Guitar Hero or Rock band with Elvis?

[Brian]

But with all due respect Brian RCA/BMG/Sony have been doing what you say they are not-look at the total repackages in the US alone since Elvis died over 250-this does not include repackages done around the world. I mean for Elvis recorded a little more than 700 individual songs in his career-that means including all the reissues since he died in the US, all the original albums, and all the reissues around the world there are probably as many reissues as there are individual songs he recorded.
The 3 cd release called Elvis Legendary had a good cross section of Elvis hits, obscure songs (including Edge of Reality) and movie music:
Track listing
1. Raised on Rock
2. She's Not You
3. There Goes My Everything
4. Follow That Dream
5. Spanish Eyes
6. Can't Help Falling in Love
7. Devil in Disguise
8. Last Farewell, The
9. And I Love You So
10. Ask Me
11. I Gotta Know
12. It's Now or Never
13. Surrender
14. Sentimental Me
15. She Wears My Ring
16. Wonder of You, The
17. Suspicion
18. Viva las Vegas
19. For the Good Times
20. My Wish Come True
21. Are You Lonesome Tonight
22. Flaming Star
23. Blue Hawaii
24. Edge of Reality
25. Crying in the Chapel
26. Such a Night
27. You Don't Have to Say You Love Me
28. Mary in the Morning
29. You'll Never Walk Alone
30. Rags to Riches
31. I Want You, I Need You, I Love You
32. Help Me Make It Through the Night
33. Loving You
34. All Shook Up
35. Suspicious Minds
36. Wooden Heart
37. I'm Leavin'
38. Green, Green Grass of Home
39. Fool Such as I, A
40. Fever
41. Kentucky Rain
42. It's Impossible
43. Lonely Man
44. Until It's Time For You to Go
45. Hawaiian Wedding Song
46. I'll Remember You
47. Danny Boy
48. Gentle on My Mind
49. Don't Be Cruel
50. You Gave Me a Mountain
This is an example of what you say should be done-they've done it-time and time again.
The Legendary Performer Series highlighted a good cross section of Elvis material
Look at all the "Love" series reissues which have come out-country reissues have had "Long Black Limosene" on them, early rock, country rock, live performances all had had reissue after reissue which have songs related to the theme.
Now could they have been promoted better-sure-but no one is going to go to the label and "tell" them to spend 3-5 million on a huge promotional push-without proving to them that it will sell millions and pay for the promotion.... plus profit on top.
If they had a mountain of unreleased new material-they would take a very different approach-but they do not.

Not exactly

I mean stop putting all the hits on all the compilations all of the time
like they have been doing.
Not combine great album tracks or lesser known songs with the hits.

When Elvis was alive I always thought he should have recorded some albums of blues standards like he did with Elvis Country so that he could reach new audiences that otherwise wouldn't have paid him any attention.
I also thought that Elvis should've have recorded more R&B songs and albums to try and gain back his African American audience that left after 1963 and to expand his overall fanbase.
He did neither of those things but........
Elvis recorded maybe 40 geniune R&B tracks that could be used to reach new ears that like R&B or soul music but have never gave him a passing thought.


In my opinion Sony could come up with different ways to compile compilations with the 750 masters that they have plus the live songs that were never recorded in the studio.
They make Elvis' repetoire seem so limited and market him like a middle of the road artist.

[KPM]

Not exactly

I mean stop putting all the hits on all the compilations all of the time
like they have been doing.
Not combine great album tracks or lesser known songs with the hits.

When Elvis was alive I always thought he should have recorded some albums of blues standards like he did with Elvis Country so that he could reach new audiences that otherwise wouldn't have paid him any attention.
I also thought that Elvis should've have recorded more R&B songs and albums to try and gain back his African American audience that left after 1963 and to expand his overall fanbase.
He did neither of those things but........
Elvis recorded maybe 40 geniune R&B tracks that could be used to reach new ears that like R&B or soul music but have never gave him a passing thought.


In my opinion Sony could come up with different ways to compile compilations with the 750 masters that they have plus the live songs that were never recorded in the studio.
They make Elvis' repetoire seem so limited and market him like a middle of the road artist.

Elvis chose his material from Old Shep-to Hound Dog, Reconsider Baby to How Great Thou Art Trilogy to way Wonder of You does not seem limited to me-seems pretty eclectic (as the Legendary Elvis 3 cd set shows)
I think reaching the African American audience is pretty much a dream-the African Americans who enjoy Elvis today are a small group.
I have tried in other forums to point out to young African Americans that Elvis was not a racist, did not steal his music, and that he was hugely talented-they have none of it.
The ones I debated just do not believe facts or seem to listen to reason.

