Discography 1980-1984
1993 • 1994 • 1995 • 1996 • 1997 • 1998 • 1999 • 2000 • 2001 • 2002 • 2003 • 2004 • 2005 • 2006 • 2007
2008 • 2009 • 2010 • 2011 • 2012 • 2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016 • 2017 • 2018 • 2019 • 2020 • 2021 • 2022 • 2023
Originally compiled by Paul Hosken
Key to format: |
Key to artist: |
Notes:
- All tracks are composed by EC, except where otherwise stated.
- The times for CD tracks are taken from the CD player display, while for vinyl it is taken from the label or cover. In the case of records on the Stiff label these times are to be taken with a pinch of salt! (e.g: On A02 "Alison" is over 3 mins. long and not 2:00 as stated on label).
- The character '*' in column 2 denotes that this release is required if you want to have a copy of every song that EC has released. Where there is a choice of releases for a particular song a letter follows the '*':
- *a -A01, -A10, D17 or I11 for "Radio Sweetheart (single mix)"
- *b -D10 or -D11 for "Stranger In The House" (/w G.Jones)
- *c -F08, -F09 or -F18 for "Town Cryer (alt. fast version)"
- *d -F19, -F20 or -F21 for "Party Party"
- *e -I06, -I07, -I08, -I09 or -T40 for "Living A Little, Laughing A Little"
- *f -J18 (UK release) or -M22 for "Uncomplicated (UK version)"
- *g -J20 or -J21 for "The End Of The Rainbow"
- *h -K07 or -L02 for "Many Rivers To Cross (live)"
- *i -M12, -M18, -O05 or -O06 for "The Ugly Things"
- *j -M14 or -M15 for "Point Of No Return"
- *k -N01 or -N03 for "That's How You Got Killed Before"
- *l -O17 or -S28 for "St. Stephen Day Murders"
- *m -P03, -P04 or -P05 for "Weird Nightmare"
- *n -R12 or S02 for "Basement Kiss", "Puppet Girl" & "We Despise You"
- *o -R13, -R15 or -R46 for "Do You Know What I'm Saying?"
- *p -R18, -R33, -R49, -S01 or -V26 for "They Can't Take That Away From Me"
- *q -R28 or -R29 for "Sally Sue Brown"
- *r -R31, -R32 or -R53 for "Full Force Gale"
- *s -T23/-T24/-T25/-T26/-T27 or -T43 for the EC+Nieve live tracks
- *t -V02 or -V06 for "Long Journey Home"
- *u -V04, -V07, -V13 or -V14 for "My Mood Swings"
Code Title+tracks-artist/[release date (yyyy-mm-dd); format; Label cat.# (Country)]/notes
1980
D01
I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down single
[1980-01-18; 7"; 2 Tone chs TT 7] |
"Girls Talk" is from the Get Happy!! sessions. |
D02
I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down single
[1980-__-__; 7"; Columbia 1-11194 (US white label promo)] |
D03
I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down single
[1980-__-__; 7"; Columbia 1-11251 (US, ps)] |
D04
Get Happy!!
