Discorder, August 1984

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Goodbye Cruel World

Elvis Costello

No. 1

This is a fourth attempt at a review for Goodbye Cruel World. And each attempt takes a different approach from a different direction. Reactions have ranged from: disappointing, to mediocre, to good, to very good but not (yet) up to the lofty heights of Imperial Bedroom and Punch The Clock.

To explain this gradual change of heart is difficult. A reduction of my thoughts is best stated in these words: introverted and sublime. Where Punch The Clock was brash, full of verve, and laden with forward melodic songs, Goodbye Cruel World features songs whose character takes time to develop, much in the manner of Imperial Bedroom. Melodically insidious, the songs on Goodbye Cruel World require and eventually bear repeated listening before they fully reveal themselves.

Lyrically Costello, as ever, is strong. The songs are varied in subject and tenor. Almost without exception, Costello avoids the smart-alec couplets and silly allusions which occasionally rendered his material a touch contrived. Some of the same themes are explored — "Room With No Number" reprises "Motel Matches" and "Peace In Our Time" does similarly for "Shipbuilding" and "Pills And Soap" — but this lyric sheet is one which makes enjoyable reading. The songs are witty, interesting and touching, is on occasion depressing.

These lyrics are joined to music which lies at the root of many initial reactions to the album. In our instant society, most people require their music to be instantly obvious too. If the hooks are not there on first listen, then the music must be mediocre. Get Happy and Imperial Bedroom elicited similar responses and yet these albums, particularly the latter, are among Costello's best efforts. Punch The Clock was more easily accepted because it was up front with it's melodic content. "Everyday I Write The Book" was crafted for those denizens of the Land of the Obvious: MTV.

Goodbye Cruel World takes the Imperial Bedroom approach, asking for time, patience and effort. Two songs, "The Only Flame In Town" and "I Wanna Be Loved" feature that warm uplifting R & B feel of Punch The Clock. But the remainder are formed from a hybrid of the loud, raucous rock of Trust and the polished acoustic sound of Imperial Bedroom. Nonetheless, each song on the album, without exception, is based on an appealing melodic line and the now standard impeccable playing and production which marks each Costello release.

So if at times the best qualities of Goodbye Cruel World are not obvious, the album is still worthwhile. Repeated listenings will bear the fruit of the effort — an album of depth and sincerity, featuring songs with character, songs which range the emotional spectrum, songs which entertain and impress without being trite.

Goodbye Cruel World, another fine album from one of our finest writers.

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Discorder, August 1984


No. 1 reviews Goodbye Cruel World.

Images

1984-08-00 Discorder page 06 clipping 01.jpg
Clipping.

Cover and page scans.
1984-08-00 Discorder cover.jpg 1984-08-00 Discorder pages 06-07.jpg

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