'Viva Elvis' The Album - Chart Results

[Brian Quinn]

'Viva Elvis' is only Top 15 at present in the UK Midweek Charts (1st Report) which is disappointing, considering the amount of hype and promotion promised by SONY. Susan Boyle is No.1 with over 30,000 sold in one day.


Hopefully 'Viva' will enter the Top 10 by the end of the week. Some positions as follows:



1. Susan Boyle

2. Bon Jovi

3. Cheryl Cole

4. James Blunt

5. Kings Of Leon

7. Ray Davies

9. Cee-Lo Green

Top 15

Elvis

The Benedictine Nuns Of Notre Dame


Top 20

The Jam


Brian

[el gerry]

Im sorry but exactly what hype and publicity are you refering to . I have not seen one piece of the publicity and support that Sony promised this album would have on tv or in print . Its been sneaked out like a dirty secret . No wonder Susan Boyle is No 1 , everytime you turn on the tv or turn a page in a newspaper or mag there is an advertisement but as usual Elvis gets zilch . Maybe Sony changed their minds and decided to give all the publicity they promised for Viva Elvis to Susan Boyle instead .

[Brian Quinn]

Im sorry but exactly what hype and publicity are you refering to . I have not one piece of the publicity and support that Sony promised this album would have on tv or in print . Its been sneaked out like a dirty secret . No wonder Susan Boyle is No 1 , everytime you turn on the tv or turn a page in a newspaper or mag there is an advertisement but as usual Elvis gets zilch . Maybe Sony changed their minds and decided to give all the publicity they promised for Viva Elvis to Susan Boyle instead .

Hi Gerry,

This is what SONY (UK) promised:

Promotion
Cirque du Soleil, Pricilla Presley and the album producer Erich Van Tourneau all undertaking promo.
Pricilla has already been on The One Show
Major TVs are being lined up

Marketing

TV: Very heavy TV campaign across ITV, C4, Five and satellite booked from launch up to Christmas
National X Factor launch spot the day before release

Outdoor: Nationwide Adrail campaign

Radio: Campaigns booked with Heart, Smooth and Capital

Press: Nationwide front page strip on Metro day of release
Sunday Mirror day before release
Red & Hello full page ads

Online: Facebook, Youtube and Google campaigns


I honestly feel that at present SONY are mainly interested in spending their money on launching new artists (especially short term quick buck 'X' Factor types) and cutting back on budgets to help pay for last year's massive 250 million dollar Michael Jackson recording deal. They will push him like mad until that is recouped. They know Elvis has a big fan base and his records will sell whatever, promotion or not. However, it is high time, in my opinion, that fans let SONY and EPE know that they are unhappy at the effect such policies are having on his legacy.

Brian

[Brian Quinn]

Update. The 'Viva Elvis' album is No.13 on the UK Midweek Album Charts (1st Day Report) selling some 4,500 copies. Sony state they will get a better idea tomorrow if it is likely to go higher.

Brian

[Ematt]

I think Elvis` "legacy" is more than safe whatever happens with this release.

[kathy parkinson]

Agree with that.

[KPM]

I am slightly disappointed in Sony-considering the hype on "their hype" which has been very low key almost "Stealth" but business is business.

[vivaelvis]

I would expect that SONY is saving its money for promotional advertizing for the upcoming Michael Jackson album since they spent $250 million on his music rights. Unfair but that's the way it is.

[Brian Quinn]

No improvement today on yesterday's chart position with 7,000 sales as of now. There will be a major push on next week's 'Strictly Come Dancing' when a dance team from the 'Viva Elvis' Show will perform 'Blue Suede Shoes'. One can only hope this will give the album some exposure and increase sales/chart position. As regards the TV Campaign, the album has been getting exposure in areas considered demographically favourable to Elvis. Some £80,000 has already been spent on the album in these areas alone. To cover the whole of the UK would have cost £180,000 and the current level of sales cannot justify this. We must always remember that SONY is a company and therefore has to make a profit. Regarding record sales in general the UK album sales are down 7% year on year and unless an act is the 'current thing' e.g. 'X' Factor Winners, Take That, Susan Boyle et al it is always going to be difficult for established artists like Elvis to do as well as in the past with no new product. It is a challenge for Sony to know where they can go from here and it may be that we are not far from no Elvis records being released at all within the next couple of years. One must remember that the major part of the fan base is ageing rapidly and dying off which must contribute to a drop in sales. Sony also state that they cannot see a 'Viva Elvis' (Part 2) being released as has been rumoured.

Sorry to be so negative with this post but I believe in telling it like it is. I only wish I could be reporting a No.1 album with over 100,000 sales!!

I know it is no comfort, but if you think the 'Viva Elvis' album has done badly just look at Tom Jones latest 'Greatest Hits' released on the same day. It is not even in the Top 40 at present. A major disappointment for him.

Brian

[janice mcclelland]

(n) What I also find insulting is that I have seen countless ads for the new Take That single, and only once have I seen 'Viva Elvis' advertised.Shameful!!! If it was left to somebody competent they might have secured a 'performance' of 'Viva Elvis' on the x-factor, just think what that could have achieved, why have they reneged on their pledge to fully support this release?????:nono:

ps. I have just sent an e-mail to sony, to voice my disgust.

[vivaelvis]

No improvement today on yesterday's chart position with 7,000 sales as of now. There will be a major push on next week's 'Strictly Come Dancing' when a dance team from the 'Viva Elvis' Show will perform 'Blue Suede Shoes'. One can only hope this will give the album some exposure and increase sales/chart position. As regards the TV Campaign, the album has been getting exposure in areas considered demographically favourable to Elvis. Some £80,000 has already been spent on the album in these areas alone. To cover the whole of the UK would have cost £180,000 and the current level of sales cannot justify this. We must always remember that SONY is a company and therefore has to make a profit. Regarding record sales in general the UK album sales are down 7% year on year and unless an act is the 'current thing' e.g. 'X' Factor Winners, Take That, Susan Boyle et al it is always going to be difficult for established artists like Elvis to do as well as in the past with no new product. It is a challenge for Sony to know where they can go from here and it may be that we are not far from no Elvis records being released at all within the next couple of years. One must remember that the major part of the fan base is ageing rapidly and dying off which must contribute to a drop in sales. Sony also state that they cannot see a 'Viva Elvis' (Part 2) being released as has been rumoured.

Sorry to be so negative with this post but I believe in telling it like it is. I only wish I could be reporting a No.1 album with over 100,000 sales!!

I know it is no comfort, but if you think the 'Viva Elvis' album has done badly just look at Tom Jones latest 'Greatest Hits' released on the same day. It is not even in the Top 40 at present. A major disappointment for him.

