anogete | Elvis Costello Ages Well

I searched high and low for shots in which he had the leather jacket on. I found the 70's one right away and fell in love with it. Had I been alive in the 70's, I would have been all over that. For the more current picture, I was going to use the cover from North since it is so utterly romantic, but the rain drops obscured him a bit so I went with this other picture.

The first listen of one of his albums never does it justice. I always find that the more one listens to the album, the better it gets. This probably explains why I love My Aim is True and This Year's Model best - they were his first two records. This is not to discount any of the other records; they all hold a special place in my heart. A few months ago I picked up Punch the Clock and gave it a whirl. It didn't stick on me like most of the others did, so I sat it aside and didn't force myself to like it. I pulled it out this evening and listened again. So wonderful. All it takes is some time to settle and a second listen. His lyrical prowess never ceases to amaze me. I could love the man for his words alone, but with the voice added to the mix I'm head over heels.

When I get in this mood I always go out and buy one of his albums. Which one shall it be this time? I'm already mourning the day when I run out of albums. It will be arriving soon because I have the vast majority of his catalog. Getting reacquainted with my old friend Imperial Bedroom at the moment.

Lyrics, shall we?

There's a girl in this dress
There's always a girl in distress
She's just a shabby doll
She's so sure she's self-possessed
Then again she's half undressed
She's just a shabby doll

The boy that I used to be
Showed no sign of sympathy
For just a shabby doll
I have betrayed you and me
And paid for my own bribery
With just a shabby doll

And being what you might call a whore
Always worked for me before
Now I'm a shabby doll
Untie the gag, the cat's out of the bag
But won't show his claws
He's just a shabby doll