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By the time you read this, Stiff should have settled their differences with Island and unleashed My Aim Is True on an unsuspecting public. I hope so, 'cause it's one hell of a fine piece of plastic. Produced by "big daddy" Nick Lowe, every cut is strong without one topping the three-minute mark; most clocking in at around two minutes, all sharp, precise, and with a large sting in the tail; backed by a bunch of hard-working gents not credited on the sleeve (doesn't take a lot of guessing, though), who are totally complementary to everything Elvis is trying to achieve, from the Spector-ish "No Dancing" through to the tenderness of "Alison" — one of the very best singles released this year. But it's on "Mystery Dance" that he really lives up to his name, taking "Jailhouse Rock by the scruff of the neck, improving the lyrics and wringing every ounce of excitement out of it. The lyrics throughout the album are quite exceptional, as is the playing; no more so than on "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes," which proves Elvis is a major talent with an awful lot to say.
If you hear anybody say, "I wonder if Elvis'll ever come to these shores?," just tell 'em, "We've got our own, thank you very much."
N.B. There's gonna be a tour pretty soon, so prepare yourselves 'cause he might come to your town.
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