Customer Reviews

Almost You: The Songs of Elvis Costello

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am a long time Elvis Costello fan so I was a bit skeptical about this record. But as soon as I heard the wonderful cello-filled version of "Green Shirt" I knew this was going to be good. There are lots of great moments on the disc especially when females are singing Costello's work. HEM's "Red Shoes" is elegant and beautiful. The Damnations "Still Too Soon To Know" has some great harmonies that make it really sad - in a good way. I would definately recommend this CD to any Elvis Costello fan or just anyone who appreciates great songs and performances.

Finally, a tribute album worthy of the man's songwriting talents! A daring collection of mostly independent artists, who were not afraid to make interesting choices. It delves deep enough into his catalogue to satisfy the Costello nut, and has reinterpretations of old favorites. Do yourself a favor...buy this CD...you won't be disappointed!

When I looked at the excellent song choices on the cover, I thought "I don't know these bands, but they have excellent taste in music." Then I played it. Some of the worst audio I have every heard. Very poorly done covers, some atrocious vocals, and boring because they just copy the original arrangements. I need to hear someone else singing "Alison" the same way? All of these sound like the artists are playing along with the radio. File this under community theater of rock.

This collection was recorded in 2003 and released on the Bar None Label. The fact that this is a re-release doesn't in any way diminish its content but it is misleading to bill it as a new 2010 release. The album is a worthwhile addition for any serious Elvis Costello collector. Those unfamiliar with his songs, however, would be better served by first listening to the originals to understand what the writer had in mind when he wrote them. Many of these treatments, though interesting, lack the spirit and/or energy of the original. Hem - a great band - turns "The Angels Want To Wear My Red Shoes" into a soft rock lullaby, Brenda Kahn interprets "You Better Watch Your Step" as if it were a Lou Reed tune from Lou's early days and "Indoor Fireworks", by Kev Russell's Junker, is sung as a George Jones style twangy stone country song. Fun - but could you listen to this cd in your car on a long trip? Nah. . . It just makes you want to hear Elvis' original recordings. ASIN:B00316Q93C Almost You: The Songs of Elvis Costello]]

I can't say I was ever a Costello fan. After hearing the "Almost You" tribute and compilation I'm hooked. This is a great CD to enjoy the depth of Elvis Costello's song writing talent. When is done you want more.

These down-home, low-tech recordings by indie bands show a knowing affection for Elvis songs while also revealing some of their hidden treasures. The most successful covers are the ones that sound least like Costello recordings-a mournful "Red Shoes, a breathtaking "Too Soon To Know.'' The rock covers just don't have Elvis' chops. All in all, you'll be glad you bought this. Not only does this tribute deepen our appreciation for a wonderful songwriter, it gives us hope to know some spirited bands are standing witness.

I give this spotty thing four stars on the strength of three brilliant performances that blow EC's originals out of the water: Matt Pond PA's "Green Shirt" rescues one of Costello's tightest tunes from its somewhat dated, skinny-tied garb; Hem recasts "Red Shoes" as a torchy country ballad with mindblowing results; and Tywanna Jo Baskette (who are these people?!?) finally gives "Just a Memory" the resigned sense of spooky pathos that Elvis could never quite muster. But unfortunately, bands like Fastball and The Deathray Davies lack the courage (talent?) to bring anything new to the table and end of sounding like nothing more than bar bands with highbrow taste....

Brenda Khan's take on "Watch your Step" was why I bought the CD--wonderful and addictive. I think male singers doing Elvis covers often can't help but try on their best Elvis impersonation. Maybe that's why the female singers on this album, especially Kahn, seem to "own" their cover versions of Elvis a bit more than the guys on this album. The "Alison" cover is interesting, and aggravating--the singers cheat on the high notes, although they don't need to, so there're two harmonizers on the chorus and no one on melody, which makes it almost impossible not to chime in yourself as you listen, just so _somebody_ will sing the actual tune. (Maybe that's the point of the arrangement--to create a musical itch that just has to be scratched.) As for the rest of the album, the songs seem to follow 2 basic approaches: straightforward Elvis imitations, and slow ballad versions of his fast songs. Apart from 3-4 terrific songs--which make the CD worth buying--as a whole the album's a bit bland, though honorably conceived.

Elvis Costello is an amazing writer/arranger and it becomes clearer than ever on this so-called tribute album. Some of the covers are OK and some are just plain bad. Personally, I think if you're going to cover songs by another artist you need to bring something to the table. This band of mostly Texas-based performers don't bring much but a little southern twang and Elvis's songs are too complicated for the level of musicianship displayed here. If you're a DIE HARD Costello fan (as I am) the best thing you can say about this disk is that it's unique. EC deserves better.

I had been warned that this compilation veered toward country (not my favorite genre), but I'm glad I took the risk and bought it anyway. There certainly is a southern feel (7 of 15 songs were recorded in Austin), but only two or three of the tracks are what I would call country. The covers come from 9 different Costello albums and really showcase his diverse talent. A strong recording, this collection is sure to make you dig out your old records (or buy the ones you've missed) just to hear what elvis' versions sound like! "Beyond Belief" is a particularly beautiful cover.