Complicated Shadows paints a detailed and accurate portrait of an intensely private and complex individual.
It draws on nearly fifty exclusive interviews with schoolmates, pre-fame friends, early band members, journalists as well as members of The Attractions, producers, collaborators and musicians from all stages of his life and career.
Thomson also unearths many previously unknown details about Costello's early years and his personal life, as well as examining his entire musical output using the recollections of those who were there at the time, the majority of whom have never talked on the subject.
Praise for Complicated Shadows:
'Thomson's pop scholarship is strong: he has gone deep into the archives and immersed himself in the music, mapping it to events in Costello's life.'
— Matthew Collin
'Pieced together with industry and care...Elvis anoraks will sally forth into its blizzard of detail. The curious fan will find critical nuggets enough to return to the songs with a fresh ear.'
— Phil Hogan
'A cracker…it's meticulously researched and fluently told.'
— Observer Music Monthly