capsule reviews of miscellaneous titles by
ELVIS COSTELLO

Elvis Costello
All This Useless Beauty

Comments: I think this is quite simply the best album Costello has recorded. He sidesteps from one stylistic platform to another, presenting the prime songwriting of his career, songs that have had time to develop and grow, recorded perfectly, with sensitive arrangements that lets the band shine while his voice—never stronger— demonstrates surprising range. Lyrically, its funny, intelligent, and heartbreaking

Outstanding tracks:  "All This Useless Beauty", "Complicated Shadows", "Why Can't a Man Stand Alone", "Poor Fractured Atlas", "It's Time", "I Want to Vanish"

Jeffrey's Sum-Up: Excellent

Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach
Painted from Memory
Comments: So nostalgic, it's original. Tidal waves of sentimentality, with the subversive undertow of Costello's complicated and lyrics.

Outstanding tracks:  "God Give Me Strength" and "I Still Have That Other Girl" are priceless.

Jeffrey's Sum-Up: Impressive