Costello also attempted a full-band version with members of the Confederates, the studio band that he had just completed recording "Glitter Gulch" with, but determined that the song was "really for another day.
"[5] The version of "Indoor Fireworks" that was released on King of America was recorded the day after the sessions that produced "Poisoned Rose" and "Eisenhower Blues".
[1] Costello then recorded the song in one take with James Burton on acoustic guitar, Jerry Scheff on string bass, and Mitchell Froom on organ.
[7][8] "Indoor Fireworks" has seen critical acclaim since its release, with many writers at the time noting the complementary nature of the song's simple metaphor and spare acoustic performance.
"[9] Musician commented, "He's still the master of drawn-out, playfully double-entendre metaphor; on 'Indoor Fireworks,' however, Costello's feeling vocal also conveys a touching sentiment behind the verbal pyrotechnics.
"[12] The Milwaukee Journal concluded, "The straightforward stories of 'Indoor Fireworks' and 'I'll Wear It Proudly' are some of most exquisite of his career, and like many of the LP's tracks, Costello's vocals carry these tunes with only the help of acoustic instruments.
Rolling Stone spoke glowingly of the track, concluding, "Nothing else in Costello's career has the soul power of these twisted adult love ballads, especially 'I'll Wear It Proudly,' 'Indoor Fireworks' and 'Jack of All Parades.
American Songwriter described Lowe's cover as the "definitive" version of the song,[19] while AllMusic commented in a review of The Rose of England, "His stark take on Elvis Costello's lovely 'Indoor Fireworks' ... gives the album an anchor.