Uncut, June 2001

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Uncut

Ultimate Music Guide


UK & Ireland magazines

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For The Stars

Anne Sofie von Otter meets Elvis Costello

Chris Roberts

Another unlikely collaboration for the prolific Costello
3 stars (out of 5) reviews3 stars (out of 5) reviews3 stars (out of 5) reviews3 stars (out of 5) reviews3 stars (out of 5) reviews

Elvis seems to have become addicted to working with his heroes, from McCartney to Bacharach to the Brodskys. The ploy of friendly rivalry's beginning to grate a little. While teaming up with Burt resulted in some skilful, haunted new songs (one of which is rehashed here) with a strong central feel, this tentative, respectful pairing, with the acclaimed opera singer "whose voice affected me like no other," achieves only a rag-bag of covers and Costello songs, mostly sung by her. Elvis croons on just half a dozeen, so unless you're into Von Otter's vocals — they're a sweet, showy, acquired taste — this is an incurable romantic's curate's egg.

Abba, Beatles ("For No One"), Waits ("Broken Bicycles"), and Cait (Elvis' wife) are among the composers honoured, but over-precious adornments such as accordions from Abba's Benny Andersson only detract from the songs' grace. Von Otter doesn't sound comfortable with such dark lyrics as "Poets lose the power of speech" on Costello's (brand new) title track, or on Brian Wilson's lighter, trippier moments (such as "Don't Talk" from Pet Sounds).

Polished, and always interesting, but a sterile, academic exercise rather than a moving, breathing, organic beast.

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Uncut, No. 49, June 2001


Chris Roberts reviews For The Stars.

Images

2001-06-00 Uncut clipping.jpg
Clipping.

Photo by Vince Reichardt.
2001-06-00 Uncut photo 01.jpg


2001-06-00 Uncut cover.jpg
Cover.

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