The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

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sweetest punch
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

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https://www.ideastream.org/2023-02-13/f ... -bacharach

Fresh Air pays tribute to legendary composer Burt Bacharach

Includes interview with Elvis and Burt from 1998
Since you put me down, it seems i've been very gloomy. You may laugh but pretty girls look right through me.
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

Post by boywithaproblem »

So... this is released next week. Has anybody found a reasonable price for the super deluxe version yet?
sweetest punch
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

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First review of the deluxe set: https://www.google.be/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... B6bsTxgZa5

Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach’s Songwriting Partnership Is Properly Celebrated With Class and Style Via Bob Ludwig-Mastered 4CD/2LP Super Deluxe Box Set and Separate 140g 2LP Edition for The Songs of Bacharach & Costello
Mark Smotroff | Feb 24, 2023

Produced by: Elvis Costello, Steve Berkowitz (box set edition); Burt Bacharach, Elvis Costello (original Painted From Memory album)
Engineered by: Kevin Killen
Mixed by: -
Mastered by: Bob Ludwig, at Gateway Mastering

In the mid-1990s, Elvis Costello stunned many in the music world with the release of an outstanding song he composed with no less than the hit-making maestro Burt Bacharach, the composer of many iconic pop standards, acclaimed film soundtracks, and even a Broadway show. That song, ”God Give Me Strength,” was featured in the 1996 film Grace of My Heart, a movie that boasted a story loosely based on the life of Carole King and mashed up with characters representing Phil Spector, Brian Wilson, Gerry Goffin, and many others from NYC’s Brill Building scene of the early 1960s. Very much a centerpiece to the movie, the Bacharach/Costello composing duo was so pleased with the results of and fan response to their first collaboration that these two legendary songwriters from different generations continued to work together on what ultimately became a full album.

The resulting September 1998 album, Painted From Memory, was a critical success, and it included some of Costello’s finest songwriting ever, imo — and, arguably, some of Bacharach’s best late-period work as well. Upon its release, Painted From Memory was only available initially on CD (and in the HDCD format, for those who remember that early step toward upping CD fidelity). Moving into the 21st Century, Mobile Fidelity issued the album on a quite fine first-time vinyl edition in 2017 (as well as on hi-res SACD).

With Bacharach’s sad passing earlier this month at age 94, the eerie timing of the release of The Songs of Bacharach & Costello 2LP+4CD box set may seem a bit crass to some — but it is far, far from that. I only mention this here because I saw a couple of snarky comments along those lines coming across social media posts related to the advance news about the box set.

Fact is, a deeply thoughtful project like this one has been in the works for quite some time, leading up to what is currently Painted From Memory’s 25th anniversary and a nearly 30-year relationship between the two artists. The Songs of Bacharach & Costello is the kind of production that simply does not just happen overnight. And while I am very sad Bacharach will never get to see the applause he will no doubt receive for his contributions to this collection, I am happy this expanded edition has been thoughtfully crafted and released for all to embrace, enjoy, and ultimately learn from.

The technical stats are these. The Songs of Bacharach & Costello was mastered by Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering Studios. The lacquers were cut by Ryan Smith at Sterling, and the vinyl has been pressed at Precision Record Pressing in Canada. It is officially slated for release next Friday, March 3. The 2LP edition can be preordered, and it has an SRP of $37.99, while the all-in 2LP+4CD box set edition goes for $179.99. More stats about the overall contents of the massive box set edition can be gleaned here.

Now, for anyone reading this who may not be as up to speed on the legacy and lineage of Burt Bacharach and/or Elvis Costello, we suggest you go here to learn more about Bacharach’s amazing, groundbreaking career, and then go here to learn more about Costello and his own stellar, and still quite ongoing, legacy. If you’re so inclined, you can also read my 2022 review of the fine 180g 1LP reissue of Elvis Costello and The Brodsky Quartet’s The Juliet Letters here.

