MSNBC review of North

[johnfoyle]

see
http://www.msnbc.com/news/970121.asp?0si=-&cp1=1#BODY
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“NORTH,” ELVIS COSTELLO

Never shy about experimentation, Elvis
Costello applies his lyric scalpel and considerable
voice talent exclusively to the ballad on his new
album, “North.”
Eleven tracks, all written by Costello, chart a
course from wounded to recovered. This is material
that dances on the edge of maudlin without falling.
The fifth song, “Fallen,” carries off a perilous
autumn-leaves metaphor on the strength of Costello’s
baritone and simple piano chords with a touch of
strings.
Even casual fans — who may have skipped his
collaborations with the Brodsky Quartet or Burt
Bacharach — have seen glimmers of this side of
Costello in songs such as “Allison” or “Shipbuilding.”
But the tendency here is more contemplative — a
shade slower and more lush. Not quite so angry (though
still unforgiving of his own foibles). Perhaps sadder,
but wiser, too. And we are all the richer for that.
(Deutsche Grammophon, $18.98)
— Rich Harris

[miss buenos aires]

I love it when this dumb thing makes you post in emoticons unintentionally. "Love it" meaning "find it amusing."