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Who would have ever expected that someone with a name as incongruous as Elvis Costello would emerge as one of the brightest new talents of 1977? Well, maybe nobody expected him, but he is here anyway, and more and more people are glad he is.
This 22-year-old ex-computer operator from merry olde Liverpool is a man with a thirst for vengeance, and a power to rock and roll. The images suggested by his unlikely name embody the entire persona that he projects in his songs. Elvis Costello is a man who longs to be king, but who usually ends up feeling like a clown. His songs are filled with the frustration of a man caught in this position, and the simultaneous feelings of love and hate for the women in his life which develop from this frustration. It is the tension brought about by these conflicting emotions that makes Costello's music so powerful.
His first album, My Aim is True, is a dynamite collection; there isn't a weak song on the entire album. The best of his songs reach out and grab the listener on the first note, and don't let go until the very end. They don't do this with sheer power alone, though, like your average New Wave band, but with a bouncy, resilient rhythm track and a warmly warped sense of wit. This is not to say that his songs lack power. Elvis can rock right along with the rest of them — better than most, in fact, because he never wastes a note.
Eight of the 13 songs here are less than three minutes long and not one of them is over four. This is not the result of any lack of creativity; rather it is a credit to a sense of restraint and artistic control. There are far too many rockers around today who could learn from Costello's example.
Strangely enough, the album's single release "Alison," is the only ballad on the entire album. Completely unrepresentative of the rest of Costello's material, the song was probably used because of the frequent repetition of the album's title at the end of each chorus, engraving the name of the product in the minds of the consumer. Nevertheless, it is an excellent song.
The best songs on the album are "I'm Not Angry" and "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes," two very moving rockers. "Red Shoes" is an instant classic about a guy who has been dumped by his girlfriend. Instead of being angry or disgusted, the protagonist "tries to be amused" about his situation, and the song soars from start to finish with an infectiously joyful spirit. You know, however, that he's got to be fooling himself.
No information is given on the album about the members of Costello's band, or how much the guitar playing is actually his. Whoever is playing, the musicianship is excellent throughout. Elvis' singing style is pleasing and highly expressive. One is occasionally reminded of Springsteen, although the similarity is probably not intentional; Costello has called the Asbury Ace a lousy lyricist.
The amazing thing about My Aim is True is that it's only Costello's first album. Everything about it is polished and professional, and Costello's performance is so in tune with his artistic vision that one can only hope he won't burn himself out too soon. The chances of this are slim, however. Like the man says, his aim is true, and he's already pointing to the stars.
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