Reviews (page 6 of 8)
goon squad
Enjoyed this one. Good way to start the week.
Knew most of the tracks on the album but hadn't listened for a long time. Sounded fresh and vibrant, some great tracks
I would have to say that this is definitely one of the better albums I’ve heard from Elvis Costello. It’s pretty upbeat and has a high-energy vibe with catchy melodies. I really enjoyed the keyboard elements the most because it brings a lot of color to the music.
Elvis Costello is one of those artists that I was aware of without being familiar with. My initial thought is "meh." Solid music, but not really great. 3.5, but rounded down for being over-hyped
Bland puddle of soup
don't know what i was expecting but it was certainly better than what i got
fave so far. really like the piano fave track: party girl
This album is pretty cool and enjoyable although some lyrics are repetitive.
does not sounds like it’s from the 70s, sounds like it’s from the 80s and 90s, i really like the bass
Wasn’t bad at all it just didn’t grab me and make me feel more like some songs do
🎧I can’t exactly say why, but this doesn’t do it for me. Not my kind of new wave. Costello’s voice is kinda annoying sometimes. (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, And Understanding is pretty good.
dude drops an n word in there
I just can't stand anything about Elvis Costello
Blech
Green Shirt
Really good! Nice vibe and tunes
Listened Before? N Meh. I don't understand what sets him apart from a lot of his popular contemporaries. I think Costello is one of those guys - if you like him, you REALLY like him. If you don't he sounds pedestrian. I fall into the latter category. Maybe you had to be there either in time or place? Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: W S F A P L A U
Can't stand the whiny vocals
Great album
5/10
Surprisingly good
I kind of like Moods for Moderns, I almost like Oliver’s Army
I think this has been my favorite of the Elvis Costello albums so far in my random listens. It has a more pop, melodious feel and I enjoyed it a lot. this is one I will bring out regularly to listen to.
I am starting to think I don't like any British music made after 1980. Just fine, but I am not choosing to listen to this outside of this.
Fun listen, nothing stands out though…
I don't understand a lot of the references but I latched onto Elvis Costello's songwriting. His use of asymmetric bars, his lyrical stylings, and not least the arrangements (big props to the band). Will return to educate myself on the UK and WWII
elvis costello's third effort is a little bit more hit or miss than his first two, but i think the highs vastly outweigh the lows here. to be clear, the lows of this album are still very good, i just don't think it's as consistent as some of his other records. still, songs like "accidents will happen" and "oliver's army" are great (man, i should have been keeping track of how many slurs i've run into on this project... a surprise one here!). i also thought the second half of this was at least a little more consistent than the first half - the swing from the first three songs of the first side to the last three sides of the first side is a bit of a swing, quality wise. that all being said, i still greatly enjoyed my time with this album.
Best Song: Oliver's Army. Gotta respect the cajones of a white man throwing the N-word into a song and getting away with it. Worst Song: Sunday's Best. The boy sure can whine when he wants to, and he always wants to. Overall: I've never heard an Elvis that I liked. I especially dislike the whiny, but staccato delivery that features on most of the tracks here. He sounds like an altogether worse version of Randy Newman.
Shut up Elvis
No more Elvis Costello. Please, I beg you...
HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAA... hahahHAahaHAHAHAAA...AHHHHHHHHH AHAHAHAHAHA HHAAHAHAHA!!! WoooooooHooooOOOOOOOO!!!! HAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHA AHHHHHHRGGGGGGGGG Heeheheheeeee HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH * hysterical laughter *
Another strong album from one of rock’s most consistent artists
Nothing against Elvis Costello as a person. The songs are fine but I've just never been able to get into anything outside the greatest hits. 2 stars for the closing track alone which is a certified classic.
This one didn’t do much for me. I can hear the inspiration it has over the 90s pop rock sound though
Interesting listen but nothing really jumped out. Probably a 3.5 but on the three side.
Great album, not dated at all
Un album enjoué et solide où les arrangements mettent en valeur la voix et le rythme de la mélodie
Carbon monoxide noise is a painting spat out by you Fog pendulums drifting out of the red green blue I can hear the chalk bloated as you loudly boast And that’s funnier than all of those
Not sure what it is, but something about Elvis Costello’s voice just grates on me
It's in no way bad, there are far worse albums on this list. But there's also absolutely nothing that stands out as being good or interesting. Are people actually fans of this and get excited by it?
I really like the album cover. The album is a good length, however, I couldn't get into it and the only song I can remember is Oliver's Army, as that's one i have heard before
I’ve tried listening to this a few times and just got bored. That said it’s not bad it just didn’t grab me
Good
ganz nett, auf die Dauer ist es mir etwas zu langweilig und eintönig
Good album, much unloved on this site. Polished, witty but still punky. Oliver's Army, Accidents will happen, Green Shirt, and(What's so funny) about Peace, Love and Understanding are all great tracks, and there isn't a bad song here. Attractions are tight. Good band. 3.5, rounding up today.
OOOUUUWEAAAHH... kriminaali, hän on kriminaali... maailman kammottavin ääni, kauhistuttavin..vokaali. ei ole mahdollista olla enemmän kuin yksi tähti kun herra kostello pistää laulaen.. niin vitun hirveätä paskaa.. tämä on objektiivinen arvostelu. annoin tälle rehdin, todellisen mahdollisuuden ja ensimmäisen viiden sekunnin aikana elvis jätti sen heitteille... syöttäkää tämä vitun jesteri krokotiileille... enempää aivo voimaa en vittu tälle anna olivers army... n-word, you dont have the pass bro is not bob dylan...
3 - I can’t believe it but this album is actually alright. His voice was much more bearable on this album (the annoying voice would still shine through occasionally) and some of the songs were actually interesting for once. Did drop a hard-R tho
This was good, but I think I liked This Year's Model better. I don't know that this is one I would seek out to re-listen to often, but it made for a nice upbeat drive in to work. 3.25/5
Elvis Costello is good. I am a big fan of the first two albums. This loses a bit of its edge, and I think it's worse off for it, but it's still pretty great. 3.75/5
Meh. C-
I don’t know if it’s because I’ve gone so long without hearing him so my ears have had time to settle, if this is a different sounding album than the rest, or if I trying just don’t remember him, but this wasn’t bad at all. Don’t get me wrong I barely remember specifics, however I recall it being easy to listen to. The length was incredibly tolerable as well.
Our 6th Costello album!! It's been at least a year so we were due... Snark aside this is one of his best - not a weak track on the album - if I'm nitpicking I can sometimes get tired of the twee keyboard sound that occasionally dominates, but the songs win out. Love the righteous anger and sarcasm that lurks barely below the surface of many of these lyrics but more importantly for me, the upbeat music is catchy as hell and never drags. 8/10 4 stars.
Terrible. Just can’t ever get into it.
While there's definitely too much Elvis Costello on this list, this one belongs. Oliver's Army and a song to Angela Rippon, and lots of decent tracks. Late 70s Costello is great Costello. A few picking up on the use of "white n---" could do with picking up on the context, it's absolutely not being used as a slur against black people, but as a criticism of British imperialism's willingness to throw 'white trash' or whoever into the insatiable machinery of war. See also 'Sunday's Best' for another slur used in similar context. It's not big or clever these days, but in language, the target is always important.
Having listened to Costello's earlier record My Aim Is True, I had high hopes for this. And it didn't disappoint. Kinky ride cymbal bell throughout too. Favourite tracks: Accidents Will Happen, Senior Service ('it's a death that's worse than fate' is a rad line), Party Girls, Good Squad.
Never understood the Elvis Costello hype. I get he has an image that goes along with his style. And at times he can write some nice melodies with interesting lyrics. But most of it comes across as average to me. 6 Elvis Costello albums on this list is insane
C’est vraiment un album de tout les temps
Didn’t like the first Costello album I had to listen to, and I still don’t like this one. It gets two stars because of cultural influence only.
Ya know, I'm good. I'm good to put this one behind me. Boring. And I feel like I like Elvis Costello...
Alright, whatever Elvis Costello, I'll give you this one, motherfucker. This one's pretty good. Still don't get why he's Jesus Christ incarnate for British music magazine reviewers though.
Okay now talk about an artist I actually am sick of on this list. Elvis Costello deserves 2 maybe 3 albums on this list, not like 6. He’s had some good music on here but this one just felt like more of the same with nothing interesting to break up 40 minutes of his stuffy nasally voice.
Very good album - some of the language hasn't dated well, but the sound is excellent.
Consistently nice songs with not a single track to really stand out. But for me it is always something fundamental missing?! Maybe it´s his inexpressive voice. 🤷♂️ favourite: "Green Shirt", "Goon Squad" worst: "Senior Service", "Moods For Moderns" 3,5
I've always considered Elvis Costello very toothless, inoffensive pop-rock. It's not a bad listen but I also don't find anything remarkable about it. I'd give it a 2.5 if I could.
Not my type of thing. Jangly and forgettable, was expecting more.
Every band with "Dude's name & The Band" as their name hits the exact same. They're all goofy storytelling times with people who I'm confident aren't doing very well mentally. May their struggles be my solace.
maybe my tolerance for Elvis Costello isnt waning as much as I thought, this wasnt bad, nothing too outstanding either though.
I actually enjoyed this one! Nice to find out what song the older brother was singing in ET.
- Never listened to an Elvis Costello album; my point of reference is mainly "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me." - Not a total fan of him in this more New Wave era, though I have to admit that a lot of this sounds like a 50s throwback. I like the fact that he sounds like Billy Joel with way more personality. - Enjoy "Party Girl." - Found "Sunday's Best" to be annoying. But the rest of the album was pleasant.
Expected I would like this more than I did. A couple of good songs, but pretty average overall.
A bit to sing-song-y for my taste
Never listened to this album before. It's an interesting thing to attempt to tie national politics with the politics of relationships, but in the end I don't think he did justice to either. Too crafty for it's own good. A couple of good songs. Rated as a 3- without (WSF'B) PL&U and 3+ with it.
First time listening through. Ended up listening several times and it went from a 2 to a 3, but no higher.
This feels like the kind of music you would hear in a bad rom-com / coming-of-age movie. Or the end credits of a boring 90's TV Show. Mixed with a whiny Stewie Griffin-like voice.
Das Cover ist unfassbar hässlich und seine Stimme ist irgendwie punchable aber das ist das beste Album von ihm soweit also verdient es 3 Sterne
Like the concept feel. Goon Squad is awesome. 3.5 stars.
