mid July 2008
- MySpace seeks karaoke 'Elvis' to go to Graceland
(Yahoo! News / AFP, July 28 2008)
MySpace Karaoke on Monday invited wannabe kings of rock-and-roll to upload videos of their best Elvis Presley imitations for a shot to perform at Graceland in his memory. Elvis imitators have through August 4 to upload to http://ksolo.myspace.com videos of themselves singing Presley songs.
A winning performer selected by judges from Elvis Presley Enterprises and MySpace, the world's leading social-networking website, will get to strut their stuff on stage at the icon's former home in Memphis, Tennessee, during the annual Elvis Week.
Elvis Week begins August 9 and features events honoring the legendary artist, who died on August 16, 1977 of heart failure at the age of 42. ... The Elvis karaoke king will get to perform with musicians that toured with Elvis from 1969 to 1972 and backed him on a pair of Gospel albums. ...
- Music Review: Elvis Presley - Promised Land and Today
Written by David Bowling
(blogcritics.org, July 28 2008)
Elvis Presley turned 40 in 1975. His health was beginning to deteriorate and his dependence upon prescription drugs was on the rise. His weight gain was also becoming noticeable. All of this added up to short and lethargic concerts plus a decided lack of interest in the recording process. In fact, 1975 would be the last time Elvis would enter an outside studio. He would record all his future songs in his home studio at Graceland. Elvis' voice would escape the ravages of time, however, and continue to be one of the best in music. It was the one constant in the life of Elvis Presley.
During the last years of his life, Elvis' albums would consistently place him near the top of the country charts. Promised Land, released on January 8, 1975, would continue this country trend as it would reach number one.
Promised Land was primarily an album of country ballads plus a great rocker. The Chuck Berry title tune, "Promised Land," is the rocker. While Elvis' vocal is pure pop the song rips along and remains true to Berry's original structure and intent. The only other song that breaks the country mold is "If You Talk In Your Sleep." Elvis actually gets a little funky and the brass background gives the performance a nice rhythm & blues feel.
This album went to the top of the Country Charts for a reason. "Mr. Songman" and "Love Song Of The Year" are tear jerker sad songs. Elvis' voice rises above the material here. "It's Midnight" is a well crafted ballad that Elvis brings to life. "Help Me" is a fine song in the Elvis gospel tradition. "You Asked Me" is a Waylon Jennings song to which Elvis provides a smooth vocal. Promised Land did suffer from a sameness on many of its songs but proved to be very popular when released. It remains an album that is good for a listen now and then but not one that will draw the listener back with any regularity.
I find Elvis' second 1975 studio release, Today, to be a satisfying album. Elvis draws from a number of musical styles for material. "T-R-O-U-B-L-E" is an all out rocker with attitude. "Shake A Hand" is a 1950's gospel song that Elvis modernizes with a heartfelt vocal. "Woman Without Love" is a sad country ballad that features an excellent steel guitar. Elvis takes Billy Swan's giant hit, "I Can Help," and transforms it into a pop classic.
There are two other songs of note contained on Today. "And I Love You So" was made for Elvis. Perry Como's hit version has nothing on Elvis. The rich, smooth, understated vocal is musical bliss. "Green Green Grass Of Home" was a hit single for Elvis in England. Elvis seems to be invested and his deep vocal fits this song well.
Today remains a pleasant listen as it contains a number of musical gems and is never boring. It is a nice album to put on the turn table or in the disc player and just sit back and let Elvis's voice take you away.
- Music Review: Elvis Presley - Elvis (The Fool Album) and Raised On Rock/For Ol' Times Sake
Written by David Bowling
(blogcritics.org, July 26 2008)
1973 found Elvis Presley popular again. His television special, Aloha From Hawaii, had been seen by over a billion people. The subsequent soundtrack album had sold five million copies in the United States alone and reached number one on the pop and country charts. Col. Parker kept Elvis on the road where he played to sold out concert halls. RCA would capitalize on Elvis' re-birth by releasing two more albums in 1973.
