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Last August was the month that the Elvis Presley made his final exit. It was also the month that England's Elvis Costello debuted with his new album. Although the album was not released over here until several months later, imported copies sold so well that My Aim Is True became the best selling import. Since Elvis Costello had been using that stage name a year ago, one can hardly accuse him of cashing in on the death of the King. It is just one of life's more ironic moments that one Elvis should depart while a new one arrived.
Costello bears no resemblance to Presley outside of his surname. Imagine Woody Allen with a little more hair and an electric guitar, then you'll have a good idea of Costello. Musically Costello is similar to Presley only in terms of anger. There are hints of Bob Dylan, Graham Parker, and Van Morrison in Costello's music, but nothing too strong. It is an overall feel for the sound of the sixties rock that comes out of My Aim Is True.
Most of the tunes on this album are rockers. A few are slow-paced numbers centered around girlfriends. "Alison" is a quiet ode to an ex-love. Not a bad tune, but hardly a tune to be released as a single. Starting out with some reggae riffs on an organ, "Watching The Detectives" is joined with some very TV-detective licks on a guitar. Over this, Elvis renders his tale of frustrations about a girl who ignores his advances while occupied with the song title. The rest of the album deals with subjects outside the realm of love.
"The Angels Wanna Wear My Red Shoes" is an excellent rocker. If this tune doesn't get your attention, then forget it. In this cut Elvis is once again, spurned by his girl, but the song's meaning takes on a deeper insight. Once the angels take a fancy to Elvis' shoes, his days are numbered. "Less Than Zero" is a tune about Mr. Oswald, an actual figure in English politics known for his fascist tendencies.
The rest of the album is filled with basically angry observation. While on Saturday Night Live, Elvis stopped in the middle of a scheduled number to play another more to his liking. As S.N.L.'s Lorne Michael registered his disgust off camera, Elvis sang with increasing intensity. This anger is evident throughout the lp, but the songs are a real pleasure. Listening to someone blow their top hasn't been such fun since "Positively 4th Street."
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