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Mar 11 2010

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Elly Roberts reviews

A Little Less Conversation Elvis Presley (Elvis VS JXL): A Little Less Conversation (BMG/Sony) Format:Limited edition numbered CD single (and 10” vinyl) Catalogue number: 82876666832 Released: Monday April 25 2005 Last release in the highly successful 18 week campaign by Sony/BMG. This Elvis VS JXL dance remix of an album track which surfaced on the Oceans Eleven soundtrack brought The King back to the top in Britain after a 25 year gap, following Way Down (1977) as his second posthumous number one, charting for 12 weeks. Dutch studio wizard JXL made every effort to remain true to the spirit of Elvis, which I’m sure he would have approved of. We get two versions - the radio edit (3:35) and long version (6:09). Congratulations to Sony/BMG for breaking Elvis records all over again.

Way Down Elvis Presley: Way Down (B-side: Pledging My Love/Way Down alternative version) (BMG/Sony) Format:Limited edition numbered CD single (and 10” vinyl) Catalogue number: 82876666822 Released: Monday April 18 2005 Penultimate release in the 18-week Elvis CD singles campaign by Sony/BMG. Way Down was his first posthumous number one from 1977. Between his return to live performance in 1969 and his untimely death, Elvis crammed in over one thousand appearances. But, as with his film commitments during the 60s, his packed performing itinerary made recording sessions increasingly difficult to schedule. In 1976, in an effort to get round these logistical problems, they were organised at Graceland, Elvis’ home - and among the fruits of these home recording was the funky Way Down. The superb bass-vocal,provided by long-time cohort and friend J.D.Sumner, it added a highly distinctive edge, but the single also pioneered a new type of sound for Elvis, with the synthesiser prominent. It was already rising up the charts when news broke of his death on August 16 1977, lasting 13 weeks on chart.

The Wonder of You Elvis Presley: The Wonder of You (B-side Mama Liked The Roses/Let It Be Me) (BMG/Sony) Format:Limited edition numbered CD single (and 10” vinyl) Catalogue number: 82876666812 Released: Monday April 11 2005 Elvis’ first live recording on single, it came as a welcomed surprise in July 1970 spending a massive 21 weeks on chart, one of his longest runs. He’d not scored a top spot for five long years, since Crying In The Chapel. It also marked Elvis’ triumphant return to the concert stage following an eight year absence. He was clearly rejuvenated and it shows in this lustrous vocal performance, captured at Las Vegas. It’s got cabaret written all over it. Becoming disenchanted with his film career, he was eager to tackle strong new songs, so it was particularly disappointing when Suspicious Minds was denied the UK #1, only top be pipped by the bubble-gum classic Sugar Sugar by The Archies. Justice was done when the Wonder Of You did the trick. Tragically it was the last one he would live to see.

Crying In The Chapel Elvis Presley: Crying In The Chapel (BMG/Sony) Format:Limited edition numbered CD single (and 10” vinyl) Catalogue number: 82876666802 Released: Monday April 4 2005 Throughout his career the King always made a point of warming up in the studio and rehearsing on stage with a selection of his favourite gospel songs. A DVD now available,titled He Touched Me – The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley, specifically features him jamming his band together after shows. It was a self-indulgent release for him to revisit music from his formative years. He won Grammys for his Gospel albums,but not one for his ‘secular’ pop albums. In the summer of 1965, amidst the onslaught of cutting-edge hits by The Beatles, Byrds and Rolling Stones, this heartfelt release gave him a surprise UK #1, spending 15 weeks on chart. In reality,between his last topper – Devil In Disguise in July ’63 and this from May ’65, Elvis struggled, only getting in the top ten once with Kissin’ Cousins. It would be another five years (1970) before hitting the top spot with next week’s release - The Wonder Of You.

