Frequently Bought Together
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Listen to Samples and Buy MP3s
Songs from this album are available to purchase as MP3s. Click on "Buy MP3" or
view the MP3 Album.
|
Product Description
CD With Allen Toussaint
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
28 of 34 people found the following review helpful
By Mr. D. Bain
Format:Audio CD
Firstly I must confess to being something of an avid Costello fan. Secondly unlike many of his fans I actually prefer his later albums to his earlier output. Elvis has recorded various albums which can be regarded as 'side projects', although I'm sure the man himself doesn't see them this way. These include his ballet suite 'Il Sogno', the Juliet Letters' song cycle with the Brodsky Quartet and 'Painted from Memory' with Burt Bacharach, as well as various collaborations with Paul McCartney, Anne-Sophie Von Otter and many others besides. So what differentiates 'The River in Reverse' from his previous collaborations. Firstly, most of the songs on this album are culled from Allen Toussaint's back catalogue, five were co-written by Costello/Toussaint and only one track (The River in Reverse) was written solely by Costello. Secondly, and more importantly there are no filler tracks on this album, every one is a gem. Costello takes the lead vocal on all tracks except 'Who's Gonna Help Brother Get Further' on which he and Toussaint share vocals. I would actually have liked to have heard more duets on this album as Toussaint also has a great voice. Toussaint's roll on this album consists of backing vocals and piano accompaniment, on which he does an outstanding job. This is a very soulful album, and one which gets better with each listening. In my humble opinion this is the best album from Costello since 'Spike'. My favourite album so far this year. If you're already a Costello fan you'll love this if not try and borrow a copy and give this a couple of listens. Outstanding.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Although this album isn't quite the "best album Elvis Costello has made for years", according to many critics, The River In Reverse is very good indeed. The reason those artists collaborated in the first place was for a benefit concert for the survivors of the recent New Orleans disaster and, given their chemistry and mutual respect, they decided to cut an album together. The bluesy, atmospheric title track allures to what happened in New Orleans and will undoubtedly draw you in. My personal favourite is 'International Echo', one of five songs Elvis co-wrote with Toussaint - it features the very best of both artists, Costello's wit and sneering vocals backed with some fantastic piano licks from Allen. It's a real collaboration as well, with a song by Costello (The River In Reverse), seven by Toussaint (many previously written) and, as I mentioned, the five geniune co-written songs, all of which are superb, by them both.
Backed by Elvis' band, The Imposters, (who are The Attractions minus the one Elvis doesn't get on with any more) and a really kicking horn section (The Crescent City Horns), this whole album has a feel of a quality swing/jazz collection which could have been recorded up to fifty years ago, but retains a contemporary, vibrant, vital sound, so you're never left thinking that you're listening to anything other than original music from two artists still at the top of their game.
Backed by Elvis' band, The Imposters, (who are The Attractions minus the one Elvis doesn't get on with any more) and a really kicking horn section (The Crescent City Horns), this whole album has a feel of a quality swing/jazz collection which could have been recorded up to fifty years ago, but retains a contemporary, vibrant, vital sound, so you're never left thinking that you're listening to anything other than original music from two artists still at the top of their game.
By Flickering Ember
TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Audio CD
I must confess, I had not heard of Allen Toussaint before buying this album; I bought it as a fan of Elvis Costello.
I was not disappointed though. It's vibrant bluesy, swing jazz and sounds both retro and modern all in one fell swoop.
It's a slight departure from Elvis Costello's usual style but he masters this genre as he does any other he tries. It does contain his omnipresent intelligent, perceptive and, at times, humorous lyrics though.
My personal favourite tracks are The River In Reverse, Freedom For The Stallion, Broken Promise Land, International Echo and All These Things.
I was not disappointed though. It's vibrant bluesy, swing jazz and sounds both retro and modern all in one fell swoop.
It's a slight departure from Elvis Costello's usual style but he masters this genre as he does any other he tries. It does contain his omnipresent intelligent, perceptive and, at times, humorous lyrics though.
My personal favourite tracks are The River In Reverse, Freedom For The Stallion, Broken Promise Land, International Echo and All These Things.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 34 reviews
4.2 out of 5 stars
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not a blues album
Nowhere does it say this is an album on the lines of Costello sings the Blues-its simply a collaboration with a man who works with more whites than blacks. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Richard
2.0 out of 5 stars
Stick to Pop Elvis
Elvis is clearly out of his depth singing Blues influenced songs. Some of this is cringe worthy. While the cause for recording this CD is very worthwhile I find the pairing a... Read more
Published on 19 July 2007 by N. Warden
2.0 out of 5 stars
The Blues Are Not for Elvis
At near his best, he may be Almost Blue, but Elvis is near his worst when he sings the Blues.
I was looking forward to a soulful collaboration with Allen Toussaint. Read more
I was looking forward to a soulful collaboration with Allen Toussaint. Read more
Published on 21 July 2006 by MK
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Listmania!
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
