My Aim Is True
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My Aim Is True is the debut album by Elvis Costello.
It ushered in the new wave genre, both musically and in the stylish appearance of the man himself. Released in 1977 (see 1977 in music) by Stiff/Columbia, the album broke new ground with punk, pop, and reggae influences, but without the overt abrasion or sometimes heavy politics of punk. Clearly a reaction to the bloat of over-produced 1960s-1970s stadium rock, this definitive new wave album features songs that are short, fast, danceable, and accessible, with very straightforward production by Nick Lowe. The album was mostly recorded during late-night studio "downtime" sessions.
Elvis looks like a 1950s throwback, with his short hair, heavy-rimmed spectacles, suit jacket, and pegged jeans, in a pose taken from Chuck Berry. The cover art features rows of tiny black and white checks on which the phrase "Elvis Is King" is written.
Future Costello albums would feature The Attractions, but that band had not been formed at the time this album was recorded. Instead it features, uncredited on the original release (due to contractual difficulties), the American expatriate band Clover, who would later evolve into Huey Lewis & the News. (Lewis did not play on this album.) Guitarist John McFee would end up with The Doobie Brothers.
In 2003, the TV network VH1 named My Aim Is True the 80th greatest album of all time.
Track listing
Note: The Rykodisc version has the original tracks and bonus tracks on one CD. The Rhino version has two CDs with the original tracks on the first CD.All songs written by Elvis Costello unless otherwise indicated.
- "Welcome to the Working Week" – 1:22
- "Miracle Man" – 3:31
- "No Dancing" – 2:39
- "Blame It on Cain" – 2:49
- "Alison" – 3:21
- "Sneaky Feelings" – 2:09
- "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" – 2:47
- "Less Than Zero" – 3:15
- "Mystery Dance" – 1:38
- "Pay It Back" – 2:33
- "I'm Not Angry" – 2:57
- "Waiting for the End of the World" – 3:22
- "Watching the Detectives" – 3:45
- Tracklisting notes: "Watching the Detectives" was not on the original UK release of this album, but rather was issued as a single in October 1977. On the US version it was placed at the end of side one.
Bonus Tracks (1993 Rykodisc)
- Tracklisting notes: The Rykodisc reissue placed "Watching the Detectives" after a 5-second silence following "Waiting for the End of the World."
Bonus Disc (2001 Rhino)
- "No Action (version)" – 2:15
- "Living in Paradise (version)" – 3:00
- "Radio Sweetheart"" – 2:31
- "Stranger in the House"" – 3:04
- "I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself" (Burt Bacharach, Hal David) (Live Stiffs) – 2:27
- "Less Than Zero (Dallas Version)" (Live at the El Mocambo) – 4:19
- "Imagination (Is a Powerful Deceiver)" – 3:39
- "Mystery Dance (Demo version)" – 2:15
- "Cheap Reward (Demo version)" – 2:18
- "Jump Up (Demo version)" – 2:09
- "Wave a White Flag (Demo version)" – 1:59
- "Blame It on Cain (Demo version)" – 3:34
- "Poison Moon (Demo version)" – 1:53
Personnel
- Elvis Costello – vocals, guitar, piano and drumsticks on 9
- Nick Lowe – backing vocals, piano, drumsticks and bass on 9
- John McFee – pedal steel guitar
- Sean Hopper – piano, organ, backing vocals
- Stan Shaw – organ on 8
- Johnny Ciambotti – bass, backing vocals
- Mickey Shine – drums
- Andrew Bodnar – bass on 13
- Steve Goulding – drums on 13
- Steve Nieve – organ and piano overdubs on 13
Charts
Album| Year | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Billboard Pop Albums | 32 |
Certifications
| Organization | Level | Date |
|---|---|---|
| CRIA – Canada | Gold | April 1 1978 |
| RIAA – USA | Gold | September 4 1981 |
| RIAA – USA | Platinum | October 12 2001 |
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