Text discography 1977-1979

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1977-1979  •  1980-1984  •  1985-1989  •  1990-1994  •  1995-1999  •  2000-2004  •  2005-2009  •  2010-2013  •  New releases
1977  •  1978  •  1979  •  1980  •  1981  •  1982  •  1983  •  1984  •  1985  •  1986  •  1987  •  1988  •  1989  •  1990  •  1991  •  1992  •  1993  •  1994
1995  •  1996  •  1997  •  1998  •  1999  •  2000  •  2001  •  2002  •  2003  •  2004  •  2005  •  2006  •  2007  •  2008  •  2009  •  2010  •  2011  •  2012  •  2013
1977  •  1978  •  1979

Originally compiled by Paul Hosken

Key to format:
7" - 7 inch single
10" - 10 inch maxi single
12" - 12 inch maxi single
8T - 8-track tape
DAT - DAT cassette
CD - compact disc
CD3 - 3" maxi CD
CD5 - 5" maxi CD
LP - album
MC - music cassette
R2R - reel-to-reel

Key to artist:
EC - Elvis Costello
EC+A - Elvis Costello & the Attractions
EC+I - Elvis Costello & the Imposters
EC+R5 - Elvis Costello & the Rude 5

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


1977

A01

Less Than Zero single - Elvis Costello
 Less Than Zero (3:15)
 Radio Sweetheart (single mix) (2:33)
[1977-03-25; 7"; Stiff BUY 11 (UK, originally in laminated ps)]
[1977-__-__; 7"; Stiff/Island 17845 AT (Germany, ps)]
[1977-__-__; 7"; Stiff 2C006-98.925 (France, ps)]
Produced by Nick Lowe.
"LTZ" has a slightly different mix to the LP version.
Etched in the runoff for side A is "Elvis is King on This Side Too" & "A Porky Prime Cut". Side B contains "Elvis is King".
A02

A Bunch Of Stiff Records - various artists
 Less Than Zero (organ mix) (3:04) - EC & The Shamrocks (aka Clover)
[1977-04-__; LP; Stiff SEEZ 2 (UK)]
[1979-05-01; LP; Stiff/Victor VIP-6651 (Japan)]
Although the actual title of this record is as above, it was more commonly known as A Bunch Of Stiffs.
This track is a slightly different mix than either the version on My Aim Is True or the single (BUY 11). Like the single it doesn't have the theremin-like organ in the chorus which is on the _MAIT_ version, but where the single has those fuzz-toned/distorted chords in the chorus, this version has them softened & buried in the mix. Also, you can hardly hear the guitar fill during the fade-out.

A03

Alison single - Elvis Costello
 Alison (2:00)
 Welcome To The Working Week (1:20)
[1977-05-27; 7"; Stiff BUY 14 (UK, ps)]
[1978-__-__; 7"; Stiff (Italy, white label promo)]
Produced by Nick Lowe.
Etched in the runoff for side A is "Elvis Joins the FBI" & "Just Good Friends Rock". Side B contains "Elvis is King".
Record Collector mentions that a few copies had the A-side pressed on white vinyl while the B-side was still black!

A04

(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes single - Elvis Costello
 (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes (2:30)
 Mystery Dance (1:35)
[1977-07-07; 7"; Stiff BUY 15 (UK, no ps)]
[1977-__-__; 7"; Stiff (France, ps)]
[1977-__-__; 7"; Stiff SRS 510.040 (Holland, ps)]
[1977 __ __; 7"; Stiff SRS 510 040 (Spain, ps)]
[1977 __ __; 7"; Stiff BUY 101 (New Zealand WLP, no ps)]
Dutch ps same as French ps.
Etched in the runoff for side A is "Help us Hype Elvis" & "A Porky Prime Cut". Side B contains "Larger Than Life More Fun Than People - Elvis".

A05

(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes single - Elvis Costello / Max Wall
 (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes - EC
 Dream Tobacco - Max Wall
[1977-07-__; 7"; Stiff BUY 15 (UK)]
This was a mispressing of the normal 'Red Shoes' single (-A05).

