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Elvis Costello and the Attractions are back with a great new album called Get Happy. Not only is the record full of good New Wave music it also has twenty tracks on it, giving you two albums for the price of one. Whether this record is judged by quantity or quality, it is, either way, one of the best albums of the year.
Starting out as a computer programmer, Elvis switched over to music in the late 70's, a great day in the history of New Wave Music. This record, as Elvis' previous three, is full of anger, as seen in his biting lyrics and violent melodies. Most of the anger on this album seems to be directed toward women — not much fun on a date I guess.
The hostility that Elvis puts into his records, he also carries over to his public life. One example happened in a Holiday Inn bar in Columbus, Ohio, when Bonnie Bramlett punched Mr. Costello in the face, after he made some rude remarks about Ray Charles and America. When asked why he acts this way, Elvis said I act rude and say outrageous things to see how people will react.
Even these childish outbursts and publicity stunts can not take away from the music of Elvis Costello. Elvis once said "I don't want to be around to see my artistic decline." Well, after this album it doesn't look as if Elvis is going to have worry too much about an early death. Even with his ill-mannered personality he is still the king of New Wave music. Long live the King.
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