Cruel Smile
Elvis Costello · 2002
71 min · 15 tracks · new wave · punk
A collage of live performances and studio tracks blending Costello's biting wit with eclectic musical styles.
Why listen to this
- Best for
- dynamic live performance energy wave-like pacing and flow long, immersive listening sessions
- Context
- By the time 'Cruel Smile' was released in 2002, Elvis Costello had established himself as a multifaceted artist known for his genre-defying work. This album features tracks from various live performances and serves as a companion piece to his earlier album 'When I Was Cruel,' which had been released just the previous year, showcasing his continued evolution.
- If you like
- new wave, punk
Cruel Smile is an album by Elvis Costello, released in 2002. A collage of live performances and studio tracks blending Costello's biting wit with eclectic musical styles. 'Cruel Smile' highlights Costello’s ability to reinvent his sound while delivering sharp lyrical commentary, further solidifying his relevance in the early 2000s music scene. It received positive reviews, particularly for its unique blend of live recordings that captured the essence of his dynamic performance style. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Cruel Smile sound like?
A collage of live performances and studio tracks blending Costello's biting wit with eclectic musical styles. Rooted in new wave and punk.
What makes Cruel Smile by Elvis Costello notable?
'Cruel Smile' highlights Costello’s ability to reinvent his sound while delivering sharp lyrical commentary, further solidifying his relevance in the early 2000s music scene. It received positive reviews, particularly for its unique blend of live recordings that captured the essence of his dynamic performance style. By the time 'Cruel Smile' was released in 2002, Elvis Costello had established himself as a multifaceted artist known for his genre-defying work. This album features tracks from various live performances and serves as a companion piece to his earlier album 'When I Was Cruel,' which had been released just the previous year, showcasing his continued evolution.
Who is Cruel Smile for?
Cruel Smile works well if you're into dynamic live performance energy, wave-like pacing and flow and long, immersive listening sessions.
How many songs are on Cruel Smile?
Cruel Smile has 15 tracks, running approximately 71 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Smile (Japanese A-Side) 3:05
- 2 When I Was Cruel (No. 1) Standout 4:16
- 3 Almost Blue (live in Sydney) 5:04
- 4 15 Petals (live in Sydney) 5:35
- 5 Spooky Girlfriend (live at KFOG) 4:42
- 6 Honeyhouse (Cruel No. 2) 5:07
- 7 Revolution Doll Standout 3:44
- 8 Peroxide Side (Blunt cut) 3:48
- 9 Oh Well 2:52
- 10 The Imposter vs. The Floodtide (Dust and Petals) 3:58
- 11 Watching the Detectives + My Funny Valentine (live in Tokyo) Standout 7:09
- 12 Dust (live in Melbourne) 6:39
- 13 Uncomplicated (live in Tokyo) 4:46
- 14 Smile (Japanese B-Side) 3:32
- 15 Soul for Hire (live in Tokyo) 6:36
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