The rock legend on Olivia Rodrigo, Adele, and his latest album The Boy Named If

EPISODE 254

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