Side 2:
(47:30) |
Produced by Nick Lowe. "New Amsterdam" produced by EC. |
D05
Get Happy!! (Promo Album)
Record 1 side 2:
Record 2 side 1:
Record 2 side 2:
[1980-03-__; 2x12"; F-Beat XX PROMO 1 (UK, promo. Cover consists of photo of contents pasted on white sleeves. Comes with poster & photo)] |
D06
High Fidelity single
[1980-04-04; 7"; F-Beat XX3 (UK, ps. 2 different F-Beat label designs] |
"Getting Mighty Crowded" is from the Get Happy!! sessions. |
D07
High Fidelity single
[1980-04-__; 12"; F-Beat XX3T (UK, ps)] |
"CIO(No.2)" produced by EC. |
D08
High Fidelity single
[1980-04-__; 7"; F-Beat XX3-A (UK, promo)] |
D09
I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down
[1980-__-__; 7"; F-Beat France FBR 5001 (France)] |
D10
My Very Special Guests
[1980-04-__; LP; Epic S EPC 83163 (Also released as a promo with "FOR PROMOTION ONLY, NOT FOR RESALE" over the Epic seal on the back)] |
I believe a promo sampler from this album was released and contained "Stranger In The House". |
D11
Stranger In The House single
[1980-05-04; 7"; Epic S EPC 8560 (US, plain Epic sleeve)] |
Produced by Billy Sherrill. |
D12
New Amsterdam single [1980-06-__; 7"; F-Beat XX5 (ps)] |
Pink cover contains a "Pay no more than 50p" notice. |
D13
New Amsterdam EP [1980-06-__; 7"; F-Beat XX5E (ps)] |
"DLA", "GT" & "JAM" produced by EC. |
D14
New Amsterdam single
[1980-06-__; 7"; F-Beat XX5-A (UK promo)] |
D15
New Amsterdam single
[1980-__-__; 7"; Columbia 1-11284 (USA)] |
D16
New Amsterdam single [1980-__-__; 7"; Columbia 1-11284 (US white label promo. In the runout on one side is the number ZSS 167275-1C T and the '5' is scratched over to a '6'. On the other side is ZSS 167275-1C T and the entire number portion is scratched out and '167675' is scratched in lightly to the side.)] |
D17
Spectrum USA - New Horizons In Music (Vol. 12, Programs 1-13)
[1980-__-__; 7x12"; Box set of radio transcription discs (US promo)] |
The radio programs were for broadcast during the 4th quarter of 1980. |
D18
Getting Mighty Crowded single
[1980-__-__; 7"; Columbia 1-11389 (US/Canada. Also issued as promo)] |
D19
Getting Mighty Crowded
[1980-__-__; 7"; Columbia 1-11389 (US/Canada white label promo)] |
D20
Taking Liberties (4 track promo)
[1980-09-__; 12"; Columbia AS 847 (US, promo)] |
The word 'Costello' replaces 'Columbia' on the label. |
D21
Taking Liberties
Side 2:
[1980-11-__; LP; Columbia CK 36839 (JC 36939) (US, they used the old 78 rpm label with the word 'Columbia' changed to 'Costello')] |
The album's inner sleeve has recording details for all tracks. |
D22
Ten Bloody Marys & Ten How's Your Fathers
[1980-11-07; MC; F-Beat XX6C (UK) |
Initially a UK cassette only release, released in the US as _Taking Liberties_. Original cassette copies were made of gold plastic and came in a gold case. |
D23
Ten Bloody Marys & Ten How's Your Fathers promo Side 2: [1980-11-__; 7"; F-Beat EL-1 (UK, white label promo)] |
D24
Clubland single
[1980-12-__; 7"; F-Beat XX12 (UK, ps)] |
"CM" produced by Nick Lowe. "HF" produced by EC. |
D25
Rock Against Racism (RAR's Greatest Hits)
[1980-__-__; LP; Virgin RAR 1 (UK)] |
D26
Breaking The Rules
[1980-__-__; 2xLP; Columbia/CBS A2S-881 (US, promo)] |
D27
Time For Action: Best Of New Wave
[198_-__-__; LP; Germany] |
D--
Stiff Box Set No. 2
Record 4 (BUY 14): Record 5 (BUY 15): Record 20 (BUY 20):
[19__-__-__; 10x7"; Stiff BUY 11 - BUY 20] |
Stiff reissue of their early singles (also sold separately). |
1981
E--
Stiff EC reissue
