Tag: Elvis Costello
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Elvis Costello, Hey Clockface, 2020 on Concord Records
Elvis Costello’s 31st studio LP out in 2020 on Concord. There are a couple of different recording sessions here with different bands, but Steve Nieve, Bill Frisell, and Nels Cline all make appearances here. “Hatty O’Hara Confidential” was a highlight when I saw Costello and Nieve at the Cabot last year. My copy—via Bull Moose…
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Elvis Costello and The Attractions, Armed Forces, 1979 on Columbia
Costello’s third LP and second with The Attractions (but the first to credit them on the cover). My favorites here are “Oliver’s Army” and of course “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding” (forgiving the lack of an Oxford comma). Produced by Nick Lowe, who famously wrote the latter. My copy—via Vinyl Vault in…
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Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Get Happy!!, 1980 on Columbia
Yes, that’s “Get Happy!!” with not one but two exclamation marks. Fourth Costello studio LP and the third with The Attractions, following after Armed Forces. More influence here from R&B, soul, and even Ska. My copy—via the Vinyl Vault in Littleton MA—is a Pitman pressing with (like most releases of this LP) the sides reversed…
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Elvis Costello, My Aim Is True, 1977 on Columbia
Costello’s debut album, coming roaring out of the gate with a new mix of punk, rockabilly, new wave, and British pub rock. Produced by Nick Lowe and recorded in Islington, London. Out on Stiff Records originally in the UK, then Columbia in the US. The original US version added “Watching the Detectives” but this version…
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Elvis Costello and The Attractions, Blood & Chocolate, 1986 on Columbia
Costello’s 11th studio LP and 9th with The Attractions, as a follow up to King of America, and produced by Nick Lowe. Didn’t do so well commercially at the time, but now called one of his best. Costello is credited on the rear sleeve as “Napoleon Dynamite” – which is also the name of the…
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Elvis Costello and The Attractions, Imperial Bedroom, 1982 on Columbia
Seventh studio LP from Costello and the sixth with The Attractions, out of F-Beat in the UK and Columbia in the US. A must have for collectors of Costello or indeed the whole new wave / alternative era of the late seventies to mid eighties. My copy – direct from the artist at a show…
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The Special AKA, Nelson Mandela, 1984 on Two Tone
Extended version 12″ single from The Specials (Special AKA), produced by Elvis Costello. One of my favorite early 80s ska protest songs. Now dated in its reference but hey – never forget: Mandela was in prison for 27 years but would go on to be the president of South Africa. It’s an amazing story in…
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Squeeze, East Side Story, 1981 on A&M
Squeeze’s fourth studio LP, between 1980’s Argybargy and 1982’s Sweets from a Stranger. This was the first album after Jools Holland departed, replaced by Paul Carrack, who provided lead vocals on “Tempted.” Produced by Elvis Costello and Roger Bechirian, except for “In Quintessence” which was produced by Dave Edmunds. My copy, via Academy Records in…
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Squeeze, Sweets From a Stranger, 1982 on A&M
Fifth studio album from Squeeze, this one including Don Snow, John Bentley, and Gilson Lavis alongside Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook. and featuring “Black Coffee in Bed” with backing vocals from Elvis Costello and Paul Young. Lover the overlay flap on the front – “When it comes to Squeeze, they can’t be called ‘critics’” –…
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Elvis Costello & Steve Nieve, March 1st 2025 at the Cabot
Last time Elvis Costello came through Beverly and did a show at the Cabot I didn’t manage to get tickets. This time, as a member, I was able to score a great seat in front row balcony. The Costello & Nieve 2025 tour announced 15 nights in February and March: I can’t vet all the…
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Various Artists, If You’re Going To The City: A Tribute to Mose Allison, 2019 on Fat Possum
Fantastic collection on Fat Possum of artists covering songs Mose Allison wrote. Three-sided vinyl, with an etching on the fourth side. Also includes a DVD of Mose Allison: Ever Since I Stole the Blues. Tracklist includes: I had to find a way to get a DVD rip to watch the documentary (you can see it…
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Elvis Costello & The Attractions, Almost Blue, 1981 on Columbia
Recorded in Nashville, this is Costello’s covers album of country greats – including Hank Williams and George Jones. I love Costello in his Americana / roots / country incarnations, and I love cover records, so this is among my favorites from him. My copy via Academy Records in New York City.
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Elvis Costello & The Attractions, Trust, 1981 on Columbia
Elvis Costello & The Attractions, Trust, 1981 on Columbia Produced by Nick Lowe other than Big Sister’s Clothes One of the underrated Elvis Costello LPs – lots of different early 80s sounds/styles here Via Residency Records in Salem MA
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The Pogues: Rum Sodomy & The Lash, 1985 on Stiff Records.
The Pogues: Rum Sodomy & The Lash, 1985 on Stiff Records. Second album from the celtic punk band fronted by Shane MacGowan. Produced by Elvis Costello
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Elvis Costello Featuring the Attractions and Confederates, King Of America, 1986 on Collumbia.
Elvis Costello Featuring the Attractions and Confederates, King Of America, 1986 on Collumbia. Costello working with T-Bone Burnett (and of course many others) following a series of tours in 1984-1985 Americana Elvis Costello is one of my favorite Elvis Costellos, and this is a great place to start- Indoor Fireworks, Brilliant Mistake, Don’t Let Me…
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Elvis Costello and The Attractions, Punch the Clock, 1983 on Columbia
Elvis Costello and The Attractions, Punch the Clock, 1983 on Columbia Everyday I Write the Book, Shipbuilding, King of Thieves – classic Elvis Costello I would have had no idea back then what a lifelong fan I’d become through all the variations, bands, genres, etc. Declan MacManus is a very talented dude.
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Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Look Now, 2018 on Concord Records
Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Look Now, 2018 on Concord Records Costello’s first with The Imposters since Momofuku in 2008. Three songs cowritten with Burt Bacharach, one with Carole King Great album with shades of Imperial Bedroom
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Elvis Costello Friday
Two quick Elvis Costello videos. First a9bove), the lead single from the upcoming album in collaboration with The Roots, “Will You Walk Us Uptown”: Second, a video from the ONE project, Elvis Costello with Mumford & Sons, doing Bruce Springsteen’s “The Ghost of Tom Joad “(with a bit of Woody Guthrie’s “Do-Re-Mi” thrown in for…