Elvis Costello & The Roots

Elvis Costello's collaboration with The Roots is a fascinating chapter in the career of this versatile artist, blending his distinctive songwriting and vocal style with the hip-hop and neo-soul flavors of the legendary band. This unique partnership culminated in the album "Wise Up Ghost," released in September 2013.

The collaboration between Elvis Costello and The Roots, the house band for "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," was somewhat unexpected but proved to be a creatively fruitful endeavor. The project began to take shape after Costello's multiple appearances on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," where The Roots serve as the house band. Their chemistry during these performances sparked the idea of a joint album.

"Wise Up Ghost" is an album that defies easy categorization, blending elements of hip-hop, funk, soul, and rock. It showcases Costello's sharp, often politically charged lyrics, matched with The Roots' tight, groove-oriented backing. The album is noted for its adventurous production and arrangements, which incorporate samples from Costello's extensive back catalog, reimagined and recontextualized within The Roots' sound.

The lead single, "Walk Us Uptown," exemplifies the album's fusion of styles, featuring Costello's vocals over a rhythmically complex backdrop provided by The Roots. Other standout tracks include "Sugar Won't Work" and "Tripwire," which further explore the rich sonic landscape created by this collaboration.

Critically, "Wise Up Ghost" was well-received, praised for its boldness and the seamless integration of the artists' distinct musical identities. It was seen as a testament to both Costello's willingness to experiment and The Roots' versatility as a backing band capable of crossing genre boundaries with ease.

This collaboration stands out in the careers of both Elvis Costello and The Roots, highlighting their ability to innovate and create something fresh and exciting, proving that music can transcend traditional genre constraints to offer something truly unique and engaging.

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	Elvis Costello & The Roots To Play The Capitol Theatre On March 12, 2014 (03/02/2014)
	Listen To Elvis Costello & The Roots' New Single "Walk Us Uptown" (23/07/2013)