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With the rest of the world taken care of on his previous albums, Elvis Costello (Monday evening's featured performer at Meadow Brook) has returned home for a good look at what's been going on while he's been immersed in his psychodramatic journeys and country-western tributes.
So when Costello pulls open the doors of his Imperial Bedroom, his intent is to tear the room apart with a diagnostic treatment of domestic romance and relationships. This time, Costello has replaced passivity with passion; he's the "Man Out of Time," the accused adulterer of "Tears Before Bedtime" and the well-meaning soothsayer of "Town Cryer."
Imperial Bedroom is as dark as it is personal. In Costello's household, he sings during "The Long Honeymoon," that "there's no money-back guarantee on future happiness." And it's safe to bet Costello won't find too many scenarios of the peachy-keen variety.
Musically, at least, Imperial Bedroom is a pleasure. Costello nods to his roots throughout the album; "Kid About It" and "Boy With a Problem" sport a few C & W lessons learned on his Almost Blue album, and he pops in a few Sgt. Pepper arrangements on "...And In Every Home" and "Town Cryer."
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