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 • 2024
Adapted from the discography originally compiled by Paul Hosken
Key to format: |
Key to artist: |
Notes:
- All tracks are composed by EC, except where otherwise stated.
Title+tracks-artist/[release date (yyyy-mm-dd); format; Label cat.# (Country)]/notes
1980
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. |
I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down single
1980-__-__; 7"; Columbia 1-11194 (US white label promo) |
I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down single
1980-__-__; 7"; Columbia 1-11251 (US, ps) |
Get Happy!!
Side 2:
(47:30) |
Produced by Nick Lowe. "New Amsterdam" produced by EC. |
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) |
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. |
High Fidelity single
1980-04-__; 12"; F-Beat XX3T (UK, ps) |
"CIO(No.2)" produced by EC. |
High Fidelity single
1980-04-__; 7"; F-Beat XX3-A (UK, promo) |
I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down
1980-__-__; 7"; F-Beat France FBR 5001 (France) |
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". |
Stranger In The House single
1980-05-04; 7"; Epic S EPC 8560 (US, plain Epic sleeve) |
Produced by Billy Sherrill. |
New Amsterdam single 1980-06-__; 7"; F-Beat XX5 (ps) |
Pink cover contains a "Pay no more than 50p" notice. |
New Amsterdam EP 1980-06-__; 7"; F-Beat XX5E (ps) |
"Dr. Luther's Assistant", "Ghost Train" & "Just A Memory" produced by EC. |
New Amsterdam single
1980-06-__; 7"; F-Beat XX5-A (UK promo) |
New Amsterdam single
1980-__-__; 7"; Columbia 1-11284 (USA) |
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.) |
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. |
Getting Mighty Crowded single
1980-__-__; 7"; Columbia 1-11389 (US/Canada. Also issued as promo) |
Getting Mighty Crowded
1980-__-__; 7"; Columbia 1-11389 (US/Canada white label promo) |
Taking Liberties (4 track promo)
1980-09-__; 12"; Columbia AS 847 (US, promo) |
The word 'Costello' replaces 'Columbia' on the label. |
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. |
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. |
Ten Bloody Marys & Ten How's Your Fathers promo Side 2: 1980-11-__; 7"; F-Beat EL-1 (UK, white label promo) |
Clubland single
1980-12-__; 7"; F-Beat XX12 (UK, ps) |
"Clean Money" produced by Nick Lowe. "Hoover Factory" produced by EC. |
Rock Against Racism (RAR's Greatest Hits)
1980-__-__; LP; Virgin RAR 1 (UK) |
Breaking The Rules
1980-__-__; 2xLP; Columbia/CBS A2S-881 (US, promo) |
Time For Action: Best Of New Wave
198_-__-__; LP; Germany |
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
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. |
Trust
Side 2:
(40:51) |
Produced by Nick Lowe in association with Roger Bechirian. |
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. |
1981-__-__; 7"; Q-102-EP (US, promo) |
From A Whisper To A Scream single
1981-02-__; 7"; F-Beat XX14 (UK, ps) |
From A Whisper To A Scream single 1981-__-__; 7"; WEA 58260 |
From A Whisper To A Scream single 1981-__-__; 7"; F-Beat CP369 (Spanish promo, ps) |
Watch Your Step
1981-04-__; 7"; Columbia 11-60519 (US, ps) |
Watch Your Step
1981-__-__; 7"; Columbia 11-60519 (US white label promo) |
The Elvis Costello Interview with Tom Snyder: Tomorrow Coast To Coast
1981-05-__; 12"; Columbia/CBS AS 958 XSM-168566 (US stickered promo) |
Different Finger single 1981-__-__; 7"; Columbia DJC4-8435 (Canadian radio promo, standard CBS sleeve) |
Strict Time single 1981-__-__; 7"; Columbia DJC4-8439 (Canadian promo) |
1981-__-__; 7"; Columbia 13-33401 (US/Canada 'Hall Of Fame' reissue, red or grey label) |
Concerts For The People Of Kampuchea
1981-03-27; 2xLP; Atlantic SD 2-7005 (USA) |
Bruce Thomas also plays bass on the Rockestra tracks. |
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 (Netherlands/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. |
Good Year For The Roses single
1981-__-__; 7"; Columbia 18-02629 (US white label promo) |
Almost Blue
Side 2:
1981-10-23 LP; F-Beat XXLP13 (UK) |
Produced by Billy Sherrill. |
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. |
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. |
1981-11-__; 12"; Columbia AS 1318 (US, promo) |
Fundamental Frolics
1981-11-__; LP; BBC Records REB 435 (UK) |
Charity benefit live album. |
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. |
Good Year For The Roses single
1981-__-__; 7"; F-Beat XX22E (Scandinavian) |
NME Dancin' Master
1981-10-03; MC; NME 001 |
This was a cassette offered to readers of New Musical Express. |
New Rock Champions
1981-__-__; LP; RCA NL33186 (Italy) |
This also exists as a white label promo. |
New Wave Disco d'Ouro
1981-__-__; LP; Nova Records 10.006 (72516) (Portugal, special edition for members of "Círculo de Leitores" book club) |
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.) |
On The Road... Country Collection
1981-__-__; LP; CBS 84961 (Netherlands) |
Hits Hits Hits
1981-__-__; LP; RTL 2063 |
'
19__-__-__; 7"; Ariola PROMO 16 (Dutch promo) |
1982
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. |
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. |
I'm Your Toy single
1982-04-02; 12"; F-Beat XX21T (UK, ps) |
Mixed by EC & Paul Bass. |
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". |
IbMePdErRoIoAmL
(51:04) |
Produced by Geoff Emerick from an original idea by EC, assisted by Jon Jacobs. |
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. |
Man Out Of Time single 1982-07-__; 7"; Columbia 18-03202 (US white label promo) |
Man Out Of Time single
1982-07-30; 7"; F-Beat XX28 (UK, ps) |
"TC" produced by Geoff Emerick |
Man Out Of Time single
1982-07-23; 12"; F-Beat XX28T (UK, ps) |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
Excerpts From Imperial Bedroom 1982-08-__; 12"; F-Beat EC-2 (UK white label promo) |
Man Out Of Time single 1982-__-__; 12"; Columbia AS-1510 (US white label promo) |
From Head To Toe single
1982-09-10; 7"; F-Beat XX30 (UK, ps) |
Both tracks produced by EC assisted by Paul Bass. |
Almost New
1982-09-__; LP; F-Beat ELVIS 82 (Australian/New Zealand mini-LP) |
Released to coincide with the 1982 tour. |
NME Mighty Reel
1982-09-18; MC; NME 004 (UK) |
This was a cassette offered to readers of New Musical Express. |
Party Party single
1982-11-__; 7"; A&M PARTY 5 (UK promo) |
This single is part of The Party Party Pack (A&M PARTY 1-6), a 6x7" set containing 12 of the 13 tracks from the soundtrack album (all but Madness' "Driving In My Car"). |
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. |
Party Party soundtrack
(42:28) |
Shabby Doll single 1982-__-__; 7"; F-Beat 102 832 (France, ps) |
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)). |
Action Trax 1
1982-__-__; LP: K-Tel NE 1162 |
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
Tomorrow's (Just Another Day)
1983-02-__; 12"; Stiff BUYIT 169 (UK, ps) |
A Clanger Winstanley production. |
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. |
Everyday I Write The Book single
1983-07-01; 7"; F-Beat XX32 (UK, ps) |
"HT" is fron the Punch The Clock sessions. |
Everyday I Write The Book single
1983-06-__; 7"; Columbia 38-04045 (US, ps, white label promo) |
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. |
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). |
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. |
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. |
1983-__-__; 3x7"; F-Beat PUNCH 1 (UK promo pack /w 6-track EP & 2 singles) |
1983-__-__; 2x7"; RCA (US, promo. Green labels) |
Let Them All Talk single
1983-09-02; 7"; F-Beat XX33 (UK, ps) |
"The Flirting Kind" is from the Punch The Clock sessions. |
Let Them All Talk single
1983-09-09; 12"; F-Beat XX33T (UK, ps) |
"LTAT" produced by Clive Langer & Alan Winstanley. |
Let Them All Talk single
1983-__-__; 7"; Columbia 38-04266 (USA) |
Let Them All Talk single 1983-__-__; 7"; Columbia 38-04266 (US white label promo) |
Shipbuilding single
19__-__-__; 7"; F-Beat/RCA RPS-118 (Japan, ps+lyric sheet) |
Why Study?
1983-__-__; LP; Columbia AS 1765 (US promo) |
1984
Peace In Our Time single
1984-04-__; 7"; Imposter TRUCE 1 (no ps) |
"WAD" produced by Fairley/Imposter. |
I Wanna Be Loved single
1984-06-__; 7"; F-Beat XX35 (ps) |
"IWBL" produced by Clive Langer & Alan Winstanley. |
I Wanna Be Loved single
1984-06-__; 12"; F-Beat XX35T (ps) |
"I Wanna Be Loved (extended smooch 'n' runny version)" produced by Clive Langer & Alan Winstanley, & remixed by Colin Fairley. |
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") |
I Wanna Be Loved single
1984-__-__; 7"; Columbia 38-04625 (USA) |
I Wanna Be Loved single
1984-__-__; 7"; Columbia 38-04625 (US white label promo) |
Goodbye Cruel World
Side 2:
(44:18) |
Reached #10 in UK charts, & #35 in the US. |
L.A.F.S. (Love At First Sight) single
1984-07-__; 12"; F-Beat XX36T |
"L.A.F.S. (Love At First Sight)" is produced by EC with Colin Fairley, and "Baby It's You" by Lowe/EC/Bassman. |
The Only Flame In Town single 1984-08-__; 7"; F-Beat XX37 (ps) |
Reached #71 in UK charts & #56 in the US. |
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'. |
The Only Flame In Town single
1984-08-__; 12"; F-Beat XX37Z (ps) |
"The Only Flame In Town" & "The Comedians" produced by Clive Langer & Alan Winstanley. |
The Only Flame In Town single
1984-__-__; 12"; Columbia 44 05081 (US, ps, 33rpm. Also issued with promo stamp on cover) |
"The Only Flame In Town" produced by Clive Langer & Alan Winstanley. |
The Only Flame In Town single
1984-__-__; 12"; Columbia 44-05081 (US 'demonstration' copy, ps) |
The Only Flame In Town single
1984-__-__; 7"; Columbia 38-04502 (US 'demonstration' copy) |
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. |
1984-__-__; 7"; (DB 61528 French promo) |
Every Man Has A Woman
1984-09-__; LP; Polydor POLH 13 |
Tribute to Yoko Ono. |
Sometimes A Great Notion
1984-11-__; LP; EMI TOPCAT-1 or SP8410RS (UK) |
Charity LP for the British Deaf Assoc. compiled by Rupert Hine. |
The Only Flame In Town single 1984-__-__; 7"; F-Beat/RCA RPS-147 (Japan, ps) |
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 • 2024