Now, if you were someone who happened to pay close attention to Costello’s early career, Elvis offered us clues as to where he was going on his music journey, and how it ultimately intersected with this project. Consider that, on his first 1977 package tour with other artists from the influential UK-based label Stiff Records, Costello performed a Burt Bacharach/Hal David tune that was a 1964 UK No. 3 hit for Dusty Springfield, “I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself.” Costello’s version first appeared on the 1978 tour-document album Live Stiffs — and, thankfully, it is now included here on The Songs of Bacharach & Costello.

A personal aside: The first time I heard Costello’s version of that Bacharach song while I was still in high school in the late ’70s, I remember thinking to myself, “Okay, there is something much bigger going on here!” I soon enough got on the deep Elvis fan bus, collecting every bit of Costello music as I could find, including rare import pressings, singles with rare B-sides, live performances, TV appearances, guest appearances on other artists’ albums, and more. He remains a favorite artist, and is one of the brightest torchbearers for inspired songwriting for several generations now.

All that said, there are some interesting but subtle details about how this “new” music is being presented to us. It is worth noting that, on the original album, Painted From Memory was credited to “Elvis Costello With Burt Bacharach” and it included a subtitle, “The New Songs of Bacharach & Costello.” I’ll go out on a limb and posit that it was a record-label marketing decision to position the artist credits in that way, especially given Elvis’ popularity at the time. The new collection, however, is titled more directly and perhaps more appropriately as The Songs of Bacharach & Costello. Twenty-five years on, these songs are no longer “new,” and I suspect the title switch crediting Bacharach’s name first is Elvis’ nod of respect to the maestro.

Thoughtful Mastering
Bob Ludwig’s new remastering of Painted From Memory from the original analog master tapes — as included in both The Songs of Bacharach & Costello super deluxe box set as well as the standard 2LP edition — is excellent. In short, spreading the core album’s 12 tunes across three sides of a 2LP set gives the music more room to breathe — and shine.

My listening process for this review included refresher listening to a promo copy of the original HDCD version of Painted From Memory, followed by the Mobile Fidelity SACD, and then the new CD remaster. Then I played the Mobile Fidelity LP edition (second pressing run — #1891, for the more collector-minded amongst us who might be wondering), which we now know was probably made from a DSD (digital file) source. And then I put on the new version of the album included in The Songs of Bacharach & Costello box set.

Interestingly, the SACD was mastered more quietly than the CD versions, though I didn’t get any sense of so-called “brick walling” going on. I had to turn up the volume on my amp a bit when switching to the MoFi vinyl edition. And then when I jumped to the new edition, it was mastered at a lower level still, so I had to pump up the volume a bit more to reveal all that sweet dynamic detail.

As good as the MoFi edition is — one that puts all 12 songs on two sides of a single vinyl LP — indeed, there is more detailing apparent on the Songs of release’s three-sided LP presentation. Every step along the way when listening to the new Bob Ludwig-mastered version of Painted From Memory, I have been hearing surprising details jump out at me. For example, listen for the Brian Wilson/SMiLE-esque ambient tack piano at the start of “Tears at the Birthday Party,” a detail which shimmers beautifully now.

The piano and strings on the opening track, “In the Darkest Place,” have an extra sense of sparkle. “Toledo” also sounds quite fantastic in this new presentation, with beautiful detailing on the acoustic guitars and bells (probably a glockenspiel).

The New Songs: Taken From Life
Highlighted on Side D of the 2LP set (and fleshed out even further on one entire CD in the bigger box set, if you’re so inclined) — are additional songs written for a musical-in-progress revolving around the songs from Painted From Memory.

With a storyline crafted by TV comedy mogul Chuck Lorre and Tony Award-winning writer Steven Sater, the songs from Painted From Memory were woven together with more than 12 additional songs written for the attempted work.

