Spike

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

Spike was Elvis Costello's first album for Warner Bros. and the first since My Aim Is True without the Attractions. The producer was T Bone Burnett, who had also produced King of America. Recording took place in four locations: Hollywood, New Orleans, Dublin and London, each with a different group of musicians. He wrote two songs together with Paul McCartney, including Veronica, his biggest American hit.

The lyrics are sharp. Let Him Dangle is a protest song against the death penalty, about the execution of Derek Bentley in 1953. Tramp the Dirt Down is a bitter song about the Thatcher government. The album reached number five in England and came seventh in The Village Voice's Pazz & Jop poll.

Listening

Track list

1. 1...This Town...4:30Apple Music ↗
2. 2Let Him Dangle4:45Apple Music ↗
3. 3Deep Dark Truthful Mirror4:03Apple Music ↗
4. 4Veronica3:09Apple Music ↗
5. 5God's Comic5:31Apple Music ↗
6. 6Chewing Gum3:44Apple Music ↗
7. 7Tramp the Dirt Down5:41Apple Music ↗
8. 8Stalin Malone4:09Apple Music ↗
9. 9Satellite5:45Apple Music ↗
10. 10Pads, Paws and Claws2:55Apple Music ↗
11. 11Baby Plays Around2:47Apple Music ↗
12. 12Miss Macbeth4:23Apple Music ↗
13. 13Any King's Shilling6:06Apple Music ↗
14. 14Coal-Train Robberies3:17Apple Music ↗
15. 15Last Boat Leaving3:31Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