When I Was Cruel
by Elvis Costello

I couldn't get interested in this album when it came out. Returning to it decades later, I am pleasantly surprised. It actually makes more sense to me now after hearing Wise Up Ghost where I think he really perfected the ideas that were nascent on this record. Seeing it as his first experiment in the electronic and spoken word elements that he later develops more, gives the record a context that makes me like it more. Doll Revolution is an amazing track. The Bangles did a great cover of it.

From indieshins 05/03/2018 23:17 | #214128

There's some songs here that bring EC back to his glory days. The title track, for instance, is one of his most indelible songs in years, and the somewhat Tom Waits-y Episode of Blonde is also fantastic. Yes, there are some weak moments, but the man is to be commended for the attempt to try a different sound out, adding elements of electronica to his rock sound, creating a ghostly atmosphere that often works very well with the songs. It's also great to see EC back with his frequent collaborators Pete Thomas and Steve Nieve on drums and keys respectively. The former Attractions are joined by Davey Faragher on bass, to form The Imposters, who are still Costello's backing band to this day. This album is not up to the standard of his early work, but this is merely a testament to the quality of that initial run. This would be considered a very strong album in most other discographies, and is the culmination of all the experiments of the '90s.

From Sandrof1969 02/20/2018 19:45 | #208973

Un disco che avevo abbastanza apprezzato all'epoca, ascoltato e poi quasi del tutto dimenticato. Oltre a "45" ricordavo un altro paio di canzoni: poca roba, insomma, ma l'album in realtà è un buon prodotto, sulla media dei lavori di Costello e pure un poco di più, ispirato e ben confezionato.

A good Elvis Costello album. Obviously not up to the genius of his late seventies/early eighties records. Still, when I was cruel, has some good songs, especially the title track. One of thing I don't like though is Costello now using those pretentious arty one word song titles that some 'alternative' bands seem to think is essential, surely Costello is above this. Having said that, good songs in, episode of blonde, alibi, and, 45. Not Costello's best, but good to know he's far from finished.

From lightmyway 05/13/2012 22:11 | #42257

This was the first Costello album I bought in nearly ten years. It was getting good reviews at the time and I was ready to love again. It's one of his most rocking sounds but I dunno, again there's just nothing that really stands out.

Not his best album after all, but 'Episode Of Blonde' is one song for eternity