From the official press release, we learn from Costello himself about writing the lyrics to these new songs: “These reflect the stories and impulses of a group of people who are, obsessive and vain, who are betrayed and become disappointed in life but long tenderly for a happier time, who are unfaithful, dishonest, destructive and turn out to be the inventors of a dangerous past, who are guilty, haunted and romantically deluded, desperate, vengeful and even cruel. In their musical form they are different kinds of dark love songs that anyone might sing if they happened to be an artist, his model, a wife, a fantasist, a lover, a philanderer or disillusioned daughter. You know, fun for all the family.”

In one of the two full-album-size booklets included in The Songs of Bacharach & Costello box, Elvis goes into great detail —in a 10,000-word essay, no less! — on the complex twists and turns leading to these tracks. No spoilers here, but there is a lot of detail to absorb — and I’m still absorbing it all myself, to be honest, and I plan to re-read it all again soon.

The six songs highlighted on Side D of the 2LP set provide a sweet snapshot of the feel of this music, presented more in the form of a musical (as opposed to a pop record). For example, it is rather spinetingling hearing “Don’t Look Now,” “What’s Her Name Today,” and “I Looked Away” as performed by singer Audra Mae.

“Audra who?” you may ask. Yeah, I did too! A little research, and I found out soon enough she’s the great-great-niece of Judy Garland, and a great granddaughter of Garland’s sister Jimmie. (No DNA pressure there on filling those big shoes!)

I have indeed grown to like Mae’s voice, which sounds kind of like if Karen Dalton (see “Something on Your Mind” from 1971, written by Dino Valenti) had Judy Garland’s drive and delivery skills.

The new songs like “You Can Have Her” sparkle with lush vibrance. That tune, along with “Look Up Again,” find Elvis backed by a full orchestra scored by Vince Mendoza. These new productions are just lovely, and they provide a dramatic, powerful way to bookend the set.

Of course, I wish the UMe powers that be had given all the box set’s bonus material its own 2LP or even 3LP representation, including all the songs on the Taken From Life CD. U suppose going that route would have bumped up the SRP of the deluxe box set even further. [Or, another thought here: Perhaps the entire big box set collection could have been released in a concurrent, or even subsequent, LP-only box set—MM]

At any rate, I’m so glad they pulled out the gorgeous duet version of “Painted From Memory” sung by the great Cassandra Wilson with Bill Frisell on gorgeously recorded nylon-string classical guitar. This track had appeared on Frisell’s companion release to Painted From Memory, issued as October 1999’s The Sweetest Punch. It sounds gorgeous here, especially in this context with these other songs.

The collection pulls together related tracks like the brilliant “Everyone’s Playing House,” which appeared on the 2019 Record Store Day exclusive Purse EP, and features backing by Elvis’ longtime band The Imposters. This, along with songs from Elvis’ Grammy Award-winning October 2018 album Look Now are included here which add to the contextual impact — namely, “Don’t Look Now,” “Photographs Can Lie,” and “Why Won’t Heaven Help Me.”

Sounds Great, More Filling
Elvis’ voice is a bit brighter-sounding on this new Songs of edition than the Mobile Fidelity version of Painted From Memory. But after several listens, I am taking that as a good thing. The latter seems to have rounded off some of the frequencies around Costello’s emotive but sometimes angular vocal stylings. Jim Keltner’s always spectacular drumming sounds fuller, clearer, and more realistic than before on this new remaster.

“Such Unlikely Lovers” might well become a wonderful demo track for some of you, with a wonderful sense of dynamics, loud and soft portions, and powerful spine-tingling drum fills from Keltner. Overall, Bob Ludwig’s mastering feels just right on this release, and generally is a welcome improvement over the MoFi edition.

I have a few nits to pick, however, which may or may not be important to some of you. The third side of my vinyl set was unfortunately off-center — and some of you likely know by now this is a big no-no in my book. However, I checked in with AP editor Mike Mettler, and he confirmed his copy of the same record in the same set is perfect. I have alerted UMe to this anomaly with my copy and I hope it is just that, but it is something to perhaps keep an eye out for when you get yours. In my case, it was just enough to make the music sway in and out of tune, which is a big drag, as that side contains the centerpiece track, “God Give Me Strength.”

