When I started this blog four years ago and up until last Saturday I thought that the birth of Across The Kitchen Table was the only auspicious thing to have happened on 08th January in cultural terms anyway. It turns out that seventy four years previously on this date in Tupelo, Mississippi a child was born who arguably would have nearly as much influence in his time on popular music as this blog has over the last 48 months.
When I was younger I was never a big Elvis fan, probably due to hearing the soundtrack to G.I. Blues on a loop from when I brother was old enough to start demanding that my mum put it on the record player, Wooden bloody Heart playing over and over and over again. Or it could have something to do with all of those shit films that were always on on Boxing Day or Ne'erday.
My dislike was further reinforced by punk and all the pot shots taken by those charismatic front men whose careers lasted a couple of singles at most some of which were good but most of which were shit. I suppose he was an easy target, definitely a large enough one in the years before his death and a caricature of his former self.
It wasn't until my mid twenties when a friend gave me the Elvis Presley album, the compilation of the early Sun Sessions that I started to take notice and from then on I started to look at the "King" in a different light. It is quite a job separating the wheat from the chaff as far as the recordings go and there are loads of crap compilations out there but for me my preference is still those raw pre-army recordings and my favourite as I've mentioned before is Crawfish from King Creole. But I do love the Elvis in Memphis album if I block out the abomination that is Mama Liked The Roses.
Anyway, instead of the obligatory Pale Fountains song today I thought that I would post something by the big man.
BTW if you have done so before the Peter Guralnick books Last Train From Memphis and Careless Love are absolutely essential reading if you have any interest in Presley.
*Apparently David Bowie was also born on this day.
E P - Mystery Train
12 comments:
Well done not going for Bowie today...I love Elvis,he was my mum's favourite singer ever. So our house (not that unusual I think for a Celt house)was an Elvis and Otis and Glen Campbell and Dolly and Johnny Cash kind of house.
Thanks for all your stuff matey, and Sturdy !
... "and Sturdy!" indeed!!
Well done so far, keep on keepin' on and a very happy Birthday!
Happy blog birthday Drew.
Four years is it? Lawdy Miss Clawdy. Carry on that man.
..and what an absolutely splendid track to celebrate 4 years. Terrific. And Shirley Bassey is 76 today.
I stumbled into the Across The Kitchen Table party a little late....a couple of years ago via the Vinyl Villain and Ghost of Electricity and have enjoyed every minute of it. You've introduced me to some great music that I hadn't previously been exposed to (ATKT is now one of my favourite songs) and the banter is always amusing....keep up the good work and here's looking forward to the next 4 years.
4 years. wow. well done that man. here's to many more.
It always pleases me when Elvis gets the respect he deserves. So often when I was growing up people (especially the gutter press) took potshots at him. I guess, as you suggested, this was a result of the punk/indie revolution.
Anyways up, congrats on 4 years. I'm a late arrival myself but your blog is a constant delight.
happy birthday dear boy
x
Thanks everybody. As others will agree it's the comments that keep you going.
fuckin hate elvis, me. But your blog is great.
all the best.
Anyone going to this UNOD fest in March? looks great
Wee bit late to the party, but here's to the next 4 years.....
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