Sound: Elvis Costello's 2008 release, Momofuku, is packed with rocker and power poppers that harken back to his earlier releases (e.g. masterpieces such as Punch The Clock and Get Happy). Certain songs, such as "Flutter And Wow", mix his famous pop croon with a harder edge. Other songs, like the frantic "American Gangster Time", are similar to his more recent works. The album falls short, however, on the sheer speed of the production process. Costello's charming wit and grace can't save Momofuku from sinking from a "good record" to a "mindless enjoyment". // 7
Lyrics and Singing: Costello works hard at trying to build good melodies with decent lyrics. For the most part, he strikes silver but not gold. The endless schoolboy rhymes dumb down his sharp mind and put him in an odd place, is he a smart artist of the 21st century? Or a tired new waver trying to be cool with the young 'uns? His voice, however, hasn't aged a bit since his glory days. That slightly congested, slighty deep, round out even the worst of melodies - making the lyrics to Momofuku quite pleasant. // 8
Impression: Momofuku on the whole is no classic. Momofuku is, however, a sign of greater things to come. Recovering from the dismal effort that was 2004's "The Delivery Man" isn't going to happen over night - Costello, however, has had four years to make a record better than this one. High points include the gut wretching "Flutter and Wow" and the distorted "No Hiding Place". Skip over "Turpentine" and the deflated attempt at lounge, "Harry Worth". Elvis Costello's Momofuku is a good listen, but it just isn't a great listen. // 7
Was this review helpful to you? 
