Painted from Memory

One composer studied musical theory and helped define the golden age of American popular song; the other grew up surrounded by his father’s record collection and emerged in the middle of punk. Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello’s collaboration began with Costello’s longstanding admiration. He had often covered Bacharach’s songs, but their own paths finally crossed when they wrote ‘God Give Me Strength’ for the film Grace of My Heart. Encouraged by that experience, Costello suggested making more music together.

The mutual respect never softens the tension in this album. Two songs were composed by Bacharach alone; the rest grew from the pair exchanging ideas. Their identities coexist in each arrangement: Bacharach’s bright elegance opens the song, then the earthy concentration of Costello’s rock sensibility remains in its wake. Horns, female backing voices and orchestral textures supply familiar Bacharach colours, while a band including Dean Parks, Greg Cohen, Jim Keltner and Steve Nieve keeps the dramatic material taut.

Bacharach’s gift for intricate structures and beautiful, modulating melodies is unmistakable. Costello meets those demanding songs directly, and his singing is magnificent. Each man draws out something in the other: Bacharach reveals Costello’s refinement, while Costello uncovers Bacharach’s wildness. The emotion and energy of the album seem to carry the excitement of discovering an ideal creative partner. Only these two could have reached this particular place.