My Aim Is True

I think the editor of 1001 Albums must have lost his first virginity to Elvis Costello or something. Every album is just incredibly okay. Not unpleasant, but pretty good. But he keeps popping up! I am learning that Elvis Costello has existed fairly consistently. But this is meant to be 1001 of the best albums to hear before you die. On my deathbed, of I even remember listening to this, I don't think I'm going to think "I wish I had listened to more of Costello's consistent but dull music.

Is Elvis aim was to produce an album with 13 songs that are exactly the same, he has achieved this.

A pretty cool style for the time period. Didn't love anything here, but nothing excruciating either Side note; whether intentional or not, this is one of the ugliest album covers I've ever seen with my own eyes

Yasssssssss. Not sure anything more needs to be said, but this is in my top 20 ever albums based on the line "she's filing her nails while they're dragging the lake" alone, much less Alison, Angels Want to Wear My Red Shoes and everything else on this goldmine.

One of my all-time favorites. Packed with great songwriting. An incredible debut album. I love how confidently he uses different genre styles throughout the album. There’s some doo-wop on “No Dancing,” country twang on “Blame It On Cain,” old fashioned rock n roll on “Mystery Dance,” and reggae in the beat of “Watching the Detectives.” Most of all Elvis Costello just sounds so cool. He’s a great performer. I remember listening to this in high school and even though I was too nervous to date girls at the time, this album gave me a little window into an adult world of relationships and sex. Hearing Elvis Costello sing about dating with a snarky attitude had a huge impression on me. He was smart and nerdy looking but still had swagger. A lot of songs went over my head — I still don’t know what “(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes” or “Less Than Zero” are about) — but I loved the style with which he sang them. Fun fact: I was Elvis Costello for Halloween in college once and I based my look on this album cover. I’m sorry to say no known photographs exist of this costume but I swear it was really good.

Another artist that I know is well-respected but that I knew little about. What a great album. And the Elvis moniker is very befitting - he's got his own sense of rockabilly for the modern era. Very cool. Some perfect examples were Mystery Dance (sounds like Elvis Presley reimagined) and No Dancing (sounds like a modern cross between the King and the Beach Boys). Welcome to the Working Week might be the coolest 90 second song ever made; it doesn't feel that short with all he packs into it. I still don't love Alison, other than to jokingly sing the title like Costello does. Still, side one is brilliant. Great energy and great arrangements, with neat wordplay. Side two isn't far behind. The singles Red Shoes and Less than Zero are solid, but I really like the tempo and beats in Pay it Back.

Now this is some grade-A power pop.

I would say its at least twice as good Blood and Chocolate so that makes it a 6 on a 5 star scale? I feel like this album has a ton of personality and is fun to listen to. A variety of sounds that all still carry Elvis's style without being an album of songs that all sound the same

What an overrated, low-talent hack. Elvis Costello has hung his whole career on leveraging the misplaced, rose-tinted-glasses nostalgia of white middle class America. And they've eaten it up thinking that this plastic imitation is the real deal.

Really like the album, both songs I knew and loved, and others that I had never heard before. To this point, this is my highest rated album.

What a debut! Costello came out of the gate running. Pure anger, spitting power pop. BT: Welcome To The Working Week, Alison, (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes

Wow, I really enjoyed this album. I've heard of Elvis Costello, but can't say I ever listened to his music (at least if I did, I didn't know about it). This was just a fun, high quality album. It's like a more modern version of classic rock 'n roll (and songs like No Dancing and Less than Zero sound like pure old fashioned Rock n' roll). Favorite tracks were Miracle Man, Waiting for the End of the World, and Pay It Back (which really got stuck in my head). Least favorite were Alison and I'm Not Angry. Both were just a little cheesy, but still enjoyable (and the guitar on I'm Not Angry was pretty good). Looking forward to listening to more of his stuff.

