The Coward Brothers - The Coward Brothers (2LP Licorice Red Vinyl)

The Coward Brothers - The Coward Brothers

• 2x LP Licorice Red Vinyl
• Limited Edition 

RELEASE DATE: 11/15/2024

DESCRIPTION 

The exact relationship between Henry (T-Bone Burnett) and Howard Coward (Elvis Costello) remains ambiguous. They often referred to themselves as “One and a Half Brothers,” which might hint at their height difference or imply they were not actually siblings but were involved in an elaborate ruse.

Their musical partnership, known as The Coward Brothers, was initiated by Smiley “Doc” Snipson, who discovered Henry Coward in 1956 and signed him for a UK tour. The brothers' hit single, “My Baby Just Squeals (You Heel),” was followed by less successful records and a controversial Cold War-themed song. To preserve their fading fame, Snipson orchestrated their supposed death in a plane crash, but they were actually in hiding on a Caribbean island, secretly recording music and sending it back to Snipson.

When their funds ran out, they returned to Miami and made sensational claims about writing famous songs, leading to a brief stint as songwriters for Bill Bogguss. They later resumed recording, but their partnership eventually fractured, leading to years of estrangement.

Their music, from early rock and roll hits to later, more introspective songs, is compiled in the album, The Coward Brothers. After years of silence, their story was explored in a radio program, revealing the complexity of their relationship and their enduring bond. Despite their tumultuous history, their music remains a testament to their unyielding spirit.

The Coward Brothers are Elvis Costello and T-Bone Burnett. The Audible Original radio play, The True Story Of The Coward Brothers, is directed by Christopher Guest, and stars Howard Coward, Henry Coward, Harry Shearer, Edward Hibbert, Rhea Seehorn, Stephen Root, and Kathreen Khavari. Available at Aubible.com on Nov 21, 2024.

The physical release of this record is November 15, 2024. The Digital Release is November 21, 2024

TRACKLIST

Side A - 

Always
Like Licorice
My Baby Just Squeals (You Heel)
The Devil’s Wife
Tipsy Woman

Side B -

My Baby Just Purrs (You’re Mine, Not Hers)
My Baby Just Whistles (Here Come The Missiles)
World Serious
Early Shirley
Yesteryear Is Near

Side C - 

Birkenhead Girl
Smoke Ring Angel
Wooden Woman
(I Don’t Want Your) Lyndon Johnson
Lotta Money

Side D - 

Pure Bubblegum
Cathy Come Home
Bygones
Row Me Once
Clown Around Town

LABEL: New West Records
UPC: 607396589319