On this day, February 6, 1989, Elvis Costello released his twelfth studio album, Spike. This album showcased Costello’s versatility, blending rock, pop, jazz, and baroque elements into a unique and ambitious sound. Featuring an array of guest musicians, including Paul McCartney, Roger McGuinn, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, the album displayed Costello’s willingness to experiment while maintaining his sharp songwriting.
Spike was a commercial success, reaching number 32 on the Billboard 200 in the United States and peaking at number 5 on the UK Albums Chart. The lead single, Veronica, co-written with Paul McCartney, became one of Costello’s biggest hits, reaching number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Modern Rock Tracks chart. Other standout tracks from the album include This Town, Let Him Dangle, and Tramp the Dirt Down, which reflected Costello’s biting social and political commentary.
Fun fact: Veronica, the album’s most famous single, was inspired by Elvis Costello’s grandmother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.
Trivia question: Which legendary artist co-wrote and played bass on the song Veronica from Spike?
Spike was a commercial success, reaching number 32 on the Billboard 200 in the United States and peaking at number 5 on the UK Albums Chart. The lead single, Veronica, co-written with Paul McCartney, became one of Costello’s biggest hits, reaching number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Modern Rock Tracks chart. Other standout tracks from the album include This Town, Let Him Dangle, and Tramp the Dirt Down, which reflected Costello’s biting social and political commentary.
Fun fact: Veronica, the album’s most famous single, was inspired by Elvis Costello’s grandmother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.
Trivia question: Which legendary artist co-wrote and played bass on the song Veronica from Spike?
