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Christian Science Monitor
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The River In Reverse
Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint
John Kehe
While restless Elvis Costello ponders what he wants to be next — Opera singer? Jazz composer? Fireman? – he and New Orleans legend Allen Toussaint have collaborated on a feisty, bittersweet tribute to the Big Easy that stands with the best work either has done to date. Costello reaches back 25 years to find his "Alison"-era voice, soulfully caressing seven well-chosen Toussaint nuggets and a half-dozen new songs, including Costello's accusatory title song in which he wonders, "How long can a lie be told? / What would I take in exchange for my soul? / Would I notice when it was sold?" Toussaint's rollicking piano anchors the well-oiled, horn-accented backing band, the unmistakable sound of a New Orleans well worth fighting for.
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Grade: A–
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