Get Happy!!
by Elvis Costello And The Attractions

Get happy, is Elvis Costello's soul album. Motown and Stax is where the heart of this record lies. It's a 20 track LP, and it's breathless. Love for tender, kicks the album off in that fashion and it never let's up. From the catchy, king horse, and, possession, to the more relaxed, secondary modern, and, clowntime is over. Standouts include the excellent, high fidelity (my favourite track on the record), the acoustic, new Amsterdam, and the marvelous cover, I can't stand up for falling down. The imposter, and closing track, riot act, are also worth a mention. There are a few fillers, but over 20 songs, what can you expect? This run of albums that Costello's on, reminds me of Dylan's run of records in the sixties, every album has something different to say, a different sound, a different feel. Elvis Costello was as the top of his game. (Edited)

It can hardly give rise to greater discussion among Elvis Costello fans claiming that his fourth album "Get Happy" from 1980 is one of his very best. Like the previous albums "Get Happy" was produced by Nick Lowe, but this does not mean that Costello does not seek new sides in his musical output. Where "Armed Forces" was a very "produced" album, with a great and big sound, and a great deal of inspiration from Abba's, "Get Happy" more simple in its expression, and generally very much Motown influenced.

Another striking thing is the vast number of songs - no less than twenty tracks were found on the original version, which might well seem a little confusing nd overwhelming, making it harder to get an overview of the album. On "Get Happy" Costello is still backed by the Attractions, and you can't help noting keyboard player Steve Nieve's distinctive organ sound throughout the album.

As mentioned, it may be difficult to comprehend and remember the many new songs - especially the many upbeat and very Motown inspired numbers may at first seem very similar. My favourites are generally found outside this category. I must highlight the fine and waltzy "New Amsterdam" which was also used a the title track to a great 4-tracks EP which Costello also released in 1980. The other three tracks on The EP were not included on the "Get Happy", which they very well might have deserved. They are all of course incluede as bonus tracks on this extended version.

The soulful and melodic "Secondary Modern" is another big favorite of mine. A bit in the same vein is "Possession", with its catchy and great retro approach. Also very melodic ice "Clowntime is Over", which is also included in an alternate ballad version on CD 2.

"Motel Matches" is a wistful and melodic ballad, and another key track that helps set the mood on the album.

"Opportunity" was another of the songs I first stapled me - funky and soulful.

The final track "Riot Act" is a distinguished and distinctive final song which beautifully rounds up the album. With its three and a half minutes playing time it is the album's longest - and thus one of the few times allows to really dwell with his great songwriting.

The bonus CD also contains a great number of fine recordings. Here special mention should be given to "Just a Memory" and "Dr Luther's Assistant" - both from the aforementioned EP - you notice big inpiration from the Beatles on "Dr Luther's Assistant". The two versions of Nick Lowe's "Girls Talk" are both fine - but may well seem a bit unfinished. Very Motwon style is "Getting Mighty Crowded" - could this song have been a great comeback for The Four Tops?

The alternate reggae version of "New Lace Sleeves", which was first released on Costello's next album "Trust" from 1981 - is almost as good as the well-known version, and refreshingly different.

Several songs are included in alternate versions - which of course is interesting, but may be felt slightly overwhelming - especially the demo recordings, may give CD 2 a somewhat uneven character. (Edited)

Possibly my favourite Elvis Costello album at this moment in time, 20 tracks and barely a dud. High Fidelity, New Amsterdam and Opportunity are my choice cuts, but the first side is particularly strong, a lot of the songs are around the 2 minute mark and are bristling with energy, so it’s a bit like an early Ramones album but with the addition of brilliant lyrics and a bit more melody!

I can actually remember liking I Can’t Stand Up For Falling Down back in the day when I would’ve been about 6.
(Edited)

From btener11 12/15/2012 19:39 | #57988 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

so glad to see this album get album of the day! i feel like this year's model, my aim is true and armed forces get so much credit (and deservedly so) while get happy!! sometimes slips through the cracks. superb album, and my favorite by costello.

From indieshins 02/26/2018 21:51 | #209691 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

The start of my favourite period of Costello's career, Get Happy!! is delirious fun. 20 songs in under an hour, this is still one of his longer albums. But every song is strong, from the frenetic opener Love for Tender, to the heartbreaking Motel Matches and the strange but lovely New Amsterdam. Anyone looking for a masterclass in the three minute pop song need look no further!