Almost Blue
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Original Year
1981
Tracks
12
Duration
31:08
Releases
108
Wikipedia
Almost Blue is the sixth studio album by the English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello, and his fifth with the Attractions—keyboardist Steve Nieve, bassist Bruce Thomas and drummer Pete Thomas. It was recorded in May 1981 in Nashville, Tennessee, and released in October the same year. A departure from Costello's previous works, it is a covers album composed entirely of country music songs, including works written by Hank Williams and George Jones. The project originated with Costello's desire to record a collection of covers after his two previous studio albums commercially underperformed following Armed Forces (1979).
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Available Releases
108 releasesVinyl(54)
Almost Blue
chevron_rightF-Beat Records / Wea International
Israel“Israeli pressing with added Hebrew lettering on cover that translates to “Elvis Costello including the hit Good Year for the Roses” and labels. Thin cardboard cover is much more green tinted than blue as seen in most (all?) other pressin...”
Cat#: BAN 58392
Almost Blue
chevron_rightF-Beat Records
United Kingdom“Laminated front and over spine and 1 ccm along spine on the rear. Recorded in CBS Studio A Nashville Dates 18-29 May 1981 Printed in England by Robor Limited ℗ 1981 Riviera Global Record Prods Ltd © 1981 F-Beat Records Ltd [Catalog nu...”
Cat#: XXLP 13 · XXLP13
Almost Blue
chevron_rightColumbia
United States“Recorded in CBS Recording Studio A, Nashville, TN. 18-29 May 1981.”
Cat#: FC 37562
Almost Blue
chevron_rightF-Beat Records
SpainCat#: S 90.485
Almost Blue
chevron_rightF-Beat Records
France“Laminated cover Ref on spine : 203 311 [Label] Rim text in French and German Distributed by Arabella Eurodisc [uncredited] according to Price Code AE 260 and Cat# format 203 311.”
Cat#: 203 311
Almost Blue
chevron_rightF-Beat Records
Netherlands“Recorded in CBS Studio A, Nashville. Dates 18-29 May 1981. Manufactured in Germany (for dutch market:"STEMRA")”
Cat#: FB 58 392
Almost Blue
chevron_rightF-Beat Records
Australia“Recorded in CBS STUDIO A NASHVILLE. Dates 18-29 MAY 1981. On sleeve: Marketed by WEA Record & Tape Distributors Pty. Limited. On labels: ℗ 1981 Manufactured & Distributed by WEA Records Pty. Limited.”
Cat#: XXLP 13
Almost Blue
chevron_rightF-Beat Records
France“Manufactured in Germany / Original sealed copy with OBI : Le Retour d'Elvis...... Costello !”
Cat#: FB K 58 392 · XXLP 13
Almost Blue
chevron_rightF-Beat Records
“Recorded in CBS Studio A, Nashville. Dates 18-29 May 1981. ℗ 1981”
Cat#: XXLP 13
Almost Blue
chevron_rightF-Beat Records
Germany“Main artist is Elvis Costello And the Attractions on spine; Elvis Costello on labels Some copies had stickers on front of sleeve: "Warning! This album contains Country & Western Music & may produce radical reaction in narrow minded peo...”
Cat#: FB K 58 392 · XXLP 13
Almost Blue
chevron_rightColumbia
United States“Recorded in CBS Recording Studio A, Nashville, TN. 18-29 May 1981. Plain white sleeve. Shrink had a sticker when purchased.”
Cat#: FC 37562
Almost Blue
chevron_rightF-Beat Records
France“"WARNING! This album contains Country & Western Music & may produce radical reaction in narrow minded people." - cover sticker Recorded in CBS Studio A, Nashville. Dates 18-29 May 1981. Front cover is laminated. cover is yellow and green.”
Cat#: XXLP 13 · XXLP13
Almost Blue
chevron_rightColumbia
United States“"T" etched in runouts denotes Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Terre Haute, pressing. Remainder of runouts mostly etched, mastering stamped. Jacket front cover has a pink-colored background; other variant issues may have cream-colored b...”