Record 2 (BUY 14, thin paper ps): Record 3 (BUY 15): Record 4 (BUY 20, thin paper ps /w slightly different colours to original):
[1981-__-__; 4x7"; Stiff GRAB3] |
Stiff reissue of their 4 EC 7" singles in a 'vertical' plastic holder. On the labels the copyright is given as 'Stiff Records' instead of the original 'Stiff Records Ltd'. There is a stamped "AY 50332" in the runoff groove of all 4 singles, and the original runoff messages do not appear. The covers have an elliptical cutout on the back that's even smaller than the one on the Stiff Box Set No. 2 reissues, except the BUY 15 ('Stiff') sleeve which is identical to the Stiff Box Set No. 2 sleeve. There is no "Delga" mark on the BUY 11 & BUY 15 covers and the photo on the BUY 20 sleeve is beginning to look decidedly sepia! BUY 20 has the words "Made in England" on the label. |
E01
Trust
Side 2:
(40:51) |
Produced by Nick Lowe in association with Roger Bechirian. |
E02
4 Tracks From The Trust LP [1981-01-__; 12"; F-Beat EL-2 (UK, white label promo)] |
Cheaply pressed and in a plain white sleeve. |
E03
[1981-__-__; 7"; Q-102-EP (US, promo)] |
E04
From A Whisper To A Scream single
[1981-02-__; 7"; F-Beat XX14 (UK, ps)] |
E05
From A Whisper To A Scream single [1981-__-__; 7"; WEA 58260] |
E06
From A Whisper To A Scream single [1981-__-__; 7"; F-Beat CP369 (Spanish promo, ps)] |
E07
Watch Your Step
[1981-04-__; 7"; Columbia 11-60519 (US, ps)] |
E08
Watch Your Step
[1981-__-__; 7"; Columbia 11-60519 (US white label promo)] |
E09
The Elvis Costello Interview with Tom Snyder: Tomorrow Coast To Coast
[1981-05-__; 12"; Columbia/CBS AS 958 XSM-168566 (US stickered promo)] |
E10
Different Finger single [1981-__-__; 7"; Columbia DJC4-8435 (Canadian radio promo, standard CBS sleeve)] |
E11
Strict Time single [1981-__-__; 7"; Columbia DJC4-8439 (Canadian promo)] |
E12
[1981-__-__; 7"; Columbia 13-33401 (US/Canada 'Hall Of Fame' reissue, red or grey label)] |
E13
Concerts For The People Of Kampuchea
[1981-03-27; 2xLP; Atlantic SD 2-7005 (USA)] |
Bruce Thomas also plays bass on the Rockestra tracks. |
E14
Good Year For The Roses single
[1981-09-__; 7"; F-Beat XX17 (UK, ps)][1981-09-__; 7"; Columbia 18-02629 (US/Canada)][1981-11-__; 7"; F-Beat WEA/FB 18.879 (Holland/Germany, ps different to UK)][1981-__-__; 7"; Radar 45-2154 (Spain, ps)][1981-__-__; 7"; F-Beat/Warner P-1588X (Japan, ps)] |
"YASOOH" produced by Billy Sherrill. |
E15
Good Year For The Roses single
[1981-__-__; 7"; Columbia 18-02629 (US white label promo)] |
E16
Almost Blue
Side 2:
[1981-10-23 LP; F-Beat XXLP13 (UK)] |
Produced by Billy Sherrill. |
E17
Elvis Costello Introduces...The Tracks From His New Album 'Almost Blue'
[1981-10-__; LP; F-Beat E.C.CHAT 1 (UK promo)] |
Each track is preceeded by a short spoken intro. |
E18
Excerpts From The Album 'Almost Blue'
[1981-10-__; 7"; F-Beat EC-1 (UK promo)] |
Came in a thin plain white paper sleeve, with the track details typed on a cheap computer and printed out on a sticky label. The label was also white, with the barest of information printed in smudged green ink. The record also sounded as if it had been pressed during an artillery exercise and mastered in a frying-pan. |
E--
[1981-11-__; 12"; Columbia AS 1318 (US, promo)] |
E19
Fundamental Frolics
[1981-11-__; LP; BBC Records REB 435 (UK)] |
Charity benefit live album. |
E20
Sweet Dreams single
[1981-12-04; 7"; F-Beat XX19 (UK, ps)] |
"P" was recorded live at The Palomino Club, N. Hollywood, USA, 1979-02-16 , and produced by EC. |
E21
Good Year For The Roses single
