Elvis Costello - "The Best of Elivs Costello The First 10 Years"

Elivs Costello burst onto the music scene in 1977 with his debut album "My Aim is True." His forceful energy and fast pace linked him with Punk and New Wave music, but upon closer listens to Costellos' music those are the only similarities. Costello finds inspiration from all sorts of music from Punk and New Wave, but also Country, British Rock, Old Musicals, anything that interests him. His lyrics are often cynical, yet usually witty and upbeat. He also has a penchant for catchy melodies and choruses even if he often turns his music in unexpected directions.

I had first come across Elvis Costello because I really liked his song "Everyday I Write The Book," I still really like it actually. Anyway I was looking for an earlier compilation called "The Best of Elvis Costello and the Attractions." As I would come to find out Costello has moved his entire album catalogue to several different labels over the years and that specific compilation had gone out of print (after only a few years) because he had switched labels. This was before sites like Amazon became very common to purchase out of print or older items.

In 2007 Costello switched labels again and his new label , HIP-O Records, released this compilation. There are 22 tracks on one disc and all but three are the same as on the earlier compilation that I wanted. The three changes are improvements especially since one is "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes." This is actually an excellent single disc and contains all of Costello's most familiar songs. Perfect for those who are new to Costello's music and are interested in his early most productive years. If you prefer his Country and Bluegrass style that he is currently performing this is not the compilation for you. Also the booklet that comes with the CD only contains songs lyrics so you are not missing anything if you download the songs. Excellent compilation that lives up to its name.