Painted From Memory by Elvis Costello & Burt Bacharach - Music CD - Perfect for Relaxation & Romantic Evenings

Nearly 20 years after its debut, "Painted from Memory," can now rightly be called a masterpiece. Each and every song in this superb collaboration of two great musical artists, Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach, shines with first class orchestration, impeccable melodies and lyrics that meld into the music so organically that it may be worth viewing the documentary that Costello and Bacharach did that examined the creative process that went into forming this unique and timeless collection of masterful songs. As Bacharach states, "There is not a wasted word in the lyrics" that Costello penned and each and every line fits the melody so perfectly - and, in some cases, such as on "What's Her Name Today?" - so unexpectedly - that you know something else was going on here than just two artists coming together to riff off each other's talents and produce something that is far less memorable than what you have here. There is not a wasted or bad song in the entire song cycle. And there are songs here so superb that they should be regularly included and covered by other artists in other venues: "I Still Have That Other Girl" is a particular standout. The shortest cut - it may pack the most pent up emotion and gives free reign to Costello's voice in a way few songs have ever done. A contrast to this, the low-key, beautifully crafted "Painted from Memory" is far more subtle, but equally as powerful. The use of a beautiful female vocal on "My Thief" at the end, perfectly placed, gives this resonant song about love lost and torn apart (the real theme of the entire record) a striking coda to what was come before. I particularly like "The Sweetest Punch" - a jazzy, bouncy counterpoint to some of the other songs - although "Tears at the Birthday Party" has a similar vibe - that plays against its lyrics with an almost defiant upbeat, powerful swing that is unmistakably Bacharach at his best. And, of course, a newly minted classic the second it was sung, "God Give Me Strength," which fits right into the songbook of other Bachrach classics, "Alfie," "Anyone Who Had A Heart," "A House is Not a Home," perfectly. Make no mistake - this is real music. These are songs you can listen to endlessly and still not pick up all the intricate lyrics and orchestral shadings that are built into them. At the time, this record was then followed by a splendid concert version of these songs by Costello and Bacharach, available as well and absolutely worth owning, as well as the aforementioned documentary. This is one of the finest collaborations in music history. These are songs that have now stood the test of time and are actually still underrated in their depth, beauty, and musical craftsmanship.