Elvis Costello - There's A Story In Your Voice (Mercury)

That Elvis Costello can pen a tune is beyond question - I woke humming There's A Story In Your Voice. That country music is not a dilettantes detour for Costello is evident by his output as far back as 1981's Almost Blue. That as a lyricist he is capable of caustic wit and rare compassion has been apparent throughout his long career. It's such a pity that the song lacks his usually lyrical elan.

A duet with Lucinda Williams, the doyen of left field country, the mood is one of countrified southern soul reminiscent of James Carr or Solomon Burke in overdrive. The Imposters' surging tense R'n'B rumble conflicts attractively with the country tinged guitars and tambourine counterpoint. A boxcar rhythm rattles pasted on tracks travelled by Green On Red and Jim White. Costello's worn raspy bark blends wonderfully with William's grits, gravel and gravy voice.

The gumbo groove is solid, tight, urgent but lacking something. Unfortunately the lyrics are Costello by numbers - a couple of pithy lines here, a pun there, but lacking depth or drive. This undermines the song. Leaving well intentioned, beautifully rendered but ultimately soulless pastiche.