The first studio LP with new backing band the Imposters (all of the core members of the Attractions, less Bruce Thomas) was advertised as E.C.’s “first loud album since 199?.” When I Was Cruel does live up to such billing, an energized affair that indicated that Costello’s rock and roll acumen had not dulled, his explorations into the softer side of the songwriter notwithstanding. Costello’s not trying to trick anyone here – album opener “45” is an unsubtle acknowledgement of the frontman’s age at that time, and he tells us that it was easier when he was cruel on the noir-ish title track – he’s also made the point that he can still bring a lot of heat to the proceedings.