Daily Pennsylvanian, February 5, 1981

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Trust Elvis

Elvis Costello / Trust

Alexander Greenberg

Elvis Costello is probably someone you wouldn't want to bring home to meet your mother: however. if Mom isn't around you might want to give Trust a long spin.

On his sixth release Elvis Costello continues his poignant discussion of the pitfalls of the heterosexual relationship. Using clever rhymes and sharp images of everyday life he depicts how an individual's desire to dominate can destroy any relationship. This idea is presented in the song "Lovers Walk," in which Elvis states: "Love is gone / And it is no one's fault / Love is stuffy / Love is hot / Lovers don't walk / Lovers run / Would you look what love has done?" Although Costello feels the current state of love is bleak, he maintains that reconciliation is better than bitterness. As much as this record is related to its predecessors lyrically, it bears only a minor resemblance musically.

On Trust, Elvis and The Attractions reveal a much greater musical latitude. Most notable is the change in the sound of Attraction Steve Nieve's keyboard playing. In the past this often took the form of an overpowering organ and synthesizer. Now Nieve frequently employs a simpler and more controlled style that features the piano. Tasteful drumming prevails throughout with a style that varies from a 1930's swing beat in "New Lace Sleeves" to a straight, heavy backbeat in "You'll Never Be a Man."

In Elvis Costello's voice one hears the range of human emotion. First, the agonizing plea of the forgotten lover, then the assured tone of "someone who has been there." This is accomplished while still maintaining a grammar school innocence. Above all, it is Costello's vocals that make this record worthwhile. Throughout the fourteen songs we hear his voice move from the Rockabilly of his namesake in "Luxembourg" to a confident purr in "Watch Your Step" and to a derisive Country and Western tone in "Different Finger."

In this age of transience and superfluous bullshit, Elvis Costello advises us to use a little trust.

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The Daily Pennsylvanian, 34th Street Magazine, February 5, 1981


Alexander Greenberg reviews Trust.

Images

1981-02-05 Daily Pennsylvanian 34th Street Magazine page 11 clipping 01.jpg
Clipping.

1981-02-05 Daily Pennsylvanian 34th Street Magazine page 11.jpg
Page scan.

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