Spike Reviews
All-Music Guide (William Ruhlmann)
Throughout his career Elvis Costello has always been prolific; thus it was
surprising, even given the change in record labels for the US, when he took a
whole 20 months between Blood & Chocolate and this follow-up. But the
musical growth he exhibits makes the wait worthwhile. The musical settings
range from the stark folk of Tramp the Dirt Down to the pop
sprightliness of Veronica (a collaboration with Paul McCartney that
became Costello's first American Top 20 hit) and the New Orleans jazz sound of
Deep Dark Truthful Mirror, featuring the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. The
lyrics are among his best.