Review of When I Was Cruel
Belfast Telegraph, 2002-05-02
- Neil McKay

 

CD Review: Elvis is as angry as ever

By Neil McKay

ELVIS COSTELLO - When I Was Cruel (Mercury): In this year of assorted punk and new wave anniversaries, Costello, fittingly, has produced one of the most remarkable albums of his career.

Remarkable because it's six years since he last made a 'rock' record, remarkable because he still sounds as angry and p.....-off as ever, and remarkable because even now he still refuses to settle for the easy option.

45, Tear Off Your Own Head and Daddy Can I Turn This? spit and crackle with the spirit of '77, Alibi, with its pay-off line 'Cos I love you just as much as I hate your guts' is classic sneering Costello, and Spooky Girlfriend utilises a trippy dance backing.

And there's more ... 15 Petals is powered by a slightly mad brass riff, and the stunning, cinematic When I Was Cruel No 2, mixes a Spanish rhythm with big twangy guitar to magnificently moody effect.