Primer: Elvis Costello

The Onion AV Club gives the primer treatment to one of my all time rock heroes, Elvis Costello:

Elvis Costello, broken down by the songs that define his themes and styles, and five albums that every serious rock fan should own. Costello's latest, Momofuku, is currently available as a vinyl-only release with a digital download code. A CD will follow May 6.

They name the top five albums as:

1. Get Happy!
2. This Year's Model
3. The King of America
4. Imperial Bedroom
5. Armed Forces

For some reason I have always thought that Get Happy! was over-rated. It has never been one of my favorites,but I've got to agree with the rest. My top five:

1. The King of America
2. Armed Forces
3. This Year's Model
4. Imperial Bedroom
5. My Aim Is True

Comments

[Pete]

King of America is also probably my favorite by Costello. Actually, I pretty much agree with your whole list. I also have a soft spot for some of his less well regarded albums like Punch The Clock, Almost Blue, All This Useless Beauty and Painted From Memory. I like that Costello challenges himself and doesn't just stick with what is safe, although sometimes he wanders too far from what works best for him (Juliet Letters, North, etc.).

[MC]

I also have a soft spot for some of those lesser albums as well, I think Trust would be #6.