Sad to say but The Observer doesn`t like North
either. I can`t send a link `cos they haven`t included
it in their `net edition - at least I can`t find at
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/0,6903,,00.html .
Here`s a transcription from their print edition -
you`ll just have to take my word about it!
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There`s a harsh school of thought that
reckons Costello is at his best when dispensing barbs.
Indeed his last album , When I Was Cruel , was hailed
as his best for some years. It featured rock songs ,
as opposed to the excursions into classical music and
love-ins with Burt Bacharach , the other pastimes
Costello`s been up to since he was important. Now ,
he`s fallen in love with Canadian jazz singer Diana
Krall. North , then , is one of these latter type of
records : a sophisticated clutch of string and piano
laden songs about relationships waning and waxing. It
is austere and grown up - not bad things in
themselves. But for all the considerable craft and
feeling here , you can`t help but roll your eyes ,
much like Costello`s friends on 'Let me Tell You About
Her` , the album`s nadir.
Kitty Empire , The Observer , 14
Sept.`03