'Armed Forces', originally released in January 1979, features Elvis Costello's biggest hit 'Oliver's Army', along with perennial favourites 'Accidents Will happen' and 'Green Shirt'. Most of the songs on the album were written whilst on tour in the US in 1978, inspired by everything they saw - as EC says in the note, "Every shop front or nightclub sign seemed like a line from a song". Produced by Nick Lowe, the album also features Elvis CostelloAnd The Attractions' rousing rendition of Lowe's oft-covered anthem '(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding?'.
The bonus disc for 'Armed Forces' contains 17 tracks, 9 of which are previously unreleased. Of these, two are alternate studio versions of 'Busy Bodies' and 'Big Boys', and one is a solo live performance of 'Chemistry Class'. the remainder is made up of a further six tracks from the electrifying June'78 concert that gave us the three tracks on the 'Live At The Hollywood High' EP, given away with the original LP. The nine tracks now run in their correct sequence.
Elvis Costello is a uniquely prolific singer/songwriter. Don't be fooled by his recent cover of classic ballads, because his early songs are centered on political topics and complicated personal feeli
See More Detailed Profile
