Review of Painted From Memory
San Francisco Chronicle, Datebook section, Sunday 1998-09-27
- Juliene Snyder

Painted From Memory-Elvis Costello with Burt Bacharach

Putting these two together to write songs probably seemed like a good
idea. After all, they've collaborated before, and Costello has recorded
several Bacharach tunes. But what we have here is a mismatch of epic
proportions. Song after song is lousy with overwrought emoting. The
lyrics are trademark Elvis - if more on the rancorous side than usual -
but the arrangements are hilariously Bacharach-ian, down to snippets
from "Say a Little Prayer." These two go together about as well as tuna
fish and chocolate syrup, and their collaboration leaves the same taste
in your mouth.