Review of North
MSNBC , 2003-09-23
- Rich Harris

 

“NORTH,” ELVIS COSTELLO

Never shy about experimentation, Elvis Costello applies his lyric scalpel and considerable voice talent exclusively to the ballad on his new album, “North.”

Eleven tracks, all written by Costello, chart a course from wounded to recovered. This is material that dances on the edge of maudlin without falling. The fifth song, “Fallen,” carries off a perilous autumn-leaves metaphor on the strength of Costello’s baritone and simple piano chords with a touch of strings.

Even casual fans — who may have skipped his collaborations with the Brodsky Quartet or Burt Bacharach — have seen glimmers of this side of Costello in songs such as “Allison” or “Shipbuilding.”

But the tendency here is more contemplative — a shade slower and more lush. Not quite so angry (though still unforgiving of his own foibles). Perhaps sadder, but wiser, too. And we are all the richer for that. (Deutsche Grammophon, $18.98)

— Rich Harris