'Viva Elvis' The Album - Chart Results

[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!
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!
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

[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

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

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.

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]

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

[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

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!

[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