Kojak Variety cover

Kojak Variety

Elvis Costello · 1995

53 min · 15 tracks · new wave · punk

A soulful tapestry of covers and deep cuts, blending rock, blues, and pop with Costello's distinctive flair.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • playful covers for casual listening
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • emotional depth in concise bursts
  • late-night sing-alongs with friends
  • bittersweet reflections on life

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking long, immersive experiences
  • prefer straightforward hits

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1995, 'Kojak Variety' is Elvis Costello's first album of entirely cover songs following his exploration of diverse genres in the early 90s. This period marked a return to his roots after the eclecticism of previous works like 'The Juliet Letters' (1993). The album showcases his ability to reinterpret classic tracks while maintaining his signature lyrical depth.
Stylistic neighbors
Joe Jackson· Graham Parker· Squeeze

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Strange 2:42
  • 2 Hidden Charms 3:33
  • 3 Remove This Doubt 3:54
  • 4 I Threw It All Away 3:26
  • 5 Leave My Kitten Alone 3:13
  • 6 Everybody’s Crying Mercy 4:08
  • 7 I’ve Been Wrong Before 3:03
  • 8 Bama Lama Bama Loo 2:47
  • 9 Must You Throw Dirt in My Face 3:51
  • 10 Pouring Water on a Drowning Man 3:40
  • 11 The Very Thought of You 3:43
  • 12 Payday 3:00
  • 13 Please Stay 4:50
  • 14 Running Out of Fools 3:04
  • 15 Days 4:54

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata