Born Declan Patrick MacManus, Elvis Costello was raised in London and Liverpool, grandson of a trumpet player on the White Star Line and son of a jazz musician who became a successful radio dance band vocalist. Costello went into the family business and had taken the popular music world by storm before he was twenty-four. "Unfaithful Music" describes how Costello's career has endured for almost four decades through a combination of dumb luck and animal cunning, even managing the occasional absurd episode of pop stardom. The memoir, written entirely by Costello himself, offers his unique view of his unlikely and sometimes comical rise to international success, with diversions through the previously undocumented emotional foundations of some of his best known songs and the hits of tomorrow. It contains many stories and observations about his renowned co-writers and co-conspirators, although Costello also pauses along the way for considerations on the less appealing side of infamy.

A white boy in the Hammersmith Palais -- Then they expect you to pick a career -- Don't start me talking -- Ask me why -- Beyond belief -- London's brilliant parade -- The first time ever I saw your face -- Roll up for the Ghost Train -- Almost Liverpool -- Welcome to the working week -- No trams to Lime Street -- I hear the train a-comin' -- Unfaithful music -- Scene at 6.30 -- Unfaithful servant -- There's a girl in a window -- It mek -- America without tears -- Accidents may happen -- I love the sound of breaking glass -- What do I have to do to make you love me? -- Talking in the dark -- Is he really going out with her? -- Diving for dear life -- It's a wonderful life -- The color of the blues -- The identity parade -- The river in reverse -- That's when a thrill becomes a hurt -- I want to vanish -- Put away forbidden playthings -- They never got me for the thing I really did -- A voice in the dark -- Country darkness / narrow daylight -- I'm in the mood again -- Down among the wines and spirits -- Postscript: The black tongue of the North End.