Imperial Bedroom

Sure, let’s just put throw in every Elvis Costello album. Great idea.

If i ever see this guy in person i'm beating the shit out of him fr

I believe I have heard this album before for this project (I have a number going at once.) But I am not sure. There isn’t anything to really distinguish THIS one. It’s somewhere in the middle of All the Elvis Costello. Why was it included? Why must I have heard it before I die? Nothing about it, in particular, tells me. Yet, today I had this after listening to Dexy’s Midnight Runners debut for, I believe, the third time. And I realized something that I believe IS important. There is a deep similarity between Dexy’s and Costello in time and place, in style, AND in my abiding sense that they are far, far too over represented on “the list.” I think THIS is Dimery’s bias, right HERE. More than a British bias, per se, I believe Dimery’s real bias is that he’s: “teddy bear tender and tragically hip.” 3 Boolean: ahhhh - null

One star out of pure hatred.

Found myself wanting to be listening to something else after 20s of each song. They start good but then just keep going in the wrong direction

It was okay

I wasn't familiar with this album. I did know and like much of EC & t A. I saw them in concert as part of a larger lineup in the early 80's. I always liked EC's voice. The songwriting is usually quite solid, and they earn quite a few style points.

Another good Elvis Costello album, one I enjoyed more than the first on this list.

Typical Elvis Costello

A welcome respite from the brutal rap and speed metal of recent days. Bland pop that wasn't too popular. I'm know Costello had his curated followers, but I am not one. Again, no pain with this one. Just no gain for me, either.

Yes, this was ok. No real stand outs, but nothing terrible either.

Another Elvis Costello album with 3-4 good not great songs and then a lot of filler

How many Elvis Costello albums does it take to make a list of albums one must hear before they die? I might have guessed one, but have no idea which one. The answer apparently is, too many albums. It's fine, I guess 2.5 stars.

Je dois vous faire un aveu, je n’ai jamais vraiment réussi à aimer Elvis Costello. J’ai beau me faire violence, le bonhomme me laisse généralement de marbre, voire m’agace profondément. Quand j’ai chroniqué My Aim Is True, j’ai reconnu le talent d’écriture, mais l’exercice m’avait semblé étriqué, presque scolaire sous ses oripeaux de pub-rock sur le retour. Quand est venu le tour de This Year's Model, le constat n’était guère plus glorieux : une énergie nerveuse fascinante pendant trois titres, puis ce sentiment de suffoquer sous des flots d’aigreur. Résultat des courses, jusque-là, Costello chez moi ne dépassait pas le 3 sur 5. Et puis voilà qu’arrive Imperial Bedroom, parachuté en 1982 et autant le préciser de suite, je ne suis pas en train de prétendre que ce disque est « supérieur » à la hargne brute de This Year's Model ou aux maladresses fondatrices de My Aim Is True. Les ayatollahs du punk-rock vous expliqueront d'ailleurs avec une mauvaise foi remarquable que c’est précisément l'album de la trahison bourgeoise, le moment où le petit teigneux de Londres a troqué sa bile contre du velours pour aller draguer la critique intello et les radios bourgeoises. Mais personnellement, je m’en contrefous royalement des étiquettes d'époque et des postures d'amertume car ce disque possède une qualité immense, c'est l'un des rares albums d'Elvis Costello où je ne décroche pas au bout d'un quart d'heure. Sur ses premiers disques, Costello fonctionnait comme un pitbull sous amphétamines, aboyant ses névroses au visage du monde en espérant que le vacarme suffirait à masquer ses faiblesse. Sur Imperial Bedroom, le roquet range les crocs, recule de trois pas et apprend enfin à respirer. Ce n'est plus un vomissement nerveux enregistré entre deux portes de cabine de pub, c'est une véritable boîte à musique baroque, complexe, vénéneuse et tapissée d'un raffinement inédit. Fini la production sèche et sans pitié de Nick Lowe qui vous collait les tympans dans le rouge ; ici, le groupe est allé chercher Geoff Emerick aux manettes. Oui, Emerick, l'ingénieur du son légendaire qui sculptait les textures délirantes d'Abbey Road et de Sgt. Pepper pour les Beatles. Le son s'ouvre, gagne en profondeur de champ, se pare de clavecins, d'harmoniums étranges, de cordes caressantes et d'échos spectraux. Là où ses précédents disques m’épuisaient par leur manque de nuances, celui-ci déploie un clair-obscur permanent. Les Attractions, d'ailleurs, ne jouent plus simplement les rouleaux compresseurs : Steve Nieve prouve qu'il est un pianiste diaboliquement inventif et non pas juste une sirène d'alarme punk, tandis que la paire Thomas/Thomas pose des assises rythmiques d'une élégance presque insolente. L’album ne cherche plus à vous agresser par principe ; il vous attire dans un boudoir capitonné pour mieux vous susurrer des horreurs à l'oreille. Car sous ce vernis de grande pop sophistiquée à la George Gershwin ou Cole Porter, le fond reste profondément pourri, et c'est précisément ce qui sauve Imperial Bedroom de la mièvrerie. On ne parle pas de la colère immature d'un type frustré qui n'arrive pas à coucher le samedi soir. Non, ici nous face à l'autopsie glaciale, adulte et impitoyable de la chambre conjugale, ce théâtre pathétique où l'amour vient lentement crever entre les draps froissés. Ce qui m'a permis de rester accroché d'un bout à l'autre sans ressentir cette fichue envie d'éjecter la galette, c'est la maestria avec laquelle les compositions s'enchaînent. Bon, tout n'est pas parfait évidemment, car à force de vouloir caser quinze accords par mesure et de prouver qu'il est devenu un grand compositeur légitime, on frôle parfois la surcharge pondérale dans les arrangements, oui ce piège classique du disque où l'on veut trop en faire pour prouver sa respectabilité artistique. Pour la première fois, je n'ai pas eu l'impression de subir un monologue haineux d'éternel adolescent revanchard, mais d'assister à l'éclosion d'un auteur capable de bâtir un labyrinthe sonore fascinant où l'on a réellement envie de se perdre. Imperial Bedroom ne réconciliera peut-être pas les allergiques absolus au personnage avec son univers, mais pour quelqu'un qui, comme moi, avait toujours buté sur ses œuvres canoniques sans réussir à comprendre le culte qui l'entoure, ce disque fait office d'authentique révélation. Ce n'est peut-être pas son disque le plus culte, ni le plus mythique dans l'inconscient collectif du rock anglais, mais c'est le seul qui a réussi à faire tomber mes défenses et à retenir mon attention de bout en bout sans jamais me donner envie de regarder ma montre.

