The Penguin Rocks logo
The Penguin Rocks Menu




 

Hall of Fame:
1983-present

Artists | Songs | Albums | Years
Random Song | Playlist | About

Elvis Costello
"King of America"

Released in 1986

Elvis Costello is one of the best songwriters ever, in my opinion. While I like all of his albums, this one is my favorite. It always seemed to be underrated by fans, probably because it didn't really sound like a typical Elvis record.

Many years later, the record finally began getting its due with critics saying it was among his best work. One thing this Hall of Fame project has taught me is that there are very few records I thought were brilliant at the time that I don't like years later and very few I didn't like that eventually love. I guess I'm strange that way. I can instantly tell if I love a song within about 15-30 seconds. And I absolutely loved this album. So much so that I had the album cover as an imported poster on my door for years.

Honestly, if I was stranded on a desert island with only this album... I'd be a happy guy.

Elvis Costello was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.


Here are two more tracks to check out






 

COLUMNS


Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 04/23/2026

April 26, 2009; 17 years to the day this Sunday that "Danny Coleman's Rock On Radio" took to the airwaves on WIFI 1460 AM radio. Can it be that long? The answer is yes it can be and yes it has. 




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from April 21-27, 2026




BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 4/20/26




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Once I Wake Up" by Sam Tunkel








 

MORE NEWS

Lenny Kaye has announced his debut solo record, Goin' Local out July 17, 2026 via Yep Roc Records. At 79, the bonafide punk pioneer and "godfather of garage rock" (NPR Music) steps forward with a deeply personal collection written over the course of many years - piecing together a lifetime of experiences and expansive musical language to find his truest voice.


Union County Students Earn Top Honors at International Music Festival; Invited to Perform at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center




Lost Romance Announces Intimate U.K. Solo Acoustic Tour




Makin Waves with Jackson Pines: 'Music Revisited'




Punch Brothers to Kick off 28-City Tour at Mayo Performing Arts Center on May 14th








 

UPCOMING SHOWS


State Theatre New Jersey presents The Sound Studio Series 2026

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey proudly presents The Sound Studio Series, an immersive musical experience that places concertgoers at the very heart of the performance. Held in STNJ's intimate Studio space, limited to just 80 attendees, The Sound Studio Series features a dynamic mix of both classical and rock performances. Each concert concludes with an exclusive post-show meet-and-greet with the artists, offering fans a rare opportunity to connect directly with the performers. Tickets for the series are $20-$30.


Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band's Land Of Hope And Dreams American Tour Announced For Spring 2026




Get the Led Out to Perform Three Nights at Scottish Rite Auditorium




The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jonatha Brooke