Elvis Costello & The Attractions

UK first press 1982.
From 1982 and often cited as one of his finest moments, Imperial Bedroom finds Costello in full control of his songwriting craft. Produced by Geoff Emerick, the sound is rich and ornate without losing bite, folding in touches of baroque pop, soul and torch song drama. The Attractions are razor sharp, playing with the kind of nuance that rewards repeat listens, and the lyrics swing between bitter wit and open vulnerability. A high watermark in a catalogue full of them. FFO: Nick Lowe, Joe Jackson, Squeeze, The Kinks