Minneapolis Star, February 13, 1981

From The Elvis Costello Wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
... Bibliography ...
727677787980818283
848586878889909192
939495969798990001
020304050607080910
111213141516171819
202122232425 26 27 28


Minneapolis Star

Minnesota publications

US publications by state
  • ALAKARAZCA
  • COCTDCDEFL
  • GAHI   IA      ID      IL
  • IN   KSKYLA   MA
  • MDME   MIMNMO
  • MSMTNC  ND  NE
  • NHNJNMNVNY
  • OHOKORPARI
  • SCSDTNTXUT
  • VAVTWAWIWY

-

Trust

Elvis Costello & The Attractions

Jon Bream

4-star reviews4-star reviews4-star reviews4-star reviews

When TV's Tom Snyder asked Costello in a rare interview if he had matured, the singer retorted: "I'm not in the business to mature. It makes you sound like cheese." However, the maturing new-wave hero did admit that his music is projecting a wider picture these days.

Indeed, Trust captures a wider range of emotions than Costello's previous works. Most of his famed bitterness has become wisdom and irony. He does not have a great voice, but his intensity, new-found control and emotion make him an affecting singer. Moreover, his music is smoother, more piano- than guitar-oriented.

Costello again demonstrates his gift for turning a phrase. Witness the opening of "New Lace Sleeves": "Bad lovers face-to-face in the morning / Shy apologies and polite regrets. / Slow dancers that left no one in love / Average glances and indiscreet yawning. / Good manners and bad breath / Get you nowhere."

He can be straightforward and silly, as in the haunting ballad "Big Sister's Clothes": "She's got eyes like saucers. / Oh, you think she's a dish."

Or he can be guardedly open and clever, as in the country stroll "Different Finger": "Please put your rings on different fingers .... I can't stand those suspicious glances."

On the 14 songs of Trust (Costello cranked out 20 on both of last year's albums), he seems to favor ballads, though he dabbles with rockabilly, reggae, rock and African sounds. The quality is his most consistent since his debut album.

The organ-propelled "Watch Your Step" is the shining moment and could be his breakthrough single. Other standouts are "Different Finger" and "You'll Never Be a Man," which begs to be covered by someone else. Nevertheless, Trust is a rewarding album by a special if reluctant star.


Tags: TrustThe AttractionsTom SnyderTomorrow Coast To CoastNew Lace SleevesBig Sister's ClothesDifferent FingerGet Happy!!Taking LibertiesWatch Your StepYou'll Never Be A ManJon Bream

-
<< >>

Minneapolis Star, February 13, 1981


Jon Bream reviews Trust.

Images

1981-02-13 Minneapolis Star page 11C clipping 01.jpg
Clipping.

Page scan.
1981-02-13 Minneapolis Star page 11C.jpg

-



Back to top

External links