It was okay, a pleasant collection of easy to listen to pop songs.

Some good tunes here. But not his best stuff.

Very very nice

I enjoyed my first Costello album in the generator but I thought this was awful. Didn't really enjoy any track. Hopefully the next 25 of his albums on this list are better. 2*

I'm an expert on EC, this is a long and at times excruciating journey, and we are all busy people, so let me help you out... First off, let me acknowledge that Human Hands, Kid About It, and Boy With A Problem are not great. But the rest is genius. If you're strapped for time just listen To Beyond Belief, Almost Blue and The Loved Ones, and MARVEL at the beauty, intensity and diversity. Thank you. Don't mention it. The pleasure is entirely mine.

I love Elvis Costello and this album was no exception. Great writing, really cool production. Would definitely dig into further 80s Elvis.

No one writes a melody like Elvis Costello. Because no one SHOULD write a melody like Elvis Costello. I have little to add to the discourse. I’ve said enough in my previous 4 Elvis Costello records. Competently made, but made by someone who is far too worried about being original to be good.

Ok'ish

#494 This was actually pretty good but the usual why are there so many Elvis Costello albums on this list question applies. Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Listen before you die?❓ Fave track(s): Tears Before Bedtime Rating: 6/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Enjoyable albeit not memorable.

interesting, a little blue sometimes (his voice).

As a enormous Elvis Costello fan I recognise that my opinion might be unrepresentative, but this is an easy 5/5 for me. I think this is one of the best albums made with the Attractions. I've listened to it a million times and will listen a million more.

I have a mixed relationship with this guy. I think he's a really interesting singer songwriter with a really unique voice and in nice small arrangements I can really get into it. Here it feels like a parody of himself to me. It feels like the lukewarm washed out version of that cool songwriting voice. The unique social commentary is probably nice and sophisticated, but it just feels rambling to me in this era. There arrangements feel flabby and washed out to my tastes and I wish they had the slightly-posts-punk energy of the first couple of records.

