Stockton State College Argo, February 12, 1979

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Stockton State College Argo

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Tasty, pleasant, no substantial message


Greg Metz

Very strange! The short man with the black rimmed glasses and the accounting uniform seems to be under the impression that he's some kind of "rock and roll star!" Who is this guy and what exactly is his message?

Despite the possibility of an approaching apocalypse, it seems America is always able to find a niche for a new rock idol with a slightly bizarre approach. This year's contender is Elvis Costello and quite frankly, he most likely has no message. However, his new album Armed Forces does contain some tasty, pleasant, and sometimes even provocative, pop-oriented rock and roll. Further more, two immediately sold out shows at New York's Palladium attest to the fact that the man and the name (Is that a cross between Elvis Presley and Lou Costello?) have reached the hearts and pocketbooks of more than a few rock enthusiasts.

By the appearance of the marketing hype, one might judge Elvis Costello to be another tasteless and talentless punk. However, the arrangements in his music, although very economical, are actually quite compelling and effective. The flowing pop feel of the music is nicely augmented by often eerie keyboard backdrops and unexpected variations in rhythmic accents and vocal harmonies.

It should be admitted at this point that this reviewer was in fact moping in his room listening to Gerry and the Pacemakers while many of his more desirable younger cronies were out playing hopscotch. Perhaps the inconsistencies in the socialization process can explain my enthusiasm for this music. (I wonder how Elvis Costello spent his youth?) I've found myself meandering through the halls of SSC while muttering some of the more memorable tunes in my mind.

Among these tunes are "Accidents Will Happen," "Green Shirt," "Moods for Moderns" and "Chemistry Class." "Accidents Will Happen," the album's opener, is a very nicely arranged piece with one of those memorable "can't-stop-singing-it choruses which is characteristic of classic pop music. "Green Shirt" again uses an absolutely irresistible chorus and a simple, yet quite ingenious keyboard backdrop as the formula for a very unique song. "Moods for Modern," a rocker which is carried by the keyboards, has a once again somewhat simple, yet deceptive and humorous arrangement which quite accurately reflects the title of the song. Finally, "Chemistry Class" is spiced up with a bit of a science fiction feel to accentuate a kind of academic love song. ("You've got a chemistry class, I want a piece of your mind, you don't know what you started when you mixed it up with mine..., sparks are flying from electrical islands...")

Admittedly, the arrangements do at times get repetitive. However, Elvis Costello definitely has a sound of his own, and an attractive, humorous feel in his music. If the truth be known, I've been locked up for hours now in one these cassette cubicles. in the library and I am growing increasingly orgasmic over Elvis Costello. Perhaps the music was technologically designed to stimulate certain areas in my cerebral cortex which in turn stimulate pleasure sensations. Perhaps I'm merely a victim. Hopefully, I've maintained some integrity....

What's the message? I really can't find any substantial message. In fact, it's probably pretty basically counter-revolutionary material. It's only rock and roll. Enjoy!

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Argo, February 12, 1979


Greg Metz reviews Armed Forces.

Images

1979-02-12 Stockton State College Argo page 08 clipping 01.jpg
Clipping.

1979-02-12 Stockton State College Argo page 08.jpg
Page scan.

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