Reviews (page 5 of 12)
Listened to this while cleaning and honestly it was great for jamming during that
Very strong 4, almost a 5
Nice lil rocker from Elvis Costello. "Allsion" and Welcome to the Working Week" are the highlights here. This albums has been one of the most consistent records I've heard so far. Edit: Who am I kidding, this is actually great.
A real treat
7.5/10 Another decent EC album. My expectation was that this would be quite punk, in fact this felt like a tour of 50s-70s American rock, done with British attitude and power pop/new wave edges Really interesting mix, from straight rock songs to those that were a little more adventurous in style. I preferred the latter. Best: Watching the Detectives
Spiky, well-written songs, with much more of a country/pub rock vibe than it's punk reputation.
best one of the Billion Elvis Costello albums on this list
Pretty solid but not my favorite elvis costello album
I listened to this a few days ago, guess I didn't rate it. Thought it was good, dont think I'll listen to a ton of the songs outside of this
An impressive debut with some great songs (including some stone cold classics like Alison and Watching the Detectives). I think he went on to do better things though.
I maybe recognized "Alison", but other than that, didn't know this artist beforehand. Pleasantly surprised. It's just a really good straight up rock n roll album, calling back to 50s era rock while infusing it with some more modern elements. His voice is energetic and ever-so-slightly over-the-top, but never grating. There's elements of rock, blues, folk, even reggae present. Will definitely be looking forward to another album by this artist.
Enjoyed this more than expected. She Is Watching The Detectives is great though I guess a single haha.
Finally, I get to Elvis, who apparently saturates this project, and with good reason. Underrated in the US, this may be the best thing imported from England. Sharp lyrics, slightly refined punk mixed with several America musical styles. This album is fast, has attitude, and was quite a debut. Oddly, I'm a casual Elvis fan having less than 20 of his albums, mostly on vinyl.
An album well know to me. all the songs are familiar and all are thoroughly enjoyable to listen to
Great vibe here, interesting lyrics and a lot of good energy.
Not a ton of standouts to me (aside from realizing about halfway through one of the songs that it was called Alison and also spelled my way, so kudos), but this was pleasant. It’s interesting to hear what sounds like early ska influencers in his music
I'm familiar with most of the "big" songs, this is the first time listening to this full album. Nothing grabbing me positive or negative. Interesting things learned while listening/reading about: Clover was the backing band here. John McFee (late stage Doobies) was a member of Clover & plays lead guitar. Neat cover, iconic image of Elvis here. Favorites: "Welcome to the Working Week" Least Favorites: "Mystery Dance" (2x) 3 Stars
Not a bad song on this album, but the production is too basic. Sounds as if something is missing. His next 2 albums are much better. I don't think this needs to be on the list. Favorite song: Welcome to the working week.
Well, well, well, well, well, well. It took long enough. If there's one thing that's kind of infamous about the 1001 albums list (in my eyes), it would be the fact that Elvis Costello of all people has 6 whole albums on the list (1 for each "well" at the beginning of this review). Despite that, I have just now gotten my first Elvis Costello album over a year into the project. Statistically speaking, I should've gotten two or three of them by now, but I guess I had to wait. So, is my first impression of Elvis Costello a positive one? Yeah. I'd say it is. I really liked this album. My Aim is True is a strong debut album. Costello's voice is alright. I like other vocalists more, but he definitely isn't a bad vocalist. The sound is great. There's a consistent feel to it all, but there is a strong variety between songs. Comparing a song like "Welcome to the Working Week" to "Allison," the latter of which is probably my favorite from the album, really shows this. Like, you can tell this is the same artist and the same instruments. And yet, the vibes are pretty different, so that's good. The writing is also quite good. Apparently some of the book's selections as far as highlighted artists were made because of good songwriting, and Elvis Costello is an example of that. You know what? I can see it. These songs are good. There really isn't a particularly bad one. So, do I think Elvis Costello is worthy of being on the list? Yes. I do think that My Aim is True is a good enough and popular enough album to warrant being on the list. Is he worthy of having 6 albums? Well, we'll see about that when I get the other ones. For now, my opinion is positive. High 4/5.
very very cool
Well, well, well. Elvis Costello’s career started at the peak and gradually went down the shitter. My opinion of My Aim Is True was polluted by my distaste for his later works. But in opposition to his career trend, this album gets stronger over its run. So I listened again, and now again, and… I FOUND AN ELVIS COSTELLO ALBUM I LIKE!!!!!!!!!
No shortage of Costello albums on this list, and most of the time I’m unimpressed. However, this one was pleasantly surprising. It is far more rock n roll with a bluesy feel. Elvis injects a little fun into the record and the kicks are catchy and get your toe tapping. This doesn’t make me a fan of his music, but should I meet a Costello head I would praise this album as some of my favorite tracks of his.
Classic Elvis Costello, many quality songs and a very pleasant listen
This album was fantastic! I’ve not listened to a lot of Elvis Costello, but that is about to change. Albums like this are why I signed up!
Welcome to the Working Week 3.6 Miracle Man 3.7 No Dancing 3.2 Blame It on Cain 3.8 Alison 4.2 Sneaky Feelings 3.9 (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes 4 Less Than Zero 4 Mystery Dance 3 Pay It Back 3.1 I'm Not Angry 4 Waiting for the End of the World 3.4 Watching the Detectives 4.3 Score: 3.707692308
This is like the fourth Costello album I've gotten, he's really grown on me. I like the plucky bass lines, his cool guy nerd vibes. Good stuff
I liked it! The Vibe: You ran away from home and are happily making a new life for yourself in a big city far from the oppressive little town you came from.
I feel like I shouldn't like this but I think it was fine, short enough to be groovy/swingy. Never listened to this dude before. Better than 3/5 but could def get old.
