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Album Review: Elvis Costello & The Roots - Wise Up Ghost

Now his own musical almanac, this adds to Elvis Costello’s now many collaborations

3.5 stars

Now his own musical almanac, this adds to Elvis Costello's now many collaborations. The Roots' eclecticism – as they slide from soul to reggae, with even some jazz at the edges – fits well. It works best when the band lock into one of their so loose/so tight grooves, like on the opening Walk Us Uptown or Come The Meantimes, with Costello's sneer straight from one of his early records. It's less surefooted when they veer toward (She Might Be A) Grenade's stuttery dub, but the final If I Could Believe shows the class.