Elvis Sex-Change cover

Elvis Sex-Change

Cornershop · 1993

24 min · 8 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant fusion of indie rock and South Asian influences, layered with eclectic instrumentation and playful lyricism.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Kawasaki (More Heat Than Chapati) — This track exemplifies the band's signature blend of catchy melodies and socially conscious lyrics, addressing themes of identity and cultural fusion with a playful tone.
  • →
    England's Dreaming — With its infectious chorus and sharp commentary on the British experience, this song encapsulates the band's ability to critique societal norms while delivering an engaging indie rock anthem.
  • →
    Waterlogged — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its dynamic instrumentation and clever wordplay, showcasing Cornershop's distinctive style right from the start.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

Cornershop's fusion of indie rock with South Asian elements creates a distinctive sound, though cohesion varies across tracks.

What we noticed

  • Tracks like 'Kawasaki (More Heat Than Chapati)' incorporate rhythmic shifts that reflect both rock and bhangra influences.
  • Several songs utilize call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the playful and communal feel of the music.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • short bursts of playful energy
  • eclectic tracks for varied moods
  • lighthearted vibes for road trips
  • quick, upbeat listening sessions

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, immersive albums
  • want serious, heavy themes

Where this album fits

Career context
Elvis Sex-Change was Cornershop's second album, following their debut, Hold On It Hurts, released in 1994. At this point in their career, the band was beginning to carve out a unique niche within the Britpop movement, blending cultural elements reflective of their British-Asian identity.
Stylistic neighbors
The Beta Band· Gogol Bordello· Beastie Boys

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Waterlogged 4:00
  • 2 Moonshine 2:31
  • 3 Kawasaki (More Heat Than Chapati) 3:00
  • 4 Hanif Kureishi Scene 3:26
  • 5 England's Dreaming 3:36
  • 6 Trip Easy 3:01
  • 7 Summer Fun in a Beat Up Datsun 1:32
  • 8 Breaking Every Rule Language English 3:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata