Special Coverage 2008 Fall Movie PreviewThe Must ListBox Office ChallengeSound Bites
  • --

Credits

Lead Performance: Elvis Costello; Genre: Rock
A
By Chris Willman
Chris Willman
Chris Willman is a senior music writer for Entertainment Weekly

Making one of rock's half-dozen great bows, Costello introduced himself in '77 as Aim's snotty romantic. In 1989's less lovelorn Spike, he was pointedly political and off the stylistic map. Beauty, in '96, found him in full torch mode, carrying a flame for greatness, decency, and ardor -- ideals as irretrievable as Alison. These three efforts pre- and post-date the signature Attractions sound but make a dandy kickoff to Rhino's reissues, each offering a full second CD of extras. Spike's sonic upgrade is most striking, but Beauty boasts the most useful bonuses, from Eno and Fairfield Four summits to a psychotic Tricky remix. Aim, Beauty: A Spike: A-


Posted Sep 14, 2001
 

Add Your Comments

The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject or we might delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. You must have javascript enabled to submit a comment.
--
Change/Edit your grade
characters remaining