About this episode
Elvis Costello burst onto the music scene in 1977 with the album My Aim Is True . Songs like “Alison” established him as a powerful new voice in rock. His next album, This Year’s Model , introduced hits like “Pump it Up,” which has resounded through stadiums and arenas across the country ever since. From then on he released album after album, decade after decade, becoming a force to be reckoned with in pop music. Now, Costello has released his 32nd studio album, The Boy Named If , and it's a kaleidoscopic journey through many of the sounds and styles that he's experimented with over the years. We spoke with Elvis about his wrong notes and open-ended lyrics, his much-publicized defense of Olivia Rodrigo, and why he turned down working with Adele Songs Discussed: Elvis Costello - Farewell, OK, Magnificent Hurt, Alison, Pump It Up Richie Barrett - Some Other Guy Olivia Rodrigo - Brutal Chuck Berry - Too Much Monkey Business Bob Dylan - Subterranean Homesick Blues Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices