Punknews.org

|
Sign In | create an account

Elvis Costello

My Aim is True (1977)
Rykodisc

Reviewer Rating:

User Rating:

Contributed by: Chris Gorman
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on October 25th 2001

Ahh..the timeless music of Declan MacManus. Who is that you ask? Perhaps you know him better by his musical alter-ego...Elvis Costello.

Costello doesn't fit with the average conception of a "punk rocker". He was geeky and gangly, he wore big glasses and neckties. He looked like some sort of mod reject, but certainly not a punk. I would like to say that I think Costello was just as (if not more) "punk" as any of his contemporaries. Yes, he was backed by a band called "Clover", who would end up being a backing band for Huey Lewis, and yes, he sang openly about love, but one listen to any of his records should prove that this guy was part of the essence of punk.

"My Aim is True" starts off with one of my favorite Elvis Costello songs, "Welcome to the Working Week" and doesn't stop rocking you until 22 tracks later. Costello mixes pub-rock, 50's rock, punk, R&B and even a little reggea to craft a record so engaging its hard to ever put it away. Track 3, the 50's-ish rocker "No Dancing" fails to get the listener to obey its title. You can chill out to the reggea-inflected "Less Than Zero" or cry yourself to sleep with the country B-side (available on the 1993 Rykodisk reissue) "Radio Sweetheart". Of course, there is the classic power ballad that everyone knows, "Allison", and other great power-pop tracks like "Blame it On Cain" and "Miracle Man".

Basically, this record is a must have for any self-respecting collecter of classic punk music. Costello doesn't get at political as the Clash, or as nilhistic as the Sex Pistols, but he carved a very nice little niche for himself. He was different, he was a brilliant song-writer, and he influenced hoardes of punk and alternative bands. Elvis Costello is truly one of the greats.

Login to rate this album

People who liked this also liked:

Please login or register to post comments.

What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?

Share your opinion by posting comments on the stories that interest you
Rate music and bands and help shape the weekly top ten
Let Punknews.org use your ratings to help you find bands and albums you might like
Customize features on the site to get the news the way you want.

Anonymous (June 17, 2006)

Oh, my world. It is ok

Not-To-Regret (February 21, 2005)

I just downloaded the song "watching the detectives" and man was I impressed. I will buy this album, as soon as I find it and it will forever change my view of "punk" music. I like to research and find classic punk albums as to appreciate its roots, not for the purpose of improving my indie status. Good music is always good music, no matter what the reason for listening to it is. Just because someone is listening to old album to brush up on the roots of punk doesn't mean that they're just trying to be an elitest or any of that other crap.

Anonymous (August 6, 2004)

I've heard a buncha Elvis' songs and I liked the one in particular "You think I'm psycho don't you momma..." I heard it on vinyl, and i was wondering if anyone knew where else to find it?

Anonymous (November 18, 2002)

I like This Year's Model and Armed Forces better, but this album rocks!

Anonymous (September 15, 2002)

damn. saying costello is not punk, is like saying the velvet underground, nick cave, birthday party, nico, talking heads aren't punk.

people need to recognize that just because mark hoppis isn't singing, doesn't necessarily make it not punk.

elvis has always been punk, same as the velvet, nick cave, etc.... they definitely don't thrash.. they do it their way.

Anonymous (December 8, 2001)

amazing record. elvis is the coolest.

sXe_nick (November 1, 2001)

elvis costello kicks ass.

Anonymous (November 1, 2001)

Im glad most of you appreciate this review. I always try to review stuff that wouldn't normally get discussed on here. To the guy that said this isn't punk, well, sorry to disappoint you man, but this way more "punk" then you will ever be.

-CG

Anonymous (November 1, 2001)

Did you know punk doesnt HAVE to be three chord, ripping guitars, heavy breakdowns and screaming vocalists? Cause I did.

EC kicks.

KirbyPuckett (October 30, 2001)

I remember when I first heard Elvis Costello...WOW! That's enough said.

For the fucker that said this shouldn't be on here, I hope you burn in hell.

Kurt_F (October 30, 2001)

Uh, yea, this IS punknew.org. Guess what Elvie Costello played? Punk! You should be shot in your knee you freaking idiot. You should try to maybe enlighten yourself by listnening to punk thats either A: made before 1995 (when you were in 5th grade) or B: listening to "punk" thats not on a Fat Wreck comp.

coldjuly (October 30, 2001)

Well, maybe he dosen't exactly fit the punk description...but who cares?? EC is the fuckin man.

exhaustra (October 30, 2001)

Great review. This Years Model is my personal favorite. The Ryko re-issues are the ones to pick up...tons of extra tracks.

Anonymous (October 30, 2001)

Isnt this called punknews.org!What the fuck!

imabigjerk (October 30, 2001)

costello rules, one of the greatest, and most underrated...

deepfrybonanza (October 30, 2001)

One of the best albums ever... I still listen to this at least once a week.