Elvis Costello returns with "Momofuku", 12 new songs written quickly, recorded quickly and released quickly (principle recordings were finished just after Valentines Day 2008) that have no concept, no larger picture, and no jazz influence.
It is simply his new record and it sounds much like an old one. Joining Costello on "Momofuku," are The Imposters, as well as Rilo Kiley's Jenny Lewis and boyfriend Jonathan Rice for harmony and vocal duties and drummer Pete Thomas' daughter Tennessee Thomas.
Costello has created a rich batch of songs that mix his love for the Beatles not only in sounds but song structure (check out "American Gangster Time"). Along with the best of his own solo work a lá 1989's "Spike," he has also collaborated on two country-tinged songs, one with Roseanne Cash ("Songs With Rose"), and one with Miss Loretta Lynn ("Pardon Me, Madam, My Name is Eve").
It is however, The Imposters performance that is the highlight of the record. They are a fluid backing band that can move from the most clang/bang raucousness in "Stella Hurt" to the smooth organ soaked melodies bestowed by keyboardist, Steve Nieve in "Flutter & Wow." After vowing off recording and performing in the UK months earlier, Costello has broken at least one of his promises by releasing "Momofuku." Sorry England, but at least you have the double vinyl to enjoy.
Neil Diamond is back with a new album "Home Before Dark," produced by the legendary Rick Rubin (Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, Black Crowes). The duo's previous record, "12 Songs," garnered Diamond his best reviews in decades. Rubin was passionate about having Neil sing & play guitar on everything. To help, Rubin called on Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers to ease his nerves.
When making "Home Before Dark" the concept was the same as their last -- stripped down, minimal acoustic songs, no drums, voice and guitar in the forefront. The performances are more confident than "12 Songs" showing that Neil is finally comfortable working in this setting.
Lost love, longing and the results of those heartaches are the running thread across the albums tracks, and are highlighted by the duet with Dixie Chick Natalie Maines, "Another Day (That Time Forgot)." The song tells a tale of lovers grown apart over time, and Benmont Tench keeps the tension and cohesiveness of the story together by enhancing it with subtle piano fills.
"Home Before Dark" is not entirely melancholy though, "Forgotten" and "One More Bite of the Apple" are rollicking numbers that are reminiscent of his earliest work. Neil Diamond is a vocational songwriter and continues to follow that muse to this day.
The symbiotic partnership with Rick Rubin has now yielded its second great album. With many more great things will come, Diamond has set himself up to have a fruitful second life in the same vein as Johnny Cash.