Anne Sofie von Otter, Elvis Costello - For the Stars

At a time when popular music has been micro-marketed to the far side of ad nauseam, Declan MacManus, a.k.a. Elvis Costello, has traded on his reputation as the brightest songwriter to emerge from the new wave era to foster any number of delightful, cross-genre/generation musical surprises, including soundtracks and collaborations with the Brodsky Quartet, Paul McCartney, jazz artist Roy Nathanson, and songwriting legend Burt Bacharach. The latest fruit of that generous, insatiably curious artistic spirit is this elegant partnership with Swedish mezzo-soprano Anne-Sofie von Otter. Though an admitted pop novice, Otter couldn't have picked a better confederate than Costello, an artist whose taste in songs has seldom been tainted by trend.

Together, they weave material from disparate sources--including a slate of compelling Costello material, a pair of Brian Wilson's evocative "Pet Sounds" confessionals, a Tom Waits song from Francis Ford Coppola's One from the Heart (oddly, though effectively, coupled in medley with McCartney's "Junk"), an Abba song, and the Beatles' "For No One"--into a musical tapestry of stately power and grace. Costello sparingly uses his voice as seasoning throughout, though his masterful touch is everywhere. Otter's novice pop singing reveals an easy knack for jazz phrasing that should tempt further explorations and a warmth that belies the rigidity that's so often a byproduct of classical training. Most gratifying of all, this album ultimately achieves what's become one of the loftiest plateaus in Pop music: common ground. --Jerry McCulley Amazon.com

really really bad

I like Von Otter so much. I have so many of her albums I decided to buy this one when I saw it at Academy Records in nYc where people trade their things they don't want for things they do want. I guess there is a reason this ended up there. This album is terrible. March 12, 2008

Van Otter meets Costello 'For the Stars'

Saw the making if this CD on our Sky TV Arts channel and we were singularly impressed with the superb tonal qualities of Annie Sofie Van Otter's voice. Many thanks to Elvis Costello who was instrumental in encouraging Annie to cut this CD. What a great deal of pleasure it has brought to us.Those of you who enjoy intimate songs and captivating lyrice performed by a singer with a beautiful voice cannot help but love this CD. January 19, 2008

a polarizing disc

Judging from all the reviews already posted (five stars or one star, and almost nothing in between), this has to be one of the most polarizing discs ever recorded.

It disappoints Costello fans who don't seek out soft, reflective music. It angers Von Otter fans who don't like 'pop' music.

I like postmodern mixing of categories. If you're ready to have your expectations violated, this is a rewarding album.

If you don't know either of these singers, it's kind of like the Carpenters on acid. January 2, 2008

Loved this CD

Who would pair Costello and an opera singer?? Elvis, and somehow it works. I really love the tone and moodiness of it and lyrics that talk about love and life, failure and success. It's soulful, in a contemplative way, music for those tucked away, rainy days . June 13, 2006

I LOVE this CD!

Finally, an opera singer who knows how to channel her Classical training into a sound that is, as one critic aptly described it, "what pop singers would sound like if they could actually sing"! Although Elvis Costello does not join Ms. von Otter very often in the vocals, when he does they harmonize beautifully. With great melodies (some beautiful, some catchy) and sensitive (but not sappy) lyrics, this album makes a fine addition to any CD collection. September 1, 2005

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