ELVIS COSTELLO HEADS TO CAPITOL

Elvis Costello’s next album will come out on Capitol in the U.S., and he promises it will be full of “bright melodies, guitar solos that sting and a quick step to the rhythm.”

The Boy Named If is due 1/14 on vinyl, CD and cassette, plus digitally. We’re told 8-track and Flexi-disc releases will come later. A version of the album containing a special-edition 88-page hardback storybook, each numbered and signed by the artist, will be issued as well.

First track “Magnificent Hurt,” was released today.

Said Costello, “‘If’ is a nickname for your imaginary friend—your secret self, the one who knows everything you deny, the one you blame for the shattered crockery and the hearts you break, even your own. You can hear more about this ‘boy’ in a song of the same name.”

“I started The Boy Named If with just an electric guitar, some sharps and flats, high heels and lowdowns, with five songs in bright major keys, and carried on to write a whole new record for The Imposters to play,” Costello continued. “The initial rhythm section for this record was my guitar and Pete Thomas’ Gretsch drums, recorded down in Bonaparte Rooms West. Our Imposter pal of 20 years' standing, Davey Faragher soon dialed in his Fender bass and vocals while we awaited dispatches from France. If the record sounded swell as a trio, Steve Nieve’s organ was the icing on the cake, the cherry and the little silver balls.”