@N0rnagest His involvement with The Specials is the reason I checked them out, and I'm so glad I did! I've seen both (at different times) and I sang along with EVERY song! RIP, Terry (Hall).
Costello has drawn me to numerous other artists that he has either taken on tour or collaborated with. Larkin Poe, Ron Sexsmith, Jenny Lewis, Lucinda Williams, etc. @@sirslice7531
So many layers to this song. I think that the woman in the song knows that the singer "gets" her, and this appeals to her soul and ego. But she also knows that she is the author of her own unhappiness. The singer is not coming to her rescue. But he still loves her deeply. They share these secrets.
I’m glad I checked a few comments first before I wrote the exact same commentary on the lyrics . No point now as you’ve got there first . Respect 👌 👍🏴
In the early ’80s, Elvis Costello did a solo tour with a big spinning wheel listing about 40 songs. Before each song, he’d invite an audience member onstage to spin the wheel, and whatever it landed on would be the next song he played. But before they spun the wheel, he asked each person what they hoped it would land on. The night I saw the show, every guy said “Pump It Up” and every girl said “Alison.”
Edit: The wheel never actually landed on either of those songs that night, so he "helped" it a little so he could play both of them at the end of the show.
I saw that show in Chicago. Was one of the most fun and unique shows I've seen by any artist. You talked about the song wheel. In Chicago he had a small bar on stage. When a person came up and spun the wheel they could sit at that bar and order a drink while their song choice played. He also had a go-go dance cage on stage. Throughout the show Elvis would call up different girls periodically to dance in the cage.
... and "I'm not going to get too sentimental like those other sticky valentines, 'cause I don't know if you've been loving some body, I only know it isn't mine." The trick is to hear "some body" as two different words rather than as one compound word.
@@AaronHunterI was there at that concert! It was a one time only thing in Atlantic City, NJ. Billy Joe Armstrong and Death Cab For Cutie were also a part of it. They all did Pump It Up as the encore.
I felt the guys would give this A+ song something in the B range, but that's okay. What was more true Elvis Costello does hit all the Gen X quirkiness points! His untypical type of "banger" was so obviously intelligent and different from other music at the time, it found an audience that didn't have a voice! Revolutionaries never look the same to those who grew up after the Revolution!
Great comment! Was wondering if you’ve seen this? ua-cam.com/video/22wwbTQYKxc/v-deo.htmlsi=hhzrsg1yOiEbmSFY (Radio Radio, Elvis on SNL backed by Beastie Boys) Saw it for the first time right before Christmas, didn’t know it even existed. It made my GenX heart sing and put a little tear in my eye.
To say this album and Talking Heads 77, both from 1977, changed my life is a cliche, but so so true. Both are worth a complete listen IMO. They opened doors for me into alternative rock, punk, new wave, college rock etc
To stick with the 1977 theme, It's a bit like "Star Wars". People who didn't experience the impact and the follow-on effects first hand can still appreciate the quality and artistry, but they don't have that visceral connection. My parents had the same experience with the first rock 'n roll records and then the British Invasion, and it took me a while to understand it.
yeh friends older brother had the record when we were in middle school just yesterday on the radio heads love has come to town he had also a the rhino cd i have cool has demos extras never see either vinly local indie store elvis rhino cd of course has nice booklet also
I might add, and you guys know it obviously, it’s all about context. My Aim Is True came out when there was nothing else like it. It felt like an homage to American pop but with biting lyrics.
So true....has nothing to do with "fucking," but that's okay, we all were that age and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. To me, Costello writes more against himself vs attacking outwardly.
One of the deepest of deep dives. Entire albums worth listening to - absolutely start with the entirety of "Armed Forces". From "Accidents Will Happen" to "What's So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding", a magnum opus.
The name of the album is My Aim Is TruE and those words only appear in Alison. That is a BOSS move, IMHO. That chorus is infectious too. Any time and every time I meet an Allison / Alison, I have to bite my tongue
Yeah, not too many bands make you feel like this. I remember the Time hearing this too. Joe Jackson and The Cars we're like that. I'd never heard anything like that kind of music before.
I expected the B rating, but for me this is an A. From Elvis' 2015 autobiography Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink: ""I've always told people that I wrote the song 'Alison' after seeing a beautiful checkout girl at the local supermarket. She had a face for which a ship might have once been named. Scoundrels might once have fought mist-swathed duels to defend her honor. Now she was punching in the prices on cans of beans at a cash register and looking as if all the hopes and dreams of her youth were draining away. All that were left would soon be squandered to a ruffian who told her convenient lies and trapped her still further."
Y'all need to think about checking the calibration on your meter. I've seen this song stop conversations over a pool table in a bar. Granted, it was a weeknight, but still.... Groove is in the heart.
This is a great song. Linda Ronstadt does a beautiful cover of this on her "Mad Love" album where she experimented with New Wave (and did an amazing job).
Saw Nick Lowe do it as a closing to an encore of one of his shows and it was EXQUISITE. Pretty much anything in the Nick Lowe - Elvis Costello - Dave Edmunds vein is going to be a winner.
Every time I hear this song, it brings me back to my Mom in the late 70s telling me how I liked guys who couldn’t sing. 🤣🤣🤣 (She also told me I liked ugly guys, too. 🤣) I first saw him in early 1979. Everyone there went crazy for “Green Shirt”. It’s still a favorite of mine. “I Want You”, “The Angels Wanna Wear My Red Shoes” (I had that song written on a hs notebook), “I Don’t Want to Go to Chelsea”, Stranger In The House”, and “Five Gears in Reverse” are favorites of mine. Love EC. 💜💜💜
The tag line is a double pun. My aim is true = my intentions are pure; or = I don’t miss when I shoot. There’s a lot of confusion, pain and anger in this pretty song. When he sings “I think somebody better put out the big light cos I can’t stand to see you this way,” one interpretation is he’s stalking her looking into her windows. Another interpretation is that the “big light” is the light of life itself. Thus, his aim might be true because he’s thinking of putting her out of her/his misery. Or maybe he’s thinking of killing himself, since he can’t stand to see her in a way that he can’t change. Whatever, his “aim” is ultimately futile, and it fades into nothing. He’s not gonna kill her, or himself, or change the situation, maybe he’s stuck between these conflicting aims. One of my favorite songs.
“I Want You” is an Elvis Costello song you absolutely should check out - it is genuinely f**king scary. I think XTC & Warren Zevon should be on your radar, too.
Fans of Elvis Costello might say Alison is in their top 5 of all his songs. its in my top 3. its his style and voice. there is no one like him and this is a ballad.
Elvis Costello’s backing band for this song was Clover, which became Huey Lewis & the News. Huey says he wasn’t on the album because he was on vacation. Clover’s Alex Call was on vacation too.
Only Huey & Sean Hopper went on to form the news, John McFee formed Southern Pacific and joined The Doobie Brothers, Alex call became a solo artist, Johnny Shine briefly joined Tommy Tutone , John Ciambotti did session work but eventually quit to become a Chiropractor.
He had his time when he was popular, now forgotten about which is often the case even with great artists like this. This review just points to the fact that he’s underrated and unappreciated. He’s a genius songwriter and with the state that popular music is in right now we need to go back and remember what genius level writing sounds like.
@@itsmedrooms6071 Sure doesn't look forgotten about by the rapturous audiences I've been part of at his shows over the years (last time for me was last summer).
They did cover The Angels Want to Wear My Red Shoes awhile back. It was on one of their livestreams with many other songs. I believe they felt about the same way with that song. I think Alex is right saying Elvis Costello just isn’t his cup of tea. BTW, Angels is one of my favorites!
This is a great album but it is even greater in context. It represented a different direction in music. It's impact can't be understated. BTW, Alison Krauss is one "L." Not disheveled lol. Also not rock but you should give her a listen. Listen to "When You Say Nothing at All."
Hi A and A! I’m a 58 yo who grew up in the Bay Area listening to the great music and seeing concerts and great album rock on the radio (KFOG and KOME)… Im a new sub but long time fan of your reactions; can’t tell you how much joy it brings me to witness your love for the same music I loved (and still love)! Re: recent poll, gotta hit Roxy Music (no hurry but you gotta do it) b/c they were pretty unique and even if you don’t like them I bet you’ll appreciate them; I LOVE Roxy Music; two favs: More Than This and Oh Yeah
That says he doesn't want to get back with "Sometimes I wish I could stop you talking when I hear the silly things that you say. I think somebody ought to put out the big light, 'cause I can't stand to see you this way." Aim is true sounds morbidly final to me. Probably don't to know the answer.
It's one thing to listen back, which is great. But nothing can match having experienced the feeling of those times as they came on (of which this song was a part). Despite being older, I'm glad I lived through it.
It's funny how people always miss the play on words of the title. A true aim refers to the quality of accuracy when shooting, like a rifle or an arrow. So Andy is right, there's a double meaning there.
I honestly still have no clue what this song is really about and Andy's explanation is as good as any I've heard. But I think that's what I like about it. It kind of makes every listen a first listen since you're always trying to figure it out. Also, quirky is a very appropriate word here.
