My Aim Is True

I am at a loss for words. I feel like I am being asked to write a review of my lung, or a limb. As a practical matter, very possibly the most heavily played album of my tween and teen years. I first heard it coming from my sister's room and I was too young and couldn't understand any of it but knew it was important. I memorized all of the lyrics I could make out and would sing along and had no idea what I was singing about. When I had to get glasses, I got some that I thought evoked Elvis but the kids at school took it more as Buddy Holly, to where upperclassman were singing Peggy Sue to me while they were locking my belt loop to a locker. Funny intro to Buddy Holly but I did embrace it. But I digress. Welcome To The Working Week has to be one of the best debut album leadoff songs ever. And side two is ridiculous, starting with the sublimely mysterious Angels Wanna Wear My Red Shoes and peaking with the sublimely cynical Waiting For The End Of The World and some incredible shit in between.

Finally! The last of the seemingly interminable number of Elvis Costello albums, and it seems fitting to end on his debut (sans Attractions, at least in the studio (and band name)). I'm a little bummed that this collection overloaded so much on Elvis Costello, because as much as I enjoy his music, at this point I'm not sure I need to listen to him recreationally for quite a while. As for the album, it's a really strong debut, so much so that I find it hard to even try to imagine how people must have thought when they heard Costello for the first time. And while he definitely hadn't hit his stride either style- or lyrics-wise (perhaps in part because he apparently kept his day-job as a data-entry clerk while recording the album, plus not great chemistry with Huey Lewis' Clover band members in the studio), there are some fun tracks on here, mainly "Blame it on Cain", the perennial classic and album-title-toting "Alison", "Less than zero" and of course the bonus/single classic "Watching the detectives" (avec Attractions, sort of). It's probably not the best overall from Costello, but as a debut album it soars.

It's so funny to be seeing you after so long, album. I'm not gonna get too sentimental... but holy shit do I love this album. Nothing defines New Wave better. I had these pink and black checked jeans I got at the Canal Jean Co. in NYC and a little plastic pin of the dancing English Beat girl and we were waiting for the end of the world. xoxo

Didn’t hate it but eh

Not for me.

Not keen. Lots of different genres that sound to me like ska, rockabilly and a bit punk like. Saw someone online describe it as "pub rock" which I think is a spot on description.

okay and calming but not something id classify as a must listen unless people somehow reference it a lot

Fine but forgettable

Un poquito mejor que la mierda que venía escuchando. 4/10

Exceptional power pop. Every song is single-worthy. Just snappy, brisk, and catchy punk influenced jams. A necessary building block in the early days creating the indie aesthetic.

not sure what i was expecting but it wasn't this! pretty fun

Not for me

I was just thinking they it was statistically improbable for me to get this deep in the list without encountering Mr. Costello, and here he is. This is an easy one for me because I’ve known all the words for twenty years or more. It wasn’t my first EC album (that was Armed Forces) and I don’t think I knew it was HIS first. But I definitely got that first album vibe of someone coming in off the street and putting down something that’s been bottled up inside of him for years. All the messiness that would later get ironed out with The Attractions is a lot of what I enjoy here. Others have analyzed every song so I’ll say a bit about EC and what he meant to me as a kid in the 90s. Before Wikipedia answers about your favorite artists were not so straightforward… I knew EC was of the punk era but his image didn’t fit with the hardcore punk I knew. He wore his heart on the sleeve as all the emo kids were about too. Yet at the same time he was an adult and a working artist, not some long-ago legend who had flamed out. After starting with the classics I would buy his new albums too, though those never really stayed with me. I guess what it all says is that more than just about anyone I’ve encountered on the list so far, Elvis Costello was someone I wanted to be. I haven’t made any music since giving up the saxophone in 10th grade but I wanted his kind of impact as a writer or journalist or whatever I thought I was going to be. I don’t idolize him in the same way now and I certainly don’t get why he has nine albums on the list. But I’m damn glad this one is here, the start of it all and truly a record everyone should encounter

Excelent

Nice pub rock album. Good mix of punk and ‘50/60’s doo-wop style songs.

Great album, I’m a big fan. Some instant classics on this album including Alison, The Angels Want to Wear My Red Shoes, and Watching the Detectives. All the songs are good, some are great.

Not crazy about this

7/10

Muy buen álbum el ejemplo perfecto de canciones de domingo por la mañana

reminds me of Saved by the Bell for some reason

There is more Elvis Costello on this list than Elvis

This was my first approach to Elvis Costello, I only knew a pair of his songs. I really liked this album, short songs with good rhythms, even reggae with "Watching the Detectives" The songs that I like the most are: - Miracle Man - Less than zero - Mistery Dance - I'm not angry Take it eeeasy 🤟🏽

I gave this album three tries. At best, it is unmemorable--unoffensive, but unmemorable. There are songs on here that I would be willing to revisit in the future, but overall this is not an album that I was impressed by. (Can we also talk about the album cover? Red text on a checkerboard background is way too much.)

не плохо, но ни о чем

Qué vaina es esta chamo

Not my cup of tea.

Best album ever

Idk

Nice album, higher than 3 but not enough for a 4 so… Really liked “I’m not angry.”

I have a friend who is IN LOVE with this album. I don’t get it AT ALL.

I likes Alison, the rest of the album wasn't really for me.

some bangers, cool funky vibe

Never really got into Elvis Costello and I weirdly got him confused with Billy Joel. This is some good rock and I really dig it. Might just be turning me into an Elvis Costello fan.

Oh good, ANOTHER Elvis Costello "masterpiece" to suffer through. That's six albums now, if anyone is counting. I can hear the sad hipsters bristling as we speak: "There are only TWO Elvis Costello albums! The other four are Elvis Costello and the Attractions!" I don't care about your dumb technicalities. It's the same shitty music, the same shitty voice, the same shitty sound, the same shitty experience. It's shitty times six.

Greta Guitars and voice tone, not my stile but very good

I've heard that it takes some time to "get" Elvis Costello's music. I'm not there yet.

My favorite album

Gefällt mir recht gut, schön und abwechslungsreich

I like more this album

Didn’t really incite strong feelings for me either way on the whole. There were some things I liked however. I thought the instrumentals were pretty good throughout, the drums are played quite energetically and generally keep quite busy. The bass is pretty good throughout, especially in “Less than Zero”, “Alison”, and “Sneaky Feelings”. The vocals are serviceable to good, although Elvis occasionally has a strange twang, particularly in the first half of the album. Highlights for me were the very catchy “Blame it on Cain”, and then the last 3 tracks. Starting with “I’m Not Angry”, we go into a cool harder, heavier groove. This had Elvis’s best vocals for me, complemented by some cool, weird harmonica thing. And the guitar in this song is absolutely sick. “Waiting for the End of the World” keeps a bit of the harder sound, with the guitar wailing between the lines of the chorus. The last track, “Watching the Detectives”, has a sort of moody noir detective sound, over a reggae beat, which works surprisingly well.

More rockabilly sounding than his next punky stuff. Really good

It was fun. Sounded modern somehow.

This was my first exposure to Elvis Costello, and I cannot believe this album was recorded in the 70s. It sounds like an indie record from a decade ago, but more fresh and authentic. Song after song with hooks, great production, and a wild range of styles. Favorites: Blame it on Cain, Alison. I don't come back to it as much as I expected, but when I do I enjoy the hell out of it. Initial Rating: 4 Revised Rating: 4

Welcome to the working week: what an opener. Every time I put this album on, I’m immediately drawn into its strange mélange of dodgy characters and sticky hooks. Aside from some rather mediocre songs in the second half (the overly Elvis-leaning “Mystery Dance,” the honky-tonk-driven “Pay It Back,” and the rather uninspired guitar-solo rock pastiche “I’m Not Angry”), this still stands as one of the best debut albums of all time. Even the songs that aren’t perfect already showcase that undeniable chorus/post-chorus magic that Elvis Costello mastered like no other. It sounds simple, but it seems damn hard to replicate — even after all these years. 4.5… so close to a 5.

Was alright but nothing particularly stood out to me listening to this. Didn't love it or hate it. Not as good as some of his other stuff like She

Outstanding album carried by the classic “Alison.” Only reason not five stars is I didn’t love any of the other songs, but definitely liked them all.

Not sure I really get Elvis Costello. Almost enjoyed this though

Alison is a tune. Watching the detectives is a tune. The rest are fine. Simpsons: Yes

One of the greatest debut albums ever. Pretty much perfect.

I liked Living in Paradise

4 - I’d be hoppy if Elvis played at my prom. A real vibe - play on a spotify song playlist and see what happens.

Kinda whines when he sings.

Okay-ish

it's ok, but still cannot fully enjoy Costello's music

Best Elvis Costello album so far (had 3). Close to a 5. I'd rate it 4.5/5

Бодро зашло

meh. not memorable

Hard to say the extent to which I was actually enjoying this vs. just me being surprised by how modern it sounded! Big influence from this one, and not what I expected, but I don't know if I'll listen to it again.

Ни о чём. Не слушал раньше и не буду дальше

Punchy pop punk, proto-new wave and power pop beautifully blended together. The album's title is very apropos. Each track is solid and hits the mark perfectly. Great album.

This came out in 1977??? The same year as Rumors??? FOUR YEARS after The Dark Side of the Moon??? What was Elvis Costello doing between 1967 and 1977??? If you told me that this came out in 1957 I would believe you!!!! Anyway, its fine I guess, apparently Costello is known for his songwriting which I unfortunately cannot assess very well from a single listen, I'll have to listen more in the future I guess. Not really for me but not criminal 2.5/5

good guitar, some parts have too much of an american country sound for me, gets better mid way through stand out songs- blame it on cain, the angels want to wear my red shoes, mystery dance watching the detectives sounds like a chilli peppers song

I don't really like Elvis Costello. He's fine, but that's it. But this list makes me listen to his albums. And every listen confirms that he's fine and I don't like him

Loved this since I was a teen. Every track is great. Really varied and interesting. Alison, Less Than Zero, Watching the Detectives all absolute classics. His lyrics and wordplay are top notch

nooo dancing 💃🕺

Enjoyable enough?

Second Elvis Costello album so far on the list. I liked the last one. Let’s see abt this one. Working week is fine. Pretty catchy. Simple background track. Definitely old. I like miracle man a lot more. Really good song writing. Good guitar. No dancing is fine. Again, definitely old. Cool harmonies. Good rhymes on blame it on Cain. Don’t really understand the song tho. Pretty good either way. Alison is a banger. Classic love song. Red shoes is pretty fun. Catchy but dumb lyrics. I can’t believe this is from 77, sounds like it should be 60s. I like less than zero a lot more. Really good guitar. Better lyrics too. Mystery dance is exactly what I expected an Elvis Costello song would sound like prior to listening to any. It’s fine, just generic. Really cool guitar on pay it back. I’m not angry is fine too. All of the songs are starting to blend together. He definitely has a good/unique voice. Again cool guitar on end of the world. This one is really well written. One of the best songs on the album. Way too much going on with watching the detectives. Not a huge fan of this one. Would’ve liked a better closing song. The album as a whole was not as good as the first Costello album for sure. It was just fine. 2.2 stars. Did not last the test of time.

My first exposure to EC, so glad it was his debut album. Good music, clever lyrics, fun album. Looking forward to hearing more of his stuff.

Interesting music. Not my usual but very high energy music!

What a fun record! I've never listened to this before and really not much Elvis Costello, so it was a good listen. Some good riffs throughout, nice grooves, just generally enjoyable.

The list doesn’t need this many Elvis Costello albums and for that I’m almost going in with prejudice. I’ve had a few already, only about 47 more to go. It’s perfectly fine but it doesn’t really do much for me.

not bad it bad

His first record is also his best. What an audacious debut album. In general, I find Costello’s songs too wordy, and they’re definitely pushing that line here, but there are enough hooks to keep my toes tapping.

Almost good, not quite, close but no cigar. I prefered the one before.

Just an okay album. not for me

Not his best but memorable.

3/5, pretty good album! I don't think Costello is as deserving of his reputation of being in the same lyrical world as Bob Dylan, but he's certainly a cut above your average musician in that regard. There's some great rhythms and melodies here and there. Small complaint is how often Costello will rely on the same vocal rhythms over and over again, so the album does start sounding samey after five songs in. His distinctive delivery doesn't help in that respect either.

Elvis Costello, a name I kept seeing referenced during this journey, but can’t say I knew much about otherwise. Upon further exploration of his hits I realized why his sound was so familiar. I enjoyed the listen and the style of this album overall. May explore further at a later time.

The best way to describe Elvis Costello's music is irritating. This is probably the least irritating of his music so far, but wow I cannot stand him. Points for an album cover that goes this hard Best Song: No Dancing Rating: 4.5/10 Stars: 2

Another Elvis Costello album. This is a good un. Brilliant songs with catchy melodies and smart lyrics.

Replay yes

Don’t love the vocals but pretty solid

Better then expected

The first of 6 Elvis Costello records this list is making me endure. I hope they aren’t all like this.

Ah been wanting to listen to more of this guy so glad to get my first of his albums. And nice to start with his debut. Let’s see… To be honest, I thought I might be more blown away. It’s pleasant and clearly a good songwriting. But so far not 🤯 Not much more to say and a 3.5 for me

A great album, but not my fave by him

I love Elvis and the songs are great, but this man needs The Attractions not the fucking News.

Ytterligare en artist som är en blind fläck för mig. Gillar det här! ”Welcome to the working week” och ”I’m not angry” är toppen. Samtidigt finns lite trök här också. Men rätt stark 3a ändå!

