Record Mirror, December 31, 1977

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Record Mirror

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Elvis Costello And The Attractions


Mark Ellen

Nashville Rooms, London

Elvis, clad as ever in ill-fitting suit, shirt and tie, clutching at the mic, arms jerking wildly — an earnest, deranged-looking geek burning his way through "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes." Why so successful? — Cos he writes good songs. Good, powerful, harmonic, sincere songs. Every one a winner.

He played "Waiting For the End of the World." As in the other numbers, nothing detracts from the vocals. No solos, no digressions. The backing is focused down to an exact, balanced support for his spasms of desperate lyrics, varying with his expression, and controlled by the excellent, but unobtrusive, keyboard playing of Steve Naive.

They worked through some different styles — from rock 'n' roll to ballad to the thin, reggae feel of "Watching The Detectives." A longer and more varied version, with Pete Thomas, drums, and Bruce Thomas on bass, fading out to just hint at the rhythm, and Elvis, not very much at ease, letting loose his forceful and emotive vocals.

Last, and best, was "I'm Not Angry," played to an ecstatic audience. A more defiant stance, more sweat, more accusing glares, more harsh, torn guitar chords — always impossible to anticipate his changing moods. It's amazing how compelling his anti-hero image is. I hardly took my eyes off him once in the whole set.

No doubts as to whether Elvis was missed while touring the States. Anyone who returns to play their first gig on borrowed gear, plagued with PA problems, and still get that kind of reception, isn't going to have to start busking in the near future. A truly great and imaginative new musician.


Tags: Nashville RoomsLondonThe Attractions(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red ShoesWaiting For The End Of The WorldSteve NaiveWatching The DetectivesPete ThomasBruce ThomasI'm Not Angry1st US Tour




Black Plastic Awards of 1977


Record Mirror

1977-12-31 Record Mirror pages 10-11.jpg

The Black Plastic Awards. The Black Plastic Awards. The Black Plastic Awards. The Black Plastic Awards. The Black Plastic Awards. The Black Plastic Awards. The Black Plastic Awards. The Black Plastic Awards. The Black Plastic Awards.




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Record Mirror, December 31, 1977


Mark Ellen reviews Elvis Costello & The Attractions, Thursday, December 22, 1977, Nashville Rooms, London.


My Aim Is True is No. 84 on the Top 100 Albums Of The Year (pages 02 & 23).


Black Plastic critics poll includes My Aim Is True, "Alison" and "Watching The Detectives."


EC is featured in an illustrated recap of 1977 (page 24).


Mailman includes a letter from Ann of Ilfracombe, Devon, requesting a photo of EC.

Images

1977-12-31 Record Mirror page 17 clipping composite.jpg
Clipping composite.


Illustration by Charlie Brinkworth.
1977-12-31 Record Mirror page 24.jpgElves Costello gets hip and starts revenge rock.




Mailman


Record Mirror

And you want to see this naked?

1977-12-31 Record Mirror page 14.jpg

I am dying of incredible lust. A lust to see the naked bodies of my favourite singing heroes (cor!)

So please could you print in your fantastic (crawl, creep etc) magazine some rudie pin-ups of the following dudes: David Bowie (wow!), Cliff Richard (yum!), Elvis Costello (yum yum!) (whaat? —Ed), Leo Sayer (far out!), Demis Roussos (swoon!), Barry White (aagh!). Thanks a lot.

— Ann, Ilfracombe, Devon.

Sorry, can't help you... this is a RESPECTABLE paper, do you hear?


Photo by Ian Dickson.
Photo by Ian Dickson


Page scans.
Chart pages 02 and 23: Top 100 Singles and Albums Of The YearElvis Costello concert review, December 22, 1977, Nashville Rooms, London

Cover.
1977-12-31 Record Mirror cover.jpg

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