Brian

Brian, if the rumors are true about VE may be closng in Las Vegas sooner than expected (according to Marty Lacker) then it might be a big reason behind SONY not promoting it as they planned (according to your source). But either way SONY can't afford to just sit on those other 30 tracks mixed for the album that didn't get on and shelve them. They will eventually have to release them in some fashion in order to make profit off of what it cost to pay the musicians who played on them and the studio time it took to make those recordings. It's also possible that if VE doesn't shut down that SONY may re-release the album with the additional tracks for a delux edition sometime next year. Record companies are known for doing this now especially when an album underachives in sales. SONY'S biggest mistake though was limiting it to only 12 album tracks. They could have at least gone with 14 or 16 as most albums do today. I think the economy has hit their pockets alot more than they are willing to let be known. Time will tell.

[marijaep]

I've never really cared about lists and charts. It might have meant something back in the 20th century, but now...sadly, it all comes down to the ability promote yourself. Music today is all about advertisements, music videos and such things that haven't got anything to do with actual music. Charts aren't at all a way to measure the quality of music. (example; Lady Gaga? Her music is crap according to every standard, but she's clever enough to know how to create an image that will sell.) I am really sorry that I had to put it this way. Most of you here know that I'm a devoted Elvis fan and that I care for his legacy, but I also understand that, however bad, it's the new music that will sell. It's just how things work and and always have worked. As a fan I am also aware of the fact that in order to continue Elvis' legacy, there has to be a way to attract new fans, but definitely not at any price. Elvis is timeless. He was a great vocalist, entertainer and showman. He will always be liked and thought of as one of the most important music icons in the history of popular music. He will never remain unnoticed. As long as there are still people in this world who have developed tastes in music and at least a little bit of knowledge about the history of popular music, Elvis will always be respected.
I don't need a proof for that from the charts. They are just numbers, anyway. :unsure:

[Albert]

I try not to care anymore for THE charting of Elvis releases. Right now we still try to measure Elvis' importance and relevance based on todays sales.

"Elvis Will Always be THE king, no matter what".

Because of THE music industry changed so much during the 50s, 60s and 70s, most music from Elvis, Cash, Beatles, Beach Boys, Sinatra sound outdated nowadays. That's probably why Michael Jackson's music from the 80s can still be used and sold easily. Not really much have changed in the pop/swingbeat scene.

The icons of the past are celebrated by history, not by THE current charts.

[Raised on Rock]

The icons of the past are celebrated by history, not by THE current charts.

And that's the true and the end of it. And its a good thing.

Elvis legacy it is just doing fine if it doesn't hit the No.1 spot. No.13th in the UK its already good enough for a dead body, believe me. Any news on how things are going in the US? Here in Mexico is getting Tom Jones luck, Im afraid to say.

But Elvis fans here in Mexico got a BIG ISSUE with it, the BONUS duet track, I don't know how SONY Mexico choosed the artist for our release but IT DOES SUCK LOL. Thalia is the name of the gal. Man, I'll put it like this, can't see how an Elvis fan, either from the old generation (people who grew with the man), the middle generation (like me born around mid 70's to mid 80's) or the new generations (the kids into it) WILL EVER RELATE WITH HER, except with a mayor YUCK! Its like SONY/BMG just said: who's our biggest selling artist? oh yes Thalia choose her, but hey, I mean big DUH! did you people notice that its like mixing pepper with sugar? Now the Viva Elvis CD got a big sticker reading Thalia, and that is like a big DON'T BUY ME sticker on it.

Thalia fans won't be interested at all on Elvis, and any Elvis fan will say my GOD THEY DID WHAT? Now any music critic over here won't mind to give it even a bad review, why? cause that dam sticker is already doing their jobs as it reads: BIG BAD JOKE, BUBBLE GUM CRAP, DON'T EVEN MIND, YOU SEE WE TOLD YOU ELVIS IS JUST A PHONEY!

JUST WHAT WE NEEDED when serious music critics/press, at least here Latinamerica where finally giving a positive notice on Elvis as a SERIOUS artist and giving him his deseved creadit as the great musical force he is, that because of the BMG/Legacy releases celebrating history (From Elvis in Memphis, On Stage, Good Rocking Tonight) so congratulations BMG you just shit on your little achievments! lol once again.

So, not a big No.1? that won't hurt him, choosing the wrong people = failing to asociate Elvis with the right frame of mind, that CAN AND WILL HURT a celebrated past.

[Brian Quinn]

Other albums, apart from Susan Boyle and Taylor Swift, heading for a high arrival on next week's Billboard 200 include Reba McEntire's "All the Women I Am," Bon Jovi's "Greatest Hits," the "Now 36" compilation, Cee Lo Green's "The Lady Killer," Elvis Presley's "Viva Elvis," Alter Bridge's "AB III" and Kid Cudi's "Man on the Moon 2: the Legend of Mr. Rager."

Brian :D

[laura17]

viva elvis is pure crap...

[Brian Quinn]

viva elvis is pure crap...

In your opinion. For me it is easily the BEST Album since Elvis died bar none. The sound and recording techniques are outstanding and the whole album is so innovative. Nothing like this has ever been done before. I am hoping for a Grammy next year.

[Brian Quinn]

A 'Best Buy' store worker in Las Vegas reports that it "Sold Out" of copies of 'Viva Elvis -The Album' in just 48 hours. Plus he reports that 'Best Buy' Radio, the in-store promotional show that is on all day, plays 'Suspicious Minds 2010' every hour or so. Way to go Vegas!!!

Brian (y)

[Raised on Rock]

In your opinion. For me it is easily the BEST Album since Elvis died bar none. The sound and recording techniques are outstanding and the whole album is so innovative. Nothing like this has ever been done before. I am hoping for a Grammy next year.

It has been done before, it was called Love.
The sound is not to innovative, it does sound late 80's to me.
It is not an Elvis album, its a cirque do solei soundtrack. An Elvis related one.

Anyway, despite what I've already said about the international duets issue, I'm not against it and kind of enjoy it, as enterteainment not as music of course.

But talking about innovations, hmmm... this is 2010 people, NO 5.1 DVD edition? for real? You got any news about that Brian?

[KPM]

In your opinion. For me it is easily the BEST Album since Elvis died bar none. The sound and recording techniques are outstanding and the whole album is so innovative. Nothing like this has ever been done before. I am hoping for a Grammy next year.
For me the best recent release was 30#1s-sound cleaned up,clearer and crisper remastered originals.
You are correct that this album is "innovative"-but what does it mean...........if the artist had no creative hand in it? The innovation is more technical, more about the production trickery than about the art of recorded music. I like the Suspicious Minds remix-mainly because it seems fairly true to the original..... the other samples I've heard have not impressed me nearly as much.

[vivaelvis]

Elvis fans need to wake up and come down to reality. Elvis is aging and his original music is becoming more dated and less interesting to the general public. They don't see him as we do. They don't hear him as we do and they don't take his work as serious as we do. The VE album is not for the fans who bought the vinyl LPS or buy the FTD cds, but for the new kids who listen to their music on Ipod to reintroduce what once was with a touch of modernity that they can relate to. The album is well done for a remix album of this nature. His vocals are strong and upfront whereas on other remixes it's buried behind computerized drum machines. While I'm not happy with just 12 tracks, I do like it's content. VE-The Album presents real instruments as used on modern day albums. The sampling of multiple tracks into one is pure brilliance! The producers are Grammy award winners which could result in a Grammy for Elvis, 33 years after his death.

The selfish spoiled fans not supporting it is what's hurt Elvis' chances at it topping the charts one more time. There's no one to blame for that but yourselves.(n)

[Brian Quinn]

"Viva Elvis" debuts at #45 on this week's ARIA (Australia) album chart. In addition to "Viva Elvis", "The King" re-enters the chart at #70.

The album also enters the charts in Holland at No.13.

Brian

[Brian Quinn]

'Viva Elvis' - The Album enters the UK Charts at No.19. The highest entry so far announced for any country is Holland where it debuted at 13.

Brian

[Brian Quinn]

Gave it a spin after getting this one for free weeks ago. Don't like it much.

Did Sony approved on this? What's next, the garbage collector mixing an Elvis CD?
I guess they going to give everyone a turn on these future Elvis releases, except the real Elvis fans.(n)

I am a REAL Elvis fan and have been since 1956. I think this is Elvis' most innovative album to date. The sound is amazing and the recording techniques outstanding fusing comments from Elvis' film and TV appearances into the various tracks. I have already played this album more than any other I can remembver since Elvis died. The next major release is scheduled to be another 'Duets' album but this time around with males/females/instrumentalists and hopefully with most being the lesser known gems from the Elvis Catalogue. I think that album could even surpass the current one.

Brian

[Raised on Rock]

I am a REAL Elvis fan and have been since 1956. I think this is Elvis' most innovative album to date. The sound is amazing and the recording techniques outstanding fusing comments from Elvis' film and TV appearances into the various tracks. I have already played this album more than any other I can remembver since Elvis died. The next major release is scheduled to be another 'Duets' album but this time around with males/females/instrumentalists and hopefully with most being the lesser known gems from the Elvis Catalogue. I think that album could even surpass the current one.

Brian

Well that Duets CD could be a great thing only if they choose the right people, love to hear B.B. King or Clapton licks on an Elvis tune. And not only the past great rockers, but some interesting people from today rock scene, I said rock scene, please don't load the duets project with some pop bubble gum american ***** stuff, or some country third rate artists PLEASE!!!

Now this Viva thing, and that duets stuff you mention, are great as promoting Elvis music to new generations, right. But this will work great only if Legacy continues to re releasing Elvis albums that are out of print, as they did with From Elvis in Memphis or On Stage, let's hope and see which new projects with the ORIGINAL material are coming this 2011 or else what are we promoting here? If this really generates some renew interest in Elvis, this is the time to make some old records from platinium to diamond.

Now I still haven't heard anything about Viva Elvis in 5.1 Surround DVD!!! What's going on? this is great stuff to be released that way, giving us a lisening experience that we can't have with the originals no matter how many times they remaster the old stuff!!!

I'm I the only one in this forum that can't believe is not being released in 5.1?

Hope a deluxe edition will come out soon for christmas with 5.1 sound and a few of the big omitions like: It's Now or Never, All Shook Up, Return to Sender and Jailhouse Rock, I WAS WAITING FOR THOSE!!!! The story line lisening experience of Viva Elvis is a bit broken without those tracks to me.

[KPM]

Elvis fans need to wake up and come down to reality. Elvis is aging and his original music is becoming more dated and less interesting to the general public. They don't see him as we do. They don't hear him as we do and they don't take his work as serious as we do. The VE album is not for the fans who bought the vinyl LPS or buy the FTD cds, but for the new kids who listen to their music on Ipod to reintroduce what once was with a touch of modernity that they can relate to. The album is well done for a remix album of this nature. His vocals are strong and upfront whereas on other remixes it's buried behind computerized drum machines. While I'm not happy with just 12 tracks, I do like it's content. VE-The Album presents real instruments as used on modern day albums. The sampling of multiple tracks into one is pure brilliance! The producers are Grammy award winners which could result in a Grammy for Elvis, 33 years after his death.

The selfish spoiled fans not supporting it is what's hurt Elvis' chances at it topping the charts one more time. There's no one to blame for that but yourselves.(n)


Of course the "general public" do not see him as we see him-but that has always been, even in 1956 there were people who did not get him, nor rock.
You can not please everyone-especially with an artist who is dead and not producing.
I think younger fans need to also face reality-no matter how you try to repackage, or remix-he will never be in the mainstream flow of modern music as he was in the 50s, 60s and 70s. What I find fasicnating is some say "he was special, he was one of a kind, he was super talented" ......yet we must remix, remix remix- to get that across???
Not every young person in 1956 liked Elvis or his music-but the ones who got it, got it!
Not every young person in 1966 liked Elvis or his music-but the ones who got it, got it!
Not every young person in 1970 liked Elvis or his music-but the ones who got it, got it!...........................on and on and on.....to present day 2010.
Now for the comment "selfish spoiled fans not supporting this album is whats hurt Elvis's chances at topping the charts one more time".....totally disagree!!
Not sure how any Elvis fan is selfish or spoiled because they prefer original music above remixes, eveyone can like or dislike what they want and to buy or not....
but You just said "The VE album is not for fans who bought the vinyl LPs, or the FTDs cds but for the new kids.........................so if this album is a huge success or failure it has nothing to do with fans and everything to do with "new kids" as you yourself put it.

[KPM]

Elvis fans need to wake up and come down to reality. Elvis is aging and his original music is becoming more dated and less interesting to the general public. They don't see him as we do. They don't hear him as we do and they don't take his work as serious as we do. The VE album is not for the fans who bought the vinyl LPS or buy the FTD cds, but for the new kids who listen to their music on Ipod to reintroduce what once was with a touch of modernity that they can relate to. The album is well done for a remix album of this nature. His vocals are strong and upfront whereas on other remixes it's buried behind computerized drum machines. While I'm not happy with just 12 tracks, I do like it's content. VE-The Album presents real instruments as used on modern day albums. The sampling of multiple tracks into one is pure brilliance! The producers are Grammy award winners which could result in a Grammy for Elvis, 33 years after his death.

