Many critics feel that Elvis Costello's unique style of performing rock has enabled new wave music to capture the attention of many rock listeners and let such artists as Joe Jackson and Dave Edmunds gain a following for their music. However, during the first years of Costello's career. many legal hassles involving Costello's music occurred which divided most of his material among many recording labels, therefore limiting the media attention given to his music.
Now, three years and four successful albums later, Costello's early music is reunited on one album along with previously unreleased material. This album, Taking Liberties, shows the many music modes Costello has the ability to play. Of the twenty songs performed on the record, ballads, blues, rock, and country and western modes are played by Costello with the high energy and craftsmanship he gives to his live performances, successfully building the bridge that joins the artists of each category.
This anthology is proof that Costello's one of the most gifted performers in contemporary music. From the first song to the last, Taking Liberties, Costello's writing and music ability is shown to be far superior than many other artists expected him to be.
Feature cuts: "Just A Memory," "Getting Mighty Crowded," "(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea," "Girls Talk," and "Talking In The Dark."
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