What have you been listening to?

[Psycho Circus]

[Allhallowsday]

PINK FLOYD The Piper at the Gates of Dawn   
 

[Allhallowsday]

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

[Rev. Powell]

Sampler for the progressive classical label (the "Bang on a Can" guys)

[Allhallowsday]

Jesus Christ Superstar


JUNE CHRISTY Gone For The Day / Fair And Warmer    
 

[Pilgermann]

Acid Mothers Temple & the Melting Paraiso U.F.O. - Recurring Dream and Apocalypse of Darkness

[Psycho Circus]

[Allhallowsday]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AybvLztacFM

[Pilgermann]

Steve Kilbey - Unearthed

[Allhallowsday]

WILLY WONKA and the CHOCOLATE FACTORY Soundtrack

[Psycho Circus]

[Allhallowsday]

JEFFERSON AIRPLANE After Bathing At Baxter's  


HOWLIN' WOLF Two On One

[Psycho Circus]

[Flick James]

Elvis Costello's King of America

I have owned this on vinyl since I bought it in 1987. I just recently downloaded it on iTunes and have been listening to it constantly. I practicaly wore the album out back in the late 80's.

This is a fascinating and unusual album, released in 1986. A busy year for Elvis, as he would also release his last album with The Attractions before breaking up, Blood and Chocolate. Essentially, it is Elvis Costello, a brit, paying homage to American music. Most of the tracks are original songs written by him, but under his real name of Declan MacManus, yet the album was still released under his more known pseudonym. However, the material covers a variety of American music styles, from blues to rootsy rock and roll to, most noteably, country and folk. Elvis had toyed with country before, but mostly in the form of covering existing material. Here, he wrote most of it. Included are a couple of covers: The Animals' "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" and J.B. Lenoir's "Eisehower Blues."

The songwriting is among his best, IMO. Also, it contains a very profound understanding of and respect for American music styles. Upon initial listening the clash of Elvis Costello's voice singing country is a tad distracting, but once once gets past that, one realizes the love for the music and the soulful approach.

The album contains some of Elvis' most heartfelt and endearing ballads such as "Indoor Fireworks" and "I'll Wear it Proudly." "Little Palaces" provides a stinging and somewhat playful folk portrait of the subject of class envy. Elvis gets downright playful, but with just a small touch of his trademark cynicism, on tracks like "Brilliant Mistake," "Loveable," "Our Little Angel," and "Glitter Gulch." My favorite track by far is "American Without Tears," which is just sublimely gorgeous.

Even the weak links are not very weak. This is an often overlooked and brilliant album, IMO. Fans of Costello's more recognizable work might be interested in checking it out, but be prepared for a different side. I am an enormous fan, and find this to be in his Top 5 of all time.

[Allhallowsday]

Elvis Costello's King of America
I have owned this on vinyl since I bought it in 1987. I just recently downloaded it on iTunes and have been listening to it constantly. I practicaly wore the album out back in the late 80's.
This is a fascinating and unusual album, released in 1986. A busy year for Elvis, as he would also release his last album with The Attractions before breaking up, Blood and Chocolate. Essentially, it is Elvis Costello, a brit, paying homage to American music. Most of the tracks are original songs written by him, but under his real name of Declan MacManus, yet the album was still released under his more known pseudonym. However, the material covers a variety of American music styles, from blues to rootsy rock and roll to, most noteably, country and folk. Elvis had toyed with country before, but mostly in the form of covering existing material. Here, he wrote most of it. Included are a couple of covers: The Animals' "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" and J.B. Lenoir's "Eisehower Blues."
The songwriting is among his best, IMO. Also, it contains a very profound understanding of and respect for American music styles. Upon initial listening the clash of Elvis Costello's voice singing country is a tad distracting, but once once gets past that, one realizes the love for the music and the soulful approach.
The album contains some of Elvis' most heartfelt and endearing ballads such as "Indoor Fireworks" and "I'll Wear it Proudly." "Little Palaces" provides a stinging and somewhat playful folk portrait of the subject of class envy. Elvis gets downright playful, but with just a small touch of his trademark cynicism, on tracks like "Brilliant Mistake," "Loveable," "Our Little Angel," and "Glitter Gulch." My favorite track by far is "American Without Tears," which is just sublimely gorgeous.
Even the weak links are not very weak. This is an often overlooked and brilliant album, IMO. Fans of Costello's more recognizable work might be interested in checking it out, but be prepared for a different side. I am an enormous fan, and find this to be in his Top 5 of all time.

I think King of America might be ELVIS COSTELLO's best album.