar wat trek ik die man slecht zeg. Ontzettend vervelende maniertjes heeft 'ie. En dan is het ook zo gemixt dat die stem er helemaal los bovenop ligt in plaats van een beetje verweven is met de muziek. Ik kan hier weinig over typen wat ik niet al eens eerder getypt heb. Behalve dan dat ik deze liedjes serieus best wel aardig vind. Wat ik bij nader inzien ook al bij twee andere albums van hem getypt heb. Zie je wel.
Oh look, another Elvis Costello album. You want to put 2 of his albums on this list, fine. Three? You're pushing your luck. Six? Well, that's a tad excessive. This was nothing shy of... ordinary.
Perceived rating. Will listen when able
Strong no thanks on this.
i always had suspicions that elvis costello was a little twerp and thanks to this exercise they have been confirmed. this was almost entirely sleepy (derogatory). the couple standout moments were such a relief.
The editor of this list said, I believe, that he wanted to highlight excellent singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Elvis Costello. Which makes it feel like an extra double kick in the pants to find things like "Costello wrote "Sulky Girl" shortly after a one-day writing spree by Costello where he composed six of the songs that would appear on the Brutal Youth album." about this record, one of six - SIX!!!! - by Costello on this list. I think I find my annoyance with Costello so frustrating because he should slot in well to the music that I like but I just can't get over it. He feels like the exact type of dude who would show up kinda late to a party and he'd be nice and all but he'd also be like "you know fun fact! ☝️ these corn chips are blue because the corn is blue, corn comes in all sorts of colors" and you're like riveting contribution Elvis, yes, we're all adults here who know about corn.
A voice like a sneer Sinatra and Sid Vicious Trying to play nice
Though not up to the standards of some of his 70's and 80's albums, this is a very good, melodic return of the band work with the Attractions. "13 Steps Lead Down" is a banger and the songwriting is in good form here.
I'm pretty lukewarm on Elvis Costello as a whole, I like his singles, but did not like this, it felt really uninspired. I'd rather listen to something a lot rougher around the edges but interesting than something this technically sound and boring. Virtually nothing grabbed me in 51 minutes of music, rough going. And I read that theres six total Costello albums on this list..what the hell. Was the deciding panel literally just a bunch of middle aged white english blokes? My Aim is True is a great one but even big fans cant think hes THAT important
Let me just say, it is VERY difficult to get me to give a 1 as a rating.
Pony St. 3.6 Kinder Murder 4.1 13 Steps Lead Down 3.8 This Is Hell 3.5 Clown Strike 3.5 You Tripped at Every Step 3.4 Still Too Soon to Know 3.5 20% Amnesia 3.3 Sulky Girl 3.4 London's Brilliant Parade 3.5 My Science Fiction Twin 3.3 Rocking Horse Road 3.4 Just About Glad 3.4 All the Rage 3.2 Favourite Hour 3 Score: 3.46
Of the six albums of Costello on the list this is without doubt the one too many. It's really not a strong album, I don't understand at all why it's in the book. The album kicks off pretty okay and the second song, 'Kinder murder' is by far the strongest song of the album. That's a true classic. But starting with the fourth track, 'This is hell', songs are only mentionable because they are weak. 'You tripped at every step' or 'Still too soon to know"? Pffff. '20% Amnesia' seems like a nice remembrance of Costello's early days, but the production is horrible. It's only drums, a bit of piano and some Swordfishtrombones-like guitar where punky, distorted guitars should have sounded. Six albums on the list is a lot, and this one doesn't belong there. I guess a couple of the early albums that aren't mentioned should have been more in place than this one. It almost seems like Dimmery and his team have a bit of a knack for Costello...
There were three or for songs I liked. The rest was bland. Fine for background music, that’s all. The best tracks were all near the end of the album, but pushed my rating up from 2 to 3.
I hope his other albums do it for me more than this one. His voice is grating. Two stars for one or two nice songs and a few good lyrics.
