Costello just makes me feel sad. Maybe it's the voice. Another one I was hoping to enjoy and immerse myself in, but the mood just didn't work for me. It's fine for 'Shipbuilding', but I feel like I am past the point in my life where I enjoy suites of sad love songs. This is no doubt a very accomplished album, just not one for me.
The early 80's were a productive time for Costello. He broke free of the angry young man image and developed as a great songwriter. Up until around late '83 he was untouchable. Then Mozza came along and added some oddity to the package. Imperial Bedroom sounds like a man transforming in front of you. This couldn't be more true than on Man Out of Time. It all means that the album doesn't quite hold it together. But it does move Costello up to another level.