You're The Devil In Disguise Elvis Presley: You're The Devil In Disguise (BMG/Sony) Format:Limited edition numbered CD single (and 10” vinyl) Catalogue number: 82876666782 Released: Monday March 28 2005 Release number 14 in the Elvis singles saga.As we near the end of Sony/BMG’s epic promotional campaign, out comes a superb song which was released at the time when Elvis began to get serious competition from his rock’n’roll rivals - The Beatles. Throughout 1963, Beatlemania swept across America like a tornado, and despite Elvis sending out compliments to the Fab Four, deep down he felt threatened. His soundtrack albums, It Happened At The World’s Fair and Fun In Acapulco enjoyed healthy runs in the LP charts. But the real testament to Elvis’ enduring appeal and loyal UK fan-base, is that the only single by an American act to reach number one in the UK between January 1963 and June 1964 was this song. It spent 12 weeks on chart.

Return To Sender Elvis Presley: Return To Sender (BMG/Sony) Format:Limited edition numbered CD single (and 10” vinyl) Catalogue number: 82876666772 Released: Monday March 21 2005 Arguably Elvis’ most popular UK release, and his fourth number one, and his last of 1963 (November), spending 14 weeks on chart. It was the third hit written for him by Otis Blackwell, following on from Don’t Be Cruel and All Shook Up. It was also the highlight of the film Girls! Girls! Girls!, proving that even at the age of 27, the King could still rock it a bit, and remains a staple diet at parties across the nation. The song had an interesting renaissance in 1993, when the US Post Office issued an Elvis stamp, to mark what would have been his 58th birthday. Fans snapped up the first-day issues, then deliberately mis-addressed them, so that the letters bearing the Elvis’ likeness would be sent back to them - marked return to sender!

She's Not You Elvis Presley: She's Not You (BMG/Sony) Format:Limited edition numbered CD single (and 10” vinyl) Catalogue number: 82876666762 Released: Monday March 14 2005 Just as Elvis was filming Girls! Girls! Girls!, this became a hit in August 1962, staying 14 weeks on chart, becoming his twelfth UK topper. With Good Luck Charm hitting number one in May, this sandwiched the Follow That Dream EP, which only reached 34 in the UK singles chart in June. The release typified the easy-listening style that Elvis perfected in the early '60s, as he continued to concentrate on his burgeoning film career. Penned by stellar writers Leiber and Stoller, and a little help from Doc Pomus, the song was brought alive by Floyd Cramer's loping piano and Boots Randolph's sinuous sax playing. It deposed Aussie heart-throb Frank Ifield's memorable classic I Remember You from its top spot, giving Elvis his third #1 of the year.

Good Luck Charm Elvis Presley: Good Luck Charm (BMG/Sony) Format:Limited edition numbered CD single (and 10” vinyl) Catalogue number: 82876666732 Released: Monday March 7 2005 Elvis’ second number one of 1962 (May), Good Luck Charm replaced B.Bumble and Stingers’ classic tune – Nut Rocker. It also gave him an American chart topper, though it would prove to be his last for a protracted seven year gap in the States. His singing was confident and effortless, juxtaposed by a rich and timeless bass counterpoint, "uh-huh-huh" courtesy of Hugh Jarrett of Presley’s backing vocal band The Jordanaires, who had first worked with him way back in 1956. Good Luck Charm was recorded at ‘the home of the hits’ in RCA’s Studio B (now open to the public) in Nashvillle, just like ten other Elvis number ones. It spent 17 weeks on the chart.

Rock-A-Hula Baby Elvis Presley: Rock-A-Hula Baby (BMG/Sony) Format:Limited edition numbered CD single (and 10” vinyl) Catalogue number: 82876666702 Released: Monday February 28, 2005 The first number one for Presley in 1962 (February), staying on chart for 20 weeks. Lifted from Elvis flick Blue Hawaii, Rock-A-Hula Baby was originally released as a double A-side, backed by the timeless classic Can’t Help Falling In Love, which went on to feature in virtually all of his subsequent live performances. Blue Hawaii proved to be the most successful of all his ‘soundtracks’, remaining at number one on the American album charts for an unbroken run of 20 weeks. In the UK album charts it was to become his first long running album of 65 weeks, pipping his previous record of 55 weeks with G.I.Blues from December 1960. The King enjoyed the island’s atmosphere so much, he returned there on three more occasions to make films. The song was apparently an afterthought for the film, as the principal shooting had been finished. It was decided that it would be great value for money, by seeing Elvis enjoying the then latest dance craze - The Twist.