If you truely believe that a big promotion on the few blues tracks Elvis cut will change their opinion-I am sorry IMO you are mistaken.
Elvis recorded a little of everything so even though he started as a Rock artist from about 1963 on he was a middle of the road artist who did a little of everything in his style. This was not someone marketing Elvis-it was who he was by his own choice of material and approach to recording-can not change that.

[Brian]

Elvis chose his material from Old Shep-to Hound Dog, Reconsider Baby to How Great Thou Art Trilogy to way Wonder of You does not seem limited to me-seems pretty eclectic (as the Legendary Elvis 3 cd set shows)
I think reaching the African American audience is pretty much a dream-the African Americans who enjoy Elvis today are a small group.
I have tried in other forums to point out to young African Americans that Elvis was not a racist, did not steal his music, and that he was hugely talented-they have none of it.
The ones I debated just do not believe facts or seem to listen to reason.

If you truely believe that a big promotion on the few blues tracks Elvis cut will change their opinion-I am sorry IMO you are mistaken.
Elvis recorded a little of everything so even though he started as a Rock artist from about 1963 on he was a middle of the road artist who did a little of everything in his style. This was not someone marketing Elvis-it was who he was by his own choice of material and approach to recording-can not change that.

Not change their opinion

I mean black people that are not racist and do not think Elvis was a racist but just don't listen to his music.
Some of these people could've been won over.

These Blues and R&B compilation would be put out to showcase Elvis in a different artistic light and to showcase him better as a recording artist.

Sony handles the music and EPE is in charge of protecting and preserving the image.

The problem with these Elvis racist claims is that when some uninformed black man says Elvis was racist people believe that automatically which is sad and unfortunate.

Anytime someone makes these claims that Elvis was a racist I have never heard EPE refute that claim all they care about is the $$$$$$$.

Once a rumor is out there and it's not corrected or squashed pretty quickly it will then get reported as a fact and then it becomes the truth.

It's also a bogus claim that Elvis stole black music because he was recording rock n' roll before Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Bo Diddley but Elvis is dead and can't defend himself against claims those 3 singers have made that they were all doing it before him and EPE won't stand up for Elvis and correct the misconception.

[KPM]

Not change their opinion

I mean black people that are not racist and do not think Elvis was a racist but just don't listen to his music.
Some of these people could've been won over.

These Blues and R&B compilation would be put out to showcase Elvis in a different artistic light and to showcase him better as a recording artist.

Sony handles the music and EPE is in charge of protecting and preserving the image.

The problem with these Elvis racist claims is that when some uninformed black man says Elvis was racist people believe that automatically which is sad and unfortunate.

Anytime someone makes these claims that Elvis was a racist I have never heard EPE refute that claim all they care about is the $$$$$$$.Once a rumor is out there and it's not corrected or squashed pretty quickly it will then get reported as a fact and then it becomes the truth.

It's also a bogus claim that Elvis stole black music because he was recording rock n' roll before Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Bo Diddley but Elvis is dead and can't defend himself against claims those 3 singers have made that they were all doing it before him and EPE won't stand up for Elvis and correct the misconception.

Well I have heard Priscilla say Elvis had respect for all people of color and was not racist in interviews... wasn't she in the top 3 at EPE for years?
The rumor started in 1957 with a remark attributed to Elvis Jet Magazine investigated it and sent a reporter to hang out with Elvis-they set the record straight all the way back in 1957 by saying the remark was not Elvis's and that after interviewing him and people who knew him (white and black) that there was not truth they could find that Elvis is a racist.
How much more can a rumor be refuted-and each time its brought up-someone recalls this 1957 Jet magazine article.

[KPM]

You know I have always said that Lisa, Priscilla, EPE, Sony, Turner Video (MGM).....whoever who has a hand in Elvis's memory and legacy have a thankless job. Sure I agree that all of the above could do a better job in handling their own piece of the pie so to speak-but no matter how they proceed someone does not like it-its a no win situation.
They can not change the life Elvis lived-they can not produce product which he did not record, they can not coordinate what the other owners of the pie do and how they do it.
So its a thankless job.
Take the marketing of things like Elvis rubber duckies or Elvis wine-sure its tasteless-but someone is buying it-fair assumption.
So some fans ask for everything and anything Elvis and in turn someone produces it.
If there was no market-they would not sell it.
Some fans enjoy this type thing -more power to them-we all like and cherish what we want.
I collect records and movies, but am not really into the Elvis candlestick holders, nor the watches or other items sold. People have given me these type things for gifts-and I always thank them-but I would never buy them on my own.
But some do want these things and they buy them.
Tasteless is in the eye of the beholder like all else in life.
Perhaps EPE should consider trying to buy all recordings and films work of Elvis-since Sillerman is the head of the situation now-he might have been better advised to try and acquire the bulk of Elvis's work and not worry about theme parks and Graceland expansions. Then EPE would own the essense of what made Elvis the star he became and could market it themselves.
But it will never happen Sony has a goldmine in those recordings and they know it-they can market them as they want.... spend as much (or little) time and money as they want.....
and make profits year after year after year...................

[navechesalpa]

Elvis was a singer, he wasen't a game.

[elvisfan92]

rockband would totally be awesome

[Brian]

Well I have heard Priscilla say Elvis had respect for all people of color and was not racist in interviews... wasn't she in the top 3 at EPE for years?
The rumor started in 1957 with a remark attributed to Elvis Jet Magazine investigated it and sent a reporter to hang out with Elvis-they set the record straight all the way back in 1957 by saying the remark was not Elvis's and that after interviewing him and people who knew him (white and black) that there was not truth they could find that Elvis is a racist.
How much more can a rumor be refuted-and each time its brought up-someone recalls this 1957 Jet magazine article.

Priscilla must not of done a good enough job because i've never heard her say it.
You've got to make more of an effort to refute claims such as this.

The reason I don't like EPE is because they aren't really in the business of protecting and preserving Elvis' image they are out to make sure no one else profits off Elvis name but them.

When Chuck D. of the rap group Public Enemy called Elvis a racist I never heard EPE call him on it most of the time they keep quiet and that makes it worse.

[Tommy]

How did this get off on this topic again racist. This is not what the subject is about, please stay on topic. Thank you.

[KPM]

How did this get off on this topic again racist. This is not what the subject is about, please stay on topic. Thank you.

Sorry Tommy-I know what you are saying. Ken

[KPM]

But back closer to the topic of correct ways or incorrect ways of promoting Elvis such as the games mentioned.
Sony has done quality reissues which do not just mine the hits and use quality album cuts
The Essential Elvis series is an example
Vol 4 -A Hundred Years From Now1. I Didn't Make It on Playing Guitar [Informal Jam]
2. I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water [Undubbed/Unedited Master]
3. Little Cabin on the Hill [Alternate Take 1][#]
4. Hundred Years from Now [Alternate Take 2]
5. I've Lost You [Alternate Take 6][#]
6. Got My Mojo Working/Keep Your Hands off of It [Undubbed/Unedited Master
7. You Don't Have to Say You Love Me [Alternate Take 2
8. It Ain't No Big Thing (But It's Growing) [Alternate Take 2
9. Cindy, Cindy [Alternate Take 1][#]
10. Faded Love [Country Version][#]
11. Fool [Alternate Take 1][#] Listen
12. Rags to Riches [Alternate Take 3][#]
13. Just Pretend [Alternate Take 2][#]
14. If I Were You [Alternate Take 5][#]
15. Faded Love [Alternate Take 3][#]
16. Where Did They Go, Lord [Alternate Take 1][#]
17. It's Only Love [Alternate Take 9][#]
18. Until It's Time for You to Go [Alternate Master, Take 10][#]
19. Patch It Up [Alternate Take 9][#]
20. Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On [Undubbed/Unedited Master]

Essential Elvis 5 Rhythm and Country
I GOT A FEELING IN MY BODY(ALTERNATE TAKE 1 12/10/73)

LOVING ARMS (ALTERNATE TAKE 2 12/13/73)

I'VE GOT A THING ABOUT YOU BABY (ALTERNATE TAKE 14 7/22/73)

SHE WEARS MY RING (ALTERNATE TAKE 8 12/16/73)

YOU ASKED ME TO (ALTERNATE TAKE 2 12/11/73)

THERE'S A HONKY TONK ANGEL (ALTERNATE TAKE 1 12/15/73)

GOOD TIME CHARLIE'S GOT THE BLUES (ALTERNATE TAKE 8 12/13/73)

FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING (ALTERNATE TAKE 6 7/22/73)

FOR OL' TIMES SAKE (ALTERNATE TAKE 3 7/23/73)