My only other preferences, especially given the box set’s pricetag, would have been to press these albums on at least 180g, rather than the standard 140g. I also would have liked the LPs to have come in plastic-lined audiophile-grade inner sleeves, not plain paper. Other than these nits, The Songs of Bacharach & Costello is overall a very, very nice set.

Thoughtful Packaging
The packaging for The Songs of Bacharach & Costello box set edition looks timeless, echoing designs of the past — particularly the 1950s — when deluxe-edition albums were often presented in fancy, linen-covered portfolio-style covers (particularly in the realm of classical, but also sometimes in pop and jazz). The rich, red-linen-wrapped, large-scale-design outer cover draws attention and focus to an iconic Bacharach/Costello photo inset. Taken together, it heralds a very classy affair inside.

From the official press release we learn, “Housed in a lavish 12.75” x 12.5” box, the expansive set features a 20-page booklet with photography from William Claxton and Rankin, in and out of the studio, early drafts of lyrics, studio notes, pages from the 'Painted From Memory’ musical script, and a newly written 10,000-word essay by Costello that beautifully details his nearly three-decade long friendship and prolific musical partnership with Bacharach, and how influential the legendary songwriter has been throughout his life.”

When you open up the gatefold cover, you will find separate pouches for each of the LPs, as well as the two individual booklets. Happily, because this is music of two great songwriters who value lyrics, one of these booklets contains all the words, so you can read along while listening so you don’t miss any important lines that can often just walk on by.

A line somewhat out of context from one of my favorite songs on Painted From Memory kind of summarizes how I feel about The Songs of Bacharach & Costello collection overall:

“You knocked me out,
It was the sweetest punch”

If you are a fan of Painted From Memory, you need to get The Songs of Bacharach & Costello, whichever edition your wallet will allow. You and your ears will be more than glad you did.
Since you put me down, it seems i've been very gloomy. You may laugh but pretty girls look right through me.
sweetest punch
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

Post by sweetest punch »

https://audiophilereview.com/audiophile ... c-history/

WRITTEN BY MARK SMOTROFF• FEBRUARY 24, 2023•

The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: Four CDs Plus Two Vinyl LPs Super Deluxe Edition Boxed Set Shines Light On One Of The Great Modern Day Songwriting Collaborations In Music History

Mark Smotroff knows the way to San Jose and beyond…

It’s the time of year for saving money!

The Songs of Bacharach & Costello is a new multi-disc tour-de-force super deluxe edition portfolio-styled boxed set that waspersonally compiled by Elvis Costello, being released early in March. Assembling all of the published songs he wrote with one of the greatest composers of popular music of our 20th and 21st century times, Burt Bacharach, the collection explores and honors their remarkable and fruitful musical partnership.

Celebrating this collaboration which began in 1995 and continued up until Mr. Bacharach’s untimely passing this month (RIP), The Songs of Bacharach & Costello provides a much needed deep dive into the music these fine artists created together. Revolving around their critically acclaimed 1998 release Painted From Memory — newly remastered from the original analog tapes by legendary audio engineer/producer Bob Ludwig — this expansive musical journey takes us through a wealth of previously unreleased material from the studios and concert stages including pieces of an unfinished musical that was being explored.

For vinyl fans, I have reviewed the two LP set included in The Songs of Bacharach & Costello over on Analog Planet (click here for that review). This review will however traverse the four digital compact discs in more depth.

The four discs included in The Songs of Bacharach & Costello are broken up into compelling categories, effectively individual album listening experiences.

First, of course, there is Bob Ludwig’s newly remastered version of the original album, Painted From Memory. This is followed by a sequel of sorts titled Taken From Life,compiling many previously unreleased recordings crafted over the years beyond the initial album release, including material pegged for a proposed musical based on the original album. This disc includes guest performances from Cassandra Wilson, Bill Frisell, Audra Mae and others.