Cat#: FC 37562
Almost Blue
chevron_rightF-Beat Records / wea
New Zealand“Recorded in CBS STUDIO A NASHVILLE. Dates 18-29 MAY 1981.”
Cat#: XXLP 13 · XXLP13
Almost Blue
chevron_rightF-Beat Records
Europe“℗ 1981 Riviera Global Record Productions Ltd. F. Beat Records Ltd. Different from Almost Blue - this version has F-Beat logo on cover.”
Cat#: FB 58 392 · FB K 58 392
Almost Blue
chevron_rightF-Beat Records
ItalyCat#: FB K 58 392 · XXLP 13
Almost Blue
chevron_rightwea
Greece“Recorded in CBS Studio A, Nashville. Dates 18-29 May 1981. Runouts are etched.”
Cat#: BEAT 58392
Almost Blue
chevron_rightF-Beat Records
Japan“Recorded in CBS Studio A Nashville dates 18-29 May 1981 ℗ 1981 Riviera Global Record Productions LTD. - bottom of the label Printed in Japan - lower right corner of back cover Issued with obi and insert with notes in Japanese, lyrics i...”
Cat#: P-11107X
Almost Blue
chevron_rightF-Beat Records
Netherlands“℗ 1981 Riviera Global Record Productions Ltd. F.Beat Records Ltd. On labels: Made in Germany by WEA Musik GmbH. The artist is "Elvis Costello" on both labels and "Elvis Costello And The Attractions" on the cover spine. Cat.# FB 58 392 ...”
Cat#: FB 58 392 · FB K 58 392
Almost Blue
chevron_rightF-Beat Records
United Kingdom“Yellow / Green sleeve MCPS is the publisher for Track 5 side 1 and not rights society. Printed by Robor Limited. First cat# sleeve second cat# labels Recorded in CBS Studio A, Nashville. Dates 18-29 May 1981.”
Cat#: XXLP 13 · XXLP13
Almost Blue
chevron_rightColumbia
United States“Recorded in CBS Recording Studio A, Nashville, TN. 18-29 May 1981.”
Cat#: FC 37562
Almost Blue
chevron_rightColumbia
United States“Similar to Almost Blue, with the front cover having a pink background rather than cream. Label variant. Band and Title are slightly off-center compared to the spindle hole on both sides. Copyright information is also further down on la...”
Cat#: FC 37562
Almost Blue
chevron_rightColumbia
United States“Recorded in CBS Recording Studio A, Nashville, TN. 18-29 May 1981. This may be a transitional piece as the barcode and FC 37562 are covered with a decal with a barcode and the PC37562 code as it wraps around the spine. This is the only...”
Cat#: FC 37562
Almost Blue
chevron_rightwea
Greece“Recorded in CBS Studio A, Nashville. Dates 18-29 May 1981.”
Cat#: BEAT 58392
CD(35)
Almost Blue
chevron_rightColumbia
United States“Recorded in CBS Recording Studio A Nashville Dates 18-29 May 1981 (c) 1981 Riviera Global Productions Limited / (p) 1981 Riviera Global Productions Limited”
Cat#: CK 37562
Almost Blue
chevron_rightImp Records
United Kingdom“Issued in a standard black tray jewel case with an 8-page booklet, and an additional 8-page booklet titled "The Elvis Costello Collection". Catalogue # IMP FIEND CD 33 on tray inlay, spines and main booklet. Catalogue # FIEND CD33 on di...”
Cat#: FIEND CD33 · IMP FIEND CD 33
Almost Blue
chevron_rightImp Records
United Kingdom“Recorded in CBS Studio A, Nashville. Dates 18-29 May 1981. Same as Almost Blue but without barcode”
Cat#: IMP FIEND CD 33 · IMP FIEND CD33
Almost Blue
chevron_rightImp Records
United KingdomCat#: IMP FIEND CD33
Almost Blue
chevron_rightImp Records / P‐VINE RECORDS
Japan“Identical to the UK version Almost Blue P-Vine Distribution is indicated on OBI. Licensing unclear for this release. Recorded in CBS Studio A, Nashville. Dates 18-29 May 1981.”
