Elvis Costello - When I Was Cruel

While his excursions into lounge, opera and classical were commendable, it’s a relief that Costello is rocking out again with members of the Attractions.  Peppy numbers like “45” and “Tear Off Your Own Head (It’s a Doll Revolution)” have all the reckless charm of his early classics. But it’s quirky songs like the soulful, dub-tinged “Alibi” and the hypnotic title track, which quotes Abba’s “Dancing Queen” and samples ’60s Italian pop that really get under your skin.