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Dear Editor:
I have written this letter in response to Daniel Flanakin's February 19 review of Elvis Costello's Trust, and to criticize record reviews in general.
Mr. Flanakin's review presents a basic affront to Costello fans by stating that his music is "very repetitious." Many songs may sound similar, but this is simply because they sound like Elvis Costello. How many songs by the Rolling Stones sound similar? Do songs by Boston sound repetitious? What about Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, Molly Hatchet. or even the Doobie Brothers? How many blues songs sound alike? How many country-western songs? Not to mention disco songs. I wish I hadn't mentioned disco songs.
It's just a matter of how familiar you are with an artist's material. Familiarity breeds distinction between even similar-sounding songs. When I first heard "Watch Your Step" (from Trust), I thought it sounded almost exactly like "Secondary Modern" (from last year's Get Happy!! LP), but after repeated listening I can now tell them apart in an instant. I can name that tune in four notes.
Which, if I'm very much mistaken, brings me to my second point: records should, if at all possible, be reviewed by someone who enjoys the artist's previous material and is familiar with their work (sic). This way, a reader who also likes the artist can read a review with a sympathetic viewpoint. If the reviewer doesn't like the work, the reader can probably assume that they won't either. Am I making any sense at all?
In addition, Costello is not "introducing" guest vocalist Glenn Tilbrook, as some may be led to believe by the album's tongue-in-cheek jacket. Tilbrook is the lead vocalist/guitarist/songwriter for Squeeze, a British pop-rock band that hasn't gained quite as much popularity in the U.S., though their singles "Pulling Mussels (from the shell)" and "Another Nail in My Heart" do get a small amount of airplay on local radio stations.
As for Flanakin's remark that Tilbrook's voice is a "refreshing change" from Costello's, all I can say is that they are very different and that I happen to like both very much.
Mr. Flanakin also listed the four "most interesting" songs (in his opinion). I would like to name the album's "best" songs (in my opinion); the skittery, nervous, and slightly angry "New Lace Sleeves" and the already-mentioned "Watch Your Step,". a mesmerizing song about suspicion and trust. Unfortunately, the rest of the album isn't quite as good as these two, but I can agree with Flanakin's assessment that Trust is one of Elvis' best. But, then again, every one of Elvis' albums is one of his best.
I would also like to mention that the Attractions, Pete Thomas (drums), Steve Nieve (keyboards), and Bruce Thomas (bass guitar), have again contributed outstanding back-up work.
One more gripe: I don't know when Mr. Flanakin's deadline was, but I'm sure that he could have found something new to merit a full review instead of rehashing the Doobies last album. A couple that come to mind are Moving Pictures by Rush and Sandinista! by the Clash.
One more comment; I agree with Mr. Flanakin's review of Blondie's AutoAmerican. It is a terrible album and a long way from their Parallel Lines peak. "The Tide is High" is the album's only saving grace. Okay. I'm finished.
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