There is no doubt that the words and music of one declan macmanus have inspired and moved me on countless occasions. The snarl in the voice, the clever wordplay, the raging melodies, the hipster specs, for all of these reasons and more i devoured his debut record 'my aim is true' and every raw demo included in the 1993 rykodisc reissue. It wouldn't be too long after, while rifling through the secondhand vinyl at a half price book store, that i would happen upon a copy of elvis' followup to that brilliant debut.
As soon as i pulled the sleeve from the rack i could read the track listing printed on a label pasted across the album's title at the bottom of the cover. The label read 'demonstration not for sale' which may or may not be the title of my next record... but i digress. I'm a little embarrassed now to admit that only a couple of the 'suggested tracks' (as they were referred to as on the demo label) were familiar titles at the time. However, they were familiar enough to coax my hand into the old wallet to lay down a couple deceased presidents. Let's be honest, that cover shot alone (as seen below) warrants a sizable price tag.
It's almost hard to move past that album cover, but what about the contents?
Elvis may be king, but when needle hits the groove, it is certainly evident that the uncredited trio surrounding his highness are why this record and so many following it simply kick the listener in the proverbial hindquarters. This was costello's first album with the attractions and for many they are synonymous with everything he has done great musically. I don't necessarily belong to that club, but there is no denying the sheer raucous attitude in the high end bass riffing of mr. bruce thomas, the frenetic drums of mr. pete thomas and the unforgettable hypnotizing keys of the incredible steve nieve. Unable to pigeonhole 'this year's model' as simply punk, new wave or rock and roll, one can only describe this record as vintage elvis costello & the attractions.
Unbeknownst to me at the time, this particular copy of 'this year's girl' is the US version which was released two months after the original release in the UK. This version unbelievably excludes the bombastic '(i don't want to go to) chelsea' and original closer 'night rally' from side 2 for reportedly being 'too english.'
Wankers.
Novices will however most likely recognize the equally brilliant hit 'radio, radio' as the superb substitute finale.
If you're new to elvis & the attractions, let's call this a primer to their body of work.
Dig it.
As soon as i pulled the sleeve from the rack i could read the track listing printed on a label pasted across the album's title at the bottom of the cover. The label read 'demonstration not for sale' which may or may not be the title of my next record... but i digress. I'm a little embarrassed now to admit that only a couple of the 'suggested tracks' (as they were referred to as on the demo label) were familiar titles at the time. However, they were familiar enough to coax my hand into the old wallet to lay down a couple deceased presidents. Let's be honest, that cover shot alone (as seen below) warrants a sizable price tag.
It's almost hard to move past that album cover, but what about the contents?
Elvis may be king, but when needle hits the groove, it is certainly evident that the uncredited trio surrounding his highness are why this record and so many following it simply kick the listener in the proverbial hindquarters. This was costello's first album with the attractions and for many they are synonymous with everything he has done great musically. I don't necessarily belong to that club, but there is no denying the sheer raucous attitude in the high end bass riffing of mr. bruce thomas, the frenetic drums of mr. pete thomas and the unforgettable hypnotizing keys of the incredible steve nieve. Unable to pigeonhole 'this year's model' as simply punk, new wave or rock and roll, one can only describe this record as vintage elvis costello & the attractions.
Unbeknownst to me at the time, this particular copy of 'this year's girl' is the US version which was released two months after the original release in the UK. This version unbelievably excludes the bombastic '(i don't want to go to) chelsea' and original closer 'night rally' from side 2 for reportedly being 'too english.'
Wankers.
Novices will however most likely recognize the equally brilliant hit 'radio, radio' as the superb substitute finale.
If you're new to elvis & the attractions, let's call this a primer to their body of work.
Dig it.
Side One
- No Action
- This Year's Girl
- The Beat
- Pump It Up
- Little Triggers
- You Belong to Me
- Hand In Hand
- Lip Service
- Living In Paradise
- Lipstick Vogue
- Radio, Radio
