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For the record, let's just say that I like Elvis Costello, even though he probably automatically hates me because I'm a girl. Elvis was able to weather the new wave storm while other acts broke up or made a second home in the cutout bins. His lyrics escape banality and although rarely inspirational are always honest. And even if one paid no attention to the words, most of Costello's melodies have all the catchiness of the Top 40 with an added dose of offbeat creativity.
With Armed Forces, Elvis Costello triumphantly reaffirms himself as King of the shafted and the down and out; he reigns as music's most outspoken social critic. But for us outsiders looking in, Elvis is still a puny little four-eyed creep. (Fans, including myself, could hardly call Elvis "a nice guy.") Even sadder than this is that Elvis must also think he is a puny little four-eyed creep. A lot of the rage in My Aim Is True and This Year's Model has mellowed to despair on Armed Forces. I can no longer vent hostility towards a man who sings:
I get hit looking for a miss
I never thought it would come to this
That's from "Moods For Moderns," one of the stand-out tracks from Armed Forces. And like most of Costello's frustrated lyrics, it's got a mod '60's style Farfisa driven melody to go along with it.
When speaking strictly of tunes, Elvis has perfected the pop melody — "Busy Bodies" and "Accidents Will Happen" seem faintly reminiscent of some sixties tune you can't put your finger on. But here Costello has made memorable what was previously forgettable. And he does it all with an amazing little band known as The Attractions (to this day, revealed to us only as Bruce, Steve and Pete).
To say that all has mellowed to despair would be a gross generalization. Costello belts out his customary forty lashes on women in "Chemistry Class" and "Green Shirt," with both being disguised in melodramatic pop. But the end result of his incongruous coupling of words and music seem to make Elvis all the more sly.
The most surprising (unless it's a joke) as well as the most anthemic of Costello's compositions to date is "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding."
As I walk through this wicked world
Searching for light in the darkness of insanity
I asked myself is all hope lost
Is there only pain and hatred and misery
And each time I feel like this inside
There's only one thing I want to know
What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding?
This powerful song conveys sincerity rather than cynicism. It's the last cut on the album and currently stands as Elvis' final statement. He emerges as a man with his hands tied who complains a lot to cover up his confusion. For an added quirk, this tune pops up on the b-side of Nick Lowe's latest single by "Nick Lowe And His Sound."
If you act right now, your Armed Forces will come with an EP containing "Alison," "Watching The Detectives" and "Accidents Will Happen" live from Hollywood High. With such a strong album, this limp bonus comes across like repackaged leftovers; nevertheless it will generate excitement among Elvis freaks.
With each album, Elvis Costello continues to refine what he is all about. He's now asking for answers when he used to only point his finger; his newest melodies are cleaner and more identifiable. For his fourth album, he may even become optimistic. Will somebody please be nice to the boy with the glasses?
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