- Audio CD (7 Jun 1999)
- Number of Discs: 2
- Format: Extra tracks, Limited Edition
- Label: Mercury
- ASIN: B00000IWQG
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 74,034 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This album is a slow burner. First listen reveals all that we expect from both artistes - stylistic touches, classic hooks in both melody and lyrics and a wistful and wry humour. Costello's voice is used as an additional instrument and adds enormously to the effect of songs such as Toledo. Bacharach's arrangements are - as always - perfect.
A brilliant combination of talents which has resulted in a truly innovative album which is timeless in both style and content.
Format:Audio CD
This magnificent album combines the wonderful talents of Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello together to create something completely unique. Sure from the opening notes its clear who has had a bigger influence on the music (Bacharach) but Costello's input both lyrically and in some fantastic vocal performances is not to down-played.
Bacharach's background as one one of the finest popular songwriters needs no introduction. However the journey that Costello has taken from 70's new-wave angry young man to frankly all-round musical chameleon is amazing. He's now married to a Jazz Pianist, reads music and has written his own classical music - including the score! At the time of this recording Costello was halfway through this transitional period, but was already writing at the Piano and indeed a large part of the music was written by Bacharach and Costello at two keyboards.
On this album Costello pushes his voice to the limit and consequently puts in a number of astounding performances. His voice will not be to everybodies taste, but I love the emotion he puts into his singing and the vibrato he adds to any held note has become a trademark feature.
Favourite tracks - well "Tears at the Birthday Party" gives Costello a chance great to demonstrate his vocal range. Perhaps not the most interesting track lyrically, but when Costello sings the chorus you can't help but become wrapped up in the whole thing. Likewise "God give me Strength" is another great performance from Costello.
Another track I love is "The Sweetest Punch" which demonstrates Burt Bacharach's fabulous arranging and conducting skills. It goes without saying that all the songs are impeccably arranged, and the production is spot on.
You know how sometimes you have to play an album quite a few times before you begin to appreciate it. Well not with this one, the first time I played it I new it was a classic.
Bacharach's background as one one of the finest popular songwriters needs no introduction. However the journey that Costello has taken from 70's new-wave angry young man to frankly all-round musical chameleon is amazing. He's now married to a Jazz Pianist, reads music and has written his own classical music - including the score! At the time of this recording Costello was halfway through this transitional period, but was already writing at the Piano and indeed a large part of the music was written by Bacharach and Costello at two keyboards.
On this album Costello pushes his voice to the limit and consequently puts in a number of astounding performances. His voice will not be to everybodies taste, but I love the emotion he puts into his singing and the vibrato he adds to any held note has become a trademark feature.
Favourite tracks - well "Tears at the Birthday Party" gives Costello a chance great to demonstrate his vocal range. Perhaps not the most interesting track lyrically, but when Costello sings the chorus you can't help but become wrapped up in the whole thing. Likewise "God give me Strength" is another great performance from Costello.
Another track I love is "The Sweetest Punch" which demonstrates Burt Bacharach's fabulous arranging and conducting skills. It goes without saying that all the songs are impeccably arranged, and the production is spot on.
You know how sometimes you have to play an album quite a few times before you begin to appreciate it. Well not with this one, the first time I played it I new it was a classic.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I've been buying music for over twenty years and my collection embraces a little something from most genres: metal to country, jazz to disco. But this album is probably my most indispensable. It brings together two of our greatest songwriters who have produced one of the most stunning albums of all time. There isn't a weak song on the album and more than that the arrangement and musicianship is outstanding. If you don't own this album I fear you are missing out on an incredible listening experience. Costello has collaborated with many artists over the years but in Bacharach he found his perfect partner. It's crammed full of many of Bacharach's signatures like the beautifully understated horn sections and arrangements. Add on Costello's brilliant lyricism and his rich and plaintive vocals and this is a match made in melancholic heaven. Bacharach stretches Costello's vocal talents and in turn Elvis reigns in Burt's MOR leanings. Pure genius and each time I listen I take away something new.
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