Elvis is King. Actually, Declan is King. King of America, that is.
That seems like a pretty big accomplishment for a wimpy-looking English guy with nerd glasses. King of Cleveland, sure, maybe even the Midwest. But America? Shouldn't that title belong to Springsteen? Sorry, Bruce fans, but the boss might well be a jester compared to his Majesty Declan Patrick Aloysius MacManus (formerly Elvis Costello) who has just released his finest album in years.
His latest effort is King of America, a (dare I say) brilliant collection of fifteen (count 'cm, fifteen!) songs that shine like crown jewels.
This album is more diverse, and generally tamer than any of his previous records. Don't buy King of America expecting spiteful raucous rock or poppy-bubblegum radio-oriented music. You may be let down.
Also note the absence of The Attractions, Costello's regular back up band on all but one song. This album was recorded with some legendary musicians: Ray Brown, Earl Palmer, and former members of the other Elvis' back up band. Declan himself plays acoustic guitar, and delivers his finest vocals to date.
King of America opens with "Brilliant Mistake," a regular confession in 4/4 time about the decision to change back to his original name — "I was a fine idea at the time, now I'm a brilliant mistake."
"Lovable" has an acoustic punk feel to it, followed by the country-ish "Our Little Angel." Then, changing musical styles faster than you can say "misogynist" is the melancholic Animal's remake "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood." This song has been released as a single, but quite frankly it is one of the weaker songs on the album.
After a rockabilly workout with "Glitter Gulch" the album tones down for a while with the bittersweet "Indoor Fireworks," a sad, love-gone-sour song: "You were the spice of life / the gin in my vermouth / and though the sparks would fly / I thought our love was fire proof." "I'll Wear It Proudly" is equally touching.
Side Two shows no sign of slipping in quality as "American Without Tears" practically waltzes right off the record. "The Big Light" is one of the best songs about hangovers I've heard in a long time.
Who at one time or another hasn't experienced this: "Well my hangover this morning had a personality / and I cast my shattered mind over selected memories / I didn't even touch the light switch so I knew I'd never see / that haggard face that would be staring back at me."
The finest songs on King of America are "Jack of All Parades" and "Suit of Lights." Finally, "Sleep of the Just" caps off this impressive album.
Quite simply, this album is good listening. If you're bored with cliches, ripped off synthesizer riffs, and the usual humdrum of most of today's music, listen to King of America. If you're not bored with the radio, listen anyway, and then you quite probably will be.
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