[1981-__-__; 7"; F-Beat XX22E (Scandinavian)] |
E22
NME Dancin' Master
[1981-10-03; MC; NME 001] |
This was a cassette offered to readers of New Musical Express. |
E23
New Rock Champions
[1981-__-__; LP; RCA NL33186 (Italy)] |
This also exists as a white label promo. |
E24
New Wave Disco d'Ouro
[1981-__-__; LP; Nova Records 10.006 (72516) (Portugal. Special edition for members of "Círculo de Leitores" book club.)] |
E25
Happy Rock: O Maximo Da New Wave
[1981-__-__; 2xLP; Nova Records 10.014/15 (72826) (Portugal). Badly pressed compilation issued as a special edition for members of the "Círculo de Leitores" book club. Record 1 is on green vinyl, & record 2 on red. Some editions came with a T-shirt.)] |
E26
On The Road... Country Collection
[1981-__-__; LP; CBS 84961 (Holland)] |
E--
Hits Hits Hits
[1981-__-__; LP; RTL 2063] |
E--
'
[19__-__-__; 7"; Ariola PROMO 16 (Dutch promo)] |
1982
F01
The Continuous History of Rock and Roll (Show #18: Modern Rock)
[1982-02-__; 2xLP; Rolling Stone Magazine Productions RSMP 82-18 (US radio promo)] |
This was for broadcast on 6th & 7th Feb. 1982. Side 4 also contains an ad for a Costello feature. |
F02
I'm Your Toy single
[1982-04-02; 7"; F-Beat XX21 (UK, ps)] |
"I'm Your Toy" was arranged & conducted by Robert Kirby & recorded at The Royal Albert Hall, London, 1982-01-07. |
F03
I'm Your Toy single
[1982-04-02; 12"; F-Beat XX21T (UK, ps)] |
Mixed by EC & Paul Bass. |
F04
You Little Fool single
[1982-06-__; 7"; F-Beat XX26 (UK, ps)] |
Initial copies of sleeve credited all production to "Geoff Emerick from an original idea by EC". This was later corrected, crediting Nick Lowe with the production of "Big Sister", and EC with "TSG". |
F05
IbMePdErRoIoAmL
(51:04) |
Produced by Geoff Emerick from an original idea by EC, assisted by Jon Jacobs. |
F06
A Conversation With Elvis Costello
Side 2:
Side 3:
Side 4:
(103:24) |
This is a double LP in a single LP sleeve. Before each track EC describes the writing, recording, arranging and mixing of the record in enormous detail - explaining the thinking behind otherwise impenetrable lyrics. The front cover contains the same David Bailey photo as on the "Man Out Of Time" 12". These were numbered on the back, and most were signed by EC on the front in blue felt pen. |
F07
Man Out Of Time single [1982-07-__; 7"; Columbia 18-03202 (US white label promo)] |
F08
Man Out Of Time single
[1982-07-30; 7"; F-Beat XX28 (UK, ps)] |
"TC" produced by Geoff Emerick |
F09
Man Out Of Time single
[1982-07-23; 12"; F-Beat XX28T (UK, ps)] |
F10
Man Out Of Time single
[1982-07-__; 7"; F-Beat XX28DJ (UK, promo)] |
The 'introduction' track is an edited version of Costello's spoken intro on the 2xLP A Conversation With Elvis Costello. |
F11
Man Out Of Time single
[1982-07-__; 7"; Columbia CNR-03269 (US, special price, 1-sided)] |
The intro and outro have been removed on this version. |
F12
Man Out Of Time single [1982-__-__; 7"; F-Beat 24 9983-7 (Spanish promo, ps. "Man Out Of Time" has been given the title "Hombre Desfasado"!)] |
The intro and outro to "MOOT" have been removed on this version. |
F13
Man Out Of Time single
[1982-__-__; 7"; F-Beat 24 9983-7 (Spain)] |
The intro and outro to "MOOT" have been removed on this version. |
F14
Excerpts From Imperial Bedroom [1982-08-__; 12"; F-Beat EC-2 (UK white label promo)] |
F15
Man Out Of Time single [1982-__-__; 12"; Columbia AS-1510 (US white label promo)] |
F16
From Head To Toe single
[1982-09-10; 7"; F-Beat XX30 (UK, ps)] |
Both tracks produced by EC assisted by Paul Bass. |
