This Year's Model

If you want to add just a dash of the past and a pinch of groovy to the recipe for musical greatness, I would seriously consider taking a moment to listen to Elvis Costello’s This Year's Model.

His second album, released in 1978, includes some of his most popular songs, and will forever hold the spot of my favorite Elvis Costello album. It is a must have on the Gyra Chan list of top 100 albums to enjoy before you die. (Granted, that might not hold too much pull since I’m just a random intern, but it can’t hurt to check the album out and let me know what you think!)

Elvis Costello has the sort of sound that you will recognize as his within the first couple seconds of every song. Even though he displays a propensity for musical range in this album, there is still something inherently “ Elvis Costello-y” in each one of this songs that acts as the double sided tape that holds together the package of musical delight. His new wave, British punk sound is one that will take over your ears, heart, and if you lack self-control like me, your wallet.…It inspired me to go on a new wave bender that cost me a pretty penny.…It was worth every cent though!

So if you’re looking for something that will take you back a few decades and will inspire you to swivel your hips and flail your pointer fingers in various directions, this is the album for you. If you really want to get old school you could rock a suit, some geeky square glasses and make people call you Elvis Costello all day…potential Halloween costume?? This 12 song glimpse back into the '70s will be a much welcomed escape from the complicated nature of the 21st century. This album will give you a chance to slow down, ignore your cell phone, avoid e-mail for 38 minutes, and let yourself truly savor a listening experience.