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| Momofuku | 
 enlarge | Artist: Elvis Costello & The Imposters
Label: Lost Highway
Category: Music
List Price: $13.98
Buy New: $7.81
You Save: $6.17 (44%)
New (57) Used (20) from $6.44
Avg. Customer Rating:  41 reviews
Sales Rank: 2262
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5 x 0.5
MPN: 001110902
UPC: 602517665835
EAN: 0602517665835
ASIN: B0016KHAY2
Release Date: May 6, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 Not Bad For A Limited, Primitive Man May 15, 2008
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
Momofuku is undoubtedly the best effort by Mr Costello in years, and already one of my favorites of the year. Things start off with the knockout 1-2 punch of "No Hiding Place" and "American Gangster Time". Both show that age hasn't mellowed his angry and cynical side, but its a righteous anger against those who can "say anything you want to in your fetching cloak of anonymity" (see several below)or want to use and abuse their power. "Harry Worth", "Flutter and Wow", and "My Three Sons" are more sudbued but still powerful as he admonishes the troubled couple that "there are not many moments that capture your breath", or sings simple songs of love and fatherhood. Another standout is "Stella Hurt" based on a true story (Google Teddy Grace) of an obscure jazz musician--perhaps a commentary on the music industry's attitude towards artists. She is forgotten until an old record is found "abandoned in an attic, Stella is silent as the grave until a needle drags her through the static". "Pardon me Madam, My Name Is Eve" is a cautionary tale for the "other woman", as the jilted Eve remembers her time before being expelled from the garden. Throughout he is able to walk the difficult balance of maintaining his trademark sound, while expanding and varying things enough that it does not seem like just another record to make a buck or satisfy a contract. Indeed, everything is done with passion and commitment that comes through even in the digital age. My favorite by a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year (Sorry, Madonna).
An Exciting Throwback June 28, 2008
8 out of 11 found this review helpful
Even though I form my own independent opinion of a recording, I find it useful to mull previous reviews and listen to an album again before I write mine because sometimes others point out important aspects of that album which I had missed. That is especially true when an album has generated so much critical excitement as has Momofuku.
An English music magazine I read heralded this as a throwback to the days when Elvis Costello was a new and exciting force on the music scene. And on many cuts, that judgement is spot on. But on other cuts, Costello shows a mature and reflective side that harks not back to My Aim Is True and This Year's Model, but to the days of Imperial Bedroom and King of America.
For the benefit of those who haven't heard Momofuku yet, the following songs will take you back to the mood of Costello's earliest days: The superb American Gangster Time, Drum and Bone, Stella Hurt, Mr Feathers, and Go Away. His more sensitive side asserts itself on Flutter and Wow and on My Three Sons. One reviewer found that last one corny, but you have to admit Costello has a way with words. As good as most of the album is, my personal favorites are Harry Worth and the aforementioned Stella Hurt.
I have been an Elvis Costello fan since he appeared on the scene, but I can't claim to have heard all his albums. In recent years, he has embarked on a variety of projects that were personal flights of fancy and many of those have yielded mixed results. Momofuku marks an exciting throwback to the style of music for which most of us became Elvis Costello fans in the first place. Don't miss this one!
Elvis has done it for us once again! May 6, 2008
7 out of 10 found this review helpful
I love that Elvis has given us this gem to listen to! It includes a download (which is 256 kbps bitrate, not 192 any longer) for us to enjoy and we get the vinyl as well! I hadn't heard the new songs (even being a mega-fan) before the release, which is great. I heard the songs for the first time in Memphis, TN and this release hasn't disappointed me one iota! It has only enhanced my appreciation for the album. The new songs are so enjoyable as standalone hits!
If you only have access to a CD player, get the CD for certain, but if you have a turntable, be sure to get the vinyl version while you can. The harmonies are really sweet, and I love that he's given himself to the song "My Three Sons." It's wonderfully heartfelt. I love my Elvis Costello (as a fan of course), and it's hard for me to put a non-biased opinion on this album, but I must say that I'm completely touched and amazed by this new production. It sounds so great, and it's worth many more a listen, and then some!
I have been so awed by Elvis with this release. I know he's the best (to me) but so much emotion is contained within this album I don't know where to begin. There is a lot going on here...especially in track 10...man oh man. Please listen and appreciate! He's got so much to share! I've never been so proud as a fan.
Great album! May 9, 2008
5 out of 7 found this review helpful
I just saw Elvis Costello open for the Police last week, and half of his set was songs from Momofuku. He played 6 songs from it, and 7 classic Costello tunes... and the new songs held up fine.
He opened with Stella Hurts, and gave Go Away its live debut...and that may have been the best song he did that night.
This album is great, so many instant classic (IMO). I am not a huge fan, but this might be my favorite Costello album (aside from My Aim is True and This Year's Model)
Highlights:
- No Hidng Place
- Turpentine
- Stella Hurt
- Go Away
- American Ganster Time
Get this album and if you have a chance... see him live open for the Police. He is an amazing opener!
(BTW: Any other headliner... Costello would have blown them out of the water! He was on fire when I saw him... hope he stays like it! How many opening acts have enough b.a.l.l.s to do half a set of completly new stuff, including opening song, and play them as well as classics?? This guy is one in a million!)
 A fun listen from Elvis May 20, 2008
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
I've spent about a week with the new Elvis CD and have gone from the initial thought that I wasted my money to really liking it.
The negatives: The CD was written and recorded very quickly and is fairly unpolished. It sounds a little like Elvis B-sides or demo recordings. The CD also doesn't have that song or two that sound like obvious singles and make you want to play them on repeat.
The positives: The set has a kind of loose and fun feel to it. As good as some of Elvis' recent rock CDs have been (The Delivery Man, When I was Cruel), they seem self-consciously arty compared to this new release. He jumps all over the map stylistically on this new release and at times recalls songs from Blood and Chocolate, Imperial Bedroom, Brutal Youth.
I find this is a great CD for the car because of its ever-changing nature. It's tough to get bored with this one.
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