The Juliet Letters (studio album) by Elvis Costello And The Brodsky Quartet

From indieshins 04/20/2018 01:05

An unexpected triumph. Costello searches for a new sound and comes up with a song cycle for string quartet and voice, that is somehow one of the best of his career. The Brodsky Quartet and EC bring out the best in each other - there are some wonderfully evocative, even (*gasp*) catchy, string arrangements, and Costello seems liberated by the departure from both rhyming lyrics and classic pop structures. Highlights include Jackson's, Monk and Rowe, I Almost Had A Weakness and the closer The Birds Will Still be Singing. Costello puts in some of his best vocal performances too, and seems to relish inhabiting the different characters who write these letters. I have no trouble admitting this is one of my favourite EC albums, but it is certainly one to come to only after hearing his more well known releases.

Recorded with the Brodsky quartet, the Juliet letters, is an enjoyable classical/vocal album. It's certainly the most challenging record to date, as far as Costello is concerned, and I alwsys enjoy it when he steps out of his comfort zone to try something different. The birds will be singing, is lovley, taking my life in your hands, is very good, as is, dear sweet filthy world. It's a hard slog to get through it in one sitting, but in short bursts, it's fine. It's certainly not an essential Costello album, but it's nice to go back to every now and then.

I like Elvis Costello and the Brodsky Quartet but this album bores the hell out of me.