The selfish spoiled fans not supporting it is what's hurt Elvis' chances at it topping the charts one more time. There's no one to blame for that but yourselves.(n)
Also it seems your opinion of this effort has changed-other comments you made in similar threads were not positive here is a sample of a couple which you posted about amateur remixes compared to the Sony effort:
"Screw Viva Elvis and it's chopped up amature remix. This real amature knows how to do it right! Check out each one of his remixes of the 50's tracksa. You will be BLOWN AWAY!!"
(this was from a thread entitled, now this is how you remix Elvis)
Another comment you made about Viva Elvis from the thread, Viva Elvis the Tracklisting
Re: 'Viva Elvis' - The Album Tracklisting
"The hack job done on this album is pitiful and an embarrassment to Elvis. SONY and RCA really f'd up on this one big time. If you want to hear a real remix then check this out...."

[marijaep]

[/B]

Of course the "general public" do not see him as we see him-but that has always been, even in 1956 there were people who did not get him, nor rock.
You can not please everyone-especially with an artist who is dead and not producing.
I think younger fans need to also face reality-no matter how you try to repackage, or remix-he will never be in the mainstream flow of modern music as he was in the 50s, 60s and 70s. What I find fasicnating is some say "he was special, he was one of a kind, he was super talented" ......yet we must remix, remix remix- to get that across???
Not every young person in 1956 liked Elvis or his music-but the ones who got it, got it!
Not every young person in 1966 liked Elvis or his music-but the ones who got it, got it!
Not every young person in 1970 liked Elvis or his music-but the ones who got it, got it!...........................on and on and on.....to present day 2010.
Now for the comment "selfish spoiled fans not supporting this album is whats hurt Elvis's chances at topping the charts one more time".....totally disagree!!
Not sure how any Elvis fan is selfish or spoiled because they prefer original music above remixes, eveyone can like or dislike what they want and to buy or not....
but You just said "The VE album is not for fans who bought the vinyl LPs, or the FTDs cds but for the new kids.........................so if this album is a huge success or failure it has nothing to do with fans and everything to do with "new kids" as you yourself put it.

I totally agree with you Ken (y)
Elvis was who he was and I think that's how the new generations should get to know him too. We can't remix all his old songs to eternity just to satisfy the music taste of the general public. It is true that Elvis wasn't, isn't and won't be understood by everyone, but that's also one of the things that make him and us - the fans, special :D

[Brian Quinn]

Well, the first week sales of 'Viva Elvis' The Album are in for the U.S.A. and they are much worse than expected. It sold 12,622 copies and will enter The Billboard Chart give or take one or two places at No.46.

I find this result extremely disappointing. There must be a genuine reason why this release has not done as well as expected and I do not accept that some Elvis fans do not like it as the main reason. I suspect people did not know of it's release and that SONY have failed Elvis with marketing the album. Even the 2008 'Christmas Duets' fared better. Extremely frustrating when one looks at the forthcoming Michael Jackson Album due out on 14th December which has already got an advance in the U.S.A. alone of 800,000.

Brian :angry:

[KPM]

Well, the first week sales of 'Viva Elvis' The Album are in for the U.S.A. and they are much worse than expected. It sold 12,622 copies and will enter The Billboard Chart give or take one or two places at No.46.

I find this result extremely disappointing. There must be a genuine reason why this release has not done as well as expected and I do not accept that some Elvis fans do not like it as the main reason. I suspect people did not know of it's release and that SONY have failed Elvis with marketing the album. Even the 2008 'Christmas Duets' fared better. Extremely frustrating when one looks at the forthcoming Michael Jackson Album due out on 14th December which has already got an advance in the U.S.A. alone of 800,000.

Brian :angry:
All I can say it that I have seen little to announce this album anywhere except Elvis internet sites. I did see a tv promo for it on TV Land network on Sunday during the Andy Griffith shows airing. It is far from the marketing blitz which occured when 30#1's was released.
I saw it advertised in the ad for Target the week it came out-but not for K-Mart nor Walmart. Also I tried requesting the remixed "Suspicious Minds" on a current radio station in St Louis and they said they did not have it-I told them it was on the "Viva Elvis" album and they said "try the oldies station"

The MJ album with new material and not far from the time he passed away is going to get big sales.
Think if a totally new material album had come out in 78 or 79 after Elvis died.......unfortunately they did not have enough real new qualityunreleased songs in the can to make a full album.

[Brian Quinn]

All I can say it that I have seen little to announce this album anywhere except Elvis internet sites. I did see a tv promo for it on TV Land network on Sunday during the Andy Griffith shows airing. It is far from the marketing blitz which occured when 30#1's was released.
I saw it advertised in the ad for Target the week it came out-but not for K-Mart nor Walmart. Also I tried requesting the remixed "Suspicious Minds" on a current radio station in St Louis and they said they did not have it-I told them it was on the "Viva Elvis" album and they said "try the oldies station"

KPM,

That has been the position for many years now in the U.S.A. I have tried making requests myself to U.S. radio stations only to be told the same as you. SONY need to take a deep look at the way the U.S. market is structured, including airplay, and seriously attempt to overcome this 'oldie' bias. After all Michael Jackson is an 'oldie' but I bet he doesn't suffer from lack of airplay. Seems to be double standards here.

Brian

[KPM]

KPM,

That has been the position for many years now in the U.S.A. I have tried making requests myself to U.S. radio stations only to be told the same as you. SONY need to take a deep look at the way the U.S. market is structured, including airplay, and seriously attempt to overcome this 'oldie' bias. After all Michael Jackson is an 'oldie' but I bet he doesn't suffer from lack of airplay. Seems to be double standards here.
Brian
I agree with you, my only thinking about MJ is that even though he is an oldie he was about to make the London appearances right before he died, so this last year he has been in the news so much-now a new album with new music perhaps the stations feel that makes the difference.
When Elvis died I recall his singles, My Way, Softly as I Leave You, The Elvis Medley and a few others still got airplay on local radio even though he was dead.
ALLC actually got airplay on a couple of St Louis modern rock stations when the remix hit big-and the DJs said it was heavily requested-but the same station just turned me down for SMinds. Hard to figure.

[vivaelvis]

Well, the first week sales of 'Viva Elvis' The Album are in for the U.S.A. and they are much worse than expected. It sold 12,622 copies and will enter The Billboard Chart give or take one or two places at No.46.

I find this result extremely disappointing. There must be a genuine reason why this release has not done as well as expected and I do not accept that some Elvis fans do not like it as the main reason. I suspect people did not know of it's release and that SONY have failed Elvis with marketing the album. Even the 2008 'Christmas Duets' fared better. Extremely frustrating when one looks at the forthcoming Michael Jackson Album due out on 14th December which has already got an advance in the U.S.A. alone of 800,000.

Brian :angry:

I knew good and well that when Sony made that $250 million deal with the Jackson clan that Elvis would be bumped down and sure enough that is what is happening. Don't expect any top a-list stars on the coming duets album either. It'll mostly be no names or has beens.