A good memory of being a kid in the backseat. So interesting to find out that it's his debut, and that the backup band wasn't the Attractions, just Clover (who didn't even really get credited). Most surprising to learn Watching the Detectives was added for the American version: I always thought it was odd for a final track
This album is great! Really great energy and lots of bits that I would listen to again. Fav: red shoes or welcome to the working week
Overall a great album! Some fun and upbeat tracks that uplifted my mood but didn’t overstay their welcome either. The only reason this isn’t 5 stars is because the genre of this just isn’t something I can enjoy on THAT deep of a level. Great job Elvis Costello 💲. Favourite song: Mystery dance
Fun album. I'll listen to this one again.
Really good songs here
Similar of the Springsteen of the same era. First one I’ve listened to more than once - and returned the next day to boot. Love this.
Enjoyed some songs.
Short and catchy
Watching the Detectives is my favorite Costello song, so it gets a 5. The rest of the album is good but not great. 3.5 stars.
First Costello album out of several hundred on this list. And if I were to guess, I’d guess that this is the only one that truly deserves its place. Several good songs, with Alison being the cream of the crop. After Less than Zero the quality drops a bit, but ends on a high with the reggae number Watching the Detectives.
Now this is what I’m talking about! I listened another album of his that was just unremarkable. Now this wasn’t the greatest ever but it’s more memorable and has more character.
Cool album
Fun album for sure. I’ve always enjoyed what I’ve listened to of Elvis Costello, so I figured it would resonate with me.
A great little album, with some great lyricism, It often feels like a coming of age album something it rolls with perfectly. This is demonstrated best in tracks like "welcome to the working week", "mystery dance" and Allison". Other tracks such as "sneaky feelings" add a bit more flavour and still feel fresh touching on odd subjects whilst remaining upbeat. The albums biggest sin is there isnt enough musical variety. Often the songs bog down into one another and there isnt a clear stand out sound between tracks. I give this album a 4 simply because the system does not allow any more nuanced of a grading. Its stronger than a 3 but not quite strong enough to warrant a strong 4.
Listened loud on vinyl to flex in my own sad little head on the anti Elvis chuckleheads you find here. Cool story (did this while at a day job punching cards at a makeup company I think). Cool sound. Interestingly the record I have contains watching the detectives, although apparently this was a single only at first? Nevertheless, one of my favorite drum parts - if the UK really knew what was up this skittery noise would be the basis of jungle/drum and bass variants. WTD aside, lots of poetic anger about wage slaving, unhappy marriage settling, sexual repression, semi original sin (what do we call Cain's transgression anyway) etc. It's a good album.
Fun
- Warum kannte ich von diesem Album so viele Songs. - Wir hatten ja schon zwei Costelle&Attraction Alben und habe ich so viel wiedererkannte. - Mir hat die Platte echt richtig Spaß gemacht. - Für mich war Costello immer so eine Randerscheinung der Zeit, das hat sich mit dem Hören dieses Albums bei mir jedoch geändert. 4/5
Very good album, highly recommend, it’s really good and well made, like jazzy, very upbeat. Very good to lounge on. 8.7/10.
not bad
Another great Costello album with the three big singles (Welcome to the Working Week, Alison, and Red Shoes) being the standouts but a load of other solid tracks alongside them. The only real misfire is Mystery Dance, which just sounds like a bad impression of the other Elvis
He's pretty good at songs isn't he. Fair play. Best Track: Watching the Detectives Worst Track: Pay it Back
Becoming a certified Elvis Costello fan Best Song: Blame it on Cain Worst Song: (The angels wanna wear my) red shoes
Always fun
Like Leonard Cohen and Frank Zappa, Elvis Costello is one of those artists I've heard about plenty, but somehow never gotten exposed to - or at least, not in a way I remember. Despite all the comparisons to Dylan, was surprised by how much I enjoyed this. Though some of it is a bit too lo fi/sounds like it's being played through a tin can, the songs have great energy, enough variety to the sound (straight rock, a little twangy in places, rockabilly in others) and compelling (though note entirely catchy) lyrics.
This album was a lot of fun.
Wonderful album of alternative rock and new wave. The nerdy king of cool Elvis Costello rocks my favorite guitar of all time (Fender Jazzmaster). Defying the standards of late 70's cool. Costello brings back a bit of doo wop swing, blues rock and a simple form of new wave/alternative to the masses. I love this album for how easy it is to listen to, sounds fresh after 40 years and isn't outwardly complicated. Full five stars from me.
He was a trendsetter then and a wizened and still talented musician now. Plus, he's married to one of the great jazz and standards singers of the 21st century. WTG.
An almost flawless debut by Elvis Costello.
His first and maybe his best album. 3.5
Good
zajebisty rock
Thoughts before listening: I've seen a lot of people complaining in reviews on here about the amount of Elvis Costello on this list. I don't get the hate. Dude writes some super catch power pop songs. I own this album and think it's great. Review: This is a very good album, even if it doesn't have my favorite Elvis Costello songs. This was his debut, and I think albums like This Year's Model and Armed Forces are more consistent. That being said, there are some bangers here: "Alison", "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes", "Less Than Zero", and "Watching the Detectives" are all great. 4-stars
Elvis Costello has always seemed to be the quintessential nerd. He has intelligence, charm, talent (music, in this case), and pseudo-confidence. I say pseudo because he has always been excluded from acceptance because of his appearance and height. He is like the Superman motif: “If only they knew who I really am!” Or maybe I’m projecting. This album is great. Upbeat, fun, witty, catchy. Straight good times.
I actually enjoyed this immensely. Lots of different sounds in here and you can here how it's influenced many bands after him.
For me, Elvis Costello is a paradox. While I think he is fascinating musically and personally, I am not a huge fan of his music. Having said that, when I do settle down and listen his lyrics are thoughtful and I like how he ventures into different genres. Weirdly and irrationally, I am going to give this recording a 4...
Definitely will be revisiting this. Just classic, reliably great songwriting and delivered with such passion and energy.
Nuevamente hoy toca ponerse por primera vez con un disco completo de un artista que ya he escuchado alguna que otra vez. Arranca y se mantiene con un estilo new wave, sorprendentemente en la misma época en que el punk rock aparece. Sutilezas con Bowie (Less than zero), con Elvis (Mystery Dance) y cerrando con un reggae. Muy buen comienzo de un tipo particular.
it’s just good dance vibes and just fun to listen to
Catchy and interesting album. Probably not a full 4 but a 3.5 at least.
One of the few elvis Costello albums actually somewhat worthy of the list
So many great, undeniable tunes. A ridiculous collection for a first album. Sounds great as well.
Enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Good songs.
A good monday track to wake up to: “Welcome to the Working Week”
Solid listen. Alison is one of the most heartbreaking songs ever. Watching The Detectives is a stone cold classic. I just wish The Attractions were the backing band. Still, this will do.
Excellent blend of power pop, punk, & rock. Clever lyrics and he's got a great voice.
First time actually listening to an Elvis Costello album and I have to say I really enjoyed it! Very good song writing!
Gritty/intense in attitude plus hyper-articulate/savvy-literate lyrically equals excellence, and maybe EC's best record. The playing is understated and here and there exquisite (intricate axe work on "Miracle Man," tinklingly dreamy keys backgrounding / vaguely counterpointing on the otherwise tough-toned "Blame It On Cain," and the nod to the '50s on "Mystery Dance"). A handful cuts deserve to be considered classics – "Angels" and "Less Than Zero" and "Watching the Detectives." THen there's "Alison," may be the best ballad (okay, love song) of all the '80s. "Sneaky Feelings" also very good, sneaky good one might say. The quality so astonishingly high throughout that surely Basher deserves more credit (and certainly one more of his records belong in this list) that it's not really all that surprising how well this holds up.
added some pep to my proverbial step
4.5
ja tjak man
A really solid album with some classic songs.
I had somehow never heard this whole album, and I like it — will definitely listen again.
Costello has always had his own type of sound that is a nice mix of music styles. He has a way of telling stories in his songs as well.
Very solid. Liked all the different sounds and styles he had on this. He had stuff that was fast and fun, slower and more poignant, and then kinda funky stuff. The variety was really nice. His voice sounded pretty good and the instrumentation, while simple, was still quite nice, it wasn't pretentious sounding. Also the whole album was pretty short which was nice.
great funky vibe. Watching the Detectives is an excellent track. hard to pigeon hole Costello into a genre-little 50's vibe, good guitar, sometimes snarky lyrics-and that is what I enjoy with his music. 4.5 stars
An enjoyable album, definitely my style of music. I liked No Dancing, Alison and Less Than Zero.
Very good
Риверс Куомо из 70-х годов
He's right, didn't miss!
This was not something I instantly loved. Reminded me too much of early Springsteen to the point where I found it distracting. On the last listen I was going to give it, something clicked and I thought it was quite good. Will continue to have this in rotation for a while and I will also look to dive deeper into Elvis Costello.
Það er eitthvað við hann Declan sem ég fíla bara í tætlur.
Some fun rock and roll. I wasn't singing along to anything, but there was nothing to complain about either.
Blij met dit plaatje want goede herinneringen aan. En ik hou van de stem van Costello. Deze plaat uit 1977 is een echte powerpop-classic. Later heeft Costello zich doorontwikkeld als zanger en muzikant, maar dit album blijft voor mij een favoriet. De hoes, het jeugdige en de energie van de korte nummertjes. Kant B is wel stukkie minder dan A, daar staan de echte knallers. Afgewisseld met het mooie rustige Alison, en met uitzondering van Mystery Dance op Kant B. Dat had zo een nummer van zijn naamgenoot kunnen zijn, twee decennia eerder. En zo vliegt het plaatje voorbij. Een blije start van de dag. 8,5/10 Highlights Miracle Man Alison Watching the Detectives Mystery Dance
gute-laune-musik!
Muy bueno.
Nice
Classic.
I wasn't overly familiar with Elvis Costello, but this was a rocking good time. And honestly he was ahead of his time. This sounded like an album from 1993 or so, not 1977. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Ok!
Pretty solid stuff
I like elvis. 3 or 4 likely.
Alright! This was an unexpected toe-tapper. Apart from a few of his well known songs, I haven't heard much from Elvis Costello. "My Aim is True" is a great little Pop-Rock album. Costello is a fantastic songwriter, combining short, catchy tunes with savvy lyrics. He's a clever bloke. "Mystery Dance" seems to be a weird Elvis Presley tribute track, which isn't surprising given the album art. But that stinker gets a pass based on everything that surrounds it. I really enjoyed this. Happily listen to any future Elvis Costello albums this app has to offer. 👍👍
Excellent first album by a true artist. 4/5
Nearly a "Best Of" album right out of the gate. Great songs
Great fun, catchy, straight to the point. Really good.
Great
This is an excellent album. Really good songs with good lyrics. Elvis has kind of a gruff smart-ass tone when he sings that sounds like a blend of Donald Fagen, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen. The instrumentalists were quite good as well. The only thing that keeps me from giving it five stars is the fact that ten or eleven of the songs end with him singing a phrase over and over as it fades out. This compositional method was simply overused and became too noticeable, keeping me from enjoying the songs completely. I hope I can get past that because I like the music.
Some good poppy numbers, nothing too special
Favourite tracks: miracle man; Alison; blame it on Cain; less than zero; I'm not angry
Not my cup of tea
The energy in this album was great, and the guitar licks were gorgeous. Highlights include Alison and Watching the Detectives.
Enjoyed the album….but I love his next album, King of America and I love it so much more than this one, it makes it hard to give it 5 stars. I knew the song Allison…and would listen to this album again. I think I even enjoy Spike more that this one.
Really enjoyed him. Hoping for some other album of his later in his career.
Love Alison, but album holds up well nearly 50 years old!
This album was a pleasant surprise. I had heard Elvis Costello before but couldn't name any songs. The genre is pretty broad and hard to pin down but to my ears it's more pop/rock than anything else. But the songs are all very catchy and well done. I will come back to this one and seek out his other albums as well.
Fun, groovy notes, great atmosphere
Oprecht best hele aardige deunen, heel prima om naar te luisteren
I didn’t like this one as much as I thought I would. It’s still a good album just not to my taste
Definitely my favourite musical Elvis. In fact, I don't really know any non-musical Elvises except the buffoon Elvis from Fireman Sam who was so hapless his aim was never true. Anyway, Mr. Costello's album here was great.
Sounds just like 1965 (in a good way). Good variety, not really coherent, but consistent. Don't like his voice at times, but didn't dislike the overall listening experience. Favourite Tracks: "No Dancing", "Blame It On Cain" and especially "I'm Not Angry" Notes: - Welcome To The Working Week" could have gone on longer - overall sound until now more like 60s (early beates etc.) than 1977 - "No Dancing" best so far, mor variety, not the biggest fan of his voice on the earlier two - nvm, I like "Blame It On Cain" better, so far it gets better with every Song (familiarity bias?) - "Alison" guitar leads feel a little like John Mayer (bit early though, also he said the thing) - "I'm not Angry" captivating from beginning, more distorted riffs+lead and interresting arrangement - "Waiting For The End Of The World" great drum sound - "Watching The Detectives" kind of different sound as the rest (Reggae-ish and different singing) and seems kind of odd as a closer, but also kinda gets stuck
8/10
4.5 Alison has the best use of the "stop" gimmick. I might have to work this into my Karaoke routine. I think the band is great, can chalk up the recording quality to rushed sessions. Could be a 5,
4/5
Lekker
Really fun album. Very impressed. Something weirdly modern about it as well.
Nice!
Lots of the songs are basically genre tributes and so don't feel especially original. You get the sense that this is a performing bar musician comfortable doing a lot of sounds but without a sound of his own. The consistent point is the vocal delivery and lyrical POV - he has a very distinctive and well developed sense of melody and acerbic lyrics. It's mostly all pretty uptempo and driving with a consistently restless feeling and relentless energy. The backing band brings a lot of that, plenty of fun accents and fills to go with the solid bass/drum foundation. He doesn't slow it down too often, and when he does it stands out: Allison is a classic lament to seeing a fleeting crush be with someone else in a deeply disappointing way.
good one.
Not much to say. It's Elvis Costello and sounds like Elvis Costello.
I've always had mixed feelings about Elvis Costello's music. I really like some songs, others not at all but have never really been able to dive all the way in. That being said, this is a really solid debut album. I liked the whole thing, never really had the urge to skip around even if I didn't love every song. I feel like he has a more raw sound on this album, which I really dig and found some songs I hadn't heard before that actually stood out more than some of those that I had heard before. Standout Tracks: Welcome to the Working Week, Miracle Man, Blame It on Cain, Alison, Less Than Zero, Pay It Back, Waiting for the End of the World
Elvis Costello was the last real man to exist . This is the best album so far 🙏🏻 Also he sounds like he wears one feather earring so extra star for that.
Decent album with easily listenability. Allison was a personal highlight. 4 stars.
Great album. A classic for a reason.
Good album, already added to my list
This will be interesting to listen to. Never heard ANY Costello. Just know how incredible of a songwriter he is. Very poppy. Got almost through half the album. Just not my style to sit and listen to.
Elvis Costello is very hit or miss for me. Sometimes I really like his songs other times very much not. This album, though, I generally like. Still do. Solid. Good songs.
Not as good as the real Elvis, but Brits can only do so much.
I know this album! Really like it. Classic Elvis Costello!
Leuke muziek! Muziekaal goed en lekker gevarieerd. Would buy!
belle découverte
Classic
Some great tracks
Elvis (Presley) Costello
Pretty good. Good dancing music
Amazing debut album. I would rank it in the top 5 of his albums. Of course the amazing Watching the Detectives, Alison, I'm Not Angry, and (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes are undeniable classics jmho.
I like Elvis Costello's music but I feel like he writes his lyrics in full, non-stop paragraphs.
Interesting vintage rock beats. Still not what I would listen to regularly since I don't feel like dancing to his songs. 4/5 stars
Wasn't crazy about this at first, but multiple play throughs changed my mind. There's some catchy songs on here. Also Sesame Street did a parody of Angels Wanna Wear My Red Shoes, called a Monster Went and Ate My Red 2, that was pretty fun
Yeah. A true new wave/mods revival revival classic.
Appreciate the artistry. Not my thing though.
In my opinion, this is his best album. Fav track: Watching the Detectives
What amazing album, filled with frantic energy and bluesy rhythm's covering almost all aspects of rock music Rating 9/10 Top tracks: Less Than Zero, Mystery Dance, Sneaky Feelings, I'm Not Angry
An interesting combination of genres, 50's rock and roll updated with new wave, power pop, and I guess technically punk. This is a solid collection of simple sounding yet catchy songs in this style. It's exactly what I wanted it to be when I put it on and it doesn't overstay it's welcome. Elvis Costello isn't for everyone, but the whole thing is only 36 minutes, so what you do have to lose?
I knew several of these songs from The Best Of album and was a big fan. The album as a whole was fun with some amazingly different tracks. I’ve been a fam of Alison, Red Shoes and Watching the Detectives for a long time. And, especially, Mystery Dance. Love the use of that song over the opening credits of The Zero Effect, a highly underrated movie. Great album.
Excellent album with several top Costello hits
Reminded me of Billy Joel but of course, not at all like Billy Joel. It was a lot of fun. Only previously knew one song from the album.
- Had This Year's Model already - Thought it was very good, similar to the other album - Only had the two Costello albums so far so maybe my opinion of him will get worse as it goes on - Fav songs: Red Shoes, Welcome to the Working Week, Alison
I'm always favorable when it comes to Elvis Costello. He's not quite as popular in the states as he is in Europe. Alison, Watching the Detectives and Red Shoes are classics! Standouts: Alison, Red Shoes, Watching the Detectives, Welcome to the Working Week, Less than Zero, Waiting for the World to End Very strong album! 4/5
Really big fan of this album. It's chill, it's fun, it's creative, and it's just really good. Costello's voice is fantastic and his music matches
Fantastic album I should listen to more.
Start with rock and roll, give it the soul of a country singer and a sprinkle of blues, jazz and balad and you have this splendid blend
I definitely underestimated how revered Elvis Costello is. This is the third album of his in some variation that I’ve been generated, whereas prior to these daily albums I maybe knew two songs and nothing more. He’s been a bit hit or his for me so far, so fingers crossed for something good today. Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Welcome To The Working Week, Alison, Mystery Dance I liked this album a lot. There were times that it felt like the music could be something by Buddy Holly or the Four Seasons, and other times where it felt like straight up ska. Last time I listened to him, I found his voice quite annoying. While it is still undoubtedly unique, it didn’t sound anywhere near as grating this time around. Overall, I really appreciated the diversity in stylings on this album. Everything felt fresh and pleasant.
Solid album front to back. It's unoffensive and easy to listen to. I found myself tapping my feet more than once.
I love this album so much, it's nostalgic as it was a record my dad played when I was growing up, I still listen to it often and it feels timeless to me. Costello's lyricism and vocal delivery is among the best in my opinion, along with some groovy, bluesy, rock n roll instrumentation, this record is just great.
welcome to the working week huere geile opener. miracle man au nice (indierock het nüt erfunde) no dancing isch nice mitem IV-moll turnaround. allgemein chords huere ume blame it on cain blues time. gfalltmer chrank dass de vo england isch er singt huuere amerikanisch mystery dance afoch rock n roll pay it back nice. gitarrelicks sind allgemein sehr geil, merkt dases e countryband isch wo begleitet uf i'm not angry flüstereds de refrain fitzt recht ane. und d gitarre und so sind seehr geil. hetter möse mitme reggae song ufhlre ha das album eigentli möge. finds au no en coole song. halt dunggu chichi
His aim is true
Fun beachy rock and roll
Didn’t listen to the whole thing but a good debut, I think he gets better too. An artist I need a deep dive for
Ist okay
Another great Elvis album
Frische, lustige Musik!
If I’m listening to music on SiriusXM and an Elvis Costello tune comes on, I will almost always switch to a different channel - unless is one of a small handful of tunes which just happen to be from this album. This was a good, solid album. There are influences from Blues, R&B, and Rock. I guess from my standpoint, Mr. Costello peaked with his first album.
Great album.
The only Elvis worth trusting
Awesome hooks and a surprisingly memorable and relevant social commentary. 4 stars!
So many greats th at were included on Girls+£+ Girls +$+ Girls
Solid. Saved a few
I wish there were half stars. This is 3.5 leaning to a 4. So I'm giving it a 4.
De eerste twee nummers deden me even twijfelen, het klonk nogal jengelachtig. Daarna werd het beter, een relaxte luisterervaring zoals we het van deze Elvis gewend zijn. De leuke ballad 'Allison' kende ik al van Jan Rot, bij hem was het 'Lenneke', met dezelfde langgerekte beginklank.
Het bekende Welkom to the Working Week is het voorgerecht en lijkt het album muzikaal goed in te leiden. Het zit prima in elkaar. Niet per se een melodietje, maar juist de structuur met zang maken het catchy. En de overduidelijke knipoog naar de maatschappij zal ook wel helpen. Het lijkt mij een nummer dat ook nu nog de popmuziek inspireert. Het merendeel van het album heeft dezelfde (zang)stijl als dit nummer. Al zijn er uitstapjes. Zo meet Elvis zich nog even met die andere Elvis (waar hij zichzelf vast naar genoemd heeft). En dat doet hij niet eens onverdienstelijk.
это прекрасно
This is my second Elvis Costello album to get on this list, and I enjoyed this one as much as I did Armed Forces, which I gave four stars to. I love late seventies and early eighties new wave, and My Aim is True was no exception. I know Elvis Costello's voice can be a big turn off to people, but I really love the unique way in which he sings. The guitar, piano, and organ playing were all fantastic, which I've come to expect from Elvis Costello. While his sound is distinctly new wave, he does a great job of creating his own unique tone, drawing influences from R&B and rockabilly, and I loved being able to pick out different elements throughout the album. The songs with the misogynistic lyrics were a little strange, and I hope that he's singing these songs from the point of view of a character he's created. I choose to believe that he is, because if he really held those views himself, I don't think he'd have had a career as long and successful as he has. I still enjoyed those songs, but I preferred it when the lyrics were more political in theme, like "Blame it on Cain" and "Less Than Zero." I don't know what it is about Elvis Costello, but I think his music is really fun to listen to. I'm looking forward to my next album of his.
So good
Love hearing this again. In the late 70's Elvis got lumped in the whole "New Wave" category (not fair) and he set up a new style of music. Sweet
Its funny listening to this after I just tore Morrissey apart for poor singing. Idk why - the scrappy garage feel to Elvis Costello works well here. I think the difference is that Elvis isn't trying to sing great ballads - he's a scrappy guy and owns it. Other than that, I have my standard love-ambivalence relationship with Elvis Costello: I dig him for the first 30 odd min of listening, and then I fall off a bit. I'm a fan of Welcome to the Working Week, Alison, Sneaky Feelings, and Waiting for the end of the World. In another contrast to Morrissey, Alison is a refreshingly honest tale about the heartbreak of seeing an ex with another man, but handles its emotions like an adult (as opposed to Morrissey's The More you Ignore me the Closer I Get).
Elvis Costello kind of gets on my nerves, but not today I guess.
Such a great vibe through and through! Costello's sound is uniquely him while indulging in the pop rock/new-wave/punk sound. His sound it not meant to fit into the genre of Prog rock, as it follows a general formula that aids in keeping his sound true to the style. I'm defiantly adding at least half of this album to my punk/pop-rock playlist.
I appreciate Elvis Costello more over time, because I can hear the bridge his music and energy was between the 70s and 80s. This is just a great record.
I first listened to this album in its entirety when an AI recommended it to me a couple months ago. It's fair to say this guy is my preferred Elvis. Sort of funny that its most well known track, Alison, is actually the most different from the rest of the album. The standout for me is the opening track, also the shortest, but it's just such a bop.
Bit surprised. Pleasantly. I have not been much of a fan of the previous 2 EC albums and kinda rolled my eyes when I saw this one come up. But, I liked it. Really solid writing and musicianship. Melodic. All the stuff I like in a good album!
might have been revolutionary for the time idk
Much like the previous Randy Newman suggested, many upbeat melodies, nice to listen to
Elvis Costello and his unique voice starts to grow on me the more I listen to his discography. His style, so awkward at the first glance, is getting more and more attractive, as is his band. I think I will have to listen again to other positions on this list, maybe I was too harsh for him at the beginning. But for now - a really good album!
Hm, I thought this would be like oldies type music. I think I confused him with someone else. I like this though. Short songs! 13 tracks and only 36 min long. I've really enjoyed the simple genuine rock an roll of this album! Lead guitar, bass, drums, and vocals! Just pure organic music. 4 stars
This is a great album. It fits along with the punk/glam? rock movement that started in the late 70s through the 80s along with groups like the cure, the clash, the cure, the talking heads, the velvet underground, and the pixies.
new to me. absolute bangers on here
Alright, so I have a bit of a controversial take. I think some terminology is not used very well. Bands like Joy Division are often considered post punk. Well, I think Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson are really post punk. It's basically the energy of punk music, plus a bit of a subversive or sarcastic edge to the songwriting, but with the musicianship and production of a more modern era. This is a fun, energetic album, and absolutely worth a listen. I fondly remember Elvis being banned forever from Saturday Night Live for unexpectedly performing "Radio Radio" against the wishes of NBC. That's punk!
Idk, sometimes you just like it.
A little uneven but generally wonderful
His best album I have heard yet
Could listen to this stuff all day
- Have heard of elvis costello and i feel like i’ve listened to him before -DAMN loving his voice -i am REALLY loving the guitar with his singing its perf -these songs are so catchy and fun, genuinely a good time -another solid 4 star album here for SURE -its dynamic and interesting and those are my fav albums -i’m not angry has a GREAT start -this is such a wonderful album. loved listening to it
Great album. Started a bit slow for me, but by the end I was hooked. While I do feel it is over verbose at times with its lyrics, the multiple genres that Costello is able to hit with espectacular results is nothing short of incredible.
Gives vibes like a mix of beach boys and Beatles with late 70s feel
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Welcome to the working week
Very catchy songs that take no time sticking with you.
A fantastically punky and energetic rock n’ roll record. The production is punchy and the performances are raw, but what shines the most is Elvis Costello’s charming vocals and personality. There is not a dull moment on the album, though one nitpick is that it could have used more variety. Standouts include “Welcome to the Working Week,” “No Dancing,” “Allison,” “Sneaky Feelings” and “Waiting for the End of the World.”
What I’d envisage everyone would imagine American rock n roll to sound like. I could easily see myself in a dusty, sweaty lonesome bar with this blaring in the background on a bluesy weeknight. It’s great.
Really loved the sounds. Major frequencies. Totally stellar
Darlin Companion and there’ll be peace in the valley were the standout tracks
Lovely stuff.
This was some fun pub rock. Not anything genius musically, but not objectionable. Standout for me was "Mystery Dance", which kinda encapsulates the album when it was at it's best: fun and fast-paced.
Costello slaps.
A couple of classic songs on here. Not something I’d normally listen to.
Armed Forces 3/5 ******************* Either Elvis Costello is growing on me or it's just this album in particular that I like more than his other stuff I've heard. I liked the 1950's vibe; it's just fun in general. I liked the drums. No real complaints on this one.
Big fan of Elvis Costello, and even though there are some great songs on this one, and it’s a solid debut, it’s not top-tier EC. He did good by getting The Attractions. Alison and Watching the Detectives are super solid songs. ...Red Shoes is catchy, very Costello. Blame it on Cain is pretty rocking'. Some throwback rock n' roll tracks which don't hold up as well. Still going with a 3.5 - 4 because I love the above songs, and it's still a good listen, especially to see the progression.
This might be my favorite Elvis Costello album. It is beautiful and melodic with great lyrical imagery.
- this album slaps tbh - sounds incredibly modern for something from the 70s - love the divey vibes, I'd jam to this
- great variety of sound
Really fun and diverse album. I really enjoyed his voice and thought it fit well in the song compositions.
Pretty good, liked a couple songs, and the overall sound.
There’s a balance between great good and ok mostly a nostalgic album
I'm not an Elvis Costello fan but enjoyed this album - very easy listen and short. 7/10.
i think i listened to this album like three and a half times and it was pretty enjoyable. i only knew radio radio and pump it up before this, but this album apparently has basically all his solo hits. the new wave energy on this album is impeccable, but elvis veers off into punk, ska/reggae, power pop, and other genres effortlessly. I'll definitely listen to these tracks again. favorites: welcome to the working week, alison, mystery dance, I'm not angry, watching the detectives
Digging it. One of the earliest albums from Elvis Costello I've listened to & don't mind it.
Great new wave album. “Allison” is the highlight for me
Good album, might need a fifth listen, but it's my favorite Costello album thus far! Catchy riffs, good singing, fun lyrics.
I loved this and was surprised (though I don't know why as it is from 1977) how young he sounded. Definitely adding to the playlist.
som massa, rockzao e pa
Very good, although I’ve heard most of it before.
One of the funniest opening lines there is. This is a very good album that falls just shy of a 5 for me.
The sound feels like punk and pop fighting, but also kinda great. In my uneducated head it feels like a precursor to contemporary alt rock. Really rather good.
Love this album Give it a listen Great cover
Costello on simppeliä mut hyvää pop-rockia, mitäpä siinä sen enempää sanomaan. 4/5
I enjoyed it! Easy listening for sure
Conspiracy theory: There can only be one Elvis in the world. July 22, 1977 - Elvis Costello releases his first album, receiving instant critical acclaim. August 16, 1977 - Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, dies in the fetal position on the bathroom floor. There are many possibilities here. Did Costello poison Presley? Did Presley pill pop for years because he knew his successor would come? Maybe Presley sold his soul to the devil in exchange for a set number of years of success. Or maybe the carbon monoxide detectors in my apartment are beeping for a reason. The world may never know.
Thanks to this list, I now have Elvis Costello trauma worth seeing a therapist over. I'm starting over with healthy boundaries; this album gets 3 songs to make its case and depending on how those go, the review is drawn there or I'll keep pressing. First thing that stands out is how stripped back the recording + production sounds compared to his later albums. Honestly I think I prefer this. Welcome to the Working Week is a fine opener -- his voice is as punchable as ever, but the instrumental is fun. Miracle Man makes for a solid follow-up -- I like the bright guitar tone. Okay this album clears the initial bar for me. Blame It On Cain is a nicely written song with an enjoyable sway about it. Also really enjoy the sweet guitar of Alison and find Less Than Zero to be surprisingly catchy. Mystery Dance is an interesting detour into rockabilly that works better than I would have expected. I'm Not Angry is a solid one -- probably my favorite on here with the guitar work. I do enjoy the dub vibes on Watching The Detectives, though something about it leaves me expecting another song -- just strikes me as a weird not to end the album on. Of the Costello albums on the list, and there are far far far too many, this is a gem. Really enjoyed about 85% of the songs here and appreciated the brevity of this exercise. For me this is a solid to high 4.
Ooooh this hit close!! Listened to this on an evil feeling work day and it was like agh. very good. RAW
The first of three great albums from Elvis Costello.
day 13. a name I recognize but I have no familiarity with his music. I really like this album! it has a good variety and flow, doesn’t really drag. Just a lot of solid tracks. I don’t really get the hype about Alison though, sorry … 4/5 would definitely come back to again faves: Welcome to the Working Week (loved it!!), Blame It On Cain, Pay It Back
Great energy, fun album!
very fun
Love this album! I have other Elvis Costello albums but I like this one more.
8/10
Catchy and good songs.
A very strong debut album. You can definitely hear the influence this must have had on the indie rock scene of the 80s and 90s.
Highlight was “I’m not Angry”. Good rocker. 3.7/5
I know a kid called Elvis, after Costello, but of course he'll spend his life telling everyone that. Poor kid. But Elvis Costello is one cool person to be named after. This album features the songs that made him a stand out to me - Alison and Watching The Detectives. And to be sure I'd rather pop on a Greatest Hits rather than an album, this is still fab.
Els primers discos de Costello amb The Attractions són per conservar i anar disfrutant any rera any. A cada escolta pots trobar nous detalls i noves cançons que destaquin de la resta. Els dos primers són dos obres gairebé mestres, epicentres de l'época més creativa en la història del pop rock
I know this world is killing youuuuu
Good
This is a fine album. Speaks to me.
First two tracks are bangers and start the album off really strong. I hadn’t listened to blame it on Cain in a while and forgot how good that song is and I like the energy and angst of that one and the first half in general. The four song run of Alison to less than zero mixes in some chiller songs and shows how crazy the songwriting is for a debut album. Second half slows a little bit for me and overall it doesn’t have something to bring it to a 5 but it’s still as solid of a 4 as you can get and paved the way for a lot new wave and post punk artists. Favorite song: Alison Least favorite: watching the detectives song is ok but white people doing reggae beats is never great
Absolutely loved this album, I know it wasn’t full of hits but this is the perfect easy listening album for me. I must have listened to this 2-3 times while working yesterday. The album has a good range of songs from poppy stuff like “less than zero” to slower ballads like “Alison”, both of which were my top two tracks. Least favorite had to be “watching the detectives” and “red shoes”
When I’m in a dick riding competition and my competition is Elvis Costello😮. Nah fr tho renaming yourself after another man is crazy work. Shaboingboing Olympics Gold medalist. The album was fire tho. My favorite album we’ve listened to thus far. Debating a 5 here we will see. Heard before: none i think 👍🏼: Alison, angels, pay it back, living in paradise( if it counts)
A classic! Great songs like Welcome to the Working Week, Less Than Zero, Alison compiled in a work that passes the test of time. You can tell that the music is good when the songs are Influential beyond the musical scene - I think Bret Easton Ellis’s first novel was named after a Costello song- Well, if you want to introduce anybody to New Wave here’s your point of start.
