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The New Wave movement from England has met with limited popularity in the United States — until now, that is. I'm convinced, that Elvis Costello's debut album, My Aim Is True, will change all this.
The album can definitely be labeled New Wave, yet it doesn't get as bizarre as The Sex Pistols' raucous rock. It lends some quality music to the movement, and it couldn't have come on the scene at a better time. Although there is a great amount of publicity and performers involved, I was convinced that its followers were few and New Wave would be Ignored to death.
But Costello's music is clean and rudimentary. The beat returns to an unadorned pop style. The glory of this album is the return to classic rock 'n' roll, with a sophisticated accent.
The lyrics are puzzling and possibly revengeful, as is Costello's appearance. But the sensuous singing that comes out of this dopey looking guy is quite a contrast. He's scrawny and shy looking in his horn-rimmed glasses as he stands in a spastic pose that mocks the other Elvis. On the cover of the album the words "Elvis is King" are repeated In yet another mock.
"Mystery Dance," a charged-up rock song, bears a strong resemblance to a Presley or Chuck Berry tune, only more perverse.
The guitar solo is brilliant. He's backed up by an almost equally good three member band known as Clover.
Costello, a 22-year-old ex-computer operator, sings about the world and he sings with conviction. Perhaps he gives a good account of himself In "Alison," a sad, sexy love song, when he says, "My aim is true." In "Welcome to the Working Week" he sarcastically sings of the necessity to fight for survival.
Many songs sound like other early rockers. Some critics say his throaty, monotonous voice sounds like Bruce Springsteen. "Waiting for the End of the World" is vaguely reminiscent of early Bob Dylan. "Watching the Detectives" has a hint of a reggae beat. But Costello is certainly unique and skilled in his work.
The first side of the album is a nice combination of slower paced, trickier tunes. Side two is stronger, has more rock, but could use more variety.
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