Elvis Costello - where next?

Posted by: worm on 01 December 2006

As someone who has only really fairly recently beein introduced to Elvis Costello properly I am the proud owner of only two albums - Armed Forces and King of America.

I love both of these and am really keen to expand my collection. Any recommendations on where to go next?

I was thinking maybe Imperial Bedroom or The Delivery Man.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

Cheers

worm

Posted on: 16 December 2006 by Skip

My Aim is True.
This Years Model.
Armed Forces.
Get Happy.

All great. Anything from the 70's with the Attractions. Get Happy is best among equals. But almost every song on the albums above is a classic in my book. The 80's Elvis and later is not my favorite. The Burt Bachrach and Annie Sophie von Elvis are for only for big fans and completists like my wife. Can't go wrong if you stick with the angry young Elvis. Bet he would agree if you asked Elvis himselvis.

Posted on: 16 December 2006 by Skip

One more comment after tuning in to Elvis tonight. The early music truly is a 10 maybe 11. The sound is a 5 maybe 6. Nothing I have is current but I am cleaning the vinyl tomorrow. I listened to the CD's tonight and it sounded compressed like the radio these days. Kickass music. Disappointing sound at my house. I know the vinyl is better but still compressed dynamics. If the remastered CD sounds better, let me know. I love Elvis. But the cd sound is just sad.

Posted on: 16 December 2006 by Bananahead

Hi Skip

I have recently started buying the albums again. I didn't buy any of the earlier CD's but the remasters sound just fine.

Why don't you buy one and let us know.

Nigel

Posted on: 20 December 2006 by Chumpy

I thoroughly endorse 'Get Happy' as being great - Costello IMO successfully cloned/copied etc lots of great 'soul' performers on this.

My first 'GH' vinyl I bought on day of release of course, then the next one they gave away with his next single!! (which great free LP I gave to a friend).

When buying 'GH' on CD, make sure you buy version with maximum possible extra tracks on extra CD at very low price ...

IMO still Costello is most under-rated writer/performer/musician emanating from UK (& N. Ireland).