From Liverpool pubs to the Royal Albert Hall Elvis Costello has played countless venues over his four-decade-long musical career.
Hit songs have come from all aspects of his broad range of styles, from angry young man,
crooner, classical arranger and pretty much every type of music in between.
In a very conversational manner Costello moves from topic to topic throughout the book. Avoiding a linear approach, he segues frequently and often touches on his family history and the effect his musician father had. There is little room for gossip in Costello's account and while he is self-deprecating he avoids tarnishing anyone else's reputation. What he does do in great detail is connect the dots between the many different musicians he
has worked with and shares stories of those collaborations.
Through the ups and downs of his career Costello has maintained a prolific output of songwriting and performing that has explored an incredible musical spectrum. With the behind the scenes descriptions of his songs it is hard not to put the book down to listen to each song as it comes up. This book offers a chance to understand the man behind the music and what went in to the creation of his extensive songbook.
