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Elvis Costello & the Attractions

The Attractions were an English backing band for the English new wave musician Elvis Costello in the late 1970s and the early 1980s, and again in the mid 1990s. 

They consisted of Steve Nieve (keyboards and ukulele), Bruce Thomas (bass guitar), and Pete Thomas (drums). They also released one album (and two associated singles) as an independent entity, without Costello, in 1980.

Elvis Costello, began his career as part of London's pub rock scene in the early 1970s and later became associated with the first wave of the British punk and new wave movement that emerged in the mid-to-late 1970s.

His critically acclaimed debut album 'My Aim Is True' was released in 1977. Shortly after recording it, he formed the Attractions as his backing band. His second album 'This Year's Model'. His third album 'Armed Forces' was released in 1979, and features his highest-charting single, "Oliver's Army".

Elvis Costello and the Attractions toured and recorded together for  a decade or so, though differences between them caused a split by 1986.

Most of Costello's work since has been as a solo artist, though reunions with members of the Attractions have been credited to the group over the years. 

Big early hits in 1977 were 'Alison'  a particular favourite and 'Watching the Detectives'




I guess my all time favourite is 'Oliver's Army' from 1979.


Although I love the nod to the past with a cover of Brinsley Swartz's 'What's so funny about Peace Love and Understanding'


Then there is 'Pump it Up' and 'Radio Radio' which kind of rounds off his early output both from 1978 



Later output is generally equally good and included such hits as the Country Music inspired 'A Good Year for the Roses' and a cover of Robert Wyatt's 'Shipbuilding'


But I leave you with a cover of Charles Aznavour's 'She'



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