Elvis Costello "Brutal Youth" 1994***

I don't know who the writers of 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die are, but they have a serious, and inexplicable, thing for Elvis Costello: 6 of his albums are in their list, - as many as by The Rolling Stones, more than by Springsteen, Led Zeppelin, or Pink Floyd. I mean, what's that about? Sure, Costello is quite wordy and occasionally ingenious in his puns and sarcastic/vitriolic observations. But, as a wordsmith, he's no Dylan. And, like Dylan, his voice isn't the most pleasant in the world - let's be nice and call it an acquired taste. He is undoubtedly one of the most interesting and distinctive songwriters of his generation, and he does have a few albums no-one would object seeing in this list (though Brutal Youth isn't one of them). But include them all just because they're similar? You might as well include all of the Ramones' 70's albums, since they're also interchangeable. Back in '94 Brutal Youth was hailed as a return to form because of the return of The Attractions as Costello's backing band. And while it can be said to be similar to the early string of great records they made together, it's far from being equally good. It's true that many of the rockier songs here (e.g. "Pony Street", "13 Steps Lead Down", "Just About Glad", "My Science Fiction Twin", "20% Amnesia") replicate the band's '70s new wave sound, which obviously delighted old fans, but the production is somewhat clattered and tunes aren't all that memorable, with the exception of the grungy "Kinder Murder" and 60's pop rock "Sulky Girl". Other standouts include the Beatlesy "This Is Hell", jazz/soul "Clown Strike", and ballads "You Tripped at Every Step", "London's Brilliant Parade", and "Favourite Hour". But despite having a number of agreeable songs (once you get used to Costello's voice),  Brutal Youth is far from being a Must Hear album. You have my permission to skip this one. Just 1000 more to go, then!

**** for Kinder Murder, Sulky Girl

*** for Pony St, 13 Steps Lead Down, This Is Hell, Clown Strike, You Tripped at Every Step, 20% Amnesia, London's Brilliant Parade, Just About Glad, Favourite Hour 

** for Still Too Soon to Know, My Science Fiction Twin, Rocking Horse Road, All the Rage