"Punch the Clock" finds Elvis Costello & the Attractions moving beyond their earlier lean, guitar-driven sound, incorporating brass arrangements and a more expansive pop sensibility. The album showcases Costello's continued lyrical dexterity and willingness to experiment with different musical textures.
- The album was recorded at Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, Netherlands.
- "Punch the Clock" features guest appearances by The Afros, a vocal group, and Carol Kenyon.
- The album's lead single, "Everyday I Write the Book," became one of the band's biggest hits in the US.
Elvis Costello & the Attractions were a British rock band led by their singer-songwriter namesake. They emerged in the late 1970s as part of the pub rock and new wave scenes. By 1983, the band had already released several acclaimed albums and were known for their witty, acerbic lyrics. The release of "Punch the Clock" marked a period where Costello began incorporating a wider range of instrumentation and influences into his sound.
Tracklist
