Dionisius said:
Where should I start for Elvis Costello?
I understand your problem. Elvis Costello has released so many great records it's hard to pick a good starting point. I think that his Very Best Of that was released in 1999 (it has a green, Warholian cover of an Elvis mugshot) is a very good starting point. That 2CD collection has 42 songs sampling (almost) his whole career up to then.
If you want to go for albums then there are plenty of options to choose from:
- My Aim Is True (1977): His excellent debut that has 'Alison' and 'Watching The Detectives'
- This Year's Model (1978): A bit more New Wave than his pub-rock debut. Has 'Radio, Radio' and 'Pump It Up'
- Armed Forces (1979): A bit poppier. Has 'Accidents Will Happen' and '(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding'
- Get Happy (1980): His soul-influenced album. 20 tracks in less that 50 minutes!
With 'High Fidelity' and 'New Amsterdam'
- Trust (1981): An eclectic mix, but not less brilliant. Has 'Clubland' and 'New Lace Sleeves'
- Imperial Bedroom (1982): As great as the other records are, this is one of his masterpieces. With 'Beyond Belief' and 'Man Out Of Time'
- King Of America (1986): More country influenced. With 'Brilliant Mistake' and his version of 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood'
- Blood & Chocolate (1986): Yes, two great albums in the same year! Raw and back to basics, but with 'I Want You'
And his most recent albums When I Was Cruel and The Delivery Man are very good too. I guess this doesn't make it any easier, sorry...
One more word of advice, in the recent years all these records have been re-issued with remastered sound, an essay by EC himself and a bonus disc with era-specific tracks. If you want to get one of these albums, get the re-issued version. It's totally worth it, as some of his B-sides are also amazing (like Big Tears, My Funny Valentine, Talking In The Dark and Girl's Talk to name just a few).
C ya!
Marty