Elvis Costello and The Roots
Elvis Costello and The Roots
Wise Up Ghost
Blue Note, 2013
On the opening number, “Walk Us Uptown,” Elvis Costello and the Roots do something extraordinary. They deliver a song so funky; 
you’d swear The Meters were responsible for it. This rhythm calls up the spirit of Zigaboo Modeliste so completely; it almost seems his name should be on the credits.
So what about the rest of the record?
“Tripwire” is a shuffle sung at the upper range of Costello’s voice and The Roots, who so ably seem to be able to back anyone, shine despite being there to bolster the vocals. “If I Could Believe” is another ballad, which Costello sings with a workman-like soulfulness.
The biggest left turn here is the duet with La Marisoul, vocalist from La Santa Cecilia. “Cinco Minutos Con Vos” defies expectations. There seems to be an absence of serious input from The Roots side of this collaboration. Or at least, no one seems to be taking any chances. There’s no hip hop mash-up, or 21ist century take on soul.
We’ve seen Elvis try on many different hats with mixed results over the years. He probably felt collaborating with The Roots would bring out the best in him, and he’s right. The good songs on here are amazing, and the rest, fall short. This album may very well transcend beyond both artists core fans. This doesn’t mean it’ll be a blockbuster, but definitely a minor masterpiece.
