My Aim Is True [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Japanese reissue of 1977 album, packaged in a miniature LP sleeve. Produced by Nick Lowe. JVC. 2003.

My Aim Is True (With Bonus Disc)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Rock and roll blasphemy?
  • Plain and simple
  • Elvis Costello: The Real King
  • Great Debut
  • the first and greatest elvis.
 My Aim Is True (With Bonus Disc)
Elvis Costello
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. This Year's Model (With Bonus Disc)
  2. Armed Forces
  3. Get Happy!!
  4. Imperial Bedroom
  5. Trust

ASIN: B00005MLU0
Release Date: 2001-08-21

Tracks:

  1. Welcome to the Working Week
  2. Miracle Man
  3. No Dancing
  4. Blame It on Cain
  5. Alison
  6. Sneaky Feelings
  7. (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes
  8. Less Than Zero
  9. Mystery Dance
  10. Pay It Back
  11. I'm Not Angry
  12. Waiting for the End of the World
  13. Watching the Detectives

Tracks:

  1. No Action
  2. Living in Paradise
  3. Radio Sweetheart
  4. Stranger in the House
  5. I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself
  6. Less Than Zero (Dallas Version)
  7. Imagination (is a Powerful Deceiver)
  8. Mystery Dance (Honky Tonk Demo)
  9. Cheap Reward (Honky Tonk Demo)
  10. Jump Up (Honky Tonk Demo)
  11. Blame it on Cain (Honky Tonk Demo)
  12. Poison Moon (Honky Tonk Demo)

Amazon.com

Elvis Costello kicked off his debut album with a formal device that would also serve his next two long-players well: the first thing you hear is his voice. That opening phrase--"Now that your picture's in the paper..."--was more than sneakily, if not intentionally, appropriate, since Costello was quickly declared the second coming. It's become de rigueur to dis the pub-rock backing of U.S. band Clover, but their work here is satisfactorily edgy; guitarist John McFee makes some of the arrangements with his wailingly articulate fills. The remastered Rhino reissue includes a full second disc of demos and rarities. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Rock and roll blasphemy? .......2007-07-23

I admit I'm an anomaly...an EC fan who does not love My Aim Is True. I place it high in a second tier of Costello's standard recordings.

'No Dancing', 'Mystery Dance' and 'Angels' are in my Top 50 EC favorites as is 'Stranger in the House' from the Rykodisc/Rhino reissues. 'Welcome to the Working Week' is enjoyable. I also like 'Radio Sweetheart' and 'Cheap Reward' from the R/R extended discs.

I'm not going to bash the rest of 'Aim'. I simply don't find it as appealing as most of the reviewers here.

A final note...Live versions of 'Aim' songs can be found on some of the second discs of Rhino's reissues and the hard to find 'Costello and Nieve'. They are typically superior to the studio versions and are worth
seeking out.

5 out of 5 stars Plain and simple.......2007-04-10

One of the best debut albums--what they were called back before CDs--ever released. Though Elvis' infamous anger has tempered and he has ventured into an admirable array of musical genres, the depth and urgency of his songwriting skills are evident and prophetic here. Just try to grow weary of repeated plays of "Mystery Dance" and "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes." You will fail because they are endlessly listenable. This is a text book of rock music.

5 out of 5 stars Elvis Costello: The Real King.......2007-02-01

More Classic '1977' Gold. This contains some of Declans finest Moments and really none of his banter. Songs like "Blame It On Cain" and "Watching The Detectives" set to Prove that 1977 was the Peak year!!

5 out of 5 stars Great Debut.......2007-01-01

I'm not sure of the exact date, but it was the winter of 77/78, and my friends and I drove thru a blizzard to catch Elvis in a little lecture hall at C.W. Post College on Long Island, N.Y. Did it ever open our eyes, ears and minds. He played most of this album plus some of what was to be "This Years Model".I had purchased "My Aim Is True"after hearing, "Alison" on the radio but that song was only a hint at the rest of what was on the album. Songs like "Watching The Detectives", "Mystery Dance" and "Less Than Zero" are brillant and still stand up some 30 years later. This is one of the all time best debut albums and previewed an incredible output for the next 2 years. I wish that the Attractions had played on this but the playing on it is fine but not nearly as intense as it was live. It's albums and shows like this that remind me why I love rock 'n roll.