His Latest Flame Elvis Presley: (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame (BMG/Sony) Format:Limited edition numbered CD single (and 10” vinyl) Catalogue number: 82876666702 Released: Monday February 21, 2005 Another Pomus and Shuman classic,more in the snappy rock’n’roll format which went to the top of the UK pile in November 1961. Wild In The Country in September broke the No.1 sequence, so ‘Marie’ finished off a great year. Paired with Little Sister on the b-side,it was a dynamite package on release and remains one of Elvis’ best single release of the sixties.

Surrender Elvis Presley: Surrender (BMG/Sony) Format:Limited edition numbered CD single (and 10” vinyl) Catalogue number: 82876666692 Released: Monday February 14, 2005 Surrender gave Elvis his third number one in May of 1961, after Are You Lonesome Tonight? (January) and Wooden Heart (March). A dramatic Latin ballad, it gave Elvis the perfect opportunity to showcase his vocal range. As with It’s Now Or Never, it had its roots firmly in Italy. Dean Martin, one of Elvis’ favourite singers had already had big success with a reworking of the 1911 standard ‘Torna a Sorrento’ (Come Back To Sorrento). Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman re-wrote the English lyrics, with Elvis relishing the operatic-style climax. It also signalled an eight year hiatus from live performances as he concentrated on his Hollywood career.

Wooden Heart Elvis Presley: Wooden Heart (BMG/Sony) Format:Limited edition numbered CD single (and 10” vinyl) Catalogue number: 82876666612 Released: Monday February 7, 2005 By this time ‘The Pelvis’ was moving further away from his Rock’’Roll roots and still being accepted by his huge faithful fanbase. With his chart back-catalogue notching up 33 entries and 6 number ones behind him, Wooden Heart became an instant hit with its distinctive Lederhosen swing. He poignantly dropped in some German, presumably after his experience in the army, having being based in the country. This was his second topper of early 1961 (March), coming hot on the heels of Are You Lonesome Tonight? (January) making it his third in four months (a new record), and his best consecutive run to date. His next UK single - Wild in The Country would break the sequence, peaking at four. Wooden Heart was lifted from his first post-Army film GI Blues, which would set the seal on the singer’s remaining Hollywood career.

Are You Lonesome Tonight? Elvis Presley: Are You Lonesome Tonight? (BMG/Sony) Format:Limited edition numbered CD single (and 10” vinyl) Catalogue number: 82876666602 Released: Monday January 31, 2005 It was back-to-back chart toppers for the King with Are You Lonesome Tonight? In November 1960 it was It’s Now Or Never, then in January 1961 he did it again with this magnificently sung ‘torch’ song. Initially a hit for Al Jolson in 1927, the ballad was a favourite of Colonel Parker’s wife Marie, so he asked his manager if he could do a cover version for her. It proved that,despite having spent two years in the army, Elvis hadn’t lost his touch or his appeal. Curiously, it included the monologue from Shakespeare’s As You Like It - “All the world’s a stage” - and brought together the world’s most famous playwright and entertainer. It stayed on chart for 15 weeks.

