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On his debut, My Aim Is True, Costello employed the services of US band Clover. More than 30 years later, he re-ignites his career in the company of a new generation of American musicians.
It is no coincidence that Momofuku has the same analogue spark, coming as it does in two formats: a double vinyl album or MP3 download. There are strong flavours of the New Wave that carried Costello on its crest, with washes of country and old-fashioned pop such as "Mr. Feathers."
Jenny Lewis and her other half Johnathan Rice weigh in on vocals and guitar, with Davey Faragher on bass, and Pete Thomas and his daughter Tennessee on drums.
Costello's voice still rasps with indignation after all this time on the closing "Go Away," and echoes the Cryin' Shames' Charlie Crane on "Pardon Me Madam, My Name Is Eve." Steve Nieve got a late call into proceedings, but his keyboards are delicately deployed throughout, giving it the authentic Attractions touch.
This is Costello's best work since parting with his old backing band, from the whimsy of "Harry Worth" to the strident sting of "American Gangster Time." To support the album he is going out on tour with The Imposters, opening for the reformed Police on their North American tour this summer. Would that have been so comfortable a match three decades ago?
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