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At the risk of starting a flame war, the following words and selections are solely the opinion of one Elvis Costello fan. A fan who owns every album the guy recorded. A fan who has seen more live Costello shows than he can remember. A fan who knows his hero is not perfect. There is no doubt your selections are different, and that's the beauty of music: we can all have our personal favorites. Staying away from collaborations with other artists, greatest hits, or compilations, these are the official albums that get the most spins in my house.
The Best:
10. The Delivery Man — A loosely constructed concept album, Costello delves into some Southern Gothic iconography and explores the darker side of human nature, with a twang. Joined by Lucinda Williams and Emmylou Harris, the album shows that even after all these years, the man can still deliver.
9. Secret, Profane & Sugarcane — Returning to his beloved alternative country once again, Costello recorded this one in Nashville over three days. His fascination with roots music shines brightly on this often overlooked gem. And with Emmylou Harris on board, what's not to love?
8. Get Happy — An homage to the great soul music of the '60s, the 20 tracks crammed on vinyl jump from start to finish with pure energy and sincere admiration for the sources. The dance party record of 1980 and beyond.
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7. Trust — Following some of his strongest melodic work, Trust featured more great songwriting, edgy hooks, and an underlying political spin that was a bit foreboding.
6. All This Useless Beauty — There are a few absolute standout tracks here that will be considered some of Costello's finest works: The poignant title tune, the tense and bombastic "Complicated Shadows," and the climactic "You Bowed Down." Costello was once again expanding his repertoire, and the results were amazing.
5. King Of America — His first foray into alternative country and folk was supplemented by members of the amazing TCB Band, best known for their work with that other Elvis. Rich production, unique acoustic instrumentation, and Costello's vocal confidence make this a keeper.
4. Imperial Bedroom — Costello's songwriting and musical composition took on a much richer and complex structure with this one, often proclaimed his first "masterpiece".
3. 2. and 1. Armed Forces, This Year's Model, and My Aim Is True — OK, it's cheating, but name a more profoundly influential trifecta of "first albums" from any other artist in the last 35 years. The fierce spit of lyrics, the power of the electric guitar, and a rhythm section that could cause cardiac arrhythmia drive these three jewels. This is the New Wave, catch it all.
The Not So Great:
3. Kojak Variety — A disjointed collection of seemingly random cover songs, the false start on the first cut is a foreboding sign of things to come. Again, a few nice tunes, including a Louvin Brothers number. It's just somewhat tedious to get to them.
2. Il Sogno — Yeah, McCartney did it, why can't Elvis? Classical music is an acquired taste and obviously an acquired skill. Don't quit your day job, E.
1. My Flame Burns Blue — Performing with a German big band, Costello tries out some old standards and remodels a few of his own tunes. There are a couple of good moments, but overall, it's a difficult listening experience.
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