RS #475: Elvis Costello and the Attractions – Armed Forces

The fake-Pollock cover that the US fans are familiar with.

#475

Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Armed Forces

Release Date: 1979
Previously Owned: Yes

Impressions:  It’s hard to imagine now, as Elvis’ presence nowadays is merely tolerated or ignored by most people (his collaboration with The Roots sounds great on paper, but that sinking feeling is there.) When Armed Forces came out back in ’79, Elvis was considered “cool,” or at least he was at his personal coolest. He also seemed kind of dangerous, like a permanently-jilted version of Buddy Holly on speed. This angry, young man with nerd glasses made a huge impression on a young geek like myself because it was really difficult to become emotionally invested in “Weird” Al Yankovic. When Rykodisc remastered this album back in the ’90s, I reviewed it for my college paper and my review was gushing to say the least (I think I described the bridge to “Good Squad” as “unreal.”) I’m sure I’ll be prone to such hyperbole on this list (just wait until I get to any Big Star records.) But, hey, let’s put it on for a listen… “Oh, I just don’t know where to begin” (“Accidents Will Happen”) is a great opening lyric for an album. Before he became too wordy, Elvis would knock out lean, puzzling lyrics and make songs like “Accidents Will Happen” seem different every listen. What I love about this album is that it’s as poppy and catchy as an ABBA record, but still bitter and twisted underneath. The record’s lush sound influenced lots of new wave, and still stood above most of it, probably due to keyboardist Steve Nieve. He was always the secret weapon on these early Attractions records and could play anything from a bouncy, pseudo-Tchaikovsky piano riff on “Olivers Army” to a snappy fake-Funkytown organ in “Moods For Moderns.” A real high point for Elvis Costello throughout,  and he even manages to end on a optimistic-ish note with the definitive cover of Nick Lowe’s “(What’s So Funny ’bout) Peace Love and Understanding?” Unreal. (Or at least really great.)

Starred Songs: “Accidents Will Happen,” “Oliver’s Army,” “(What’s So Funny ’bout) Peace Love and Understanding?”
Sneaky Track: “Party Girl”
Should this album be on the list? Yes
Will you listen to this again: Yes.
Verdict: Tightly wound, keyboard-driven new wave masterpiece with a sugary pop coating masking the lyrical poison underneath.
Rating: ★★★★★