Product Description

As far back as 1978, Elvis was paying homage to Bacharach, with a live version of "I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself" on the STIFFS LIVE album. When the two collaborated on"God Give Me Strength" (included here) for the film Grace of My Heart, they hit it off so well that they decided to write an entire album together, PAINTED FROM MEMORY being the glorious result. Bacharach and Costello are a natural fit; Costello has long been a proponent of extended melodic structures, irregular metre and sophisticated harmonies, on all of which Burt wrote the book. After Hal David, Bacharach never had another lyricist who could live up to his melodies-untilnow.
Bacharach's melodies and orchestrations here all hark back to his salad days of Dionne Warwick and Dusty Springfield. On "Toledo", he even employs that classic double-flugelhorn sound that is the trademark of his '60s work. The string arrangements are characteristically tart and catchy as hell. Reigned in by the pure pop of Bacharach's tunes, Costello abandons wordplay and extended metaphor, contributing themost straightforward lyrics of his career. Vocally, Elvis is in crooner mode, pushing his upper range and vibrato for all they're worth, investing every tune with palpable emotion.

Track Listing

Disc 1:

1. In The Darkest Place
2. Toledo
3. I Still Have That Other Girl
4. This House Is Empty Now
5. Tears At The Birthday Party
6. Such Unlikely Lovers
7. My Thief
8. Long Division
9. Painted From Memory
10. Sweetest Punch
11. What's Her Name Today
12. God Give Me Strength

Disc 2:

1. This House Is Empty Now
2. I Still Have That Other Girl
3. In The Darkest Place
4. Painted From Memory
5. What's Her Name Today

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #168225 in Music
• Released on: 1999-06-07
• Number of discs: 2

Customer Reviews

Absolute class
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.

Perfect
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.

My favourite CD. . . ever
This CD is the only one guaranteed to calm my 8 week old daughter when she is crying. Beautiful melodies that get all my family humming, gorgeous contrasting Costello vocals and a cool sleeve. I can't stop playing it.