| CD highlights 04/08/2001 Anne Sofie von Otter & Elvis Costello
C+
For the Stars (Universal/Deutsche Grammophon) In stores Tuesday.
If you buy For the Stars solely because Elvis' name is on the cover, expect to be disappointed. Ms. von Otter is a splendid mezzo-soprano and her art-song readings of the Beatles' "For No One'' and lesser-known Elvis tunes are lovely. But Elvis is M.I.A. for most of the CD – he sings backup on just one-third of the tunes and otherwise stays out of the spotlight to focus on arranging and producing. Caveat emptor.
Thor Christensen
Monster Magnet
B+
God Says No (A&M) In stores Tuesday.
God Says No, the sixth disc from New Jersey metal-rock band Monster Magnet, has all the MM trademarks: searing guitars, lots of psychedelic dander and masculine vocals from charismatic singer Dave Wyndorf. It also has a big-picture perspective, as Mr. Wyndorf contemplates grand issues about right vs. wrong, culture and religion. In a world where noise is beautiful, this one's gorgeous.
Teresa Gubbins
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