Album
My Aim Is True
1977 · Rock
97 collectors on Gatefold own this
My Aim Is True is a Rock album by Elvis Costello, originally released in 1977. On Gatefold: 204 pressings tracked, owned by 97 collectors.
About
Elvis Costello’s 1977 debut album is a literate, poppy-punk masterpiece, and then some. Yes, it tears through angry, pointed material—from sneering looks at the daily grind (“Welcome to the Working Week”) to mocking impossible standards of others (“Miracle Man”). It also mellows on a signature ballad that’s tough and tender (“Alison”), and the delectably spare and weirdly noir-ish “Watching the Detectives” is a mark of songwriting genius. While Costello’s lyrics cut like killer short stories, his musical knowledge is only partly displayed here, which makes the melodic brilliance even more remarkable.
via Apple Music
The Clerk says
The Clerk knows this whole record — the pressing quirks, the credits, the take.
Tracklist
Side A
- A1Welcome To The Working Week1:20
- A2Miracle Man2:40
- A3No Dancing2:30
- A4Blame It On Cain2:00
- A5Alison2:00
- A6Sneaky Feelings2:30
Side B
- B1(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes2:30
- B2Less Than Zero1:30
- B3Mystery Dance2:00
- B4Pay It Back2:00
- B5I'm Not Angry2:30
- B6Waiting For The End Of The World3:40
Sound DNA
- Rock
- Power Pop
- brittle
- cynical
- smoky
Original UK release covers have a black & white photo on the front with red lettering, and several different coloured backs including:
- Yellow [initially] My Aim Is True (UK 1977) (opens in a new tab) (fully laminated), My Aim Is True (UK 1977) (opens in a new tab) (matt, unlaminated), My Aim Is True (UK 1977) (opens in a new tab) (Limited Edition);
- Bright Pink My Aim Is True (UK 1977) (opens in a new tab);
- Light Pink My Aim Is True (UK 1977) (opens in a new tab);
- Blue My Aim Is True (UK 1977) (opens in a new tab);
- Orange My Aim Is True (UK 1977) (opens in a new tab);
- Green My Aim Is True (UK 1977) (opens in a new tab);
- Purple My Aim Is True (UK 1977) (opens in a new tab);
- Crimson My Aim Is True (UK 1977) (opens in a new tab);
- Beige My Aim Is True (UK 1977) (opens in a new tab)
There are thought to be at least 11 different cover variations.
These early covers also have as manufacturer/distributor on the back cover.
Original UK releases have A1/B1 'Porky'-cut runouts, and are pressed by.
Later reissue covers have a green tinted front picture, and a green back My Aim Is True (UK 1978) (opens in a new tab).
First US issues (1977) have a yellow back-cover background. All represses and reissues from 1978 on have white rear cover backgrounds.
Release dates:
• UK: July 22, 1977 (opens in a new tab)
• US: November 1, 1977 (opens in a new tab)
Credits
The people behind it.
Performers
- Elvis CostelloBACKING VOCALS GUITAR GUITAR, VOCALS
- John McFeeGUITAR GUITAR, GUITAR GUITAR, PEDAL STEEL GUITAR
- Johnny CiambottiBACKING VOCALS BASS , BACKING VOCALS BASS, BACKING VOCALS
- Micky ShineDRUMS
- Nick LoweBACKING VOCALS BACKING VOCALS , PIANO , PERCUSSION BASS
- Sean HopperBACKING VOCALS KEYBOARDS, BACKING VOCALS PIANO , ORGAN , BACKING VOCALS
- Andrew BodnarBASS
- Bruce ThomasBASS PERFORMER , BASS
- Dickie FaulknerPERCUSSION
- Flip CityFEATURING
- Ian PowlingDRUMS
- Ken Smith
- Malcolm DennisDRUMS
- Mich KentBASS
- Mike Whelan
- Pete ThomasDRUMS PERFORMER , DRUMS
- Stan ShawORGAN
- Steve GouldingDRUMS
97 collectors on Gatefold own this · 204 pressings tracked on Gatefold
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