Review of When I Was Cruel
BlueTintMagazine, 2002-03-20
- Mike

 

Elvis Costello's new album "When I Was Cruel" is probably, if you're a fan of "Spike," "All this Useless Beauty," and anything with the "Attractions," the album you've been waiting for. The last seven years have seen "God's Comic" delve into the ballad, and experiment with the artform of music. Now he's back with all the spit and fire, and satire we've come to expect from Mr. Costello over the years. Backed by the ever present Steve Nieve on Keyboards and fellow former Attraction, Pete Thomas on Drums, "When I Was Cruel" feels like Elvis, in a way that "Painted by Memory" could never be.

The albums first single "Tear Off Your Own Head (It's A Dolls Revolution) tears into you with distored tremelo that will remind you of vintage Costello and the Attractions.

For me, the song I just couldn't get off of repeat is the smooth groove, and biting lyrics of "Soul For Hire". "Dust," "Episode of Blonde," and the title track are all other standouts.

Elvis has never lacked for passion. With "When I Was Cruel" that passion has been kicked started with a driving guitar, some of the best horn work since "Spike" and excellent mood settings by Pete Thomas' drum work.

"When I Was Cruel" isn't going to set the world on fire. But in a time when music seems to be nothing but copy and paste formulaic drivel. Elvis has gotten it right by stripping it down and turning it up. If you're an Elvis Costello fan, this is a must have. If you're a music fan, this is an album definately worth checking out.

Mike

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