Beyond Belief (song)

Last updated
"Beyond Belief"
"Beyond Belief" - Elvis Costello (1985 single, B-side to "Green Shirt").jpg
1985 B-side label
Song by Elvis Costello and the Attractions
from the album Imperial Bedroom
Released2 July 1982
Recorded1982
Studio AIR, London
Genre New wave
Length2:34
Label
Songwriter(s) Elvis Costello
Producer(s) Geoff Emerick
Elvis Costello singles chronology
"The Only Flame in Town"
(1984)
"Green Shirt" / "Beyond Belief"
(1985)
"The People's Limousine"
(1985)

"Beyond Belief" is a song written by new wave musician Elvis Costello and recorded by Costello with his backing band the Attractions. The song appeared on Costello's 1982 album, Imperial Bedroom . With vague, hazy lyrics, "Beyond Belief" features an active drum line from a hungover Pete Thomas as well as a frantic vocal line Costello composed after the backing track was completed.

Contents

Though not released as a single, "Beyond Belief" appeared on several Costello compilation albums and remains a fan favorite. It has been lauded by critics and has made several appearances in Costello's live setlist.

Background

"Beyond Belief" originated from an earlier song that Costello wrote, entitled "The Land of Give and Take". [1] Sonically, the song represented an attempt by Costello to incorporate elements of the "big open-spaced music" from U2 and Echo and the Bunnymen that was popular at the time. Costello further described it as a "ranting kind of song", stating, "I was consciously writing words that didn't make sense — to make a blurred picture, because I was living a blurred life". [2] Such a lyrical approach meant that "there [are] three or four points of view going on at the same time" throughout. [3]

"Beyond Belief" was radically rearranged in the studio, largely in response to drummer Pete Thomas' energetic performance. Per Costello,

Pete Thomas arrived at the studio straight from a night of carousing, he confounded all of us by turning in the single inventive take of "Beyond Belief" that transformed the song into the opening track of the record. The strength of Pete's performance meant that I was able to consider a more ambitious and confidential vocal approach. I re-wrote the song over the existing backing track, achieving a more coherent structure. [4]

In his autobiography, Costello noted that this restructuring of the song's structure over an existing backing track was "unprecedented" for him, concluding that the novelty of such a form of construction was a "real liberation". [5] This strategy influenced Costello to reconsider the vocal lines of other songs on Imperial Bedroom, leading to similar tweaks throughout the sessions. [1]

Release

"Beyond Belief" was released as the opening track of Costello's 1982 album Imperial Bedroom . The song was not released as a single, though it later appeared as a B-side on the 1985 single for "Green Shirt". Costello later lamented this, noting that "Beyond Belief" would have been a "bolder" choice for a single than the album's first single, "You Little Fool". [1]

Since its release, "Beyond Belief" has been included on several Costello compilation albums, including The Best of Elvis Costello and the Attractions , Girls Girls Girls , and The Best of Elvis Costello: The First 10 Years . Stereogum commented, "If there are any Imperial Bedroom songs casual fans know beyond 'Almost Blue,' they're 'Man Out of Time' and 'Beyond Belief,' as both have rightly been included on various career anthologies." [6] The song also served as the title for a now-defunct Costello fanzine. [7]

Critical reception

"Beyond Belief" has attracted critical acclaim from music writers. In a 1982 review of Imperial Bedroom, Simon Hills of Record Mirror praised the Costello's "silky yet muscular voice" on the track. [8] Rolling Stone singled out the opening lyric of "History repeats the old conceits/The glib replies, the same defeats" as being "sung from the inside". [9]

Retrospective writers have similarly expressed admiration for "Beyond Belief". PopMatters praised the song for its "masterful [vocal] performance from Costello" as well as Thomas's "manic drumming." [10] Stereogum similarly singled out the song because it "does deliver one of the great anxious Costello vocal recordings." [6] Washington City Paper stated, "Amid the current controversy over whether a songwriter is worthy of recognition among the pantheon of Serious Literature, 'Beyond Belief' is certainly as good an exemplar for The Pop Song As High Art as any." [11]

