Elvis Costello's autobiography, ''Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink''. Fascinating insight into his songwriting, the music business in the 1970's and onward, touring the US, his father Ross who sang with the Joe Loss Orchestra, and plenty more. It's crammed full of great anecdotes. A long read at nearly 700 pages, but excellent stuff.
 

I bet that is a good read. Joe Jackson's book about the same era is also a page turner.

I'll give it a go. Thanks for the tip. Never been a fan, but just the fact that he's been at it for so long assures there must be good stories to be told.

sharke
I bet that is a good read. Joe Jackson's book about the same era is also a page turner.

Just read the part where they were in the same studio as Jackson, and found the tapes for Jackson's 'Is She Really Going Out With Him?'. Costello was amused that the critics were remarking on the similarity in the two vocal styles, so he recorded his own lead vocal and did a mix-down, just for fun, then wiped the track and put the tapes back on the shelf.

bitflipper
I'll give it a go. Thanks for the tip. Never been a fan, but just the fact that he's been at it for so long assures there must be good stories to be told.

Fan of the man...but not necessarily of all of his music. This post was, however, a good reason to stick my copy of the Rykodisc reissue of Imperial Bedroom by E.C. & The Attractions (1982) into my CD player. Good stuff. And terrific liner (session) notes. Interesting insight into his creative process.

TheMaartian

bitflipper
I'll give it a go. Thanks for the tip. Never been a fan, but just the fact that he's been at it for so long assures there must be good stories to be told.

Fan of the man...but not necessarily of all of his music. This post was, however, a good reason to stick my copy of the Rykodisc reissue of Imperial Bedroom by E.C. & The Attractions (1982) into my CD player. Good stuff. And terrific liner (session) notes. Interesting insight into his creative process.

Same here, but I'm a sucker for anything that delves into songwriting, recording and touring. I love Imperial Bedroom, great album, especially 'Beyond Belief' and 'Shabby Doll' It's interesting reading him talking about his songs then listening to them, I'm picking out things I'd never noticed before.