Fantastic
Alison, Watching the Detectives - classic timeless songs
It’s ok.Better than average.Reminds me of a lot of 50s songs.Doesn’t really sound “punky” to me the guys are too smooth.They lyrics didn’t really land with me though.
Favorites: -Miracle Man -Allison
So authentic and rawly demo-like that it feels sort of rootsy, but its early genius throughout, with five or six classics in notably different veins. So strong and a harbinger of all the strength and excellence still to come.
Solid debut album
Definitely a mood based album, but I found it quite enjoyable. It's the kind of album that you would listen to on the way to work to kill time.
First time listening to Elvis Costello and upset it took this long. Excellent album
Solid debut album! Lots of good songs on here.
I have listened to this album here and there over the years - I think my roommate had this record - and my perception of it has changed a lot. It used to be that I liked "Alison" the best and ignored most of the rest. But now some of the other songs sound way better, like "Working Week", "Blame it on Cain" and "Red Shoes." Must be a good sign if the songs are getting better with age and more listens.
Elvis's first, and one of his best. Some classic songs - Alison being one of my faves
8.5/10
Never used to like Elvis Costello that much, but he’s grown on me over the years.
A classic and certainly, Primal Elvis. How can you resist the hits?
Il reprend le truc là où Buddy Holly l'avait laissé. Très sympathique. Alison, Pay it back. Très cool sans être complètement renversant.
Good shit, although I like Next Year's Model a bit more. 4/5
Always thought he's a dick but this is good.
Starts of really nice with some 50s style rock/pop tracks, but loses a bit of steam on its way to the finish line. Still, it's 3.5/5
A little bit of 60s and 70s rock with a mix of new wave, and you got yourself an album that actually groves pretty well.
Rock setentero. Está bastante bien.
A pleasant surprise, I'd never really listened to EC before but I really enjoyed this album. More than I thought I would!
Very fun album to listen to. The music had a mix of jazz, honkey tonk country with a punk edge to it especially helped by some of the lyrics, which were also great with real world themes.
Jag önskar att den hade funnits i storebrors skivback när jag växte upp. Och lite annat i det här spåret som Nick Lowe, Graham Parker osv. Då hade jag nog fått in det i hjärtat som ett varmt spjut och varit hänförd - nu tycker jag bara att det är bra.
Right up my alley! Idel bra låtar, korta och fina.
JA! Äntligen mer i min smak! Rivig röst, bra GUNG i låtarna och ett simpelt sound. Känslan är att det skulle vara väldigt roligt att spela dessa låtar i en simpel sittning med bara en eller två gitarrer och sjöa lite sång. Direkt när albumet rullar igång med "Welcome To The Working Week" med långsamma ackord och lite harmoniserande sång för att sedan gå igång med tempot känner jag att det blir en fin stund. Albumets mest populära låt enligt antal lyssningar är "Alison" är en betydligt långsammare och mjukare låt än de flesta andra. Visst är den fin men det är inte den som gör albumet i mina öron. Det är det dock inte någon låt som gör utan det är nog bara en stabil helhet där det mesta fungerar rätt bra tycker jag. En annan låt värd att nämna är "Mystery Dance". Den känns verkligen Elvis, men den andra mer kända Elvis med efternamnet Presley. Får en väldig känsla av Presley och tyyyp lite Ray Charles:igt. Bra var det iaf, kul! Bäst: "Welcome To The Working Week" (kändes som den lade en perfekt grund för resten av albumet på nåt sätt)
Not like Elvis at all - great music, good vocals and lyrics. Awesome feel-good vibes
In Costello's debut, we get a punk-influenced power pop / yacht rock collection of songs with a touch of wild and jazzy rockabilly. Songs are cool and groovy with a stellar, recognizable vocal performance. Enjoyed it all. No bad tracks, but several fail to stand out. Favorites: Blame It on Cain, Alison, Red Shoes, Pay It Back, Waiting for the End of the World, Watching the Detectives
Not quite the perfect album he's about to put out a year later with The Attractions but pretty damn close!
I like it, and I see a lot if influences it clearly draws upon while I can also envision how it influenced a l0t 9f subsequent music. Pretty cool TBH.
4.25
Great vibe
I didnt expect to like it as much as I did
so so
Elvis Costello is consistently awesome.
ээээ ни знаю Нормик
Loved it!
It's a really solid album with plenty of pop appeal.
Yes was nice man
Of all his prolific output this is near the top
There's a lot of great songs here but a few that don't particularly grab me. A definite 4.
While not as entertaining as some of his later works, This is an excellent debut by one of the chillest Punk bands to ever cut a record.
It's hard not to like this album and impossible not to like the story about this album. Yup, the record company gave him a £150 advance and a tape recorder and that's all it took to sign a contract. Another £2,000 and, voilà, we have this album. It seems like he is overflowing with song lyrics. The chorus in Less Than Zero has enough words to be verse. Reminiscent of Neil's song Harvest. Great album. Good album and better is coming with his second album. I hope 1001 will Pump it up
I can't think of a more audaciously good debut album. I also think this is Costello's best album which is saying a lot since he's super prolific with over 25 studio albums. He read the room perfectly in 1977 when he put out this rockabilly/punk record that foreshadowed the New Wave movement that was picking up steam. Alison and Watching the detectives are two of my all time favourite Costello tracks, but this record is chock full gems like I'm not Angry, Mystery dance, Angels, Sneaky feelings, Miracle man and Welcome to the working week. This is just a solid solid record.
Le prime due molto belle.
Not as overwhelming as This year's girl but still very attractive.
Really fun, but kind of white and dated