It’s Here! The New Elvis CD You’ve Been Waiting For
The
“new Elvis CD” can be taken two ways. It could be the new CD by Elvis,
or it could be the CD by the new Elvis. Due to the unavailability (to
me) of high quality voice recognition software, DNA testing, and voice
comparison technology, I will hereby stipulate that Elvis Found Alive, a new CD
from Highway 61 Entertainment is exactly as advertised: a brand new
collection of songs by the King himself, Elvis Aron Presley, which he
recorded under his historic alias “Jon Burrows,” after Joel Gilbert discovered where he’s been living (for further details, see the documentary Elvis Found Alive, available on DVD
wherever fine conspiracy theories are sold) for the past few decades. I
know what you’re thinking, “If Joel Gilbert says this is really Elvis
Presley, then it must be,” and I won’t argue with that. Here.
The CD kicks off with an inauspicious cover of “Every Breath You Take,” once a hit for the Police. From there it’s all downhill. Perhaps the highlight is a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” which is guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes--tears of laughter. When “Elvis” sings Garth Brooks’ megahit, “The Dance,” after the first few notes it’s nearly unrecognizable. “Elvis” sings directly to the audience with “Do You Know Who I Am?,” a nod to his long absence and return.
Listeners may have a few questions for “Elvis” and Joel Gilbert. For example…a new album by the long-thought-dead Elvis is a certain money-maker, so why the cheesy instrumental back up? Couldn’t you guys have at least sprung for some decent Karaoke? And…why this particular selection of songs? Wouldn’t every songwriter in America be willing to drop everything and pen something incredible for the return of the King? Finally…what didn’t happen to Elvis’ voice? Those familiar with the changes age brought to other popular singers (such as Elvis’ pal Frank Sinatra) expect some age-related changes.
As for that voice…yeah, “Elvis,” there are times when you sound like Elvis. There are also times when you sound like an Elvis impersonator, and--finally--there are times you sound like a bad Elvis impersonator impersonator impersonating a bad Elvis impersonator. Perhaps your professed love of Elvis impersonators has affected your style and sound.Elvis Found Alive album was released digitally December 6, 2011, and on CD January 10, 2012. Additional cuts are: “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Lisa Marie,” “After Loving You,” “Big Boss Man,” an especially anemic version of “That’s All Right Mama,” “Right Here Waiting,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight?,” “Hawaiian Wedding Song,” and the flabbergasting “Elvis Is Back Rap.” For more thrilling information about this unbelievable return, visit Elvisfoundalive.com.
