Elvis Costello RETRO ISSUE: My Aim Is True by: Kev Lavery Mon:08-Oct-07 Label: Stiff Year: 1977 WB rating 91 out of 100

The debut album from Elvis Costello, like the artist’s name itself, is drenched in nostalgia. Heavily referencing the rock from the ‘50s and ‘60s, My Aim is True is a classic working class album. Most obviously drawing on icons Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly – Costello takes his first name from Presley and a great deal of his image from Holly – much of the album was written by Costello either late at night or while travelling to and from work and, as a result, the narrative of this record can easily be transferred to those typical of working class neighbourhoods. Even in this, his first release, Costello proves an extremely talented songwriter; his songs tightly arranged and concise, playing with the past yet delivering in a style all his own.

The record’s title is taken from a line in ‘Alison’, a sweet, melancholic ballad about unrequited love and disappointment in a lover’s choices. This striking and mellow song is tightly constructed and, like many on My Aim is True, finishes leaving the listener wanting more, never overplaying its value. As a result of his songwriting brevity, the album demands repeat listens and suggests that Costello may have the artistic longevity of his idols. And while ‘Alison’ may be the standout, ‘No Dancing’, ‘Blame it on Cain’, ‘(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes’, ‘Waiting for the End of the World’, and ‘Sneaky Feelings’ are equally polished.

An industry manoeuvre leaves one song sitting uncomfortably tacked on to Costello’s tightly woven debut: ‘Watching the Detectives’. An addition to the American edition of My Aim is True, ‘Watching the Detectives’ is steeped in reggae, influences more commonly associated with The Clash than ‘50s rock ‘n’ roll. The original side one closer ‘Sneaky Feelings’ was a perfect endnote for the faultlessly constructed first side of the record, and herein lies the conundrum; ‘Watching the Detectives’ is a brilliant song in its own right, showcasing Costello’s more adventurous side. His voice, and composed melancholy, is perfectly suited to this style of music. But as good as ‘Watching the Detectives’ is (it’s almost on par with ‘Alison’) it never recovers from feeling incredibly out of place on this record and it warps the listening experience somewhat – relegating the song to mix tape status.

Releasing a debut album that sets such a high benchmark may be a blessing or a curse for Costello. Yes, this album stakes a strong claim for the songwriter as a star (it is simply too good to be received any other way), but what happens then? This report of working class concerns has been produced with such a clear insider view that success can only serve to corrupt this frankness. But even if this happens, there will always be My Aim is True to longingly look back on, Costello has presented such a calculated image, album, and style that if he never produces another album this debut will secure his legacy, as well as provide a template for other songwriters to study.