'Don't Buy My Box Set' Elvis Costello Says
The timeless voice of Elvis Costello is now set to sing a new tune, but it will not be another hit single, Costello has told fans not to buy a new limited collection box set.
The box set to which Costello advised consumers and fans to avoid, The Return of the Spectacular Spinning Songbook, is being released this month as a limited edition set with only 1,500 copies being made available. The set includes a CD, DVD, vinyl record, coffee-table book as well as a signed greeting card.
Costello was apologetic when he wrote to fans on his website: “Unfortunately, we at www.elviscostello.com find ourselves unable to recommend this lovely item to you as the price appears to be either a misprint or a satire.”
Costello did acknowledge that it was a “beautifully designed compendium.” However, a statement on his website told fans: “There was a time when the release of a new title by your favorite record artist was a cause for excitement and rejoicing but sadly no more.”
While the price for the limited edition set is just over $200, Costello suggested to his fans a less expensive alternative from another great musical legend.
“If you should really want to buy something special for your loved one at this time of seasonal giving, we can whole-heartedly recommend Ambassadors of Jazz by Louis Armstrong."
The singer went on to point out that the Armstrong box set offers 10 albums for the same price as the Spinning Songbook.
Costello broke into the music industry with his first album with Stiff Records, “My Aim is True” which was released in 1977 and was a tepid success. It made it to the 14th spot in the U.K. and was later able to venture into the Top 40 in America.