Costello that is.

I pulled out the 'Kojak Variety' CD the other day and was astounded by the energy and joy on the recording. I just picked up the collaboration with Sophie von Otter, which I find mesmerizing. I just sold 'Punch the Clock', although I think 'Shipbuilding' is great. I just bought '10 Bloody Marys and 10 How's your fathers'. I was especially taken with 'Girls talk' from this one. I have 'Almost Blue' which I've like ever since I bought it when it came out. I had the first album, a long time ago, and I think 'Watching the Detectives' is great.

What should I try fron Elvis's 90's output ?

Thank

Peter

Elvis with Burt Bacharach - Painted From Memory is very good. Quite different from 'Watching the Detectives' though.

I've always liked 'Spike' - again very different to 'Watching the Detectives'.

'My Aim is True' and 'Armed Forces' are good on my vinyl copies, and I bought 'All this Useless Beauty' on CD recently - it's excellent.

I'm not so keen on 'Brutal Youth' which I also have on CD, but I don't feel you'll go too far wrong with any of the back catalogue from this hugely prolific writer.

I read somewhere he writes several songs a day, a remarkable acheivment if true, since very little of his work is filler material.

Andy.

Andrew L. Weekes