I thought I like Elvis Costello ... apparently I was wrong

7.0/10

Gee, this wee britty bastard can write the dickens out of some ditties.

I don’t know man. I always find myself wanting to like Elvis Costello more than I actually do. This record did nothing to persuade me from this way of thinking.

mperial Bedroom Elvis Costello & The Attractions (1982) Rating: 4.6/5 Short Review: Costello really went all out with this one. Sophisticated arrangements, clever lyrics, gorgeous melodies, and just enough bitterness to keep things interesting. It’s less punchy than his earlier albums, but there’s something wonderfully theatrical about it. Occasionally a little too elaborate, though. Favorite Track: Man Out of Time That dramatic opening, the beautiful melody, and Costello’s emotional delivery. Fantastic songwriting.

I liked this album more than I thought I would. Less crooner than what I’ve come to expect from him.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. no.

I'm a Costello fan but he shouldn't have so many albums on this list and this isn't his best. Having said that, there are still quite a few good tunes. I really like ...And in Every Home in particular as well as the Loved Ones and Human Hands

Standouts Kid About It

Прошло мимо. То есть я его, конечно, прослушал, но оно прошло незамеченным.

A well played arranged and sonic album. Well written songs easy listening but lacks that standout song or 2 that reals you in.

meh

might give it an occasional listen, niche stuff

Fav: Shabby Doll L: You Little Fool 3 What a weird one. I feel about it similar to how I feel about a lot of Baroque art. It’s intricate but I don’t find it compelling. Cover: 3 kind of how I feel about the music Name: 3 I don’t get it Minecraft Parody: Town Nitwit, Piglin Hands, Steve Out of Chunk

What's the attraction

När Elvis hade börjat bli tråkig

Några fina blue eyes soul-moments här - Man out of time och Kid about it i synnerhet. I övrigt låter det som det brukar om Costello, varken mer eller mindre.

Lite mindre New age och lite mer souljazz. Så klart positivt. Barockpopen finns däremot tyvärr fär i allt för stor grad. Någon usp saknas. Har ifrågasatt Costellos utrymme i boken tidigare och gör det även nu. Det är Iätrots allt inget särskilt dåligt album, men absolut inget man måste höra innan man dör.

Som redan konstaterats är det lite väl många Costello-album i boken. Den här gången är produktionen lite annorlunda jämfört med sjuttitalsalbumen. Tears before bedtime är en bra låt. Shabby Doll har ett bra piano. Man out of Time har, inledningsvis, något Springsteenskt över sig. Efter dessa låtar tycker jag albumet tappar fart. Sammanfattningsvis ett ganska bra album, men inte Costellos bästa.

Elvis Costello was going through his moody lounge singer phase on most of this album. This sucks almost as much as all his other albums on this list. His voice continues to be ass and his music is boring as all get out. Yet another 50 minutes of my life I can't get back because of one of the most overrated musicians of all time. Jesus, I still have three of these albums left. Kill me! Low 2/5

I'm quite fascinated by how much there is going on in this album at the same time that there is so little about it, and I should explain myself: Musically wise, this album is very unique and hard to describe. I could say it is singer songwriter, but instrumentally is not just the typical acoustic guitar with some added ornaments. There are a lot of many different elements used, to the point where some parts feel almost like chamber pop , others are very jazzy and there even a bunch of them that obtain a very abstract sense, making the whole album quite entertaining to listen to. So, why did I say there is so little going on? The thing is that, emotionally speaking, I don't really resonate with anything. There is undeniably passion put behind the performances and the very peculiar voice of Elvis Costello, but I never feel anything more that entertainment from the playful instruments. Basically, I don't believe there is much substance in this record. The slowest moments don't really feel specially sad, beautiful or moving, and the most high spirited ones aren't super exciting, so I feel very neutral about the whole experience. Overall, I think this is an album that is heavily carried by its variety and entertaining performances, as I don't find a lot of expressive value.

Infinity stars for this gem of an album!!

