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Album: When I Was Cruel
Avg rating:
5.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2390









Released: 2002
Length: 3:23
Plays (last 30 days): 1
Bells are chiming for victory
There's a page back in history
45
They came back to the world that they fought for
Didn't turn out just like they thought
45

Here is a song to sing to do the measuring
What do you lose, what do you gain, what do you win?

Nine years later a child is born
There's a record, so you put it on
45
Nine years more, if we're lucky now
Nine-year-old puts his money down
45
Every scratch. every click, every heartbeat
Every breath that I held for you
45
There's a stack of shellac and vinyl
Which is yours now and which is mine?
45

Repeat chorus

Bass and treble heal every hurt
There's a rebel in a nylon shirt
But the words are a mystery, I've heard
'Til you turn it down to 33 and 1/3
'Cos it helps with the elocution
Corporations turn revolutions
45

So don't just weep and shed
Just change your name instead
What do you lose when it all goes to your head?

I heard something peculiar said:
Perhaps he's got a shot and now he's dead
45

Bells are chiming and tears are falling
It creeps up on you without a warning
45
Every scratch, every click, every heartbeat
Every breath that I bless
I'd be lost, I confess
45
Comments (256)add comment
 This is an open platform.  Loeber dislike.  Like to see differing opinions 

acolt wrote:


Speaking for myself, when I express negative sentiments about the singers above, I make no comment about their songwriting, which is unanimously great. It's just that all three of them would benefit from almost anyone else fronting their ideas, at least to my ears.

And no,  I don't need any more Huey Lewis in my life either. Gimme some Florence And The Machine, KT Tunstall, Peter Gabriel, Abel Tesfaye (shut up, The Weeknd is damn good and extremely original), and Chris Cornell. 

And Elvis Costello is fine. Not bad, not great, just fine. And that's okay.


 acolt wrote:


Speaking for myself, when I express negative sentiments about the singers above, I make no comment about their songwriting, which is unanimously great. It's just that all three of them would benefit from almost anyone else fronting their ideas, at least to my ears.

And no,  I don't need any more Huey Lewis in my life either. Gimme some Florence And The Machine, KT Tunstall, Peter Gabriel, Abel Tesfaye (shut up, The Weeknd is damn good and extremely original), and Chris Cornell. 

And Elvis Costello is fine. Not bad, not great, just fine. And that's okay.


Bill really likes Elvis obviously!
GREAT TUNE!  Thanx RP!   
 ExploitingChaos wrote:


What Pokemon is this?


...Hey man, ain't you never been to Triskellion?
freakin' Elvis...
 ace-marc wrote:

and Dylan gets slammed. 
and Young gets slammed.
and Waits gets slammed.
and yet these are some of the best songwriters in the last 50 years.
perhaps some  RP listeners would be happier with Huey Lewis and the News instead.


Speaking for myself, when I express negative sentiments about the singers above, I make no comment about their songwriting, which is unanimously great. It's just that all three of them would benefit from almost anyone else fronting their ideas, at least to my ears.

And no,  I don't need any more Huey Lewis in my life either. Gimme some Florence And The Machine, KT Tunstall, Peter Gabriel, Abel Tesfaye (shut up, The Weeknd is damn good and extremely original), and Chris Cornell. 

And Elvis Costello is fine. Not bad, not great, just fine. And that's okay.
Yaaz, it's about something else, but happened to wonder why the followers of the Moronic Mango didn't jump on adopting this tune for their own nefarious purposes. Then read the lyrics and went "Hm.. That prolly why, lol"
Trigger Warning, oh wait - too late ;)
 pwilster wrote:

I really wish RP would remove this, and all Elvis Costello songs from its playlist. It's annoying to stop the streaming every time this obnoxious voice appears



Its called skip.
He's very talented musically but the vocals are terrible. So I see why someone would say remove him. But I want to hear some of his stuff anyway.
 johnnyr wrote:

I LOVE that Bill and Rebecca keep playing stuff they like, rather than cave to the whiners.  