Elvis, also called The Fool Album in order to differentiate it from a previous release, was issued in July of 1973. "Fool" was the title of the first song on the original release. It was basically an album of leftovers and clocked in at around 26 minutes. Elvis (The Fool Album) contained a number of songs with just Elvis at the piano singing. While originally these may have been incomplete recordings, they are unique in that they present an intimate Elvis with little distraction. "It's Still Here," "I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen" and "I Will Be True" all show the purity and beauty of Elvis' voice. Elvis' health may have begun its decline by this time in his career, but his voice would always remain strong.
Several other passable songs include "Padre," with its fine building vocal; a credible cover of Perry Como's "It's Impossible" and a sort of goofy but oddly effective rendition of Bob Dylan's, "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right."
Elvis is an average album with some hits and misses. There are certainly a large number of more listenable albums by Elvis Presley, but at least this one is interesting in places.
Raised On Rock/For Ol' Times Sake was Elvis' third 1973 album release. Many later reissues would shorten the title to just Raised On Rock. Elvis had returned to the Stax studios in Memphis to record the songs for this album. He would not create a great album, but it's very listenable and representative of the 70's Elvis.
The title song, "Raised On Rock," is just great rock 'n' roll. Elvis had moved in a pop direction in his post movie career, and songs like this one were all too few and far between. A bass foundation, terrific guitar lines and Elvis' vocal above the mix all added up to a great lost song in the Elvis catalogue. "If You Don't Come Back" is another nice rock song, complete with wah-wah guitar and a solid rhythm foundation.
Elvis also provides several tasty ballads on this album. "I Miss You" features a sincere vocal by Elvis on this song of loss. Listen for some wonderful guitar lines by James Burton. "For Ol' Times Sake," written by Tony Joe White of "Polk Salad Annie" fame, is a subtle ballad of regret. "Just A Little Bit" is given a fine rhythm & blues interpretation by Elvis.
Raised On Rock/For Ol' Times Sake may not be a consistently excellent album, but it certainly contains a number of performances that are still worth seeking out.
- Graceland to Celebrate the Life of Elvis Presley with Elvis Week 2008, August 9-17
(Financial News - Yahoo! / BUSINESS WIRE, July 24 2008)
The nine-day celebration of Elvis' life will include the all-new, star-studded "Elvis, From Broadway to Memphis," two "Music and Movies" nights on the front lawn of Graceland, fan club events, charity fundraisers and special celebrity guests.
During ELVIS WEEK this August 9-17th, thousands of people from around the world will converge in Memphis at Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, to celebrate his life. Fans have made the pilgrimage annually since Presley's death in 1977 and this year' s gathering will include various special events including the second annual Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest, fan club events, charity fundraisers, celebrity guests and other musical tributes. ... For a detailed version of events, go to ElvisWeek.com.
- Pop culture Q & A: Priscilla Presley's son keeping a low profile
By RICH HELDENFELS
(Charlotte Observer / Akron Beacon Journal, July 22 2008)
Q: I have been wondering about this for so many years. Elvis Presley and his beautiful wife, Priscilla, got a divorce - in the early '70s, I think. After the divorce, Priscilla became involved with her karate instructor. Later, she gave birth to a baby boy. I wonder whatever happened to that little boy. I have not heard or read anything about him.
A: Elvis and Priscilla separated in 1972 and divorced in 1973. She was involved with karate instructor Mike Stone, but her son, Navarone Garibaldi, is with Marco Garibaldi, a writer-director who had a two-decade relationship with Priscilla. (They split in 2006.) Navarone is now 21. I couldn't find out much about him, suggesting he does not seek the spotlight. But he does appear in public with his mother on occasion, and reportedly was on hand for each of her "Dancing With the Stars" performances. You can see a picture of him with her at "Dancing" on her Web site, http://www.priscillapresley.com. ...
