Out of Our Idiot

Though credited to “various artists,” Out of Our Idiot is actually an odds-and-sods collection of outtakes, non-album tracks, collaborations, and other miscellanea by Elvis Costello, sometimes alongside other artists. It’s a strange but truly wonderful album, featuring such highlights as the bluebeat novelty “So Young” (with the Attractions), a lovely cover of “Baby It’s You” (with Nick Lowe), an even better cover of Smokey Robinson’s “From Head to Toe,” and a gently harrowing acoustic version of Richard Thompson’s “Withered and Died.” There are a few clunkers, of course, but overall this is a Costello album that will appeal to more than just his diehard fans.