IF YOU DON'T COME BACK (ALTERNATE TAKE 3 7/21/73)

PROMISED LAND (ALTERNATE TAKE 4 12/15/73)

THINKING ABOUT YOU (ALTERNATE TAKE 4 12/12/73)

THREE CORN PATCHES (ALTERNATE TAKE 14 7/21/73)

GIRL OF MINE (ALTERNATE TAKE 9 7/24/73)

YOUR LOVE'S BEEN A LONG TIME COMING (ALTERNATE TAKE 4 12/15/73)

SPANISH EYES (ALTERNATE TAKE 2 12/16/73)

TALK ABOUT THE GOOD TIMES (ALTERNATE TAKE 3 12/14/73)

IF THAT ISN'T LOVE (ALTERNATE TAKE 1 12/16/73)

These are all not well known hits but album cuts from great albums,

[Brian]

But back closer to the topic of correct ways or incorrect ways of promoting Elvis such as the games mentioned.
Sony has done quality reissues which do not just mine the hits and use quality album cuts
The Essential Elvis series is an example
Vol 4 -A Hundred Years From Now1. I Didn't Make It on Playing Guitar [Informal Jam]
2. I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water [Undubbed/Unedited Master]
3. Little Cabin on the Hill [Alternate Take 1][#]
4. Hundred Years from Now [Alternate Take 2]
5. I've Lost You [Alternate Take 6][#]
6. Got My Mojo Working/Keep Your Hands off of It [Undubbed/Unedited Master
7. You Don't Have to Say You Love Me [Alternate Take 2
8. It Ain't No Big Thing (But It's Growing) [Alternate Take 2
9. Cindy, Cindy [Alternate Take 1][#]
10. Faded Love [Country Version][#]
11. Fool [Alternate Take 1][#] Listen
12. Rags to Riches [Alternate Take 3][#]
13. Just Pretend [Alternate Take 2][#]
14. If I Were You [Alternate Take 5][#]
15. Faded Love [Alternate Take 3][#]
16. Where Did They Go, Lord [Alternate Take 1][#]
17. It's Only Love [Alternate Take 9][#]
18. Until It's Time for You to Go [Alternate Master, Take 10][#]
19. Patch It Up [Alternate Take 9][#]
20. Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On [Undubbed/Unedited Master]

Essential Elvis 5 Rhythm and Country
I GOT A FEELING IN MY BODY(ALTERNATE TAKE 1 12/10/73)

LOVING ARMS (ALTERNATE TAKE 2 12/13/73)

I'VE GOT A THING ABOUT YOU BABY (ALTERNATE TAKE 14 7/22/73)

SHE WEARS MY RING (ALTERNATE TAKE 8 12/16/73)

YOU ASKED ME TO (ALTERNATE TAKE 2 12/11/73)

THERE'S A HONKY TONK ANGEL (ALTERNATE TAKE 1 12/15/73)

GOOD TIME CHARLIE'S GOT THE BLUES (ALTERNATE TAKE 8 12/13/73)

FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING (ALTERNATE TAKE 6 7/22/73)

FOR OL' TIMES SAKE (ALTERNATE TAKE 3 7/23/73)

IF YOU DON'T COME BACK (ALTERNATE TAKE 3 7/21/73)

PROMISED LAND (ALTERNATE TAKE 4 12/15/73)

THINKING ABOUT YOU (ALTERNATE TAKE 4 12/12/73)

THREE CORN PATCHES (ALTERNATE TAKE 14 7/21/73)

GIRL OF MINE (ALTERNATE TAKE 9 7/24/73)

YOUR LOVE'S BEEN A LONG TIME COMING (ALTERNATE TAKE 4 12/15/73)

SPANISH EYES (ALTERNATE TAKE 2 12/16/73)

TALK ABOUT THE GOOD TIMES (ALTERNATE TAKE 3 12/14/73)

IF THAT ISN'T LOVE (ALTERNATE TAKE 1 12/16/73)

These are all not well known hits but album cuts from great albums,

I think those 2 projects was Ernst way of throwing a bone to the die hard fans before FTD.

[KPM]

I think those 2 projects was Ernst way of throwing a bone to the die hard fans before FTD.

