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On Elvis Costello's new release, Blood and Chocolate, the pain in the pleasure and the pleasure in the pain have never sounded so sweet.
The songs on Blood and Chocolate sting with visions of anger in the midst of love, and an obsessive delight in a lover's infidelity. Costello is, once again, an angry young man lashing out at the world around him with a marksman's perfect aim.
Always a prolific musician, Blood and Chocolate is Costello's second release this year. On King of America, released last March, Costello was backed by the country sound of The Costello Show. However, The Attractions return on his latest release to pack a loaded musical punch.
Blood and Chocolate is probably Costello's best album to date. This will come as a pleasant shock to longtime fans who may have begun to give up on him after three dismal releases in a row.
Although almost every song on Blood and Chocolate is excellent. "I Hope You're Happy Now," "Tokyo Storm Warning," "Blue Chair," "Crimes of Paris" and "Next Time 'Round" are destined to become Costello classics — right up there with "Allison," "Pump it Up," and "Peace, Love and Understanding."
Costello has returned to the sharp, quirky sound that helped him gain both critical acclaim and loyal fans.
He's acting innocent and proud
still you know what he's after
Like a matador with his pork sword,
while we all die of laughter
In his turquoise pajamas and motorcycle hat
I hope you're happy now
because you'll soon put pay to that
I knew then what I know now
I never loved you anyhow
I hope you're happy now
Costello's sarcasm and keen observation are showcased on "I Hope You're Happy Now." The Attractions round out this great tune with their unique garage-like sound.
"Tokyo Storm Warning," the first single to be released from Blood and Chocolate, is a jumpy, danceable tune vaguely reminiscent of "Pump It Up." And although the song is over six minutes long, it sustains its frantic energy throughout.
Costello co-wrote "Tokyo Storm Warning" with his girlfriend, Cait O'Riordan of The Pogues. O'Riordan also sings back-up on "Crimes of Paris" and "Poor Napoleon."
The bluesy "I Want You" is one of the most unusual songs Costello has ever recorded. 46 I Want You" begins as a ballad that sounds like a lullaby. After one off-key guitar chord, the song turns into an obsessive litany about infidelity.
Costello's voice sounds like a saxophone on this cut. The vocals weave effortlessly in and out of Nick Lowe's acoustic guitar backup. Costello has obviously improved his vocal range since the release of My Aim Is True.
On "Blue Chair," Costello turns his magnifying glass vision on a tense interaction between two people. The lighthearted music belies the hostile undercurrents of the lyrics.
It's the minute lyrical details, along with the infectiously jumpy rhythms of The Attractions that make Blood and Chocolatesuch a masterpiece. "Crimes of Paris" and "Poor Napoleon" both include cruel and painful observations about people that are at once funny and sad.
One of the best of these "Costello-isms" can be found on "Poor Napoleon:"
I can't lie on this bed anymore it burns my skin
You can take the truthful things you've said to me
And fit them on the head of a pin
The only low point on the album is "Battered Bird," a melodramatic tune further scarred by sloppy instrumental backup.
Costello decided to save the best cut on Blood and Chocolate for last. "Next Time 'Round" is like a best of Costello and The Attractions in miniature. It's all there — the quirky vocals, great backup (Lowe joins in on acoustic guitar) and razor sharp lyrics.
On Blood and Chocolate Costello has joined the bitter and the sweet in a delicious combination. Dig in, but be prepared this stuff's addictive.
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