Elvis Costello - My Aim Is True [Rhino Bonus Disc] (CD)

All Music Guide

It's hard not to be a little disappointed that Rhino's 2001 double-disc expanded edition of My Aim Is True doesn't contain all that much different from Rykodisc/Demon's 1993 reissue, which contained nine bonus tracks, all included on the second bonus disc of this set. That means there are only four tracks not on that collection, two of which any die-hard fan certainly has -- the version of "I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself" from the Live Stiffs record, and "Less Than Zero (Dallas Version)" from Live at the El Mocambo. Though these are nice to have along with the rest of the previously released nine bonus tracks, it's hard not to believe that the album could have had more rarities included, especially since there are such gems as a version of "Third Rate Romance" and other Flip City demos floating around on bootleg. However, the two other discoveries are absolutely terrific -- early versions of "Living in Paradise" and a shambling, distorted "No Action," previously thought lost ...(Costello said as much in his liners to the 1993 disc). Then there's the package itself, which illustrates how shoddy the first reissue was. Costello contributes extensive, entertaining liner notes, filled with little-heard stories and asides; there are full lyrics for every song, including the demos; there are plenty of delightful, rare photos and memorabilia, including the advertisements and the classic promotional dartboard with Costello's face. On top of that, the sequencing of the bonus material here flows better than on the Rykodisc/Demon issue, so the choice is clear -- despite the initial disappointment, this is clearly the best version of My Aim Is True. - Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide Read more Less