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Most people thought Elvis Costello was a joke when he first arrived in America with an album entitled My Aim Is True. With his nerdish, Buddy Holly looks and pretentious first name he seemed like nothing but the ultimate rock 'n' roll cartoon character.
All it took was just one listen to realize that not only was his music no joke, but that his musical aim was true and headed straight for the rock 'n' roll hearts of the world.
His latest offering, Taking Liberties takes us full circle to those days when he first appeared. Sort of a greatest-hits-that-you've-probably-never-heard record, it's (according to the linear notes) "a compilation of those tracks — unreleased masters, rare B-sides, English album cuts and collector's items" which have never been released on an American label.
That description may make the album seem of interest only to die-hard Costello fans, but in reality it turns out as the best "Beginner's Guide to Elvis Costello" that could have been produced.
Included are the versions of "Girls Talk" and "Talking In The Dark" [which appeared on Linda Ronstadt's] Mad Love album and slowed-down originals (or are they remakes?) of Costello's own "Black and White World" and "Clowntime Is Over" from his last record Get Happy!!
Besides the accessibility of those cuts, the record also runs through different musical genres such as country swing on "Radio Sweetheart" and "Stranger In The House"; rhythm and blues on the cover of Van McCoy's "Getting Mighty Crowded" and even 1940s pop on the Rodgers and Hart cover of "My Funny Valentine."
With an interesting mix of songs like that, coupled with the yet-to-be-perfected talents of Costello's band, Attractions, Taking Liberties deserves to take off on the charts with the wider audience he has the ability to please.
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