Requesting the help of Elvis Costello fans....

[Damon]

On the advice of the brilliant author Joe Queenan, I've decided to buy an Elvis Costello album. I normally don't take a chance on new music (it's usually a disaster - last time it was Bryan Ferry), so I want to make an educated, thoughtful first purchase. Someone please enlighten me as to the most appropriate album to buy. Please bear in mind that I HATE PUNK MUSIC. So if Costello sounds like a late '70s spike-haired idiot, disregard this entire message. Thank you.

Damon

[charmer]

Try Mighty Like A Rose

[Johnny]

> On the advice of the brilliant author Joe Queenan, I've decided
> to buy an Elvis Costello album. I normally don't take a chance
> on new music (it's usually a disaster - last time it was Bryan
> Ferry), so I want to make an educated, thoughtful first
> purchase. Someone please enlighten me as to the most appropriate
> album to buy. Please bear in mind that I HATE PUNK MUSIC. So if
> Costello sounds like a late '70s spike-haired idiot, disregard
> this entire message. Thank you.

> Damon

Damon

If you are new to Costello I would say the best album is "Get Happy".about 20 songs on it.You may know "I can't stand up for falling Down".He was producing The Specials around this time.Good album.

[A Nice Tingle of Skins]

Damon

Following your recommendation I bought Queenan's book - very good it is too, only I don't know half of the American 'celebrities' names. I substitute in 'Dale Winton' and now every sentence makes me laugh. Thanks.

My favourite Costello album is 'King of America'. It is totally fantastic. The production is the best you will ever hear. It has some classic session musicians playing in the band. It has a number of bitter/ bittersweet/ tender songs. 'Indoor Fireworks' rates top. King of America is NOT pop.

I could not stand 'Imperial Bedroom'. I found it unlistenable. 'Blood & Chocolate' is excellent. 'Brutal Youth' was seen as a return to form. I loved it for a while but got bored with the old 'Attractions' formula.

"Costello's" best song was actually written by producer/ singer/ songwriter Nick Lowe - "What's so funny'bout peace, love and understanding", but I guess it's punk attitude wouldn't suit you.

How lucky you are to find a whole new rich seam of music....

A Nice tingle of Skins

> Damon

> If you are new to Costello I would say the best album is
> "Get Happy".about 20 songs on it.You may know "I
> can't stand up for falling Down".He was producing The
> Specials around this time.Good album.

[JS]

> On the advice of the brilliant author Joe Queenan, I've decided
> to buy an Elvis Costello album. I normally don't take a chance
> on new music (it's usually a disaster - last time it was Bryan
> Ferry), so I want to make an educated, thoughtful first
> purchase. Someone please enlighten me as to the most appropriate
> album to buy. Please bear in mind that I HATE PUNK MUSIC. So if
> Costello sounds like a late '70s spike-haired idiot, disregard
> this entire message. Thank you.

> Damon
I've done research on Costello and they, the critics, feel, 'My aim is true' is his best album. I have it and think it's very good. Good luck

[half a shoplifter]

more pop than punk, "this year's model" is a great album:

no action
this year's girl
pump it up
i don't want to go to chelsea
lipstick vogue
radio radio

i don't know if it'd be too punk for you, but the farfisa organ is surely loud!

> On the advice of the brilliant author Joe Queenan, I've decided
> to buy an Elvis Costello album. I normally don't take a chance
> on new music (it's usually a disaster - last time it was Bryan
> Ferry), so I want to make an educated, thoughtful first
> purchase. Someone please enlighten me as to the most appropriate
> album to buy. Please bear in mind that I HATE PUNK MUSIC. So if
> Costello sounds like a late '70s spike-haired idiot, disregard
> this entire message. Thank you.

> Damon

[half a shoplifter]