Elvis Costello, arguably the most daring, incisive rock performer to emerge in the last decade, now appears to be at an artistic impasse of his own making. His new album, Goodbye Cruel World, is easily his most conventional, least satisfying work to date. Still only 29, Costello has produced several certifiable pop masterpieces — most notably the audacious Imperial Bedroom. Nevertheless, the English singer-songwriter has realized only moderate commercial success in the United...
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