168 - Elvis Costello - My Aim Is True
Quick note: Listening to the original release that didn't include the single “Watching the Detectives.”
Like Todd Rundgren, Elvis Costello is greatly liked by much of the XTC fandom of which I'm a member. Like Something, Anything?, I have a vague knowledge of Elvis's singles through the years but hadn't really explored his albums...other than Spike shortly after it came out. I've always thought Elvis was okay, but hadn't felt compelled to go deep into his music. This session of listening to My Aim Is True reinforced my ambivalent approval of his music.
One thing to keep in mind is that much of the album fits more into “pub rock” than it does “new wave/punk.” The blues of “Blame it on Cain” and roots rock of “Mystery Dance” were a bit of a jolt for me. I think this album is a good snapshot of a talented songwriter on the verge of solidifying his voice. While this album may not stray much from the pub rock sound of the time, the attitude and overall consistency could certainly hook someone into loving the album or eager to hear what Elvis would record next.
There is one more thing I feel a need to comment on. I understand that the album was recorded for just 1000-2000 British pounds, but the sound on the copy I listened to was very tinny and small. It was a harsh difference going from Exodus into this and then on to Master of Puppets with Elvis sounding like he's at the bottom of a coffee can.
Songs I Knew I Liked: “Alison”
Songs I Now Like: “(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes”
Songs I Don't Want to Ever Hear Again: None that I feel a need to avoid.