Momofuku : Elvis Costello : Review : Rolling Stone

As the recent reissue of This Year's Model proved, no one can turn vitriol into art better than Elvis Costello. This fact is reconfirmed by Momofuku — a name the singer's latest album shares with a Manhattan restaurant and that, fittingly, resembles an excellent English-language expletive. "In the not very distant future/When everything will be free/There won't be any cute secrets/Let alone any novelty," Costello spit-croons on the opener, "No Hiding Place," a slow-burn rocker that indicts Internet culture amid "na-na-nas" and "woo-oos."

Among his sharpest sets in years, Momofuku was first released on double-disc vinyl (it's now available on CD and MP3), one of many signs of Costello's old-school allegiance; see also "Flutter & Wow," a bruised ballad that likens the singer's lovesickness to the irregular motion of a turntable motor. But dude's not living strictly in the past. In addition to veteran Costello bandmates Steve Nieve and Pete Thomas, young singer-songwriters Jenny Lewis (Rilo Kiley) and Johnathan Rice add sparks to Momofuku. Lewis' knowing, slightly jaded character studies owe plenty to Costello, whose collaborative imaginativeness proves he's no average curmudgeon. Long may he sneer.

WILL HERMES

(Posted: May 29, 2008)

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Review 1 of 2

4of 5 Stars

So much has been said about Elvis Costello over so many years.
What is left to be said?
How many stories can be repeated without a predictable yawn?
Here is your evidence.
Is there no depth to this man's genius?
Give a listen.

Jul 16, 2008 10:15:07

Review 2 of 2

4of 5 Stars

What a great set of songs from Costello. It starts out like his answer to REM's Monster, but better executed. Unlike that album, though, he offers lots of varied and entertaining tracks. And it's always a thrill to have a new set of Costello songs; it's just that much more potential to never have to hear him play Alison again.

May 23, 2008 06:59:26

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