In the years following Elvis’ death, his producer, Felton Jarvis, recorded remixes of many of Elvis’ songs by adding some kind of 80’s techno mix sound. While I love the idea of Elvis music being re-released, I do not like these updated versions. They take away the pure, magical, unique sound that made Elvis so special. Some say it was a way to breathe new life into his music, and to have ‘new’ releases from Elvis. If that’s what they wanted, then they could simply take some of Elvis’ lesser known, but amazing, songs and remaster and release them.
Felton was a great producer, but actually, Elvis had a huge part in the production of his music. He had an uncanny knack for knowing exactly what a song needed to get it just right. I doubt that he would be thrilled about these new versions. When I hear some of these songs come on Sirrius XM Elvis radio, I can tell, in the first few notes, if it’s one of the new versions, and I usually turn off the radio. Why would I want to listen to that, when the original is so much better? Brings to mind the adage, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’
A few examples:
Blue Suede Shoes:
Now listen to it the way it was meant to sound:
Another, which was a big hit, but still, not as good as the original. A Little Less Conversation:
Now, Elvis singing the original movie version from Live a Little, Love a Little. And, you get to see his gorgeousness while he’s singing. You’re welcome!
Admittedly, these versions are fun, but they’re just not the way the songs were meant to be.
What do you think? Elvis Original or Elvis 2.0?
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EOLS Charity
Elvis was known for his giving heart and charitable work during his lifetime. Lisa Marie and Elvis Presley Enterprises have continued that tradition with their involvement in various charities. In 1984, The Elvis Charitable Foundation was formed. The EPCF created a scholarship fund for students majoring in the arts. The charity also contributes to one of Elvis’ favorite charities, Goodwill Homes, a Memphis facility that provides counseling and services for abused children and their families. The EPCF also assists numerous other charities, especially focusing on arts, education and children’s programs.
Learn more here, including how to donate:
http://www.graceland.com/epcf/
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**** My short story, End of Lonely Street, is on sale for 99 cents for a limited time ****
On Elvis’ birthday this year, I released a Vintage Romance short story set in 1957, and of course, my heroine is an Elvis fan. 🙂 As a tribute to Elvis’ generosity, and in order to assist with this worthy cause, 10% of my proceeds for End of Lonely Street will go to the EPCF.
All Toby Lawson wants is to go to college to become a teacher and to be free of her alcoholic mother and some painful memories. But when her mother nearly burns the house down, Toby must put her dreams on hold and return home to care for her. The only time she isn’t lonely and miserable is when she’s listening to her heartthrob, Elvis Presley. His music takes her away and helps her escape from everything wrong in her life.
Noah Rivers has always loved Toby, but no matter what he says, she can‘t get past the fact that her drunken mother once kissed him. He soon realizes the true problem lies in Toby’s belief she’s not good enough for him and in her fear she will be just like her mother.
What will it take to prove to her that she deserves to be happy, and that he would give anything to be the man to make her dreams come true?
Author Alicia Dean 