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Twenty songs. Twenty songs on a single album. The sheer mystique of that should make you at least want to hear the album (if not buy it). Elvis Costello's new album is out and so far there is no war brewing, and the master race is not on the uprise. This is a new Elvis.
Elvis Costello has covered an incredible amount of ground for a guy who only has four albums out. From punk to original new wave, from ballads to anarchic pleading, he has done it. Get Happy takes Costello's music through even another dimension, affectionate power-pop. I'm not reviewing this album song for song, that would be ridiculous, I'd rather take it generally because the whole of the album is making a very general statement: Costello is not against humanity anymore.
It should be noted that the longest song on the album is three and a half minutes, the bulk of them being about a minute shorter than that. With these borders, Costello expresses simpler points and ideas than in the past. He used to be subversive, "Two Hitlers," but now he is just getting quick thoughts off the top of his head and transcending them into catchy, pop threnodies. The first few songs on the album set the pace for the rest of it. "Love for Tender," and "Secondary Modern" particularly characterize the theme of this record. Short and sweet.
This should prove something to people who continually accuse Costello of being no more than a disenchanted delinquent, (a punk). He plays the field here as well as many of his commercial counterparts. As speculative as that may sound, I think you'll find it very true.
His band, The Attractions, rightfully receive equal billing on this album, as they did on his last effort, Armed Forces. I think, though, on this album. they have much more of an impact. Costello's music used to, at times, sound a little bit unpolished. With the competent, rhythmic enhances of the band though, and superb producing by Nick Lowe, the sound is much more complete.
"I Can't Stand Up," "Black and White World" and "The Imposter" all regain the tightness felt around the time of the This Years Model album, and the band sounds once again like the professional unit that they are. Just for the record, they also get a sound that is remarkably like Graham Parker and the Rumour.
This album is bound to win many over, perhaps because for once there are no threats attached. As the title implies, Costello is getting happy. The bouncing organs and bass lines make that perfectly clear. Even the packaging of the album is virtually positive in its nature. Gone are all of the barrages of vengeant and condemning accusations, Costello isn't angry anymore.
Musically, some of the standout things are "Temptation," "Beaten to the Punch" and "King Horse," but like I said this isn't the kind of album that you want to dissect.
I had been waiting for this album with a lot of interest because I don't believe that the baited confessionals of his past would have lasted much longer. He made a huge statement and impression with them, but he has the sense of progression that many lack. He knows what will make it in the 80's and he's starting to issue it right now. I'm sure He will always be hit with little flaring moments of contempt, but for the most part I think he's on the people's side now. Then again, that wouldn't be his style; no, he's just indifferent now, but it's much better than having him against us.
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