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The second installment of Rhino’s magnificent Elvis Costello two-CD catalog reissues (with each set’s second disc including bonus material) focuses on the artist’s harder-edged Attractions-generated rock sound with which he is still most closely identified. The result of a whirlwind 11-day recording session—marvelously recounted in Costello’s typically self-effacing liner notes—the masterfully produced and sequenced This Year’s Model very much remains the early-Costello fan’s favorite. Flaunting tons of attitude and ferocious energy, it perfectly matched the king singer/ songwriter of punk/new wave with three musicians (keyboardist Steve Nieve, bassist Bruce Thomas, and drummer Pete Thomas) who were majestic instrumental poets. Particularly noteworthy tracks include perennial concert fave “Pump It Up” and the roaring, rebellious “Radio Radio.” After breaking from the Attractions to record 1986’s acclaimed folk/country-flavored King of America, Costello reunited with them on that year’s follow-up, Blood & Chocolate. The album reflected the angry mood of the then 32-year-old divorcee while also harking back to his branded Nick Lowe-produced, Attractions-supplied rock sound. While short of the unbridled intensity of This Year’s Model, the album effectively stilled fears that Costello was softening. But the Attractions’ regrouping proved a one-off, as Costello commenced a long period of stylistic growth and experimentation until recalling the band for 1994’s Brutal Youth. Ultimately, Costello could never fully put the Attractions to rest. Now, eight years again after Brutal Youth, and following his collaborations with Burt Bacharach and Anne Sofie von Otter, he has enlisted Nieve and Pete Thomas to help retrieve once again the Attractions trademark sound on record and the road.
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