Mocking Bird In The Twilight Of Infamy

Review Score: (10/10)
This record is a masterpiece. Initially released 7 years ago to universal apathy, this is probably E.C.'s last great record to date. It's also the last record to feature The Attractions. Forget Sophie Von Otter and Burt Bacharach, this is his best offering since BLOOD & CHOCOLATE in the late 80's. Fans of THE JULIET LETTERS won't be disappointed with songs like "I Want To Vanish" either. From the baroque beauty of "The Other End Of The Telescope" to the white plastic soul of "Why Can't A Man Stand Alone" to the Kurt Weil sentiments of "Shallow Grave" ALL THIS USELESS BEAUTY is one of Elvis' most ecclectic and diverse records. The sharp, pop arrangements found on IMPERIAL BEDROOM are echoed in tight numbers like "You Bowed Down" and "It's Time". Another standout is the epic meloncholy of "Poor Fractured Atlas". One of the fringe benefits of re-issues like this are ofcourse, the "bonus tracks". Unlike the Ryko re-issues in the 90's, Rhino has generously placed them on another whole disc, preserving the original album. There are an astounding number of gems to be found here like "Almost Ideal Eyes", "The Bridge I Burned" and the incredible "My Dark Life" previously available on now obsolete single B-sides and greatest hits packages. Other rarieties like, "That Day Is Done", "Hidden Shame", "World's Greatest Optimist" and "The Days Take Care Of Everything" give true fans their just desserts. In the music business, timing is everything. Though this classic was neglected at it's initial appearence, thanks is due to Rhino for bringing it to attention again.

More Reviews:

• Best
• Quite good
• I'm as Certain As a Lost Dog Pondering a Sign Post
• Funny
• What a great listen!
• Excellent late-period EC
• BUY THIS ALBUM
• All These Useless B-Sides? Hardly.
• Delightfully Complicated
• HERE'S ONE THAT REALLY GRABS ME
• Buy this and sell the Rykodisc version
• The Title Track is Awesome!
• Fantastic album, fantastic reissue
• What a Bargain!