“Battered Old Bird” is one of my favorite songs from Elvis Costello – this time backed by the Attractions on the Blood & Chocolate album from 1986. It really is an amazing display of all the things that make Elvis such an interesting and important artist – outstanding lyrically, musically and vocally, just perfectly crafted by one of our most gifted songwriters.

I always got the feeling that this album is sort of divisive among fans but I love it – lots of great stuff here, with this, “Blue Chair” and “I Want You” being the standout tracks for me.