At somepoint in the late 1990s the hotshots at VH1 decided that we all needed WAY more Elvis Costello in our lives. Surely he's one of the most singular and important artists of his day, widely beloved and full of creative energy! No, he was just despertate to get on TV and show off his collection of embarrasing hats. Dude made 2-3 good albums in the 70s and we're meant to care about his long career making the blandest say nothing mid tempo rock? I don't think so, pal. This isn't aggressively bad, it's just relentlessly dull.
Thank god I never have to listen to another Elvis Costello album ever fucking again (this was album 1088 for me).
Elvis Costello is one of those guys I've always heard a lot about, but have never heard much of his work. Listening to this album kind of makes me feel like I didn't miss much. I suppose he's on the cusp of this whole folk-punk-rock spectrum, and perhaps that was important at some point. By the time this album came out in 1994, I'm not sure it was saying much. Music had moved on by then. I'm sure some of his earlier albums will be on this list, and maybe they are better. A couple songs are alright, like 20% Amnesia, but mostly this just sounds like nerd rock or something. I just don't get it. 2/5
The other three albums I already listened to on this list were way better and were recorded before this one. Bland, uninteresting, uninspired.
Had a great time. I like Elvis Costello a lot, and this album made me want to listen to him more than I actually do. Lots of great, soulful songs on this.
Really didn't enjoy this one. I can hear how he may have influenced a bunch of bunch of bands I've liked in the past, but I couldn't get into this one.
Oh fuck off. Three more of his nonsense left on this list.
Meh
Prior to listening to this album I couldn't have named a single Elvis Costello track. I still can't. This is mildly better than the dross from the past few days but really am starting to wonder who came up with the 1001 albums. Reading through other reviews, there are 8 more EC albums to go :-( On a list of 1001 they made space for nine albums by the same artist? NINE?!
Didn’t expect it to be this good.
I liked this one the best as a known Costello hater (2.5/5)
A good enough album that I listened to it even though I know I've listened to it before. Costello is good at what he does. But what he doesn't isn't quite my cup of tea.
All good enjoyable songs but trouble is they are all a bit the same. Now 5 albums into Elvis’s vast catalog on this list I can say that this is a common theme about his music. Very competent musically but all have his very recognisable trademark which does begin to get weary after a few tracks. Last album I had of Elvis was Armed Forces which is head and shoulders better than this. That was a high watermark so a bit unfair to compare. So this is a middling sort of album. Nice to hear but forgotten about after a while and if you were to hear one of the tracks on this album in isolation you’d be hard pressed to identify which album it was off. 3/5 22/8/25
3/5. Better than I expected.
Good enough, nothing really sprang out at me
This album has that millennial tv show intro music, especially "13 Steps Lead Down". It is overall alright, nothing too exciting and at times a bit meh, but it's alright, as it's pretty chill.
Cool Costello's transition towards the 90s
It was just so boring. And, once again, he apparently felt it was artistically important to use the n-word.
Please. It hurts…
I loved the meta commentary on the album’s listening experience in “This Is Hell”. All my homies hate Elvis Costello.
I’ll admit it, I’ve had 3 Elvis Costello albums come up so far on this list and I’m getting tired. I enjoyed the first one but I had a few reservations, then the second album came on and I appreciated the old school rock n roll sound, but his voice started to get alittle grating, and now at the 3rd album I’m just to tired of his voice. He’s not a bad singer but I don’t find his voice endearing like other “not a singer” type singers. I will say that this album once again had great instrumentals with the super vintage rock n roll sound. But that’s all I get out of this album. I only ended up saving 2 songs out of the whole album.
At some point this album almost started to sound like gibberish to me. His voice and the pacing of the songs all started ro sound too similar, mushing together. I dont hate his music, nor am I fan but this didn't land quite as well as I hoped it would.
This album doesn't seem very well received, either by critics or fans. So, why the hell is it here? Dumb. It's really a waste of space on this list. I already struggle with the Costello albums everyone likes. I just think he's lame, I don't think he did anything better musicians hadn't already done. And the fact that he has SIX albums on this list is just messed up. I'd rather have had six Billy Joel albums on this list and that's saying something.