I think this is me and every Elvis Costello song. I've resigned myself to the fact that some people speak Costello, and my brain's just on a different frequency. Somehow I'm fluent in Taupin (which gives many people I know problems), but I can't quite master Costello. Anyway, if the song's got a few good hooks, I don't mind. One of these days I just need someone to translate "Beyond Belief" for me: "My hands were clammy and cunning/She's been suitably stunning/But I know there's not a hope in Hades/All the laddies catcall and wolf whistle/So can gentlemen and babies/Dogfight like rose and thistle"?
Oh, how I love this song. And every time you do Elvis I know you won't feel the same. But it is always good to see you coming back to him. Next try: Sleep Of The Just - Always gets me.
...always takes me back to a peaceful Sunday morning in 1978, walking down the freshman dorm hallway at Ohio University, hearing this out of someone's room. Instantly felt better about the day....
That perfect doodle lead guitar part was John McFee of Doobie Bros, Van Morrison, Huey Lewis and hundreds of others fame. One heck of a musician, as is Elvis Costello who is also one heck of a poet.
My favourite T-Shirt is a black silhouette of the Elvis Costello pose for this album and the words My Aim Is True. Doesn't fit anymore but I'll take it to my grave.
A great tune and lyrics with nice vocals from this superstar of that era!So many great songs by Elvis like Oliver’s Army, Watching the Detectives!Andy got it right!
I agree on Costello. I've have always respected him. I just never warmed up enough to seek out his stuff. That said, I get how he could strike a chord with people.
This was his unbelievable debut album, before he assembled the Attractions. He's backed in the studio by a band named Clover. Which was Huey Lewis' band at that time.
I guarantee that this song will work its way into your brain and will be rated higher in a few months time. Elvis Costello can write a whole novel in three minutes. Intelligent, though-provoking pop. A great artist who has tried just about every style in the book, from country to classical. If you want one of his best at a quirky level, "Beyond Belief" is worth a listen, even though any meaning in the lyrics is cryptic, to say the least.
The New Wave artists of the late 70's to early 80's are going to take a hit with both Andy and Atex - I get that and can accept their tastes run differently. So, Blondie, Talking Heads, Joe Jackson, Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, B-52's, etc are rated one letter lower going in. i rate this more like A as it has great lyrics and the melody is very memorable. Rolling Stones Magazine rated it as one of the highest rated albums of 1977. Elvis is one of the best lyricists out there today.
Another artist that time stamps growing up after high school, the world was wide open. Warren Zevon was another. And we had Aja. The best music to enter adulthood to. And the drinking age was 18 back then, so buying a beer and listening to some good tunes was premo!
Check out “I Want You” by Elvis. Alison was written about a cashier girl he saw in a store. He just made up her life on the spot while waiting in line. Don’t think she ever knew a song was being composed about her as she checked out people in line. ✌️♥️🎶
Good Choice. I've heard "I Want You" perfectly described as a song from the standpoint of a man who lost his woman to another man and how much he hates all three of the people involved.
This is actually a very subtle and clever song about the dark side of the male psyche. The singer is emotionally and psychologically destroyed over losing the girl to another man and intends to kill her. Hence the line “ I think somebody better put out the big light cause I can’t stand to see you this way”. The line “My aim is true” has a double meaning, implying he’s going to shoot her. In his twisted agony, he makes himself out to be virtuous by rationalizing his murderous intent as a mercy killing. “I know this world is killing you, oh Alison, my aim is true”.
These lyrics are filled with bitter, resentful, unrequited obsession. "My aim is true" following immediately after a line with the phrase "killing you", is completely on purpose. Costello is a master lyricist. Reread the lyrics in this light. Another commentator mentioned stalker/killer vibes. 100%.
I've always interpreted it that way too. Like his "aim" is a pointed gun. This song has always made me kind of queasy, even though the melody is beautiful.
Shortly after Elvis' first album, Linda Ronstadt, who was HUGE at the time, much more well known than EC, did a cover of Alison that was a moderate US chart hit. It's also excellent, but has quite a different vibe given that it's another female singing it.
Linda Ronstadt has a big hit with this song. it's really good, she adds that extra layer of emotion that Elvis didn't have. great song. her version is an A+.
Interesting that you should mention Randy Newman and Elvis Costello in the same sentence. Not a connection I would have made, but I get what you're saying. I've liked 'em both since each of their first albums was released. 'Alison' has a particular poignancy for me, as it came out not too long after I'd split with a woman of that name.
![Elvis Costello - Alison [REACTION]](/img/n.gif)
"Everyday I Write the Book", next Elvis Costello.
My fave Elvis.
@@cjprince1 Mine too. ❤️
good one on the radio last week
Loved it since it came out, even though I've read that Costello himself never liked it.
Elvis Costello is a criminaly underrated artist........genuinely brilliant songwriter.......Great reaction guy's.
He did some fantastic production too ... The Specials by The Specials springs to mind.
The first 3 albums are utterly incredible, pretty much throughout.
and The Pogues-Rum, Sodomy, and the Lash@@N0rnagest
@N0rnagest His involvement with The Specials is the reason I checked them out, and I'm so glad I did! I've seen both (at different times) and I sang along with EVERY song! RIP, Terry (Hall).
Costello has drawn me to numerous other artists that he has either taken on tour or collaborated with. Larkin Poe, Ron Sexsmith, Jenny Lewis, Lucinda Williams, etc.
@@sirslice7531
So many layers to this song. I think that the woman in the song knows that the singer "gets" her, and this appeals to her soul and ego. But she also knows that she is the author of her own unhappiness. The singer is not coming to her rescue. But he still loves her deeply. They share these secrets.
I like this read!
Not it at all. This song is way more subversive than that.
@@JimGeigerMusic Indeed. Stalker/killer vibes.
I’m glad I checked a few comments first before I wrote the exact same commentary on the lyrics . No point now as you’ve got there first . Respect 👌
👍🏴
@@jaymacgee_A_Bawbag_Blethering Thank you for the kind words.
In the early ’80s, Elvis Costello did a solo tour with a big spinning wheel listing about 40 songs. Before each song, he’d invite an audience member onstage to spin the wheel, and whatever it landed on would be the next song he played. But before they spun the wheel, he asked each person what they hoped it would land on. The night I saw the show, every guy said “Pump It Up” and every girl said “Alison.”
Edit: The wheel never actually landed on either of those songs that night, so he "helped" it a little so he could play both of them at the end of the show.
I saw that show in Chicago. Was one of the most fun and unique shows I've seen by any artist. You talked about the song wheel. In Chicago he had a small bar on stage. When a person came up and spun the wheel they could sit at that bar and order a drink while their song choice played. He also had a go-go dance cage on stage. Throughout the show Elvis would call up different girls periodically to dance in the cage.
Witnessed the wheel in 1986 at the Royal Albert Hall.
I saw "the wheel" in Austin TX.
Yup! I went to that show in NYC.
Elvis Costello's catalogue is one of the best rabbit holes you can go down.
OK, but still waiting for “What’s So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding”
That's my favorite.
I think they already did that.
Just checked and they haven't. They did pump it up, radio, radio, watching the detectives and now Alison.
I want them to hear the Brinsley version.
--- and "Accidents Will Happen"
F’ing classic song. Probably top ten of all songs in my book. Love it all over again whenever I hear it. Thanks guys for hitting this one! Whoo!
My favorite Elvis Costello song is Beyond Belief. a beautiful, bitter/jaded, smart diamond of a lyric wrapped in an intense melody.
"History repeats the old conceits..."
Imperial Bedroom may be my favorite EC album.
Excellent song. Especially love the fadeout
I had that song on a running list and WOW what a motivator it was. Just relentless (fortunately for me, quite short.)
Elvis Costello is really one of the great songwriters. And his lyrics "I know this world is killing you..."
... and "I'm not going to get too sentimental
like those other sticky valentines,
'cause I don't know if you've been loving some body,
I only know it isn't mine."
The trick is to hear "some body" as two different words rather than as one compound word.
I Want You by Elvis Costello is the most intense brooding declaration of unrequited love you'll ever hear. Absolute fire!!!🔥🔥🔥
There’s a fantastic cover version by Fiona Apple w/Costello on guitar
Wow just watched it. Dripping with desperation, anger, and desire
@@AaronHunterI was there at that concert! It was a one time only thing in Atlantic City, NJ. Billy Joe Armstrong and Death Cab For Cutie were also a part of it. They all did Pump It Up as the encore.
That song is gorgeous and eerie and intense and so amazing.
YES.
I felt the guys would give this A+ song something in the B range, but that's okay. What was more true Elvis Costello does hit all the Gen X quirkiness points! His untypical type of "banger" was so obviously intelligent and different from other music at the time, it found an audience that didn't have a voice! Revolutionaries never look the same to those who grew up after the Revolution!
Great comment! Was wondering if you’ve seen this?
ua-cam.com/video/22wwbTQYKxc/v-deo.htmlsi=hhzrsg1yOiEbmSFY
(Radio Radio, Elvis on SNL backed by Beastie Boys)
Saw it for the first time right before Christmas, didn’t know it even existed. It made my GenX heart sing and put a little tear in my eye.
It’s really hard to take him out of the context of the times. I remember finding him such a refreshing change from most of the other music of the day.
Gen X, nothing. Gen xers were at most 12 years old when this came out and they weren't listening to this. This, my friends is boomer music.
Well said, I agree! I am a big EC fan, but I can also accept that what spoke to me at the time might not translate.
Many of his songs have S tier lyrics, which should at least get them to an A overall.
Of course taste is a personal things, but "Alison" is at least A+... he just makes it look easy.
Every Day I Write the Book; Radio, Radio; & Watching the Detectives are some of my Elvis favs
“Veronica” written with McCartney has to be on your list!
To say this album and Talking Heads 77, both from 1977, changed my life is a cliche, but so so true. Both are worth a complete listen IMO. They opened doors for me into alternative rock, punk, new wave, college rock etc
To stick with the 1977 theme, It's a bit like "Star Wars". People who didn't experience the impact and the follow-on effects first hand can still appreciate the quality and artistry, but they don't have that visceral connection. My parents had the same experience with the first rock 'n roll records and then the British Invasion, and it took me a while to understand it.
yeh friends older brother had the record when we were in middle school just yesterday on the radio heads love has come to town he had also a the rhino cd i have cool has demos extras never see either vinly local indie store elvis rhino cd of course has nice booklet also
I might add, and you guys know it obviously, it’s all about context. My Aim Is True came out when there was nothing else like it. It felt like an homage to American pop but with biting lyrics.
Yes! Completely agree! EC, and the Talking Heads More and still are so important to me. Revolutionary stuff in 1977.
10 years from now you'll be rating this S tier.
So true....has nothing to do with "fucking," but that's okay, we all were that age and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. To me, Costello writes more against himself vs attacking outwardly.
I think he comes across better when you listen to several of his songs in a row. Then it's like, yep, he's brilliant.
Yeah this. This song got a decent amount of airplay at the time but the album is so rock solid.
Or an entire album side, if you're into vinyl.
@@randallpetersen9164 Totally. I lined up for the store to open the day I bought this LP and I still have it.
Every Elvis Costello song is an S tier.
Agreed. He’s a brilliant performer an composer.
Seriously, why don't they get it?
It's a generational thing. @@hipsville
@@hipsville I don't know but it is disappointing.
@@bkdimo Not all music and artists are for everyone. And Queen is a great band. Slow your role.
One of the deepest of deep dives. Entire albums worth listening to - absolutely start with the entirety of "Armed Forces". From "Accidents Will Happen" to "What's So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding", a magnum opus.
Total banger.
The name of the album is My Aim Is TruE and those words only appear in Alison. That is a BOSS move, IMHO. That chorus is infectious too. Any time and every time I meet an Allison / Alison, I have to bite my tongue
i can't tell you how magnificent it was to hear this when it was brand new... his first two albums were on repeat in my house for a long time
Elvis was the king of repeating the last line on and on lol!
@@kevinheffron5437 All over the album , the words "Elvis is King" and "My Aim Is True"... he had things to get across...
Yeah, not too many bands make you feel like this. I remember the Time hearing this too. Joe Jackson and The Cars we're like that. I'd never heard anything like that kind of music before.
This song is S tier for me. I guess it's a generational thing. I also love "Veronica" by Elvis.
Andy, you nailed it perfectly. I've heard the song countless times and got the same impressions. The song is a definite "A" just for the feel it has.
I expected the B rating, but for me this is an A.
From Elvis' 2015 autobiography Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink:
""I've always told people that I wrote the song 'Alison' after seeing a beautiful checkout girl at the local supermarket. She had a face for which a ship might have once been named. Scoundrels might once have fought mist-swathed duels to defend her honor. Now she was punching in the prices on cans of beans at a cash register and looking as if all the hopes and dreams of her youth were draining away. All that were left would soon be squandered to a ruffian who told her convenient lies and trapped her still further."
I love this tune! I met Elvis when I worked one of Diana's shows. He's a good guy, very intelligent!
Y'all need to think about checking the calibration on your meter. I've seen this song stop conversations over a pool table in a bar. Granted, it was a weeknight, but still.... Groove is in the heart.
This is a great song. Linda Ronstadt does a beautiful cover of this on her "Mad Love" album where she experimented with New Wave (and did an amazing job).
Saw Nick Lowe do it as a closing to an encore of one of his shows and it was EXQUISITE. Pretty much anything in the Nick Lowe - Elvis Costello - Dave Edmunds vein is going to be a winner.
Every time I hear this song, it brings me back to my Mom in the late 70s telling me how I liked guys who couldn’t sing. 🤣🤣🤣 (She also told me I liked ugly guys, too. 🤣) I first saw him in early 1979. Everyone there went crazy for “Green Shirt”. It’s still a favorite of mine. “I Want You”, “The Angels Wanna Wear My Red Shoes” (I had that song written on a hs notebook), “I Don’t Want to Go to Chelsea”, Stranger In The House”, and “Five Gears in Reverse” are favorites of mine. Love EC. 💜💜💜
Lol Moms dont always get it. But we love them dearly anyway. 😂❤
I agree with this! He was smart, kind of nerdy, and completely attractive to me! I met him once at a record signing, he was dreamy!
The tag line is a double pun. My aim is true = my intentions are pure; or = I don’t miss when I shoot. There’s a lot of confusion, pain and anger in this pretty song. When he sings “I think somebody better put out the big light cos I can’t stand to see you this way,” one interpretation is he’s stalking her looking into her windows. Another interpretation is that the “big light” is the light of life itself. Thus, his aim might be true because he’s thinking of putting her out of her/his misery. Or maybe he’s thinking of killing himself, since he can’t stand to see her in a way that he can’t change. Whatever, his “aim” is ultimately futile, and it fades into nothing. He’s not gonna kill her, or himself, or change the situation, maybe he’s stuck between these conflicting aims.
One of my favorite songs.
The Angels Wanna Wear my Red Shoes is one of my favorite Elvis Costello songs
EC is my favorite singer songwriter. Sooooo many great albums to choose from, especially during 1977-1987 when he put out so much material!
“I Want You” is an Elvis Costello song you absolutely should check out - it is genuinely f**king scary. I think XTC & Warren Zevon should be on your radar, too.
😂Saw Elvis Costello and the Attractions in LA, in the Hollywood High School Auditorium. Great show.
Probably my favorite song of his. This whole record is one of the best records ever recorded.
Mine too.
“Mystery Dance” may be Elvis Costello’s best song, IMO. It is a perfect, direct and to the point little rocker. You’ll get the point when you hear it.
Romeo was restless, he was ready to kill...
I love it and the acoustic alternate on the cd too.
Always been my favorite as well!
I was in a band 30 years ago, and I mentioned Mystery Dance. Nobody else had ever heard it. I played it, and they all said "We to play that!"
Both of us were willing but we didn’t know how to do it!
Fans of Elvis Costello might say Alison is in their top 5 of all his songs. its in my top 3. its his style and voice. there is no one like him and this is a ballad.
This music is so good. Elvis is terrific. Please focus more on this type of music. It warms my heart to see young guys like you appreciate this
Elvis Costello’s backing band for this song was Clover, which became Huey Lewis & the News. Huey says he wasn’t on the album because he was on vacation. Clover’s Alex Call was on vacation too.
Only Huey & Sean Hopper went on to form the news, John McFee formed Southern Pacific and joined The Doobie Brothers, Alex call became a solo artist, Johnny Shine briefly joined Tommy Tutone , John Ciambotti did session work but eventually quit to become a Chiropractor.
@@jeffjohnson9911 I never let facts get in the way of a good story. 😉
Nice fact.
He had his time when he was popular, now forgotten about which is often the case even with great artists like this. This review just points to the fact that he’s underrated and unappreciated. He’s a genius songwriter and with the state that popular music is in right now we need to go back and remember what genius level writing sounds like.
He's far from forgotten.
@@RockChick63174 Not by us anyway.
@@itsmedrooms6071 Sure doesn't look forgotten about by the rapturous audiences I've been part of at his shows over the years (last time for me was last summer).
You guys underrated the everything shit out of this one. S tier. End of story.
He's a great lyricist. I think you would like Angels Wanna Wear My Red Shoes or Everyday I Write the Book.
They did cover The Angels Want to Wear My Red Shoes awhile back. It was on one of their livestreams with many other songs. I believe they felt about the same way with that song. I think Alex is right saying Elvis Costello just isn’t his cup of tea. BTW, Angels is one of my favorites!
These guys definitely pay more attention to the sounds and music than to the lyrics.
fair enough
@@susanhaney3437
@@susanhaney3437 Definitely!
This is a great album but it is even greater in context. It represented a different direction in music. It's impact can't be understated. BTW, Alison Krauss is one "L." Not disheveled lol. Also not rock but you should give her a listen. Listen to "When You Say Nothing at All."
Or Alison Krauss and Robert Plant?
Hi A and A! I’m a 58 yo who grew up in the Bay Area listening to the great music and seeing concerts and great album rock on the radio (KFOG and KOME)… Im a new sub but long time fan of your reactions; can’t tell you how much joy it brings me to witness your love for the same music I loved (and still love)! Re: recent poll, gotta hit Roxy Music (no hurry but you gotta do it) b/c they were pretty unique and even if you don’t like them I bet you’ll appreciate them; I LOVE Roxy Music; two favs: More Than This and Oh Yeah
My favorite of his is Veronica.
Co-written by Elvis Costello and Paul McCartney.
@@rundoetx about Costellos grandmother IIRC.
Me too!
"Cause I don't know if you've been loving somebody.
I only know it isn't mine."
Classic Costello
That says he doesn't want to get back with "Sometimes I wish I could stop you talking when I hear the silly things that you say. I think somebody ought to put out the big light, 'cause I can't stand to see you this way." Aim is true sounds morbidly final to me. Probably don't to know the answer.
It's one thing to listen back, which is great. But nothing can match having experienced the feeling of those times as they came on (of which this song was a part). Despite being older, I'm glad I lived through it.
The rocker I'm Not Angry off this album is one of the best overlooked Elvis tunes.
The greatest singer to ever come out of Greenville, South Carolina!
You're wrong. This song is S tier. It will grow on you. Just wait and see.
It is unequivocally an S-tier song.
It's funny how people always miss the play on words of the title. A true aim refers to the quality of accuracy when shooting, like a rifle or an arrow. So Andy is right, there's a double meaning there.
I honestly still have no clue what this song is really about and Andy's explanation is as good as any I've heard. But I think that's what I like about it. It kind of makes every listen a first listen since you're always trying to figure it out. Also, quirky is a very appropriate word here.
It's about a jealous psycho contemplating shooting his ex.
I think this is me and every Elvis Costello song. I've resigned myself to the fact that some people speak Costello, and my brain's just on a different frequency. Somehow I'm fluent in Taupin (which gives many people I know problems), but I can't quite master Costello. Anyway, if the song's got a few good hooks, I don't mind. One of these days I just need someone to translate "Beyond Belief" for me: "My hands were clammy and cunning/She's been suitably stunning/But I know there's not a hope in Hades/All the laddies catcall and wolf whistle/So can gentlemen and babies/Dogfight like rose and thistle"?
Oh, how I love this song.
And every time you do Elvis I know you won't feel the same. But it is always good to see you coming back to him.
Next try: Sleep Of The Just - Always gets me.
...always takes me back to a peaceful Sunday morning in 1978, walking down the freshman dorm hallway at Ohio University, hearing this out of someone's room. Instantly felt better about the day....
That perfect doodle lead guitar part was John McFee of Doobie Bros, Van Morrison, Huey Lewis and hundreds of others fame. One heck of a musician, as is Elvis Costello who is also one heck of a poet.
Thanks for sharing that! Very cool.
Look up McFee on Wikipedia. An astonishing resume.
Alison is the correct spelling! 😝😝 I will undoubtedly always get men of a certain vintage trying to sing this at me…
My favourite T-Shirt is a black silhouette of the Elvis Costello pose for this album and the words My Aim Is True. Doesn't fit anymore but I'll take it to my grave.
Awwwwww, I really love this one. 💎 Thanks, Andy & Alex!
A great tune and lyrics with nice vocals from this superstar of that era!So many great songs by Elvis like Oliver’s Army, Watching the Detectives!Andy got it right!
Thanks for the Elvis guys, Joe Jackson from the late 70's is another good place to go! (try "Friday")
His most beautiful ballad is "Her".
Great lyrics, so much feeling.
I agree on Costello. I've have always respected him. I just never warmed up enough to seek out his stuff. That said, I get how he could strike a chord with people.
Just saw him last night in Nashville. He did this as one of his encores. Absolutely fantastic show at the Ryman.
Absolute tearjerker this one - beautifully crafted
👍🏴
Now do “Pump It Up”. It’s a banger and a total crowd pleaser.
Looks like they reacted to it already. I'm going to check out that video next myself.
They already did it. Didn't go over that well.
Every day I write the book is so good. He uses literature notations and punctuation in his lyrics. It’s a great song!!
This was his unbelievable debut album, before he assembled the Attractions.
He's backed in the studio by a band named Clover. Which was Huey Lewis' band at that time.
I guarantee that this song will work its way into your brain and will be rated higher in a few months time. Elvis Costello can write a whole novel in three minutes. Intelligent, though-provoking pop. A great artist who has tried just about every style in the book, from country to classical. If you want one of his best at a quirky level, "Beyond Belief" is worth a listen, even though any meaning in the lyrics is cryptic, to say the least.
