King of America

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

King of America came about after Elvis Costello and T Bone Burnett had toured together as the Coward Brothers. Burnett wanted the next record to consist mainly of voice and acoustic guitar. In 1985 Costello recorded the album in Los Angeles with American session musicians, chosen by Burnett and known as the Confederates, among them Ray Brown, Earl Palmer and former members of Elvis Presley's TCB Band. His regular band, the Attractions, plays on only one track, Suit of Lights.

The sound is mainly acoustic and draws its influences from roots rock, country, folk and R&B. The personal songs deal with love, betrayal, alcoholism and the American dream. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood, a cover of a song by Nina Simone, became a single in the British top 40. Critics saw the record as a return to his best form, and later it came to be regarded as one of his best works.

Listening

Track list

1. 1Brilliant Mistake3:44Apple Music ↗
2. 2Lovable2:52Apple Music ↗
3. 3Our Little Angel4:05Apple Music ↗
4. 4Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood3:21Apple Music ↗
5. 5Glitter Gulch3:17Apple Music ↗
6. 6Indoor Fireworks4:09Apple Music ↗
7. 7Little Palaces3:49Apple Music ↗
8. 8I'll Wear It Proudly4:25Apple Music ↗
9. 9American Without Tears4:34Apple Music ↗
10. 10Eisenhower Blues3:46Apple Music ↗
11. 11Poisoned Rose4:07Apple Music ↗
12. 12The Big Light2:33Apple Music ↗
13. 13Jack of All Parades5:17Apple Music ↗
14. 14Suit of Lights4:06Apple Music ↗
15. 15Sleep of the Just3:52Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