So samey. Can't really dig it Best tracks: the first one? Rating: 4/10

By now, I am beginning to wonder if there’s a sinister agenda at play, with someone at 1001 HQ playing a clever game to destroy Mr. Costello’s career. What better way is there to make me never want to listen to another Elvis Costello album than to seed this list with a disproportionate amount of his albums which, while far from terrible, are also far from exceptional enough to justify their inclusion. Prior to this exercise, I knew a couple of handfuls of his songs, and I thought of him as a good lyricist and musician. By now though, I will pretty much avoid any of his albums on principle.

6,8

The best of Elvis Costello is actually really good. This is ok too That is all I have to say about the over represented artiste.

This was pretty good actually. Not a massive Elvis Costello fan but I enjoyed this

A biting a nothingburger this one. It passed by, it wasn’t bad. It definitely wasn’t good either. It was pretty boring all in all. 2/5

The vocals ruin some very nicely arranged songs.

Not really bad. Just boring.

im over all the elvis costello tbh

That year's model wasn't the best

Correcto

Making cool, inventive arrangements for these songs feels like putting lipstick on a pig

love Elvis Costello - my childhood bff loved him too so we listened to him a lot when we were young. imperial bedroom seems to trudge on / peter out in the 2nd half but on the whole it's great!!!

This is like a Progressive advertisement with Flo. Wholesome and quirky. She’s rocking her 50’s teased up, flipped out hair all in white with her signature lipstick and eyeliner. You know it’s her by sight, voice, and style.

The angry young man matures and explores the recording studio with the help of Beatle sonic enabler Geoff Emerick. More of an inspiration than impression - the album is tidy compared to previous outings. While the sonics have been cleaned up the biting wit is firmly intact. This albums kicks off with an all timer - mini skirt waddle be damned - and sets the tone for an album that continues to explore. While I love this album the energy does flag a bit in side two but that is a minor quibble for an album with such an extraordinary marriage of song and production. 4.5 stars

Pretty solid, some really cool tunes in the mix, among some meh ones. Lyricism on point as is usual for Costello.

Eipä oikein napannut millään tasolla, meni tausta musiikkina.

I think this is my 5th album by Costello and I'm not even half way through the challenge. I am bored rigid by him.

i dont vibe with him

Don't love the style. Don't love the voice. I feel like there's certainly a time & place for Elvis Costello, but it's rare.

This is the 4th Elvis Costello album I've gotten and the first to be good enough to merit a 4 star ranking. It has really lush production, a nice contrast from some of the bare bones, more punk influenced production of My Aim Is True. The slower songs don't work as well with his voice, which is my main criticism. I would definitely listen to this again.

Back from another long break for academic reasons and I'm not sure how I feel about this album... Individually the songs are fun and well made, but as a whole it all blurs together. Probably pretty exciting when it was first released, though I don't think it's hitting the same for me. Nothing terrible but nothing that stands out too much either. Loved the production though, as I always do with a full-ensemble band of instruments!

3,5

I am not sure why Elvis Costello gets shit sometimes. I think he is so fun. All his songs sound different, are so well done, and he is so talented. I liked 99% of this album. Actual rating...4.5. Sometimes the stuff is a tad weird. Liked Songs: "Beyond Belief" , "Tears Before Bedtime" , "Shabby Doll" , "Man Out Of Time" , "...And In Every Home" , "The Loved Ones" , "Human Hands" , "Little Savage" , "Boy With A Problem" , "Pidgin English" , "You Little Fool" , "Town Cryer"

Low 4 good listen

Eh

Awesome thing

An Elvis Costello album is a lot like Elvis Costello speaking - starts well, interesting things happening, and things keep happening, and suddenly you realize you’re bored, and it keeps happening, and you start wanting to do other things but it keeps happening and then you realize you’re kinda stuck there until it finally ends.

Not the best

This Art Pop album feels like attending a family gathering with my wife's extended family, surrounded by lots of second cousins whose names I barely remember and whose conversations I struggle to follow. Everyone seems to have an elaborate story to tell, people keep jumping between topics, and there is a certain pressure to appreciate all the little details, even though I am not particularly interested in most of them. The piano, organ, bass and guitar create intricate, sometimes baroque arrangements, while Elvis Costello delivers dense lyrics full of romantic bitterness, clever wordplay and nasal, occasionally whiny vocals. There are moments when I notice the musical craftsmanship, but much of it feels overly elaborate, subdued or simply dull. I find myself politely listening without becoming involved, waiting for a conversation or musical idea that actually catches my interest. By the end, I feel as though I have spent a long afternoon surrounded by people I don't dislike, but whose company I wouldn't actively seek out.