Skoj med en till Elvis! Sjukt länge sen jag lyssnade på den här Elvisen. Har bara hört hitsen från den här skivan, han har ju släppt så stört många. Dom vi hade hemma när man var basic junior var främst från 90-talet. Min favorit med honom är den där han gör med legenden -Burt Bacharach. Där snackar vi magi! Den här plattan var ju ruggigt fet den med. Vet inte om jag ogillar en enda låt. Sen när den smekande gitarren kommer in i början av Alison vet man ju att det är leveratch. Han sjunger inte riktigt så bra som han gör senare i karriären här, men plattan avslutas med white reggae, vilket gör att det inte kan blir lägre än en stark fyra👌 absolut noll häng på basisten haha

En av farsans två uttalade favoritartister. Den andra är Joe Jackson, som låter precis som Elvis Costello.

Now that's a debut album!

Every Costello album on this list makes me wonder "What point of my life did I become a Costello fan and never realized it?" I remember being turned off at some point in my teen grunge era, but now every song hits me. This must be like birdwatching and WWII history. Sneaks up on middle age guys.

Like fine wine, gets better with age.

OK

Det her album var faktisk mit første med Elvis Costello (Ved en fejl dog) - nu har jeg altså fået nok af det sløsede pis!

Sigter godt, men rammer skidt

Það kom að því, Elvis Costello plata sem mér finnst bara fín en ekki stórgóð. Hann er greinilega einn af þeim sem batnar með árunum.

13 - Elvis Costello - My Aim is True - Rating = 4 I am a fan of Elvis Costello - this is definitely the more raw/early effort sound - Welcome to the Working Week is a nice opener, Miracle Man continues the distinct Elvis vocal lead rambler. No Dancing is a change of pace, a little jangly and some light crooning happening. Blame it on Cain… okay now I feel like we may be in the funky South. This has a serious country vibe crossed with simple 70’s guitars… This on is not really my vibe. Alison is an all-time classic song that I love. Sneaky Angels is a cross between the jangly blues I don’t love and the Elvis crooning that works… not sure. The Angels Wanna Wear my Red Shoes is another classic, and the bonus of Watching the Detectives is super nice. This is a pretty strong record if a bit dated.

OOGH I LIKE THIS It's so fun i like that every song has cool lyrics Sounds like the non dark version of alice cooper

Very cool Standout songs: Miracle Man Red Shoes Less than Zero

This feels very similar to Men at Work. Honestly I like his solo work a lot better than his work in "Elvis Costello and the Attractions". I like "Welcome to the working week" and "miracle man". Apparently there could have been harmonica on this album, which always makes an album better. God I love the harmonica. I wonder if the movie watching the detectives is based on this song. I didn't really like the movie because it talks about a man who is desperately in love with this girl who keeps treating him badly and he keeps telling her he doesn't like it but she keeps doing it. I keep seeing videos of the one scene where he's trying to flirt with her and it's like "Oh is that my cut? Is that my cut, baby?" and the captions are like "OMGGG GIVE ME A MAN LIKE THIS" or "If he isn't like this, I don't want him". It just annoys me because it's an unhealthy relationship to me? He's obsessed with her and it brings him a lot of pain (albeit the pain is kind of funny sometimes, i.e. him running around the baseball track crying). Anyways at the end of the movie he gives in and I HATE THAT HE DOES. I found something on reddit that said the title is likely from the Elvis Costello song. They thought it was because they kind of have the same story.

Vooral een leuke listen, maar niet per se erg interessant verder. Klinkt als: Jeff Rosenstock

Ruime 3 sterren. Klinkt inderdaad een beetje als moderne Indië/pop/punk als Jeff rosenstock

Beetje irritante plaat.

This was a fun one! Listened to it all over campus.

Good music. I like the little The Clash in it. Too much albums of him on this list.

7/10 On first listen, I got quite into this. It’s pretty simple in places and it burns its way through tracks like it’s going out of fashion, rarely hanging on an ideas for too long, but there’s a certain charm to it and the fact that it doesn’t often outplay its ideas by dragging them on is definitely a strength. There’s a good pop music sensibility to the melodic aspects of the composition, but it’s got a little twist of other influences spread throughout, with elements of punk, rock n roll and even an edge of ska. The band here (Clover, members of which would go on to form Huey Lewis & The News) do a magnificent job and it’s a crisp, tight performance all round that really adds to the light, poppy edge of the production. That’s not to say it doesn’t have a bit of grit and edge to it, but that mix of tones is presented in a really approachable package. Elvis’ voice treads a really nice line between the raw punky edge and the more sincere, subtle delivery of the more relaxed numbers, and that little bit of range helps to add an extra tonal variety. He writes some decent melodies in here that do a good job of hooking you in to a track, but he’s also not afraid to throw in some less conventional chord changes and transitions that keeps you on your toes just that little bit. On repeat listening, I did find that there were a few lulls here and there, and there were some tracks in which the component parts didn’t quite gel into a completely coherent and consistent whole, but for the most part it was a pretty enjoyable record. It’s definitely an interesting starting point and I’d be interested to hear where Mr Costello goes next. Welcome To The Working Week - It’s a strong start that’s clean and poppy, but has a little bit of punk edge to it. It shifts between a sharp, staccato sound and something more smooth. The vocal harmonies are great. It’s rhythmically compelling too. Kind of a shame it’s less than a minute and a half long! Miracle Man - It’s slightly disappointing that the tempo of the opener is lost so quickly. This has a nice swung groove to it and a nice melodic sensibility and is very tightly performed. It’s a well written song, with plenty of interest across the instrumentation but unfortunately it’s not quite as engaging as the opener. No Dancing - This feels like we’re building to something with a bit more pizzazz. It’s got a bit of a motown blended with 60s pop-rock sound to it, but it never quite bounces its way to the heights that it promised early doors. The sound is pleasant and coherent, but I’m just left wanting something a little bit more from it. I think it maybe feels a lot like it’s made up of lots of intros that never actually lead up to the proper song. Blame It On Cain - Ah, here we go. This has got a solid hook of a chorus with a verse that builds up nicely to it. The swing of the groove is really nice and the tonal mix is solid soo. It has a good blend of clean rock and roll stylings with a pinch of punky grit and a poppy melodic sensibility. Pretty good. Alison - Now we’re on to a smooth ballad. There’s some nice guitar playing here and I really like the way the lead vocal wanders around, rather than just sitting on a fixed motif. It’s still got that little rough edge to it that gives it a bit of charm, and the chorus is a really nice piece of composition that actually does something musically interesting, rather than anything too obvious. Sneaky Feelings - The pace has picked up and it feels like we’re more into the swing of things now. There’s a cool strolling swing to this with some tasty transitions between sections. The general blend of grooves across the instrumentation is solid and the piano and bass are particularly worthy of note. It’s just a really good pop-rock number. (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes - Another great bit of pop melodic writing. This is smooth, has great rhythmic elements and flows really nicely. The vibe is rock solid and it’s got that little edge of attitude in the vocal delivery to give it a bit of an extra kick. There’s nothing overly complex about it, but it’s good songwriting that’s executed brilliantly. Less Than Zero - There are some really great elements to this track, but there’s something about it that feels a little bit disjointed in places. I think it maybe rests too far back on the groove in places where I feel like it would benefit from driving forward a little. It’s a shame, because there are bits of this that are really compelling. Mystery Dance - Now we’re into flat out rock and roll. It’s great stuff, really well played and has a compelling pace to it too, although it’s a pretty standard example of the genre from a songwriting point of view. It’s also over in a minute and a half. Pay It Back - Another nice rocky swing number now. It’s got a great, finger-clicking groove to it with a lovely strolling bass line. Again, there’s a solid pop melodic sensibility here that gives things an engaging vibe. The band sounds completely locked in and there are some great pieces of instrumental work in there too. It’s just a really competent and coherent swinging pop rock song. I'm Not Angry - The guitar is full of attitude on this track, playing with swagger and feel. It’s a pretty simple song, but again, the vibe keeps it driving along well. It’s got that little bit of grit to it and the transition to an almost country edge through the softer sections is pretty cool. It is a little on the repetitive side though. Waiting For The End Of The World - This is another that I really like aspects of, but it feels like it lacks a little bit of fluidity in places and is a bit too plodding or rhythmically stilted in a few places. The general gist of it is pretty good though and the vibe continues to be solid

