Earlier this year, in a magazine interview, Elvis Costello declared he wasn’t going to record anymore, bemoaning the fact that mp3s had killed off the concept of the album. Methinks Mr Costello was being mischievous, or perhaps he had a late change of heart, as we have a new album from him called, Momofuku.

The album is titled, according to it’s creator, in honour of the inventor of cup noodles, Momofuku Ando. This album was recorded in a week, the concept being the analogy of “just adding water” to noodles and having an instant meal; here add Elvis and some musicians and hey presto! Instant album! That’s where the analogy ends however, as far from being a convenience meal, this is extremely fine dining.

After the recent exercises in differing styles, such as the country blues of his last album The Delivery Man, or the piano balladry of North, this is Costello back in rock mode. He’s collaborated with such greats as Burt Bacharach and Allen Toussaint recently but this time it’s the Imposters who are back on board, which is basically The Attractions minus bass player Bruce Thomas. Bringing back (part of) the old gang has pepped up the sound, bringing a sense of urgency and a familiarity. With Steve Nieve’s organ prominent on a lot of the tracks, this sounds mostly like an old fashioned Elvis Costello record from way back.

The opening brace of three terrifically charged, catchy rock songs is a brilliant beginning. This album demands your attention from the start. It’s taut, concise and gets under your skin after repeated listens. Aside from the rock bluster there are quieter and more exotic moments like the tropicalia of “Harry Worth”, the soul ballad “Flutter and Wow” and “Mr Feathers”, which sounds like it could’ve been on the Beatles’ White Album. There’s really not a weak track in the set, Costello seems to be revelling in the sheer fun of making a pop record and that exuberance and joy certainly rubs off on the listener.

In short, his best work in years.

Mister Fusty

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