This is a funny and simple rock'n'roll album. Maybe one of the first 'revival rock'n'roll' album of history? Because it feels like it and reminds me of more recent work by other artists or bands. My problem with this kind of genres is that it generally fails to stay interesting for a whole album. There are interesting songs here and there and the guitars are solid, but overall it's a bit boring. And sorry but because of my kids I can't listen to a song about red shoes without picturing Pete the Cat.
Elvis Costello was something of an oddity and impossible to pigeon hole when this debut album was released in 1977. He sported Buddy Holly style specs, a greasy quiff and a punk sneer. Was it punk or rock ’n’ roll? Maybe we should just call it punk ‘n’ roll.
The songs are great though, already showing the remarkable talent that would dominate the UK charts through the late 70s and early 80s. The music doesn’t quite match up, and it was only after this album was released that the Attractions band was formed.