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Elvis will probably be the only artist coming out of the so-called English "New wave" that will be around five years from now.
Costello has the misfortune to be confused with that newest bastion of vulgarity, British "punk." People seem to have the impression that Costello is another Johnny Rotten.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Costello can sing very well. In addition, he writes songs that are clever and enjoyable unlike the senseless agony of the Sex Pistols. Incidentally, the Sex Pistols were so great they don't exist any more.
However, had the Sex Pistols never existed, Costello would have been called a "promising singer-songwriter" playing a "superior pop product."
In fact, Costello sometimes is so popish that some of the songs can actually be appreciated by 13-year-old suburban princesses. "Alison" is one of the best written and most original love songs ever made. It is no wonder "Alison" was a chart-topping single in England.
Costello's songs have none of the anger and sexual swagger of the Sex Pistols. If anything, he has a certain innocence about him. Costello could very well he the '70s answer to Buddy Holly, whatever that means.
His singing has been compared to that of Graham Parker and Van Morrison. This likeness, however, is superficial at best.
Nick Lowe provides a very 60-ish production that is reminiscent of, dare I say it, the famed producer of the Beatles, George Martin.
From the few tracks where Costello's own band plays, such as the fake reggae "Watching the Dectitives," it is apparent Clover and Lowe are responsible for the '60s sound.
My Aim is True contains some of the best music I have heard this year. And to think it all comes from a 21-year-old former computer programmer. Rock 'n' roll is here to stay!
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