For the Stars

( 3 )

Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble - Gail O'Hara
Continuing his fascinating streak of collaborations -- a list that already includes Paul McCartney, the Brodsky Quartet, and Burt Bacharach -- Elvis Costello joins forces with a truly surprising muse: the magnificent Swedish mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter. The sophisticated result, For the Stars, is an otherworldly affair -- call it rarified chamber pop -- that focuses on von Otter's soaring, swooning voice and Costello's stately arrangements. The duo embrace songs written by some of pop's finest acts, including the Beatles, the Beach Boys, and ABBA, as well as the work of songwriters Tom Waits, Ron Sexsmith, and Costello himself, who contributes two new pieces: the ...
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Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble - Gail O'Hara
Continuing his fascinating streak of collaborations -- a list that already includes Paul McCartney, the Brodsky Quartet, and Burt Bacharach -- Elvis Costello joins forces with a truly surprising muse: the magnificent Swedish mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter. The sophisticated result, For the Stars, is an otherworldly affair -- call it rarified chamber pop -- that focuses on von Otter's soaring, swooning voice and Costello's stately arrangements. The duo embrace songs written by some of pop's finest acts, including the Beatles, the Beach Boys, and ABBA, as well as the work of songwriters Tom Waits, Ron Sexsmith, and Costello himself, who contributes two new pieces: the gorgeous "No Wonder" and the twinkling title track. While some may be distracted by von Otter's diva-esque diction, her crystalline interpretations bring the powerful melodies here front and center. At her best on jazzy numbers -- the vibraphone-enhanced "The Other Woman" and "Shamed into Love" which Costello originally did with Rubén Blades -- von Otter also serves as a graceful counterpoint during duets with Costello and his endearingly ragged pipes. Together they work wonders wrapping their voices around Waits's "Broken Bicycles" and the Brian Wilson/Tony Asher Pet Sounds classic, "You Still Believe in Me." For the Stars may shock Costello fans who pine for early Elvis's high-energy days -- not to mention opera purists who think Anne Sofie sings best in Italian -- but the album ranks among the new wave bard's most successful side projects. It not only showcases the elegance and versatility of von Otter's voice but also provides further evidence that Costello is one of pop's most daring talents -- a deft arranger, sensitive producer, and a songwriter whose compositions are starting to sound a lot like standards.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 4/10/2001
  • Label: Deutsche Grammophon
  • UPC: 028946953020
  • Catalog Number: 469530
  • Sales rank: 66,653

Album Credits

Performance Credits
Anne Sofie von Otter Primary Artist, Vocals
Elvis Costello Organ, Vocals, Guitar (Baritone)
Mattias Hellden Electric Cello, Cello
Sebastian Öberg Electric Cello, Cello
Örjan Högberg Electric Violin, Viola
Steve Nieve Organ, Piano, Celeste
Benny Andersson Piano, Accordion, Synclavier
Michael Blair Percussion, Bass Drums, Vibraphone
Billy Bremner Acoustic Guitar
Svante Henryson Cello, Double Bass
Magnus Persson Percussion, Bass Drums, Marimbas, Vibraphone
Paul Pritchard Horn
Pat White Flugelhorn
Bebe Risenfors Clarinet, Accordion, Tenor Saxophone
Kalle Moraeus Violin
Johan Lindström Acoustic Guitar, Pedal Steel Guitar, Electric Guitar
Technical Credits
Elvis Costello Producer
Bob Ludwig Mastering
Anne Sofie von Otter Liner Notes
Fred Munzmaier Art Direction
Janne Hansson Engineer
Fleshquartet Arranger
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4
( 3 )
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Sort by: Showing all of 3 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Melodious and superb, von Otter shines on ''For the Stars''

    Anne-Sophie von Otter is not well-known in the United States, but her fame elsewhere is effortlessly justified on ''For the Stars''. For those who appreciate a refreshing, clear soprano voice and insightful, melodious songs, this CD is a must. Highly recommended.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    A Great Collaboration!

    Another class act from Elvis. Smooth, heartfelt arrangements. Interesting selection of terrific songs. Deserves to be heard by all music lovers - something here for everyone.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted September 14, 2010

    No text was provided for this review.

Sort by: Showing all of 3 Customer Reviews