University of South Carolina Daily Gamecock, February 12, 1979

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Univ. of SC Daily Gamecock

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'Armed Forces' may be Costello's best


Wayne Doleski

Dear Elvis:

I'm writing to inform you that I find your latest offering Armed Forces to be as enjoyable a listening experience as your previous two masterworks. What style you've got! Just when I think I'm starting to figure you out, you give me a twist and release a collection of pop music that seems too upbeat to come from the same guy who just a year ago was telling us how angry he was. What in the world cheered you up? Has the separation from your wife been such a joyful experience?

I can't help but mention how much Armed Forces resembles the work of your producer-buddy Nick Lowe. The rough-edged tunes that dominated your two previous albums are in short supply here. Don't take this as a criticism though, call it a statement of fact. I personally enjoy the new lighter pop feel as much as the old stuff, if not more. I can't be sure until the album has more time to grow on me.

You know better than I that acceptance from the American people has been difficult to come by. I suspect that Armed Forces could help alleviate that problem, as I can't imagine many people not finding at least parts of it irresistible. I've been telling my friends, who are always busy cutting you down to put on the new album and give "Oliver's Army" a listen. There are those who accuse your band, The Attractions, of being incompetent fools, but this tune (not to mention the rest of the album) should be enough to shut up those doubters who still think that you are a fad. You are not a punk, and I'm not sure what new wave is, but I do know that you give the public delightfully fresh rock and roll, while keeping one eye to the past and another to the future.

My friends constantly tell me how you sound like a throwback to the '60s. I can't deny that there are some similarities, but I don't listen to those who claim your style is dated. When did good basic rock and roll become dated? My guess is that the majority of the American public, who idolize such "biggies" as Styx and Boston, are dated. One must question the minds of any country where half the population watches Laverne and Shirley.

Some of your fans have tried to defend you by telling everyone that you originally wrote and performed "Alison" before our "favorite" crooner got hold of it. That reminds me to thank you for including the live EP with the initial pressings of Armed Forces. The live versions of "Watching The Detectives" and "Alison" make a smart addition to my collection of your material.

The twelve new songs you present on Armed Forces are of superior quality, and though the anger seems to have passed, the witty and sarcastic sides of your personality are still in fine form, but I do wish that you would include the lyrics with your albums.

"Accidents Will Happen" appears to be on its way to becoming your new album's first single, as it is already receiving extensive airplay. Who knows? You might have your first hit single on your hands. "Accidents Will Happen, but only hit and run." Delightful. Whose idea was it to use so much piano, an instrument which you have in the past avoided? This Year's Model brought the organ into your work, and now the piano adds another dimension to your sound.

I never thought they'd put you in the goon squad either, and with guitar solos as fiery as those James Bond licks on "Goon Squad" you might manage to stay out of the weirdo ward. If you'd like, I'll write later to give my feelings on each tune on Armed Forces. I don't want to end without telling you how great "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding" is, just in case you don't know. It's got to be your best straight ahead rock and roll song yet. The Brinsley's must wish they could have done a version as tough as this.

Elvis, three albums into your career you've produced a collective group of material that is amazing in its strength, vitality, and freshness. This is music that is not so much a part of the past as it is a look at the future. I look forward to seeing you in Atlanta in March, but until then the fascination of Armed Forces should hold me over. Say hello to Nick and Dave for me. Tootles.

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The Daily Gamecock, February 12, 1979


Wayne Doleski reviews Armed Forces.

Images

1979-02-12 University of South Carolina Daily Gamecock page 10 clipping.jpg
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Page scan.
1979-02-12 University of South Carolina Daily Gamecock page 10.jpg

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