A06

My Aim Is True - Elvis Costello (uncredited backing by Clover)
Side 1:
 Welcome To The Working Week (1:24)
 Miracle Man (3:33)
 No Dancing (2:43)
 Blame It On Cain (2:53)
 Alison (3:26)
 Sneaky Feelings (2:10)
 Watching The Detectives - not on UK, Belgian & Portuguese versions
Side 2:
 (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes (2:51)
 Less Than Zero (3:15)
 Mystery Dance (1:39)
 Pay It Back (2:35)
 I'm Not Angry (3:02)
 Waiting For The End Of The World (3:23)
[1977-07-22; LP; Stiff SEEZ 3 (UK)]
[1977-__-__; MC; Stiff ZSEEZ 3 (UK)]
[1977-__-__; LP; Stiff SEEZ 3 (Finland, orange label)]
[1977-__-__; LP; Stiff SEEZ 3 (Norway/Sweden, label contains "King stereo" & "The worlds most flexible record label")]
[1977-__-__; LP; Stiff COU/B/SEEZ03 (Belgium, blue vinyl)]
[1977-__-__; LP; Stiff SEEZ3 (France, cover has “New Wave” sticker)]
[1977-__-__; LP; DuReCo/Stiff SRL 910.010/SEEZ3 (Holland, sleeve has white front & yellow back. Does not include "Watching The Detectives")
[1977-__-__; LP; Stiff TXS 3115 (Spain, also as white label promo)]
[1977-__-__; LP; Stiff 1056 (Israel, pink label. Title printed in Hebrew)]
[1977-__-__; LP; Stiff L-36872 (Australia, cover says 'features "Watching The Detectives", with this track added to the end of side 2. Manufactured & distributed by EMI-Australia)]
[____-__-__; MC; Stiff C 36872 (Australia)]
[1978-__-__; LP; Stiff SEEZ.3 (Australia, cover says 'features "Watching The Detectives", with this track added to the end of side 2. Manufactured & distributed by EMI-Australia)]
[____-__-__; MC; Stiff TC-SEEZ.3 (Australia)]
[____-__-__; LP; Festival Records L 36872 (Australia, with "Watching The Detectives" at the end of side 2)]
[____-__-__; LP; Stiff STLP 1006 (Italy, green tint photo, yellow back)]
[____-__-__; LP; Stiff SEEZ 3-NP (Portugal, green tint photo & back)]
[1978-03-__; LP; Columbia JC 35037 (US. Promo copies were also issued with with "For promotion only / ownership is reserved by CBS / Sale is unlawful" stamped in gold on the back of the cover and a track listing pasted on the front)
[1978-__-__; LP; Columbia PC 35037 (Canada)]
[____-__-__; LP; Columbia (US promo, stickered, yellow tint photo & back)]
[1978-03-__; MC; Columbia JCT 35037 (US)]
[1978 03 __; MC; Columbia PCT 35331 (Canada)]
[1978-11-25; LP; Stiff 6001/Victor VIP-6581 (Japan, insert /w lyrics. Also as white label promo)]
[____-__-__; LP; Stiff WIP-6581 (Japan)
[1982-__-__; LP; Discos Victoria VLP-27/22LO460 (Spain, this release was given the title _Viva England_ and included "Watching The Detectives")]
[1984-__-__; MC; Stiff STK 71006 (Italy, does not contain "WTD")]
[1984-__-__; LP; Columbia PC 35037 (US/Canada)]
[1986-07-__; LP; Demon IMP FIEND 13 (UK)]
[1986-07-__; MC; Demon IMP FIEND CASS 13 (UK)]
[1986-07-__; CD; Demon IMP FIEND CD13 (UK)]
[1986-__-__; CD; Columbia CK 35037 (USA)]
[____-__-__; 8T; Columbia (USA)]
[____-__-__; LP; Liberation Records LIB 5100 (Australia)]
[____-__-__; MC; Liberation Records TCLIB 5100 (Australia)]
[1988-09-05; LP; HMV C88 1-12 (UK, special limited edition (1500) box in the 'HMV Classic Collection' series, with 12 page booklet. The box contains the Demon IMP FIEND 13 LP]
[1988-09-05; CD; HMV C88 2-12 (UK, special limited edition (1500) box in the 'HMV Classic Collection' series, with 12 page booklet. The box contains the Demon IMP FIEND CD13 CD]
[2003-09-27; CD; Victor VICP-62501 (Japan, miniature paper sleeves of original LP artwork)]
Produced by Nick Lowe.
The track times on the LP are totally wrong.
Early LP covers had a black & white photo on the front, and many different coloured backs. Later issues had a green tint on the front picture and a green back. The Demon issue originally had a yellow tint on the photo and a yellow back, and the reissue has a green tint photo. The early covers also have different manufacturer credits on the back cover and label: "Made & manufactured by Press & Post" & "Distributed by Island Records". There are thought to be at least 11 different cover variations.
The first few UK copies came with a poster and a form asking the buyer to send in the address of a friend, who would then receive a free copy. The form read:

"HELP US HYPE ELVIS
In these John Denver days, people in Framptonland are loathe to shell out on new artists. As you've bought this record we assume that you groove to the Elvis GB sound. As you know there are only two Elvis. On is fat and famous, one is small and languishes in obscurity. Stiff Records, ever keen to meet the record buying public demands, have hatched a plot that allows you to become a potent factor in El's future.
Here's how are See-Elvis-Go-Gold-Stiff-Go-Broke scheme works. You pay the postage. We send the album. And all you have to do is write no more than 25 words why you like the English Elvis and send this sheet (together with postage stamps to the value of 23p) to: Stiff Records, 32 Alexander Street, London W2.
We will then send a free album to the person of your choice who you think can do the most for Elvis. This offer is limited to the UK only. We are only giving away 1000 albums (Jeesus - only 1000!) so write off today and grab a small stake in shaping El's destiny.
His meal ticket, your El Dorado.
This offer does not apply to Island Records executives, groupies, liggers, Elvis Costello and employees of Stiff."

According to Goldmine Record Collector, in 1984 Columbia Records reissued, in the U.S. & Canada, all of studio albums to that time (MAIT, TYM, AF, GH, T, AB, IB, & PTC) with the prefix "PC" instead of the original "JC" or "FC", but the same 5-digit number as before.
Reached #14 in UK charts, & #32 in the US.
US: Went gold (500,000 copies) in 1981 and platinum (1 million) in 1991.
UK: Went silver (60,000 copies) (date unknown).
A07

Jem Imports Sampler No. 4 - various artists
 I'm Not Angry - EC
[1977-08-__; LP; JEM PROMO-4 (US promo)]
note = This is the very first US release of an EC track.
A08

Alison single - Elvis Costello
 Alison (US version)
 Alison (US version mono)
[1977-__-__; 7"; Columbia 3-10641 (US promo)]
Note that the catalog number is the same as for A09.
The US version of "Alison" has added synth-strings, chorus & echo, and doesn't sit too well with the message of the song.
A09

Alison single - Elvis Costello
 Alison (US version) (3:07) - EC
 Miracle Man (live) (3:55) - EC+A
[1977-__-__; 7"; Columbia 3-10641 (USA)]
[1977-__-__; 7"; Columbia/CBS (Canada)]
Note that the catalog number is the same as for A08. "MM" recorded live at The Nashville Rooms, London, 1977-08-07.
A10

Hits Greatest Stiffs - various artists
 Radio Sweetheart (single mix) (2:32) - EC
[1977-09-28; LP; Stiff FIST1]
[1977-__-__; LP; Stiff/Barclay 940565 (France, gatefold sleeve with adverts for other artists)]
[1977-__-__; LP; Stiff SEEZ-5 (Australia, made by EMI Australia)]
[1979-__-__; LP; Stiff/Victor VIP-6660 (Japan)]
A11

Watching The Detectives single - Elvis Costello
 Watching The Detectives (3:43) - EC
 Blame It On Cain (live) (2:52) - EC+A
 Mystery Dance (live) (2:01) - EC+A
[1977-10-14; 7"; Stiff BUY 20 (UK, grey stiff label, ps)]
[1977-10-__; 7"; Columbia 3-10696 (US, a promo version also exists with a 'DJ stamp')]
[1977-__-__; 7"; Stiff COU/B/BUY 20 (Belgium, yellow vinyl, ps)]
[1977-__-__; 7"; Teldec AC 6.12193/Stiff BUY 20 (Germany)]
[1977-__-__; 7"; Stiff 640120 (France, ps)]
[7_-__-__; 7"; Stiff SRS 510042 (Holland)]
[7_-__-__; 7"; Stiff _______ (Spain, ps)]
[7_-__-__; 7"; Stiff BUY 20 (Sweden, ps)]
[1978-01-23; 7"; Stiff Buy 11633 (Australian promo)]
"BIOC" & "MD" recorded live at The Nashville Rooms, London, 1977-08-07, & produced by Nick Lowe.
Etched in the runoff for side A is "I Think You Know What I Mean", while side B contains "Little Triggers But Big Tears".
This single appeared in at least 3 different sleeves: a colour picture cover, a plain Stiff sleeve and the rarer 'telephone directory' cover, which consisted of the entries for the name 'Stiff' out of the London phone book with the Stiff Records number highlighted.
The Spanish disc has a red & white label in lieu of black & white.
The Swedish ps has vertical white bars on each side of the reverse.
Some copies have the "Watching The Detectives (edit)" version on the A-side. These can only be identified by the duration of the track and the runoff matrix numbers:

A-side: "BUY 20 A-DJ-1U" (stamped) + "tone controlled" (etched).
B-side: "BUY 20 B-1U" (stamped) + "LITTLE TRIGGERS BUT BIG TEARS" (etched)

Record Collector (#49) reports that some promo copies of this single apparently had different takes of the live songs on the B-side.
Reached #15 in UK charts.
A12

Watching The Detectives single - Elvis Costello
 Watching The Detectives (mono) (3:42)
 Watching The Detectives (3:42)
[1977-__-__; 7"; Columbia 3-10696 (US, DJ promo)]
A--

Watching The Detectives single - Elvis Costello
 Watching The Detectives
[1977-__-__; 7"; Stiff BUY 20 (UK, 1-sided test pressing)]
A13

Watching The Detectives single - Elvis Costello
 Watching The Detectives (edit)
[1977-10-__; 7"; Stiff BUY 20DJ (UK promo)]
Etched in the runoff for side A is "tone controlled".
A14

Watching The Detectives single - Elvis Costello
 Watching The Detectives (3:42)
 Alison (US version) (3:07)
[1977-__-__; 7"; Columbia 3-10705 (USA)]
A15

Mystery Dance single - Elvis Costello
 Mystery Dance (2:00)
 Pay It Back (2:00)
[1977-__-__; 7"; Stiff 640-131 (France, different ps)]
A limited number of the Belgian single were on orange/yellow vinyl.
The French single has black print on white ps (inverse of Belgian version), and states “extrait du LP 840556".
The times above are as stated on the record - don't believe it!
A16

4 Track Sampler From My Aim Is True - Elvis Costello
 Watching The Detectives (edit)
 Alison
 (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes
 Less Than Zero
[1977-__-__; 12"; EC-1 (Australian promo)]
A--