It's Now Or Never Elvis Presley: It's Now Or Never (BMG/Sony) Format:Limited edition numbered CD single (and 10” vinyl) Catalogue number: 82876666592 Released: Monday January 24, 2005 Number five in the long running series of Elvis singles. Possibly his greatest release after American Trilogy. Considered to be his best selling UK track with total sales of more than 1.2 million. World-wide it sold an astounding 20 million copies, thus making it his best seller of all time. It wasn’t exactly back to back number ones for the King. His previous topper – (Now And Then There’s) A Fool Such As I was in April ’59, and it took a further 20 months (November 1960) for Now Or Never to get there, spending 19 weeks on chart. Taking it’s melody from O Solo Mio, with its distinctive Latino feel which Presley remembered being sung by Mario Lanza and Tony Martin. Adding new lyrics,it showed a greater vocal range in the then maturing voice. It eventually turned out to be his own personal favourite.

A Fool Such as I Elvis Presley: (Now And Then There’s) A Fool Such As I (BMG/Sony) Format:Limited edition numbered CD single (and 10” vinyl) Catalogue number: 82876666582 Released: Monday January 17, 2005 Fourth single in the four-month-long release campaign of Elvis’ UK number ones. Not one of his most recalled tracks,but a delight all the same. Recorded in June 1958 in Nashville,which became part of a clever move by his manager and mentor Colonel Parker, as he stockpiled material while Elvis was stationed in Germany. It had previously been a hit for Hank Snow in 1953 and deposed Buddy Holly’s It Doesn’t Matter Anymore top spot, giving The King his fourth UK number one, entering the charts on 24 April 1959, exactly a month after he’d entered the USA army,spending 15 weeks on chart. Done in a pseudo-Rockabilly style, with some glorious opening bass singing it sees Presley open up after a relatively gentle start.

One Night Elvis Presley: One Night (BMG/Sony) Format:Limited edition numbered CD single (and 10” vinyl) Catalogue number: 8286666682 Released: Monday January 10, 2005 The King is dead:Long live the King. With the race well under way to get the 1000th UK chart single, chances are it could be Elvis Presley. In an audacious and ambitious move, Elvis will have a single released every week from January 3, starting with All Shook Up and Jailhouse Rock which has just gone number one this week. Monday January 10, (two days after what would have been Elvis’ 70th birthday) it will be One Night – number one January 23,1959 - coupled with I Got Stung and the sinful original One Night With You, just for fun. The achingly desparate and lewd plea, written by Dave Bartholomew was re-titled from One Night With You to One Night, because of Elvis’ sensitivity towards his fans. It was his third UK topper (12 weeks on chart), by which time he’d signed up to the US army and dispatched to Germany. Packaged in replica 7” black vinyl format and RCA/Victor sleeve, the concept of re-issuing all his 18 number ones is a brave but shrewd marketing move by Sony/BMG as they attempt to get in to the Guinness Book of Records. Now he has 19, a new record. All CD singles will include original A&B sides plus a third bonus track.The outer bags will have the original US picture sleeve, while the inner bag will replicate a generic UK RCA sleeve. The actual disc will replicate the authentic vinyl label artwork.

Previous Elvis singles releases

All Shook Up	Jailhouse Rock	All Shook Up plus Collector's Boxset

Page Content copyright © Elly Roberts, 2005.

The following is a list of Elly Roberts' singles reviews online for week commencing:

February 23rd 2009: Tom Jones
February 2nd 2009: Seasick Steve
December 1st 2008
August 11th 2008
July 14th 2008
April 14th 2008
March 31st 2008
March 10th 2008
February 18th 2008
October 1st 2007
May 28th 2007
March 19th 2007
February 26th 2007
February 19th 2007
March 27th 2006
December 2006
January 9th 2006
December 5th 2005
November 21st 2005
November 7th 2005
September 5th 2005
May 30th 2005
May 23rd 2005
March 2005
November 22nd 2004
November 8th 2004
November 1st 2004
October 18th 2004
October 11th 2004

DVDs reviewed by the editor are watched on a Panasonic TXW32R4 32" widescreen TV connected to either a Creative Dxr2 DVD-ROM player or Microsoft Xbox and played through a Sony STR-DB930 amplifier.

PC games reviewed by the editor are on: