South China Morning Post, August 5, 2007

From The Elvis Costello Wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
... Bibliography ...
727677787980818283
848586878889909192
939495969798990001
020304050607080910
111213141516171819
202122232425 26 27 28


South China Morning Post
Newspapers
-

Elvis Costello

Elvis Costello
The Best of the First Ten Years
(Hip-O Records)

Robin Lynam

Elvis Costello is easily the most anthologised artist from the punk/new wave era with good reason.

Because he has enjoyed an extended career - venturing into a bewildering variety of different musical genres, recording prolifically with few breaks since 1977 - he's also the hardest to make sense of on a sampler.

By limiting its scope to 1977- 1986, beginning with The Angels Wanna Wear My Red Shoes from My Aim is True and concluding with I Want You from Blood and Chocolate, and by concentrating on singles, this collection does a better job than most.

Considered alongside his subsequent career, this CD illustrates Costello's fascinating musical journey.

Of the 22 tracks, all but four were singles, although fewer than half were US or UK top 30 hits. It's hard to argue with any of the inclusions, although anybody who likes Costello will be able to reel off a list of tracks they think should be here that aren't.

The artist himself is compiling a series of 'themed' anthologies and his whole back catalogue is being reissued with 'bonus tracks' that in many cases were previously unissued for excellent reasons.

There's nothing disposable here, however, although Costello was arguably at his peak on the run of singles cut with the Attractions, beginning with Pump It Up.

Oliver's Army and Accidents Will Happen, in particular, still sound as fresh as they did on a pub juke- box in 1979. Most fans will have these tracks already, but it's a great introduction to Costello for those who don't know him.

-

South China Morning Post, August 5, 2007


Robin Lynam reviews The Best Of Elvis Costello The First 10 Years.


-



Back to top

External links