[Raised on Rock]

Don't expect any top a-list stars on the coming duets album either. It'll mostly be no names or has beens.

Yep, sad but true, 99% thats what will happen with that. Just as it happened with the Hyde Park Elvis tribute concert few months ago. BIG BIG disapointment.

Now who's to blame for that?

[Raised on Rock]

Well, the first week sales of 'Viva Elvis' The Album are in for the U.S.A. and they are much worse than expected. It sold 12,622 copies and will enter The Billboard Chart give or take one or two places at No.46.

I find this result extremely disappointing. There must be a genuine reason why this release has not done as well as expected and I do not accept that some Elvis fans do not like it as the main reason. I suspect people did not know of it's release and that SONY have failed Elvis with marketing the album. Even the 2008 'Christmas Duets' fared better. Extremely frustrating when one looks at the forthcoming Michael Jackson Album due out on 14th December which has already got an advance in the U.S.A. alone of 800,000.

Brian :angry:

True, some Elvis fans not liking it, its not the answer. Poor marketing might be. Now here in Latinamerica, as I explained in a previous post, the reason it is not as much "poor" marketing but not having a clue about to WHO the album is marketed for.

To the kids? who are those so called "kids"? that's the most generic unuseful phrase ever. As I explained on that post, the "kids" over here that are into Elvis or might be interested in Elvis ar NOT AT ALL the ones interested in the artist they choose to duet here on Love me Tender, and the fans of that artist hardly will be interested in Elvis, that was a Mayor marketing fault. You confuse the buying audience, and major sells are lost.

To say "the kids" is an empty target. To identify the kids that are buying which kind of music? as the ones that we might market Elvis is a more practical one.

Other reasons, the 12 track playlist was big turn off, at least 16 tracks is decent these days.

Now THIS IS ENTERTAINMENT NOT AN ARTIST CREATING NEW MUSIC, and thats another reason 12 tracks is not enough, you want all solei on your pocket. 5.1 surround dvd with cool visuals, now THAT WILL WORK.

You got to understand these. "THE KIDS" won't buy a cd (and that's like a dinosaur to them) out of mere curiosity or because they really liked one track (let's say Suspicious Minds new rmx) won't be a reason, they just don't, if they want to know what it is out of curiosity, or to have the one track they liked on their IPOD, well FACT: they will just illegaly download the dam thing for free. You want them to buy it, then you need to give them something they can't get that way, and you need to make them to love it.

Just take a look on the visuals on the Beatles Love 5.1 edition, no they didn't need to own a lot of footage, just photos, home videos, an a bit of footage (stuff EPE CAN provide) make it, the rest was great animation inspired on the solei show. The 5.1 Love was a blast sonically and visually, and IT MADE A LOT OF PEOPLE TO BUY THE CD, cause this remixes IS THE KIND OF STUFF YOU DON'T REALLY WANT FOR YOU CAR OR IPOD, you got Elvis and Beatles old records for that, THIS IS THE STUFF THAT YOU WANT TO PUT ON A GREAT SHOW WITH FRIENDS OR FAMILY ON YOU HOME THEATER. Look: (now where's Viva Elvis on the video area? nowhere land)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x07N5uoWpIo


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imHVVVC23GA

Some other reasons:

Well this Viva Elvis should also be released in vinyl. NO,not because of the old fans adding it to their old LP collection, but BECUASE the "kids" are the ones that actually are more interested today in vinyl releases, most new bands release their stuff also in vinyl, tha'ts the item you won't download as you got to own, PLUS its great for DJ's to use in clubs and so, not a CD.

Another one, that waited to long since VIVA ELVIS made the debut in Vegas, all that hype is pretty much gone 7 months latter, so momentum was wasted.

[SleepyJack]

It`s a bit hard to go and blame "selfish,spoiled fans" for this release not succeeding, most of us have,at one time or another,bought "new" Elvis releases almost out of blind loyalty to Elvis,even when the releases themselves were well below par. In the end we buy a lot of things we could do without,very often because we can`t get the things we really want.
I think that todays music fans,and I don`t mean just the general record buying public,but the young people who are serious about music would buy a good Elvis release if it was presented in a good light to them. "Viva Elvis" and the "Duets" idea are just novelty items at best,people who are really into their music aren`t fooled by such things...so if these "target audiences" have to exist then just target people who buy anything that`s new and bright and shiny that they`ve seen on tv...heck,throw them a big poster and Teddy-bear keyring as well while you`re at it. The failure of this release or any similar idea is down to the people who come up with it...not to the fans.

[Raised on Rock]

It`s a bit hard to go and blame "selfish,spoiled fans" for this release not succeeding, most of us have,at one time or another,bought "new" Elvis releases almost out of blind loyalty to Elvis,even when the releases themselves were well below par. In the end we buy a lot of things we could do without,very often because we can`t get the things we really want.
I think that todays music fans,and I don`t mean just the general record buying public,but the young people who are serious about music would buy a good Elvis release if it was presented in a good light to them. "Viva Elvis" and the "Duets" idea are just novelty items at best,people who are really into their music aren`t fooled by such things...so if these "target audiences" have to exist then just target people who buy anything that`s new and bright and shiny that they`ve seen on tv...heck,throw them a big poster and Teddy-bear keyring as well while you`re at it. The failure of this release or any similar idea is down to the people who come up with it...not to the fans.

You got it! that's the issue here, are they gonna keept marketing Elvis as a novelty for young people that would buy anything that's new and shiny? or they will target Elvis to people that is really into music. For young people that is really into music, marketing Elvis through remixes and Thalia (the gal that dueted Elvis on Love Me Tender for the latinamerican market) is to label Elvis as: big fat joke, commercial garish.

Remember back in the late 70's and early 80's when RCA believed Elvis market was mainly bored housewifes, that migh buy Elvis only on ultra cheap releases with the remainder of the monthly check? Then Jorgensen and that new team came in, and marketed Elvis to music lovers in general, they marketed not as a nostalgia has been, but as the primal musical force that he was, and still is, then came the Essential Elvis series, and then the 50's box set almost won a grammy, now that changed the way Elvis was marketed through the 90's and early 00's. Then Sony came in and that edge little by litte was lost, did they lost the target again? Do we need a new team with fresh ideas?

Now it is not that this Elvis/Solei thing is wrong, its all right, I got two copies lol (so don't blame me for low sales lol), I enjoy it, but: a) you don't believe a new generation of younger fans will value Elvis because of it (this is more like a nostalgia stroboscopic trip for the long term fans actually) b) If you label Viva Elvis as This is Elvis for the future, you are labeling Elvis to the fans as: not and artist, a musical force, but as mere big fat spectacle.

