#121 of 500
· Rolling Stone
“This Year’s Model by Elvis Costello (1978) sits at #121 and earns every bit of it. Deep enough in the list to separate casual fans from serious collectors. The original pressing is built for vinyl playback — the kind of album that sounds better on wax.”
Elvis Costello (born Declan MacManus in 1954) emerged as a leading figure of the punk and new wave movements in the late 1970s. After his debut album 'My Aim Is True' (1977), he quickly established himself as a prolific and artistically restless musician, collaborating frequently with producer Nick Lowe and later The Roots. Costello's career spans multiple decades and genres, from the angular new wave of 'Armed Forces' (1978) to the country-inflected 'Almost Blue' (1981) and the baroque pop of 'Spike' (1989). His partnership with The Roots on 'Wise Up Ghost' (2013) introduced his catalog to new audiences. Known for his distinctive voice, sharp songwriting, and willingness to explore diverse musical territories, Costello has remained a vital figure in rock music while maintaining surprising stylistic range.
Style
Costello's music combines punk energy with sophisticated songwriting, spanning new wave, post-punk, country, and orchestral pop. His distinctive voice and clever, often biting lyrics became hallmarks of his work across shifting sonic landscapes.
Significance
A cornerstone artist for collectors interested in late-1970s punk and new wave, Costello's extensive discography offers significant depth across multiple genres. His influence on alternative rock and willingness to experiment makes his vinyl catalog particularly valued by serious collectors seeking both landmark albums and adventurous deep cuts.
This Year's Model, released in March 1978, marked Elvis Costello's triumphant debut album and introduced the world to his distinctive brand of punk-informed new wave. Recorded at Pathway Studios in London with producer Nick Lowe, the album was captured in just two weeks with Costello's backing band The Attractions (Steve Naive on keyboards, Bruce Thomas on bass, and Pete Thomas on drums). The songwriting process was remarkably prolific—Costello had amassed dozens of sharp, witty compositions characterized by rapid-fire lyrics and angular guitar work. Nick Lowe's production emphasized the band's tight musicianship while maintaining a raw, energetic edge that captured the DIY spirit of the era. The album showcased Costello's influences ranging from pub rock to soul, creating a sound that felt simultaneously modern and rooted in classic songwriting traditions.
Historical Context
This Year's Model arrived during the height of the punk and new wave movement, though it distinguished itself through sophisticated pop sensibilities and literary lyrics. The album was released on Stiff Records, an independent label known for championing new talent, giving Costello credibility within underground music circles while his commercial appeal steadily grew. Critics praised the album's wit, energy, and melodic inventiveness, recognizing Costello as a major new talent. It reached number 4 on the UK Albums Chart and established him as a serious artist beyond the punk scene. The album's success helped define new wave's second wave, proving that intelligent, guitar-driven pop could thrive commercially.
Pressing Notes
The original Stiff Records UK pressing is highly sought after by collectors, particularly early copies with the distinctive sleeve design. The album has been reissued multiple times across various formats and labels. Notable versions include early audiophile reissues and the 2002 remaster, though collector preference often favors original UK first pressings for their warm analog sound. Japanese pressings from the late 1970s are also prized for superior pressing quality. The album was also released in the US on Columbia Records, with slightly different cover artwork. Condition and pressing plant details significantly affect collector value, with pristine original UK Stiff copies commanding premium prices.
The Clash
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Shares the same punk-influenced rock energy and raw production style that defined late-70s post-punk.
Talking Heads: 77
Talking Heads
Features similarly angular, rhythmic songwriting with neurotic vocals and tight instrumental arrangements.
Pink Flag
Wire
Delivers experimental post-punk intensity with economical songwriting and angular guitar work from the same era.
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