King of America

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!

This plunge into blues and roots Americana stands with This Year's Model and Imperial Bedroom as Costello's greatest work. Ryko's repackaging is immaculate, natch, and this time Elvis contributes a fascinating 3,000-word essay about the recording and its dismal fate at Columbia's hands. --Jeff Bateman

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