F17
Almost New
[1982-09-__; LP; F-Beat ELVIS 82 (Australian/New Zealand mini-LP)] |
Released to coincide with the 1982 tour. |
F18
NME Mighty Reel
[1982-09-18; MC; NME 004 (UK)] |
This was a cassette offered to readers of New Musical Express. |
F19
Party Party single
[1982-11-__; 7"; A&M PARTY 5 (UK promo)] |
This single is part of a 5x7" set containing tracks from the soundtrack album. |
F20
Party Party single
[1982-12-03; 7"; A&M AMS 8267 (ps, also issued as promo)] |
"PP" produced by EC & Colin Fairley, "IB" produced by EC. |
F21
Party Party soundtrack
(42:28) |
I'm not sure if the 5x7" set includes all the 13 album tracks, but "Party Party" is on the PARTY5 disc. |
F22
Shabby Doll single [1982-__-__; 7"; F-Beat 102 832 (France, ps)] |
F--
Viva England [1982-__-__; LP; Discos Victoria VLP-27/22LO460 (Spain)] |
The album My Aim Is True wasn't released in Spain until it appeared with this new title. It included the track "Watching The Detectives". (see My Aim Is True (A06)). |
F--
Action Trax 1
[1982-__-__; LP: K-Tel NE 1162] |
F--
Off The Record Specials With Mary Turner
[1982-__-__; 2xLP; Westwood One OTR 82-34 (US radio promo)] |
This release also contains conversation and commercials. |
1983
G01
Tomorrow's (Just Another Day)
[1983-02-__; 12"; Stiff BUYIT 169 (UK, ps)] |
A Clanger Winstanley production. |
G02
Pills And Soap single
[1983-05-27; 7"; Demon IMP 001 (UK, no ps)] |
EC wanted this single out fast, before the general election, while F-Beat was undergoing a change of distribution. For this he formed a new label and issued it as "The Imposter". Originally, the single was only going to be available for less than a week, and planned to be deleted on the eve of the general election. The first pressing was of only 15,000 copies, but finally a total of 160,000 copies were pressed. |
G03
Everyday I Write The Book single
[1983-07-01; 7"; F-Beat XX32 (UK, ps)] |
"HT" is fron the Punch The Clock sessions. |
G04
Everyday I Write The Book single
[1983-06-__; 7"; Columbia 38-04045 (US, ps, white label promo)] |
G05
Everyday I Write The Book single
[1983-07-01; 12"; F-Beat XX32T (UK, ps)] |
Some copies came with a free vest with the sleeve graphics on it. |
G06
Everyday I Write The Book single
[1983-07-__; 12"; F-Beat XX 32 T RE MIX (UK, ps)] |
This is a second pressing of -G04, but with a slightly longer remix of "Everyday..." (which is not the same as the US 'special club' version). |
G07
Everyday I Write The Book single
[1983-08-__; 12"; Columbia 44-04115 (US, ps (Also issued as promo)] |
Both versions of "EIWTB" were produced by Clive Langer & Alan Winstanley. The 'club' version was remixed by John 'Jellybean' Benitez and engineered by John 'Tokes' Potoker. |
G08
Punch The Clock
(45:19) |
The original release date for this was 29-Jul-83, but it was delayed 2 weeks because of production difficulties. |
G--
[1983-__-__; 3x7"; F-Beat PUNCH 1 (UK promo pack /w 6-track EP & 2 singles)] |
G--
[1983-__-__; 2x7"; RCA (US, promo. Green labels)] |
G09
Let Them All Talk single
[1983-09-02; 7"; F-Beat XX33 (UK, ps)] |
"TFK" is from the Punch The Clock sessions. |
G10
Let Them All Talk single
[1983-09-09; 12"; F-Beat XX33T (UK, ps)] |
"LTAT" produced by Clive Langer & Alan Winstanley. |
G11
Let Them All Talk single
[1983-__-__; 7"; Columbia 38-04266 (USA)] |
G12
Let Them All Talk single [1983-__-__; 7"; Columbia 38-04266 (US white label promo)] |
G13
Shipbuilding single
[19__-__-__; 7"; F-Beat/RCA RPS-118 (Japan, ps+lyric sheet)] |
G14
Why Study?
