Elvis Costello's first album for his new record label covers a great deal of ground with an impressive degree of command. The sinister "Let Him Dangle" recalls the disturbed young man who brought us "Watching the Detective," while "Veronica," a collaboration with Paul McCartney, finds Costello working in a sweeter, more engaging pop mode. Spike is not up to the level of Costello's very best work, but it's a consistently strong album that should please fans and newcomers alike.