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Product Description
2007 remastered reissue of his pop-textured 1979 album in digipack
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is still my favourite Costello album. With Nick Lowe producing, Armed Forces turned out to be an album of very catchy tunes which masks the bitter satire of the lyrics. The arrangements are especially great on songs like Busy Bodies, Green Shirt and Big Boys. My favorite track is the lilting ballad Oliver's Army, but every single song has a unique pop appeal. Costello is amongst the most literate and versatile of rock musicians and especially on this album, the tight writing and clear melodies are prominent, whilst The Attractions must be the best band he ever recorded with. Of the new tracks, the inclusion of Alison, Watching The Detectives and Tiny Steps was a smart move. Armed Forces is classic of late 70s acerbic poprock
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I'm not Elvis Costello's biggest fan, and I probably wouldn't be interested in his music at all were it not for a friend who bought into his music from the start. While I avoided 'My Aim Is True', etc, he would insist on playing me every album, single and b-side as it came out until I eventually succumbed. As I lost touch with him after 'Imperial Bedroom', that's where my interest ends. Certainly, not everyone thinks Costello is a genius; just try reading the sleevenotes to George Thorogood's 'Anthology' and you'll see what I mean.
As for 'Armed Forces', I love it now, even though it's probably my least favourite of all his early albums, excluding 'Almost Blue' (I've always hated his country material). 'Armed Forces' was released when Costello was at his most popular and was advertised on TV, a marketing ploy usually confined to hit compilations. 'Oliver's Army' became his most popular single, while the superb 'Accidents Will Happen' ('but only hit and run' - typical Costello) did nowhere near as well, contrary to what my friend predicted.
Elsewhere, 'Green Shirt' provides one of his most inspired and incisive lyrics. Not surprisingly, this is probably the best known track apart from the singles. Military imagery appears on several tracks although military themes are not quite as abundant as might at first appear. The Attractions' role in Costello's early successes should not be underestimated either. They added distinct colour and a thumping groove to his music, something that the relatively pallid sound on the first album highlights. Unusually, there's also a cover of an excellent Nick Lowe song at the end, completing a highly satisfying album.
As for 'Armed Forces', I love it now, even though it's probably my least favourite of all his early albums, excluding 'Almost Blue' (I've always hated his country material). 'Armed Forces' was released when Costello was at his most popular and was advertised on TV, a marketing ploy usually confined to hit compilations. 'Oliver's Army' became his most popular single, while the superb 'Accidents Will Happen' ('but only hit and run' - typical Costello) did nowhere near as well, contrary to what my friend predicted.
Elsewhere, 'Green Shirt' provides one of his most inspired and incisive lyrics. Not surprisingly, this is probably the best known track apart from the singles. Military imagery appears on several tracks although military themes are not quite as abundant as might at first appear. The Attractions' role in Costello's early successes should not be underestimated either. They added distinct colour and a thumping groove to his music, something that the relatively pallid sound on the first album highlights. Unusually, there's also a cover of an excellent Nick Lowe song at the end, completing a highly satisfying album.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By T.K
Format:Audio CD
Despite his previous album This Years Model as being seen as the his finest album, 1979's Armed isn't far off from being labelled as his finest album, it's probably more pop than it's predecessor but it still ranks up they're with his finest albums in terms with the consistency of his lyrics and melodys. While This Years Model had hits like Radio,Radio and Pump it up, Armed Forces can boast Accidents will happen and even Costello's biggest hit in Oliver's Army. But that's not all there are plenty more classics to talk about, like the Baroque-esque Green Shirt a song that easily could've featured on Imperial bedroom because of its harpischord intro, other great songs include Party Girl, and the ABBA esque intro of Goon Squad, this album ranks up their with Costello's best and it will forever be seen as one of the most important albums in the Costello album catalogue.
Key tracks:Accident's will happen,Olivers Army,Goon squad,Two Little hitlers
Also Buy:XTC 'Drums and Wires'
Key tracks:Accident's will happen,Olivers Army,Goon squad,Two Little hitlers
Also Buy:XTC 'Drums and Wires'
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4.7 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nostalgia
Bought this as i had it as vinyl in my youth, brought back lots of lovely memories and I could still remember all the words!
Published 1 month ago by budgie49
5.0 out of 5 stars
anti-pop, pop songs
For me, Punk was defined by thrashing about on instruments and snarling alot without ever saying much. It seemed to die quickly because the "New Wave" scene arrived. Read more
Published 8 months ago by youngsie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great purchase
We have this album on vinyl, but over the years has gained a few scratches.
Well pleased with cd, brought back some great memories, and wondered where the years had gone. Read more
Well pleased with cd, brought back some great memories, and wondered where the years had gone. Read more
Published 13 months ago by blackrat
5.0 out of 5 stars
Still a great album after all these years
I bought this album on it's realease and was knocked out by it at the time. Being a Costello fan from the begining (went to see him at Eric's in Liverpool), I looked forward to... Read more
Published 19 months ago by davidmc
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Witty and Melodic Costello
At the time of its release I liked a few songs but didn`t appreciate this album as a whole. Bought it recently because of the few good tunes I remember liking only to be surprised... Read more
Published on 26 Nov 2008 by gnagfloW
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic Costello
With Nick Lowe producing, Armed Forces turned out to be an album of very catchy tunes, which masks the acerbic tone of the lyrics. Read more
Published on 10 Jan 2008 by Pieter Uys
4.0 out of 5 stars
The "legendary" Live At El Mocambo set
Great live album, with audience atmosphere and presence. Stand-out tracks are Accidents Will Happen, Oliver's Army, What's So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love And Understanding. Read more
Published on 16 April 2003 by S. Phipps
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