Elvis Costello

Trust - F-Beat 1981

Tracks: 1. Clubland / 2. Lovers' Walk / 3. You'll Never Be a Man / 4. Pretty Words / 5. Strict Time / 6. Luxembourg / 7. Watch Your Step / 8. New Lace Sleeves / 9. From a Whisper to a Scream / 10. Different Finger / 11. White Knuckles / 12. Shot With His Own Gun / 13. Fish 'N' Chip Paper / 14. Big Sister's Clothes / 15. Black Sails in the Sunset [*] / 16. Big Sister [*] / 17. Sad About Girls [*] / 18. Twenty-Five to Twelve [*] / 19. Love for Sale [*] / 20. Weeper's Dream [*] / 21. Gloomy Sunday / 22. Boy With a Problem [*] / 23. Seconds of Pleasure [*]

Comments:

"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.

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