Secret, Profane & Sugarcane
Elvis Costello · 2009
50 min · 13 tracks · new wave
A rich tapestry of country, folk, and rock influences woven into intricate storytelling and lyrical depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Down Among the Wines and Spirits Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Complicated Shadows — This track exemplifies Costello's mastery in blending storytelling with melodic complexity, featuring vivid imagery that captures the song's emotional weight.
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I Dreamed of My Old Lover — With its haunting melody and reflective lyrics, this song encapsulates themes of nostalgia and loss that permeate the album.
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Sulphur to Sugarcane — The juxtaposition of upbeat instrumentation with darker lyrical themes highlights Costello's knack for irony and storytelling finesse.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong storytelling through varied instrumentation and lyrical depth, though its cohesion is somewhat uneven.
What we noticed
- Lyrically, the songs often tell stories that unfold over multiple verses, creating a narrative depth.
- The tempo varies significantly across tracks, with some maintaining a brisk pace while others slow down for reflective moments.
- Several tracks incorporate traditional folk elements, such as call-and-response vocals and rhythmic patterns.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- wistful storytelling through melodies
- intimate reflections on relationships
- evening listening with a drink
- subtle emotional nuances throughout
- thoughtful lyrics for deep pondering
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer instant gratification sounds
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Solid entry showcasing Costello's storytelling, but not a standout for new listeners.
- Career context
- Released in 2009, Secret, Profane & Sugarcane came after Costello's exploration of diverse genres, following his collaboration with the Metropole Orkest on the orchestral album, My Flame Burns Blue. This album marks a return to a more roots-oriented sound, reflecting Costello's ability to blend various musical styles while maintaining his sharp lyricism.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joe Jackson· Graham Parker· Squeeze
Tracklist
- 1 Down Among the Wines and Spirits Start here 3:11
- 2 Complicated Shadows 2:53
- 3 I Felt the Chill Before the Winter Came 3:59
- 4 My All Time Doll 4:09
- 5 Hidden Shame 4:15
- 6 She Handed Me a Mirror 4:04
- 7 I Dreamed of My Old Lover 2:35
- 8 How Deep Is the Red 3:47
- 9 She Was No Good 3:47
- 10 Sulphur to Sugarcane 5:59
- 11 Red Cotton 5:43
- 12 The Crooked Line 3:49
- 13 Changing Partners 2:40
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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