Cat#: PFCD 33
Almost Blue
chevron_rightDemon / Imp Records
Japan“Identical to the UK version Almost Blue Except with MSI Distribution OBI for Japan, and with additional Japanese language single sheet Fold-Out insert Recorded in CBS Studio A, Nashville. Dates 18-29 May 1981. Issued in a standard blac...”
Cat#: FIEND CD 33 · IMP FIEND CD 33
Almost Blue
chevron_rightRykodisc
United States“"To ensure your listening pleasure a short pause separates each of the extended play sections" (p) 1994 Rykodisc. © 1994 Demon Records Ltd Record club edition (Columbia House) with "CRC" below the barcode. Printed in U.S.A.”
Cat#: RCD 20277
Almost Blue
chevron_rightDemon Records
United KingdomCat#: DPAM 7
Almost Blue
chevron_rightRykodisc
United States“Issued in green CD jewel box with 10 page foldout. Tracks 1 to 12 recorded in Nashville. Tracks 13 to 22 recorded in Aberdeen. Track 23 recorded at the Albert Hall, London. CD Tray: "To ensure your listening pleasure a short silence sep...”
Cat#: RCD 20277
Almost Blue
chevron_rightRykodisc
United States“Issued in green CD jewel box with 10 page foldout. Tracks 1 to 12 recorded in Nashville. Tracks 13 to 22 recorded in Aberdeen. Track 23 recorded at the Albert Hall, London. CD Tray: "To ensure your listening pleasure a short silence sep...”
Cat#: RCD 20277
Almost Blue
chevron_rightRykodisc
United States“Issued in green CD jewel box with 10 page foldout. Tracks 1 to 12 recorded in Nashville. Tracks 13 to 22 recorded in Aberdeen. Track 23 recorded at the Albert Hall, London. CD Tray: "To ensure your listening pleasure a short silence sep...”
Cat#: RCD 20277
Almost Blue
chevron_rightRykodisc
United States“"To ensure your listening pleasure a short pause separates each of the extended play sections" (p) 1994 Rykodisc. © 1994 Demon Records Ltd Printed in U.S.A.”
Cat#: RCD 20277
Almost Blue
chevron_rightRykodisc
United StatesCat#: RCD 20277
Almost Blue
chevron_rightDemon
United Kingdom“Tracks 1 to 12 are the original album from 1981 Tracks 13 to 15, 17, 20, 22 previously unreleased Track 16 previously released on pcdm ‘Highlights from Almost Blue & Imperial Bedroom’ (Oct-1994) Track 18 issued earlier as b-side of ‘Swe...”
Cat#: DPAM 7
Almost Blue
chevron_rightDemon
United Kingdom“Tracks 1-12 are the original album from 1981 Tracks 13-15, 17, 20, 22 previously unreleased Track 16 previously released on pcdm ‘Highlights from Almost Blue & Imperial Bedroom’ (Oct-1994) Track 18 issued earlier as b-side of ‘Sweet drea...”
Cat#: DPAM 7
Almost Blue
chevron_rightDemon / MSI (2)
Japan“Manufactured in France. Distributed by MSI in Japan With Japanese MSI OBI Includes Japanese Black & White Lyric/Info/Graphics Booklet”
Cat#: DPAM 7 · MSIEC 6
Almost Blue
chevron_right株式会社JVCケンウッド・ビクターエンタテインメント
Japan“Replica card sleeve - yellow obi-strip - inner pvc sleeve”
Cat#: VICP-62506
Almost Blue
chevron_rightDemon Records / Edsel Records
United KingdomCat#: MANUS 107
Almost Blue
chevron_rightRhino
United States“2-1 Recorded at CBS Studio A, Nashville, TN. 2-2 Recorded at AM-Pro Studio, Shepherd's Bush, London (26 December 1979). Mixed at Sweet Tea Studios, Oxford, MS (3 June 2004). 2-3 to 2-9 Recorded at The Palomino Club, North Hollywood, CA (...”
Cat#: R2 76485
Almost Blue
chevron_right株式会社JVCケンウッド・ビクターエンタテインメント
Japan“2-1 Recorded at CBS Studio A, Nashville, TN. 2-2 Recorded at AM-Pro Studio, Shepherd's Bush, London (26 December 1979). Mixed at Sweet Tea Studios, Oxford, MS (3 June 2004). 2-3 to 2-9 Recorded at The Palomino Club, North Hollywood, CA (...”