I got a cassette of this soon after it was released, and listened to it many, many times. I have always been in awe at the precision and elegance of the arrangements - exquisite lead guitar work, lots of lovely keyboard work, everything fitting near-perfectly together. (The sound now makes me think of Steely Dan - in a good way :-) Amazing to me that Clover (uncredited backing band) apparently worked their parts out in just a few rehearsal sessions with Costello [McManus]. Song after song are so musically bright, lyrically charged. My favourite song used to be Mystery Dance (ultimate punk sexual tension song), these days I just love them all to bits!! It's Incredibly Wonderful, 10/10.

For a debut album Elvis Costello arrives fully formed. I've always said about Elvis that if you don't like one of his songs that's ok because there'll be a new one on in like 2 minutes. Quick great sons, great energy, I kind of wish I dated a woman named Alison at some point in my life

This is fine. Like Buddy Holly died and years later its good to pretend to be him. It's a fine ballad and light rock/swing. Like I enjoyed it, but its not an amazing album. If it came on I'd sway to it, but not listen to to it again.

Big thumbs up. Fresh

look it wasnt bad but as i was listening i was thinking that i did not give a shit about this album. they all sounded the same. i did not find it interesting at all

Enjoyed this one more than I thought I would

Still carries as strong a whiff of "where the hell did THIS come from?" as it did in 1977. Backing band Clover's country rock and bar band R&B is polite compared to the rude snarl the Attractions brought to MAiT's follow-up, 1978's "This Year's Model," but it never gets in the way of the songs, and John McFee's guitar is always worth a listen.

Chill, easy listening rock. One great love ballad if your name is Alison. I liked it but I didn't love it. Top tracks: "Alison," "Less than Zero," "Welcome to the Working Week" NOTE: I did not include "Watching the Detectives" as it wasn't on the original release. If that was on the OG album, it might give 'My Aim is True' four stars.

Meh. It's good and fine.

Final thoughts: each track is aggressively okay-to-good altpop/new wave. and as I get further into the list, I'm realizing okay-to-good is not good enough. there's a finite amount of space on the 1001, ElvCos is well represented even without this, and it's simply a solid-at-best debut 3/5 personal enjoyment 1/5 whether or not it's necessary to hear this before I die ******************************************************************************* --Welcome to the Working Week...fun opener --Miracle Man...decent rocker but this could be from any pub band in America or across the pond --No Dancing...we open up the production a bit. Costello is in good voice --Blame It on Cain...a 50s/60s throwback. unlike the previous track, I don't buy the vocals here --Alison...not my thing --Sneaky Feelings...sweet bass groove. nice piano addition --(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes...not bad but a little aimless. like he wrote it 30 minutes before recording --Less Than Zero...this is far more deliberate. great chorus --Mystery Dance...a Big Bopper-style throwback. it's fun --Pay It Back...another solid but not special rocker --I'm Not Angry..."please don't put in the newspaper that I got angry". sick guitar solo at the end --Waiting for the End of the World...a head-bopper/toe-tapper. nice 'n' dirty drumming --Watching the Detectives (bonus track)...reggae stuff. meh

Not good. Incidentally, this once again proves to me that, despite the critics adamantly claiming otherwise, Duran Duran's 'Thank You' album offers an improved version of every track it covers (many of the originals are on this list). This album, however, is truly more annoying than enjoyable (which, by itself, would be a capital offence). Add to that EC's unjustifiably taking up 6 of these 1,001 seats, and there really is no other sensible score but a 1 here.

The more I am forced to listen through what it appears to be all of Costello’s discography, the clearer it becomes. He sucks.

It's 3.75 but today i'm feeling good.

I thoroughly enjoyed this album. It makes me want to revisit Costello's early work.

No me lo acuerdo pero creo q estuvo bueno

Seems I heard half of the songs on this album and did not listen to the first half and stop before. Had another album from his early on from the generator and I enjoyed overall. Liked the hit songs but it went by very quickly.

Some songs good, at least one song weird...

Grr this guy again

3.5/5 Pleasantly surprised! I can hear inspiration from this album from the 70's in a lot of more recent music that I enjoy which is always nice! The first song was a charming 1:23 long and his songs know when they've said what they need to (shown in the typically sub-3-minute length of songs on this album) a pleasant relief from some of the Britpop on this list. I'm looking at you, Parklife by Blur. It was refreshing and groovy with high and low points that kept me engaged. Solid album! Probably not going on any playlists.

Medio aburrido aunque obvio para la época era innovador, interesante

Would have been awesome to listen to if I just came back from Vietnam. Otherwise, unremarkable.

I like some of this, but it’s not as good as his later material with the Attractions, and as an album it’s all just a bit samey. 2.5

Suffering from Elvis Costello fatigue from this project but just when I thought I absolutely hated him, his debut album shows up and is not only listenable but enjoyable.

I’ve heard of elvis before I thought the album was ok an easy listen but not something I would search for but overall it was alright no stand out songs

eh not my thing but good music still

10/10, definitely listen again

I am usually undecided about Elvis Costello, but I liked this way more than I'd expected.

