Full performer name: Elvis Costello & The Attractions. Elvis Costello & The Attractions: Elvis Costello (vocals, guitar, anvil); Steve Nieve (keyboards, synthesizer); Bruce Thomas (bass); Pete Thomas (drums). Additional personnel: Nick Lowe, Daryl Hall, Green (vocals); Gary Barnacle (saxophone, electric saxophone); Jim Paterson (trombone); Luis Jardim (percussion); Maurice Worm. Producers: Clive Langer, Alan Winstanley, Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello, Bassman. Principally recorded at Sarm West Studios, London, England in 1984. Originally released on Columbia (39429). Includes liner notes by Elvis Costello. Don't believe the hype. Critics (and Costello himself) generally regard this as Elvis' worst album, but that's far from true. For one thing, it's hard to dispute the overblown MIGHTY LIKE A ROSE's claim to said title. For another, there are too many damn good songs to permit GOODBYE CRUEL WORLD to be overlooked. There may be a lack of focus in the production and arrangements, but any album that opens with the pop-soul artistry of "The Only Flame in Town" and closes with the stirring anthem "Peace In Our Time" has plenty going for it. In between, there's media satire ("Worthless Thing"), classic Costello neurosis ("Inch by Inch") and effective R&B reverence ("I Wanna Be Loved"). Not a good starting point for neophytes, but recommended to true EC fans.

• Format: Vinyl
• Genre: Rock