Alison (song)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| "Alison" | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
||
| Single by Elvis Costello | ||
| from the album My Aim is True | ||
| Released | 21st May 1977 | |
| Recorded | 1977 | |
| Genre | New Wave | |
| Length | 3:21 | |
| Label | Stiff Records | |
| Writer(s) | Elvis Costello | |
| Producer(s) | Nick Lowe | |
| Elvis Costello singles chronology | ||
| "Less Than Zero" (1977) |
"Alison" (1977) |
"(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" (1977) |
"Alison" is the fifth track on Elvis Costello's first album, My Aim Is True, released in 1977. Because "Alison" was recorded before Elvis Costello and the Attractions formed, his backing band was Clover, which was later involved in the formation of Huey Lewis and the News.
Costello has said little of the meaning of the song, widely interpreted as being about unrequited love[1]. He has, however, denied claims that "my aim is true" refers to murder, saying only that it is about "disappointing somebody."[2]. He has also declined to reveal who this person is, writing in the liner notes for Girls Girls Girls, "Much could be undone by saying more."[3]
The chorus is based on "Ghetto Child" by The Detroit Spinners.[4]
"Alison" was released as a single in the United Kingdom with a B-side of "Welcome to the Working Week" and as two singles in the United States; one with a mono version of the same song on the B-side, the other with "Miracle Man".
Linda Ronstadt recorded a version of "Alison" on her album Living in the U.S.A. Everything but the Girl recorded an acoustic version on their Covers E.P., which was also included on their album Acoustic.
The song also played a role in the movie Get Over It.
Rolling Stone ranked it #318 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
[edit] References
- ^ Deming, Mark. Alison. All Music Guide.
- ^ "Alison", 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, Rolling Stone, December 9, 2004.
- ^ Girls Girls Girls, (1988), Elvis Costello, notes from: Inset. Columbia Records, USA: C2K-46897.
- ^ My Aim Is True, (2001), Elvis Costello, notes from: Inset. Rhino Entertainment, USA: R2 74285.
