THE CAFFE`
LATTE`
200
MOST
RECOMMENDED ALBUMS
Some are the best selling, while others may be obscure, but the
albums listed here are all worthy of a listen. No compilation/ best of sets.
Only exceptional live albums included. This is a personal listing of the albums
I enjoy the most to this day.
#19
PAINTED FROM MEMORY:
ELVIS COSTELLO & BURT BACHARACH
[1998]
With regular lyricist Hal David, Burt Bacharach created a remarkable songbook of A-grade songs that includes "Walk On By", "I Say A Little Prayer" and "Always Something There To Remind Me". That partnership came to an end in 1970. Since then, his compositions have lacked the quality and consistency. He did, however, recapture his genius collaborating with Elvis Costello. The latter may have emerged as a punk musician but in the decades since has revealed himself to be an accomplished artist. It is his scholarly approach and appreciation of popular music that makes Costello a perfect fit for Bacharach's legendary skills. Together on 'Painted From Memory', they amplify each other's strengths while keeping their limitations in check. The 2 artists bring their 2 disparate musical words together so effectively that one would assume they have been a songwriting team for many years. The material sets a mood and this is maintained throughout. Costello's vocals are beautiful and complement Bacharach's piano work. There are no tracks that sound out of place, nor do any detract from the delicate beauty of the material. Bacharach's playing evokes memories of the classics he co-penned for Dionne Warwick during the 1960s while Costello's voice recalls the drama from Roy Orbison's canon on songs such as "Tears At The Birthday Party". There are gossamer songs as well as torch ballads that create a unique album. The project opens with finely crafted tunes that include "Toledo", "I Still Have That Other Girl" and "This House Is Empty Now". The closing track "God Give Me Strength" was the first track the 2 worked on and inspired them to work on an entire album together. Hopefully, Bacharach and Costello will re-unite for another album as fine as this one.
Highlight tracks:
* God Give Me Strength
* I Still Have That Other Girl
* This House Is Empty Now
* Tears At The Birthday Party
* Toledo
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