Putting these two in a room to write songs together in between projects over the course of a few years probably seemed like a good idea at the time. After all, they've collaborated before. Plus, Costello has recorded Bacharach tunes several times over the course of his career. A no-brainer, right?

Wrong.

What we've got here is a mismatch of epic proportions. Song after song manages to be syrupy yet bitter, replete with saccharine-drenched strings and lousy with overwrought emoting. The lyrics here are trademark Elvis -- if more on the rancorous side of lovelorn than usual -- but the arrangements are hilariously Bacharach-ian, right down to snippets lifted straight out of "Say A Little Prayer." These two go together about as well as tuna fish and chocolate syrup, and this collaboration leaves just about the same taste in your mouth.