The album cover gave me a headache

inoffensive Caucasian slop. Only realized it was over because new band started playing something good. Really tries to appeal to a suburban america that I am just indifferent to. Listened to it a second time (something I wouldnt do if it wasnt so short) to try and see if it could change my mind, but its just... bland.

Slowly re rating this periodically. I love this album. Its so fun, every song is catchy 9/10 I love nearly every track, favs however: Welcome to the Working Week, Red Shoes, Mystery Dance

meh

3/5

Mega Album. Mega Typ. Hab ich gut durch die Küche getanzt!

Chillomillo rocky music

Varied. Good lyrics. Will listen again

Not bad, I prefer Armed Forces.

Encantada con el álbum.

My favorite Elvis Costello album. Good upbeat songs and the ballads aren’t too syrupy.

Jest okej, ale większość piosenek się od siebie nie różni 2,5/5

I enjoyed the drums in Miracle Man & (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes! Alison had some great songwriting and storytelling. This was such a fun listen and also incredibly good for being a debut album. I'm honestly surprised I haven't heard of Elvis Costello before. Rating: 3.5->4

3,5 actually

Just as punk rock was taking the UK by storm in 1977, an emerging British artist by the name of Elvis Costello was also determined to speak to the working class struggles of his countrymen and women, but rather than utilising the in-your-face, anachistic ways of the Sex Pistols or the worldly consciousness, Costello donned Buddy Holly-like specs, rockabilly attire and crooned through his debut record, 'My Aim Is True', as more of a hero than a rebel. Despite Costello being a British artist in the midst of the punk movement, his heartfelt, passionate croon has more in common with Bruce Springsteen than Joe Strummer, and the songs are simple, catchy and easy-listening. Lyrically, the album covers the frustrations of business ('Welcome to the Working Week'), longing for girls ('Alison') and fractured relationships ('(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes'). The only lyrics on the record that really come close to punk's overtly political themes is 'Less Than Zero', which concerns the crimes of former British Union of Fascists leader Oswald Mosley, but musically, the song is another straight-forward rocker that evokes a strong Springsteen comparison. With punk being all the rage of 1977, it was very brave of Costello to go against the grain with the more rockabilly and American rock-inspired 'My Aim Is True', but the strength of the songwriting ensures its strength as a solid debut, and Costello would only get better from here. Best songs: Welcome to the Working Week, Blame It On Cain, Alison, (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes, Less Than Zero

Just bang average honestly. 3 stars

Alright...I thought it wasn't possible but it finally happened. I found an Elvis Costello album I actually think is good. Even listened to it twice. I hope you're happy.

All songs sound the same, Whiney boy

Not really my cuppa

Fine but middling. Nothing really stood out to me from this album and I don't really remember any of the songs. Probably won't seek this out again. Why is his name also Elvis?

I honestly don't see the appeal of this album. Yes it has a very nervy and funky sound in a sense, but combining punk and pub-rock does not go well together. His voice and lyrics isn't really engaging in my opinion. Maybe if I was a grandpa, I'd have a different perspective on this. I wouldn't say this is hot trash to give it a 1 but it's close to borderline unbearable and I don't think I'll be listening to this album again. Very forgettable.

Love this early stuff

it is exactly as boring as i expected

... They all sounded the same. Music was good.. idk his voice put me off I think he should have gone into country music.

Highlights: ...Welcome To The Working Week, Miracle Man, Blame It On Cain, Alison, Sneaky Feelings, (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes, Pay It Back, I'm Not Angry, Waiting For The End Of The World Lowlights: --------------------------- This was phenomenal. Haven't listened to much Costello beforehand, but this blew me away. Loved every second.

not interesting, nothing to say.

Just annoying really

Not for me

Primera impresión: Tiene un sonido interesante, no es un género que esté tan acostumbrado a escuchar pero es disfrutable (al menos hasta ahora). Mitad: Me parece un álbum fácil de escuchar, se me está pasando rápido. Me gusta pero tampoco me fascina, por ahora se me está haciendo un poco repetitivo por momentos. Además creo que debería prestarle mayor atención a las letras. Final: La verdad es que me gustó, es entretenido y hay canciones que volvería a escuchar. No sé si está entre mis álbumes favoritos pero es llevadero e interesante. Quizás debería reescucharlo prestando más atención a las letras, pero sonoramente es disfrutable. Canciones favoritas: Mystery Dance y Waiting for the end of the world

4.2

Elvis Costello is the type of rock music you'd listen to if you had an underlying need to not appear too edgy.

solid 7/10

Great album! Amazing this was his debut.

This is really hokey for the punk image he was trying to present at the time. Despite this, there are some interesting chord progressions and memories contained within. I'm surprised this was a hit. I imagine it sounded antiquated to audiences at the time but maybe it felt nostalgic. Overall, it's fine.

Everyone should have an Elvis Costello phase; it should include but not be limited to My Aim Is True, This Year's Model, and Armed Forces. Loving these three records can last you a lifetime. On My Aim Is True we don't yet have the extra magic of the Attractions as his backing band but as much as I appreciate the gifts they bring with their excellent musicianship and chemistry to later records (special shout out to the no relations: Bruce and Pete Thomas one of the best rhythm sections of their era), it just goes to show how well-crafted these songs are and that Clover, the backing band on this record, was up to the task. And to think, after that incredible introduction, there's still a massive catalogue to discover.

I really dislike the voice and manner of singing, will not continue with this album

Sopivan menevää poprockia. Osa biiseistä hyviä mut menee vähän taustamusa teemaan Albumi hyvin samankaltainen läpikotaisin.

Good stuff

I never really liked Elvis Costello. This album is great - before his singing affectations became too much. A very enjoyable listen.

My first of apparently many Elvis Costello records for this project. I liked Elvis Costello going into this, and I still do coming out, which is good news. He is one of the few people who can remain cool whilst being a proper showman

Album #69 Elvis Costello: My Aim Is True When I was younger, I would confuse Elvis Costello with Woody Allen. I don’t know why that confusion came up multiple times, but it did. They do look quite similar, sort of scrawny guys with glasses, at first appear to be nerds, but somehow they have an undeniably charisma and swagger to them that makes them appealing to women. Costello’s music is quirky and pulp in nature, similar to Allen’s comedy; so it is probably no mistake that I now think of both of them as geniuses. One last comparison I’ll make of Costello is that he has always felt to me like the British Springsteen. I hear quite a few similarities in their voice and rambling presence, as well as the working-class themes and tales of young love they present. But onto Costello himself, if New Wave were to be represented by an actual wave in the ocean, then Elvis Costello would be like JKL from SpongeBob; he rode that wave like no other. Costello is potentially the second most influential British musician of the 70s, when judging by the impact they had on the 80s, only after Eno and Roxy Music. The entire New Wave sound of the early 80s can be traced back to him. My Aim Is True is his debut and potentially most influential album, as it set the stage for what would come, and for my money, it may well be his best. There really isn’t a bad song on this album. It’s less than 40 minutes, the songs are short, non-stop banger: essentially my ideal template of an album. I can certainly understand that this wouldn’t appeal to everyone, but if you get it, then there aren’t many people who can do it better than Costello. A fairly appropriate album for my number 69, though I have to say that This Year’s Model may have been slightly more fitting. Best Songs: Less Than Zero, Watching The Detectives, Alison Worst Song: Mystery Dance Score out of 10: 9

