Probably the epitome of a critics' darling, Elvis Costello' only melodic numbers were on his first release; the controversial Oliver's Army and Welcome to the Working Week, which was the b side to today's gem. Alison receives a lot of writing but what surprises me is how no one ever points out that it is clearly a soul song and a homage to the Sweet Philly sound.
It starts with a pretty opening that is 100% Philadelphia in aesthetic; from a smooth fluttering blues lick that could've opened any Spinners song (particularly reminding me of I'll Be Around) to the harmonised snaps of a breathy electric piano and
bass guitar reminding me of the tropical feel of the O Jays' productions. The rattle of the cymbals and tastefully restrained beat reminds me of the louche Hi Records sound of Memphis, another influence as Costello's crisp vocal retains a raspy quality similar to balance of rough vocals and smooth instrumentation of Memphis
icons Al Green and Otis Clay.
The way the rhythm parts lock in for bursts of notes and chords at a time rather than a long held note or chord, the clean jazzy blues guitar and the placid 'quiet storm' organ feel of the electric piano make this more a 70s soul number than any new wave or pop rock tag it may
have gotten due to its association with Costello. The mix of scratchy, haggard vocals on the chorus and then a more sleepy subdued malaise fits with the moody vibes of the lyrics. I can't stress enough the dusky summer evening tone of the tune, the limited range of Costello recorded dry and upfront is
very real and unvarnished while the splashing cymbals and acrobatic lead guitar tangle in the background before Costello soars in the chorus. His fading refrains of the album title are also a great touch to close out this track. One difference is while Philly
soul was grand and layered, this is pared down in true post-punk nihilism, the bass and twinkling midnight electric piano are almost indistinguishable as they play the same notes, in perfect time and very low in the mix; creating a blend as they meander in gentle waves rocking an ocean liner. Its FM yacht rock and potentially blue eyed soul with a schoolboy roughness in the texture of Costello voice; his delivery far from the polish of a seasoned soul singer;
fantasy and reality coming together like American Soul and British punk.
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