Once again we are dealing with: Elvis as quick money vs. Elvis the artist. All the way since '61 (Wild in The Country vs Blue Hawaii) to 2010 (Elvis '75 vs. Viva Elvis) is been Elvis Karma.

OK this is Viva Elvis, this is money making, this is big time entertainment, well dam it, let's do it right, where's my 5.1 DVD surround copy of it? where is Viva Elvis on the video area? This is the 20th time a talk about the 5.1 missing, Im I the only one here noticing that big mistake?

Hmmm... Im sure they will release it little latter, so people will buy it twice and increase sells, well bastards, I will, I can't wait for it, but if they don't, do stupid, they are wasting great chances here.

[Brian Quinn]

Apparently the Japanese edition of the 'Viva Elvis' album contains 14 tracks including a "Love Me Tender' duet featuring Hikawa Kiyoshi and the JXL Remix of 'A Little Less Conversation'.

Brian

[Brian Quinn]

'Viva Elvis' The Album enters the Canadian Charts at No.10. Well done the Canadian fans.

Brian :D

[Brian Quinn]

'Viva Elvis' The Album has dropped from 19 to 52 in this week's UK Album Charts.

Very sad.

Brian (n)

[T_J]

The Viva Elvis cast were on the hugely popular Strictly Come Dancing results show on Sunday but, unless I missed it, there was no mention of their being a soundtrack to the show out on CD. Missed opportunity.

EDIT - actually, I've just seen it again and very brief mention of the album was made before the dance started.

[Awickedreigndrop]

I don't want to sound mean but music now-a-days is crap. It's all about the image and not the actual talent any more. Sadly people aren't interested in real music, they're going for the hottest trends. To them artists like Elvis and MJ, folks who actually had talent, is old news. Sony will only cater to the general public, and the general public wants Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, and the Jonas Bros.... and singing strippers. I'm sorry, that's how I see some of the "artists" that's out now.

Sony is not doing as much publicity on MJ's new album as some of you might think. Trust me, I've talked with many of his fans and they are furious with them because of this. It's MJ's fans themselves that pushing his music. Right now they're trying to get his new single to #1 on iTunes. Also they're constantly on Sony's tail about advertising. Maybe us the fans should spread the news about Elvis' new music. Or better yet, Elvis' music in general. Word of mouth is a powerful thing. Also get on Sony's tail about not properly putting effort into advertising Viva Elvis.

[SleepyJack]

Bought the album today.Have to say..after hearing it on a good stereo and as a whole I`m actually a lot more impressed than I expected to be.The sound is excellent and there are a lot of nice touches throughout the album.Looks like I might be spitting out bits of hat for a while!:blush:
I think I`d like to see this kind of sound and technology used to put together a serious Elvis album...with better tracks and a more consistent "feel" to the whole thing.I still feel that the whole project here was a bit too much of a gimmick...but I think that somewhere in there they have stumbled across elements that might work really well one of these days on a different project. All in all though...I`m pleasantly surprised.

[Brian Quinn]

Bought the album today.Have to say..after hearing it on a good stereo and as a whole I`m actually a lot more impressed than I expected to be.The sound is excellent and there are a lot of nice touches throughout the album.Looks like I might be spitting out bits of hat for a while!:blush:
I think I`d like to see this kind of sound and technology used to put together a serious Elvis album...with better tracks and a more consistent "feel" to the whole thing.I still feel that the whole project here was a bit too much of a gimmick...but I think that somewhere in there they have stumbled across elements that might work really well one of these days on a different project. All in all though...I`m pleasantly surprised.

Sleepy Jack,

Glad you liked it more when you heard it properly.

Actually, I do believe that what you are going to like is next year's 'Duets' album. It will have the same type of outstanding sound without the 'gimmicks' and disco-type beat. It is hoped that the lesser known Elvis gems, as far as possible, will be chosen instead of the No.1 hits etc., and free reign given to the producer and artist/group concerned to create something they would be proud of and Elvis would too. I do believe all musical genres and eras will be featured with some major artists taking part. This is the one I have REALLY been waiting for.

Brian (y)

[Raised on Rock]

I do believe all musical genres and eras will be featured with some major artists taking part. This is the one I have REALLY been waiting for.

Brian (y)

What does make you believe that major artists will be taking part? Yes I would like that for sure. I think its a great idea, but only if real major artists, (and I said artists, not major sellers) will be taking part. Jonas Brothers dueting Elvis... I'm afraid that would be not cool at all. Now if we consider plans to make another Disneyland out of Graceland surroundings, and the kind of artist they used worldwide to duet with Elvis on Love Me Tender from V.E., I totally see crap like the Jonas or Miley and other American Idol (*****) like stuff dueting Elvis on that project, and you know what? no thanks, Clambake or having to sing Old McDonald had a farm was enough crap for Elvis legacy to stand.

People from the old generation: Eric Clapton, B.B. King, J.PAge or people from the current rock scene like Jack White, Beck, Scott Weiland, that would do some good! Some how, I see that hardly happening. So...

[Raised on Rock]

'Viva Elvis' The Album has dropped from 19 to 52 in this week's UK Album Charts.

Very sad.

Brian (n)

The music industry is in a very odd place today, internet being a major reason, but there are other issues, things are changing, and charts usually does not reflect those changes, neither the labels seem to always know well how to handle those changes in the way they present their product to the public. Viva Elvis was released in the most conservative fashion, just 10 tracks, no single, no promotional video (s), no bonus 5.1 surround deluxe edition! no vinyl version! So in general, considering Cd's are on the way out, and the not huge publicity campaing, I think it did Ok for a novelty album.

[Brian Quinn]

What does make you believe that major artists will be taking part? Yes I would like that for sure. I think its a great idea, but only if real major artists, (and I said artists, not major sellers) will be taking part. Jonas Brothers dueting Elvis... I'm afraid that would be not cool at all.

Let's just say I have heard rumours. Of course we would like all the tracks to feature major artists but it is not an ideal world we live in. Sony must also attract sales to make a profit. However, if what I have heard is even remotely true we are in for a real treat.

Brian

[Raised on Rock]

Let's just say I have heard rumours. Of course we would like all the tracks to feature major artists but it is not an ideal world we live in. Sony must also attract sales to make a profit. However, if what I have heard is even remotely true we are in for a real treat.

Brian

Believe me Brian, I share your optimism on this, I hope something good came out that, I hope those rumors you heard are thumbs up!

But as I said, what are major artists to Sony? big sellers Jonas Brothers like? or actually real musicians. If they thinking major as money making american idol like stuff, and to aim the product to the audience that do buy that, I think Elvis legacy is better without it. If by major artists they are thinking, money making ok yes, but solid music makers from the past and today, let's say Robert Plant or Scott Weiland, aiming the product to real music lovers, and not just trend buyers, Ok, I would like to see that happening.