The archival flavored CD Because It’s A Lonely World – Live features Mr. Costello performing mostly previously unreleased material on the concert stage with his long time keyboard accompanist, Steve Nieve.

And finally, there is a lovely collection featuring Elvis covering other songs written by Burt Bacharach and his original songwriting partner Hal David, titled appropriately: Costello Sings Bacharach/David. This collection is particularly special as it includes a number of recordings from the very short exclusive tour Elvis made with Burt Bacharach (which, alas, I unfortunately was not in geographical proximity to see at the time).

All that said, lets dive in to each of the discs in The Songs of Bacharach & Costello:

Painted From Memory

The remastered CD of the original Painted From Memory album as included in this new boxed set sounds excellent as CDs go. I compared this to an original promotional release version of the album — which had the early HDCD encoding (my Oppo universal player can decode this). In general, everything sounds richer and warmer on this new edition with much more detailing apparent. In some ways, it is quite close to Mobile Fidelity’s SACD version which I own as well and in someways perhaps better given access to the latest remastering technology and the magic touch of an artist like engineer Bob Ludwig.

Taken From Life

This fantastic CD assembles musics from a proposed theatrical staging revolving around the Painted From Memory album. While the show never came to fruition (at least as of yet!) much new music was written and recorded along the ways (some of which was sprinkled out on other releases over the years). While I of course love the five tracks with backing from Elvis’ band The Imposters, Audra Mae’s recordings of “I Looked Away,” “In The Darkest Place” and most dramatically “What’s Her Name Today?” are powerful and at times heart wrenching. If you are not sure who Audra Mae is (as I wasn’t prior to this release) please do check the Wiki page (click here) for her fascinating background which includes genetic ties to no less than Judy Garland!

Cassandra Wilson & Bill Frisell’s version of the song “Painted From Memory” works much better in this context than on Frisell’s mostly instrumental album, The Sweetest Punch (where it originally appeared). While I understand the need to eliminate duplication of songs, it would have been nice for the sake of completeness to include both tracks she sang on that album (one was a duet with Elvis on “I Still Have That Other Girl”) but I guess on the flip side not including it gives us reason to hold on to our original CDs — or if you don’t own the album, seek it out — to enjoy the music in its original context! Poignantly, Taken From Life ends with Mr. Bacharach himself singing an early run through of one of the new songs, “Lie Back & Think Of England.” It is quite haunting.

Because It’s A Lonely World – Live

This discs mostly features Elvis with his career-long accompanist — and member of his original bands — Steve Nieve. While the duo had released a number of recordings from the 1996 tour, those did not feature any of the music from the Painted From Memory collaboration (there is a multi-disc boxed set available featuring EPs culled from cities where they performed).

The so called “Lonely World” tour in 1999 did, however, find them performing many of those Bacharach-Costello pieces, so this new CD gives us six tour recordings from Japan, Australia and Canada. Two tracks recorded with the The Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra are also included and as icing on the cake we get to hear a fine version of “This House Is Empty Now” from Late Night with Conan O’Brien in New York City featuring Burt Bacharach himself on piano! All the recordings sound excellent despite coming from different sources and shows.

Costello Sings Bacharach/David

The final disc delivers exactly what the title promises stretching across different periods of his career. Opening with a Burt Bacharach-Hal David tune which was a 1964 UK #3 hit for Dusty Springfield, “I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself,” Costello’s version here first appeared on the 1977 Stiff Records tour-document album called Live Stiffs, underscoring Costello’s deep connection to Mr. Bacharach’s music right from the beginning of his career. This song also closes the album sequence, taken from a performance with Mr. Bacharach recorded live at Sony Music Studios In New York City for the 1998 Sessions at West 54th television show. It is simultaneously exciting to hear just how much Elvis has grown as a performer between these two versions but it also underscores just how much he arrived on the scene ready to flower, delivering passion a-plenty in that raw early take.

