Nearly 20 years after its debut, "Painted from Memory," can now rightly be called a masterpiece. Each and every song in this superb collaboration of two great musical artists, Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach, shines with first class orchestration, impeccable melodies and lyrics that meld into the music so organically that it may be worth viewing the documentary that Costello and Bacharach did that examined the creative process that went into forming this unique and timeless collection of masterful songs. As Bacharach states, "There is not a wasted word in the lyrics" that Costello penned and each and every line fits the melody so perfectly - and, in some cases, such as on "What's Her Name Today?" - so unexpectedly - that you know something else was going on here than just two artists coming together to riff off each other's talents and produce something that is far less memorable than what you have here. There is not a wasted or bad song in the entire song cycle. And there are songs here so superb that they should be regularly included and covered by other artists in other venues: "I Still Have That Other Girl" is a particular standout. The shortest cut - it may pack the most pent up emotion and gives free reign to Costello's voice in a way few songs have ever done. A contrast to this, the low-key, beautifully crafted "Painted from Memory" is far more subtle, but equally as powerful. The use of a beautiful female vocal on "My Thief" at the end, perfectly placed, gives this resonant song about love lost and torn apart (the real theme of the entire record) a striking coda to what was come before. I particularly like "The Sweetest Punch" - a jazzy, bouncy counterpoint to some of the other songs - although "Tears at the Birthday Party" has a similar vibe - that plays against its lyrics with an almost defiant upbeat, powerful swing that is unmistakably Bacharach at his best. And, of course, a newly minted classic the second it was sung, "God Give Me Strength," which fits right into the songbook of other Bachrach classics, "Alfie," "Anyone Who Had A Heart," "A House is Not a Home," perfectly. Make no mistake - this is real music. These are songs you can listen to endlessly and still not pick up all the intricate lyrics and orchestral shadings that are built into them. At the time, this record was then followed by a splendid concert version of these songs by Costello and Bacharach, available as well and absolutely worth owning, as well as the aforementioned documentary. This is one of the finest collaborations in music history. These are songs that have now stood the test of time and are actually still underrated in their depth, beauty, and musical craftsmanship.
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Painted From Memory
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MP3 Music, September 29, 1998
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Product details
- Language : English
- Package Dimensions : 5.55 x 4.97 x 0.54 inches; 2.83 ounces
- Manufacturer : Polygram Int'l
- Date First Available : December 15, 2006
- Label : Polygram Int'l
- ASIN : B00000IWQG
- Number of discs : 2
- Best Sellers Rank: #576,213 in CDs & Vinyl (See Top 100 in CDs & Vinyl)
- #643 in Baroque Pop
- #8,281 in Adult Alternative (CDs & Vinyl)
- #13,326 in Pop Singer-Songwriters
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
383 global ratings
How customer reviews and ratings work
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
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- Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2015
- Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2024Very happy with my purchase, did not now I could ever find this item. Will buy from this seller again!
- Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2023Two of my all time favorite songwriters teamed up.
The subject matter is dark, adult stuff and the arrangements are classic Bacharach
- Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2023Great service. Product received exactly as described.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2020I never would have previously referred to Elvis Costello as a crooner, and capable of melancholy crooning at that. But this is the wonderful junction we find him at when teamed with the legendary Burt Bacharach. Painted From Memory represents a triumphant merging of titans, both wonderfully accomplished in their own right. Together they sound like they've done this all before, like their old hands at conjuring up heartache. To a heart that has ever broken, this will ring true. Highly recommended.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2006I am a huge fan of Bacharach, but just after I bought this, I heard Costello and hated him. So this CD sat unopened for a couple of years.
I was going through my CDs and I finally decided to check this out, expecting to throw it away after one listen. But I was shocked by how good it was.
I still would not put Elvis Costello in a list of my top 10 singers. At best, I am neutral about him. But with the songs in this CD, neutral is OK by me, the songs and the charts are that good.
Anything that Bacharach does is interesting, his songs are filled with fascinating and unexpected things. The charts are wonderful, my favorite being The Sweetest Punch with that gong on the chorus. Toledo is wonderful as well.
I am glad I decided to listen to this with open ears.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2018I love this CD which was released Sept 29, 1998. Burt Bacharach is undeniably one of our greatest musical talents but I have often found the arrangements of his songs to be dated. Elvis Costello's singing will absolutely tear your heart apart and with the arrangements on this CD - gads it is just simply superb. Both men produced the album and boy, do I wish they did more. This is one of the best compilations and bringing together of tremendous musical talents ever. LOVE LOVE LOVE
- Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2022These two men pulled together their talents and make a fine album,Listen to it over a fine wine.
Top reviews from other countries
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Este álbum é perfeito. Não canso de ouvir!!!Reviewed in Brazil on May 5, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Ótimo álbum!!!
Todas as canções são perfeitas! Lindos arranjos!
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CristerReviewed in Sweden on June 2, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Costello i högform
Två genier som skapar magi
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Cesar Cabrera DiazReviewed in Mexico on February 15, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Increible
Me encanta, todo excelente, en tiempo y forma, sorprendido por el embalaje del producto y la rapidez con la cual llego.
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ADMReviewed in France on May 11, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars CD Elvis Costello
Article conforme à la description.
- Jim BrockReviewed in Canada on June 30, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Finally!
I have been trying for over ten years to get this marvelous disc on vinyl. I have been quite happy with the HDCD version----until now. This MoFi record is to die for! They're only pressing 3000 so don't dither.