I think it was doing exactly what you say they should do.
These are not the only albums such as this.
Try this link which shows 421 albums for Elvis.
They may not always be what you say they should be-but you can't say they have not put together many many collections of varied songs and styles in which Elvis recorded.
Perhaps the blues is not covered as you would like-but all other styles of music have been easily.
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/e/elvis+presley/albums.html

[jak]

I think the problem with this idea would be the marketing.I just dont think Elvis' fan base would go for it.I hate to say it but Elvis just isnt hip enough to move a product like that.I just dont see it catching on in big enough numbers to justify it.The Beatles have a much different level of credibilty in the public's eyes.We all know there recent cd releases and game were huge media events.I dont know if Elvis has any "events" left in the tank.I would like to be wrong.

[KPM]

I think the problem with this idea would be the marketing.I just dont think Elvis' fan base would go for it.I hate to say it but Elvis just isnt hip enough to move a product like that.I just dont see it catching on in big enough numbers to justify it.The Beatles have a much different level of credibilty in the public's eyes.We all know there recent cd releases and game were huge media events.I dont know if Elvis has any "events" left in the tank.I would like to be wrong.

I know I would not buy the game-If I want to play music I actually play my guitar and jam with others. The whole idea of a game-in which you play instruments by following lighted frets is just funny to me.
If you want to be in a rock band (or garage band) Learn to play for real-accomplish something that is legit-not pretend.
I think it might surprise us with how many of these games may sell with Elvis music on them. Most of his music is fairly easy to play-and its fun type music that can rock. But I have to agree I don't think it would be the media event that the Beatles got. But they have been promoting this Beatles game for a year steadily gaining momentum.
If the people who sell and market the games feel Elvis might be a good candidate for the game-then lets hope the same hype is going to be used.

[Brian]

I think it was doing exactly what you say they should do.
These are not the only albums such as this.
Try this link which shows 421 albums for Elvis.
They may not always be what you say they should be-but you can't say they have not put together many many collections of varied songs and styles in which Elvis recorded.
Perhaps the blues is not covered as you would like-but all other styles of music have been easily.
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/e/elvis+presley/albums.html

I didn't mean that everything Sony does or Elvis' old label released was bad

They have released some good projects over the years but they could do better.

Besides putting together different Elvis songs for compilations they could do what other artists do and not release so many CD's a year.

[KPM]

I didn't mean that everything Sony does or Elvis' old label released was bad

They have released some good projects over the years but they could do better.

Besides putting together different Elvis songs for compilations they could do what other artists do and not release so many CD's a year.

Well you and I agree on this.
I think the stratagy has been to keep putting out "new repackages" which to a the casual fan will seem like a totally new album-and to them it may be totally new if they have little knowledge of all the hits Elvis had.
But it takes from sales of existing original albums, and that does not help Elvis's sales totals.

[Tommy]

Well you and I agree on this.
I think the stratagy has been to keep putting out "new repackages" which to a the casual fan will seem like a totally new album-and to them it may be totally new if they have little knowledge of all the hits Elvis had.
But it takes from sales of existing original albums, and that does not help Elvis's sales totals.

This is true, it sure doesn't help Elvis's total sales, it's a shame.

[jean francois]

I voted yes

[Albert]

Elvis was a singer, he wasen't a game.

And yet he played in movies

THe colonel saw the movies as a platform to promote Elvis' music. So a videogame can also been see as a platform to promote ELvis.

I'm all for a GH/Rock Ban release. But not if it will feature mainly his hits or pre-1968 music. IT should rock... hard.... and show the contemporary side of Elvis.

Here are some songs that are fun to play for all players: drum/guitar/bass

* Got My Mojo Working
* The Sound Of Your Cry
* Whole Lotta Shakin'Goin On
* Polk Salad Annie
* Guitar Man
* Rubberneckin'
* A Little Less Conversation
* Suspicious Minds (live)
* Tiger Man (live)
* Burning Love
* Little Sister/Get Back
* Let Yourself Go
* Promised Land
* T-R-O-U-B-L-E
* US Male
* Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On
* I Washed My Hands IN Muddy Water
* See See Rider
* I Was Born About 10.000 Years Ago
* Early Morning Rain
* I Got a Feelin In My Body
* Wearin That Love On Look
* Long Black Limousine
* Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain
* Johnny B. Goode (live/rehearsal)
* A Big Hunk O'Love (live)
* Blue Suede Shoes (1969 live)

All these songs are not just great songs, but challenging for the players of either instruments. And, also important, it 'll show players a different, edgy side of Elvis.

If they want to include some greatest hits songs (Jailhouse Rock, Don't Be Cruel, etc., they should use the 1969/1970 live versions)