I like the songs, but Elvis Costello's voice is just so boring.

70

442/1089 opening track was a good mood setter and i liked track 2. Shabby Doll is not so much my thing and it irks me that he pronounces “shabby” like “shabba” ling honeymoon is cool and vibey. I also liked Man Out of Time, then it got even better with the outro switch up idk about this one i’m quite torn, it has some strong bits but a lot also just sounds a bit meh and basic to me. It’s a decent album but i def prefer Last Year’s Model i think Town Cryer was a good closer, i liked that one faves: Man out of time, Town cryer, Beyond belief, The long honeymoon 66/100

solid album

Maybe I need to be British to get it.

For me, today marks the milestone of being a quarter through the list, and all of this to say that there have already been four Elvis Costello albums up to this point. With all this aside, this is a worthy addition to the list, as Elvis's witty songwriting is maximized by the beautiful musical arrangements to offer a very interesting experience. 8/10 [KEEP]

One of Declan's best IMO. The Attractions holding it down, great songwriting, the complete package.

This is bland. Really bland. I could agree that Mr. Costello should have an album on the list, but I've already battled through several of his albums in this project and, writing this a couple of hours after listening, I remember nothing of note.

This was alright, I’m suprised I didn’t like it more cause it seems right up my alley but idk his voice annoyed me a bit and tho I did like the instrumentals ( there were some pretty strings) it wasn’t really something that stood out for me. Maybe I would like it with further listens? I think I would listen at least once more to see but other than that it was alright, 3.1224/5

Ground breaking for sure was an inspirtation for pulp who are just above

Costello goes for a fuller production here, with Geoff Emerick giving an air of greater sophistication. I sometimes prefer him a bit rawer, but this does include a couple of my favourite Costello songs: Man Out Of Time and Beyond Belief. I am amazed to learn that the latter was not a single

Bedre enn forrige Elvis Costello-album vi hørte på

Finally!! Our 5th of 6 Elvis albums, and on my notes for 1-4 I always noted I was waiting for this one. Bangers all the way — great melodies, fun to sing along to, emotional singing from Elvis throughout. A wide variety of song styles. Thought for sure this would be on my StoryWorth honorable mention list for Top 10 albums, but it wasn’t — it shoulda been. As much as I love this album, Elvis does not deserve 6 albums in this group.

Multiple times, I thought to myself, “well at least this has to be over soon,” only to check the track list and learn I still had an alarming amount left to experience.

Good, competent, but sort of bland.

I must have been in a much better mood today then when I first heard EC - his voice was what kept my ears hooked when listening to this album. This album had a larger-than-life sound, but it didn't really connect with me.

Devoid of the big hits, it’s still diverting. The recording and production are incredible and experimental, the songs are good. It just didn’t have that moment where the recognisability lifts the experience, so it’s one for another listen.

ugh like getting water on your sweater sleeve while washing your hands thought I had: maybe he's like really attractive and had pretty privilege Google his picture okay no, I don't get this at all

Eh. I preferred 'My Aim Is True'. This is a little too Victorian for my tastes.

2.4 The more I listen to EC, the more he falls out of favour with me, so I guess its a good thing this is the last album we have. There are some interesting/original songs in this, but I think some of it gets propped up by the musicianship of the band. Its amazing a producer never told EC to take it easy on the vocals. Beyond Belief is a burner, very unique song structure. Shabby Doll is a bit of a mess

Elvis Costello Favorite songs: Beyond belief. Man out of time. Almost blue. Tears after bedtime. Some of the orchestrations here remind me of Beatles , MacCartney, George Martin, Bacharach. It’s all cool but I prefer the higher energy rock and Motown inspired style of Get Happy or Punch the Clock. Just realizing that those albums are not on this list- that’s crazy!! The Attractions were a great band it was cool to hear Steve Nieve (keys)and Bruce Thomas(bass) play some cool parts on this album . His voice is a totally weird and can get annoying, I like it but if I didn’t this album would’ve been really rough! Not my favorite album of his but still really good. Tough to rate what is a 5 - I liked this better than a lot of 4s I’ve given but of course not as good not as good as Led Zeppelin or Songs in the key of life. 4.5