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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Less hot under the collar than This Year's Model, Armed Forces was partly inspired by Elvis Costello and the Attractions' 1978 American tour. The songs are set to deceptively poppy arrangements that use plinky Abba keyboards ("Oliver's Army," a hit single about mercenaries), Beatles-ish devices (the fade on "Party Girl"), and whimsical waltz-time signatures ("Sunday's Best") to mask their core cynicism. "Goon Squad," "Busy Bodies," and "Accidents Will Happen" are among Costello's most melodically powerful songs to this point, leading the way to the masterful Get Happy!!. --Barney Hoskyns
Product Description
Under the influence of Krautrock and ABBA, Costello crafted this 1979 new wave masterpiece including such classics as Oliver's Army and Accidents Will Happen .
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
47 of 47 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Armed Forces represents an early high point to Elvis and the Attractions' late-70's progression and development. On this disc, Costello is fully mining the vein of what he had referred to as "Revenge and Guilt" song subject manner while filtering it all through the framework of a fascination he had with the topics of fascism and control. A good share of the songs either directly or indirectly feature characters or situations where corporate, military or social shackles "force" someone into doing something to someone else--usually something quite nasty. Lyrical tidbits of profound dark humor and twisted verbal brilliance are to be found all over the place in this strong set of like-minded songs. Examples include "It's a death that's worse than fate" or "They took me in the office and they told me very carefully the way that I could benefit from death and disability" (Senior Service)-or how about "Now you've given your performance/though the matinee was idle/ and you're finding that a wave of her right hand could seem so tidal" (Busy Bodies).
Though the musical stylings are still roughly defined by what became known as the 'New Wave' sound, this disc is more informed by the sounds of then-contemporary US AM radio than any other Costello disc. One cause of this was the AM radio in the station wagon the Attractions used to drive from show to show on their first US tour in 1978. You'll hear the evidence pop up in places like the piano flourishes (just like those in ABBA's "Dancin' Queen") in "Oliver's Army" , or in the four/four disco beat of "Senior Service". Disc one of this reissue set is the whole essential, verbose, witty, and ear-pleasing Armed Forces disc in both its UK/world incarnation ("Sunday's Best" included) and US version("...Peace, Love and Understanding" included.)
Though the musical stylings are still roughly defined by what became known as the 'New Wave' sound, this disc is more informed by the sounds of then-contemporary US AM radio than any other Costello disc. One cause of this was the AM radio in the station wagon the Attractions used to drive from show to show on their first US tour in 1978. You'll hear the evidence pop up in places like the piano flourishes (just like those in ABBA's "Dancin' Queen") in "Oliver's Army" , or in the four/four disco beat of "Senior Service". Disc one of this reissue set is the whole essential, verbose, witty, and ear-pleasing Armed Forces disc in both its UK/world incarnation ("Sunday's Best" included) and US version("...Peace, Love and Understanding" included.)
Disc Two is made up of non-LP/B-sides (all 5 of which were on Columbia's "Taking Liberties" collection from 1980 and on the Rykodisc reissue of Armed Forces) and two previously unissued alternate versions of two "Armed Forces" songs in addition to a whole slew of live songs. If you bought the "Armed Forces" LP right when it was released in 1979 you got a free bonus shrink-wrapped in with the album, a three song single called "Live at Hollywood High"(These three songs were also on the Rykodisc reissue). The gorgeous voice and piano version of "Accidents Will Happen" led off side A of this single, which faded abruptly as drums came bursting in before the final chords were done ringing. Next was an understated "Alison"(also with a quick fade), and on side B, a feedback whine faded in to a rather lengthy version of "Watching The Detectives". Thanks to this new bonus disc, we now can here the whole nine song live event without the fades and in the proper sequence. We can hear further evidence of the smoking power and breakneck pace of the 1978 Attractions (also portrayed on the very worthwhile Rykodisc promo CD called "Live at El Mocombo" from a March, 1978 Toronto date), but we can also glean a bit more subtlety and variety in the band's rapidly maturing approach by studying the nuances of this show. We now know that is was a direct link to "Mystery Dance" that caused the quick fade of the first song, and that it was the end of "Lipstick Vogue" that furnished the feedback link to "Watching The Detectives". A final solo "Chemistry Class" closes out this excellent bonus disc.
