If you had delayed picking up the latest Elvis Costello album with The Imposters (one less of the original Attractions – Bruce Thomas is missing), then perhaps you should put it on your list of pickups.  Quite simply, it is classic Elvis Costello.

Momofuku was originally released on LP and then followed up as a CD release (how novel).  I’m not even sure it was meant to be on CD but, in any case, it now is.  This is great news because Momofuku is not only a blast from the old Costello furnace of creativity, but it will bring back memories of the Armed Forces period.  It is essential.

Song for song, Momofuku spins a blanket of perfection that will have you wondering just what kept him (and his old mates) from doing this earlier.  We now know that it’s in him to do (we’ll likely expect more now that we’ve heard it).  I have a tremendous amount of respect for these guys to refrain from calling the band The Attractions with Bruce Thomas missing, despite any differences they may have.  They easily could have.  Plus it indicates a new era of sorts.

In short, Momofuku is easily one of the brightest collections of music that Costello has recorded in recent years.  In fact, it can rest alongside of other Costello classics as one of his best…that’s one of his best, not the best.  If you have enjoyed Elvis Costello and The Attractions during their first six albums, then I don’t know what else to tell you except to pick this up.  NOW!  There will be no regret.