A must for this list

This album was thrilling in 1977 and it’s stood the test of time really well. It was a hybrid in many ways, the backing music being provided by American country-rockers, and Costello himself directing his traditional song structure instincts towards a punkish aesthetic to match the zeitgeist. But while it could have been a weird melange, it turned out that Elvis’s razor sharp lyrics and angry geek delivery (coupled with an in-the-room-with-you production feel from Nick Lowe) fit the moment perfectly, providing a complementary counterpoint to the more visceral punk sounds and attitudes of the time. It’s important to remember its context as a coming-from-nowhere debut album, and lyrically some of the songs reflect Costello’s emotional immaturity at that time, but the torrent of words and their snappy delivery made it an eye-opening treat then, and it’s still highly listenable now.

I've heard some of this music before but never listened to a while album at once. It's OK, but a bit samey. Maybe if I listened to it multiple times I'd start to see the differences. I find his vocal sty;e a little irritating. He sings with an American accent even though I know he's English. Mick Jagger does the same sometimes and wonder why they do this. Musically it's OK and the vocals don't grate too much despite the accent.

Welcome To The Working Week - 5/10 (It's this low because it's just a short intro song, but I'm getting heavy Billy Joel vibes from this so I'm excited) Miracle Man - 6/10 No Dancing - 6.5/10 Blame It On Cain - 5/10 (I'm gonna be honest, these songs aren't bad! But I feel bad giving them scores any higher than these because I'm really not enjoying this album THAAAT much at least so far? It's kind of just eh) Alison - 8.5/10 (Okay this song I really like actually this is a calm little tune) Sneaky Feelings - 7/10 (This one is really fun) (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes - 6.5/10 (This sounds like B list Billy Joel, like if I wanted this vibe I would never listen to this, I'd just put on Billy Joel, but again! Not that bad!) Less Than Zero - 6/10 (This whole album sounds the same so far, apart from Alison, which is probably why I like that song so much! I'm not a big fan of samey albums, which is ironic considering I gave Iron Maiden a 4/5 yesterday but THAT ALBUM WAS AT LEAST FUN!!) Mystery Dance - 7/10 (This sounds just like "Great Balls of Fire", like almost exactly, but I mean that's a great song and this one is pretty fun too! Too short tho!) Pay It Back - 6/10 I'm Not Angry - 7.5/10 (Actually sounds different compared to the rest of the album, gets bonus points for that!) Waiting For The End Of The World - 6/10 (Again, sonically different but eh I still dont care for it tooo much) Watching The Detectives - bored/10 (Man it's not bad but for such a short album I'm so numb already that I can't even think) This album was boring as hell and just worse sounding Billy Joel, like it's not bad, and from my song rankings it would probably be a higher score than this, but my actual score is what's at the end here, not so much the star rating. 2.5/5

I love Elvis Costello and this is an epic debut.

Great! No death metal, but a second Elvis Costello album, where he sounds like an American Loverboy. Well, I assume Loverboy copied him. Whatever. IT's the J. Geils band. It's radio slop. Bruce Springsteen for people who are slightly smarter. Only slightly. We have reggae chords, highly affected vocal delivery, and ooh ooh ooohs in the background. This is the music playing on a zero alcohol pedal pub that is en route to a vintage camera convention. Just give me 3000 fedoras, a few "EC" records and 20 minutes with that crowd and I'll triple your money. While we're asking for impossible things, can you give me my 36 minutes back? This sucked. I give it a one, because there were lyrics in here that were kind of alright. SOME. ..and Waiting for the End of the World was pretty good. Don't run away with that. I can see the tabloids now. "EXTREMELY NEGATIVE REVIEWER *LOVES* COSTELLO LYRICS - CREDIBILITY DISINTEGRATES." I do it to myself. 1 HIGHLIGHTS: HuhhWHoa whoa Huhhh Darling Hwoah Red Shoes Uno is a reference to wrestling

Couldn't get into it. I liked Alison, other songs were alright. Solid 3 star for me. His other albums and songs are much better.

Love me some early Elvis

Not bad, but not memorable

Decent enough for a first album but it's not a knockout

Love Elvis Costello. For me, this isn't his absolute best work—I've always loved This Year's Model and Blood and Chocolate—but it's not too far off from it either. This album rules. 9/10

This was quite fun! Not my kind of thing but I can see the appeal

I do like the Elvis Costello songs I know, although that isn't many of them. That meant that this album overall wasn't as good as I was maybe hoping it would be - not bad, just not as good as I'd hoped. I want to give it a bit of a pass given it's his debut, but then I remember that we're ostensibly talking about the greatest, or most important albums of all time here... And this is pretty average by either of those metrics. I don't really like "it's important because it launched his career and paved the way for better albums" as a justification for noteworthiness either. I can see there's lots more Costello on the list, this is my first... So I'm still hopeful that the rest might be really good. This gets the most average, middle of the road 3 rating from me.

I’ve loved this album for years.

Another Costello album down, and I remain mystified as to the appeal

More background music, next!

This album is awesome. It feels like a punk album but from the 50's. Good songs, great voice. I have no complaints other than I haven't heard it enough to give it 5 stars.

Excelente!

A classic album. I don’t think I have a favorite song, but definitely decent!

3/5. My first brush with the Elvis Costello event horizon (or technically second since one of my previous albums was produced by him.) and it’s some decent enough rock music. Reminds me of some of the clashes stuff in how it occasionally flirts with 50’s rockabilly music. Overall though I wasn’t blown away or in love with this album, it’s just fine.

groovy but gets old fast

I've been here before. The last one I reviewed was a good one, previous to that I was disappointed. I feel kind of in-between, but on the whole I think he can do better.

not my favorite, zoned out and didn't hear many lyrics

Some of my favs on this one. Can’t listen to Elvis over and over though. Only every now and then.

Neato

Surprisingly shares a lot with Springsteen of the same era. Costello is a treasure.

Wow, the third boring album in a row! Before I joined this project, I had only known Elvis Costello by name - so he must be kind of famous. Earlier on this journey, I reviewed an album of his from the 90s which didn't convince me either. However, the reasons are totally different, so he was probably great in the 80s... Before "My Aim Is True", Costello did his thing as a Singer-Songwriter and on this album he was equipped with a backing band - which as such is a good idea as he has an interesting voice but poor guitar playing skills (the latter I remember from his other record). Still, his voice is not at all times well embedded in the music, leaving the impression of a partnership of convenience. On the other hand, there are a few songs ("Alison", "...Red Shoes") where singer and band align better and give a glimpse of an actually promising and rising artist. As stated in the beginning: Elvis Costello might have been great in the 80s. If so, this still doesn't answer the question why they put his weaker albums on the list.