ME TOO!!  Thank You RP!!
I LOVE that Bill and Rebecca keep playing stuff they like, rather than cave to the whiners.  
I hear a clip from this song on the current at 630 in the morning, glad i know what this song is.
I like this song! ...Thank You RP!
 glennon6274 wrote:


SOUNDS LIKE TOM PETTY BUT ELVIS IS DEAD 2


LOOKS LIKE POLICEMAN BRASS ON CSI
 Stratocaster wrote:

Whaaaaattt?!? This guy is pure genius. 

Of course, people say the same thing about David Byrne - so nevermind. 


SOUNDS LIKE TOM PETTY BUT ELVIS IS DEAD 2
 Stratocaster wrote:

Whaaaaattt?!? This guy is pure genius. 

Of course, people say the same thing about David Byrne - so nevermind. 



As my spouse-man says, "Their taste is all in their mouth."
 bpemby wrote:


Seriously?  This is one of his best vocals.


Exactly.
 braculj wrote:

I got out of the shower and dripped all around the apartment to make this horrible voice shut up.



Seriously?  This is one of his best vocals.
When I first moved to the small western city I live in, some 25 years ago, we were lucky to get any concerts besides 2nd tier heavy metal and a lot of country, occasional monster truck show, etc.  When I saw that Elvis had inexplicably booked a show, in a pretty small venue no less, I figured I had to go, even though I wasn't the biggest fan.  The guy poured his heart out to a few hundred people for several hours and tore the place down like it was Madison Square Garden. 

You don't have to like him, but he's the real thing.  
I got out of the shower and dripped all around the apartment to make this horrible voice shut up.
 Vinni_NL wrote:

This guy is just like broccoli. I really hate it, but my parents keep telling me it's really good.

"It's broccoli, dear."

"I say it's spinach and I say the hell with it."*

*New Yorker cartoon...

Tony in NJ

W.A.S.T.E.



 Vinni_NL wrote:
This guy is just like broccoli. I really hate it, but my parents keep telling me it's really good.
 
Well, it's good for you anyway. Better listen to them.
this song is excellent! I can only think those with the negative comments don't have a set of good speakers.
 KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:

 

What Pokemon is this?
 Vinni_NL wrote:
This guy is just like broccoli. I really hate it, but my parents keep telling me it's really good.
 
Just wait until you grow up. ;)
 ace-marc wrote:

and Dylan gets slammed. 
and Young gets slammed.
and Waits gets slammed.
and yet these are some of the best songwriters in the last 50 years.
perhaps some  RP listeners would be happier with Huey Lewis and the News instead.
 

Maybe they can just hit the "Skip" button instead of spreading their negativity?
 Ihatethissong wrote:


 
I'll take any song over a screaming baby every time.
 KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:

 
So cool - love that!
 Dfitz wrote:
I would rather take a swift kick to the boys than listen to another Elvis Costello track
 
Where's the line up, I'll go first.

 njswede wrote:
Most overrated artist in music history!
 
and Dylan gets slammed. 
and Young gets slammed.
and Waits gets slammed.
and yet these are some of the best songwriters in the last 50 years.
perhaps some  RP listeners would be happier with Huey Lewis and the News instead.
average rating 5.7? sad. this is a great song!

 neptunejeff wrote:
Love him or hate him , Elvis Costello  is quite talented  
 
Indeed he is, and he wrote this great song for our POTUS
Love him or hate him , Elvis Costello  is quite talented  
Please turn it off!!! What Elvis!?
Elvis Costello makes me want to cut my own ears off
never understood the popularity - terrible voice
Just to rattle the haters - I love this and appreciate how experimental Elvis gets on this CD.
Blech. Make it stop!
 Dfitz wrote:
I would rather take a swift kick to the boys than listen to another Elvis Costello track
 
Well ... if you insist.
 njswede wrote:
Most overrated artist in music history!
 
