Elvis Costello Tells Fans 'Steal My Box Set, or Buy Something Else'
Elvis Costello’s newest box set will be released Dec. 6 of this year, but rather than suggest fans buy it, the English singer-songwriter advised fans to steal it.
On Costello’s website, a post called “Steal This Record,” endorses the boycotting of his box set The Return Of The Spectacular Spinning Songbook because it is just too expensive.
Valued between $200 and $300, Costello calls the hefty box set price tag “either a misprint or satire,” and said efforts by the rock legend to change the price have been “fruitless.”
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“There was a time when the release of a new title by your favourite record artist was a cause for excitement and rejoicing but sadly no more,” declared the British artist.
Costello feels the record is worth hearing, just not at the record company’s price. The well-received concert at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles was recorded in May. During the show, Costello played some of his most well known numbers, as well as some of the crowd’s choice selections, chosen by a wheel-or spinning songbook.
The box set comes with a CD, DVD, 10-inch vinyl EP of music recorded at the two nights at the Wiltern, as well as a special commemorated card signed by Costello. The limited production of the item-with only 1,500 copies worldwide-pushed the price up considerably.
Even with all these additions, Costello feels the “beautifully designed compendium” is still too much money. For holiday gifts, the website recommends Louis Armstrong’s Ambassador of Jazz 10-album box set instead. At under $150, it would be a moderate alternative, especially considering today’s economic climate.
“Frankly, the music is vastly superior,” claimed the website.
Costello has not completely abandoned The Return Of The Spectacular Spinning Songbook, though. His website revealed that all items in the box set will be available separately next year, and they will be much cheaper to acquire that way.
