listen.

he really is the king

so a while back i got really into elvis -- 
now, don't think that i am acting like i am discovering something new -
BUT i must say, i really love the albums i got, and i am looking to make a few more informed purchases.
(anyone have any good elvis reccomendations?)

the elvis listening began when my mother asked for elvis gospel cd's for christmas several years back. i had never heard elvis gospel and only knew the basic elvis standards. 

well. did i enjoy elvis gospel! i worked at a cafe for a long while and i used to play those cd's, as well as odetta, on sundays.  i'm not really religious by any means, it was more of a challenge for anyone to tell me not to play it.   and - it's really good music:

milky white way

(i'm) gonna walk dem golden stairs

(funny story about "dem" and "dat" i was in a singing for actors class back at BU many years ago, and a girl sang "can't help lovin' dat man of mine" (with plenty of crisp emphasis on the "dem"s and "dat"s) and after it our teacher had to explain that no one sings "dem" and "dat" anymore really, it's racist in a minstrel show kinda way. is that a funny story?  i guess it was funny watching a very white girl sing the song in that old "slang")

swing down sweet chariot

i love this song! his "weeelllll, welllll" kills me.

so this summer i invested in a few albums: Elvis Viva Las Vegas, From Elvis in Memphis and Moody Blue (the last album elvis recorded in his lifetime).
i really haven't stopped listening to any of them since - they're awesome, very country western and let's face it: viva las vegas is an AMAZING song. (it's also one of the first songs i posted about)

here are some tunes:

wearin' that loved on look

don't lie to elvis. you said you'd be faithful when he was gone -- but he can see from the look in your eye that you are a lying whore.  at least shower the stink of cheat off of you - and pay the guy downstairs not to tell him you had a three day party, you stupid, STUPID slut.   I LOVE THIS SONG.

only the strong survive

any song that starts with elvis talking and back up singers is gonna be great. especially when it's advice from his momma about love. guess what? it's true - and it don't just mean in terms of darwinian theory. you gotta be a man and you gotta take a stand.

long black limousine

a be-careful-what-you-wish-for-ironic-success-story song! yes, you vowed you'd be successful and return in a fancy car. but let's face it, you're a crappy driver and you shouldn't have gotten yourself involved in a high speed car chase.  wasn't this small town and elvis' love enough for you? it would be for me. but you got what you wished for - you came home in a big fancy car. are you happy now you stupid, dead criminal?

suspicious minds

once you let the suspicion in it will destroy you. let your love be enough. trust elvis.

don't cry daddy

did dolly parton sing this song? it seems like a dolly song, doesn't it?

moody blue

oh, that elusive, mysterious creature: a moody woman.

blues eyes crying in the rain

it's so country. i love it. TWANG!

i just can't help believin'

the back up singers in this are UNREAL. i can't get enough. especially when elvis talks to them.

this song is just beautiful. though i vaguely doubt elvis had trouble making a girl stay in the morning, it's such a good love song - cause it's true.

see see rider

i posted a couple versions of this song once -- so here's one more. i just love this song and this version kicks ass.

and for a little OLD SCHOOL elvis

the cover of his debut album. i mean: wow.

and a lovely track (don't think was on the above album)

are you lonesome tonight?

just beautiful.

WELL!
that is a lot of elvis!

enjoy
g

a day late...

but by no means a dollar short.

i figured you would all forgive me - how can one pass up a sunny friday with my bicycle(george of the jungle) and my friends(i forget their names).

we even checked out the new "park" down at N. 8th and Kent (in the 'burg).  now, i do not mean to seem ungrateful - because it is wonderful to be able to sit on a grass field and feel the breeze coming off the east river - but what is is with these williamsburg parks? have they never heard of trees or bushes or flowers?  sigh.  these feelings are mostly due to my pent up frustration from my gardening being confined to a patio on the BQE.  it's hard life i lead - and i only hope my courage will inspire others.

now onto the afor-promised  (we also get to make up words here at listen) songs.

i've got this swell camera obscura cover of the abba song super trouper it's kind of like the carpenters' ticket to ride -- i.e. in the running for MOST SOMBER COVER EVER EVER.  i LOVE it. they didn't sing it at the concert BUT they did rock - so i shan't complain.

Camera Obscura - Super Trouper

i was gonna throw another camera obscura b side at you -- but i am having technical difficulties with that track -- so here is a favorite of mine: lloyd, i'm ready to be heart broken.  one of the best song titles ever (in my opinion.) i feel like i know that mind set perfectly. bring it on, lloyd! i can take it - hell, i even WANT it. brake my heart...

(only i would have to insert a GIRL'S name...'cause i dig chicks...)(JK ROWLING)

Camera Obscura - Lloyd, I'm Ready to be Heart Broken

and to make up for being a day late here is a little elvis presley for all you hip shakers.  viva las vegas.

now, not that i encourage this behavior - BUT- it is an amazing song to ride your bike to.

and/or play really loudly and dance to in your apt.  (i would not not say i've done both and enjoyed it greatly.)

Elvis Presley - Viva Las Vegas

i may have screwed up the links, etc. so please be kind. i shall try to fix it if i have (or ben will...)

enjoy - and get ready for some fun tunes this week..
here's clues as to what is in store:

some one's in the kitchen with her strummin' on the ol' banjo...

and advice for the obscurer...

geo