BULLDOG sent me
ELVIS COSTELLO AND THE ATTRACTIONS - GET HAPPY!!! (1980)
I knew fine well how much Bulldog loved this guy and had read a lot of his reviews, probably watched one or two video's he had posted but there was always something holding me back with Costello. I'm not quite sure what it was, his voice may have had something to do with it as for some reason i've never been a big fan of it but whatever the reason Costello has never done anything for me on any level. With that said it may sound like it would have been a bit of a disappointment to get some Costello from Bulldog this week but i actually welcomed the opportunity.
His discography is quite lengthy and therefore daunting to a newcomer so it was good to get a record BD has chosen for me, as our music tastes may not be entirely similar on every level but i certainly respect a recommendation of his and also it meant i would finally listen to a Costello record in its entirety.
On first listen the album offered no surprises to be honest. Even in my novice status i think this was kind of what i had expected (im sure you may argue this mate, and if you do i will listen
but i felt the title of the record was rather suiting to the music as it was very upbeat, in places very infectious and offered one or two melodies that would then be stuck in my head for the next few days. However, this was probably my initial assesment in its entirety. Writing a review for this at this stage was going to be a real bitch.
I don't know whether because it had managed to get in my head or just because i felt one more listen was just good manners before i gave my verdict but im listening to it again right now. My music taste is expanding all the time but if i had to name some of my favourite genres i would have to mention doom, blues and trip hop which upon reflection offer a large amount of artists making music that i can chill out to or just outright be depressed to so after a long sleep and a cup of coffee this album almost serves as a slap in the face to start the day on a bit of a high.
The melodies are fantastic, the drumming is tight, there are some very infectious, poppy chorus' and i really don't know how its possible to listen to this album without feeling somewhat uplifted by it. The vocals are becoming less a negative aspect for me as they becomes more a part of the music. "King Horse" and "Human Touch" are tracks i can see getting added to a couple of different playlists on my ipod, the bluesy "Beaten to the Punch" is another possible favourite and i can already sense that maybe future plays of this album will offer up more favourites to single out that i have been overlooking so far until theres not really much room left for poor tracks or filler.
I am finding a lot more substance the second time around. I haven't had a chance to really take notice of the lyrics just yet but musically it's a very strong record and certainly theres more here than the odd catchy chorus.
This may not be amongst my best reviews, sorry mate, but even after a ridiculously long sleep im still feeling a bit wiped and there are certain worRAB or phrases i just find myself desperately reaching for at present and not finding. I'm sure i wanted to say more about it than i have. I do think however that this will become an album that gets a fair few spins in the future when i need something positive and upbeat.
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