The New Wave artists of the late 70's to early 80's are going to take a hit with both Andy and Atex - I get that and can accept their tastes run differently. So, Blondie, Talking Heads, Joe Jackson, Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, B-52's, etc are rated one letter lower going in. i rate this more like A as it has great lyrics and the melody is very memorable. Rolling Stones Magazine rated it as one of the highest rated albums of 1977. Elvis is one of the best lyricists out there today.
They didn't have to suffer through Journey like we did.
I've never seen Andy laugh this _heartily_ before... and he did it a total of *three* times in this video!
Another artist that time stamps growing up after high school, the world was wide open. Warren Zevon was another. And we had Aja. The best music to enter adulthood to. And the drinking age was 18 back then, so buying a beer and listening to some good tunes was premo!
Love Elvis. He sounded sincere to me!
You guys are on a roll with your great songs. Almost an S. A+
Check out “I Want You” by Elvis. Alison was written about a cashier girl he saw in a store. He just made up her life on the spot while waiting in line. Don’t think she ever knew a song was being composed about her as she checked out people in line. ✌️♥️🎶
Good Choice. I've heard "I Want You" perfectly described as a song from the standpoint of a man who lost his woman to another man and how much he hates all three of the people involved.
Absolute fire!!!
You want the live version with Fiona Apple singing
This. @@scotstevens5263
This is actually a very subtle and clever song about the dark side of the male psyche. The singer is emotionally and psychologically destroyed over losing the girl to another man and intends to kill her. Hence the line “ I think somebody better put out the big light cause I can’t stand to see you this way”. The line “My aim is true” has a double meaning, implying he’s going to shoot her. In his twisted agony, he makes himself out to be virtuous by rationalizing his murderous intent as a mercy killing. “I know this world is killing you, oh Alison, my aim is true”.
I always pictured him shooting her with a bow and arrow!
I love the production of this song.
Haven't heard this in years. I'd forgotten what a chilled out piece it is.
I love this song, Elvis at is very best IMO. You guys are nuts, B+, great song.
These lyrics are filled with bitter, resentful, unrequited obsession. "My aim is true" following immediately after a line with the phrase "killing you", is completely on purpose. Costello is a master lyricist. Reread the lyrics in this light.
Another commentator mentioned stalker/killer vibes. 100%.
I've always interpreted it that way too. Like his "aim" is a pointed gun. This song has always made me kind of queasy, even though the melody is beautiful.
@@gailables900 Exactly.
Allison with 2 "l"s here... thanks for playing this awesome song that I love so much, even if it only has one "l"!
I love classic EC and this song! "Everyday I write the Book" would be my next recommendation.
Yes. another Elvis Costello song reaction!
Shortly after Elvis' first album, Linda Ronstadt, who was HUGE at the time, much more well known than EC, did a cover of Alison that was a moderate US chart hit. It's also excellent, but has quite a different vibe given that it's another female singing it.
From the moment I heard this I loved the entire album-love this song
Linda Ronstadt's cover of Alison is impeccable.
I'm not sure why, but this song is one of my favorites of all time. And ya, you got the gist of it.
Linda Ronstadt has a big hit with this song. it's really good, she adds that extra layer of emotion that Elvis didn't have. great song. her version is an A+.
That was my first time hearing this song on Back In The USA.
His aim is true, both his intentions and his gun. Elvis in a nut shell.
Elvis Costello's "every day I write the book" is a song about how to get the girl!
Back when this was new on the radio I didn't really care for it much one way or the other. But now that I'm older I like the song.
First vinyl I bought at the tender age of at 14 was "My Aim is True". Sublime album....
I've been aching for you guys to get to this one. It meant so much to so many. Despite being ambiguous. That made it more enveloping.
Great song!!! You guys are tapping into some great classics.
I like his color songs, "Green Shirt", "Blue Chair", "Angels Want to Wear my Red Shoes," etc. Oh, and "New Amsterdam".
You HAVE to check more tracks from this album. Welcome to the working week is a quick BANGER! I'm not angry is my favorite.
I saw him open for Steely Dan in 2015. It was a great show even though I didn't know who he was at the time😂👍🏼🔥
You got the meaning exactly right. She is not the same free spirit he remembers and it’s breaking his heart.
Excellent song off of a great album. Good choice guys!
Interesting that you should mention Randy Newman and Elvis Costello in the same sentence. Not a connection I would have made, but I get what you're saying. I've liked 'em both since each of their first albums was released. 'Alison' has a particular poignancy for me, as it came out not too long after I'd split with a woman of that name.
Love this song especially lyrically
So glad you finally hit this one. it's such a perfect song.