I think we have to think the kind or artists that Sony is really pushing to see if we gonna have Justin Beiber dueting Elvis, or B.B. King dueting Elvis.

Well this is Elvis long time karma: Wild in the Country vs. Blue Hawaii, art vs. crap.

Man, B.B. King dueting Elvis, that would be something isn't it?

[KPM]

Since this is in the rumor stage I guess I'll wait in see......but if it is on par with the hype for Viva Elvis promotion wise, which really did not materialize, I'm not given good vibes.
I have long thought that they would eventuallu finally get around to a "Duets" album that I would want to see people of similar caliber on the album.
I agree that people like Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, BB King, etc would be my choices,...... they would understand Elvis music.
Jonas Brothers, rap stars, Celine Dion etc they would not.

[augusta]

Here in Italy,according to'Sorrisi e Canzoni' magazine, the cd 'Viva Elvis' is on the 16°place on sales in the Top 100!

[Raised on Rock]

I agree that people like Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, BB King, etc would be my choices,...... they would understand Elvis music.
Jonas Brothers, rap stars, Celine Dion etc they would not.

(y)

But you know, Sony aside, some times I do wonder if most Elvis fans do get this, or they actually want Dion and that crap.

[KPM]

(y)

But you know, Sony aside, some times I do wonder if most Elvis fans do get this, or they actually want Dion and that crap.
I'm sure many people like Celine for her voice-no doubt she is very talented and popular-but understanding the music of Elvis, the true roots and where to properly go with it is more important IMO than how popular, current or talented someone may be.
I would also not like to see the Monkees reunite to Duet with Elvis or the 1910 Fruitgum Company;) for the same reasons.

[Ematt]

I dont think Sony ever had any faith in "Viva Elvis", thats why they snook out the album and pulled the single. For me only King Creole and Bossa Nova Baby really work, so like some of the album reviews i`ve read, i dont think "Viva Elvis" is good enough sadly. Its also strange why the show soundtrack came out almost a year after the show opened, it should have been in the theatre gift shop from the opening of the show. I know when i saw the show i came out of the theatre buzzing with excitement and wanted to buy the cd there and then, it sounded so much better live.

[Brian Quinn]

I dont think Sony ever had any faith in "Viva Elvis", thats why they snook out the album and pulled the single. For me only King Creole and Bossa Nova Baby really work, so like some of the album reviews i`ve read, i dont think "Viva Elvis" is good enough sadly. Its also strange why the show soundtrack came out almost a year after the show opened, it should have been in the theatre gift shop from the opening of the show. I know when i saw the show i came out of the theatre buzzing with excitement and wanted to buy the cd there and then, it sounded so much better live.

Ematt,

Whilst I disagree with you concerning the content of the 'Viva Elvis' album as I think most tracks are great, what I do agree with is your reading of the way the album has been treated by Sony.

I have been looking at the dismal sales of the 'Viva Elvis' album in the U.S.A. and have difficulty in understanding why sales are so low. For instance, if we look at the Aria Theatre alone in Las Vegas. This seats 1800 when full and runs two shows a night for five days of the week. Let's say it only ever fills up 50% on any one night. That would give it a weekly total audience of 9000. Presuming the 'Viva Elvis' albums are on sale in the foyer of the Aria Theatre then am I right in thinking that hardly anyone is buying it there? Surely, most people would buy a copy for a 'keepsake' of the show? During the past two weeks of being on sale in the whole of the United States are you trying to tell me that it has sold less than 20,000. I'm afraid I just cannot believe that. It should have sold that amount in the Aria Shop alone. Something is terribly wrong here. We need an explanation from Sony and soon.

Further, you are quite right when you say that the album should have been released around the time of the show's opening when it was getting maximum publicity in the media. It seems to me that there is some 'insider problems' here with the major stake holders and no doubt money and/or power has something to do with it.

Brian :hmm:

[KPM]

Ematt,

Whilst I disagree with you concerning the content of the 'Viva Elvis' album as I think most tracks are great, what I do agree with is your reading of the way the album has been treated by Sony.

I have been looking at the dismal sales of the 'Viva Elvis' album in the U.S.A. and have difficulty in understanding why sales are so low. For instance, if we look at the Aria Theatre alone in Las Vegas. This seats 1800 when full and runs two shows a night for five days of the week. Let's say it only ever fills up 50% on any one night. That would give it a weekly total audience of 10,800. Presuming the 'Viva Elvis' albums are on sale in the foyer of the Aria Theatre then am I right in thinking that hardly anyone is buying it there? Surely, most people would buy a copy for a 'keepsake' of the show? During the past two weeks of being on sale in the whole of the United States are you trying to tell me that it has sold less than 20,000. I'm afraid I just cannot believe that. It should have sold that amount in the Aria Shop alone. Something is terribly wrong here. We need an explanation from Sony and soon.

Further, you are quite right when you say that the album should have been released around the time of the show's opening when it was getting maximum publicity in the media. It seems to me that there is some 'insider problems' here with the major stake holders and no doubt money and/or power has something to do with it.

Brian :hmm:
We have to also presume that all the people who saw the show were impressed enough with the show and its new take on Elvis songs-that they want to spend another $20 bucks on the cd, so that leaves the question "IF they do not want the cd why did they not "perhaps" like the show"
Sony could have released the music anytime they wanted as soon as the remixing was completed, major stakeholders in CKX/EPE would have input on when to release-but Sony would not be under any obligation to them to do anything more than listen and consider the input.
I'm sure part of the problem is lack of any real build up to the release, it just was not promoted with anything but "lipservice"
I recall that Sony was supposedly saying this would be as big or bigger than 30#1s yet.........to me thats lipservice "just saying it" will not make it so.
Sony has had no plan to get the music played on radio, and the stations are not going to play it unless Sony mounts enough buzz to get regular folks to request it (-ALLC was played when enough regular folks started to request it) So Sony seems to have dropped this cd into release with "lipservice promotion" and then hoped we fans would pick up the slack to make it a success.
I have 2 brothers who are also fans of Elvis-but not as big of a fan as I am-neither even knew about this "Viva Elvis" until I told them about it. They had not even heard of the Vegas show. One said "Why do I want the same songs again?"
I told him that this was a new take with some pretty nice changes on some of the songs, and a contemporary sound I played him some of the online samples and all of Suspicious Minds-he liked Suspcious Minds, but was so so on things like "Love Me Tender", "Blue Suede Shoes" He said he might buy it when it came down in price.
I really think there are multiple levels of why this is not selling....but mainly because it has just not been promoted. IMO

[SleepyJack]

I think a big part of it might very well be that a lot of people have decided to wait for the price to drop,especially with it not being an absolutely essential or good value-for-money purchase. In the shops over here it was unbelievable how quick the price went down on the "Elvis Presley:Hitstory" 3 CD collection...I think that a lot of people,especially "casual" fans count on this happening now and just wait for it.
I`m not completely against the idea of using modern technology to put together a quality "Duets" album...but...I don`t have much faith in it actually happening,at least not a well-made,well-thought-out release anyway.I hope that I`m proven wrong on this one.As an idea it can certainly work..look at the new release from Norah Jones "Norah Jones...featuring.." (Which includes her version of "Love Me" with The Little Willies)... I just hope that Sony will realise that if they are to have a really successful album they have to put in the effort and get the right people involved.

