Cruel Smile cover

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic live performance energy
  • wave-like pacing and flow
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • layered, dense sonic textures

Where this album fits

Career 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.
Stylistic neighbors
Joe Jackson· Graham Parker· Squeeze

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) 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 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) 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

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata