Elvis Costello

Painted From Memory

BACHARACHANALIA

Review Score:

(4/10)
It may have been a good idea at the time, but I wouldn't call it a brilliant mistake. Suffice it to say I'm prejudiced because I've never been a Burt Bacharach fan. That being said, I really did my best to meet this one half-way. IN THE DARKEST PLACE was more than a promising start. By the last note I thought, YES! and was chomping at the bit for the next number. The same goes for the last track, GOD GIVE ME STRENGTH. Unfortunately, there's nothing much inbetween. TOLEDO really got on my nerves. I can't explain it. I really hate this song. I had the same knee-jerk reaction to TEARS AT THE BIRTHDAY PARTY.... Put MY THEIF on the list as well. A glimmer of hope came with THE SWEETEST PUNCH but the rest was less than semi-precious.

I really wanted to like this album. I've a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for EC. Alongside Tom Waits, I think he's one the best songwriters around. I also appreciate an artist who wants to try new things. Maybe it's the Bacharach. I think the maestro said it best---Useless Beauty. I hate to say it but this is the first Elvis Costello album I've ever disliked.

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