Elvis is no imposter
As an artist reaches the elder statesman status
it is really easy to overlook or push their albums aside because
you might miss out on “the next big thing”. But pushing
the new Elvis Costello record Momofuku to the side would
be a huge mistake because it rolls in perfect mirror image of
classic Elvis and can hold its own with some of his best in the
extensive Costello catalog. 
Calling it a comeback album would not be a good
characterization because there are so many sides of Costello that
it is more fitting to just classify Momofuku as an Imposter album,
which should automatically have you expect a more “rock
band” album. To say Elvis has mellowed would be a misnomer
because originally his frustration with the music business had
Momofuku slated to release on vinyl and digital download
only but thankfully a CD version was produced so that his wide
fanbase could enjoy.
The album welcomes some new members into the Imposters
family and injects some true youthful energy that includes Jenny
Lewis (Rilo Kiley), Johnathan Rice and longtime Costello drummer
Pete Thomas’ daughter Tennessee, which plays in the alt
rock group The Like. The collective small supergroup only hopes
to hold up to Elvis’s energy because the songs are all raw,
classy and completely natural that boils over with his exuberance.
With each repeat spin, Momofuku gets better
and each song sticks with you giving the album a timeless appeal
that most certainly will sound just as great ten years from now.
That is the true addictive element to Elvis Costello and the Imposters
is that I guarantee you could shuffle these tracks in with his
early catalog and many listeners would not be able to tell a difference.
Guess what – this is the side of Costello I can’t
stop listening to!
Christopher Anthony
For more of Christopher Anthony's music reviews,
check out The
Fire Note