Just like all his other stuff I like it but don't find it too interesting, feels like he has 1 or 2 songs on an album that are really nice to me and then lots of fillers which I don't mind but are very forgettable

Better than the other album but I still don't really get what is so important/significant/brilliant about Elvis Costello. 5/10

Wow, it’s hard to believe this is his first, and not a greatest hits album. Lots of really good tunes, and “Alison” just gets better and better with age. “Watching the Detectives” still has an incredible base line and punchey drums, “Less than Zero”, and “Blame it on Cain” still hold up 45 years.

I dug this one a lot for some reason. It’s got this earnest nerdy rock vibe to it that feels like a precursor to more modern stuff I like, like weezer, lcd soundsystem, the strokes. The songs are fun and energetic but also feel genuine and homespun and have a rebellious youth vibe to them. Allison is an all-timer, Welcome to the working week is a great opener, the stretch from blame it on Cain to mystery dance is pretty killer. I don't love watching the detectives as the closer but otherwise I like the album from top to bottom. Probably a strong 8 for me

I really liked this album. Such a good debut record!!

A classic. I don’t love Elvis Costello’s later stuff, but this holds. It’s a unique, angsty kind of punk that was very unique at the time.

My fave album by the Other Elvis.

My first time hearing Costello was in December of last year, with the album "This Year's Model" with his band The Attractions. This isn't quite as strong. Something about his voice frustrates me, like it's in an uncanny valley between a few other, better vocalists. He sounds *kind of* like Billy Joel, the better Elvis, the Strokes, and a few other rock bands from various eras mashed together. Another problem, related to that one, is that the music doesn't really bring anything new to the party, other than some decent compositions. The style is an odd sort of soft-punk, with clear 50s/60s R&B and rock influences. (My friend and I argued briefly about whether this counted as rock, and we couldn't come to an agreement. But being "genreless" isn't necessarily a good thing.) There's a lot of filler music and poor mixing on the album too. As for the positives: Watching The Detectives, Alison, Red Shoes, and Less Than Zero are really fun little tunes, especially when paying attention to the instrumentals only. Watching The Detectives has a great bassline that really holds the song together. Alison is an enjoyable sort of chill power pop, featuring a chorus that sounds exactly how you'd expect based on the title and genre. Throughout the album, the guitar and drums are generally pretty good, and the bass is pretty killer. 3/5 Key tracks: Alison, (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes, Less Than Zero, Watching The Detectives

Not a huge amount to say about this. Enjoyable for the most part, nothing to write home about though. Just a good 70s album, nothing more or less.

Another album I was dreading this week that was much better than expected, this time thanks to Costello opting to nOt dO waCkY gOofY thInGs WItH hIS vOicE.

This guy is such an asshole. Best track: Alison

First Elvis album, either Costello or Presley. If we're including "Watching The Detectives" on this album (and there's no reason not to, it was on every United States version of the LP), there's a chance this could be the best Elvis album (although not overall if we include Presley). What a debut album, from the moment the killer Track 1 kicks off through the end. Oh, and "Alison" is on this album. This is the power pop you're looking for. There's a ton of Elvis on this list, and if I could only have one (Costello) album, I'd be hard pressed choosing between this one and "This Year's Model".

Great record. Throwback to 50s/60s rock and r&b but with 70s punk vibe/influences. Also somewhat of a landmark for alt/indie rock.

I dunno man, sometimes shit just rocks

Elvis Costello crosses so many genres here you’d think it wouldn’t work. Not only does it work, it works in such a way that creates a sound that is unique to Elvis Costello. I can hear a strong Beatles influence as well as elements of reggae, punk, laurel canyon folk, and new wave. Elvis Costello’s vocal delivery is energetic and unique as well

Better than I expected—especially because I didn’t like the last EC album.

No one writes or sings like Elvis Costello.

I discovered and started to like (as much as possible) Elvis Costello on the 1001 list. After five (5!) albums, I feel he can achieve the impossible. He can sound very repetitive, and very repetitive, even though it has one of the widest ranges of styles on the list. How is it possible? I don't know. I prefer his work with "The Attractions," but I didn't dislike this debut. The rawness that is only possible in a debut album saves it from being just "another (but different)" Elvis Costello album.

This album would have been 5 stars if it was written by Declan Patrick MacManus and not Elvis Costello. Walk into a Johnny Rockets or Hard Rock Café and I can guarantee you hear one of these songs playing. Middle of the road and as vanilla as it gets from the late 70's. Some good hits but nothing special.

See previous Costello reviews.

Well you know what it didn't rile me as much as usual. I still find it bland really don't get the ES hype. But still surprisingly ok

Living up to my usual tropes re: Elvis Costello, debut albums and Greatest Hits. The tracks from here included on Girls, Girls, Girls are wonderful, the rest very meh particularly those that take a dead end into pop country and rockabilly. Keep trying Elvis!

Off-brand Elton John?

this was a bit hit and miss and when i did like a song it was really good as oppose to songs i didnt really like which were fine but not like fine when you see an attractive person and elongate the i in fine

overall: feels like every awkward dance scene in a teen rom com. elvis costello to me sounds like a guy trynna be someone else like drowned in water and thrown across a field? i cant put my finger on it but it just doesnt sound right. the instrumentals arent bad especially for the time. take this album, tweak it for the 90s and it would slap

Inte min musik

I honestly don't get the hype. Would this guy even be famous if he hadn't changed his name and have the fortune of having an album gain popularity in the wake of [the other] Elvis's passing?

I’m not a stickler for authenticity but Elvis Costello just comes off so fake.

Still sounds great!

The definitive Elvis Costello sound, songwriting, and attitude.

Liked this Early Costello is cool

When he was hungry, every track could have been a single

Very soothing!

love this album

Heard it. Brilliant.

Classic

Outstanding

Elvis Costello is one of those names that I've always known about but never really dug into his discography. Really enjoyed this debut album, comes out swinging with that first track and has a great energy throughout with the punched up rockabilly style. Added a few tunes to the playlist off of this one, makes me want to dig into his other albums.

Surprisingly great sound here

The perfect Elvis Costello album. I have noted that he features a bit too much on this list but in this case you couldn't ask for a more worthy album. Singer songwriter, punk poet, all around angry young man.

Perhaps the tightest debut album ever - I remember watching Costello on SNL supporting the release.

One of the great debuts of all time and a long time favorite of mine. Not a dud song on the album. 5 stars 🌟

13/13

"Alison" is one of the greatest pop songs of all time with its wicked double entendre, and it's what initially drew me to him as a teenager. But "Alison" is only one of the many brilliantly crafted songs on this album. EC is able to balance his cerebral wit with a surprising amount of soul, in a way so few other songwriters can. He is, by FAR, my favorite Elvis.

Feeling a little meh about Elvis Costello going in but I'm glad to say, I like this one! I like this one a lot! Varied styles from song to song. Hard to pin it to a single decade. A range of feelings. Lots here to like.

Pitch-perfect spiky pop

I've played this a lot since first listening. Miracle Man and Alison are standout songs, but I enjoyed the whole album.

There's only one album whose title is tattooed on my body and its this one. 5/5 obvs

Great album from start to finish. Felt like the quickest 36 mins of my life.

Beautiful … Declan Patrick MacManus at his best

Classic

Classic debut album of Elvis Costello, and the start of quite a long sequence of 5* EC albums.

Definitely the best Costello album on this list, and there is too many. In my opinion this one and this year's model would be enough. With that said, this is a fantastic debut album that keeps you on your toes and your foot tapping.

The natural progression of rockabilly, loved it

It's not my #1 Elvis Costello album, but it's definitely up there!

Oh, Elvis Costello! Don't know how many times I've listened to this album. Always a pleasure. Brilliant musicians, great singer!

It’s easy for me to rate just about any Elvis album with 5 stars.

OK I get it now

10/10 Elvis Costello is the best

Power pop at its very finest. Costello has both wit and wisdom in spades for someone so young.