[1983-__-__; LP; Columbia AS 1765 (US promo)] |
1984
H01
Peace In Our Time single
[1984-04-__; 7"; Imposter TRUCE 1 (no ps)] |
"WAD" produced by Fairley/Imposter. |
H02
I Wanna Be Loved single
[1984-06-__; 7"; F-Beat XX35 (ps)] |
"IWBL" produced by Clive Langer & Alan Winstanley. |
H03
I Wanna Be Loved single
[1984-06-__; 12"; F-Beat XX35T (ps)] |
"IWBL(esnrv)" produced by Clive Langer & Alan Winstanley, & remixed by Colin Fairley. |
H04
I Wanna Be Loved single
[1984-06-__; 12"; F-Beat XX35Z (UK, plain black sl /w red & white sticker saying "Elvis Costello and the Attractions I Wanna Be Loved Brand New Mix F-Beat XX35Z")] |
H05
I Wanna Be Loved single
[1984-__-__; 7"; Columbia 38-04625 (USA)] |
H06
I Wanna Be Loved single
[1984-__-__; 7"; Columbia 38-04625 (US white label promo)] |
H07
Goodbye Cruel World
Side 2:
(44:18) |
Reached #10 in UK charts, & #35 in the US. |
H08
L.A.F.S. (Love At First Sight) single
[1984-07-__; 12"; F-Beat XX36T] |
"LAFS" is produced by EC with Colin Fairley, and "BIY" by Lowe/EC/Bassman. |
H09
The Only Flame In Town single [1984-08-__; 7"; F-Beat XX37 (ps)] |
Reached #71 in UK charts & #56 in the US. |
H10
The Only Flame In Town single
[1984-08-__; 12"; F-Beat XX37T (ps)] |
On the Japanese release this version of "The Only Flame In Town" is simply called 'long version'. |
H11
The Only Flame In Town single
[1984-08-__; 12"; F-Beat XX37Z (ps)] |
"TOFIT" & "TC" produced by Clive Langer & Alan Winstanley. |
H12
The Only Flame In Town single
[1984-__-__; 12"; Columbia 44 05081 (US, ps, 33rpm. Also issued with promo stamp on cover)] |
"TOFIT" produced by Clive Langer & Alan Winstanley. |
H13
The Only Flame In Town single
[1984-__-__; 12"; Columbia 44-05081 (US 'demonstration' copy, ps)] |
H14
The Only Flame In Town single
[1984-__-__; 7"; Columbia 38-04502 (US 'demonstration' copy)] |
H15
The Only Flame In Town single
[1984-__-__; 7"; Columbia 38-04502] |
Maybe all versions of "Turning The Town Red" are mono because production is credited to 'The Mono Kings', and it was recorded for a TV theme in the days before stereo broadcasting. |
H16
[1984-__-__; 7"; (DB 61528 French promo)] |
H17
Every Man Has A Woman
[1984-09-__; LP; Polydor POLH 13] |
Tribute to Yoko Ono. |
H18
Sometimes A Great Notion
[1984-11-__; LP; EMI TOPCAT-1 or SP8410RS (UK)] |
Charity LP for the British Deaf Assoc. compiled by Rupert Hines. |
H19
The Only Flame In Town single [1984-__-__; 7"; F-Beat/RCA RPS-147 (Japan, ps)] |
H20
Australian Rock Talent Part 2 [1984-__-__; LP; (Australia)] |
1993 • 1994 • 1995 • 1996 • 1997 • 1998 • 1999 • 2000 • 2001 • 2002 • 2003 • 2004 • 2005 • 2006 • 2007
2008 • 2009 • 2010 • 2011 • 2012 • 2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016 • 2017 • 2018 • 2019 • 2020 • 2021 • 2022 • 2023