June 24, 2019

1979 - January - Elvis Costello and The Attractions - Armed Forces

35 minutes

With his third studio album, the creative and unlikely rock star Elvis Costello took a turn from the punk style of his previous album and moved towards new wave music. Armed Forces was also the first album to name The Attractions as a part of the rock group fronted by Costello. Many of the tracks on this album reference British imperialism. Elvis Costello has a way of creating an upbeat sound while weaving in poignant, even depressing lyrics. This is a difficult artist to pin down. He follows his own muse, but finds a way to remain popular over the decades. Join us as we profile this breakthrough album from the end of the 70's decade.

Moods for Modern

The management company came up with the stage name Elvis Costello for Declan McManus. This song is about letting a girl go. "I let you into foreign fingers."

Oliver's Army

This track had a video which was aired on the first day of MTV's broadcast. The lyrics of this protest song are based off a trip that Costello took to Ireland. The Oliver referenced in the title is Oliver Cromwell.

Accidents Will Happen

This song would be considered the hit off the album, and references Costello's first marriage and the seductiveness of the rock life and an affair on the road.

(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding

A rare cover song was written by Nick Lowe, who also produced the album. Costello supposedly used the pseudonym "Napoleon Dynamite" in 1982.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from "The Dukes of Hazzard" by Waylon Jennings

This TV show was particularly popular in Georgia, despite the fact that there is no Hazzard County in Georgia.

STAFF PICKS:

”Hold the Line“ by Toto

Bruce's staff pick highlights the iconic piano riff from the hit off Toto's debut album. The drum licks channel a "Sly and the Family Stone" groove.

“Blue Morning, Blue Day” by Foreigner

Rob chose this hit featuring Lou Graham's distinctive vocals with a well-balanced instrumental riff in a minor key. "But honey don't telephone, 'cause I won't be alone, I'll need someone to make me feel better."

“Take Me To the River” by the Talking Heads

Brian returns to the new wave theme. David Byrne fronts this New York City band covering a song originally written by Rev. Al Green. It was also covered by Bryan Ferry and Foghat.

“Can't Keep a Good Man Down” by Eddie Money

A driving deeper cut from "the money man" off his second album ends our staff picks with Wayne. Though not as popular as many tracks from his debut album, this song has a positive feel to it.

INSTRUMENTAL COMEDY TRACK:

“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor

Bruce "calls an audible" for this week's concluding track...how, we’ll never know...

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By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks and Brian Dickhute

4.8

4646 ratings