Paste Magazine ranked "Beyond Belief" number 19 on their list of the top 20 Elvis Costello songs, writing, "Few songs set out so confusingly sprawling, and this introduction to the Attractions' abilities to adapt to Costello’s increasingly diverse muses was hugely impressive." [12]

Live history

Since its release, "Beyond Belief" has appeared regularly in Costello's live setlist, [12] though the song "had to be stripped of many of the [studio] embellishments" as with many others from Imperial Bedroom. [1]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elvis Costello</span> English singer-songwriter (born 1954)

Declan Patrick MacManus, known professionally as Elvis Costello, is an English singer, songwriter, record producer, author and television presenter. According to Rolling Stone, Costello "reinvigorated the literate, lyrical traditions of Bob Dylan and Van Morrison with the raw energy and sass that were principal ethics of punk", noting the "construction of his songs, which set densely layered wordplay in an ever-expanding repertoire of styles." His first album, My Aim Is True (1977), is widely regarded as one of the best debuts in popular music history. It spawned no hit singles, but contains some of Costello's best-known songs, including the ballad "Alison". Costello's next two albums, This Year's Model (1978) and Armed Forces (1979), recorded with his backing band the Attractions, helped define the new wave genre. From late 1977 through early 1980, each of the eight singles he released reached the UK Top 30. His biggest hit single, "Oliver's Army" (1979), sold more than 400,000 copies in Britain. He has had more modest commercial success in the US, but has earned much critical praise. From 1977 through the early 2000s, Costello's albums regularly ranked high on the Village Voice Pazz & Jop critics' poll, with This Year's Model and Imperial Bedroom (1982) voted the best album of their respective years. His biggest US hit single, "Veronica" (1989), reached number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100.

<i>Almost Blue</i> 1981 studio album by Elvis Costello and the Attractions

Almost Blue is the sixth studio album by the English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello, and his fifth with the Attractions—keyboardist Steve Nieve, bassist Bruce Thomas and drummer Pete Thomas. It was recorded in May 1981 in Nashville, Tennessee, and released in October the same year. A departure from Costello's previous works, it is a covers album composed entirely of country music songs, including works written by Hank Williams and George Jones. The project originated with Costello's desire to record a collection of covers after his two previous studio albums commercially underperformed following Armed Forces (1979).

<i>This Years Model</i> 1978 studio album by Elvis Costello

This Year's Model is the second studio album by the English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello, released on 17 March 1978 through Radar Records. After being backed by Clover for his debut album My Aim Is True (1977), Costello formed the Attractions—keyboardist Steve Nieve, bassist Bruce Thomas and drummer Pete Thomas —as his permanent backing band. Recording sessions took place at London's Eden Studios in eleven days between late 1977 and early 1978. Nick Lowe returned as producer, and Roger Béchirian acted as engineer. Most of the songs were written prior to the sessions, and debuted live during the latter half of 1977.

<i>Imperial Bedroom</i> 1982 studio album by Elvis Costello and the Attractions

Imperial Bedroom is the seventh studio album by the English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello, and his sixth with the Attractions—keyboardist Steve Nieve, bassist Bruce Thomas and drummer Pete Thomas. It was released on 2 July 1982 through F-Beat Records in the United Kingdom and Columbia Records in the United States. Recording took place at AIR Studios in London from late 1981 to early 1982 with production handled by Geoff Emerick. Placing an emphasis on studio experimentation, the album saw the group use unusual instruments, including harpsichord, accordion and strings arranged by Nieve. Songs were rewritten constantly while Costello tinkered with the recordings, adding numerous overdubs.

<i>Punch the Clock</i> 1983 studio album by Elvis Costello and the Attractions

Punch the Clock is the eighth studio album by the English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello, and his seventh with the Attractions—keyboardist Steve Nieve, bassist Bruce Thomas and drummer Pete Thomas. It was released on 5 August 1983 through F-Beat Records in the United Kingdom and Columbia Records in the United States. Produced by Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, the album was Costello's attempt at making a commercial record following years of dwindling commercial success. It was recorded at London's AIR Studios in early 1983 and features contributions from the TKO Horns and Afrodiziak.

<i>Trust</i> (Elvis Costello album) 1981 studio album by Elvis Costello and the Attractions

Trust is the fifth studio album by the English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello, and his fourth with the Attractions—keyboardist Steve Nieve, bassist Bruce Thomas and drummer Pete Thomas. It was released on 23 January 1981 through F-Beat Records in the United Kingdom. His fifth consecutively produced album by Nick Lowe, who was assisted by engineer Roger Béchirian, the album was recorded in London from October to November 1980 between DJM and Eden Studios. The sessions were riddled with alcohol and drug issues and tensions were high between the band members. Squeeze vocalist Glenn Tilbrook and the Rumour guitarist Martin Belmont made guest appearances on "From a Whisper to a Scream".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Attractions</span> UK musical group

The Attractions were an English backing band for the English new wave musician Elvis Costello between 1977 and 1986, and again from 1994 to 1996. They consisted of Steve Nieve (keyboards), Bruce Thomas, and Pete Thomas (drums). They also released one album as an independent entity, without Costello, in 1980.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oliver's Army</span> 1979 single by Elvis Costello

"Oliver's Army" is a song written by Elvis Costello and performed by Costello and the Attractions, from the former's third studio album Armed Forces (1979). The song is a new wave track that was lyrically inspired by the Troubles in Northern Ireland and includes lyrics critical of the socio-economic components of war. Costello had travelled to Northern Ireland and was influenced by sights of British soldiers patrolling Belfast. Musically, the song features a glossy production and a keyboard performance inspired by ABBA, creating a juxtaposition between the lyrics and music that both critics and Costello have pointed out.

<i>Goodbye Cruel World</i> (Elvis Costello album) 1984 studio album by Elvis Costello and the Attractions

Goodbye Cruel World is the ninth studio album by the English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello, and his eighth with the Attractions—keyboardist Steve Nieve, bassist Bruce Thomas and drummer Pete Thomas. It was released on 18 June 1984 through F-Beat Records in the United Kingdom and Columbia Records in the United States. Produced by Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, who returned from 1983's Punch the Clock, the album was recorded at London's Sarm West Studios in March 1984 during a period of turmoil for the artist. The problematic sessions included disagreements between Costello and the producers over the album's direction and high tensions amongst the Attractions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding</span> 1974 single by Brinsley Schwarz

"(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding" is a 1974 song written by English singer/songwriter Nick Lowe. Initially released by Lowe with his band Brinsley Schwarz on their 1974 album The New Favourites of... Brinsley Schwarz, the song was released as a single and did not chart.

<i>The Best of Elvis Costello and the Attractions</i> 1985 greatest hits album by Elvis Costello and the Attractions

The Best of Elvis Costello and the Attractions is a compilation album by English musician Elvis Costello and his backing band the Attractions, released in 1985. It was the first of what would be many career-spanning compilation albums of previously released material for Costello.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pump It Up (Elvis Costello song)</span> 1978 single by Elvis Costello and the Attractions

"Pump It Up" is a 1978 song by Elvis Costello and the Attractions. It originally appeared on Costello's second album This Year's Model, which was the first he recorded with the backing group the Attractions. Written as an ironic response to his time during the Stiffs Live Tour and inspired by "Subterranean Homesick Blues" by Bob Dylan, "Pump It Up" features a stomping rhythm and ironic lyrics.

"Almost Blue" is a song recorded by English group Elvis Costello and the Attractions from their sixth studio album, Imperial Bedroom (1982). Written by Costello and produced by Geoff Emerick, the track shares the name of the group's previous 1981 studio album. It was released on 2 July 1982 along with the rest of Imperial Bedroom, and would later be included on side two of The Best of Elvis Costello and the Attractions (1985). A traditional pop song, "Almost Blue" contains lyrics that compare a former relationship to a present one.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">From a Whisper to a Scream (song)</span> 1981 song by Elvis Costello

"From a Whisper to a Scream" is a song written by new wave musician Elvis Costello and performed by Costello and the Attractions on their 1981 album, Trust. With lyrics referencing drinking, the song notably features a guest vocal from Squeeze frontman and songwriter Glenn Tilbrook as well as a guitar part from ex-Rumour guitarist Martin Belmont.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Little Fool</span> 1982 song by Elvis Costello

"You Little Fool" is a song written by new wave musician Elvis Costello and performed by Elvis Costello and the Attractions on their 1982 album, Imperial Bedroom. The lyrics detail a teenage girl's romantic encounter with an older man.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Only Flame in Town</span> 1984 single by Elvis Costello and the Attractions

"The Only Flame in Town" is a song written by new wave musician Elvis Costello and recorded by Costello with his backing band the Attractions. The song appeared on Costello's 1984 album, Goodbye Cruel World. Originally written in the style of a classic torch song, "The Only Flame in Town" was reworked by producers Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley in a more pop-friendly style. This final version features Daryl Hall of Hall & Oates on backing vocals.

"New Lace Sleeves" is a song written by new wave musician Elvis Costello and performed by Costello and the Attractions for his 1981 album Trust. The first version of the song was written by Costello in 1974 and featured post-war themed lyrics that were largely scrapped in the final recording. In the final version of the song, Costello included lyrics about seduction and power. Musically, the song was performed at a slower tempo and features a band performance praised by Costello. Pete Thomas notably performed a drum beat inspired by songs from Devo and Stevie Wonder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Green Shirt</span> 1985 single by Elvis Costello and the Attractions

"Green Shirt" is a song written by new wave musician Elvis Costello and recorded by Costello with his backing band the Attractions. The song appeared on Costello's 1979 third album, Armed Forces. Lyrically inspired by the influence of the National Front and the Quisling Clinic in Wisconsin, "Green Shirt" features a vocal recorded by Costello after a "night of carousing".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">This Year's Girl (song)</span> 1978 single by Elvis Costello and the Attractions

"This Year's Girl" is a song written by new wave musician Elvis Costello and performed by Costello and the Attractions for his 1978 album This Year's Model. Inspired by the Rolling Stones song "Stupid Girl", the song's lyrics criticizing fashion saw some critics allege misogyny, a theme which Costello strongly denied was present in the song in subsequent interviews.

"The Other End (Of the Telescope)" is a song by American band 'Til Tuesday, which was released in 1988 on their third and final studio album Everything's Different Now. The song was written by Aimee Mann and Elvis Costello. Costello recorded his own version of the song for his 1996 album All This Useless Beauty.

References

Citations

  1. 1 2 3 4 Costello, Elvis (1994). Imperial Bedroom (reissue) (CD liner notes). Elvis Costello and the Attractions. US: Rykodisc. RCD 20278.
  2. Fricke, David (12 October 2015). "Elvis Costello: My Life in 10 Songs". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
  3. Mervis, Scott. "One on one: Elvis Costello and the making of his masterpiece, 'Imperial Bedroom'". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
  4. Costello, Elvis (2002). Imperial Bedroom (reissue) (CD liner notes). Elvis Costello and the Attractions. US: Rhino Records. R2 78188.
  5. Costello 2016, p. 57.
  6. 1 2 Lapantine, Scott (8 November 2016). "Elvis Costello Looked Back — And Ahead — With Imperial Bedroom Tour". Stereogum. Retrieved 27 December 2022.
  7. Thomson 2006.
  8. Hills, Simon (3 July 1982). "The main attraction" (PDF). Record Mirror . p. 26. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 October 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2022 via worldradiohistory.com.
  9. Puterbaugh, Parker (5 August 1982). "Imperial Bedroom". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on 15 November 2015. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
  10. Ingalls, Chris (11 July 2022). "Elvis Costello's 'Imperial Bedroom' at 40". PopMatters. Retrieved 27 December 2022.
  11. Clark, Chad (2 November 2016). "One Song: Elvis Costello's 'Beyond Belief'". Washington City Paper. Retrieved 27 December 2022.
  12. 1 2 Prado, Ryan J. (23 May 2014). "The 20 Best Songs By Elvis Costello". Paste Magazine. Archived from the original on 28 February 2019. Retrieved 19 November 2019.

Sources