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Here, to the surprise of many, Elvis Costello and his former hacking band through his glory years, The Attractions (Steve Nieve, Pete Thomas, and Bruce Thomas), are reunited despite well-documented acrimony. Erstwhile producer Nick Lowe participates, as does Elvis' more recent producer Mitchell Froom. The resulting 15 songs here are reminiscent of vintage Costello, musically dense and verbally loaded like Imperial Bedroom, from 1984. Brutal Youth isn't easy sledding. In fact, it might take several listens plus the help of a lyric sheet to "get" these songs. But Costello fans will welcome this album as a long-hoped-for return to form.
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