Review of Painted From Memory
Beat, 1998-10-14
- Judy Eastman

ELVIS COSTELLO WITH BURT BACHARACH

Painted from Memory (Mercury/Polygram)

Painted from Memory is the result that surfaces 
from originally pairing Costello (one-time 
spiky punk with a sentimental heart) with 
Bacharach (renowned for producing pop hit after 
pop hit with partner Hal David) to write a song 
for a soundtrack ('God Give Me Strength' for 
Grace of My Heart). Yes, they enjoyed it so 
much, they went out and wrote an album's worth 
of songs. The results may be unsurprising-
there's the expansive orchestration marshalled 
by Bacharach and Costello's unmistakable 
vocals-but it's a pleasant listen. 'Toledo" is 
a vintage Bacharach arrangement, featuring 
brass that's reminiscent of past glories like 
'Walk on By'. Strings (and we're talking 
orchestral volumes) take prominence on 'God 
Give Me Strength' and 'l Still Have That Other 
Girl'. Listeners who aren't fans of Costello 
may find his vocals a little overpowering at 
times for the symphony of stirring strings and 
understated brass. Rest easy-it's not 'Pump It 
Up' done in orchestral style. More of an 
'Alison' kind of sentiment and approach-
particularly on tracks like 'Tears at the 
Birthday Party'. Hardcore Costello fans 
familiar with his work with the Brodsky Quartet 
(The Juliet Letters) will know that he is no 
stranger to classical instruments but might 
find this release a little tame. Born of a 
commission for a contribution to a soundtrack, 
Painted from Memory stays pretty close to its 
roots.