Roots of Elvis Costello

Tributee: Elvis Costello.Liner Note Author: Dave Henderson.As one would expect, the 20-track Roots of Elvis Costello draws its water from an awfully deep well, citing influences as diverse as Nina Simone ("Plain Gold Ring") and Screamin' Jay Hawkins ("I Put a Spell on You"). For the most part, it's an enjoyable romp through early rock & roll history, with stops made at the houses of Roy Orbison ("Trying to Get to You"), Porter Wagoner ("A Satisfied Mind"), Little Richard ("Bama Lama Bama Loo"), Johnny Cash ("Cry, Cry, Cry"), and even Hank Williams ("I'm so Lonesome I Could Cry"), but one has to question the likes of any crooners here, as Costello has been more than public about his love for Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, and especially Burt Bacharach. ~ James Christopher Monger