Momofuku
Elvis Costello · 2008
47 min · 12 tracks · new wave
A brisk, eclectic mix of rock, pop, and a hint of country that reflects both nostalgia and sharp observations.
Top tracks — play these first
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No Hiding Place Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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American Gangster Time — This track captures Costello's signature blend of sharp social commentary and catchy melodies, making it emblematic of the album's themes of modern life.
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Stella Hurt — With its rich storytelling and emotional depth, this song showcases Costello's ability to weave personal narratives into broader cultural reflections.
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Pardon Me, Madam, My Name Is Eve — This track highlights Costello's clever wordplay and thematic exploration of identity and relationships through its engaging narrative style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Momofuku showcases eclectic songwriting but lacks strong cohesion in its sequencing.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a brisk tempo and upbeat instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective mood.
- Several songs incorporate diverse musical elements, blending rock with hints of country and pop influences throughout.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- thoughtful lyrical exploration
- mid-tempo reflective moments
- varied song lengths for diversity
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows Costello's continued relevance and vitality after diverse projects.
- Career context
- Released in 2008, Momofuku marked a return to form for Elvis Costello after a series of diverse projects, including collaborations and soundtracks. This album followed his 2004 release, The Delivery Man, and signified a creative re-emergence as he embraced a more straightforward rock sound, reminiscent of his earlier works.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joe Jackson· Graham Parker· Squeeze
Tracklist
- 1 No Hiding Place Start here 4:00
- 2 American Gangster Time 3:46
- 3 Turpentine 5:42
- 4 Harry Worth 4:28
- 5 Drum & Bone 2:35
- 6 Flutter & Wow 4:23
- 7 Stella Hurt 4:46
- 8 Mr. Feathers 2:46
- 9 My Three Sons 3:06
- 10 Song With Rose 3:03
- 11 Pardon Me, Madam, My Name Is Eve 3:53
- 12 Go Away 4:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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