Watching The Detectives single - Elvis Costello
 Watching The Detectives
 + 2 tracks
[??-__-__; 12"; Columbia (US promo)]


1978

B--

Excerpts From Stiff's Greatest Hits - various artists
 Alison (excerpt) - EC
 (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes (excerpt) - EC
 Watching The Detectives (excerpt) - EC
[1978-__-__; 7"; Stiff FREEB2 (UK promo, 33rpm)]
Also contains excerpts from 9 other Stiff releases (Stiff BUY 13 - BUY 24).
B01

Alison single - Elvis Costello
 Alison (3:16)
 Less Than Zero (3:08)
[1978-__-__; 7"; Stiff (Teldec) 6.12259 (Germany/Holland, ps)]
B02

Heroes & Cowards - various artists
 Less Than Zero - EC
 Mystery Dance - EC
 Alison - EC
[1978-__-__; LP; Stiff SEWL 1000 (Italian)]
B03

Live Stiffs - various artists
 I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself (live; UEA, Norwich) (Bacharach/David) (2:28) - EC+A
 Miracle Man (live) (3:56) - EC+A
 Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll & Chaos (live) (Dury/Jankel) (5:42) - Stiff Gang (including EC)
[1978-02-__; LP; Stiff GET1]
[1978-__-__; LP; Stiff/EMI SEEZ-7 (Australia, promo)]
[1978-__-__; LP; Stiff SRL 610003 (Holland or Italy?)]
[1979-__-__; LP; Music For Pleasure MFP 50445 (Issued in a new cover)]
[1979-03-25; LP; Stiff/Victor VIP-6636 (Japan)]
[1979-03-25; MC; Stiff/Victor VIP-1652 (Japan)]
[____-__-__; LP; US Arista/Stiff STF0001 (back of sleeve contains a 'Stiff Album Voucher' in top right corner)]
[____-__-__; 8T; Arista/Stiff AS80001 (USA)]
[94-11-07; CD; Mau Mau Records (Demon) MAUCD621]
[9_-__-__; CD; DIAB 851]
"MM" was recorded live Leicester University, 1977-10-22.
"S&D&R&R" was recorded live at the Lyceum Ballroom, London, 1977-10-28.
"IJDKWTDWM" was recorded live at the UEA, Norwich, 1977-10-18.
The CD version of "IJDKWTDWM" is slightly slower than the LP version.
B04

Stiff Fourplay - various artists
Side 1:
 Watching The Detectives - EC
 New Rose (Brian James) - The Damned
Side 2:
 Wake Up And Make Love To Me (Dury/Jankel) - Ian Dury
 Welcome To The Working Week - EC
[1978-02-24; 7"; Stiff Fourplay (promo flexi-disc (33 rpm) given away with edition no.78 of Rock Australia magazine)]
The flexi was manufactured and distributed by EMI (Australia).
B05

(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea single - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
 (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea (3:06)
 You Belong To Me (2:19)
[1978-03-03; 7"; Radar ADA 3 (UK, ps)]
[1978-03-__; 7"; Radar 17124 (Germany, ps)]
[1978-__-__; 7"; Smash TAR 2 (Sweden, ps (b/w version of UK sleeve))]
[1978-09-__; 7"; Radar/Warner P-303F (Japan, ps)]
[1978-__-__; 7"; WEA/Radar 17124 (France)]
[1978-__-__; 7"; Radar 45-1680 (Spain, ps)]
The Radar label was set up by Jake Riviera specifically to handle EC, Nick Lowe and The Yachts.
Reached #16 in UK charts.

B06

Live At The El Mocambo - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Side 1:
 Mystery Dance (live; El Mocambo) (2:04)
 Waiting For The End Of The World (live; El Mocambo) (3:46)
 Welcome To The Working Week (live; El Mocambo) (1:15)
 Less Than Zero (Dallas Version) (live; El Mocambo) (3:55)
 The Beat (live; El Mocambo) (3:24)
 Lip Service (live; El Mocambo) (2:22)
 (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea (live; El Mocambo) (3:43)
 Little Triggers (live; El Mocambo) (2:41)
Side 2:
 Radio, Radio (live; El Mocambo) (2:29)
 Lipstick Vogue (live; El Mocambo) (4:39)
 Watching The Detectives (live; El Mocambo) (5:38)
 Miracle Man (live; El Mocambo) (3:59)
 You Belong To Me (live; El Mocambo) (2:26)
 Pump It Up (live; El Mocambo) (4:00)
[1978-03-06; LP; Canadian Columbia CDN-10C (Canadian promo)]
Recording of a stereo CHUM-FM live broadcast on 1978-03-06 in Toronto. (Recorded by Comfort Sound).
The times listed here are the approximate times of the music excluding crowd noise and intros.
This version of "Less Than Zero" has different lyrics to the studio version, and is commonly known as the 'Dallas Version'.
Only 300 (possibly 500) copies pressed. This album was heavily bootlegged and here's what Beyond Belief has to say about the differences between an original and a counterfeit copy:

"Starting with the album cover, an original will have a thick cardboard jacket with a grey (not white) inside. The spine of the jacket will be squared off (not tapered or rounded) with the title information printed squarely on the spine. Also the front cover black & white photos will be sharply reproduced (not blured or smudged). The disc itself is of thick vinyl with bands between songs. The label on the disc will be clearly centred on the disc with sharp printing of the song titles. Finally the hand written (not machine) engraving in the dead wax will be as follows:
CDN-10-A-1A-2HDKZ (side 1)
CDN-10-B-1A-2HDKZ (side 2)"
(Also, the reviews of the show on the back cover are harder to read on the bootleg version).

