Elvis cleans the studio shelves with this one, but, unlike most compilations, Taking Liberties is an astonishingly solid album.
Elvis crams the LP with 20 cuts (documented in detail on the inner sleeve). Most are previously unreleased in the U.S., and they span his short but prolific career.
In contrast to the rigid thematic approach of El's four previous releases, the diversity of this collection points up, for the first time, the depth and breadth of Costello's songwriting abilities.
From the vaguely rockabilly-ish lilt of "Radio Sweetheart" (the B-side of his first English single), to the thundering head-on rocker "Big Tears," to his touching interpretation of Rodgers & Hart's "My Funny Valentine," Costello pulls the rug out from under his detractors.
Shoot, Elvis throws away songs that other artists would squirm in their hot tubs for.
This one's for Elvis fans only.
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