Such is the man's incredible standing in the world of popular music that there's always a buzz around when Elvis Costello cuts a new album. Unfortunately, in more recent times the sky-high expectations of his adoring flock have been somewhat misjudged. Last year's North, for example, was a dismal collection of songs and while 2002's When I Was Cruel had some typically fine Costello moments, it was, on the whole, disappointing.
However, his latest, The Delivery Man, is packed with welcome snatches of the old Elvis — catchy tunes and powerful vocals combined with lyrical brilliance and ingenuity.
Indeed, the famed Costello words are as sharp, fresh and perceptive as ever, and hooking up with country big shots Lucinda Williams and Emmylou Harris has given an added dimension.
As ever, the Imposters (Messrs Nieve, Thomas and Faragher) prove to be the ideal backing band. The three have been around for Costello's adventures in a whole spectrum of musical genres and provide the perfect accompaniment much in the same way as Crazy Horse works with Neil Young.
The Delivery Man accommodates a range of musical styles, with each track as flawless as the next. If you pushed me, I'd probably pick out the poignant "Heart-Shaped Bruise" — a sort of "Good Year For The Roses" for the 21st century — and the energetic "Monkey To Man," as favourites.
Hopefully, his could be the beginning of a long Costello creative roll.
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