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In a year which has so far produced nothing but recordings of stagnant music by bands who are totally out of touch with their listeners, it is a pleasure to hear Elvis Costello's latest album Trust. This album shows his disillusionment in love and life.
A major factor in his consistent quality is his band, The Attractions, who are more confident than ever. Bassist Pete Thomas, and drummer Bruce Thomas, must hold one of the tightest rhythm sections in contemporary music, and Steve Nieve is a most innovative keyboards player.
One thing lacking from this album, which has been lacking from all his albums is a lyric sheet. This is deliberate due to Elvis' belief that by not including the lyrics the listener is forced to concentrate on the music as he picks up the message of the song. This is fine, except the words unrecognizable and the message becomes lost or confused.
The record itself is composed of fourteen songs running at just over 40 minutes. Opening the second side is "New Lace Sleeves."
Bad lovers face to face in the morning
Shy apologies and polite regrets.
Slow dances that leave no on and off
Average glances and indiscreet yawning.
Good manners and bad breath get you no where.
This is Elvis' description of a stale relationship, the futility of two lovers no longer in love. He goes on to tell us that almost all relationships end up this way and that eventually lovers find fulfillment elsewhere. It is relevant and well put.
Next is "From A Whisper To A Scream," a fast paced dance song featuring Glenn Tilbrook, the lead singer from Squeeze and Martin Belmont guitarist from Rumour. The duet works go from Elvis' rather serious and angry vocals to Glen Tilbrooks; much lighter and more fun.
"Different Finger" is a country ballad. This may seem slightly strange, but it is not his first. In fact, trivia lovers will be interested to hear that he recently recorded one of his own compositions, "Stranger In The House," with country singer George Jones for Jones' latest album. Trivia aside, "Different Finger" would have made an excellent single but it does seem slightly out of place here.
Speaking of 45's, the one released off this album is "Watch Your Step," a warning to someone who is wanted by two escaped prisoners. This is a classic slow pop song which should make an appearance on the charts if it is given the airplay it deserves.
Other songs worth mentioning are "Shot With His Own Gun," a moving song of a suicide which is sung by Elvis and accompanied only by a romantic piano and the staccato rocker "Lovers Walk" which is much in the style of his earlier work.
One thing you tend to take for granted throughout the album is the excellent production. Nick Lowe of Rockpile fame has produced all of Elvis's albums and once again he has demonstrated his fine abilities.
Elvis has always been an uncompromising person doing whatever he likes and saying whatever he thinks regardless of the consequences. Trust, his sixth album, third, in the last year proves once again that he is able to produce interesting original material with definite commercial viability — Buy it.
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