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Costello is often lumped in with the New Wave artists, which is often strictly interpreted as Punk. He may be called New Wave, but his approach is about as old wave as you can get.
Costello's music is reminiscent of the late '50's and early '60's, before polish was introduced to rock and roll. "No Dancing" is somewhat influenced by Phil Spector's girl groups, but less sophisticated, without the "wall of sound" production.
At times the lyrics deal with 50's themes, but they are definitely twisted in comparison: "I said 'I'm so happy I could die' / She said 'drop dead' then left with another guy" - "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes." "Mystery Dance" deals with a subject which was much more mysterious in the '50's — sex.
Other songs are contemporary in theme: "Blame It on Cain" mentions the "government burglars"; "Less than Zero" is about Oswald Mosley, a British Fascist leader.
The musicianship on this lp is competent but raw — "Mystery Dance" is pure Chuck Berry in guitar and vocal phrasing. Other songs, such as "Watching the Detectives" and "Waiting for the End of the World," are dominated by the rhythm section.
An excellent album, if you're looking for a change from ultra-sophistication in music, but don't want to give up intelligence of or wit in lyrics.
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