Guest Edit: Elvis Costello
Amazon have this -
Elvis Costello's favourite albums in his Amazon.co.uk guest edit.
More Adventurous by Rilo Kiley
This album has the best lyric writing that I've heard in many a day. "Does he love you?" is the finest and most touching telling of a short story that you are likely to hear all year. Rilo Kiley have wonderful melodies and great playing and singing. Don't miss this one.
Uh Huh Her by PJ Harvey
My favourite Polly Harvey records have always been the raw and bare ones, driven by her great guitar playing and voice. She plays everything on this one, except drums and it is all the more vivid as a consequence. Check out "Slow Drug" and "Pocketknife".
Moments From This Theatre by Dan Penn & Spooner Oldham
This is the best Dan Penn album in catalogue because it is spare and spontaneous, putting the spotlight on those remarkable songs ("Dark End of The Street", "It Tears Me Up" and "I'm your puppet") and Dan's amazing voice. This is what Elvis Presley could have been.
Ollabelle by Ollabelle
A terrific vocal group with several vivid personalities. They have found the gospel in the Rolling Stones' "I am waiting" just as much as in Blind Willie Johnson's "Soul of a Man". Check out "Before this time".
David Ackles by David Ackles
I've loved and recommended this record since the late 60s and I am glad to see it in the CD catalogue. David Ackles was probably the most underrated songwriter of his time. His melancholy voice and adult writing style was totally out of step with the times but the songs really hold up. Check out "Blue Ribbons" or "Road to Cairo". It is hard to choose between this one and the Subway to the Country album. I strongly recommend both.
Bruckner - Mass in D minor conducted by Sir John Eliot Gardiner
I stumbled on this recording recently while looking for a Bruckner symphony (the 9th Symphony is a favourite work of mine). It is a really beautiful piece and this disc also contains some lovely performances of the Motets.
Guitarra Portuguesa by Carlos Paredes
I was given this album recently during my first visit to Portugal in twenty-five years. Now I know what I've been missing; mysterious, delicate melodies and incredible playing.
Practice Tape, Vol. 1 by Bill Evans
There are so many incredible Bill Evans records to recommend but this something curious; a glimpse of his working methods, improvising at home and playing through pieces by Bach. Some of the performances are just fragments but it rare to hear such sketches by a great artist.
The Return of Wayne Douglas by Doug Sahm
The final release by a much-missed character. If you can't find the all-star, Doug Sahm and Band on Atlantic, then this is a great alternative. My favourites are "Cowboy Peyton Place" and the really funny "Oh no, not another one", a must for "real country" fans.
The Essential by Sonny Boy Williamson
There are shorter, cheaper collections but treat yourself to this double CD and you won't regret it. It contains all of the most famous sides, "Don't start me talking", "Your funeral and my trial" and "Help me" but also gives you the quirky, "Little Village", "Like Wolf" and "The Unseen Eye". A poet and the most conversational singer and harp-player you will ever hear.