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Why so defensive? Initially the warning system on the sleeve of Almost Blue works well enough — to correct the cynical and, no doubt, convert their cynicism to direct appreciation — but still I sense a tiny indication of self doubt. Cold feet, perhaps?
Not that Elvis Costello has made a grave mistake by taking to the country roads. In full possession of a suitably classical voice, his empathy with such well-loved tracks as Hank Williams' "Why Don't You Love Me (Like You Used To Do)" and Gram Parsons' "How Much I Lied" is warm and distinctive, a pleasure to witness.
But something is not quite complete, something is missing and that something, I believe, is Costello's own skilful lyricism which, twisted around country melodies, would have made all the sharp, incisive difference and originality to a music which he clearly admires.
As it is, Almost Blue is neither a great Costello album nor a great C&W album. It treads the middle marker in both fields and while it remains pleasant and loving, while it is responsible for such greatness as "Good Year For The Roses," while no-one is suggesting that Costello has been banished — never to return — to the wilds of country music, the final result of Almost Blue is only ... almost true.
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