5 out of 5 stars the first and greatest elvis........2006-05-23

at the time that this album came out i had just lost my little boy, my husband had left me for a woman 24 years my junior, & i had a serious rash all up & down my left side. i was DEPRESSED. then i heard this music & suddenly i wanted to wear lipstick again. i wanted to wear lipstick & i wanted to dance. what a great album. and to this day in 2006 it still is! the best elvis costello album known to man (and that's saying something).
My Aim Is True
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Blame it on Cain
  • Elvis defines a genre
 My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
Manufacturer: Hip-O Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. This Year's Model
  2. Armed Forces
  3. Get Happy!!
  4. Imperial Bedroom
  5. Trust

ASIN: B000OHZJKA
Release Date: 2007-05-01

Tracks:

  1. Welcome To The Working Week
  2. Miracle Man
  3. No Dancing
  4. Blame It On Cain
  5. Alison
  6. Sneaky Feelings
  7. (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes
  8. Less Than Zero
  9. Mystery Dance
  10. Pay It Back
  11. I'm Not Angry
  12. Waiting For The End Of The World
  13. Watching The Detectives

Amazon.com essential recording

Elvis Costello kicked off his debut album with a formal device that would also serve his next two long-players well: the first thing you hear is his voice. That opening phrase--"Now that your picture's in the paper..."--was more than sneakily, if not intentionally, appropriate, since Costello was quickly declared the second coming. It's become de rigueur to dis the pub-rock backing of U.S. band Clover, but their work here is satisfactorily edgy; guitarist John McFee makes some of the arrangements with his wailingly articulate fills. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Blame it on Cain.......2007-06-16

Well, this album was a classic the day it was released back in Discotime, you should really give it a listen or 5 if you haven't before, but can someone, anyone tell me the point of re-releasing it again?

It IS more economical to buy it this way than with the bonus disc.
Maybe that's the point?

Highly recommended in any of its incarnations.

As it says all over the cover, "Elvis is King"!

5 out of 5 stars Elvis defines a genre.......2007-05-06

Shortly after Elvis Costello let this 13 song tornado touch down in the US, he made the infamous comment that his thorny songs about relationships were motivated by revenge and guilt. That having been said, rarely has this much misanthropic venting been so great a joy to listen to. It wasn't just that Elvis was angry, it was that he was throwing twisted phrases into the vocabulary with seeming effortlessness.
Take some of these:

"I used to be disgusted, now I try to be amused."
"Rhythmically admired."
"Walking on the water won't make me a miracle man."
"Everything means less than zero."
And of course, "My aim is true."

That's just five songs. The astounding thing (at the time), was each song was always just as good as the one before it, if not better! During the burgeoning punk movement, most of the bands getting press were doing so less for the music than for the attention getting behavior. (Think the Sex Pistols, etc.) Despite the blatant headline grabber of his assumed name and that bizarre knock kneed mutation of Buddy Holly's look, Elvis' debut was one of musical assurance. Part of that came from the usage of Clover, the band of Californians that contained a few of Huey Lewis' eventual Newsmates, and John McFee's guitar work. It was McFee's brief guitar lick that gave "Alison" a signature introduction. While hardly the fiery backing Elvis would find once The Attractions signed on, Clover gave "My Aim Is True" a barebones framework that made the in your face immediacy of the songs explode from the album.

In 1977, this was one of the albums that changed my outlook on life. (Hey, I was 17 years old, when such things were still possible.) Of those records from that time in my life, this is one for the very few discs that stayed with me and one of the only artists to emerge with a lifetime's worth of talent. "My Aim Is True" remains a showcase for songwriters, no matter what the motivations for their pens.
My Aim Is True
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great debut but Elvis would do better...
  • Simply Awesome
  • the birth of the cool
  • One of the top 10 albums ever produced.
  • Just great songs
 My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
Manufacturer: Rykodisc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
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British PunkBritish Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. This Year's Model
  2. Armed Forces
  3. Get Happy!!
  4. Imperial Bedroom
  5. Trust

ASIN: B0000009UR
Release Date: 1993-10-19

Tracks:

  1. Welcome To The Working Week
  2. Miracle Man
  3. No Dancing
  4. Blame It On Cain
  5. Alison
  6. Sneaky Feelings
  7. (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes
  8. Less Than Zero
  9. Mystery Dance
  10. Pay It Back
  11. I'm Not Angry
  12. Waiting For The End Of The World
  13. Watching The Detectives
  14. Radio Sweethaeart
  15. Stranger In The House
  16. Imagination (Is A Powerful Deceiver)
  17. Mystery Dance
  18. Cheap Reward
  19. Jump Up
  20. Wave A White Flag
  21. Blame It On Cain
  22. Poison Moon

Amazon.com essential recording

Elvis Costello kicked off his debut album with a formal device that would also serve his next two long-players well: the first thing you hear is his voice. That opening phrase--"Now that your picture's in the paper..."--was more than sneakily, if not intentionally, appropriate, since Costello was quickly declared the second coming. It's become de rigueur to dis the pub-rock backing of U.S. band Clover, but their work here is satisfactorily edgy; guitarist John McFee makes some of the arrangements with his wailingly articulate fills. The Rykodisc CD restores the album's British sequence, adds the eternal "Watching the Detectives," and kicks in a slew of bonus tracks, including the intriguing "Honky Tonk" demos. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Great debut but Elvis would do better..........2007-06-12

I haven't heard much Costello, but based on what I've heard I can certainly say his first three albums were his peak. This was of course the album that introduced us to Mr. McManus, and it's quite good, one of Elvis' best. But I think the next two (This Year's Model and Armed Forces) are a ton better - there's a bit of generic punkabilly (albeit with much more interesting lyrics than most punk or rockabilly artists ever churned out) like Welcome to the Working Week, Miracle Man, No Dancing and Pay It Back. Now there are also several of his better songs. Watching the Detectives is pure reggae, predating both the Clash and the Police (Two good bands who would also delve into reggae) by a year. And I love it. (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes is another one of those songs most fans know, for good reason too: pub-rock doesn't get much better. The frenzied, innuendo-packed Mystery Dance and I'm Not Angry are also both punkabilly, but they're also far better than any of the generic stuff, two of my personal favorites (I especially like I'm Not Angry's lyric "There's no such thing as original sin"). I think Less Than Zero is a tad overrated, but the lyrics are genius.
Then we get to my personal favorite song, not only on the album, but of Costello's broad catalogue. I think it's safe to say that Allison is his most beloved song, and with good reason. The ambiguity of the lyrics - is this just a breakup song? Is it about murder? Possible suicide, maybe? - is played out perfectly. The chorus of "Allison... I know this world is killing you/Allison... my aim is true" continues to muddy the waters. Now I like my lyrics ambiguous (I am a Dylan fan, after all), and it's safe to say that's part of what makes this my favorite Costello song. That's not all though: Costello is if anything an underrated melodicist, and he pens a perfect one here. Even his vocals, which I normally find quite limited, suit the song perfectly.
So a fine debut album, full of the promise that would later flower on the next two albums, but in spot s he sounds like he's just copying that other famous Elvis (not that there's anything wrong with that). And Clover's nowhere near the Attractions. While it's safe to say that This Year's Model is the place to start, My Aim is True is one to get too.

5 out of 5 stars Simply Awesome.......2006-11-15

There is just not another way to describe this album. It is simply awesome. It is a tremendous breath of fresh air,bursting with energetic life, and some of the most creative and original songwriting imaginable. This introduces the world to one of its most distinct voices and artists: the inimitable Elvis Costello. Every track is a gem and will catch you likely the first time around; relistens are always rewarding though, and thus even though the album will become an instant favorite it will not grow old and stale after a short time. When every track is so vital it becomes impossible to name highlights... the whole album is excellent and every track worthy of 5 stars.

5 out of 5 stars the birth of the cool.......2006-05-09

When I was a senior in high school, Elvis Costello came out with My Aim is True, and it totally blew us all away with its cynical, on-the-money lyrics and terrific pop hooks. With heavy radio rotation of songs such as (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes (which I made sure to get not long afterward), Alison, and Watching the Detectives, as well as Welcome to the Working Week, Mystery Dance, and Radio Sweetheart, Elvis was suddenly all over the FM dial, and we heard tell of concerts in which the 'angry young man' named Declan McManus spit on his audiences and told them off. A real regret was not getting to see him play live the first time he toured here, which I didn't have the opportunity to do 'til 1983, and a couple of times thereafter - always excellent shows, I might add (alas, no spitting). I have such specific memories of riding in a car singing Watching the Detectives and listening to these tunes while crossing the Long Island Sound by ferry on a trip to Shelter Island in New York on an early summer morning, Elvis' music the indelibly-etched soundtrack to that period that will forever play in my mind. Since this LP, Elvis has gone on, as we all know, to explore and master many genres of music, but - even given his wonderful subsequent work with Burt Bacharach - none hold as much power and meaning for me, even twenty five plus years on, as this LP does. Long live this King!!

