How is Elvis Costello like Woody Allen? Just about everyone admits they're great artists, but most people only pay attention to their early work and ignore more recent output. It's their loss. By the time he produced "Blood and Chocolate," Elvis Costello was already being taken for granted and ignored by most listeners. He repaid their neglect with one of his finest hours. This is the last howling hurrah of the original, "punk/new wave" Elvis Costello, and he and the Attractions, with an able assist from Nick Lowe, do themselves proud. Song for song, for variety and quality, this album is hard to beat. You want slam-bang rockers? Try "Uncomplicated," "Honey Are you Straight . . ." or the free-associating maelstrom of "Tokyo Storm Warning." You want near-perfect pop? Try "Blue Chair" or "Home is Anywhere You Hang Your Head." You want to be left breathless with wonder? Sit close to the speakers for "I Want You." Get it, listen to it, tell your friends. You'll thank yourself and they'll thank you.

A solidly enjoyable return to rock after several years of weirdness. It kind of reminds me of This Year's Model: four-piece rock with a funk edge and lovably cheesy keyboards. And it's good. ("Uncomplicated"; "I Hope You're Happy Now"; "Honey, Are You Straight or Are You Blind?"; the jangly "Next Time Around"). The difference is, there are a few longer tracks that are great, too (the ominous rumble of "Tokyo Storm Warning"; the torch ballad of sorts "Home is Anywhere You Hang Your Head"; the possessive "I Want You", a slow, creepy build-up of a song). And Costello's undeniable songwriting skills make even weak songs like "Blue Chair" (stupid harpsichord...) and the rather unspectacular "Crimes of Paris". Other than "I Want You" none of these songs are exactly classics, but it's an all-around good album, though the fourth extended track ("Battered Old Bird") is a bit much, and the spaced-out intro to "Poor Napoleon" annoys me. Still, a very respectable album, one of Costello's best.

Definitly the best album of 1986. Why was it overlooked? Radio sucked. Thats why. 'I Hope Your Happy Now' is probably one of the best radio singles ever written and performed. The Attractions prove again and again and again that they are by far the BEST backing band there is. But nobody seems to get IT. Well I say buy this record and you will get IT. I bet after you listen to this album you will not only GET IT you'll buy other Elvis Costello & The Attractions to confirm IT. Oh yeah, 'Next Time Round' is a CLASSIC closer. Get IT? ( Next Time Round will be even better )

this album romps around and bangs keys but is most notable for

I Want You

a most stark tightjaw tingling song young man i do believe you're dying

Never one to shy away from his emotions - particularly those devoted to anger - Elvis the C. comes up with what is easily his most raucous and consistent effort since "This Year's Model". His flirtation with ballads and blues on "King of America" - a poor man's "Trust" - notwithstanding, and with three failed attempts before that staring back at him from the abyss, he finally decides to do what all great artists do: he wings it. Credit Nick Lowe who channels Costello's rage into a controlled implosion. "Toyko Storm Warning" is the best six plus minute song since "Hey Jude." If "I Hope You're Happy Now" still reminds you of the sniveling runt he's always sounded like, then at least on "I Want You" he finally gets up the nerve to tell his love he wants her right now. Maybe he is Woody Allen after all.