Elvis Costello "Almost Blue" 180gm Audiophile LP
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Format: Numbered, limited edition reissue, remastered, 180gm LP
Label: Mobile Fidelity sound Lab
Released: 2012
Country: U.S.
GAIN 2™ Ultra Analog LP 180g Series – Original Master Recording
Expertly Played 1981 Set Marks the Second of the Encyclopedic Pop Musician's Many Forays Into Multiple Styles
Elvis Costello was so enamored with American country music when he finally discovered it, he was motivated to record Almost Blue. Renowned as one of the most passionate and enthusiastic covers albums ever made, the 12-song set finds the iconic singer/songwriter interpreting standards by the likes of Hank Williams, Gram Parsons, George Jones, Merle Haggard, and other legends. Replete with heartbreak, lonesomeness, boozing, cheating, and dreaming, it's laden with country and western's customary themes and dignified by one of the finest performances of Costello and the Attractions' peerless career.
Half-speed mastered from the original master tapes, Mobile Fidelity's numbered limited edition 180g LP opens up the soundstages, clears previously muddled midrange frequencies, and places the imaging of the various country-tuned instruments into clear focus. For the first time, listeners can hear just how much of himself Costello invests in the vocal performances, while the Attractions don't miss a beat, particularly pianist Steve Nieve and guest musician John McFee. Moreover, the strings (when employed) take on new life, and the record's cover art, a take-off on Kenny Burrell's Midnight Blue, is faithfully reproduced.
With each note, Costello succeeds and exceeds expectations, turning in versions that sound both old and new. Such timelessness, and the confluence of contemporary and traditional, distinguishes Almost Blue from nearly every other country tribute album made by pop/rock artists before and since. Costello and the Attractions embody the deep sentiments attached to these weeping ballads, tear-jerking lullabies, honky-tonk rave-ups, and playful shuffles in an incredibly convincing manner. Producer George Sherrill, famous for working with the likes of Tammy Wynette, George Jones, and Marty Robbins, and brought on board specifically for the project, frames the music with the perfect blend of grit and professionalism.
Tracklisting
- Why Don't You Love Me (Like You Used To Do)
- Sweet Dreams
- Success
- I'm Your Toy
- Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down
- Brown To Blue
- Good Year For The Roses
- Sittin' And Thinkin'
- Colour Of The Blues
- Too Far Gone
- Honey Hush
- How Much I Lied