5 out of 5 stars One of the top 10 albums ever produced........2005-09-20

There is very few albums that compare to this masterpiece. Every track is superb. One of the top 10 albums ever produced. Intelligent and quick witted lyrics, addictive melodies and clean pure energy, this album has it all.

The funny thing is I could issue a similar endorsement for E.C.'s next two albums as well. 1977's My Aim Is True, 1978's This Years Model & 1979's Armed Forces, may very well be the best three consecutive albums ever released by any one artist.

Other artists have had larger impacts on our history and influences to or culture (Beatles, Stones & that other Elvis) But for musical excellence Elvis Costello is second to none.

5 out of 5 stars Just great songs.......2004-03-27

I remember having a very bad image of Elvis, lumping him into the "new wave" phenomenon for years. Then I finally listened to this cd. The songs are nothing short of incredible. Not a bad one in the bunch. The production is stark but that just enhances the power of the tunes to stand out on their own without gimmicks. I'm not sure he ever made another album as complete as this one, though I followed him through several more excellent lps. This one's a definite keeper.
My Aim Is True
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		My Aim Is True
    Elvis Costello
    Manufacturer: Universal
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000S6EYLW
    Release Date: 2007-09-17

    Album Details

    Includes the Bonus Track Watchin Detectives.
    My Aim Is True
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		My Aim Is True
      Elvis Costello
      Manufacturer: Sony
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
      PunkPunk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
      British PunkBritish Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
      New WaveNew Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
      BritainBritain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
      Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
      Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
      Similar Items:
      1. This Year's Model
      2. Armed Forces
      3. Get Happy!!
      4. Mighty Like a Rose
      5. Extreme Honey: The Best Of The Warner Bros. Years

      ASIN: B00008FRMN
      Release Date: 1990-10-25

      Tracks:

      1. Welcome to the Working Week
      2. Miracle Man
      3. No Dancing
      4. Blame It on Cain
      5. Alison
      6. Sneaky Feelings
      7. (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes
      8. Less Than Zero
      9. Mystery Dance
      10. Pay It Back
      11. I'm Not Angry
      12. Waiting for the End of the World
      13. Watching the Detectives
      My Aim Is True
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		My Aim Is True
        Elvis Costello
        Manufacturer: Jvc Victor
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
        PunkPunk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
        British PunkBritish Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
        New WaveNew Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
        BritainBritain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
        Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
        Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B000FIHCTO
        Release Date: 2006-06-26

        Tracks:

        1. Welcome to the Working Week
        2. Miracle Man
        3. No Dancing
        4. Blame It on Cain
        5. Alison
        6. Sneaky Feelings
        7. (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes
        8. Less Than Zero
        9. Mystery Dance
        10. Pay It Back
        11. I'm Not Angry
        12. Waiting for the End of the World
        13. Watching the Detectives
        14. Radio Sweetheart [*]
        15. Stranger in the House [*]
        16. Imagination (Is a Powerful Deceiver) [*]
        17. Mystery Dance [*]
        18. Cheap Reward [*]
        19. Jump Up [*]
        20. Wave a White Flag [*]
        21. Blame It on Cain [*]
        22. Poison Moon [*]

        Album Details

        Special 20bit K2 Japanese Limited Edition Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork.
        My Aim Is True + Bonus Disc
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          		My Aim Is True + Bonus Disc
          Elvis Costello
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
          Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
          Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B000LYGBVM
          My Aim Is True
          Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
          • Great debut but Elvis would do better...
          • Simply Awesome
          • the birth of the cool
          • One of the top 10 albums ever produced.
          • Just great songs
          		 My Aim Is True
          Elvis Costello
          Manufacturer: Demon Records UK
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
          New WaveNew Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
          Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
          Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
          Alternative RockAlternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
          Similar Items:
          1. This Year's Model
          2. Armed Forces
          3. Get Happy!!
          4. Imperial Bedroom
          5. Trust

          ASIN: B00000DSYH
          Release Date: 1994-07-05

          Amazon.com essential recording

          Elvis Costello kicked off his debut album with a formal device that would also serve his next two long-players well: the first thing you hear is his voice. That opening phrase--"Now that your picture's in the paper..."--was more than sneakily, if not intentionally, appropriate, since Costello was quickly declared the second coming. It's become de rigueur to dis the pub-rock backing of U.S. band Clover, but their work here is satisfactorily edgy; guitarist John McFee makes some of the arrangements with his wailingly articulate fills. The Rykodisc CD restores the album's British sequence, adds the eternal "Watching the Detectives," and kicks in a slew of bonus tracks, including the intriguing "Honky Tonk" demos. --Rickey Wright

          Customer Reviews:

          4 out of 5 stars Great debut but Elvis would do better..........2007-06-12

          I haven't heard much Costello, but based on what I've heard I can certainly say his first three albums were his peak. This was of course the album that introduced us to Mr. McManus, and it's quite good, one of Elvis' best. But I think the next two (This Year's Model and Armed Forces) are a ton better - there's a bit of generic punkabilly (albeit with much more interesting lyrics than most punk or rockabilly artists ever churned out) like Welcome to the Working Week, Miracle Man, No Dancing and Pay It Back. Now there are also several of his better songs. Watching the Detectives is pure reggae, predating both the Clash and the Police (Two good bands who would also delve into reggae) by a year. And I love it. (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes is another one of those songs most fans know, for good reason too: pub-rock doesn't get much better. The frenzied, innuendo-packed Mystery Dance and I'm Not Angry are also both punkabilly, but they're also far better than any of the generic stuff, two of my personal favorites (I especially like I'm Not Angry's lyric "There's no such thing as original sin"). I think Less Than Zero is a tad overrated, but the lyrics are genius.
          Then we get to my personal favorite song, not only on the album, but of Costello's broad catalogue. I think it's safe to say that Allison is his most beloved song, and with good reason. The ambiguity of the lyrics - is this just a breakup song? Is it about murder? Possible suicide, maybe? - is played out perfectly. The chorus of "Allison... I know this world is killing you/Allison... my aim is true" continues to muddy the waters. Now I like my lyrics ambiguous (I am a Dylan fan, after all), and it's safe to say that's part of what makes this my favorite Costello song. That's not all though: Costello is if anything an underrated melodicist, and he pens a perfect one here. Even his vocals, which I normally find quite limited, suit the song perfectly.
          So a fine debut album, full of the promise that would later flower on the next two albums, but in spot s he sounds like he's just copying that other famous Elvis (not that there's anything wrong with that). And Clover's nowhere near the Attractions. While it's safe to say that This Year's Model is the place to start, My Aim is True is one to get too.

          5 out of 5 stars Simply Awesome.......2006-11-15

          There is just not another way to describe this album. It is simply awesome. It is a tremendous breath of fresh air,bursting with energetic life, and some of the most creative and original songwriting imaginable. This introduces the world to one of its most distinct voices and artists: the inimitable Elvis Costello. Every track is a gem and will catch you likely the first time around; relistens are always rewarding though, and thus even though the album will become an instant favorite it will not grow old and stale after a short time. When every track is so vital it becomes impossible to name highlights... the whole album is excellent and every track worthy of 5 stars.

          5 out of 5 stars the birth of the cool.......2006-05-09

          When I was a senior in high school, Elvis Costello came out with My Aim is True, and it totally blew us all away with its cynical, on-the-money lyrics and terrific pop hooks. With heavy radio rotation of songs such as (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes (which I made sure to get not long afterward), Alison, and Watching the Detectives, as well as Welcome to the Working Week, Mystery Dance, and Radio Sweetheart, Elvis was suddenly all over the FM dial, and we heard tell of concerts in which the 'angry young man' named Declan McManus spit on his audiences and told them off. A real regret was not getting to see him play live the first time he toured here, which I didn't have the opportunity to do 'til 1983, and a couple of times thereafter - always excellent shows, I might add (alas, no spitting). I have such specific memories of riding in a car singing Watching the Detectives and listening to these tunes while crossing the Long Island Sound by ferry on a trip to Shelter Island in New York on an early summer morning, Elvis' music the indelibly-etched soundtrack to that period that will forever play in my mind. Since this LP, Elvis has gone on, as we all know, to explore and master many genres of music, but - even given his wonderful subsequent work with Burt Bacharach - none hold as much power and meaning for me, even twenty five plus years on, as this LP does. Long live this King!!

          5 out of 5 stars One of the top 10 albums ever produced........2005-09-20

          There is very few albums that compare to this masterpiece. Every track is superb. One of the top 10 albums ever produced. Intelligent and quick witted lyrics, addictive melodies and clean pure energy, this album has it all.

          The funny thing is I could issue a similar endorsement for E.C.'s next two albums as well. 1977's My Aim Is True, 1978's This Years Model & 1979's Armed Forces, may very well be the best three consecutive albums ever released by any one artist.

          Other artists have had larger impacts on our history and influences to or culture (Beatles, Stones & that other Elvis) But for musical excellence Elvis Costello is second to none.

          5 out of 5 stars Just great songs.......2004-03-27

          I remember having a very bad image of Elvis, lumping him into the "new wave" phenomenon for years. Then I finally listened to this cd. The songs are nothing short of incredible. Not a bad one in the bunch. The production is stark but that just enhances the power of the tunes to stand out on their own without gimmicks. I'm not sure he ever made another album as complete as this one, though I followed him through several more excellent lps. This one's a definite keeper.
          My Aim Is True
          Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
          • Great Debut on a Shoestring Budget!
          		 My Aim Is True
          Elvis Costello
          Manufacturer: Jvc Victor
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
          PunkPunk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
          British PunkBritish Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
          New WaveNew Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
          Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
          BritainBritain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
          Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
          Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
          Alternative RockAlternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
          RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
          ASIN: B0000C6VX9
          Release Date: 2003-10-06

          Tracks:

          1. Welcome to the Working Week
          2. Miracle Man
          3. No Dancing
          4. Blame It on Cain
          5. Alison
          6. Sneaky Feelings
          7. (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes
          8. Less Than Zero
          9. Mystery Dance
          10. Pay It Back
          11. I'm Not Angry
          12. Waiting for the End of the World
          13. Watching the Detectives
          14. Radio Sweetheart [*]
          15. Stranger in the House [*]
          16. Imagination (Is a Powerful Deceiver) [*]
          17. Mystery Dance [*]
          18. Cheap Reward [*]
          19. Jump Up [*]
          20. Wave a White Flag [*]
          21. Blame It on Cain [*]
          22. Poison Moon [*]

          Album Description

          Japanese reissue of 1977 album, packaged in a miniature LP sleeve. Produced by Nick Lowe. JVC. 2003.

          Album Details

          Japanese Limited Edition in an LP-STYLE Slipcase.

          Customer Reviews:

          4 out of 5 stars Great Debut on a Shoestring Budget!.......2006-05-23

          This is one great debut album that introduced the world to the great songwriting genius that is Elvis Costello. Struggling to get discovered, Elvis finally manages to meet the right people and in real garage-band style, gets to record this album on a shoestring budget with subpar recording equipment and yet the beauty and greatness of the tracks still shine through.

          Although the sound quality isn't all that great - the reason explained earlier - this along with his 2 follow-up albums probably represent the best trilogy of albums by any punk rocker. In a genre famous for one-hit wonders and self-destructive groups e.g. the Sex Pistols, Nirvana, The Clash, The Knack and Television, Elvis has gone on to not only record many, many more albums of diverse stylings but his music is even critically acclaimed as examples of inspired songwriting.

          I see that our friends in Japan are releasing this album in K2HD remastering format; my recommendation is to wait until June and to get that version as the sound quality may be a vast improvement over this version. If you are not too bothered about the sound quality, get this album now. If you are a fan of great songwriting in the punk rock genre, you won't regret it.

          Music:

          1. Neurotica
          2. Pattern Seed
          3. PRO
          4. Reconstructing the Fables - A Tribute to R.E.M.
          5. Rockin' The Midwest '99
          6. Signs in the Sun
          7. Skull Ring
          8. Sleep/Holiday
          9. Sound Advice
          10. Spinning Tourists in a City of Ghosts

          Music

          music

          Music

          Strange Weather Lately

          A Passion For Romance

          16 Goethe-Lieder

          Bluegrass Ramble

          200 Fab Sixties Favourites [Box set]

          #1's [DualDisc]

          A Child's World of Lullabies

          73 Poems

          You're the Reason: The Best of the MGM Years

          Young Lions & Old Tigers

          Your Body Is a Wonderland [CD-single] [Import]

          With a Song in My Hear [Import]

          You Make Me Feel

          Vivaldi: Arsilda

          From There to Here: 1989-2002