Elvis Costello is celebrating the 49th anniversary of his debut album, My Aim Is True, with a massive box set reissue. The 5xCD collection, set to be released on October 2nd via UMe, features dozens of unreleased songs, including demos, live recordings, and outtakes. The collection is touted as “telling the story of how Declan MacManus became Elvis Costello” and includes a new 2026 remaster from the original analog tapes. A total of 52 of the included demos, masters, outtakes, live performances, interviews, and other rarities are previously unreleased.
My Aim Is True 49th Anniversary Edition Details
The box set is accompanied by a new 72-page essay with contributions from Nick Lowe, John McFee, Gregg Geller, Bill Flanagan, Warren Zanes, Rosanne Cash, Peter Wolf, and Jim James, as well as new writing from Costello himself. The collection also includes rare and unseen photos, handwritten lyrics, and diary entries from 1976. Pre-orders for the box set are currently ongoing.
Previously Unreleased Recordings
In anticipation of the release, Costello has shared four previously unreleased recordings tracing the origins of his early favorite “Watching the Detectives.” The preview includes a solo electric performance from a 1977 episode of the UK show Good Afternoon, a short excerpt from Costello’s first TV interview, and a live recording of him playing the track with The Attractions at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom in July 1978.
Upcoming Tour Dates
Costello is still actively touring alongside The Imposters with Charlie Sexton. They have a show in Edgartown, Massachusetts scheduled for later this month, followed by a string of September shows. Tickets can be purchased at Vivid Seats, where new customers can use promo code CONSEQUENCE20 to receive $20 off their first order of $200 or more.
The My Aim Is True (49th Anniversary Edition) box set is a must-have for any Elvis Costello fan, with its extensive collection of unreleased material and rare insights into the creation of his debut album. With its release on October 2nd, fans will be able to experience the story of how Declan MacManus became Elvis Costello like never before.
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