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The big difference between EC and other artists in the same establishment is that he is still an impassionated music-lover, a deadly devoted fan who purchases some 3,000 records each year, while most of his colleagues since long have forgotten why they started playing in the first place. There is accordingly a certain logic in the fact that this - since long expected - album of song interpretations is so much better, and more enjoyable, than all - and I mean all - other cover-albums that have been released during the last 20 years.
Costello is driven by lust and love, while Rod [Stewart] is driven by sleepy routine; he wants to preach and spread knowledge, while Elton is only looking for new bucks. But most of all: he knows of an ocean of undiscovered classics, while Eric Clapton regards "Dark end of the street" as being obscure.
KV hosts 15 more or less unknown, but without exception brilliant - and splendidly performed - compositions by such widely diversed composers as Ray Davies, Nat King Cole, Mose Allison, Randy Newman and Little Richard.
Best of all are Bacharach/David's painfully melancholic "Please stay" and Little Willie John's smashing "Leave my kitten alone". Second best are Costello's affectionated sleeve-notes. They prove that he could have been a brilliant music writer. As well.
A very, very amiable album.
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