WOW!!! Very good music…as I sit here writing my review I’m pleasantly enjoying the music from Elvis Costello’s latest CD, “Secret, Profane & Sugarcane”.

Elvis Costello is known for having a very mellow yet intriguing sound; unique in every aspect but still very familiar to most. His voice is captivating and his lyrics, sounds and rhythm completely relax anyone within ear shot of his music. I am actually finding it hard to write (right now) only because I want to just sit on my back porch, drink and iced tea and let time pass me by. Elvis Costello’s music just does that to me.

The record concludes with the waltz, “Changing Partners”, a song made famous by Bing Crosby. I couldn’t help but hum to this song. I don’t know if it was the rhythm or his voice, but it really got every part of my attention. Needless to say; the whole CD will grab you. Before you know it, the songs will be finished and you’ll be reaching for your remote to replay the track in its entirety (I did).

Here’s some information I found interesting and thought you might too:

The songs on “Secret, Profane & Sugarcane” were recorded with a group of some of America’s finest string band players from the world of traditional country music, Bluegrass and beyond.

They are, Jerry Douglas (Dobro), Stuart Duncan (Fiddle & Banjo), Mike Compton (Mandolin), Dennis Crouch (Bass) and Jeff Taylor (Accordion).

Jim Lauderdale took the vocal harmony throughout and Emmylou Harris joined the ensemble for “The Crooked Line”

The album was recorded at Sound Emporium, Nashville and mixed by Mike Piersante.

“Secret, Profane & Sugarcane” was produced by T Bone Burnett

Costello and Burnett first met in 1984, when they toured together as solo performers. However, they soon entered the studio under the guise of “The Coward Brothers” and this led to T Bone producing Costello’s 1986 album, “King of America”.

They worked together again in 1989 on the epic motion picture, “Spike”. That album is also Costello’s high-selling record to date.

They have continued to write together occasionally, most notably, “The Scarlet Tide”, the Academy Award nominated song, performed by Alison Krauss in the movie, “Cold Mountain”.

SECRET, PROFANE, & SUGARCANE TRACK LIST

1. Down Among the Wine and Spirits

2. Complicated Shadows (take a listen)

3. I Felt the Chill

4. My All Time Doll

5. Hidden Shame

6. She Handed Me a Mirror

7. I Dreamed of My Old Lover

8. How Deep is the Red

9. She Was No Good

10. Sulfur to Sugarcane

11. Red Cotton

12. The Crooked Line

13. Changing Partners

Due to the division of the music over four sides, the vinyl edition will contain two additional tracks, an arrangement of Lou Reed’s “Femme Fatale” and Costello’s sequel to the old Appalachian murder ballad, “Omie Wise”, entitled, “What Lewis Did Last”.

Beginning June 2, ‘Secret, Profane & Sugarcane’ will be available at participating Starbucks company-operated locations in the U.S. and Canada and wherever music is sold. I recommend you mark your calendar for this day and head over to any of the locations and grab yours…I’m almost positive that they won’t last!

For more information on Elvis Costello’s latest “Secret, Profane & Sugarcane” CD please check out the official website or go follow the tour page; for purchase info, please click here.

What type of music do you listen to? Have you ever listened to Elvis Costello?  Are you (like me) one that listens to an array of genres and love it all?