Elvis Costello, who first rose to prominence during the heyday of 1970s New Wave Punk, has shown his chameleon-like ability to blend into a diverse variety of musical genres, ranging from soul to jazz to rock. Throughout the years, Costello has maintained a superlative level of output and, no matter the genre, has always impressed audiences with his vocal talent. His most recent and 33rd studio album, National Ransom, is the perfect showcase for such talent. Ransom was produced by T-Bone Burnett, the prodigious producer with whom Costello has collaborated several times in the past, garnering critical acclaim.
National Ransom succeeds in standing out amid a recent influx of new albums this month from artists across every genre. Given that the British crooner's career has spanned four decades, some critics may not have expected his album to be as fresh and culturally relevant as it is. Steeped in political commentary, Costello's intent with the album seems to be an admonishment against the economical recklessness displayed by the American elite as of late. Every song is suffused with allusions to America's current fiscal situation without sacrificing any of the musical appeal.
The first song on the track list shares its name with the album's title. A powerful and high-energy folk song, "National Ransom" is one of the most politically charged songs of the entire album, crying out against the fiscal irresponsibility of those in power while taking up the mantle of the working class. Costello's lyrical eloquence and musical mastery are at his best in this song, but the album still managed to maintain the listener's interest from there.
In fact, the second song, "Jimmie Standing in the Rain," is my favorite of the entire album. It's a slower, smoother, bluesy song, telling the story of a "forgotten man" in an "indifferent nation." This song feels like something out of a different time and is sincerely touching in its sentiment. Meanwhile, the closing song of the album, "A Voice In The Dark," is perhaps the most upbeat, although the title suggests otherwise. It's a jovially jazzy tune that caps off the album with hopeful optimism. The song beseeches Costello's audience to "believe in the voice in the dark," even as "liars and bullies conspire to stamp out the spark."
What is "the spark?" Who is "the voice in the dark?" Your guess is as good as mine, but I think it's clear that Costello does not view the United States' current economic recession as completely hopeless, as the eye-catching cover art might suggest. Created by Maakies cartoonist Tony Millionaire, the cover depicts an anthropomorphic wolf in coat and tails fleeing as cash streams out of his bag, all as smoke and explosions go off in the background, suggesting that the country's leaders are robbing the people and leading us astray.
All in all, I would say that this album is definitely a must-buy. It isn't often these days that an album be both intellectual and entertaining. This one is. It delivers insightful and articulate commentary on politics and American culture in such a way that keeps you plugged in from start to finish while challenging the listener with its reflection of a diverse set of influences.
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