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Hmmm, maybe that headline's going a little too far. But it sure is great for getting your attention for this review of E.C.'s third album, Armed Forces (Columbia).
Come to think of it, maybe the hyperbole isn't all that unwarranted. Costello, a 24-year Britisher who resembles a misshapen Buddy Holly, is a superb social satirist. His songs come replete with wit, puns and reverse imagery. On "Senior Service" — a song apparently about the miseries of growing old — Costello says, "It's the breath you took today / It's the death that's worse than fate." If the pen is mightier than the sword, then the pen and the guitar is doubly mighty.
Armed Forces is somewhat of a concept album but the full breadth of the concept isn't evident unless you know its original title. True, the LP is filled with images of the military; some of the song titles are "Goon Squad," "Oliver's Army" and "Two Little Hitlers." But the original title (reportedly vetoed by the folks at Columbia) was "Emotional Fascism"' — which adds a whole new wrinkle.
"Two Little Hitlers," with its lines "Two little Hitlers'll fight it out until / One little Hitler does the other one's will," is not simply about warring dictators; it also applies to the battle of nerves in a man-woman relationship. Likewise, "(What's So Funny `Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding?" is a question that could be addressed to nations — or individuals.
Costello's music, as one critic observed, doesn't make you dance, it makes you jump. His songs, often built around old-style rock 'n' roll melodies, have lyrical bite, and Costello's dry, no-nonsense vocals keep the tension high. Armed Forces is perhaps the most fully realized of Costello's three albums, although not the most immediately arresting. It takes about a dozen listenings to get the full flavor of Costello's messages. It doesn't come easy but the effort is worth it.
Armed Forces is, like the earlier LPs, produced by Costello's long-time sidekick Nick ("Pure Pop for Now People") Lowe. Included in the package is a limited-edition EP containing "Allison," "Accidents Will Happen" and "Watching the Detectives," recorded live by Elvis Costello & the Attractions at the Hollywood High.
Overall, this is the most satisfying music buy so far in 1979.
It's almost enough to make you forget the other guy named Elvis.
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