This wonderful reissue of a reissue should represent the last time you'll ever have to buy "Armed Forces". Get it and you may be able to fully comprehend the tagline from an early 80's Columbia ad campaign---"Elvis Costello. Four Eyes. One Vision."
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
"Armed Forces" was Elvis and The Attractions' claustrophobic pop masterpiece, loaded with melody and paranoia, fueled by cramped touring vans, hotel rooms and long stretches of listening to ABBA, Kraftwerk, Bowie and the Beatles while driving between gigs. It was also the last of the Elvis albums that mirrored the tightly wound image/cliched "angry young man" singer-songwriter of the new wave world. It also happens to be one of the most indispensable albums of the 70's.
Songs like "Oliver's Army" and "Two Little Hitlers" brimmed with neo-fascist imagery and highly charged sexual/emotional content, yet flourished with pop-hooks. "Accidents Will Happen" portrays a barely apologetic philanderer as he tries to explain the infidelities of his life, and uses one of early Elvis' frequent descriptions of romantic partners as a "victim." (Think of how many times that word appears on his first three albums.) Many of the songs bear unmistakable ominous threatening qualities, like the roar of "Goon Squad," the hushed fear that underscores "Green Shirt" and the implied threat of "they took me in the office and told me very carefully, the ways that I could benefit from death and disability" (from "Senior Service").
Nick Lowe deserves a good deal of the credit for keeping this album in check (and when is he going to get into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?!?!). It is likely his pop sophistication that gave some of "Armed Forces" levity in its darkest points. It is also Lowe's one song - and the first cover to appear on a proper EC album - that brings the relentlessly downward outlook to a more optimistic close. "(What's So Funny About) Peace Love and Understanding" was the kind of song that, once Elvis claimed it as his own, provided a banner to his part during the formation of Rock Against Racism.
Unfortunately for this reissue, Rhino's 2002 double CD issue was also the CD that most justified Rhino's double disc reissues of Elvis' work. "Armed Forces" is the kind of album that more than holds its own as a singular entity, and the Ryko release that tacked the bonus selections on the same disc distracted from that sense of "piece" to me. So to have some excellent material on a bonus disc is just cream on the berry. Especially since it included the entire "Live at Hollywood High" recording as opposed to the three song bonus vinyl that was included in the original album. If it was possible to add a bonus star to an already 5 star album, Rhino managed that trick. That is the essential "Armed Forces." I understand that the rights to the EC CBS years catolog have turned over once again, but the double CD is really worth seeking out.
Songs like "Oliver's Army" and "Two Little Hitlers" brimmed with neo-fascist imagery and highly charged sexual/emotional content, yet flourished with pop-hooks. "Accidents Will Happen" portrays a barely apologetic philanderer as he tries to explain the infidelities of his life, and uses one of early Elvis' frequent descriptions of romantic partners as a "victim." (Think of how many times that word appears on his first three albums.) Many of the songs bear unmistakable ominous threatening qualities, like the roar of "Goon Squad," the hushed fear that underscores "Green Shirt" and the implied threat of "they took me in the office and told me very carefully, the ways that I could benefit from death and disability" (from "Senior Service").
Nick Lowe deserves a good deal of the credit for keeping this album in check (and when is he going to get into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?!?!). It is likely his pop sophistication that gave some of "Armed Forces" levity in its darkest points. It is also Lowe's one song - and the first cover to appear on a proper EC album - that brings the relentlessly downward outlook to a more optimistic close. "(What's So Funny About) Peace Love and Understanding" was the kind of song that, once Elvis claimed it as his own, provided a banner to his part during the formation of Rock Against Racism.