The support act that evening was Nick Lowe. CBS Records Canada released a very limited 33 1/3 rpm 7" promo called Nick Lowe Live At The El Mocambo [7CDN-1] with the following tracks: "I Love The Sound Of Breaking Glass" b/w "Shake & Pop/Heart Of The City".
B07

This Year's Model - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Side 1:
 No Action (1:57)
 This Year's Girl (3:16)
 The Beat (3:42)
 Pump It Up (3:12)
 Little Triggers (2:38)
 You Belong To Me (2:19)
 Watching The Detectives - only on Belgian, French, German, Swedish (Smash) & Argentinian versions
Side 2:
 Hand In Hand (2:30)
 (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea (3:06) - only on UK version
 Lip Service (2:34)
 Living In Paradise (3:51)
 Lipstick Vogue (3:29)
 Night Rally (2:40) - only on UK version
 Radio, Radio - only on US version
[1978-03-17; LP; Radar RAD 3 (UK)]
[1978-03-17; LP; Radar RAD 3 (UK promo - see note below)]
[1978-__-__; MC; Radar RAC 3 (UK, different track order)]
[1978-05-__; LP; Columbia JC 35331 (US, original copies had the words Columbia Columbia Columbia' were replaced with 'Costello Costello Costello' on the label. Promo copies were also issued with with "For promotion only / ownership is reserved by CBS / Sale is unlawful" stamped in gold on the back of the cover and a tracking pasted on the front)]
[1978-05-__; MC; Columbia JCT 35331 (US)]
[1978-05-__; MC; Columbia PCT 35331 (Canada)]
[1984-__-__; LP; Columbia PC 35331 (US/Canada)
[1978-__-__; LP; Radar 56477/France: WE 341 (Belgium/France, red vinyl)]
[1978-__-__; LP; Smash SLEPT 2 (Sweden)]
[1978-08-10; LP; Radar/Warner P-10538F (Japan)]
[1978-12-21; MC; Radar/Warner PKF 5011 (Japan)]
[1978-__-__; LP; Music Hall/Warner Bros. 50 14.386 (Argentina; all songs and album title (“El Modelo De Este Ano”!) are translated into Spanish.)]
[1980-05-__; LP; F-Beat XXLP 4 (with corrected sleeve) (UK)]
[1980-05-__; MC; F-Beat XXC 4 (UK)]
[1984-04-06; LP; Demon IMP FIEND 18 (UK)]
[1984-__-__; MC; Demon IMP FIEND CASS 18 (UK)]
[1986-01-__; CD; Demon IMP FIEND CD 18 (UK)]
[1986-01-__; CD; Columbia CK 35331 (US)]
[____-__-__; 8T; Columbia 35331 (USA)]
[____-__-__; LP; Liberation Records LIB 5101 (Australia)]
[____-__-__; MC; Liberation Records TCLIB 5101 (Australia)]
Produced by Nick Lowe.
The first 5000 copies of the UK LP included a free single (see -B08), and had a small round black sticker with white lettering which read "Free album with this single".
The original LPs contained the following text etched next to the run-off groove on side 1: "Special pressing No. 003 Ring Moira on 434 3232 for your special prize". The first few people (believed to be limited to 1000) who phoned in received a photo (with printed autograph) and a badge with the text "Made In 1955 For 1984". In Record Collector (#49) it says that this offer appears to have been a hoax!
The original UK Radar LP release had the covers offset by about 1" so that the spine was on the back, and down the righthand side of the front was a printer's colour chart - a deliberate mistake?
The LP covers for releases in different countries featured different photos (from the same session) for both the outer and inner sleeve. The Belgian/French releases and the release on the Smash label contain an 'alternative' version of "Watching The Detectives". However, this is simply the normal version speeded up (the wrong speed was used when mastering the album). The promo version of the UK LP (RAD 3) apparently came with a pound note glued over the opening!
Reached #4 in UK charts, & #30 in the US.
US: Went gold (500,000 copies) in 1991.
UK: Went gold (100,000 copies) (date unknown).
B08

Stranger In The House single - Elvis Costello
 Stranger In The House - EC (/w Clover)
 Neat Neat Neat (live) (Brian James) (3:02) - EC+A
[1978-03-17; 7"; Radar SAM 83 (UK, plain Radar sleeve)]
Free with first 5000 copies of UK version of This Year's Model LP.
"SITH" is 'An Ancient Production' and is an outtake from the My Aim Is True sessions. "NNN" is 'An Alive Production'.
"NNN" was recorded live at Leicester University, 22-Oct-77, and Davey Payne plays sax.
B09

