King of America (With Bonus Disc) - Classic Movie for Film Enthusiasts & Collectors | Perfect for Home Theater Nights & DVD Collections

Product Description Born in London in 1954 as Declan McManus, Elvis Costello emerged out of the punk revolution not just as the movement's one truly great singer-songwriter, but as one of them most enduring and versatile stars in popular music. Ever since his 1977 debut album My Aim Is True, Costello has never ceased proving exactly that-his long run of stylistically diverse and artistically adventurous albums bring lyrical weight, emotional endeavor. Produced by Costello with T-Bone Burnett and Larry Hirsch, 1986's King of America finds him surrounded by stellar L.A.-based musicians and assorted legendary players (including ex-Elvis Presley guitar ace James Burton and bassist Jerry Scheff). Live-sounding and vibrant, roots-flavored and brilliant, there's not twice as much of it to love! Amazon.com Seeking to exorcise the demons of 1981's ill-fated country album, Almost Blue, Elvis Costello had another go with 1985's exquisite 15-song exploration of American life, King of America. "Little Palaces" and "Indoor Fireworks" feel like you've lived with them all your life. "Our Little Angel" has the aura of a lost Hank Williams classic, but, of course, only Costello could come up with a couplet like "You try to love but you're so contrary / Like a chainsaw running through a dictionary." King of America isn't all slide guitars and domestic discord, though. "Lovable" is as pure a moment of joyful abandon as Costello has ever allowed himself. Six months later, he kicked up an unholy racket with Blood and Chocolate. Costello fans have never seen another year like it. --Peter Paphides From the Label A decidedly different turn from the hyper-arranged songs on the previous album, GOODBYE CRUEL WORLD, EC expands on his facial hair and strips down his instrumentation. The Attractions make a cameo appearance, but the backup largely features a team of American studio aces (Mitchell Froom, James Burton, Jim Keltner) that he dubbed the Confederates. Co-producer T-Bone Burnett captures most of the performances live in the studio, while our hero -- known alternately here as The Costello Show, D.P.A. MacManus, and The Little Hands of Concrete -- explores a more rootsy approach than on any previous album. "Brilliant Mistake" and "American Without Tears" tie in with the pop of old; "I'll Wear It Proudly" and "Jack of All Parades" are among his most straightforward ballads; "Suit of Lights" marks his first use of the word "fuck" in a lyric. And the first single was a surprisingly successful version of the Animals' "Don't Let Me be Misunderstood." Five extended play tracks are included. See more