Elvis Costello and the Imposters – The Delivery Man 
By Zane Ewton

Elvis Costello is an artist who has reached the point where he can do whatever he wants without the need to worry about record sales or fashionable music videos.  He has recorded over 20 albums, is an accomplished composer who just released his first classical album, and is certifiably a music icon.

But with The Delivery Man, Costello has written an old fashioned rock and roll record, steeped in country, blues and soul.  Don’t let the term “old fashioned” fool you though, this is a new, fresh sounding album. The Delivery Man is a mixture of rough and shiny elements; it might also be the best album Costello has done in years.

Emmylou Harris shares vocals with Costello on a few songs and also provides backup on a few others.  Both Costello and Harris have great voices that work well with each other.  The musicianship is top notch.  Costello’s backing band, The Imposters, includes Steve Nieve, Davey Faragher, Pete Thomas and John McPhee. 

What makes The Delivery Man a great album is how strong the songs are. They sound focused and have been cared for.  Costello started The Delivery Man as a concept album but by rearranging the track order and omitting songs the original narrative is nowhere to be found.  While the story is dismantled the songs are still cohesive; remaining as vivid as a good movie.

For this man to be born in Liverpool, England he writes some of the most convincing country songs.  These are real country songs.  Not like what you hear on the radio today.  Costello is fantastic at writing intelligent, thoughtful lyrics that never seem forced or misplaced.  The Delivery Man appears to be put together effortlessly, each song an extension of talent and love for music.

The Delivery Man is a thoroughly enjoyable album.  Many artists who have reached the age that Costello is at either try too hard or don’t try at all.  But Elvis Costello continues to do exactly what he has wants to do.  When the results are as satisfying as The Delivery Man it is hard to argue with his intentions.
 

• Visit the Official website.
• Listen to samples and Purchase this CD online