New York Daily News, February 12, 1989

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Spike

Elvis Costello

David Browne

3½ stars (out of 4) reviews3½ stars (out of 4) reviews3½ stars (out of 4) reviews3½ stars (out of 4) reviews

No one said Costello was easy to figure out and his first new work in nearly three years doesn't make it any easier. The 15 tracks on Spike (named for Spike Jones) dabble in Celtic folk ("Any King's Shilling," "Tramp the Door Down," recorded with the Chieftains and the Waterboys), elegant ballads ("Satellite") and New Orleans horns (the churning "Deep Dark Truthful Mirror"). Thankfully, Costello's voice and vision hold it together, so that even his stabs at funk ("Chewing Gum") and a cliche-ridden love ballad ("Baby Plays Around") sound convincing. That's not to omit "Let Him Dangle," a chilling tale of murder and capital punishment set to jagged guitars and a strangulated vocal ("It won't make it even / It won't bring me back"), and the surrealistic, vibes-rooted "God's Comic." Fans of the old Elvis, meanwhile, will be relieved by the cushy Attractions-style pop of "Veronica" and "Coal-Train Robberies." Backup cast includes Chrissie Hynde, Paul McCartney, ex-Byrd Roger McGuinn and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. There's a lot to digest on this heavily produced and very theatrical album, but give it the time it deserves.


Tags: SpikeAny King's ShillingTramp The Dirt DownThe ChieftainsThe WaterboysSatelliteDeep Dark Truthful MirrorChewing GumBaby Plays AroundLet Him DangleGod's ComicVeronicaCoal-Train RobberiesChrissie HyndePaul McCartneyThe ByrdsRoger McGuinnDirty Dozen Brass Band

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New York Daily News, February 12, 1989


David Browne reviews Spike.

Images

1989-02-12 New York Daily News, City Lights page 31 clipping 01.jpg
Clipping.

Page scan.
1989-02-12 New York Daily News, City Lights page 31.jpg

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