POV, 1998-06-01

Mini-review of Bespoken Songs.

(by Andy Langer)
"It's not just another tribute record...it's a compilation collecting covers
of Costello tunes, his collaborative efforts and songs he penned for his
colleagues.  In a nutshell, Costello as interpreted by his biggest fans:
other songwriters.  (Transcriber's note: on that point, we beg to differ!)
The result is a testament to Costello's gift for composition, with songs as
fit for legends like Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, and Paul McCartney as they
are for lesser-rans like Dave Edmunds, 'Til Tuesday, and Tasmin Archer.
Better yet, this collection also brings to light Costello's underrated
orchestral, folk and jazz output, material that proves his commitment to
songwriting is equaled only by his flexibility.  In fact, because each of
these 21 tracks was first covered or solicited by Costello's peers for their
own records--not as an afterthought--this may actually be the ultimate
tribute album after all."