Was not my jam at all. I like Mr. McManus' early output (My Aim Is True, This Year's Model) and a few later albums here and there, but this was way too sterile for my taste. Also, his singing always reminds me of Quagmire from Family Guy, so it's really difficult to take him seriously when he tackles serious subjects in his lyrics. It's nuts for me that anybody thought this album has a place among the 1001 I should listen to before I die.
I am not an Elvis Costello fan and this album did not win me over. I appreciate a lot of his lyrics and songwriting but I just can’t get over his voice. I think “This Is Hell” would be the only keeper for me although I appreciated tracks like “Sulky Girl” and “London’s Brilliant Parade”. I wouldn’t recommend or listen again unfortunately.
This particular album wasn’t bad it was easy listening but I’m just not a real Costello fan , to me he’s like between Eric Clapton and Buddy Holy but not as good as either with that being said I didn’t hate listening to this album I don’t think I would play it but I won’t walk away if I hear it ..
I think I’ve only heard this once or twice in my life, but really enjoyed it. Felt like a really strait forward rock album, but felt true to Elvis and his vibe. For me it isn’t anything special, and I may not select it to play in mixed company, but would fully enjoy if someone else selected it.. Highlights for me were This Is Hell and Sulky Girl.. both excellent tracks!!
The album leans heavily into a pop-oriented sound, with certain tracks carrying a strong Elton John-like flair. The songwriting foundation is solid, but I found myself wishing for rawer production. It would have aligned more with my tastes and given the music more bite. The drumming stood out as excellent throughout, though in the earlier tracks it sometimes felt a bit disconnected from the rest of the instrumentation. By the time This Is Hell arrived, however, the percussion felt much more cohesive. I especially enjoyed how the drums and bass complemented one another on that song. Overall, I did enjoy this album, and it grew on me with subsequent listens. I understand why it earned its place on the list, but it ultimately doesn’t match my production preferences. While I probably won’t revisit the album, I can appreciate its strengths.
This is extraordinarily boring and vanilla punk. This seems like the type of music someone like my sister would listen to and proudly announce that they are still cool.
EC is liked by ppl who feel they are cool. I've never been cool. EC cannot be liked by me.
Like the last 17 Elvis Costello albums I’ve gotten here, this was pretty good. That’s all.
not a fan of this at all i don’t even know how to describe it. it’s like music that gives u an ick. leave m alone
This was my first time ever listening to Elvis Costello. It was a good album…Not enough to add to my liked songs on Spotify or anything. But I am interested to listen to more of his albums, which I see from reviews I will have plenty of opportunities to do so! For some reason my favorite song on this album was 20% Amnesia. I think I liked the beat. 3.5/5
Never listened to Elvis Costello but had heard of him. Very middle of the road stuff for me. Nothing offensive but nothing exciting either.
this sounds like a movie adaptation of a rock musical (with an actor who is not as good at singing). or perhaps the kind of music that a fictional band in a movie would play
nešto slabiji kostelo nego inače :/
Another Elvis album, but I hadn't heard this one before. I quite like it! Liked Songs Added: Kinder Murder 13 Steps Lead Down 20% Amnesia
It's just fine. Not worth 2 listens though
I almost liked Rocking Horse Road, which saves this from being a 1, but the rest of this album was just so annoying to listen to.
I really enjoyed this. Songs have been stuck in my head for a while.
No standouts
In theory, I could tell this song was really well made, good songs, good production. But I just couldn't get into it. Maybe I'm more nostalgic to Elvis C's older songs and don't have the same memories attached to his newer stuff
Favorite Track: Kinder Murder
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I quite like Elvis Costello, though missed this album. Seemed to reprise sounds from a few of his earlier tracks - pretty good ones though. Not sure I need to add it to Olivers Army, My Aim is True etc
Not my favorite Elvis Costello albums but enjoyable in its own right.