Loved this already, though I don't know that I ever owned the whole album

Guess I’m getting old

Straight on brilliance all spun from a combination of sock hop, rockabilly, and punk. Add in classic lyricism and you've got a keeper.

One of the greatest debut albums of all time.

Every tune a single.

So many hits! Obviously not as exciting as the next album, but the live bands playing the material from the first two albums is my Elvis jam. A little one note, but that's part of the charm. Great record.

Awesome, great songs, great singer

There are several "game-changing" albums that helped shape my musical tastes and My Aim Is True is definitely one of them. This album helped define my love of late 70's British punk/New Wave rock that introduced me to similar sounding musicians and bands from the era, Graham Parker, Joe Jackson, Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds (w/ Rockpile), Brinsley Schwarz and Ducks Deluxe. This was Elvis's amazing debut album and how many musicians have released 3 consecutive stunners from the start of their career this good? My Aim Is True has two of EC's career defining songs (Alison, Watching The Detectives) that are essential to any era and genre. His next album is even better with the addition of his semi-perma-band, The Attractions, but there's no doubt that wouldn't have been made without the accomplishment of My Aim Is True and it's impact and success..

Viel Gitarre, watching the detectives bekannt und gut, Blues und Rock, gefällt mir

Oke wel echt zeer hard van genoten...ik ga hem geven maar is een nipte hoor

One of the great first albums.

Brilliant Costello.

I took a look at the album releases in 1977 to get an idea of what I was listening to at that time: Pink Floyd>Animals; Steely Dan>Aja and David Bowie>Low. A friend of mine's older brother, who liked the blues, got this album and when I heard it, I found it too rearview mirror gazing and rockabilly-esque for my tastes. But at that point the Sex Pistols or Clash or Talking Heads had yet to touch down in Sudbury. The sound, other than "Detectives", does owe a lot to the 50s rock n' roll. The song-writing is great, especially the lyrics, and there are no dud tracks. My favourite (outside of "Detectives") is "I'm not Angry" which appears to put me at odds with most Spotify listeners. There are other Elvis albums I like more, but this is still a 5 in my books.

Good quirky pop tunes, really like, should listen again

I've previously questioned whether the number of Elvis Costello albums on this list might be overkill. However, the inclusion of this, Costello's debut, is clearly very well justified. It comprises 12 immaculately written and performed tracks. Each one is an instant ear worm, but with emotion and depth. Top notch. Rating: 4.5/5 Playlist track: Alison Date listened: 17/09/22

I've heard this before, but maybe I didn't really listen to it. Regardless, I love this album. Alison is an all-time great song. But there's not really a filler song on this thing. There's a great collision of old-fashioned rock n roll with something unhinged that just really works for me. Great stuff.

Liked this one a lot. Never been a huge Costello fan but this album is well done. Great guitar, bass and drum parts. Cool vibe all around.

Fantastic. Great punk.

I had a lot of fun listening to this joint! Costello wears a number of different hats, and does it well. At times he alternately sounds like Graham Parker, the Ronettes, Randy Newman and even the Atlanta Rhythm Section - or do they sound like him? Anyway, short, sharp songs redolent of the pub rock scene, without a whole lot of frippery but plenty of flash. A fantastic record.

p390. 1977. 5 stars Costello when he could still knock out a decent tune. Listening to this, you can see what the fuss was about - razor sharp lyrics, minimal production, and short snappy songs that actually stick in the ear. This is the standard he set himself, and it's just sad to hear the thin meandering whining that he puts out these days compared to this.

Much more eclectic than I was expecting. definitely one to revisit. Cover art 5/5

One of my favorite records, there are so many great songs! I love the songwriting, the variety of song styles, his vocals, …

4.5/5. Quite good, prob my fav Costello

Incredible display of rock and roll.

Best album in the world

zabavnoooo, ovo je odlican album za voznju, 5

Hot damn this is my first experience with Elvis Costello and I am blown away. This album is absolutely fantastic.

One of my favorites from high school. Every song is a hit.