In his new album, King of America, Elvis Costello does a pleading remake of the Animals' hit "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood." When he sings the title line, it is a vent for years of pent-up exasperation. Costello has been maligned for his gimmicky image since his debut in 1977, and his new message rings loud and clear: Take this year's model seriously.
"Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" trumpets the theme of reappraisal that runs throughout King of America. With previous albums My Aim Is True...