Scoring this album reflects that (a) I am reviewing the album as a whole, and (b) that Elvis has 6 albums in the 1001. I really like Elvis Costello, but when there are 6 of his albums and none from other artists I love, the premium I might unintentionally give to a favored artist rather than the album, is gone. Expectations are the price of mass adulation. This album is a good, but not great, example of Mr Costello’s work. He’s a great songwriter and a talented musician. The songs sound … like Elvis Costello songs, and that sound is well represented on the 1001 list. There’s nothing remarkable on this album and I wouldn’t play it by choice. Maybe I’d come to like it if i listened to it a few more times. I don’t know why it’s on the 1001 list. Judging it as I would any other album here, it’s a 2.
This is fine. Decent variety.
I’m a big Elvis Costello fan but this doesn’t seem like it should be on here.
Shite. Everything he does is pure shite
picks: this is hell, sulky girl
Elvis Costello's 14th album, cheesy power pop/alt rock. Singing is decent but most of the rest is fairly forgettable.
This is fucking shit. Very annoying. Laughed at some bits 😅 bumps it up to a 2
Billy joel but worse imo
Even though I’m not a big fan, I had hopes his songwriting craft would win the day. Sadly I just didn’t find much here to really pull me through that.
We all need to stop pretending Elvis Costello is worth listening to.
Better than Imperial Bedroom but not as good as This Year’s Model.
There’s 6 albums of his in this. They all sound very similar to me, dont really get it too much
1994. I'm starting to question the selection process of the curator. Seriously, is Elvis Costello really deserving of six entries in this process, yet nothing from say Cardiacs, who are arguably far more influential? Anyway, this was bang average at best, and perhaps a little dull and lacked interest. Heard before ❌️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ❌️ Average ★★☆☆☆(4/10)
192/1089 - Cool instruments, bad voice. Switched between this is pretty good and this is total shit a lot.
Again, Mr Costello used some sounds that were common (Alt Rock) at the time of this Album. It’s good he did, otherwise the songs would have been too similar. Fav: Kinder Murder
Maybe it's because I was startled to learn there are SIX (!!) Elvis Costello albums on this list, and maybe it's because I (unfairly) associate his '90s output with his crooner phase, and maybe it's because this album just isn't that great, but Brutal Youth did next to nothing for me. I was eager for it to end.
Another competent album from Elvis Costello on this list. Totally unnecessary.
Really good. Was hovering over the 4th star and it maybe just went on a bit too long. Will need to revisit this one for sure
Another mystifyingly overrated artist.
I love Elvis Costello, and yet, this one is not for me. He has done much better imho, and I sold this years ago.
There are interesting ideas here I guess, but the singing is abrasive, the melodies are all over the place and it just doesn't ever seem to go anywhere. I honest don't get it at all. Really did not care for it. I'm 3/4 of the way through it and I can't wait for it to end.
6/10
Again with the "let's give you an obscure and unremarkable album by an artist who has a literal library of more accessible material to choose from". True, in this case the "accessible library" is much smaller than the other artists who have fallen victim to these shenanigans, but still... Anyway, despite giving Elvis Costello plenty of chances throughout the years, I'm not a fan. Furthermore, what I DO sorta like by him isn't here, and nothing here is as good or better than what I do sorta like by him; so, this gets a hard 1 for wasting my time (and nearly a full bloody hour of it, at that). Seriously though, can you honestly say that this album has ANY business being on a list of must hear material? No. And another thing. I'm DEEPLY concerned that the "Album Summary" indicates that there are SIX Elvis Costello albums on this list. Sure, one of his early albums for representation - MAYBE two if compelling evidence could be furnished - but SIX?!?! Dude doesn't even have six good songs, let alone six essential albums. Bollocks! >:(
I liked bits of this. I was bored for bits of this too. I think in the right mood I’d really like it, but that’s not today.
Not my favorite Costello work, and "My Science Fiction Twin" was irredeemable.
Not this guy again
Sixth Costello album done, I didn't mind this one as much as the others. Still don't understand the significance of why this one has to be on the list. Was him getting back with the Attractions that big of a deal? Rating: 3.1
The first “new” Elvis record I bought in the 90s. Loved it then. It holds up pretty well. Some great songs, and even a mid Elvis Costello album is pretty good.
I wasn't really going for it off the bat, but it certainly grew on me.
Im honestly unsure how this album made it on a list like this. Not an awful album but probably one of the weakest on this whole list. I would say the singles were the correct choices but Costello really can’t do slow songs. 1. 13 STEPS LEAD DOWN 2. SULKY GIRL 3. KINDER MURDER 4. YOU TRIPPED AT EVERY STEP 5. LONDON’S BRILLIANT PARADE 6. THIS IS HELL 7. PONY ST. 8. ALL THE RAGE 9. JUST ABOUT GLAD 10. 20% AMNESIA 11. CLOWN STRIKE 12. MY SCIENCE FICTION TWIN 13. ROCKING HORSE ROAD 14. FAVOURITE HOUR 15. STILL TOO SOON TO KNOW
If one of my friends told me that they liked this album, I would have to reconsider our friendship I'm afraid. Heck, if one of my family members owned up to liking this slop, then I would probably end up disowning them. I listened to the end, but it was like listening to the same song over and over, a bad song at that. I hate Mr Costello's voice, his lyrics, the musical accompaniment, and everything about this album. I think even the fact that Wikipedia classifies this as Punk Rock annoyed me. This doesn't even deserve one star, but leaving no review score feels bad. But not as bad as the thought of being forced to listen to this drivel again.
Solid chunes. Falls into the category of “do I really need to listen to this aging legend’s 90s output” that afflicts this list. Enjoyed it enough. Won’t revisit.
Á svo erfitt með röddina hans Costello. Finnst hann bara pirrandi. Fín lög þarna fyrir miðja plötu og hljóðfæraleikurinn er solid. Hann er ekki með sjarmann hans Springsteen til að komast upp með þetta act.
Frekar klassískur Costello en vantaði hittara. Besta lag This is hell.
this is the second elvis costello i have gotten from 1001 but i didn't enjoy it as much as the first one, at all. this is pretty cheesy; pony st as the first song is almost nauseatingly so. kinder murder and 13 steps lead down are an improvement but we're right back to it by clown strike. i like costello's good vibes, groovy style, and still enjoyed this as an easy listen, but it didn't land as anything meaningful
My feeling about Elvis was that he should have packed it in after the first album. His first was brilliant and it was downhill from there.
Don't get Elvis Costello at all. I feel dread that there are SIX albums in this list that I will force myself to listen to exactly one time. Maybe I'll finally get it at some point but certainly not this album.
I excitedly bought this album when it came out as it was his first with the Attractions for years, and I still listen to it often. 13 Steps Lead Down and You Tripped at Every Step are as good as anything they’ve ever done, as well as being among the best songs ever written about steps. My favourite here though is London’s Brilliant Parade - one of my favourite EC songs and one that was always playing in the back of my mind in the ten years I lived there. The old Hungerford foot bridge was replaced around 2000 but it’s a tiny piece of ‘my’ London captured perfectly and forever in this song.
Off the cuff remark: I've always quite liked Elvis Costello, but thought I knew a bit more of his songs than I probably do. Particularly as I am not familiar with a single one of these songs and don't know how that has happened. It's not amazing but much of it is great. Standout track: 20% Amnesia Revisit?: Yes.
Bedrövligt ändå. Han sjunger som en kratta. Rösten är inte en sångröst och hans teknik hemsk. Bättre låthantverk jämfört med debuten, men ändå inga tydliga hits. Känns fortfarande identitetslöst, töntigt och som att han leker artist. Och alldeles för lång, andra halvan draggar ordentligt. Det är helt obegripligt att han har den karriär han haft och att han är med i den här listan med så många skivor som är med. Blir provocerad och frustrerad. Kommer lyssna igen: NEJ Bästa spår: kinder murder Betyg Daniel - 3 av 10 ( 1 av 5) Dawid- 3 av 10 (1 av 5)
I felt like this was a solid rock album listen! I believe this was my second Elvis Costello album on here. I enjoyed this listen but vocally there was something off for me with Costello’s voice that kind of turned me off from the album. I’m not sure if I would listen to this again but I encourage others to check it out and see what they think.
usual long winded songs from Elvis. why use 100 words when you can use 500. not a bad song to be honestly
Brutal Youth is the sound of being older, bitter, and smarter than you were when you first got hurt—but still dumb enough to feel everything just as hard. It’s sharp. It’s melodic. It’s a man with an encyclopedic vocabulary and too many jackets, weaponizing his pain through wordplay and very British passive-aggressive harmony. This isn’t heartbreak pop. It’s revenge academia. ⸻ Rating: 4.3/5 Short Review: Lyrically savage, musically snide. Like if your ex became a novelist and wrote an album instead of going to therapy. Favorite Track: “This Is Hell” – because of course hell is other people’s taste in music. And possibly you. Consistency With Me: 8.3/10 Why: The wit? 10. The word count per verse? Godlike. But the emotional core? A little too… warm. I admire the cynicism, but I don’t bleed on vinyl. I just judge the ones who do.
Oh hey. How quaint. Another Costello album. I started off this project not knowing anything about hia music. Then I enjoyed it, or at least appreciate it. And now I'm at the point where, after 4 albums or so, I feel like I'm getting sick of him. Every album sounds the same, stop it. One entry wouldve been enough.
I'm at work Costello, give me something to actually listen to so I can stay awake. This album damn near put me to sleep so many times, my boss almost banned me from listening to this record.
Well, here’s another Elvis Costello album being praised as something better than what it really is. This came out in 94, but it’s basically no different than the music he was making in the late 70s, except maybe not even as good. I want to say it falls short, but honestly, even his late 70s and early 80s work was pretty middle of the road, with maybe a handful of tracks rising slightly above average. By 1994, grunge itself was already starting to wear thin culturally, and here comes Costello still doing the same thing he did 15 to 20 years earlier. I’ve never understood the craze critics and music publications have for this guy, but clearly, he did a great job convincing all the right people in the industry that his music is the best thing since sliced bread. Anyway, the album isn’t horrible, it’s listenable, but it absolutely doesn’t belong on any kind of “top albums” list.
Ah, my fifth Elvis Costello album has arrived. I gave four stars to Armed Forces, My Aim Is True, and Imperial Bedroom, but two stars to This Year’s Model. I like Elvis Costello’s voice, and I really like his approach to the new wave sound. Six albums from him on this list feels like overkill, but whatever. I don’t know what to expect from an Elvis Costello album from 1994, but my curiosity is definitely piqued! Overall, Brutal Youth was okay. Some things worked for me, and other things completely missed the mark, so I found this album to be a pretty muddled experience. There just weren’t a lot of times where everything clicked for me. The songwriting was really strong, and I liked the idea of a more stripped-down sound for Elvis Costello, but there were several moments where I was wanting more out of this album. Having only listened to Elvis Costello albums from the seventies and eighties, it was interesting to hear the evolution in his sound for a new decade. The emphasis on the strong songwriting made this album fit in with singer-songwriters who were prominent at this time, like Sheryl Crow and Jeff Buckley. Despite the strong songwriting, this album didn’t pull me in musically in the way that I’d hoped it would, and I don’t think this album does anything noteworthy for Elvis Costello’s career, nor for music in the nineties. Despite the fact that I found this album to be pretty middle of the road, there were some songs I liked: -“Pony St.” was a great lead-off track, and it did a good job of hooking me in. I loved the guitar, vocals, and organ playing. This is the sort of thing I love from Elvis Costello. -I loved that guitar on “13 Steps Lead Down.” There was a polished grittiness to the sound that I really liked. -“20% Amnesia” was really good. I liked the guitar and piano playing, and I loved the way the guitar built up in tempo and intensity during the chorus. -“Rocking Hourse Road was my favorite song on the album. The stripped-down sound worked the best for me here, and the organ playing was great. This song reminded me of The Wallflowers in the best way possible. I enjoy listening to Elvis Costello, but this was definitely one of the weaker efforts of his albums that I’ve heard so far. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to blast “Pump It Up” and “Radio, Radio.”
ни о чем
I really enjoy Elvis Costello, but I don't think this is his best work (that would be My Aim is True).
Didn’t love this. Was kinda boring. I saw that there are 6 albums on this list so maybe another will resonate more with me.
Very Elvis Costello, no stand-out tracks to me but an album I'll be listening to more
4.9/10
Not a familiar album but after listening it should be.
Isn't there like much Elvis Costello? Like, too much? ...
Oei, veel slechte reviews en relatief weinig streams op Spotify. Maar al bij al vond ik het nog oké. Ben wel fan van Elvis Costello, misschien ben ik wel biased ofzo, maar dit was wel nog een hidden gemke. 3.2
Enough elements of his 70s/early 80s work to satisfy fans from that era, and enough “maturity” and evolution to his lyrics and playing to show he wasn’t just trying to do the same thing over and over.
Very approachable, and worth a second listen, at least.
Pretty good. 3.5*, rounding up
This was incredibly annoying
Previously rated: Armed Forces (3/5) My Aim Is True (4/5) Imperial Bedroom (2/5) This Year's Model (4/5) Blood And Chocolate (3/5) ******************************* My sixth Elvis Costello so far. This is one of the better ones. Best: 13 Steps Lead Down. Worst: Favourite Hour.
It was alright. Liked a couple of the songs. Probably wouldn't listen to the whole thing again on purpose. Best song: This Is Hell Notable(s): Kinder Murder
Nice album had not heard this Elvis Costello one before
It's hard for me to decide between three and four stars for this. I appreciate the artist and enjoyed his earlier output. This isn't nearly as interesting as his earlier material.
An okay album but nothing stood out for me. 3 stars or C-.
It is classic Elvis Costello. The album is well paced with some good songs. Unfortunately I don't like Elvis Costello so some of the album is lost on me.
How much Elvis Costello can one man endure? That’s the question that the authors of this project set out to answer. The answer is like, one and a half MAX
He's trying to sing in cursive but never learned how to join the letters up
Meh
It's decent, but nothing really noteworthy. A few songs are legit bad, but most of the album is just fine.
I love Elvis so much and I also think he’s a little past his peak on this one. That being said the attractions coming back for this one gave the arrangements some of the old charm. Didn’t adore the tunes tho
He says the n word and it shocked me for sure! We saw this at the CD store and it started strong but ultimately fell off. Not super consistent album, Mr!
I can hear the influence from Elvis Costello in a lot of the music that I listen to, that’s come after him. However I think I prefer the music that’s come after him.
I’m usually not too big a hater of Elvis Costello, but really didn’t like this album too much. Second half saved the listen but the first impression was rough. 2.25/5
No esperaba mucho e igual me decepcionó
мне нравится данный старичок
Non proprio di mio gusto
The more I listen to Elvis Costello, the more I like his music.
There's some interesting lyrics here, but musically I don't think it stands out that much. Given Costello is in the list x6 times, this one could've been excluded for something more notable. OK album but nothing more Might've given this 3* but for a fairly middling album it didn't need to be nearly 1hr long, and it sounds quite samey after a while. So it's 2*
Great vibe from Elvis Costello and energetic return to form.
Didn’t listen to the whole thing. Was poppy but didn’t hook me in so much
Charming enough, i found a gem or two here
Costello really sucks at songwriting…
EC has always crammed songs onto his albums, 14 or more - culminating in the vinyl pressing madness of Get Happy with 20 songs in 45 minutes. Here there are 15 songs but it's 57 minutes and boy would this album have been improved by some compression. Otherwise, it suffers from the 'McCartneys' - however much a return to form it is, it's not really offering anything not previously explored. A good enough listen (which cannot be said of all his output of the past 40 years) but inessential. If one of his first six albums is not on the list, hard to argue for this being better.
