Released initially as a good old-fashioned, warm-sounding double-LP, Elvis Costello's latest album with the Imposters is a straight set of rock 'n' roll, short on frills, but filled with a workmanlike approach to the songwriting craft he's mastered through the years.

Dave Martin/STR (ENLARGE)
On his new album, Elvis Costello shows strong and consistent songwriting.
MOST POPULAR STORIES Best-selling book brings back painful memories for Simon David Archuleta's dad loses 'American Idol' backstage pass Actor Farina arrested with gun in luggage at LAX Gospel singer Dottie Rambo dies in tour bus wreck in Mo. Ludacris returns to Banneker High with message of hope
EMAIL THIS PRINT THIS MOST POPULAR
RELATED LINKS: • CD review: Ashlee Simpson • CD review: Neil Diamond • More CD reviews

It was fun just taking the shrink wrap off the LP (the album is available on CD today) and letting Costello and his bandmates take the turntable for a ride on early cuts like "No Hiding Place" and "American Gangster Time," the latter showcasing the forever cheesy Vox continental organ work of Steve Nieve.

The album was recorded quickly in January and February, a sidestep of sorts while Costello was working with Rilo Kiley's Jenny Lewis on her upcoming solo album.

She appears on vocals on several songs here, arguably most memorably on the jazzy, lyrically intriguing "Harry Worth," and other titles like the pedal-steel backed "Song With Rose," the latter featuring lyrics co-written by Costello and Rosanne Cash. Costello also teamed with country legend Loretta Lynn to pen "Pardon Me Madam, My Name Is Eve."

"Momofuku's" strengths lie in the consistency of the songwriting and the smart arrangements. While Costello takes few chances here, he does deliver some sturdy additions to his overflowing catalog, particularly "Flutter & Wow," one of several songs featuring David Hidalgo on guitar, and the touching ballad "My Three Sons."

— Kevin O'Hare, Newhouse News Service