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King of America is the tenth studio album by the English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello, released on 21 February 1986. Co-produced by Costello and T Bone Burnett, the album originated following a series of tours the two made under the name "the Coward Brothers". Recording took place in mid-1985 at various studios in Los Angeles, California, with a group of American session musicians dubbed "the Confederates". Selected by Burnett, they included Ray Brown, Earl Palmer and former members of Elvis Presley's TCB Band. Costello's regular backing band, the Attractions, were intended to appear on half of the album before poor sessions led to them appearing on only one track, "Suit of Lights". Featuring a mostly acoustic sound, King of America was a departure from Costello's previous albums, exploring roots rock, country, folk, R&B and Americana. Its personal songs delve into themes of romance, betrayal, alcoholism and the American dream. The cover artwork features Costello wearing a crown and matching jacket, which commentators at the time found both "ridiculous" and "serious". Costello credited himself on the album sleeve under his real name, Declan MacManus; the album itself was credited to "the Costello Show featuring the Attractions and Confederates" in the UK and Europe and to "the Costello Show featuring Elvis Costello" in North America. King of America reached number 11 in the UK and number 39 in the US. It was supported by a cover of Nina Simone's "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood", a UK top 40 single. Hailed as a return to form for Costello and his best record in years, the album was praised for its production, depth and vocal performances. Mixed reviews found the album too complex and lacking accessibility to attract new fans. Later reviewers call King of America one of Costello's best works, praising its personal tone and the songwriter's growing maturity, and arguing the album anticipated Costello's various musical excursions and collaborations in the following decades. It received expanded reissues in 1995 and 2005, which were positively received.
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Reviews
You're fucking with us
HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THAT WE MISSED AN ELVIS COSTELLO ALBUM ON THE ORIGINAL LIST? THERE WERE TIMES IT FELT LIKE THERE WAS ONLY ELVIS BLOODY COSTELLO. This one is that one all middle aged boring white rockers make, where they decide to get more rootsy. It'd be a boring two stars, but he decides to drop a steaming curler on Nina Simone and Santa Esmerelda's good work by covering Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood but removing all the longing and sex from it, so it gets one more star than it deserves at one star.
NOOOOO NOT ANOTHER ONE AHAHAHAH
Boomers try not to wank over the same 5 artists challenge (IMPOSSIBLE). I’ve gotten a lifetime supply of Costello and Dylan from this project, tired of this squeaky-ass dickhead.
I am assuming this is a complete piss take of a selection, for which I’ll give an extra star.
So we meet again...
Where were the no kings protesters when this dropped, eh?
Who the fuck donated money to the Patreon with the sole intention of throwing a frag grenade into the user list.
The real list has about 5 too many Elvis Costello albums. So of course what the fan made list needs is another, much worse Elvis Costello album.
Yet another Elvis Costello Album on these lists? Yes, and it's a good one. Of course some artists have too many albums in the collection. The problem is that also the wrong albums are selected. This is a great one and should be submitted. It shows Costello attempting and succeeding several American genres. It contains the fantastic songs "Brilliant Mistake", "Our Little Angel" and "Indoor Fireworks". Only the two cover songs ("Eisenhower Blues", "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood") can be skipped. I propose to trade this one in for two of the albums on the original list (Blood And Chocolate and Brutal Youth), so we get rit of some Costello overdose. The album cover with Elvis wearing a crown refers to the lyrics of "Brilliant Mistake" ("The Thought He Was The King of America" like the album title) and "I'll Wear It Proudly" ("If they had a King of Fools then I could wear that crown / And you can all die laughing / Cos I'll wear it proudly."). So it's not to show arrogance.
King of America? :) Well, he isn't popular in the USA as he is in Europe. I really like his music because I've always favored English music and music channels. That being said, I have never listened to this album. I was surprised to see that I had it in my collection - sometimes I just get everything by artists I like. I just never got around to listening to it - until now. It is typical - good, as expected. I don't think he can do anything wrong. 4/5
He has better albums IMO.
We had enough Costello on the main list!
Ok, I’m pretty sure this isn’t my least favorite of the Elvis Costello albums, and I get that maybe someone thinks this should be on the list and some others not. But I just can’t get behind this seventh nomination for the list. It was ok… and maybe if I went back and listened to all 7 albums this would get a higher score, but I’m not much for Elvis Costello so I won’t be doing that. Gave it a go but it didn’t change anything for me.
Not very amazing, just fine
Elvis is always good. 4/5
My brother is a big Costello fan who was picking up the early releases on vinyl in their original era, and the early exposure made me a partisan as well. This largely lower-key offering isn't in my top tier of favorites, but it's still a fine album.
Rating: 6/10 Best songs: Lovable
This is not my favorite Elvis Costello but it is enjoyable Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello is great, but seems like there were many albums already on the original list. This is good, but not sure we need another. I do wish this had been out at the time I graduated from Eisenhower high school in 1984, because Eisenhower Blues would have been a great class song. 3 stars.
Mezcla de country, un poco de rockabilly, voz con muchos matices y muy reconocible. No ha tenido nada especial que me haya gustado. Demasiados parecidos todos los temas.