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You may like old-time rock 'n' roll, syrupy country & western, southern swing, lush ballads, progressive New Wave, inspirational hymns, or even zany circus music. You may even be tone-deaf and hate music; you'll probably still find something you like on Elvis Costello's latest, Taking Liberties.
Since 1977, Costello has put out four lp's with all original music. The last one, Get Happy has 20 cuts. It seems that half of the pop albums that come out these days are either Costello albums, produced by Costello, or have a song or two written by Costello. He must be contending Chuck Berry for the "artist who's had the most songs copped off him" award. Taking Liberties is a compilation of 17 B-sides from past singles and three previously unreleased songs. Again, 20 cuts, courtesy of Columbia records. His next album, with all new material is due out in January. To make an incredible understatement, the man is prolific.
He's also a remarkably good songwriter, a pun-obsessed word wizard with a keen, original sense of melody. Add to that his creative producing abilities and formidable track record, and you've got an artist who must be taken seriously. Still, when many people hear the name Elvis Costello, their first thought is "Geez, that guy looks like a jerk!" 'We've been trained to expect glamorous and cosmopolitan looking rock stars. How many people do you know look like Robin Zander? Next time you go to the cafeteria look around and you'll probably be able to count at least 10 or 15 Elvis Costellos. Let's face it; he's one of us.
Since Taking Liberties is a collection of songs taken from throughout Costello's career, there is no continuity in production or subject matter, an outstanding difference from Costello's other albums. Several cuts can be placed into their particular period. "Night Rally" and "Hoover Factory" would have fit easily on Armed Forces; "Black and White World" and "Clowntime Is Over" both appear on Get Happy in different arrangements.
Taking Liberties has some of Costello's best work in his "heavy ballad" category. "Just a Memory" and "Big Tears" surpass the intensity of "Alison" from My Aim Is True. "Clean Money," a beat-dominated early 60's song, complete with Beatlesque backing vocals, and "Getting Mighty Crowded," a gritty R & B tune just aching to be danced to, are other lp highlights.
Taking Liberties has offerings to a variety of tastes, especially considering the exclusive sound New Wave usually consists of. On the other hand, if you find something you like, you might find much more you hate. Then again, you might find something you really like, but only thought you hate if you are already a Costello fan, expect to find a goldmine.
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