Elvis Costello & The Attractions – Armed Forces
Armed Forces is available from the Mr. Hansen Records collection with VG+ vinyl and a Near Mint sleeve. This well-preserved copy plays beautifully with only light signs of previous use, while the sleeve remains in excellent collector condition. Released on Smash Records with catalogue number SLEPT 5.
Originally released in 1979, Armed Forces is one of Elvis Costello & The Attractions’ defining albums. Sharp, intelligent and full of nervous energy, the record captures Costello at a creative peak, combining new wave urgency with melodic pop craftsmanship and biting lyrical detail.
The album includes essential tracks such as Accidents Will Happen, Oliver’s Army, Green Shirt and Party Girl. The Attractions bring exceptional drive and precision throughout, with Steve Nieve’s keyboards, Bruce Thomas’ bass and Pete Thomas’ drums giving the record its distinctive snap, colour and momentum.
Compared with the rawer sound of Costello’s earlier work, Armed Forces has a more polished and layered production style, while still keeping the tension and edge that made him one of the most original voices of the late 1970s. The result is an album that feels clever, restless and instantly memorable.
This gatefold Smash Records pressing is an attractive edition for collectors of Elvis Costello, British new wave and late-1970s pop-rock. Armed Forces remains one of the essential albums in his catalogue and a powerful example of how sharp songwriting and a brilliant band can elevate a record into classic status.
Record details
Artist: Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Title: Armed Forces
Label: Smash Records
Catalogue number: SLEPT 5
Format: Vinyl LP, Album, Gatefold
Vinyl condition: VG+
Sleeve condition: Near Mint
Every record at Mr. Hansen Records is professionally cleaned, conservatively graded according to the Goldmine Standard and securely packed with collector-grade care.