Sandwiched between, Costello often pulls out all the stops delivering powerful versions of Bacharach-David classics like “Make It Easy On Yourself” and “Anyone Who Had A Heart” with Mr. Bacharach supporting him on piano.

An aside: I can only imagine the sense of excitement and pressure Costello faced each night on this tour, delivering outstanding performances on stage with — and for — the Maestro, especially as these songs are actually quite challenging.

Overall The Songs of Bacharach & Costello collection is really a wonder and a great offering from Elvis in tribute to his 25-plus year partnership with one of the greatest songwriters of our times.

Perhaps my only wishes is that all this material was presented in a high resolution archival audio format such as Blu-ray Disc (I assume it will be streaming on major services, hopefully in high-res). I would have liked to have heard this remixed into Dolby Atmos and included on a Blu-ray. I do understand that the set will be streaming in Atmos on Apple Music, which I plan to check out at some point — if it turns out to be compelling I will try to write about it from that vantage point.

In summary, I know it wasn’t necessarily intended, but The Songs of Bacharach & Costello ended up as a loving farewell to Maestro Bacharach.

But perhaps it also marks a new beginning. In some ways, this set illustrates a virtual passing the baton (if you will) on to Mr. Costello who in addition to his own exemplary career is arguably the rightful heir-apparent to help keep Bacharach’s music alive for at least several generations to come. With the original album and this new set, Elvis arguably set the modern standard for others to aspire when performing Burt Bacharach’s music. That is quite an honor (and responsibility) when you stop to think about it.

If you love Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach’s music, you need The Songs of Bacharach & Costello.

Rest in peace, Mr. Bacharach, and thank you for the music. And thank you Elvis for taking us all along with you on this wondrous journey.
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

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EC "unboxing" the deluxe set:
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

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https://euro.eseuro.com/lifestyle/41763.html

Björk on the cover of the new issue of ICON

(…)
Coincidences of life: Cornucopia will pass through Madrid the same night as Elvis Costello, on September 4. In our March issue we talked to him about a great man: Burt Bacharach. together they published Painted for memory in 1998. An album that is now being reissued with great luxury. “The rock business brought a rigidity and devoutness worthy of the Catholic Church. There is so much to learn from Bacharach. about easy listening It’s stupid,” Costello said, not knowing that a few days after the interview his dear friend and teacher would pass away.
(…)
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

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This video will be available soon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH5221Xn2FA
This House Is Empty Now (Late Night with Conan O’Brien).
Since you put me down, it seems i've been very gloomy. You may laugh but pretty girls look right through me.
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

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https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/elvi ... -costello/

Elvis Costello & Burt Bacharach – The Songs Of Bacharach & Costello
A gorgeous and stylish celebration of the songwriters’ collaborative work...
CLASHMUSIC REVIEWS 02 · 03 · 2023

Sometimes magic just happens – and this is infinitely the case when it comes to the work completed by the late great Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello. The two enjoyed a remarkable musical companionship, one compiled in this special new collection ‘Elvis Costello & Burt Bacharach – The Songs Of Bacharach & Costello’.

This four-disc set magnificently gathers together the duo’s entire catalogue of the songs they wrote together which effortlessly sit alongside some of the most-loved classics sensitively reimagined by Elvis. From a remastered version of their seminal album ‘‘Painted From Memory’ which includes tracks like ‘This House Is Empty Now’, ‘Toledo’ and ‘In The Darkest Place’ still sound utterly timeless with its lush orchestral arrangements and emotive lyrics.

Spine-tingling, mesmerising and hypnotic, this collection of songs serve as an impressive reminder of both artist’s incredible work. The collection also includes other duets and assorted live performances, all of which showcase the quality and endurance of their stupendous output.

Out of this comprehensive 45-song body of work, almost half of them (19) have not been previously released. This includes some new tracks which will inevitably become long-lasting classics and serve as a fitting tribute to Burt’s musical legacy.
What started as a somewhat surprising collaboration between the two singers segued into over three decades of an exquisite songwriting partnership and long-term friendship. This prolific musical partnership was truly one of a kind and created a collection of magical songs that are loved the world over.