No. He's rated just fine. Your opinion on who is over-rated or not is just that; your opinion.
I would rather take a swift kick to the boys than listen to another Elvis Costello track
 DaidyBoy wrote:

Sad to say that "Coma Girl" hits the bottom of my list.  Instant PSD every time, followed closely by this offering.  Sorry fans.
 
Thanks for the apology.  I know I was crushed.
 Vinni_NL wrote:
This guy is just like broccoli. I really hate it, but my parents keep telling me it's really good.
 
I appreciate your effort to incorporate humor into your pissing and moaning about a song.
Most overrated artist in music history!
 Vinni_NL wrote:
This guy is just like broccoli. I really hate it, but my parents keep telling me it's really good.
 

If you don't like it, you don't like it.  Like singers, there are a multitude of other veggies you can enjoy.
wait, what are we talking about?
 kcar wrote:


I'm not that far alone but Bill played "Coma Girl" by Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros about 6 songs back and it's odd how they're grating on me the same way tonight...
 
Sad to say that "Coma Girl" hits the bottom of my list.  Instant PSD every time, followed closely by this offering.  Sorry fans.
 sfoster66 wrote:
Have to say that with every play this track becomes a little bit more yuck...please stop...
 

I'm not that far alone but Bill played "Coma Girl" by Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros about 6 songs back and it's odd how they're grating on me the same way tonight...
Oh man poor Elvis, look at those ratings! Shaking my head, your hearts are stones
                                    
Horrible he’s so lacking talent. I have no idea how this is popular.
 sfoster66 wrote:
Have to say that with every play this track becomes a little bit more yuck...please stop...
 
Have to say that with every play this track becomes a little bit greater... please more! :)
Have to say that with every play this track becomes a little bit more yuck...please stop...
 dc_zee wrote:
 I'm feeling dense, can you elaborate on what you think it's come to mean?  Thanks in advance.

maryte wrote:
Elvis should add another verse about the most recent abomination that 45 has come to mean.

 
That abomination would be Donald Trump
 

Actually I prefer the "Perfact Sound Forever" 500rpm to 200rpm speeds
Can’t wait for President Elizabeth Warren.
Why does Radio Paradise play so much Elvis Costello? It seems really disproportionate. Same thing for Robert Plant.
I'm picturing Weird Al doing a satirical video using this song to sing about Trump.
 I'm feeling dense, can you elaborate on what you think it's come to mean?  Thanks in advance.

maryte wrote:
Elvis should add another verse about the most recent abomination that 45 has come to mean.

 

I like it so much. Makes me feel like an alien cause so many people here hate him.
Thank you, Bill.


SO many amazing EC tracks - why this one??
 Broken_Ear wrote:
One weekend listening here and you end up with ear bleeding 4x Elvis Costello, 4x Leonard Cohen, 3x Dave Matthews, 3x Tom Waits. It's either masochism or laziness to not change the channel from time to time.

 
Love Costello.
Cohen sounds like he's trying to carry a tune while belching.
Dave Matthews is amazing.
Tom Waits sounds like a vomiting wildebeest.

Just goes to show ya...there's something here for everyone, and that's why the PSD button exists.
 maryte wrote:
Elvis should add another verse about the most recent abomination that 45 has come to mean.

 
Ditto that. 
 Broken_Ear wrote:
One weekend listening here and you end up with ear bleeding 4x Elvis Costello, 4x Leonard Cohen, 3x Dave Matthews, 3x Tom Waits. It's either masochism or laziness to not change the channel from time to time.

