Kojak Variety [Expanded] (1995)

Elvis Costello recorded the 15 songs that comprised his covers album Kojak Variety in 1990, but the album sat in the vaults for five years, with some songs trickling out on soundtracks, with the entire album eventually leaking out as a bootleg prior to its release in 1995. Given this slow, steady crawl to release and the nature of bootlegs and B-sides, it's reasonable to assume from its slow unveiling that the album was a collection of covers that he recorded with different bands over different years, when quite the ... Read More

Elvis Costello recorded the 15 songs that comprised his covers album Kojak Variety in 1990, but the album sat in the vaults for five years, with some songs trickling out on soundtracks, with the entire album eventually leaking out as a bootleg prior to its release in 1995. Given this slow, steady crawl to release and the nature of bootlegs and B-sides, it's reasonable to assume from its slow unveiling that the album was a collection of covers that he recorded with different bands over different years, when quite the opposite was true -- all 15 songs were the cut with the same band, all sequestered away in Barbados. However, the bonus disc that accompanies Rhino's 2004 expanded, double-CD reissue of Kojak Variety is indeed a crazy quilt of covers, taken from different sessions recorded during the '90s. Many of these have been previously released, either as B-sides or more often as contributions to various-artists tribute albums (or, in the case of Dave Bartholomew's "That's How You Got Killed Before," Costello sang it for an album by the Dirty Dozen Brass Band). While these aren't exactly rare, it is nice to have them all collected in one place, but it's even nicer to have all of the "George Jones Tape" finally see the light of day. These ten songs -- running from track two ("My Resistance Is Low") through track 11 ("How Long Has This Been Going On") on the bonus disc -- were a collection of covers Costello cut in one day in 1992 with Pete Thomas and Paul "Bassman" Riley, all recorded with the intention of sending them to Jones for possible inclusion on a forthcoming album by the country legend. Costello first hit upon this idea during an interview with Jones for Interview magazine, and in the published piece, he said he was going to send a mixtape to the singer, but that soon morphed into these 11 covers. They're a mixed bag, sometimes bracing -- Costello's interpretation of Bruce Springsteen's "Brilliant Disguise" is tremendous and would have made a great single for George -- and sometimes bewildering (it's hard to imagine the Possum winding his way through Tom Waits' "Innocent When You Dream"), yet it's always a fascinating listen, even if it's just for hearing Elvis bungle a line on his excellent version of Bob Dylan's "You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go." This tape alone makes this reissue of Kojak Variety worthwhile, and while having it surrounded by the B-sides and tribute tunes gives the bonus disc an appearance of being a patchwork collection, it's just as musically satisfying as the finished album. In fact, it could even be argued that the ramshackle vibe and freewheeling spirit on this bonus disc makes it more fun than the actual record. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi Read Less

• All from $11.36
• Used Music from $11.36

• All Copies (2)
• CD (2)
• Choose Release (1)

• Music Details
• Seller
• Sort U.K./EUR Sellers Price: Low to High Price: High to Low Condition Condition: Reverse Release Date Release Date: Rev Sellers Near Me

• CD, Fair 2004, Rhino UPC: 081227648725 See Item Details ▾

  Service First Media BEST Taylorsville, KY, USA

  $11.36 $18.98 Add to Basket

  	Edition: 2004, Rhino CD, Fair	Details: UPC: 081227648725 Discs: 2 Label: Rhino Released: 2004 Alibris ID: 18005775080	Shipping Options: Standard Shipping: $3.47 Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
  Seller's Description: Fair. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality. Includes disc(s), case, booklet, and back artwork. Disc(s), case, booklet, and back artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. Case and artwork may show some wear. Case may not be an original jewel case. All disc(s) are authentic.
  ► Contact This Seller
  Hide Details ▴

• CD, Very Good 2004, Rhino UPC: 081227648725 See Item Details ▾

  HPB-Diamond HIGH Dallas, TX, USA

  $12.49 $18.98 Add to Basket

  	Edition: 2004, Rhino CD, Very Good	Details: UPC: 081227648725 Discs: 2 Release: Original recording remastered Label: Rhino Released: 08/03/2004 Alibris ID: 17989667511	Shipping Options: Standard Shipping: $3.47 Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
  Seller's Description: Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
  ► Contact This Seller
  Hide Details ▴

2004, Rhino UPC: 081227648725 CD See All from $11.36