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I don't wanna kiss you,
I don't wanna touch
I don't wanna see you, I don't miss you all that much
The opening lines of Elvis Costello's new album struck this reviewer as especially honest and refreshing in light of Debbie "My Dad Wears White Shoes" Boone winning one award or another for her big hit about God or her father or maybe Shaun Cassidy.
The lines are refreshing in light of George "I Can Sing and Play Guitar At The Same Time" Benson's cringe-inspiring "The Greatest Love of All."
Upon first hearing, This Year's Model does not capture the listener like his first album My Aim is True. However, after awhile, the strident sexual urgency of the album becomes part of the listener. Unlike My Aim is True, this album sneaks up on you.
The album, mainly through its "? and the Mysterians" keyboard work, has a '60's sound. This '60's feel is heightened by Costello's use of quotes and paraphrases from songs of that era. Outside of a Beatle-like segment, this is most apparent on "Pump It Up." The song bears a striking resemblance to Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues" in music and vocal delivery.
It should not be taken, however, that the album is an unoriginal parody. The use of older material is so subtle and obscure, that it is entirely natural. Like Graham Parker, Costello writes songs that one swears one has heard before, without being derivative.
The songs range from good to excellent throughout with the possible exception of the almost reggae "Living In Paradise." The song suffers from a lack of direction since Costello could not continue the reggae feel in the chorus.
The best songs are "Lipstick Vogue" and "Pump It Up" by virtue of the rhythmic vitality shown in bass and drums. "Lip Service" is also worth mentioning because of the sheer joy with which it is played.
This Year's Model also includes Costello's big English smash, "Radio Radio." The song is almost a political statement about the lack of good music on radio. I didn't know Costello lived in Detroit.
Although This Year's Model doesn't quite measure up to My Aim is True, it does show that Costello is not a one-hit wonder.
Had Costello's first album not been released, this one would not be much more satisfying.
Unfortunately, though this album is very good, like My Aim is True, it does not reach Nirvana. Nevertheless, Costello's music will be remembered long after those Rotten Sex-Persons from England will be dead.
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