The Juliet Letters

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

The Juliet Letters · Elvis Costello first heard the Brodsky Quartet in 1989, when it played all of Shostakovich's string quartets. In November 1991 they began work on a plan together. The idea was a series of imaginary letters to Juliet Capulet. All five musicians co-wrote the lyrics and the music. No overdubs were used: the whole album was recorded live in the studio. The singer called it not a rock opera but something new, a song cycle for string quartet and voice.

The record was released in 1993 on Warner Bros. Records. AllMusic called it a special, unusual record that combines chamber music with artistic pop. Spin thought it the singer's best excursion outside pop and rock. Ultimate Classic Rock called it ambitious, but also somewhat dull.

Listening

Track list

1. 1Deliver Us0:51Apple Music ↗
2. 2For Other Eyes2:55Apple Music ↗
3. 3Swine2:09Apple Music ↗
4. 4Expert Rites2:23Apple Music ↗
5. 5Dead Letter2:19Apple Music ↗
6. 6I Almost Had a Weakness3:53Apple Music ↗
7. 7Why?1:26Apple Music ↗
8. 8Who Do You Think You Are?3:29Apple Music ↗
9. 9Taking My Life In Your Hands3:20Apple Music ↗
10. 10This Offer Is Unrepeatable3:13Apple Music ↗
11. 11Dear Sweet Filthy World4:18Apple Music ↗
12. 12The Letter Home3:11Apple Music ↗
13. 13Jacksons, Monk and Rowe3:43Apple Music ↗
14. 14This Sad Burlesque2:47Apple Music ↗
15. 15Romeo's Seance3:33Apple Music ↗
16. 16I Thought I'd Write to Juliet4:08Apple Music ↗
17. 17Last Post2:24Apple Music ↗
18. 18The First to Leave4:00Apple Music ↗
19. 19Damnation's Cellar3:25Apple Music ↗
20. 20The Birds Will Still Be Singing4:27Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