My Flame Burns Blue [LP]

If NORTH is Elvis Costello's "version" of FRANK SINATRA SINGS FOR ONLY THE LONELY, then MY FLAME BURNS BLUE is Costello's SONGS FOR SWINGIN' LOVERS! Accompanied by longstanding keyboardist Steve Nieve and a full orchestra, Costello recasts many songs from his sizable catalog as big-band/swing-jazz tunes. "Clubland" becomes a swirling, dreamlike cha-cha, while "Watching The Detectives" goes from ominous roots reggae to a sophisticated musical panorama that's almost cinematic in its breadth (think WEST SIDE STORY). The heartrending "Almost Blue" finally gets the grandiose old-school treatment it deserves, replete with billowing strings and tender, haunting trumpet and harmonica solos. This set closes with Costello's memorable Burt Bacharach collaboration, "God Give Me Strength."