Personally compiled by Elvis Costello, this is a real must have for any fan of the duo. This glorious collection paints a really colourful picture of their collaborative songwriting prowess and the breadth of their musical material as well as their ability to elevate the lyrics with a sumptuous orchestral arrangement.
This is a thoughtful and sensitively crafted project showcasing an awe-inspiring collection of carefully-crafted tracks. It is a touching tribute to this special musical partnership and demonstrates their musicality, artistry, and emotive storytelling.
8/10
Words: Emma Harrison
Since you put me down, it seems i've been very gloomy. You may laugh but pretty girls look right through me.
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

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https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/a ... enius.html

Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello's lost musical is a fitting swansong for a pop genius
By ADRIAN THRILLS FOR THE DAILY MAIL

BURT BACHARACH & ELVIS COSTELLO: The Songs Of Bacharach & Costello (UMe)

Verdict: A master's fond farewell
Rating: *****

When Burt Bacharach died, the tributes to his genius focused on the pop hits - Walk On By, Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head, The Look Of Love and countless others - crafted with lyricist Hal David in the 1960s.

Combining poise and emotional power, they cemented his role as the king of romantic easy listening. But he wasn't just a giant of the Swinging Sixties. He worked long into his old age and forged a formidable alliance with Elvis Costello.

The two initially collaborated in 1995, co-writing God Give Me Strength for the film comedy Grace Of My Heart, and were still making music together as recently as September 2021 in Hollywood.

It wasn't an obvious partnership. Bacharach's classic songs conjured up images of jet-set parties and wide American freeways; Costello began his career as an angry young man who channelled the energy of punk into singles like Pump It Up.

But the two shared a love of classic songwriting and Costello grew up in Liverpool listening to Bacharach-penned music on the BBC's Light Programme. A new anthology, The Songs Of Bacharach & Costello, contains every tune the pair wrote together, many previously unreleased.

In the works before Bacharach's death at 94 last month, it features 1998's Painted From Memory album in full, plus songs from 2018's Look Now and live takes.

The duo played live together only rarely (the Painted From Memory tour comprised just five shows), but there are still some choice live cuts here, including a tender rendition of the Walker Brothers' Make It Easy On Yourself and a Costello version of I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself from the height of punk in 1977.

But it's the unreleased material that's of the greatest interest. When director Chuck Lorre and writer Steven Sater came up with plans for a Broadway musical based on Painted From Memory, Bacharach and Costello wrote more than a dozen additional songs for the project.

The musical was never made, but the score survives - and many of its songs appear for the first time here. Some - Taken From Life, You Can Have Her and Look Up Again - are sung by Costello.

Others feature female guests Jenni Muldaur and Audra Mae, the great-great-niece of Judy Garland.

With Costello describing the set of characters portrayed as being 'unfaithful, dishonest, destructive... romantically deluded, desperate, vengeful and even cruel,' it's not all sweetness and light.

There are 'rumours of wild affairs' on Look Up Again, a torch song worthy of Cole Porter, while Muldaur plays a vamp to perfection on cabaret number Shameless.

Bacharach's melodies are wonderfully nuanced. Taken From Life (a 2022 recording by Elvis and The Imposters) makes some surprising turns and there are bold changes of mood and tempo on You Can Have Her.

Bacharach was a master of using complex, jazzy chords while making a song sound simple.

We even get to hear him sing, his cracked voice straining to hit the high notes on a touchingly intimate demo for a song called Lie Back & Think Of England, penned for a proposed stage adaptation of Austin Powers.

He wasn't a natural vocalist. But as one of pop's greatest composers, producers and pianists, he didn't have to be - and this compendium is a fitting swansong.
Since you put me down, it seems i've been very gloomy. You may laugh but pretty girls look right through me.
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

Post by sweetest punch »

Since you put me down, it seems i've been very gloomy. You may laugh but pretty girls look right through me.
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 23, 2023

Post by Man out of Time »

The release date for the 2 x LP and 4 x CD Box Set Super Deluxe Edition has been put back to 23 March.
This applies both to orders via Elviscostello.com and orders through Amazon.co.uk. This appears to be due to production delays.
The full album is available digitally through Spotify and I-Tunes.