It's ok, a classic but not my favorite style.

Really liked it

What a debut! This sounds very raw, and I like how it pairs with his style. He sounds really earnest and energized here, also capable of some real bitterness.

I don't know what y'all want from me. I love Elvis Costello. Tons of personality, catchy tunes, energy, cool lyrics. Everything I dig!

Bro was born a decade or two too late

Passable, somewhat laid back rock Fave track: Alison

Eh. 3/5

Decent. Kind of boring. Liked more of this than I thought I would. 3.5/5 Songs added to playlist: - Welcome To The Working Week - Alison - Mystery Dance - I'm Not Angry

Interesting vocal performance, even when it doesn't necessarily land. There isn't a bad track on here, though the ones that stand a cut above either have a strong lead guitar or well-tuned harmonization. Listened to: at Metrotech. Favorite tracks: Alison, Miracle Man, I'm Not Angry

Blame It On Cain, Mystery Dance, and I’m Not Angry were standout tracks for me, I liked them. Less Than Zero was also alright, but for the most part, the album was not that interesting to me. Probably a 3 ⭐️.

A song or two that I might listen to again but otherwise meh. Not that it was bad or anything - I know he’s incredibly respected for his music and contributions- but I just didn’t see anything special here.

Average by Costello standards

i fw this

Solid nerd-rock : liked the tracks where he leans more heavily into a 60's/blues sound rather than the singles I'd previously heard. Well Done "Other-Elvis", 3.5 star

I like it, but not the day after a different Elvis Costello album. 2 in a row is a bit much

I've found Elvis Costello to be very middling across the various albums I've heard. This still holds - but this one maybe feels a bit more accessible. There's not a huge amount of stand-out tracks, but overall it's pretty decent and has some personality to it. Not too bad. It's a very 3/5 album.

Elvis was always a pop master. Never getting too punk, the hits here are always a pleasure to listen to.

I don't know- I had expected to like this more than I did.

It’s a decent album. Not too much variation in most songs. I do love the song Allison. Watching The Detectives is a good song too. I’ve always liked Elvis, but not near as much as others.

Door zijn stem heb ik het niet goed kunnen horen. Hij zong de hele tijd alsof hij bijna klaarkwam of pijn had in zijn linker kleine teen of allebei. Als een nummer zoals Alison wel een goed intro heeft dan word het snel weer verpest door een stem die klinkt alsof die moet poepen en halverwege de drol er achterkomt dat het eten van gisteravond te pittig was

Niet mijn ding, saai. Irritant, had geen zin om het af te luisteren. Te onintrsseant om er lang over te schrijven.

Ik weet niet zo goed wat ik over dit album moet zeggen, ik vond het vooral saai en oninteressant.

Qué buen album se mandó el tipo. Simple, pero efectivo. 8/10

This is my second Costello album of the project(This Year's Model was first). Given that This Year's Model was incredibly mediocre, I didn't have high expectations for this. Even so, it didn't surpass them; it sounds like a worse, less punchy version of This Year's Model. Lyrics are just ok, and the vocal timbre of Costello really isn't good at all. It feels too basic and devoid of a distinct sound to really warrant being here at all. And if this, one of Costello's best works, isn't essential listening, then he sure as hell doesn't need six albums spanning three decades on this list.

I didn't much like this album when Elvis burst out, sounded like 50's rock, an angry Buddy Holly and the Crickets like his Buddy glasses. It still sound like that to me now, but now I think an angry Buddy is a thing of beauty. This Year's Model and everything after changed my ears.

I think this was better than the last Elvis Costello album we had, but I still feel pretty lukewarm about it.

Listened to this on my way to Montreal. I’ll take this over The Byrds any day but it definitely sits in more of a generic pop genre imo.

This was a pretty chill and easy listening album. Nothing amazing, but didn't dislike it either

Glad this came up so I can check off another one of the Elvis Costello off the list of the 6 albums on this list that I have to listen to, 2/6 now. I just don't like his voice, its mixed too loud within each track, like he's screaming at me. Its rare that I find a voice annoying honestly (unless its punk) but this guy just, idk, I don't like it. Because of this, I can't even hear the other instruments, which I'm sure are great! My aim is true with this 2/5 stars Elvis, how bout that.

Always like Elvis.

Nah

Brilliant album.

Never really listened to his music but it's not bad. I imagine if I paid more attention to the lyrics there is some gold there. Seems well composed with great music that fits the vibe. It's nice but I feel like it's just not my thing.

i'm not really into this kind of rock

Yeah probably a 4, that

Been a while since I've had an album I was already familiar with. Good stuff.

Acerbic

I’ve been sleeping on mr Costello, this album is great. Perfect length, no dragging everything is tight with great musicianship and clever songwriting and all on his debut album. This will now be included in my regular rotation’s

The rock may not roll the right way, but it definitely never gathers any moss....

Rating: 6/10

Surprisingly good given how I've felt about previous Elvis Costello. I did still feel like I would rather be listening to Bruce Springsteen though

between good and mid gmid

3.75

I imagine it was good for its time but im really not a fan.

Great

Hmm. At first i enjoyed it, it was pretty nice but after a while i became quite bored. Overall it's a very decent album so 3.5 (and i absolutely agree with the review saying that the cover is incredibly ugly...)

Almost outstandingly mid.

Found a new album to love

Tight debut - still not a massive Elvis fan - not sure why - JE

I tried going on an Elvis Costello deep dive a couple of years ago, but only really got through the first half a dozen LPs or so. I don't know what it is about the debut but I find the doo-wap and rockabilly-tinged songs on here a bit pastiche. The best song is Watching the Detectives which wasn't on the original UK release of the album so not sure if that should be part of the consideration of it's merits or not. Listening again in January 2026, I had an extra appreciation for Waiting for the End of the World though.

The songs are pretty neat but after two listens through I’m not really getting ‘this guy was a game-changing seminal songwriter’. Maybe I need a few more spins. I hope something clicks for me cuz I heard there’s like five more Costello albums on this list.

Got quite a bit better after a few listens.

Classic record. Great addition

Pretty good. Feels very traditional rock n' roll initially which is surprising given its a '77 album. As it keeps going it changes a fair bit, I was not expecting the reggea-style "watching the detectives" All in all good mix, interesting if simple tracks

Better than the other album of his i listened to but not for me

Elvis Costello is still one of the corniest dudes in history but there were a couple tracks here that hit. Alison and Sneaky Feeling are good but then you go right back to corn fest with Red Shoes, like…what a completely unnecessary song.

