Costello’s ‘Secret’: Something to Talk About

By Brian Truitt

Elvis Costello (Courtesy of James O’Mara)

Elvis Costello fans have been enamored with hits such as “Alison” and “Everyday I Write the Book” for years, and they understand the rocker’s penchant for going off on musical tangents. The thought of Costello backed by an acoustic string band may seem a bit off, but what’s so funny about mandolins, dobros and accordions? “Secret, Profane & Sugarcane” (Hear Music) marks his third album with producer T Bone Burnett, the mastermind of “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” soundtrack. With entrancing mix of bluegrass, country and trademark earnestness, even unplugged, Costello’s aim is true. Two tracks on the album were originally written for Johnny Cash, four born from an unfinished commission connected to Hans Christian Andersen and a Bing Crosby waltz finale.

(July 2009)

Tags: acoustic, album, Elvis Costello, Music, soundtrack