Disappointing.

MOOT
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

Post by Ymaginatif »

For £30 per CD and £60 for a double LP, you'd think they'd made a bit of effort to get these ready ... :roll:
(yes, you're right: I'm still shell-shocked about he price)
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

Post by And No Coffee Table »

The US release has not been delayed.
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

Post by sweetest punch »

Since you put me down, it seems i've been very gloomy. You may laugh but pretty girls look right through me.
sweetest punch
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

Post by sweetest punch »

Since you put me down, it seems i've been very gloomy. You may laugh but pretty girls look right through me.
sweetest punch
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

Post by sweetest punch »

Since you put me down, it seems i've been very gloomy. You may laugh but pretty girls look right through me.
sweetest punch
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

Post by sweetest punch »

Since you put me down, it seems i've been very gloomy. You may laugh but pretty girls look right through me.
sweetest punch
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

Post by sweetest punch »

Since you put me down, it seems i've been very gloomy. You may laugh but pretty girls look right through me.
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

Post by Happiness_Stan1968 »

boywithaproblem wrote:I was just listening to the new song and looking at the track list for the upcoming box set. I'm not sure if this is been mentioned but it looks like there's a track exclusive to the vinyl.

Selections From Taken From Life
D1. Elvis Costello - You Can Have Her
D2. Audra Mae - Don't Look Now
D3. Audra Mae - I Looked Away
D4. Elvis Costello & The Imposters - Taken From Life
D5. Audra Mae - What’s Her Name Today?
D6. Elvis Costello - Look Up Again

The version of Don't Look Now on CD #2 is the one from Look Now, not by Audra Mae. So maybe it's a mistake and it's meant to say Audra Mae's version of In the Darkest Place? Or it's just a track exclusive to the vinyl?


I have only heard the download from iTunes (45 tracks, supposedly the whole 4CD set) and that doesn't include Audra Mae singing Don't Look Now. I'd be interested to know if that is a track exclusive to the vinyl version too or f its a mistake...
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

Post by sweetest punch »

Happiness_Stan1968 wrote:
boywithaproblem wrote:I was just listening to the new song and looking at the track list for the upcoming box set. I'm not sure if this is been mentioned but it looks like there's a track exclusive to the vinyl.

Selections From Taken From Life
D1. Elvis Costello - You Can Have Her
D2. Audra Mae - Don't Look Now
D3. Audra Mae - I Looked Away
D4. Elvis Costello & The Imposters - Taken From Life
D5. Audra Mae - What’s Her Name Today?
D6. Elvis Costello - Look Up Again

The version of Don't Look Now on CD #2 is the one from Look Now, not by Audra Mae. So maybe it's a mistake and it's meant to say Audra Mae's version of In the Darkest Place? Or it's just a track exclusive to the vinyl?


I have only heard the download from iTunes (45 tracks, supposedly the whole 4CD set) and that doesn't include Audra Mae singing Don't Look Now. I'd be interested to know if that is a track exclusive to the vinyl version too or f its a mistake...
It’s exclusive to the vinyl version. John Pagano sings also on it.
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

Post by Newspaper Pane »

That Audra Mae can really sing. Great Voice.
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

Post by sweetest punch »

Since you put me down, it seems i've been very gloomy. You may laugh but pretty girls look right through me.
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

Post by Ymaginatif »

UK distribution failure is now causing this on Amazon:
Picture1.png
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sweetest punch
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Re: The Songs of Bacharach & Costello: collection based on Painted From Memory, March 3, 2023

Post by sweetest punch »

Since you put me down, it seems i've been very gloomy. You may laugh but pretty girls look right through me.
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