In what is either an admirable defense of his fans’ hard-earned cash or an overly complicated marketing ploy based on reverse psychology, Elvis Costello has published a note on his website urging people not to buy his new box set. The Return Of The Spectacular Spinning Songbook goes for over $200, a price that, according to ElivsCostello.com, “appears to be either a misprint or a satire.”

The Telegraph points us to the post, which alludes to Costello’s fruitless efforts to get the price reduced. Instead, he offers an alternative to his own music: Louis Armstrong. “If you want to buy something special for your loved one at this time of seasonal giving, we suggest, Ambassador Of Jazz - a cute little imitation suitcase containing ten re-mastered albums by one of the most beautiful and loving revolutionaries who ever lived.”

Armstrong’s “Ambassador of Jazz” costs 50 bucks less than The Return of the Spectacular Spinning Songbook, and Costello’s website concedes, “Frankly the music is vastly superior.”

Costello’s website assures fans that if they wait, the songs from the overpriced box set will be available separately for less money starting next year. That is, “unless you are one of those pirates who imagines they are evangelists or that other people’s rights absolve their own thievery, in which case this is between you and your dim conscience.”

The Spectacular Spinning Songbook will be released on December 6th, in case you want to how long you have to wait to not buy it.