Unfortunately for this reissue, Rhino's 2002 double CD issue was also the CD that most justified Rhino's double disc reissues of Elvis' work. "Armed Forces" is the kind of album that more than holds its own as a singular entity, and the Ryko release that tacked the bonus selections on the same disc distracted from that sense of "piece" to me. So to have some excellent material on a bonus disc is just cream on the berry. Especially since it included the entire "Live at Hollywood High" recording as opposed to the three song bonus vinyl that was included in the original album. If it was possible to add a bonus star to an already 5 star album, Rhino managed that trick. That is the essential "Armed Forces." I understand that the rights to the EC CBS years catolog have turned over once again, but the double CD is really worth seeking out.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
One of Costello's richest, most diverse albums, Armed Forces stands as a masterpiece full of rich melodies and witty songwriting. It's also a strong rock album that doesn't shy away from controversey. Although mired in controversey himself at the time (he got into a fight with Stephen Stills and his band over nasty comments about Ray Charles--it was Costello idiotically provoking a musical rival), Costello proved that he wasn't the racist he was accused of being and, in fact, apologized for the impetuous, stupid comments.Costello was mistakenly identified as a "racist" because of this incident. Many of the songs (particularly Oliver's Army)reflect the exact opposite. Regardless, the brilliance of the writing and production along with the sharp performances make this a classic worth keeping. This edition of Armed Forces isn't a cheat; the second disc alone has more than enough material for a new album. It includes most of the Hollywood High show (previously available as a three track EP), as well as, such minor classics as Tiny Steps. Also included are a number of alternate versions of classic songs and b-sides issued with the original singles.The sound quality is comparable (if slightly better by my estimation). The value added portion of the program is the stunning live tracks from Hollywood High on the second disc. There's also extensive liner notes explaining both the circumstances that went into the writing and making of the album. The lyrics include alternate lyrics as well for some of the demos.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
armed with greatness
I really love this album from beginning to end. I'm surprised too, I wasn't going in expecting Elvis Costello's style to appeal to me for whatever reason. I was wrong. Read more
Published 11 months ago by B. E Jackson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really Great!
Let's think about this: the first three Elvis Costello albums were released in succession, with a year for all of them being recorded. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Sci Fi Fan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Costello's Most Consistent Songwriting
Elvis Costello's third album, "Armed Forces" is, like all his early albums, inspired and full of fine songs. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Morten Vindberg
5.0 out of 5 stars
RYKO wins again
Elvis Costello and The Attractions / Armed Forces (Rykodisc - 8 bonus tracks): Armed Forces is a fun and essential album in the Costello collection. A great one. Read more
Published 16 months ago by J. Bynum
5.0 out of 5 stars
Forceful
Elvis Costello is one of the music world's smartest artists. He also has a gift for finding the greatest musicians. Read more
Published on April 26, 2010 by DW
4.0 out of 5 stars
Elvis' Wall of Sound
Highly relevant to how one appreciates EC's third album is the quality of the production. While the quality of the songs and songwriting is as great as the other reviewers state,... Read more
Published on September 2, 2009 by Miklblike Bosco
4.0 out of 5 stars
Armed Forces
Still sounds great after all these years. Along with 'My Aim is True', 'Armed Forces' is the other album you must have to understand the sound and fury that brought this huge... Read more
Published on May 9, 2009 by Christopher E. Miller
4.0 out of 5 stars
Almost too catchy for its own good
Costello's signature airtight pop-rock is wrapped even tighter with his third, AF. Although a bit of over-effort takes away from a little memorability, the disc sounds about equal... Read more
Published on March 29, 2009 by IRate
5.0 out of 5 stars
Elvis's Third,The Attractions Second And A Lot Of Fun
Wheras this album primarily focuses on 2-3 minutes songs,typical of Brit-pop at this time Elvis & The Attractions second album together is really works best when taken as a... Read more
Published on March 4, 2009 by Andre S. Grindle
5.0 out of 5 stars
Elvis completes his trifecta
Armed Forces" was Elvis and The Attractions' claustrophobic pop masterpiece, loaded with melody and paranoia, fueled by cramped touring vans, hotel rooms and long stretches of... Read more
Published on January 14, 2009 by Tim Brough
