Grade: B-
“National Ransom” is music legend Elvis Costello’s new album, and it features artists that Costello has previously worked with. They include like bands The Imposters and The Sugarcanes, along with Vince Gill, Marc Ribot, Buddy Miller and Leon Russell. The album’s themes include hatred toward Wall Street in songs like the title track, “National Ransom.” Most of the remainder of the album, like “Jimmie Standing in the Rain,” has an old, bluesy barroom sound. While no Costello classic, the album is a solid and, at the least, entertaining hour of music.