Ukiah Daily Journal, October 16, 1980

From The Elvis Costello Wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
The printable version is no longer supported and may have rendering errors. Please update your browser bookmarks and please use the default browser print function instead.
... Bibliography ...
727677787980818283
848586878889909192
939495969798990001
020304050607080910
111213141516171819
202122232425 26 27 28


Ukiah Daily Journal

California publications

Newspapers

University publications

Magazines and alt. weeklies


US publications by state
  • ALAKARAZCA
  • COCTDCDEFL
  • GAHI   IA      ID      IL
  • IN   KSKYLA   MA
  • MDME   MIMNMO
  • MSMTNC  ND  NE
  • NHNJNMNVNY
  • OHOKORPARI
  • SCSDTNTXUT
  • VAVTWAWIWY

-

Taking Liberties

Elvis Costello

Ron Gluckman

Rating: A.

This isn't really the newest record from rock's most prolific songwriter: instead it is a compilation of 20 tracks that have never appeared on a Costello album. Over the length of his three-year career Elvis has left behind an astonishing amount of good material despite the breakneck recording pace he follows.

Some of the best songs have already been covered. Linda Ronstadt and Dave Edmunds both did "Girls Talk" and Ronstadt included "Talking In The Dark" on her last album. Both George Jones and Rachel Sweet have recorded the psycho-western, "Stranger In The House." Carlene Carter had a moderate hit with "Radio Sweetheart."

Two songs from Costello's previous album, "Black And White World" and "Clowntime is Over" are presented in strikingly different versions with entirely clear lyrics. Elvis even covers Van "The Hustle" McCoy's "Getting Mighty Crowded" and the Rodgers and Hart classic, "My Funny Valentine."

There are celestial guitars on the magnificent "Hoover Factory," dynamite drumming on "(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea," an infectious chorus in "Just A Memory," and very little waste. A couple of tracks include John McFee, now of the Doobie Brothers, on pedal steel, and drummer Mickey Shine, now with Tommy Tutone.

Few artists see an album of this nature surface during their lifetime; and then usually after a prolonged absence from the studio. It is fortunate that Columbia decided to release this collection of oddities. Now if only someone can explain the meaning of "Tiny Steps." A fascinating album.

-
<< >>

Ukiah Daily Journal, Panorama, October 16, 1980


Ron Gluckman reviews Taking Liberties.

Images

1980-10-16 Ukiah Daily Journal Panorama page 02.jpg
Photo by Keith Morris.

-



Back to top

External links