Elvis Costello - Blood & Chocolate (1986)
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🩸 Elvis Costello – Blood & Chocolate (1986)
Release Date: September 15, 1986
Label: F-Beat Records (UK), Columbia Records (US)
Genre: Rock, New Wave, Punk Rock
Length: 46:57
Producer: Nick Lowe
🎵 Blood & Chocolate is the eleventh studio album by Elvis Costello, recorded with his longtime backing band The Attractions. After exploring Americana on King of America, Costello returned to raw, guitar-driven rock, mixing aggression with sharp lyrical wit.
The album is often praised for its live, spontaneous feel, reflecting Costello’s intent to capture the energy of the band without overproduction. Critics consider it one of his most urgent and passionate records of the 1980s.
📝 Tracklist
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“Uncomplicated”
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“Tokyo Storm Warning”
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“I Hope You’re Happy Now”
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“Blue Chair”
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“Seven Day Weekend”
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“Pills and Soap”
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“Tokyo Storm Warning (Reprise)”
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“I Want You”
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“Blue Chair (Alternate)”
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“I Want You (Alternate)”
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“Blue Chair (Final Version)”
(Track listings vary by edition; some versions include additional alternate mixes.)
🎤 Album Credits
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Elvis Costello – Vocals, Guitar
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Steve Nieve – Keyboards
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Bruce Thomas – Bass
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Pete Thomas – Drums
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Nick Lowe – Producer
🎶 Costello aimed to capture the live dynamics of The Attractions in the studio, favoring raw energy over polished production.
🌟 Most Popular Tracks
Several songs from Blood & Chocolate became standouts in Costello’s catalog:
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“I Want You” – Dark, intense, and highly emotional track, often cited as one of Costello’s masterpieces.
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“Tokyo Storm Warning” – Fast-paced and energetic, showcasing the band’s live chemistry.
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“Blue Chair” – A melodic yet urgent song reflecting Costello’s lyrical sharpness.
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“Seven Day Weekend” – Punky, punchy opener with driving rhythm.
💰 Commercial Performance & Legacy
💿 Blood & Chocolate achieved modest commercial success but earned critical acclaim:
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Reached Top 15 on the UK Albums Chart
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Entered the US Billboard 200
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Regarded as a return to Costello’s rock roots and raw energy, contrasting the polished pop of previous albums
Over time, it has become a favorite among fans who prefer Costello’s edgy, guitar-driven style.
🎉 Fun Facts
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The album was recorded quickly and mostly live in the studio, preserving spontaneity.
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The title Blood & Chocolate reflects the juxtaposition of passion and sweetness, matching the album’s raw yet melodic style.
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Some tracks feature intentionally rough mixes to convey immediacy.
🕵️ Trivia
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“I Want You” was praised for its dark, obsessive lyrics and has become a highlight in Costello’s live performances.
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The album cover features a stark black-and-red photo, echoing the album’s raw aesthetic.
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Critics often consider Blood & Chocolate a spiritual companion to the earlier Armed Forces era but with a more mature perspective.
🤔 Did You Know?
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Elvis Costello’s real name is Declan Patrick MacManus.
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The album represents a conscious move back toward the aggressive, energetic style of his earlier career.
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Many songs were written during a period of personal and professional tension, which contributed to the album’s intensity.
Elvis Costello Full Discography
Download Elvis Costello albums from Amazon Music
More Albums:
Elvis Costello - My Aim Is True (1977)
Elvis Costello - This Year's Model (1978)
Elvis Costello - Armed Forces (1979)
Elvis Costello - Get Happy!! (1980)
Elvis Costello - Imperial Bedroom (1982)
Elvis Costello - Goodbye Cruel World (1984)
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