Extremely generic and extremely boring
Hyvä albumi costelloksi
Meh. Not my cup of tea
This was tolerable, yet a bit scattered. Had no clue what each song was about or was trying to tell me.
I only know Elvis Costello from his first few hits. Oliver's Army. I Don't Want To Go To Chelsea. Watching The Detectives. Pump It Up. All great punky songs. Then he seemed to go all mush. Some song about Roses and a fucking dreadful cover of the Charles Aznovoice song She. I've never listened to Elvis Costello since. I was surprised that this album still sees him still a bit punky. So what happened to turn him back to his roots? Same sneery voice which seems to have mellowed since the early years (although I can do without the new Mariah Carey vibrato). Just the songs didn't really grab me at all. And it suffered from 1990s CD syndrome. "We've got an hour's playing time so we're going to bloody well use it all". Too long. And not enough pull to want to give it a second listen. Sorry Elvis (you're still better than that other Elvis though).
I can’t get in to costello. Just something that bugs me.
I mean it sounds like classic Costello, so cant go wrong. Kinder murder is brilliant storytelling in a song “dreaming of the pigskin’ The whole album just feels balanced.
I’d never heard of this album before but, as a fan of Costello’s early work with The Attractions, had high hopes. I wasn’t disappointed.
My first of the many Elvis Costello albums on this list. The mix on this is weird. If you're wearing headphones at points it sounds like Elvis is shouting directly into your ear drowning out the music. 13 Steps Lead Down is great and I really liked 20% Amnesia because of the slightly off-kilter backing. The backing vocals on This Is Hell are unintentionally hilarious - like he decided to use the worst fake Ringo accent he could conjure up - and it almost wrecks a song I otherwise really liked. My Science Fiction Twin was another track I really enjoyed. I know Elvis Costello is divisive, as a lot of people hate his voice. I am not one of those people. 4/5
meh bi dem albumname hani mer scho chli öppis punkigers erhofft – dem war wohl nicht so 2 schlaftablette für de costello elvis
I consider myself an Elvis Costello fan, and consider his run of early albums as consistently great a run as any artist in popular music has ever produced. Brutal Youth is the first Costello album I’ve been served up from the 1001 list, and it’s not one I’ve heard before. After three listens, I’m confused as to why it’s on the list. It’s fine, but it simply does not approach either the songwriting consistency or fiery impact of his earlier albums despite being in largely the same style. There are a handful of good songs - Kinder Murder, 13 Steps Down, Sulky Girl - that would have fit just fine on earlier albums, but that’s half the record at best. On top of all of that, the production - which shoves Elvis’ voice super high in the mix - is annoying and robs the record of the propulsive energy that the Attractions can bring. There is nothing wrong with this record, but this is the first album I’ve listened to whose inclusion on the list is inexplicable.
When I listened to This Year’s Model (1978), I remembered why I was not a fan. I listened to Imperial Bloom (1981) and I reconsidered. This album brings me back to the beginning. This solo album is definitely different than his work with the Attractions-edgier, more varied-but it’s still not my thing. Pony St. and 13 Steps sounded a lot like the Musical “Rent”. There are a few good songs on here. Kinder Murder was lyrically interesting, and had a good musical flow. The ballads were very ballady, and the latter half of the album sounded like…well… him, or him trying to be Springsteen (Just About Glad). I don’t regret listening but I probably won’t be coming back. More for the Castillo fans…
Random thoughts: * 1001 loves Elvis Costello. * I don’t love Elvis Costello as much as 1001 does. * I find this album and most of Costello’s stuff pretty good but I’m not inclined to seek it out again. * The first 2 tracks were pretty catchy. * I didn’t listen to the rest too closely but did play it through twice.
i haven’t listened to much of Costello’s 90s offerings, but i quite liked this one. good for a Sunday morning listen :)
Much like this experience, every 4th dream I have has an Elvis Costello jump-scare. Jokes aside, I just don't understand this fella. It sounds like the kind of generic rock music you get in cartoons. That's probably a testament to just how influential Elvis 2 is, but I can't get behind it.
No me gusta mucho