Pump It Up single - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
 Pump It Up (3:12)
 Big Tears (3:10)
[1978-04-28; 7"; Radar ADA 10 (UK, ps)]
[1978-__-__; 7"; Radar 17168 (Germany, different ps)]
Produced by Nick Lowe.
"Big Tears" is a This Years Model outtake.
Etched in the runoff for side A is "You Got to Hand it to Bruce". Side B contains "His Bottle's Gone".
Picture on German sleeve is a "closeup" of the UK cover photo from TYM; the reverse lists 3 dates on German tour of July 1978.
Reached #24 in UK charts.
B10

Our Aim Is True - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Side 1:
 Welcome To The Working Week
 Miracle Man
 (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes
 Less Than Zero
 Alison
 Watching The Detectives
Side 2:
 Hand In Hand
 No Action
 This Year's Girl
 Lip Service
 Living In Paradise
 Radio, Radio
[1978-05-__; LP; Columbia-CBS (no cat.#) (US promo picture disc)]
Side 1 contains the TYM photo with 'Elvis Costello & the Attractions' printed around the rim in bold letters. The other side has the EC picture from MAIT on a plain white background.
About 40 or so copies of this pic. disc were mispressed. The A-side is either gold or silver and has no picture. In the runout area are the words "Elvis Costello", and the tracks are as above. However, the B-side is white vinyl and contains tracks from some other group (sounds like Bon Jovi or Iron Maiden!). Supposedly the intention was to press gold albums for the other band, but this EC promo was being pressed at same time and a mixup resulted in a few mispressed with EC on the A-side.
B11

Radio, Radio single - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
 Radio, Radio (3:04)
 Tiny Steps (2:42)
[1978-10-20; 7"; Radar ADA 24 (UK, ps)]
[1978-10-__; 12"; Radar ADA 24 (UK promo, plain Radar sleeve, 500 only)]
[1978-__-__; 7"; Radar K-17264 (Italy, different ps)]
[1978-__-__; 7"; Radar 17264 (Belgium, 2d different ps)]
[1978-__-__; 7"; Smash TAR 6 (Sweden, ps)]
[____-__-__; 7"; Radar RAD 17264 (Germany)]
[____-__-__; 7"; Warner Bros. WB17264 (Holland)]
Produced by Nick Lowe.
Reached #29 in UK charts.
B12

This Year's Girl single - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
 This Year's Girl (3:08)
 Big Tears (3:10)
[1978-__-__; 7"; Columbia 3-10762 (US, also issued as a white label promo)]
"TYG" is a slightly edited version of the album track.
B13

This Year's Girl single - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
 This Year's Girl (3:08)
 This Year's Girl (mono) (3:08)
[1978-__-__; 7"; Columbia 3-10762 (white label US promo)]
B14

(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea single - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
 (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea (3:06)
 Tiny Steps (2:42)
 Night Rally (2:40)
[1978-__-__; 7"; Columbia C4-8292 (US/Canada, ps, a limited number of the Canadian singles were pressed on yellow 'tiger splattered' vinyl)]
B15

American Squirm single - Nick Lowe
 American Squirm (Nick Lowe) - Nick Lowe
 (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding? (Nick Lowe) - Nick Lowe & His Sound (actually EC+A)
[1978-11-23; 7"; Radar ADA 26 (UK, ps)]
[78 __ __; 7"; WB 17.281 (Holland, different ps)]
On "American Squirm" EC sings backing vocals.
"PL&U" is from the Armed Forces sessions.
Both tracks produced by 'The Artist'.
The UK sleeve contains a couple of references to EC; Nick his holding his guitar on the front, and EC's face is just visible in the clouds on the back.
B16

Talking In The Dark single - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
 Talking In The Dark (1:56)
 Wednesday Week (2:02)
[1978-12-18; 7"; Radar RG 1 (freebie, ps)]
9000 copies pressed.
Given away free at London Dominion Christmas shows, the 3 New York shows in Jan-79, and when buying the Armed Forces LP at any Jan-79 UK concert.
Also given away as prizes in a NME competition in late '79. The prize was intended to be a cassette called Elvis At Home which contained the original "Honky Tonk Demos", but apparently EC objected. As a result this 7" plus 2 tickets for the Clarendon Ballroom, Hammersmith show (1980-01-18) was the prize.
Both tracks are Armed Forces outtakes.
B17

Now See Them Live - various artists
Side 1:
 Radio, Radio - EC+A
 Cruel To Be Kind (Lowe/Gomm) - Nick Lowe
Side 2:
 Soul Twist (DeVille) - Mink DeVille
[1978-__-__; 12"; Columbia/Capitol AS443 (US promo to promote '78 tour, clear orange vinyl, ps)
The EC/Lowe side has a Columbia label, while the DeVille side has a Capitol label.
A counterfeit version of this exists that has no writing on spine.
B18

Arista AOR Sampler - various artists
Record 1 - Side 2:
 Miracle Man (live) (3:40) - EC+A
[1978-__-__; 2xLP; Arista ALS 06 (US promo)]
"MM" is the Live Stiffs version, recorded live at Leicester University, 1977-10-22.
B--

