Armed Forces - Elvis Costello

The CD re-release game is an interesting thing. The remade and remodelled is all the rage and when them upstairs have finished messing about with the material, you can find your head similarly scrambled. You can find yourself screaming, "That's not the running order," in true anorak style. Of course, you're actually usually getting an extra bunch of product for the same money which is all very well and good, but for the true afficionado it's like ripping a big chapter out of the Bible and replacing it with a second volume complete with glossy pics. Take for instance Elvis Costello's memorable third album, Armed Forces. The original ...  Read the complete review

There are so many classic songs on here, all of which still sound great today. The album itself is up there in my top 10, and to my mind it is Costello's best - better even than any Costello "Best of" of "Greatest hits" could be. First track is "Accidents will happen", a perfect 3 minute pop song, and it's followed by another 11, if you can believe it (plus another 9 extra tracks!). If I had to pick one, "Olivers Army" is probably my standout track. It's a great jukebox tune, with its upbeat piano and catchy bass. Even though it's about mercenary killers, musically it sounds like a happy song. So ...  Read the complete review