Trust (studio album) by Elvis Costello And The Attractions

From Boltzmann 03/09/2020 11:03

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Trust appears to be somewhat underrated, I think it should rank as one of Costello's finest albums.

I suppose it is difficult to fit it in his top 3 as he has produced so many quality albums, but I would put this up there with Get Happy and King Of America...ok, and This Year's Model too, and then again, how can I leave out Imperial Bedroom?

But it could be argued that Trust is more consistent than any of those, maybe it doesn't reach the heights of some of those records apart from New Lace Sleeves but there isn't really a bad track here.

From indieshins 02/27/2018 00:18

This tends to alternate with Imperial Bedroom as my favourite Costello album - it may be better, as the second side of that album suffers from some perhaps over-ambitious arrangement. Trust shows the Attractions at their peak as a four-piece, and Costello at his first peak as a songwriter. Nearly every song here is stunning, but the centrepiece is undoubtedly New Lace Sleeves, boasting incredibly creative drumming from Pete Thomas, and an odd but catchy melody from Costello that is delivered with at the time uncharacteristic restraint. The only blemishes for me are the derivative blues rock of Luxembourg and the Glenn Tilbrook duet From a Whisper to a Scream. He would also do country better than he does on Different Finger. But the highs on this album are so dizzying that I can forgive these and just enjoy the sheer brilliance that this album has to offer. Another masterpiece!

Trust, tends to be overlooked and certainly underrated, it includes some of Costello's best songs of the eighties. Clubland, is one of his best opening tracks, and it's followed by the brilliant, lovers walk. The highlights on the record though are, the excellent, new lace sleeves, the duet with Glenn Tilbrook, whisper to a scream, and the lovely, you'll never be a man. Different finger, is a foretaste of where Elvis will ago next with his country covers album, almost blue. Shot with his own gun, is also a standout, as is, watch your step. It's definitely not Costello's best record of the eighties, but certainly not his worst either, deserves more attention.

From Jhlffc 07/12/2015 20:08

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"A diamond in the rough"

From Mdemauri 08/08/2014 16:52

This album is right up there with his first three albums in terms of quality. I am surprised how underrated it is here at BEA. I would recommend this album to anyone who is interested in Elvis Costello.

From eclab 02/18/2014 11:05

The second half is MUCH better than the first.

"Trust" from 1981 was the sequel to Costello's masterpiece "Get Happy". In many ways the album is a natural extension of its predecessor, but there are significant differences, too. Firstly, there is greater variation in style and instrumentation. There are several numbers of longer duration; where most songs on "Get Happy" were just over two minutes, here are several numbers that are close to four minutes.

The songwriting is still inspired and varied, and "Trust" contains some of Costello's most important early songs. From the notes you can learn that one of the finest numbers on the album, "Watch Your Step", was actually written before Costello's breakthrough.

Another highlight is "New Lace Sleeves" which on one side is a very melodic song and on the other side a complex and original composition.

"Big Sister's Clothes", which was the original albums final number is another fine composition, somewhat in the style of the "New Amsterdam" EP. On "Pretty Words" we are sbrought back to the "Armed Forces" atmosphere - nice upbeat number.

The more sturdy rockers like "Clubland," "White Knuckles" and "From a Whisper to a Scream". Costello has made no secret of his inspiration from classic country - and you could say that he with "Different Finger" gives a fine contribution to the country music songbook.

Among the bonus tracks, several of which are quite delicate, "Black Sails in the Sunset" stand out. A beautiful song which of strange reasons, was first released only several years after its recording - as a B-side.

From lightmyway 05/13/2012 21:48

It changes things up and provides a different side of Elvis. It's probably not one of his best but it's a very good and underrated album.