 
 I have an idea for you: Don't listen to RP anymore. The rest of us enjoy the eclectic mix.
Elvis should add another verse about the most recent abomination that 45 has come to mean.
Every scratch, every click, every heartbeat
Every breath that I bless
I'd be lost, I confess
45

One weekend listening here and you end up with ear bleeding 4x Elvis Costello, 4x Leonard Cohen, 3x Dave Matthews, 3x Tom Waits. It's either masochism or laziness to not change the channel from time to time.
Jay-sus, the track isn't all that good, but Elvis in '02 was sure as war, hate and confusion a bit prescient for '17 with the lyrics and title.  
Just like the orange menace...... 45

                   E X C R U C I A T I N G.
 

Hear this way too much, starting to dislike it.  Used to be cool, not anymore.
Don't forget - no Elvis no Shipbuilding. 
 

anyway elvis costello is overplayed IMHO

fredriley wrote:

So use PSD. One click, problem solved, stream continues. Semplicissimo.

 


 pwilster wrote:
I really wish RP would remove this, and all Elvis Costello songs from its playlist. It's annoying to stop the streaming every time this obnoxious voice appears

 
So use PSD. One click, problem solved, stream continues. Semplicissimo.
Why is he important?
 Stratocaster wrote:

Whaaaaattt?!? This guy is pure genius. 

Of course, people say the same thing about David Byrne - so nevermind. 

 
You have proven a point, but I don't think it is the one you thought it was.
 pwilster wrote:
I really wish RP would remove this, and all Elvis Costello songs from its playlist. It's annoying to stop the streaming every time this obnoxious voice appears

 
Whaaaaattt?!? This guy is pure genius. 

Of course, people say the same thing about David Byrne - so nevermind. 
The best Elvis.
Please make It stop Billy!
Oh no. The Mac client's "Play something different" does nothing. I'm stuck in Costello-hell. 
Costello. 

Automatic 1.

Can't stand this guy. His voice is awful. He reminds me of Ke$ha in that I have no clue what the appeal is. 
It's Costello, but i still like it. First Costello-Song I rated higher than 3.
 pwilster wrote:
I really wish RP would remove this, and all Elvis Costello songs from its playlist. It's annoying to stop the streaming every time this obnoxious voice appears

 
No.
 pwilster wrote:
I really wish RP would remove this, and all Elvis Costello songs from its playlist. It's annoying to stop the streaming every time this obnoxious voice appears

 
Man is a consummate artist.  Stop whining and deal.
 pwilster wrote:
I really wish RP would remove this, and all Elvis Costello songs from its playlist. It's annoying to stop the streaming every time this obnoxious voice appears

 
You're crazy...this dude rocks. I'd hate to see your opinion of what's good.
I really wish RP would remove this, and all Elvis Costello songs from its playlist. It's annoying to stop the streaming every time this obnoxious voice appears
also surprised at all the negative comments. i really like it.
His voice makes me want to juggle blue-ringed octopus'.
 
 daniel_rusk wrote:
Yuck. I like the early Costello. But this song is weak and sucks.

 
agree!!
I like EC but this isn't one of his stronger tunes.
Have never seen the point of Costello, but I realize many people like him. I just don't get it. Downright annoying, really.
Wow, how is it that this song is getting panned? Absolutely rocks! 9.
Ingenious lyrical brilliance (is that redundant) from Elvis C. 9
 michaelc wrote: 
I was trying last night to think of the best example of why you should ignore the music press.  I came up with it.  Porcupine Tree.  Regulars to this station know them to be an excellent band that has been largly ignored by the music press.  My second best example would be rap music, which gets outsized coverage.  I dont object so much to the fact that rap is thug music and misogynst ( I do object to that too).  But rap is just so awful sounding - I just do not consider it music.
 daniel_rusk wrote:
Yuck. I like the early Costello. But this song is weak and sucks.

 
Weak and sucks? Oh, no.
 
The lyrics are pretty great, IMO so go look at 'em... 
Yuck. I like the early Costello. But this song is weak and sucks.
I remeber when I was 45...sorry, that's all I've got on this one.
 bc wrote:

You're right about their music coverage.
But ironically, you can get some financial/political reporting there that's better than most.  Matt Taibi is one of the few people relentlessly pursuing the financial industry's malfeasance.
Maybe the New York Times will respond by reporting on some good new bands or something.   Yeeeah.

