Elvis Costello Announces Massive ‘King of America’ Reissue

Elvis Costello to Release Massive Reissue of ‘King of America’

Elvis Costello’s 1986 album "King of America" is set to receive a massive reissue, collecting unreleased demos, outtakes, a concert recording, and more from the era, as well as decades-later collaborations with the album’s co-producer T-Bone Burnett. The super deluxe edition, titled "King of America & Other Realms," will be released on November 1 and can be preordered now in various formats.

Exploring American Music Genres

"King of America" marked a significant departure from Costello’s previous work, as he explored American music genres, including rockabilly, country, and R&B. The album features the singer-songwriter’s take on The Animals’ classic "Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood" and his own original songs, which showcase his lyrical prowess and musical eclecticism.

Reissue Content

The reissue consists of six discs, offering a comprehensive overview of the album’s making and evolution. Disc one features the newly remastered 1986 LP, including the aforementioned centerpiece, a rendition of The Animals’ "Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood," plus a second disc called "Le Roi Sans Sabots," which includes solo demos, outtakes, first drafts, and more from the album sessions.

Early Sketches and Solo Performances

The "Le Roi Sans Sabots" disc offers a unique glimpse into the album’s creative process, featuring early sketches and solo performances that showcase Costello’s innovative approach to songwriting and arrangement. These tracks reveal a different side of Costello, as he experimentally explores new sounds and styles.

Royal Albert Hall Concert and Later Collaborations

The reissue also includes Costello’s entire (and previously unreleased) Royal Albert Hall concert from January 27, 1987, featuring covers of songs by Ray Charles, Waylon Jennings, Buddy Holly, and more American music icons. The later collaborations section of the reissue, titled "Il Principe Di New Orleans E Le Marchese Del Mississippi," "El Príncipe Del Purgatorio," and "Der Herzog Des Rampenlicht," features tracks recorded in places like New Orleans, Nashville, Memphis, and Mississippi, including contributions from Kris Kristofferson and Rosanne Cash, Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, and more.

Newly Recorded Tracks and Hidden Gems

The reissue also contains additional recordings between Costello and Burnett, including tracks from the 2010 album "National Ransom," as well as three newly recorded tracks, including radical takes on the "King of America" songs "Indoor Fireworks" and "Brilliant Mistake."

Track List

The six-disc reissue features over 70 tracks, offering a comprehensive and immersive listening experience. Below is a breakdown of the tracklist:

Disc 1 – King of America (2024 Remaster)

• 1. Brilliant Mistake
• 1. Lovable
• 1. Our Little Angel
• 1. Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood
• 1. Glitter Gulch
• 1. Indoor Fireworks
• 1. Little Palaces
• 1. I’ll Wear It Proudly
• 1. American Without Tears
• 1. Eisenhower Blues
• 1. Poisoned Rose
• 1. The Big Light
• 1. Jack Of All Parades
• 1. Suit Of Lights
• 1. Sleep Of The Just

Disc 2 – Le Roi Sans Sabots (Demos, Outtakes & Other Realms)

• 1. The People’s Limousine – The Coward Brothers
• 1. Next Time Round *
• 1. Deportee *
• 1. Brilliant Mistake (First Draft) *
• 1. Suffering Face
• 1. Poisoned Rose
• 1. Jack Of All Parades
• 1. Sleep Of The Just *
• 1. Blue Chair *
• 1. I Hope You’re Happy Now
• 1. I’ll Wear It Proudly
• 1. Indoor Fireworks
• 1. Having It All
• 1. Shoes Without Heels *
• 1. King Of Confidence
• 1. They’ll Never Take Her Love From Me – The Coward Brothers
• 1. American Without Tears No. 2 (Twilight Version)

