Elvis Costello is the MAN. He can do things most musicians can't do... like diss his own album.

He has just advised fans NOT to buy his upcoming box set coming out just in time for the holidays. The limited edition three-disc set, The Return of the Spectacular Spinning Songbook retails at $224.95.

That's right. TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOUR DOLLARS and some odd change.

A column called "Steal This Record" on Costello's website recognizes the absurdity of the price.

"Unfortunately, we at www.elviscostello.com find ourselves unable to recommend this lovely item to you as the price appears to be either a misprint or a satire. All our attempts to have this number revised have been fruitless but rather than detain you with tedious arguments about morality, panache and book-keeping -- when there are really bigger fish to filet these days -- we are taking the following unusual step."

The column goes on to suggest buying the Louis Armstrong's Ambassador of Jazz box set instead -- it's under $150... and "frankly, the music is vastly superior." Plus Costello advises that all of the ingredients of his own boxed set will be available separately in the new year.

So does this mean Costello and his label are fighting? I can't imagine the Universal Music Group would be happy about this anti-endorsement. Then again, without this public tantrum, would the average person be hearing -- let alone talking -- about his holiday release at all? I know I wouldn't.

But JUST in case you have a wad of cash burning a hole in your pocket (and you haven't already blown it on other pricey box sets (like the new Nirvana, Rolling Stones, U2 or Serge Gainsbourg compilations), Costello's album comes out Dec. 6.