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Another batch of Elvis Costello songs has been released by Columbia Records. Fourteen of therm this time, on an album titled Trust.
Trust is different from other Costello albums... as far as the cover is concerned. The music holds few surprises. The E-Man has followed a well defined path in the music world. Trust is not a deviation from that path, but rather a continuation along it. The path is a long one, not in the sense that it has been a long hard ride for Elvis, but in the sense that he has succeeded in leaving a long path behind him. Since 1977, Columbia has released six LP's from Elvis in the United States. The records characteristically are loaded with songs. (Get Happy has twenty songs on it).
Elvis Costello's music has one quality which appeals to many: it sounds great loud. This is largely because Elvis builds his sound on a sturdy foundation; his band is always great. The band encompasses a wide range of sounds, all of which are as synchronized as a good Swiss watch. On Trust the band is both hard driving and soothing; a funny mix, but it works.
Sometimes I feel like all Elvis Costello songs sound alike. The sound grows on you though, in a positive way. At times the lyrics are hard to understand. Costello's voice blends with the band so as to be a vital instrument itself. Even when the words are indistinguishable, the voice is pleasing to hear. After a few listenings, the words find their way out, and often get stuck in one's head for days. This is largely because of the emphasis placed on the lyrics by the way they are set to music. He is imaginative: a simple melody-one line, repeat melody-next line style is not his. His cleverness in combining words and music is outstanding.
I don't think Trust is up to par with My Aim Is True or Armed Forces, but a few more listenings may change my mind. A couple songs caught my attention quickly: "You'll Never be a Man" and "Strict Time." If all else fails, this album is great music for a party. I can't see all else failing.
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