The Fratellis – Costello Music

I stumbled onto the Fratellis’ single “Chelsea Dagger” back in March or April. I think it was mentioned in a music article on Slate online. I fell for the raucous barroom sing-along feel, and I wound up using it in a mix CD I put together in May. I was curious to see what they would do with a whole album.

Thankfully, Costello Music is more of the same. Unlike most of the music coming out of England, there isn’t a trace of the New Wave Revival here. There aren’t synthesizers, and there are no nods to the pop of the 80s. Instead, the record sounds as though it was designed to be played on a pub jukebox on Friday night. Rocking with energy and pace, rather than power chords and hair spray, the Fratellis seem to care more about enjoying themselves than making art. This is a fun record.

My favorite track is “For a Girl,” simply because I’m a sucker for a good melody, but “Flathead” and “Everybody Knows You Cried Last Night” are also standouts. Really, though, there aren’t any bad songs, and the album sounds pretty terrific straight through.