 
Superb article  "Jahar's World" - one of the Boston Bombers, by Janet Reitman,  - Silly brouhaha about the cover photo. A lighthearted look at Willie, still truckin' at 80.  and I quite agree about Matt Tabibi. When you live in a see-no-evil city like Houston  (ahhhh, there is the Houston Press), you learn to appreciate harder-edge reporting found elsewhere.
 bc wrote:

You're right about their music coverage.
But ironically, you can get some financial/political reporting there that's better than most.  Matt Taibi is one of the few people relentlessly pursuing the financial industry's malfeasance.
Maybe the New York Times will respond by reporting on some good new bands or something.   Yeeeah.

 
ummm ya maybe https://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/category/music/


Love this verse:

Bass and treble heal every hurt
There's a rebel in a nylon shirt
But the words are a mystery, I've heard
'Til you turn it down to 33 and 1/3
'Cos it helps with the elocution
Corporations turn revolutions
<auto mute> <flat voice warning>{#Taped-shut}
 gillespp wrote:
Next stop, 78 . . .
 
yep.. waitin for it ...
Next stop, 78 . . .
 lshinkawa wrote:
Diana Krall is a lucky woman.

 
I think Elvis did all right for himself too! {#Hug}
 rdo wrote:


I normally am not a fan of anti-corporate banter, but in this case I think it is apropos.  Can we please not ever refer to that corporate rag Rolling Stone?  It's just one giant advertisement for the music industry. It has nothing to offer.  Don't read it.
 
You're right about their music coverage.
But ironically, you can get some financial/political reporting there that's better than most.  Matt Taibi is one of the few people relentlessly pursuing the financial industry's malfeasance.
Maybe the New York Times will respond by reporting on some good new bands or something.   Yeeeah.
Diana Krall is a lucky woman.
 peter_james_bond wrote:

A career that has spanned 4 decades, 30 studio albums, numerous hit singles, many nominations and awards, and accolades such as; In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked him #80 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time... but, he's not that good...
 

I normally am not a fan of anti-corporate banter, but in this case I think it is apropos.  Can we please not ever refer to that corporate rag Rolling Stone?  It's just one giant advertisement for the music industry. It has nothing to offer.  Don't read it.
I literally ran into him on W12th Street Manhattan the other day. By the time I realized who he was he'd already crossed 5th Avenue. You gotta be pretty quick in this town to both recognize and genuflect o your pop idols.
 expatlar wrote:
Hey, if you play a lot of Elvis Costello, how 'bout some(more) Joe Jackson?
 
..........musicsmiley...........
 Vinni_NL wrote:
This guy is just like broccoli. I really hate it, but my parents keep telling me it's really good.
 
Your parents are into Elvis Costello?!  I guess you're relatively young.
This guy is just like broccoli. I really hate it, but my parents keep telling me it's really good.
{#Roflol} 

Jamunca wrote:
Subtract forty from five and you might come close to my rating.
 


 Alexandra wrote:

This song became highly significant when I turned 45 this past Saturday!

 
You don't look a day over 44!
 liteon1 wrote:
What's with the unhealthy obsession with Elvis Costello here on RP, Bill?  Give it up!  He's not that good.
 
"Unhealthy"?  Are you a doctor?


Subtract forty from five and you might come close to my rating.

This song became highly significant when I turned 45 this past Saturday!


I feel bad rating this a 5 out of 10, but it is Decent.
 peter_james_bond wrote:

A career that has spanned 4 decades, 30 studio albums, numerous hit singles, many nominations and awards, and accolades such as; In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked him #80 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time... but, he's not that good...
  Touche Mr. Bond.

  


There are MUCH better Elvis Costello songs.... Not one of my favorites.