- RECIPE FINDER: Authentic Elvis Meatloaf
By Julie Rothman
(Las Cruces Sun-News, July 15 2008)
Anne Cohen of Missoula, Mont., was looking for a recipe for Elvis Presley's favorite meatloaf. She said she used to have a recipe, published in her local newspaper some years ago, that supposedly came from Presley's longtime cook.
After an extensive Internet search, I managed to find a recipe for Elvis' meatlof on trackworksinc.com, a site for food from "moving pictures." It is a copy of an actual postcard someone sent into the site for food from "moving pictures." It is a copy of an actual postcard someone sent into the site from Graceland, in Memphis, Tenn. ... [Recipe provided]
- Music Review: Elvis Presley - Elvis (NBC-TV Special)
Written by David Bowling
( blogcritics.org, July 14 2008)
The soundtrack and movie, Speedway, were released in the spring of 1968 which mercifully ended the film career of Elvis Presley. It also signaled that Elvis was ready to move in other directions.
His comeback officially began in the fall of 1968 when he starred in a NBC television special. Elvis was the soundtrack album from this program. The album quickly sold over a million copies and climbed to number 8 on the national charts. While recent DVD releases of this special have made this album somewhat obsolete (it's always better to watch a TV program), it remains an excellent listen and presents an energized and reinvigorated Elvis at the top of his game.
He would put to rest any rumors that he could no longer sing a song live. His voice remained strong and clear and would be his constant strength until the end of his life. Elvis would pay homage to some of his biggest hits such as "Can't Help Falling In Love," "Jailhouse Rock" and "One Night" but it was the newer material that would shine and would mark a career shift. The classic hits, especially in concert, would be sung just to satisfy the fans. It would be the newer material that would receive the energy and the passion from Elvis.
"Trouble/Guitar Man" is the first track on the album and sets the tone for what is to follow. He sounds excited and invested and the listener is quickly aware that the old Elvis has returned. It is always nice to hear him sing gospel and the medley, "Where Could I Go But To The Lord/Up Above My Head/Saved," is treated with respect and comes across as inspirational. Elvis' deep baritone always acquits this type of material well. "Baby What You Want Me To Do" is sung with attitude.
Two singles were released from this album. "If I Could Dream" would be a hit and in many ways would be his first modern day hit single. It was a song that would build throughout forcing Elvis to push himself vocally. It was straight pop or what would be considered adult contemporary today. Elvis and his fans were growing older and this song was an example that this process could be graceful. "Memories" was a minor hit reaching number 35. He gives a nice subtle vocal performance but the production seems hurried and ultimately it was not as strong as many of the singles that would follow.
Elvis was a welcome album as was the television special. It put Elvis back on solid ground and showed that "The King" was ready regain his throne.
- Music Review: Elvis Presley - How Great Thou Art
Written by David Bowling
( blogcritics.org, July 13 2008)
The 1960's found Elvis Presley cranking out two or three movies and accompanying soundtrack albums each year. By 1967 it had been almost five years since Elvis had issued a true studio album. How Great Thou Art would be a breath of fresh air for Elvis and his fans. Elvis returned to what may have been his strongest musical love and recorded an album of gospel and spiritual songs. The album would win the Grammy as the Best Sacred Performance of 1967. Interestingly while Elvis received many Grammy nominations the only three he would win were all for sacred music.
I received this album as a present when it was released in 1967. Even in my Beach Boys, Roy Orbison, and Bob Dylan musical haze, I realized that this was an excellent album. Elvis would never release a bad gospel album. The songs meant something to him and so he would be invested in the recording process. This release was also produced by Felton Jarvis, who from that time onward would produce exclusively for Elvis.
How Great Thou Art would reach only number 18 on the album charts. However, it would continue to sell and ultimately would surpass every one of his movie soundtracks in terms of sales except for Blue Hawaii.