[Brian Quinn]

'Viva Elvis' The Album drops to No.133 in it's second week on the Billboard 200 Album Chart with sales of 6,000 - down 58% since last week.

I would love to be a fly on the wall at the next Sony Meeting discussing the sales of this album.

Brian

[elvia7]

I've never really cared about lists and charts. It might have meant something back in the 20th century, but now...sadly, it all comes down to the ability promote yourself. Music today is all about advertisements, music videos and such things that haven't got anything to do with actual music. Charts aren't at all a way to measure the quality of music. (example; Lady Gaga? Her music is crap according to every standard, but she's clever enough to know how to create an image that will sell.) I am really sorry that I had to put it this way. Most of you here know that I'm a devoted Elvis fan and that I care for his legacy, but I also understand that, however bad, it's the new music that will sell. It's just how things work and and always have worked. As a fan I am also aware of the fact that in order to continue Elvis' legacy, there has to be a way to attract new fans, but definitely not at any price. Elvis is timeless. He was a great vocalist, entertainer and showman. He will always be liked and thought of as one of the most important music icons in the history of popular music. He will never remain unnoticed. As long as there are still people in this world who have developed tastes in music and at least a little bit of knowledge about the history of popular music, Elvis will always be respected.
I don't need a proof for that from the charts. They are just numbers, anyway. :unsure:

YES! Marija I agree with all you say!(y)http://www.tcb-world.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=48699&thumb=1&d=1290701093

[rickb]

Aduets album would need to improve on the boring Christmas CD and the rather unfortunate female vocals on Viva Elvis. here's hoping

[Brian Quinn]

'Viva Elvis' The Album has just gone GOLD in Sweden.

Brian (y)

[Raised on Rock]

I'm sure many people like Celine for her voice-no doubt she is very talented and popular-but understanding the music of Elvis, the true roots and where to properly go with it is more important IMO than how popular, current or talented someone may be.
I would also not like to see the Monkees reunite to Duet with Elvis or the 1910 Fruitgum Company;) for the same reasons.

Hahaha... yep you do got it. I agree with you.

[Brian Quinn]

'Viva Elvis' The Album drops from 52 to a disappointing 78 on this week's UK Album Chart.

Brian (n)

[rocknroll]

viva elvis is pure crap...

Hit the nail on the head.

[Brian Quinn]

'Viva Elvis' is one of my all-time favourite Elvis albums. I think it rates along with 'From Elvis In Memphis' and 'Elvis Is Back'. However, should have had more tracks.

Brian

[Ematt]

"Pure crap"................nahhh. Even though there are only a couple of killer tracks for me (King Creole and Bossa Nova Baby) the rest of the album is growing on me. It does make much more sense when you see the show, though the one thing that still annoys me is some of the clunky guitar work, but i`m still glad i have this Vegas show album. For all its faults its far from "pure crap" in my eyes.

[KPM]

My friend Brian with all due respect-I can not agree, that this album "constructed for a stage show from Elvis originals and then reconstructed" with not one note of new vocals or any musical input from the man we all say was a genuis............can actually rate with the albums you sight in which he was the driving creative force.
I'm glad you like it but as I have pointed out-if someone takes five Rembrandts and lets another artist pick and choose what parts to use in a new picture, let that artist decide where each part will go and how big they will be, then in the end proclaim....." We have another Rembrandt...... and its better that the five originals" I'm sorry I just do not understand how that can be?
Either creative talents such as Elvis, Rembrandt, Mozart, etc.... are unique.... or they are not if all you need is a small essence of their work to create even better things than they themselves created......sorry we just disagree.
George Martin was active in the creation of the Beatles "Love" reconstruction, and Paul, Ringo and even ....gulp.....Yoko made contributions to how the Beatles songs were used and mixed-the original creators were participating which made the "Love" album so much better IMO.
Beatle fans were given the treat of new versions of songs they loved....in which the creative talents who produced the originals had some control and input in the reconstruction......it shows.

[goodelvisgirl]

the album was not bad it does make more sence when seen with the show bit dissapointed with its chart position but hey least he was back in the charts it had adverts abotut it here on t.v and the viva elvis show was on come dancing so it got some publicity

[SleepyJack]

I`ve given the album a lot of plays since I bought it and,after the initial "Hmmm...not as bad as I expected.."feeling passed I`m more sure now than i ever was that the original recordings are superior to these re-makes.There is no way it would ever make it into a list of my favourite Elvis albums,not even close.If you sit down somewhere and play both the original and the "viva" versions of "Suspicious Minds" it`s just obvious that the real soul of Elvis music is there in the original..it sounds natural and soulful and strong...the "viva" version sounds like what it is...a watered-down,novelty-exercise in audio technology.Maybe it`s time to just say "tried it...it didn`t work.."and concentrate on the music that Elvis recorded.... he was pretty good at it you know!

[Sonny]

You just hit that spot on Jack!

I have the cd as well, listened to it like 4, 5 times, and thought it was something really cool and new at first, which it is of course. But at the same time I felt like, why am I finding this cool? This has nothing to do with Elvis....

What we want to hear is the original music for sure, and yes, this is a nice try, and it has some appeal, but it does not come close to hearing the originals of our man!

It is like the commercial said: been there, done it, tried it.

[stefankoch]

Viva Elvis is the worst album ever with the king..... i really really think that The "only" King is turning around in his grave. This album is absolutly not from the kings musicheart. i`m really surprised that the people around the brand Elvis Presley said yes to such a thing. Just my opinion but hey its a free world :-)

[KPM]

You just hit that spot on Jack!

I have the cd as well, listened to it like 4, 5 times, and thought it was something really cool and new at first, which it is of course. But at the same time I felt like, why am I finding this cool? This has nothing to do with Elvis....

What we want to hear is the original music for sure, and yes, this is a nice try, and it has some appeal, but it does not come close to hearing the originals of our man!It is like the commercial said: been there, done it, tried it.
I agree totally with you here, its a nice effort and it does more or less add some contemporary sound to the songs but it was an effort in manipulation and constructon which has less to do with creativity... and more to do with building the Viva Elvis show. The people involved were the creative forces for this not Elvis.
But it has some appeal I agree.