King of America

Elvis Costello coproduced this 1986 album with roots-rock maestro T-Bone Burnett, creating a deeply personal and affecting series of songs that shade beautifully between folk and country. The spare acoustic turn “Little Palaces” is filled with Costello’s own family ghosts, while the instantly hummable “Brilliant Mistake” and “Indoor Fireworks” are long on tender regrets and melodic sadness. The country-soulful “I’ll Wear It Proudly” feels like a lost Memphis masterpiece and the jumpy “The Big Light” and “Glitter Gulch” could fill a dance floor with hip-swing and twang.