A firm favourite since university days, I'd forgotten how great this album is. The original vinyl version had twelve songs, mostly less than three and a half minutes long, and not a duff one there. - a classic example of making your point and not outstaying your welcome. And when the songs are full of Costello wordplay that welcome lasts far longer than this album.
Here's a theory. This was Costello's third album. How many artists have made the breakthrough with their third album?
Album one, full of youthful enthusiasm, often great, sometimes misjudged.
Album two, a bit of a rush job written while touring the first album, especially if the best songs were used up on the debut.
Album three, the artist is more in control and more mature, and is now finding their feet.
From that era, Costello, The Jam, XTC, The Clash, arguably Wire, and Talking Heads?
So, Armed Forces, what of it? Replete with hit singles and songs still in Costello's live set today. Accidents Will Happen, Oliver's Army, Green Shirt, Goon Squad and Sunday's Best are all great songs, and stand alongside anything else Costello has done. But the rest of the songs stand up just as well, even if as memorably as those mentioned. A welcome addition to the original album as a thirteenth track is a fine rendition of Nick Lowe's (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding? a song I'll never tire of hearing.
But this CD edition has a bonus disc. I've got many albums from this era which come with a second CD, usually with superfluous demo and live versions.
And much of this is a live performance from 1978 (it's worth a listen, even as a reminder of what a great band the Attractions were), but there are a couple of gems - Tiny Steps, Talking In The Dark, Wednesday Week, as well as a pleasant version of My Funny Valentine, all B sides (remember them, kids?) of the singles from the album.
There's no doubt, this is a high point of Costello's career and a fantastic album. A great listen, something I hadn't heard for a few years. And if that isn't the point of this blog, I don't know what it.
4* - a great album, full of Costello wordplay and catchy tunes.
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