The traditional hymn and title song, "How Great Thou Art," was a perfect vehicle for Elvis' voice. A choir introduction leads to just his voice accompanied by a piano for the majority of the song. If anyone wants to hear the 1960's Elvis at his vocal best, this song is the place to start. "In The Garden" continues the focus on Elvis' vocals as there is just a subtle backing which includes piano, bass and strings. "Stand By Me" is a true classic as Elvis comes across as sincere in this smooth performance. "Somebody Bigger Than You and I" is a full blown production featuring an organ out front, a full choir plus some strings with Elvis soaring above the mix. The song continues to build throughout as Elvis brings it to an emotional conclusion.
Side two of the original LP release was more up-tempo than side one as it contained three faster numbers. "So High," "Where Could I Go But To The Lord" and "If The Lord Wasn't Walking By My Side" are all given a bouncy treatment by Elvis and provide a good counterpoint to the combined seriousness and inspiration of the first side.
The album concludes with the 1965 hit single "Crying In The Chapel." While it may not be a true gospel song, it certainly fits on this album. It was recorded in 1960 but not included on the His Hand In Mine album. Released as a stand alone single five years later it soared to number three on the charts Elvis strips this old standard down to its basics and gives it a unique interpretation.
How Great Thou Art is one of the superior releases in the Elvis Presley catalogue. The production was crisp and the vocals, even on my old vinyl LP, are crystal clear. The Jordanaires and Imperials provide stellar backing vocals. The album remains a must for any fan of gospel and especially of Elvis Presley.
- Music Review: Elvis Presley - Girl Happy
Written by David Bowling
( blogcritics.org, July 11 2008)
Girl Happy remains, for me, the most memorable movie in the Elvis Presley catalogue. Why you ask? Sometime during my 15th year on this earth I screwed up the courage to actually ask a girl out on a date. The gods must have been in a good mood that day as she agreed. What better place to go than to the newest Elvis Presley movie playing at the Park Movie House in Woonsocket, R.I. The movie was Girl Happy. While the girl, whom I would take to my prom several years later, and the Park are long gone; Girl Happy retains a wonderful place in my memory bank of life.
Girl Happy was an excellent outing for Elvis. The movie actually made sense as Elvis was a singer who was sent to Florida to look after his boss' daughter who was there for spring break. Shelley Fabares played the daughter and while the chemistry between her and Elvis may not have been of the Ann-Margret caliber, I do consider her to be number two on my list of Elvis' romantic movie interests. Shelley could act, she could sing and she looked fabulous.
The soundtrack from the movie was issued March 1, 1965 and reached Number 8 on the national charts and earned Elvis another Gold Record. The music is strong and works well within the context of the film and on its own as a stand alone album.
"Girl Happy" is a fine up-tempo pop number that still makes a person smile 40-plus years later. Elvis is in fine vocal form as he belts out what could have been a successful single release. It is vocals that like this one by which Elvis should be remembered.
"Spring Fever," in the movie, was a duet between Shelley Fabares and Elvis. The album release contained just an Elvis vocal. The duet was superior and did not surface as an official release until it was added as a CD bonus song decades later.
Four more songs conclude the first side of the original LP release. "Startin' Tonight" "Wolf Call" and even "Fort Lauderdale Chamber Of Commerce" are acceptable pop. Elvis seems to be inspired and really trying as the vocals are crisp and the tracks well produced. "Do Not Disturb" is an excellent ballad in the Presley tradition. All in all this six song set remains one of the best of any contained on his movie soundtracks.
There were two singles released from the album and both probably deserved better than the re-action they received from the record buying public. "Do The Clam" only reached the top twenty for Elvis. The song is not as bad as the title implies. It was a bongo (yes bongo) driven up-tempo song that worked. It even came with a picture sleeve that is quite rare today. "Puppet On A String" may not have been as strong but was certainly better than many of the mid-sixties songs that graced Elvis' soundtrack albums. Elvis slows the tempo down and just allows his smooth baritone voice to carry the song along.
Girl Happy remains one of the better Elvis Presley movies ranking just below Viva Las Vegas. The soundtrack is also excellent throughout and holds up well. So for an enjoyable evening, grab some popcorn and watch Girl Happy. Better yet, find a date and watch it together.
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