Action Replay - various artists
Side 2 Track 5:
 Radio, Radio - EC+A
[1978-__-__; LP; K-Tel (UK)]


1979

C01

Armed Forces - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Side 1:
 Accidents Will Happen (3:00)
 Senior Service (2:17)
 Oliver's Army (2:57)
 Big Boys (2:55)
 Green Shirt (2:42)
 Party Girl (3:20)
Side 2:
 Goon Squad (3:15)
 Busy Bodies (3:33)
 Sunday's Best (3:23) - only on UK, Israeli, Swedish & Greek versions
 Moods For Moderns (2:49)
 Chemistry Class (2:55)
 Two Little Hitlers (3:10)
 (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding? (Nick Lowe) (3:30) - only on US version
[1979-01-05; LP; Radar RAD 14 (UK)]
[1979-__-__; LP; Columbia JC 35709 (US, some copies were issued on gold & black speckled vinyl and with a sticker on the cover with a picture of Elvis and the words "Colored vinyl". Promo copies were issued with "For Promotion Only" stamped in gold on the cover, but without the free 7". White label promos including free 7" were also issued)]
[1979-__-__; LP; Columbia JC 35709 (Canada, black, yellow or multicoloured vinyl. 'Dripping paint' sleeve. White label promos including free 7" were also issued)]
[1979-__-__; MC; Columbia JCT 35709 (US)]
[1979 __ __; MC; Columbia PCT 35709 (Canada)]
[1979-__-__; LP; Smash SLEPT 5 (Sweden, fold-out slv. + postcards)]
[1979-__-__; MC; Smash BARA 5 (Sweden, UK lineup)]
[____-__-__; 8T; Columbia 35709 (US, part of vocal "Green Shirt" was cut)]
[____-__-__; 8T; Columbia JCA 35709 (Canada)]
[____-__-__; R2R; Columbia (USA)]
[____-__-__; MC; IMD (Saudi Arabia)]
[1979-02-10; LP; Radar P-10627F (Japan)]
[1979-02-10; MC; Radar PKF-5034 (Japan)]
[197_-__-__; LP; Warner 56597 (Israel, US cover, UK lineup)]
[1979-__-__; LP; Radar/Hispavox 90.110 (Spain)]
[1979-__-__; LP; WEA 38026 (Brazil)]
[1979-__-__; LP; WEA Radar 56597 (Greece, UK lineup)]
[1979-__-__; LP; WEA 208767/RAD 14 (Argentina promo; all song titles translated into Spanish on label & “elephants” cover)]
[1980-05-__; LP; F-Beat XXLP 5]
[____-__-__; LP; WEA 3011 (Korea, US lineup & cover, but black & white “elephants” reverse, and UK label design)]
[1984-04-06; LP; Demon IMP FIEND 21]
[____-__-__; MC; Demon IMP FIEND CASS 21]
[1984-__-__; LP; Columbia PC 35709 (US/Canada)]
[1984-__-__; MC; Columbia PCT 35709 (US/Canada)]
[1986-01-__; CD; Demon IMP FIEND CD 21]
[1986-01-__; CD; Columbia CK 35709 (US)]
[____-__-__; LP; Liberation Records LIB 5102 (Australia)]
[____-__-__; MC; Liberation Records TCLIB 5102 (Australia)]
[1991-__-__; LP; Linn Selekt audiophile pressing]
Some UK copies were mispressed and have 'Peace, Love & Understanding' instead of 'Two Little Hitlers'.
Produced by Nick Lowe.
The initial UK LP had a fold-out cover, and included 4 postcards and the 7" Live At Hollywood High (C03). It also had a large, oblong, yellow sticker with red hand grenade motif and white writing that read "Free EP inside".
The original US & UK LP releases had different covers. The UK cover was the 'elephants', while the US one was 'dripping paint'. Both covers and most of the original artwork has been reproduced in the Ryko/Demon re-release.
The working title for this album, "Emotional Fascism", appears on the LP inner sleeve.
The original UK Demon CD issues had the US track listing on cover and disc. Later copies had one of these changed and had an erratum sticker saying that the disc didn't match the cover. The correct listing on both cover and disc was eventually released.
According to an advert in Goldmine (5/12) some copies on this album exist on gold & black speckled vinyl.
Reached #2 in UK charts, & #10 in the US.
US: Went gold (500,000 copies) in 1979.
UK: Went platinum (300,000 copies) (date unknown).
C02

Armed Forces - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Side 1:
 Accidents Will Happen
 Senior Service
 Oliver's Army
 Big Boys
 Green Shirt
 Party Girl
 Moods For Moderns
Side 2:
 Goon Squad
 Busy Bodies
 Sunday's Best
 Chemistry Class
 Two Little Hitlers
 Accidents Will Happen (live)
[1979-01-__; MC; Radar RAC 14 (UK)]
[1980-__-__; MC; F-Beat XXC 5 (UK)]
[1984-__-__; MC; Demon IMP FIEND CAS 21 (UK)]
C03

