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First indication that Elvis Costello was really a closet country singer came about three years ago when the English rocker slipped "Radio Sweetheart" into what was otherwise a fairly conventional new wave album.
Then, about a year and a half ago, he showed up on George Jones' Special Guests album singing "Stranger In The House."
And now the Nerd's Revenge has gone all the way; taken a giant leap into Tammy Wynette and Charlie Rich territory and recorded an album with Billy (Nashville Sound) Sherrill.
Once you get used to the fact that the Dylan soundalike singing Don Gibson's "Sweet Dreams" and Merle Haggard's "Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down" is actually Costello, the record doesn't sound too objectionable.
Guitarist John McFee was enlisted to play the appropriate licks on pedal steel and lead guitar, while pianist Steve Neive, drummer Pete Thomas and bassist Bruce Thomas have done a remarkable job of adapting their styles to the country music format. The only thing that grates is the backing vocal sound of those cooing polyester secretaries who call themselves the Nashville Edition.
Costello has undoubtedly kissed goodbye to his new wave constituency by releasing this album, but he should find new friends among the Willie Nelson followers.
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