Mightier than you suppose
martin | London, England | 09/11/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Usually assumed to be overwritten and overarranged, Mighty like a rose is actually Costello's strongest set of songs, probably since Armed Forces. Songs like After the fall, Couldn't call it unexpected #4 and Sweet pear are some of the most beautifull songs ever written, let alone by him, whilst The other side of summer recalls The Beach Boys, though more veiledly depressing. Overall, although not the most straightforward album in Elvis' cannon it is the most rewarding and several listens later you will be hooked."
MY FIRST AND (ALMOST) ONLY ELVIS
Noel Pratt | Washington, D.C., and better places | 10/30/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I'm writing this specifically because of the dreck of a review it gets from AMG. I'm glad to see here that there are people speaking up for this work. Nothing I've heard by Costello since approaches this sound for me (of course I love experimental and progressive stuff). I had no idea he was doing odd things, didn't have anything to compare it to cuz I'd never given him a chance. But my sister had this on tape, and wow! The whole summer I was blown away by the lyrics and the deep sad strength of many of the melodies. So I began to see those cut-outs all over the place and wondered, "Did they make too many, or what!??"
One of my all-time favorites by anyone: "Couldn't Call It Unexpected #4.""