 [Larger view] | Elvis Costello & the Attractions - This Year's Model
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| The Introduction of a True Pop Force | |
| After the release of his first album, Elvis Costello ventured into more advanced realms of music with "This Years Model." His first album with the Attractions, his then new permanent band, it shows a definite increase of skill and originality than Clover, the American backup band that Elvis used on "MAIT". Steve Nieve, a master keyboardist introduces the mainstream music world to the sound of the Farfisa organ, making a fantastically quirky sound in such numbers as "The Beat", which relies on the musician greatly. The organ wasn't the only plus of the Attractions; Pete Thomas's exceptional drumming kept a steady beat throughout the late seventies and most of the eighties; Bruce Thomas (with no relation to Pete) uses a very active, complex, and fitting bass playing style. All the songs on the album, in my opinion, are extremely well-composed, and there is no need for special attention on any song. The most famous include "Pump It Up", which ventures into a rhythmic style of dance music, and Costello's anti-media "Radio, Radio" which is included under the extended play tracks. His subject matter is of a more deeper and grittier nature in songs like "Night Rally" (fascism) and "(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea" (a sharp jab at the film industry). This album truly marks Costello's departure from his early pub-rock and rock and roll styles to his new realm of pop. I wouldn't buy this before his first album, but for the initiated Costello fan this album is a real treat. | |
| One of my favorite albums ever | |
| I happened upon a leftover copy of the Rykodisc re-issue of This Year's Model after it had gone out-of-print one day at Borders. Happy I had found this hard-to-find gem (this was a while before the new 2-CD re-issues), I purchased the album and popped it in my car stereo. Costello opens the disc proclaiming "I don't wanna kiss you, I don't wanna touch" before the Attractions explode into a fit of pop-punk rage. I was blown away. The production was crisp, rich, and full of unbridled chaotic energy. Even when Costello slows it down on this album ("Little Triggers"), the result is no less energetic or passionate. Other such classics include "Pump It Up," "I Don't Wanna Go To Chelsea," and "This Year's Girl. The Attractions are a much stronger band than Clover, who accompained Costello on My Aim Is True, thus making This Year's Model the stronger album (although My Aim Is True is still classic). The bonus tracks are also nice including the indispensible "Radio, Radio," a biting, vicious attack on radio. This is essential listening. Please purchase. | |
| Don't get your kicks at 66 | |
| Listening to This Years Model after 22 years (gasp!), one is struck by how current and urgent it all still sounds. The lyrics are so sharp and the songs are so well structured that I am reminded of Cole Porter. I don't think Elvis Costello ever topped this, even though he came close so many times. Insight, anger and humor are combined into his unique style that cuts through all the hypocrisy in the world like acid poured on metal. |
