The chaotic life and career of the great Elvis Costello

Elvis Costello's new book is the most literate, thoughtful, generous, civilized rock autobiography ever written. It's also an undisciplined mess — just like its author.

Elvis Costello in 2003.
(Image credit: AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Elvis Costello's 674-page memoir, Unfaithful Music and Disappearing Ink, has to be the most unlikely bestseller of the year.

Costello has never been a superstar in the United States. Several singles released between his 1977 debut (My Aim Is True) and the late 1980s were regularly featured on FM radio and MTV in its early years. But these songs — "Watching the Detectives," "Alison," "(The Angels Want to Wear My) Red Shoes," "Pump It Up," "Radio Radio," "Oliver's Army," "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding," "Everyday I Write the Book," "Veronica" — weren't blockbuster hits. They sold decently and were appreciated by people with a taste for cerebral, tuneful, edgy pop music.

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Damon Linker

Damon Linker is a senior correspondent at TheWeek.com. He is also a former contributing editor at The New Republic and the author of The Theocons and The Religious Test.