I don't like his voice and I don't like him. Elvis Costello can costello these balls
Yup that’s a slur
Now, I grew up in the West of Scotland and I've heard 1,001 names for Irish catholics that would make your blood boil and your toes curl, and the N word WAS NEVER ONE OF THEM. "Accidents Will Happen" is a bop though, as is "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding"...
Cant even bob my head to this weird ass music.
Please tell me this is the third and final Costello album on the list. I skipped at least half the song on most of the songs. Every time I hear something that does catch my attention I realize it's because it reminds me of something that came out before this, so the interesting parts aren't even original.
Бля внатуре моя аналогия с Риверсом Куомо имеет место быть. Как и группа Визер, очкарик Костелло выпустил после лёгкого дебютника то, чего никто не ожидал. Политические песни какие-то, хотя и завёрнутые в приятный музон
Great
Only heard a few songs.
Not for me
The other Elvis has been a really fortunate discovery for me on this challenge. Who knew he'd done so much and carried the rock'n'roll torch for so long?! I liked this more than the previous one, he does catchy and hooky really well and lyrically there's loads to unpick, so this one stayed in my rotation all weekend and will stay on the radar.
Classic!
Mi querido elvis
Hey man...I don't think we NEED to say that word to make a song catchy. Slurs aside, this album is right down the middle for me, not unlike the rest of Costello's discography. Some catchy pop tunes with a lot of fluff that gets lost in the mix.
I call for disarmament.
A bit pretentious. A few very catchy songs though.
ANOTHER Elvis Costello album. Pet theory: he ghost-wrote "1001 Albums." "Oliver's Army" is pretty good. The rest is twee and boring.
Boy, if I didn't care much for the previous Elvis Costello album on here...
Good, but nothing extraordinarily great
Just dreadful. Such a chore to get through the whole thing (and it’s objectively short). It feels like I’m in a circus against my will and there’s this old washed clown singing in my ear some “clever” ironic lyrics. And then all of the sudden he starts throwing slurs around but apparently it’s ok because he’s a clown. Nah I don’t get this guy and never will.
Not a huge fan 2
Mir gefällt hier die (bekannte) Stimme nicht. Der Rest ist auch nicht mein Geschmack.
Much like the elephants on the cover (or the splattered paint in others), Elvis Costello's truest ambitions stampede to life on the appropriately titled Armed Forces. No longer encumbered by the punk rock ethos, Elvis saw an opportunity to spread his and the Attractions wings musically while still spewing on about the way the world was heading by the turn of the decade. With the emphasis on accessibility and wherewithal, the aim most certainly can be true after all. Favorites: Accidents Will Happen, Senior Service, Oliver's Army, Green Shirt, Party Girl, Goon Squad, Chemistry Class, Two Little Hitlers.
Strange album but I didn't dislike it. Sidenote: How do you name a song "Two Little Hitlers"?
Very enjoyable!!
Haha good joke 1001 albums, now where is my real album of the day?
Oh great, another Elvis Costello album. I feel like every time I listen to an album of his I enjoy the first 1-2 songs and then they slowly start to drive me crazy. 4/10 (2/5)
I haven't given Elvis Costello many listens in the past, and my god, I have not missed anything. This was awful! His voice was awful, the music was flat, and nothing stood out. I couldn't wait for this album to end.
It's a hum dinger! But Elvis uses the N word... I'm not sure why they haven't changed it. Used to absolutely love the last song on the album. Learned how to play it on the guitar at one point. Just a really strong album.
Three absolute bangers on this album plus Party Girl makes this a solid offering. There is something about Elvis' delivery that really makes his lyrics/rhymes shine. Pretty easy to enjoy the whole album.
Really good album. Reminded me of weezer a bit. Def some beatles references too
Not my favorite but some solid music in here
If you like Elvis Costello, you will love this album.
like some average supermarket background music
I always think I like Elvis Costello & then realize i don't.
oliver's army goon squad busy bodies
I've enjoyed every Costello album on the list but I'm beginning to wonder why they are all there.
Hey iwie hani mich garned mit dem album chene ahfründe.. de typ sings ja max schräg??
s goht afoch los findi geil. erste song cool, mega volli produktion. hook goht in chopf und s klavier nocher isch mega geil. senior service au easy nice. olivers army tönt hert nich abba höhö. ich glaub er het gad s n wort gseit??? oke s idch us de sicht vomne britische soldat in irland wo d ire als wissi n* bezeichnet. aso sehr politisch und anti imperialistisch i guess. big boys au geile groove und im hintergrund d strings chratzed recht geil. green shirt geili synth dings im hintergrund. party girl dramatisch und langsam aber bass huere cool mit de slides i like. schluss tönt wie she's so heavy vode beatles herti hommage. aso s klavier spielts höhööö goon squad huere geil, glaub d lyrics sind easy dark?? aber isch huere guet. busy bodies au geil?? moods for moderns au nice, langsam ziehts chli a mir verbii. two little hitlers? weiss nich digga muss des? peace love and understanding macht de bass wieder meeega viel aber finds cool.
ui nervigi stimm. also nacheme zitli findis scho vill besser, s isch sehr verspielti und nervösi musig iwie goon squad recht geil wies ahzieht es isch zwar morge und ich bin nanig ganz empfänglich für so muaig abrr ich finds sehe geil hahaha sunday's best nervt iwie brutal aber finds auno funny au anderi lieder nervet iwie mega aber es gitmer mega e gueti luune hahahaha jaa die 40 min hend sich nöd so lang ahgfühlz hans iwie mega gliebt, chan jz nöd genauu sege wiso, d produktion isch huere crisp und ja I guess d musig und sini stimm passt ufe gwüssi art und wiis guet zemme?
1001 Elvis Costello Albums You Must Hear Before…. Feels like it at least. This one was a bit better than the other 3 we’ve had. In fact, I actually liked it! 😂
I think this is my fave EC. Today, at any rate.....4.5
помню какой-то мне очень не понравился, но этот норм. поменьше страшных слов и можно на олди вечеринках ставить
I was never a fan of Elvis Costello until recently. I had never listened to this until now and I really liked it.
Pretty stange. The vocals almost sounded like some 2000s-2010s emo. Overall a yawn though.
Upbeat and light, Elvis Costello's "Armed Forces" is a basically a pop rock album. While this album is regarded as one of the artist's best works, the songs are unmemorable and have been forgotten over the past years.
Nearly a 4. There are Elvis Costello albums with better non single tracks.
Look, I like Elvis Costello, so this will get a good review It's good The more i listen the more Green Shirt stands out Olivers Army is a cracker, Peace Love Understand is great. Good vibes, good album, likely a grower
Love Elvis Costello and knew nothing about this specific record going into it. Ok at first I was weirdly hesitant about this record, I think maybe because I love Elvis Costello and I hadn't heard much about this record (and also because the cover isn't very cool) but I am into it. "Big Boys" "Goon Squad" and "Busy Bodies" are all bangers. Literally my only complaint is that "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding" is fucking corny as shit and I hate that song. Also, grow up and use an Oxford comma.
Despite the constant onslaught of EC albums from this project, I still cannot understand the hype. And that is having no preconceptions as I had never heard any of his music before.
Nice one
Lite konstig röst, inte riktigt min grej men vissa låtar var definitivt före sin tid och låt som mycket nyare. Får kanske lyssna igen och då är det säkert bättre.
Glad I got 2 Costello albums in close succession to confirm that he is super lame.
One of the best that they put out
Eh generic pub rock, wasn’t as into it as other Elvis Costello. Above average lyrics. Standout is catchy cover of “(What’s so funny ‘bout) Peace, Love and Understanding”
thats the 3rd or 4th album from this punchable face mf and it surprised me that he can go off like that, just to recognize that the volume was off. He had like 3-4 good songs with still annoying moments but that this mf said nigga killed me lmaooooo. His songwriting is not that smart and crazy to me tbh. 2.0/5.0
pretty bland and unmemorable
Costelloooooo
too many albums by the same artist.
3.5 Really Solid
I had no idea I loved Elvis Costello until I started this challenge
Love Elvis new his bassist from The Attractions
This album is a textbook example of how to make bad music. Slurry vocals, boring songs, "clever" lyrics, percussion that sounds like a kitchen drawer of cutlery being thrown down some stairs. It's just dreadful, instantly forgettable, awful music. I think I have to give a special shout out to the production, which is just so very bad that it stands out as a crime against recording. It was so bad, I thought my headphones were broken to begin with. The only good thing about the awful mix is that the vocals are often buried under the clattering and other ambient noises that might have once been music.
Tracks are too similar for my opinion
My standard problem with Costello. Some fantastic songs but I can't take a whole album of it. I should love it as British new wave but I've never managed quite to be sold on him. He's got a greatest hits album many would beg for, but his albums are not very compelling.
there's really 6 Elvis Costello albums on here, hey? same thoughts as the other one, somehow the more that goes into this the more generic it sounds. not surprising that I don't like Elvis Costello trying to make his most commercially successful record music: hated. (⌐■_■)
Last time I got Costello I rounded it up to a 3, and my main complaint was that there was too much filler. This one did not have a ton of filler, and I’m rounding it down to a 3 instead. The numbers look the same but trust me it’s a different three. I imagine there’s like half a dozen more Costellos on here, maybe he’ll crack a 4 yet.
whiny, cant understand what hes saying... not my thing. didnt listen much but i didnt like it
Did nothing for me, Oliver's army is good but that's it.
People seem to like this one, perhaps I don't get it. Wasn't particularly into it.
I didn't finish it.
Singing was awful. Lyrics weren't that great. Couldn't carry a tune. I couldn't wait till it was over. Don't think there was a single song I considered "mediocre"
I enjoyed this on my first listen and planned on giving it 4 stars but I ended up listening to it another 4 or 5 times and enjoying it more each time. I think this Costello fellow might be on to something.
Excellence personified.
Maybe I wasnt in the right mood, but this was grating.
Listened for the first time
It’s okay. Not really into Costello. There are a few songs on here that I’d consider cult classics. I’m just not a huge fan.
Sounds like something I would have listened to if I wanted to be a hipster in high school
Was this one long song?
Unique voice for sure. Sort of rock, sort of pop. No idea what he was saying but it was ok overall.
Can’t decide between 2 and 3. Would go 2.5 if possible. Pretty interesting musically. Rounding up to 3.
Bleh
- Elvis Costello ist natürlich ein großer Name, habe mich aber die mit seinem Werk beschäftigt. Jetzt weiß ich auch wieder warum - Ich fand das alles gut gemacht und kann rein handwerklich und musikalisch gar nicht viel aussetzen, finde es auch nicht langweilig - Elvis Costello ist auch so jemand, der mir for no reason irgendwie schon immer sympathisch ist, habe auch schon so manche Auftritte von ihm gesehen, so Silvester bei Pop Around The Clock z.B., alles immer cool und ich habe das Gefühl ich würde seine Musik eigentlich mögen wollen - ABER leider macht das alles emotional überhaupt gar nichts mit mir und ich kann nicht sagen, woran das liegt. Geht hier rein und da raus. Es hat sicherlich auch mit seinem sehr "unspezifischen" Gesang zu tun, den ich zum einen nicht besonders einprägsam empfinde (sowohl vom Songwriting her als auch vom Klang seiner Stimme), zum anderen damit dass er mMn auch nicht wirkich ein guter Sänger ist. Ansonsten kann ich es nicht weiter spezifizieren. - Keine Ahnung... Mag für manche sowas wie Majästätsbeleidigung sein. Ich empfinde das leider so. - (What‘s So Funny bout) Peace, Love And Understanding fand ich ganz cool Rating: 2,5/5
- Hmm, keine Ahnung. Name schon mal gehört. Insgesamt erweckt das album den Eindruck, es ist sehr ein Produkt seiner Zeit. Bei anderen Klassikern hab ich sonst ein "zeitloseres Gefühl" - Ich fand das bei weitem nicht schlecht, nicht mal explizit langweilig. einfach irgendwie... egal. 2,5/5
- hat mich irgendwie kalt gelassen und mir nicht allzu viel gegeben
I stupidly checked and I'm not even half way through all these Elvis Costello albums yet. This one is the worse so far. He leans into his whiny voice. Clearly this author was the height of cool in 1979. Unfortunate for the rest of us.
songs from this album featured heavily in mixtapes from my early dating life. I cannot fairly evaluate it on its own merits. 5 stars.
Good songs. Very original. His voice can be a little annoying, but not impossible. Not really my cuppa but a pleasant enough listen.
It's a popular criticism of this list that it has too much Elvis Costello. While I agree that six albums is a lot and that some were particularly average, I am glad that Costello is featured on the list. 'Armed Forces' may not be the strongest release overall but it does feature some of his best work, including 'Oliver's Army' and '(What's so Funny about) Peace, Love and Understanding'. Unfortunately there's also a lot of filler here that's less memorable.
Album 316 of 1001 Elvis Costello & The Attractions- Armed Forces Rating : 4 / 5 Nice album. The New Wave kicking in. More political lyrics. Certainly more to look at with this one. Good listen.
It was okay
The addition of The Attractions certainly did a lot for Elvis Costello. The musicianship is top notch, although Costello's voice is still pretty much unbearable. The songwriting is as inconsistent as ever with 'Green Shirt', 'Goon Squad', and 'Moods For Moderns' being solid, interesting tracks, and the rest ranging from boring to downright horrendous. A special shoutout to Costello dropping the N-word on 'Oliver's Army' for no other reason than comparing The Troubles to the challenges of the African American community in the US(?). Not really his comparison to make. It should come as absolutely no surprise that the best track is the closer '(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding' not written by Costello... And not included in the original release...
It’s a shame they wasted a cover artwork this great on such a mediocre album. There are certainly highlights like “Goon Squad” and “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout)…” (not on the original track list, not an original Costello song), but I still don’t get the extreme hype surrounding Elvis Costello.
The best thing he ever recorded. Classic.
I just don't know where to begin?
i would rather be anywhere else than here to-oo-oo-day (well, not really)
Got two Elvis Costello albums in a row but this one was significantly better so it’s fine
Can't find the song I really like from Elvis Costello, it's not (on) this album ;)
Rock, americana, pop, folk, male, mid/fast, keys, lovesongs, solid - but not mine
I don't like his pretentious voice
Listened.
I needed a nice upbeat album to listen to today. The other Elvis hit the spot. I find it very interesting that one of the best songs on the album didn't make the UK version. I hope that no elephants were harmed during the making of this album. ✌️ 🐘
If the Beatles and Dylan had a baby it would sound like Elvis Costello. His music is so smart and weird that I don’t always get it, but definitely appreciate it. He’s in a different class like David Byrne, simply genius.
Good enough.
Amazing album and the foundation of new wave in my opinion
5 / 10 Pop simple y aburrido.
Wow I don’t like Elvis Costello’s voice. For the most part a perfectly fine album
Этот альбом мне понравился меньше чем My Aim Is True, но работа хорошая. Музыканты прекрасные, да и музыка прекрасная. Но, кажется, далеко не самая колоритная и показательная работа Элвиса
справедливости ради цирковая музыка эта намного веселее предыдущих записей алкоальбом: вишневый ликер с водкой
альбом выглядит как паренёк в носках со смешным принтом и очками с желтыми линзами. выделю гун сквад и частые предприпевные клавиши
cool and fun! VERY new-wave-y, which is not /really/ my thing though I def find aspects of it enjoyable. A bit wordy/vocal-forward for my tastes also. One of the hardest parts was actually the samey-sameness of the whole record. By the time I got to the punch-line of the last track (which is legit a great song) I was kind of burned out and was most of the way through the song before I realized "Hey I know this song and I love it!" haha can't believe I almost missed it.
this album sucked
It aight. Also good PUBG music. - 6/10
First few songs were find. His voice got kind of annoying
It was fine 5.5/10
Pretty good! Really enjoyed the production and his singing. And the bass too. 7.5/10
4/10 - The lyrics were pretty weird. I was not a huge fan of his voice or style in general.
Didn't like it very much at all 4/10
Did not fuck 3.5/10
Elvis Costello can craft a song. These tracks all sound so great and have so much love to them. They have great hooks but aren't too hooky. The lyrics are insightful but not preachy. And he delivers everything with just enough attitude and detachment that you can't help but be caught up in the music the whole time. I think there's less standout tracks than other albums of his, but that may be because the album as a whole is that strong.
This is what I thought I would experience when I first listened to an Elvis Costello album in this project…something kind of cool, interesting, and enjoyable. It’s just taken four albums to get here.
At first (like the first couple of tracks) I thought that this Elvis Costello album might be “the one”. I guess I am still looking, but maybe that small crush warrants an extra star.
Solidly whelmed by another Elvis Costello record.
“More Elvis Costello? Really?” I’m not looking forward to listening to this. There previous 3 albums were quite enough “meh” for me. I like the elephants though. Put this on and - surprise - I’m liking it! The songs are catchier, the music more interesting, less rambly, and have interesting subjects. Of the four Elvis Costello albums so far (This Year’s Model, My Aim Is True, Brutal Youth and this), Armed Forces is so far the only one I really like. A few of these songs were nudging me towards a 5 rating but felt like a 4 by the end.
Another early release by Costello, a mix of Beatlesesque power pop with early New Wave, consistently built upon simplistic synth usage and catchy commercial-oriented rock music borrowing from punk (especially the vocals and tempo) and disco (especially the bass). It's formulaic, based around some wacky self-repeating gimmick, usually related to a keyboard setting. The first 5 songs do have good variety and creative ideas with replayability, but nothing too incredible. Other than that, the production is nice and does have points for consistency and innovation, but it's not something I'll be returning too unless specifically looking for a refreshing chill sound.
I can't believe this album was made in 1979. It sounds like it was made yesterday. The sound is like Bob Dylan sang The Black Keys. Lots of anti-war songs and pleasant melodies. This album is 3 hours long, but I didn't listen to all the songs, just the first 17. Loved listening this this one.
An album I've tried to listen to in the past. It's actually rather good. It bears further listens.
Pretty nice album.
So far hasn't really left much of an impression. It's ok music, but I'm not a huge fan of vocals, and the music just isn't 'pulling' me in. Goon squad is a good song tho. I think like 2/5
Loved it, but gets old song after song.
Elvis Costello would come up on the radio a lot growing up, but except for the hits I hadn't heard this one before. It's a solid record. You can hear how much influence he had on later indie rock. Unfortunately this is also the album with the song where he said the n-word which was uh... ill-advised to put it mildly. A shame because I think otherwise Olivers Army might be the strongest track here, it's a great vocal hook.
Hat seine Momente. Mag insbesondere den 1. Song.
You have to listen to it!
It's a little bit croony. Not my favorite.
Not bad. I continue to not really like New Wave, but this is okay.
kinda meh. nothing about it really stood out to me that much. definetely not my style
3eme album. Ce mec a ses entrées. Album sympathique mais sans grand éclat. “Oliver's army” a l'air d'être le tube. Pourquoi pas. Je n'ai pas trouvé les tubes accrocheurs de deux premiers albums.
Really can’t stand the vocals or cheesiness of this album. The production is pretty good though. I really couldn't stand the first half of the album but the second half is much better. This seems like the influence for a lot of 80s music which I can appreciate. I'm hearing some ska sounds on the back half of the album which is interesting. What's So Funny Bout Peace Love and Understanding is a great album closer. Final thoughts are that the first half of the album is a 2 star album but the second half is a 3-3.5 star album. If I were to listen to this album again I'd probably just start at Party Girl.
As a person who was born in the 90s and came of age in the 2000s, its easy for me to write off all indie rock bands as "dime a dozen," but when I listen to this record, I'm reminded that this is the source code of all modern Indie Rock. Its in the punchy punk adjacent rolling downbeats in songs like "Goon Song." Its in the lonely longing vocals of songs like "Big Boys" or "Party Girl." I mean does Weezer ever happen if there is no Elvis Costello?? It feels like he must have been listening to The Specials or The Clash when he wrote "Sunday's Best" and "Moods for Modern," not explicitly Ska songs, but it definitely have the influence. Which I think is a good nod and homage to the scene in London at the time of writing. And obviously the big blaring banger of this record is (What's So Funny,) which is anthem we should all cherish. Maybe the 3rd greatest karaoke song of all time? 🤔 Also, I'd be hard pressed to not mention "Oliver's Army," which again, is another indie pop rock banger. We should all give Elvis Costello a bit more love.
Our second at least Costello album and here we are again.. It starts out so strong with the album's biggest hit-- excellence will happen. And it is excellent, mostly because it's rhythmically cohesive with logical transitions. The lyrics are catchy and Costello is on point. This is peak Elvis Costello. And now, I'm sure, will be the other take regarding the rest of the album. Senior Service starts to get a litte syncopated and circusy. Like six songs in one. Take the time to read the truly bizarre lyrics of Green Shirt. Wild! And yes, generally another weird Costello album full of jarring tempos, intelligent but nonsensical lyrics etc.. Everything you'd expect.
J. Elvis Weinstein
We finally finished Elvis Costello’s four albums on the list.
I’ve heard enough Elvis Costello. Maybe for good, but certainly for this 1001 Albums adventure.
An Elvis Costello album I don’t entirely hate. What an accomplishment! He still has his moments of sounding like a giant cheese ball, but he manages to keep it in check for the most part. Somehow. Again, amazing.
I like
2,5
Pretty bland. Found Costello’s voice to be annoying. 2/5 Won’t listen again
Rating: 4.1
Just ok. Lots of styles that are permutations of dad rock
songwriting impeccable, but his voice is so grating and tiresome i hate it anyway
Same as last time, can't stand his voice. Reminds me how I feel about Bob Dylan. Not a terrible album though.
as professionally boring as you’d expect
The production on this is insane, and the writing is great. I didn't always gel with the vocal delivery, but I might warm up to it more on future re-listens.
Something new I hadn’t heard before. Really enjoyed the energy throughout
another elvis costello album. . . *sigh* nothing against the dude, but he has such a unique sound you've gotta be in the mood to listen.
dao bi više na četiri, ali nije potpuna četvorka, ali eto ovaj puta ću bit dobar
Elvis Costello er fínn en hann skorar samt aldrei eitthvað hátt hjá mér. Fín lög og allt en það er bara eitthvað sem mér finnst vera bara meh
Not really my kind of music. I bought this album 30 years ago and listened to it many times. I could never like his voice. The music always lacked something to make it good.
No sabía que esperar y superó mis expectativas.
There‘s nothing here that catches my attention for some reason. Other than Elvis‘ style of singing which I don’t like.
Not my favorite EC, but still very good stuff. I feel like he hit his stride later, maybe with Imperial Bedroom.
awesome stuff
This was ok but I prefer the solo effort from Costello on My Aim Is True.
The name is "Armed Forces" and the cover is a bunch of ravaging elephants... yet the music itself bear no weight whatsoever.
Another good album from early Elvis Costello and the attractions (the backing band are VERY IMPORTANT here). This time more pop than the excellent somewhat aggressive This Year's Model. One artist who genuinely deserves multiple album inclusions, despite the American complaints about too many post punk new wave UK albums.
Recht entspannt
Elvis Costello was never really my favorite. I can see the appeal after having listened to this album, but it's still not my favorite music.
One of Costello's best albums for sure. Quality hits and the deep cuts are solid too.
Ok, not my preference, not terrible.
Elvis Costello AGAIN. How many albums does he have on this thing - are all of his albums worthy of consideration? I guess this is the "hits" one with Olivers Army & Accidents Will Happen. I would probably have enjoyed it more if it had been the first one I'd listened to, rather than pondering why he has multiple entries. It's Elvis Costello - you know what you're going to get right.
Really good
Elvis sounds a lot like Bob on a few of these songs. Some super songs amongst this lot, but not my favourite Elvis Costello album in the 1001.
This is an absolutely solid listen from end to end. Great lyrics (including, I'd argue, the head turner in Oliver's Army, which is actually a reference to the racism experienced by the Irish in the British army); just kick-arse bass playing; ol' Declan's voice in full flight; and the vibes of Accidents Will Happen and Party Girl among others. This was released the day after I was born, so maybe a bit of birth year bias, but I'm giving the full 5.
Seriously, again?! I just had Elvis Costello two days ago, and I’m not much a fan. Let’s see how this one goes. Ugh, sorry - trying to give him a fair shot here, but I just don’t really like it. “Goon Squad” is kind of fun.
This album is just brilliant man. I really love the punk feel throughout, and Costello's voice is so cool. Plus, an album from an Irishman taking Anglos to task is always a W. Favorite track: Moods for Moderns
Not my favorite.
חלש
Now we’re talkin 😎
Generally a fun listen, but got kind of same-y as it went on. The random slur was jarring.
És el disc on Elvis Costello va començar a ser Elvis Costello. ‘My Aim Is True’ y ‘This Year’s Model’ són dues meravelles, però úniques i poc representatives del que acabaria sent el so més identificat amb l’artista. ‘Armed Forces’ troba Costello en un moment on les muses viuen amb ell dia i nit. No tant les cançons per separat (tot i que temes com ‘Accidents Will Happen’ i ‘Oliver’s Army’ són imbatibles, mai millor dit) com el so general del disc, el seu to de conjunt, el fan una obra memorable i rellevant en un any tan ric musicalment. Una de les cimes artístiques de Costello
Voz insoportable. Las letras tienen pinta de interesantes pero no puedo escucharlas.
Oh, I just don't know where to begin Love doesn't wait forever It's now or never But she keeps 'em hangin' on The silly champion She says she can't go home without a chaperone Accidents will happen They only hit and run You used to be a victim now you're not the only one Accidents will happen They only hit and run I don't want to hear it cause I know what I've done 3/5
Good music, easy to listen to
This was good, but don't remember much to be honest
Nem 5'er inden jeg overhovedet har genhørt den. Jeg elsker Elvis Costello og Armed Forces er en af hvis ikke hans bedste
Elsker Elvis Costello. Hvis Peace Love & Understanding havde været en del af pladen og ikke et bonus track på Spotify havde den fået 5
Ikke forfærdeligt, men virkelig heller ikke godt
Really liked it, unexpectedly. Will add more when I have the time
Enjoyed it Best song - not too sure but maybe "Accidents will happen"
I was surprised at how much I disliked this album. I just cant get into it with his singing/voice.
No
i literally just finished a review that said i don't like white cruise ship dad rock. this better not be the whole album. hm that was definitely a way of getting a message across.
Love ♥️
Wow. Never knew that was the album cover for this album. It's a great album lots to sing along to
Not his worst
I don't really get it?
Never been a fan, still not after this listen.
3/5 not quite there yet
More of getting exactly what you expect from an Elvis Costello album. Oliver's Army despite the dated lyrics, and Accidents Will Happen are the best well known and standout tracks. Other less well known tracks like Green Shirt and Party Girl also hold their own. Overall solid.
Hmmm interesting. I didn't dislike it at all but it didn't particularly keep my interest. I'm not going to be seeking it out but it was nice to listen to once.
Fun and solid in his usual quirky way. Several great tracks.
This one is really bad. Sounds like every other rock band.
I love Elvis Costello. He’s maybe my favourite. I’m listening to him a lot at the moment. I know this is one of his biggest albums, and it’s super important in his trajectory… but I just don’t love this album. The military/political lyrics rub me the wrong way and his simpering whine is extra obnoxious at times. A few of the track sounds very similar. I’m on the fence for a 4 or a 5. It does have 4 outstanding tracks on it, oh no wait, what’s so funny is an American addition. It pains me to do it but it’s getting a 4
Is this even real right now? Sounds like a parody. He’s like the Weezer of his era, oOOooHhhH yeahhhh, alllrriiigghhhtt. In “Oliver’s Army”, I heard a very surprising word and had to look up the lyrics. I heard correctly. :O The rest of the songs I tuned out because they were absolutely trash. I honestly don’t know who likes this shit. It’s actually making me upset that I had to sit here and waste an hour of my life listening to his little bitch voice. And I like Blink-182. So, that says a lot. Then I saw the title “Two Little Hitlers”, so edgy. This man has never left his parents basement before, and it shows. Worst album so far. I’m putting a 1/10 because I can’t put a 0/10.
Elvis Costello’s voice is a little annoying. Kinda sounds like a South Park character who’s playing himself, making fun of himself. “Senior Service” was catchy but not catchy enough to save this album. “Sunday’s Best” felt like it could have been the track at a carnival. Whatever genre of music this is… it is not doing it for me. I really do feel you could search up Royalty Free Music and you would find songs from this album. 2/10
Not much to say about this album. I grew up with my grandpa loving Elvis Costello so I have some nostalgia for it. Mostly pretty standard music but a unique singer. Sounds like Randy Newman if he knew how to sing. 5/10
This is what I imagine clowns listen to. Am I being pranked, this is joke music right?…. Right? Elvis Costello is my sleep paralysis demon, freezing me and singing goofily into my terrified face. This album is presented as Elvis Costello & The Attractions, I would have preferred it just be The Attractions. What an awful day to have ears. Possibly one of the most annoying voices I have ever heard. All around terrible experience that I wish I didn’t take part in. 1/10
Really nice! I have to listen to it more often. At the first glance it didn’t catch me as - I believe - it should be.
Standout Tracks- Olivers Army, Goon Squad
how the fuck has elvis bastard costello got 3 albums on this list? i don't really have much against him but i've heard this ponies one trick way too many times already.
Ooooooh look at those big elephant trunks! Reminds me of my own massive dick. Nellie the Elephant fucked your wife and said goodbye to your marriage.
They'd never play this at Nonge Park.
A few really good tracks. Accidents will Happen is great, and Senior Service was stuck in my head all day.
Fun zany album, but doesn't feel like anything particularly special. The vocals get a bit grating on some songs. Also the slur on Oliver's Army hit me like a truck. The songs are very catchy, though, there's almost a carnival-like aesthetic throughout which is fun. Favorite(s): Accidents Will Happen, Senior Service, Green Shirt, Goon Squad, (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding
This is better than the last Elvis Costello - album I came across on this list. I quite like the opener "Accidents Will Happen" and a couple of other tunes. Still, there is too much filler here to make for an even listening experience. 3/5
Un gran álbum de Power Pop. Elvis Costello & The Attractions logran seguir su espectacular debut "This Year's Model" con una recolección de canciones melosas y poderosas, las cuales se notan sumamente influyentes en la construcción del pop-punk, estableciendo a Costello como una de las figuras más interesantes de finales de los 70's, comenzando su reinado ochentero.
that voice
So here's the thing about Elvis Costello... I think he writes some really great songs, both in terms of lyrics and the music itself. However, I've never been able to tell if this is a production thing or just the way he sings: he often sounds like he is mumbling or trips over words. It can be weirdly distracting. That said, I enjoyed this album quite a lot (racial epithets notwithstanding).
Listenable and all, but didn’t grab me
Idk if it just finally clicked for me or what but I usually don’t like Costello and ended up loving this album
Classic Elvia Costello sound throughout. Not much variation. Oliver’s Army was a good one, and can hear why it stood slightly above the rest of the album.
This is the 4th Elvis Costello album so far. He is not thay good. It was an OK album. It was poppy but he also got a little whiny. The music itself was good. The lyrics were not that good. It is better than a two but not really a three.
I loved this. So fun and funky
Not bad.