"Armed Forces" (CD review)

...by Elvis Costello and The Attractions.

1979.
We'd had the Sex Pistols, The Clash, Talking Heads...
Combining punk energy with new wave intellect and darned good tunes in the tradition of ABBA, Elvis II (the original passed away at this time) burst on to the scene.
My Aim is True (without The Attractions), This Year's Model and now, in 1979, Armed Forces.

Accidents Will Happen and Oliver's Army were the huge hits that took Elvis and co into the global arena, but all the other tunes contain the cocktail of wit, melodic lyricism and energy that characterised at least the first 4 albums (Get Happy's "gimmick" was that it held no less than 20 riff-rich songs - a veritable musical feast in terms of both quantity and quality).

The late 70s were pretty much about Elvis doing Anger, and doing it well.
There is much invective on Armed Forces, most lines containing enough barbs to furnish the Maginot Line...
Each angry outburst is forcefully and wondrously underscored by the Attractions - Bruce Smith on bass, Pete Smith (no relation) on drums and Steve Nieve on keyboards.
I love the basslines - every bit as inventive as Aston Barrett in the Wailers - I was deeply saddened when Bruce announced his departure from Elvis's entourage, but very pleased that Steve and Pete have continued as The Imposters with Elvis.

I prefer the surrounding albums - This Year's Model with it's caustic, catchy and sophisticated I Don't Want To Go To Chelsea and Get Happy with its myriad of understated, terrific tunes.
Armed Forces is perhaps just a little too musically cute and quirky - Steve's keyboards maybe a touch too OTT - though it remains a pivotal moment in Elvis's development.
And the basslines take you into an exciting world of possibilities.

7/10.