Better than expected

Nostalgic, retro fifties sound, with edgier lyrics.

People seemed worked up about the book's favoritism towards Elvis Costello. It's to the point where I feel that I'm one of the rare ones on this site that actually has an admiration for his work. Armed Forces wasn't the strongest bunch of tracks, but it got me to establish an understanding of Costello's style. His debut isn't the best either, but it's a sure improvement over what I last heard. There are effective earworms once again such as on Alison, Less Than Zero and Welcome To The Working Week. But the difference is in sheer consistency which I spot throughout most of this record. In addition, the bonus Watching The Detectives track puts a nice ribbon, though I wonder what's with Elvis Costello and leaving a great song off the original album. It happened with Peace, Love And Understanding on Armed Forces and once again with WTD here. Either way, I feel that this man speaks to me though he's yet to reach a certain level (8/10, 4/5 on this scale)

Already heard a bunch of albums from this list that sound like this, all of them from earlier - so I don't really get how this sound, already dated in 1977, is a "must-listen"?? Elvis Costelno. 2 / 10

Have had this on vinyl since I started collecting back in college! A classic debut! Love love love!

Album 15/1001. Listened 2/2/2026 - Groundhog Day! Again, I knew more songs than I thought I would, and really enjoyed the ones I didn't know.

Damn, I think if I had encountered this as a teenager it could have become my entire personality. Very up my street, great energy, great songwriting. Hasn't aged evenly, but a great introduction to the man. Standout track: Miracle Man

Previously known. Perfection.

Welcome to the working week - 4 Miracle man - 3 No dancing - 5 Blame it on Cain - 4 Alison - 4 Sneaky feelings - 3 (The angels wanna wear my) red shoes - 4 Less than zero - 4 Mystery dance - 3 Pay it back - 4 I'm not angry - 4 Waiting for the end of the world - 4 * Watching the detectives - 4

4.5

My old band used to play Alison as part of our two hour at-times sloppy residency at some sports bar in Columbus. We half-assed a lot of songs, but we actually delivered this one pretty well. Watching the Detectives also great.

Pretty good, fun and influential. 50s rock 'n roll meets 80s alternative with some punk foundation building? Woulda spun at a party in '77. Alison is a great song.

Ok

Temáticas interesantes, suena pegadizo todo el disco. Me guarde muchos temas.

9/10 this wa sells fun album with a lot of songs that felt ahead of their time and sounded like red hot chili peppers even, i would listen again

This was fine. I’ve never listened to a full Elvis Costello album and I liked it a tonne more that I thought I would. Some odd moments. Not prepared for a dash of reggae. Elvis’s voice grates occasionally. 4/5 to be generous.

Pop punk pioneer. I’m not too familiar with his later catalog, but am working on that. But early Elvis is like listening to Tom Waits sing through nasal congestion and not from the bottom of a bag of broken glass. And I mean that as a compliment to both those artists.

Seems very safe for Elvis, thus very conventional rock to listen to. This is not a complaint.

Good stuff.

Only just started this project & only just realised reviews are public. I'm pretty much treating this like a diary so apologies in advance if anyone stumbles across my ramblings & gets incredibly bored. They were never intended for publication. So I need no introduction to this record. I first heard it in about 1987 after picking up an EC greatest hits & loving it, then deciding in my mildly autistic teenage way that I needed to get all his albums from the start. The only tunes from this that were on the compilation were Alison & Watching the Detectives. Alison isn't typical of the album - it's the only ballad on there - and Detectives sounds like the Attractions, so I was surprised at first by how "safe" the record sounded. I'd heard the range of styles from the first decade of his career & wasn't expecting straightforward west-coast rock & roll pastiche with dashes of country. So it took a while to get on board with it entirely. Several days after writing the above I realise I'm not going to manage to write an essay every day, so a couple of observations so I can push onward: - I remember liking some of the "lesser" tunes at the time; Sneaky Feelings & I'm Not Angry were, I'm pretty sure, early favourites. But decades later I have coalesced to the consensus that Alison, Red Shoes & Less Than Zero are clearly the best (also Detectives, but that wasn't on the UK release that I had) - I read a biography of the man not long after, and a fact I remember from it is that the lyrics to this album contain 2 separate references to premature burial - It's a statement of intent, but only partially. So much of it is R&R/50s pastiche, & the band are so trad, that it's really only the voice & lyrics that foretell what was to come. So although this is a 5-star record for all kinds of reasons, he didn't really get going until the next year when he clicked with the Attractions

amo amo amo que sea cortico, chimba de álbum x me gusto pero igual no tanto

Never heard of him before Maybe the name but no any music I think it’s important to mention this goes into the atemporal vibe thing since doesn’t feel like late 70s Composition: 6 Interpretation: 7 Production: 6 Identity: 7 Originality: 7 Impact: 5 Consistency: 6

Welcome to the Working Week Alison (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes Less Than Zero Watching the Detectives

Taking 50s doo-op and sock bop into the modern (70s) age. Very well constructed songs but the album can sound a bit samey - also could maybe use one song that is about something other then how women are bitches

I didn't know what to expect, being more familiar with later Elvis Costello. I liked this a lot. Fun, catchy, quick listen.

not really my favorite maybe just one song I actually liked

favorite - Most of Us Are Sad 7/10

just perfect.

Very good british r&b. good songs.

Interesting voice, cool sound and yet, pretty repetitive. It is amazing how many of the songs end with the fade out of a single phrase that gets repeated over and over again. Alison and red shoes are my favorite songs from this one.

Interesting snapshot in time. Some straight up retro Elvis vibes, but also the blue print for 80s college rock and post grunge 90s pop à la the Rembrants.

I do not get the appeal.

Fairly standard Elvis Costello album. Love his voice and there are some catchy songs on this. Cant see myself going back for a full listen though

Mucho más animado, música de gente que se alcoholiza

Better than I remembered

Elvis Costello’s album My Aim is True is genuinely a fantastic album. The lyrics are fantastic. This is like the best of the 50s rock sound mixed with actually good lyrics. Highly recommend this album.

Another Elvis Costello. Some very strong tracks, some not so. Not his best. 3.5 rounded down Heard before? Some Owned: No: 43/174(24%) Will I get. No

I like Elvis Costello, but this is far from his best album. 3 stars. Fave track - Alison.

Pretty good

Between 3/4 for me. Cool vibe

oh yes!!! big fan

Another Elvis Costello album 3 days later. I had to procrastinate this one for a week, I really couldn't stomach another one back to back. At least it's only 36 minutes. Starts off super poppy. Second song sounds like the inspiration for other high trouble bands I hate in the late 90s like Gin Blossoms, Third Eye Blind and Matchbox 20. That being said, it's overall not as terrible Costello's later stuff. Maybe he learned the excessive cheese later in his career. 3/5, but a low three.