At long last, Elvis Costello is back with the Attractions.
Back to the slightly off-kilter sound that brought them to the punk scene in the late '70s, with a little help from the unmistakable bass of Nick Lowe.
After a few years of mildly successful experimentation, songs like "My Science Fiction Twin" and "20% Amnesia" prove that this one came from Costello's heart rather than his pocketbook. The cuts "Pony St." and "Just About Glad" have the flavor of Punch the Clock and Armed Forces, while "This is Hell" and "Still Too Soon To Know" add the heart of Almost Blue to form 15 pieces of excellent music.
Pure Elvis Costello and the Attractions was the goal, and not one of these songs misses the mark. If there was ever a question about the future of his music. one listen to Brutal Youth will answer it.