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On his third album, Armed Forces, Elvis Costello reasserts his blend of intelligent, socially conscious lyrics and driving powerpop guitar chords that make him New Wave’s most promising artist.
Costello, a 23-year-old computer programmer-turned-rock star, gained instant critical acclaim with his debut album, My Aim is True, voted album of the year by Rolling Stone magazine. His persona includes Buddy Holly glasses combined with punk hairstyle and clothing to invoke an intellectual-punk look a la Talking Heads.
But what sets Costello apart from the droning punk poets is the pop sound that makes his songs more than listenable — they're exciting, driving rockers independent of their worthy lyrics.
Armed Forces is produced by Nick Lowe, a common name to those familiar with current English pop. Lowe has played with the likes of Graham Parker, Brinsley Schwarz and, currently, Dave Edmunds. Armed Forces reflects Lowe’s uncluttered pop sound, with simple guitar chords driven over a pounding bass and organ beat. The 12 songs, none more than 3¼ minutes, are tight, fast and very good rock 'n' roll.
As for the lyrics, Costello's attitude is best expressed in "(What’s so Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding?" Costello is a romantic first, a punk second. He's serious in this song when he challenges the listener to think about some altruistic goals. But Costello doesn’t let his preaching sink to the likes of such drivel as McCartney’s "Silly Love Songs." Although he sees "Peace, Love and Understanding" as a goal, he still expresses the frustration at its unattainability which underlies most punk music.
Costello’s punk side is manifested in many references throughout the album. On the liner, he describes his mental state as "emotional fascism." Song titles include "Green Shirt," "Two Little Hitlers," and "Goon Squad" — the last an excellent rocker that wails against the constraints society puts on the individual.
Also included with Armed Forces is a three-song live EP (extraplay, a 45 played at 33 rpm) with two of the best cuts from My Aim is True. First there is "Alison," which Linda Ronstadt recently covered as a single, and there’s a haunting six-minute version of "Watching the Detectives" with a somber organ bass beat backing Costello's lament about his chick who can’t stop watching a detective movie long enough to notice him.
Each of these songs are about unrequited love, a subject few New Wave artists will touch lest they tarnish their tough-guy images. Yet for Costello, the hurt is real, and his ability to deal with it in his art is what sets him above his competition.
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