We’re a bit worried that not enough people remember the King of Rock… That’s the real King of Rock we’re talking about, not Alex Turner.
Elvis was (of course) the perfect combination of dangerous and wholesome, style and mass appeal, looks and substance and the greatest singer ever. Yes really.
And it doesn’t really matter what Chuck D says… He means something to everyone.
Because all the music we like goes back to him.
So this Friday we are dusting off a few amazing Presley covers that are a little bit different. Presley was never a writer so his best work was covers – and we’ve avoided the originals. These are all definitely King inspired moments.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - In The Ghetto
A singer who properly understood the substance below the bloated corpulence of late Elvis. And caught it in his version.
Pet Shop Boys - Always On My Mind
A cover of Willie Nelson’s amazing cover. Should have been #1. Superbly strange video with vocal additions from Joss Ackland.
“We went fishing with Salvador Dali. He used a dotted line. Caught every other fish”
Don’t make them like that anymore.
The Smiths - (Marie’s The Name) His Latest Flame
They used this favourite Elvis song to intro Rusholme Ruffians live – it’s short. But sweet.
The Heptones - Suspicious Minds
Fresh cut on Banana records – Presley reggae style. Deep n’ Groovy.
ZZ Top - Viva Las Vegas
Not a favourite Presley song, but Billy n’ the Beards make it (electro)rock. Great 80s video too.
And to round it out a couple of nice oddities -
Blue Moon – adventures in late night dub – re-rubbed by DJ4AM for the wee small hours.
And lastly, the reason you have to love compilations. From the new Light In The Attic release Country Funk 2 this brilliant Billy Swan recording of Don’t Be Cruel.
How was this recorded in 1974? It sounds like it came out yesterday!
Thank God (and LITA) we found it!
Sweet.
RIP Elvis. We will never forget.
-TH