Live At Hollywood High - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
 Accidents Will Happen (live) (3:23)
 Alison (live) (3:06)
 Watching The Detectives (6:07)
[1979-01-05; 7"; Radar SAM 90 (UK, ps)]
[1979-__-__; 7"; Columbia AE7-1171 (US, ps)]
[1979-01-__; 7"; Smash TAR 7 / WEA-Radar RAD 17289 (SAM 90) (Sweden, but cover says "Made in Germany")]
[1979-01-__; 12"; Columbia AS529 (US promo)]
[1979-__-__; 7"; Radar ______ (New Zealand, ps)]
[79 01 05; 7"; Radar PZ-5F (Japan, ps)]
Free with Armed Forces LP.
'An Alive Production' (Nick Lowe)
These tracks were recorded on 1978-06-04.
This was also released as a US white label promo.
C--

 Accidents Will Happen (live; Hollywood High)
[____-__-__; CD5; (US promo)]

Issued by CMJ celebrating 10 years of college music service.
C04

Oliver's Army single - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
 Oliver's Army (2:56)
 My Funny Valentine (Rodgers/Hart) (1:25)
[1979-02-02; 7"; Radar ADA 31 (UK, ps)]
[1979-03-__; 7"; Radar WB/RAD 17.344 (Holland/German, ps)]
[1979-__-__; 7"; Smash Records TAR 8 (Sweden, ps)]
[1979-__-__; 7"; Radar/Warner P-387F (Japan, ps)]
[1979-__-__; 7"; Radar/Hispavox 45-1832(SN) (Spain, ps)] (“OA” has been given the title “El ejercito de Oliver” and “MFV” has been given the title “Mi graciosa Valentina”!; Side B label reads “My Funky Valentine”!)]
"MFV" production is incorrectly credited to Nick Lowe on B-side. On later copies this was corrected, and the performer of the track was also changed to just EC.
Reached #2 in UK charts.
UK: Went gold (500,000 copies) (date unknown).
C05

My Funny Valentine single - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
 My Funny Valentine (Rodgers/Hart) (1:25)
 (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding? (Nick Lowe) (3:30)
[1979-02-__; 7"; Columbia AE7-1172 (US promo, red vinyl /w 'flying hearts' on label)]
Free at Valentines's Day gig, Long Beach CA.
Counterfeit versions apparently lack the word 'Columbia' on the label, and have a picture sleeve.
C--

Green Shirt single - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
 Green Shirt (2:41)
 Wednesday Week (2:02)
[1979-__-__; 7"; Columbia 3-10972 (Canada, no ps)]
C06

Accidents Will Happen single - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
 Accidents Will Happen (3:00)
 Talking In The Dark (1:56)
 Wednesday Week (2:02)
[1979-05-04; 7"; Radar ADA 35 (UK, group ps, video ps or inside out video ps)]
[1979-__-__; 7"; Radar RAD 17 393 N (Germany/Belgium, ps different to UK)]
[1979-__-__; 7"; Radar WB.17.393 (Holland, ps different to UK)]
[1979-__-__; 7"; Radar 45-1884 (Spain, ps)]
[1979-__-__; 7"; Radar/Warner P-444F (Japan, fold out ps + lyrics)]
"TITD" & "WW" produced by Nick Lowe.
Issued with 3 different picture sleeves, the first and most common was inside out and featured pictures from the animated video. Some copies had the sleeve the correct way round. The third cover was a more conventional design with the 'fish is brain food' picture.
Etched on the runoff groove of A-side of the UK version is either the message "Porky Prime cuts will happen" or "A Porky Prime Cut".
Reached #28 in UK charts.
C07

Accidents Will Happen single - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
 Accidents Will Happen (3:00)
 Sunday's Best (3:23)
[1979-__-__; 7"; Columbia 3-10919 (USA)]
C08

Accidents Will Happen single - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
 Accidents Will Happen (mono) (3:00)
 Accidents Will Happen (3:00)
[1979-__-__; 7"; Columbia 3-10919 (US white label promo. The runout on the mono side has the number T.ZSP165434-1D, and on the stereo side T.ZSS165435-1C)]
C--

Accidents Will Happen single - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
 Accidents Will Happen (3:00)
 My Funny Valentine (1:20)
[1979-__-__; 7"; Radar/WEA 17 332 (France, ps)]
C09

That Summer! soundtrack - various artists
 (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea - EC+A
 Watching The Detectives - EC
[1979-__-__; LP; Arista SPART 1088 (yellow or black vinyl]
[1979-08-__; LP; Arista 25RS 50 (Japan)]
C10

Americathon soundtrack - various artists
 (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea - EC+A
 Crawling To The USA - EC+A
[1979-__-__; LP; Columbia Al36174]
"CttUSA" was recorded at Waterloo studios, Sydney, Dec-78.
C11

Sharp (16 Sharp New Rock Acts) - various artists
 Watching The Detectives (live) (3:35) - EC
[1979-__-__; LP; WEA 58.080 (Holland)]
This tracks may be listed as live, but I believe it is the normal studio version speeded up a little!
C--

The Main Event - various artists
 Radio, Radio - EC+A
[1979-__-__; LP; K-Tel NE 1046 (UK)]

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