565. Blood and Chocolate

Blood and Chocolate
Elvis Costello and the Attractions
1986

Tracks
1. Uncomplicated
2. I Hope You're Happy Now
3. Tokyo Storm Warning
4. Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head
5. I Want You
6. Honey Are You Straight Or Are You Blind
7. Blue Chair
8. Battered Old Bird
9. Crimes Of Paris
10. Poor Napoleon
11. Next Time Round

Scritti Politti might have had me wondering why I even decided to undertake this project in the first place, but then Elvis Costello comes along and reminds me. Not that I was familiar with his work before, but it becomes extra special when you are hear it in the midst of all the other shit that was coming out at the same time.

This is an angrier Elvis than his previous albums, but thankfully, it is never cringey. His bitterness comes naturally, which is a perk for us, even if it doesn't bode well for his mental health. 

It's rare to listen to an artist this versatile, so this album was a real treat. And like a bear stuffing her fat face before winter, I must store up on good music. Metallica is coming up.

RATING: 5/5

564. Cupid and Psyche '85

Cupid and Psyche '85
Scritti Politti
1985

Tracks
1. Word Girl
2. Small Talk
3. Absolute
4. Little Knowledge
5. Don't Work That Hard
6. Perfect Way
7. Lover To Fall
8. Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin)
9. Hypnotize

This was a very generic 80s pop album. It is likely so generic because it was influential and I've heard a lot of shitty imitations of it. But it hasn't aged well, and bands like Aha have, so I feel justified in giving this a low rating.

Also, what an annoying name for a band. Our suffering was worth it, though, because Elvis Costello is next!

RATING: 2/5

563. Don't Stand Me Down

Don't Stand Me Down
Dexy's Midnight Runners
1985

Tracks
1. Kevin Rowland's 13th Time
2. Occasional Flicker
3. This is What She's Like
4. My National Pride (Formerly Knowledge of Beauty)
5. One of Those Things
6. Reminisce (part 2)
7. I Love You (Listen to This)
8. Waltz

If you love Dexy's Midnight Runners, you will love this album. Probably an obvious point, but who wouldn't want to listen to their favorite band have a casual jam session that is interspersed with chit chat and banter? For the rest of us, who are fairly indifferent to this band, it is merely okay.

This album has two very good tracks: "This is What She's Like" and "My National Pride." "My National Pride" wasn't even in the original version, but it was released later as part of a director's cut. Of course, because self indulgence is a timeless vice, each song on this album is roughly ten minutes long. Unnecessary, and not at all shocking that this was a commercial flop.

But I did enjoy parts of it, and here on this blog we take what we can get. It's our official slogan.

RATING: 3/5