Cat#: VICP 62855-6
Almost Blue
chevron_rightRhino
United StatesCat#: R2 76485
Almost Blue
chevron_rightEdsel Records
United Kingdom“2-1 Recorded at CBS Studio A, Nashville, TN. 2-2 Recorded at AM-Pro Studio, Shepherd's Bush, London (26 December 1979). Mixed at Sweet Tea Studios, Oxford, MS (3 June 2004). 2-3 to 2-9 Recorded at The Palomino Club, North Hollywood, CA (...”
Cat#: MANUS 107
Almost Blue
chevron_right株式会社JVCケンウッド・ビクターエンタテインメント
Japan“"Mini LP" Replica card sleeve - obi-strip - inner pvc sleeve. Includes 12 page booklet. Barcode on obi only. K2 HD Coding”
Cat#: VICP-63496
Almost Blue
chevron_rightHip‐O Select
Japan“Super Nice Price 1470 obi with Japanese paper insert”
Cat#: UICY-90630
Tape(19)
Almost Blue
chevron_rightColumbia
CanadaCat#: FCT-37562
Almost Blue
chevron_rightColumbia
United States“No track times listed on cartridge”
Cat#: FCA 37562
Almost Blue
chevron_rightF-Beat Records
United Kingdom“Cassette in cigarette style pack. Has blue paper labels.”
Cat#: XXC 13
Almost Blue
chevron_rightF-Beat Records
Spain“Single fold J card inlay, printed both sides White cassette shell with blue paper labels / grey text”
Cat#: C 90 485 · C 90.485
Almost Blue
chevron_rightColumbia
Canada“Off-white shell, black text 0-50-0 measures under cassette shell window Bullseyes in bottom corners on each side of cassette shell”
Cat#: FCT 37562
Almost Blue
chevron_rightF-Beat Records
Australia“Track A3 "Success" has not been listed on the card but appears listed on the cassette shell. Information on card : Recorded at CBS Studio A Nashville Dates 18-29 May 1981”
Cat#: M5XLP 13
Almost Blue
chevron_rightF-Beat Records
Germany“Made in Germany”
Cat#: 458 392
Almost Blue
chevron_rightColumbia
United States“Recorded in CBS Studio A, Nashville. Dates 18-29 May 1981.”
Cat#: PCT 37562
Almost Blue
chevron_rightF-Beat Records
Cat#: XXC 13
Almost Blue
chevron_rightF-Beat Records
United Kingdom“Cassette in cigarette style pack. Recorded in CBS Studio A, Nashville. Dates 18-29 May 1981.”
Cat#: XXC 13
Almost Blue
chevron_rightImp Records
United Kingdom“Double fold J card inlay, printed one side only Black Cassette shell with Yellow Paper labels Track durations not listed on this release "Manufactured in England"”
Cat#: FIEND CASS 33
Almost Blue
chevron_rightImp Records
United Kingdom“Double fold J card inlay, printed one side only Black cassette shell with blue paper labels Track durations not listed on this release "Manufactured in England"”
Cat#: FIEND CASS 33
Almost Blue
chevron_rightLiberation Music
AustraliaCat#: TCLIB 5106
Almost Blue
chevron_rightRykodisc
United States“*To ensure your listening pleasure a short silence separates each of the extended play sections. Manufactured in Canada. Printed in the USA.”
Cat#: RAC 20277
Almost Blue
chevron_rightRykodisc
United States“*To ensure your listening pleasure a short silence separates each of the extended play sections. Manufactured in Canada. Printed in the USA.”
Cat#: RAC 20277
Almost Blue
chevron_rightFoot Print
MalaysiaCat#: S-2435A
Almost Blue
chevron_rightSOM Abu Dhabi
United Arab EmiratesCat#: DH 006
Almost Blue
chevron_rightNot On Label
Cat#: IMD 7763
Almost Blue
chevron_rightRC
“Unofficial release. Note track order is different from official release.”
Cat#: RC 3962