Garage Sale Vinyl: Elvis Costello
Armed Forces / Columbia Records / February 1979
by Christopher Long
Once upon a time, long ago and far away in the land of Hushabye, “pop” music was NOT a derogatory term. In fact, prior to the post-‘90s pablum-peddling huckster takeover, pop actually was a wonderful term of endearment. And although it’s a quickly evaporating commodity in the current super-sophisticated, grid-mandated, digital “artist” era, I continue to have tremendous personal appreciation for authentic, world-class pop craftsmanship.
For “seasoned” like-minded enthusiasts who were fortunate to be around (and paying attention), there was an exciting period somewhere between Hotel California and Hi Infidelity when a fresh crew of razor-sharp songsmiths was creating incredibly catchy and relevant pop-rock. They were close-cropped, skinny-tie guys, including Graham Parker, Joe Jackson, and Elvis Costello. And I consumed their records like an emaciated Christian coming off a two-week fast.
A couple of years ago, during one of my monthly salon experiences, my nail tech, Melody, asked, “Are you still into that vinyl thing?’” I responded with a resounding, “Abso-freaking-lutely!” When I returned to the salon the following month, I was gobsmacked when I discovered that Melody had brought in crates FULL of her no longer desired vintage vinyl — an unbelievable bounty that she was giving me, ALL for FREE. Among the musty-smelling LPs were such classics as The Allman Brothers Band Eat a Peach, Humble Pie Performance: Rockin’ the Fillmore, Frank Zappa Joe’s Garage Acts II & III, and… Elvis Costello Armed Forces.
As a music-crazed teen coming of age during the late ’70s, Elvis Costello was one of my top dogs. Even now as a distinguished-looking senior citizen, I still find his first four albums to be simply irresistible. And of those four, my pick of the litter is record #3, Armed Forces.
I’d bought the record immediately upon its February 1979 release. Over the years, that vinyl copy vanished to who knows where. By the mid-‘80s I’d nabbed a CD copy. However, digital just doesn’t scratch my itch like vinyl. So, I was particularly amped about receiving Melody’s clean and quiet-sounding Armed Forces LP — especially for free. Plus, it included the original bonus 7” single, featuring live versions of “Accidents Will Happen” and “Alison.”
Recorded in London during the late summer of ‘78, Armed Forces was overseen by legendary songwriter and producer, Nick Lowe. The resulting 12-track collection remains a non-stop, pop-driven hook-fest.
The video singles, “Accidents Will Happen,” “Oliver’s Army,” and “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding,” make a collective ironclad case for my continued Armed Forces passion. Another personal favorite, “Party Girl,” would become endeared to me further a year later when Linda Ronstadt covered the song on her album, Mad Love. Among the myriad other highlights; the intoxicating “Chemistry Class” and the quirky “Senior Service” — It’s a death that’s worse than fate, to be sure.
The cool thing about those first four Elvis Costello records is that the music remains vital, even after 45 years or more. And I was jazzed to finally get Armed Forces back in my collection, especially on vinyl.
(5/5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Armed Forces Track List (US Pressing)
*All songs written by Elvis Costello excepted where noted.
SIDE A
Accidents Will Happen – 3:00
Senior Service – 2:17
Oliver’s Army – 2:57
Big Boys – 2:54
Green Shirt – 2:41
Party Girl – 3:18
SIDE B
Goon Squad – 3:14
Busy Bodies – 3:33
Moods for Moderns – 2:48
Chemistry Class – 2:55
Two Little Hitlers – 3:11
