Elvis Costello is set to release a deluxe reissue of his acclaimed 1986 album, King of America, titled King of America & Other Realms. This expanded edition, arriving on November 1, features the remastered original LP sourced from the master tapes, along with a treasure trove of newly discovered demos, outtakes, and unreleased concert recordings from his 1987 performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Additionally, the release includes a 35-page essay by Costello, a photo booklet, and more exclusive content.
King of America was recorded entirely in the United States, showcasing Costello’s deepening appreciation for country and roots music, a shift from the new-wave style of his earlier works. The album features esteemed session musicians including Ray Brown, Earl Palmer, and Jerry Scheff, all of whom contributed to the memorable Hollywood recording sessions. The King of America & Other Realms super deluxe box set will also offer outtakes from Costello’s subsequent American albums, including The Delivery Man and National Ransom.
In this comprehensive box set, fans can look forward to a 17-song live recording from the 1987 Royal Albert Hall concert, unreleased collaborations with artists, and early versions of tracks like “Jack of All Parades” and “Sleep of the Just.” It will also include solo renditions of beloved songs like “Poisoned Rose” and “Having It All.”
Earlier this year, Costello re-recorded selected tracks from King of America, such as “Brilliant Mistake” and “Indoor Fireworks,” which will be featured on the final disc of the collection. Moreover, a single-LP remaster of the original album and a 2xCD set containing the full album along with highlights from the expanded box set will also be available for fans.
