The influence isstill there in the form of clever, wordy lyrics, eccentric and extravagantpop gestures, and a richly emotive delivery. But Harding's sense of humouris infinitely warmer and more inviting that Costello's sardonic hauteur everwas. And Harding lacks the layer of schmaltz that too often made Costello'swork unbearbly bathetic. ST. ACE has sexy ballads like "After the Fact,"soaring powerpop in the form of "You in Spite of Yourself," and serioussilliness in tracks like "Humble Bee" and "Old Girlfriends." The cheeryincest subtext of "Bad Dream Baby" would make both Edward Gorey and RoyOrbison shudder in their coffins. Harding's cheeky "Goth Girl" will make youwant to slip into some tattered velvet, smear your mouth with black lipstickand go out prayer-dancing just like you did all those years ago.Read More