Disc 3 – Kings of America Live At The Royal Albert Hall

• 1. The Big Light *
• 1. Only Daddy That’ll Walk The Line *
• 1. Our Little Angel *
• 1. It Tears Me Up *
• 1. I’ll Wear It Proudly *
• 1. Lovable *
• 1. Riverboat *
• 1. Sally Sue Brown/36-22-36 *
• 1. American Without Tears *
• 1. Brilliant Mistake *
• 1. What Would I Do Without You *
• 1. Your Mind Is On Vacation /Your Funeral, My Trial *
• 1. Pouring Water On A Drowning Man *
• 1. Payday *
• 1. That’s How You Got Killed Before *
• 1. Sleep Of The Just *
• 1. True Love Ways *

Disc 4 – Il Principe Di New Orleans E Le Marchese Del Mississippi

• 1. There’s A Story In Your Voice – with Lucinda Williams
• 1. Country Darkness
• 1. The Delivery Man
• 1. Nothing Clings Like Ivy
• 1. Heart Shaped Bruise – with Emmylou Harris (Live At The Hi-Tone, Memphis) **
• 1. Bedlam (Live At Montreal Jazz) **
• 1. Either Side Of The Same Town
• 1. Wonder Woman
• 1. In Another Room
• 1. The Monkey * – Rehearsal with Dave Bartholomew & The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
• 1. Monkey To Man
• 1. Deep Dark Truthful Mirror
• 1. Clown Strike (Live At Montreal Jazz) **
• 1. Who’s Gonna Help Brother Get Further?
• 1. The River In Reverse
• 1. The Greatest Love – from Treme *
• 1. Ascension Day

Disc 5 – El Príncipe Del Purgatorio

• 1. Stations Of The Cross
• 1. Quick Like A Flash (Previously Unreleased) *
• 1. Sulphur To Sugarcane
• 1. Red Cotton
• 1. Lost On The River #12
• 1. A Slow Drag With Josephine
• 1. I Felt The Chill
• 1. Complicated Shadows (Cashbox Version)
• 1. She’s Pulling Out The Pin
• 1. Condemned Man (Demo) *
• 1. Hidden Shame
• 1. Red Wicked Wine – with Dr. Ralph Stanley
• 1. The Scarlet Tide – with Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings (Live at the Grand Ole Opry) *
• 1. One Bell Ringing
• 1. Bullets For The New Born King
• 1. All These Strangers
• 1. For More Tears (Demo) *
• 1. You Hung The Moon

Disc 6 – Der Herzog Des Rampenlicht

• 1. Stella Hurt
• 1. Mr. Feathers
• 1. Under Lime
• 1. Jimmie Standing In The Rain
• 1. Down Among The Wines And Spirits
• 1. Dr. Watson, I Presume
• 1. Church Underground (Demo) *
• 1. A Voice In The Dark
• 1. April 5th – with Rosanne Cash & Kris Kristofferson
• 1. Indoor Fireworks (Memphis Magnetic Version) *
• 1. That’s Not The Part Of Him You’re Leaving – with Larkin Poe *
• 1. Brilliant Mistake/Boulevard Of Broken Dreams (Cape Fear Version) *
• 1. That Day Is Done – with The Fairfield Four
• previously unreleased
  ** first-ever audio release

Conclusion

"King of America & Other Realms" is a testament to Elvis Costello’s creative genius and his ability to push the boundaries of music. The reissue offers a fascinating glimpse into the album’s making and evolution, as well as the singer-songwriter’s collaborations with T-Bone Burnett and other American music icons. For fans of Elvis Costello and those interested in his work, this reissue is a must-have collection.

FAQs

Q: When is the reissue release date?
A: November 1

Q: What are the formats available for the reissue?
A: The reissue will be available in various formats, including CD, vinyl, and digital download.

Q: What are the main differences between the original "King of America" album and the reissue?
A: The reissue includes unreleased demos, outtakes, and alternate versions of songs, as well as a concert recording and later collaborations with American music icons.

Q: Are there any previously unreleased tracks included in the reissue?
A: Yes, there are 17 previously unreleased tracks included in the reissue.

Q: Are there any first-ever audio releases included in the reissue?
A: Yes, there are several first-ever audio releases included in the reissue.