Album : Elvis Costello – My Aim Is True

When this album came out it is was something new and fresh and CB liked it right away. There was a certain energy about it. Combined with a distinct voice, great lyrics (chock full) to go with that voice, the music was tight. I also found a lot of humor in it. The lyrics on Mystery Man are an example. “Why do you have to say there’s always someone who can do it better than I can”. Ouch!

The music felt like it came from some new place. Costello is confident (and so is the music) and is drawing on a lot of influences. The album title fits, He was ready to bring his music out to share.

I remember later someone hung an “angry” label on him. I didn’t get that vibe at all. This album for me was a feel good listen. It felt like some kind of celebration, “Here I am ” thing. The songs are short and catchy and he crams so much into each one of them.

Like I said I was hearing all sorts of influences in the songs. CB was a rocker and ‘Mystery Dance’ scratched that itch. A minute and a half of where CB was at then. Not a bad cut (why it’s a favorite album). ‘Alison’ is one of those “Girl songs”. The album title is in the lyrics and romantic CB loved it. ‘Sneaky Feelings’ is a cool little tune with some nice guitar licks. OK the character in ‘I’m Not Angry’ is angry but he says he’s not. Great song. ‘Less Than Zero’ got in my head and it’s still there. ‘Waiting For The End Of The World’ is kind of greasy and I dig it. Being a film guy especially crime flicks, how could ‘Watching The Detectives ‘ miss with me? It didn’t. It’s just got better over the years. I remember hearing it for the first time and thinking “What the fuck is this?” I didn’t know, but what a cool unique tune.

EC and the Attractions went on to make a wealth of great music. You kinda had a feeling at the time that there was more to come from this guy but I enjoyed this one and still bust it out for a listen. Another great album cover. Great album Elvis.

Nobody has ever said “Don’t get cute” to CB.