TCBCast: An Unofficial Elvis Presley Fan Podcast
TCBCast is an unofficial fan podcast featuring co-hosts Gurdip Ladhar and Justin Gausman discussing the music and life of Elvis Presley. These post-1977, next-generation Presley aficionados tackle topics such as his film career, discography, influences and of course cultural phenomenon surrounding his iconography. TCBCast is not associated with or endorsed by Graceland, Elvis Presley Enterprises, or Sony.
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TCBCast 154: Black Lives Mattered to Elvis feat. Giacomo (Jay) Viviano
02/24/2021
TCBCast 154: Black Lives Mattered to Elvis feat. Giacomo (Jay) Viviano
This week we're joined by Elvis researcher Giacomo "Jay" Viviano to discuss his and his colleagues' work uncovering stories, interviews and other research relating to Elvis's connections with people of color. For Song of the Week, Justin takes Mark Potter's Patreon request song "I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water" and tries to show how Elvis and others slowly moved it from its fairly restrictive country roots into the rock genre, while Gurdip would rather be out on a "Moonlight Swim." Featured Songs of the Week: Justin: I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water Gurdip: Moonlight Swim Note: this discussion is meant to simply explore research surrounding documentation of Elvis' historical interactions with his friends, fellow musicians, and prominent political figures, not represent the many varied and valued perspectives within the Black community.
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TCBCast 153: If I Can Dream
02/16/2021
TCBCast 153: If I Can Dream
This week, Justin & Gurdip highlight five songs apiece that Elvis recorded written by Black songwriters - whether they have interesting stories behind them, are iconic tunes of Elvis' musical career, or the guys just happen to like the songs a whole hell of a lot. Then, for Song of the Week, Gurdip is all pooped out after picking the fiery "Dixieland Rock" from 1958's "King Creole" soundtrack. Justin finishes out by going deep on "If I Can Dream," the finale number of the "Singer Presents Elvis" TV Special from 1968, and loosely inspired by the words of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. If you'd like to support TCBCast and receive early access to episodes, bonus content like video movie reviews and film commentaries, and the chance to vote on upcoming topics Songs of the Week, please consider supporting us on Patreon at . Featured Songs of the Week: Gurdip: Dixieland Rock Justin: If I Can Dream
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TCBCast 152: Dudley Brooks and Elvis
02/09/2021
TCBCast 152: Dudley Brooks and Elvis
Justin & Gurdip explore the life and music of pianist Dudley Brooks, the jazz pianist who came into Elvis' life through his feature films, and put his own distinctive stamp on Elvis' sound in the 50s and early 60s. We also explore Dudley's a few non-Elvis cuts from his career as a songwriter, most famously the holiday hit "Everybody's Waiting for the Man with the Bag." Then, for Song of the Week, Justin shines a light on "Up Above My Head" from the 68 Special, and the unique influence of Sister Rosetta Tharpe on rock and roll. Gurdip selects "Any Way You Want Me," the ballad recorded at the same session that produced "Hound Dog" and "Don't Be Cruel." We take a detour when Gurdip discovers a remix of the song somehow connected to the official Elvis YouTube Channel (we'll dive more into that in the news next week; upon further post-show investigation, it's actually from an unofficial European remix album from 2012). If you'd like to support TCBCast and receive early access to episodes, bonus content like video movie reviews and film commentaries, and the chance to vote on upcoming topics Songs of the Week, please consider supporting us on Patreon at .
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TCBCast 151: Billboard R&B - June 16, 1956
02/02/2021
TCBCast 151: Billboard R&B - June 16, 1956
This week, Justin & Gurdip dig into a little bit of information on Elvis' attendance at a Juneteenth celebration night at Libertyland in Memphis on June 19, 1956, and then look at his chart placement with "Heartbreak Hotel" and "I Want You I Need You I Love You" among his peers on the R&B best sellers chart from three days earlier, June 16. Gurdip's right at home listening to classics by Little Richard, Clyde McPhatter and Fats Domino, but Justin reveals to Gurdip's dismay that he's not the biggest fan of one of the singles featured on the chart. Then, for Song of the Week, Gurdip keeps the early rock & roll theme going by highlighting Elvis' live cover of Chuck Berry's country-influenced smash "Maybelline." Justin, meanwhile, goes in the complete opposite direction and makes perhaps the strongest case ever made for the oft-maligned "Speedway" cut "He's Your Uncle, Not Your Dad," including an in-depth lyrical breakdown of all its references. You will not find a more thorough analysis of this song anywhere else but TCBCast, we can definitely promise you that. Whether that's a good thing remains to be seen. Featured Songs of the Week: Gurdip: Maybelline Justin: He's Your Uncle, Not Your Dad
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TCBCast 150: Elvis & The Beatles Pt. 2 feat. Antony Rotunno
01/26/2021
TCBCast 150: Elvis & The Beatles Pt. 2 feat. Antony Rotunno
This week marks the third anniversary of TCBCast, and we start off wrapping up our in-depth discussion about Elvis & the Beatles with Antony Rotunno from Glass Onion: On John Lennon. We finally dig into all the various songs Elvis did that were originally written & recorded by the Beatles, some of the Elvis-related songs The Beatles performed, and compare their feature film acting performances before finally closing out with Antony posing a twist to his trademark final question from Glass Onion interviews: what do we think Elvis would have done if he'd lived? For the 250th Elvis song covered on TCBCast, Gurdip highlights "You're A Heartbreaker" from the SUN era, while Justin tells the story of a legendary-yet-rediscovered acetate from the same year, 1954, the contents of which led to young Elvis Presley being invited to record at Sun under more professional circumstances in the first place. Huge thanks to Antony for the wonderful conversation, representing John Lennon and the Beatles' legacy, and for all his talent. Please be sure to check out Glass Onion: On John Lennon at it's very highly recommended! Songs of the Week: Gurdip: You're A Heartbreaker Justin: Without You (Jimmy Sweeney) NOTE: As mentioned at the top of the show, we have launched a Patreon where you can help support the show and receive additional bonus content, including NEW episodes of the Blue Suede Reviews video series, TCBCast Now, Elvis & 50s-related movie commentaries by us, opportunities to vote on upcoming topics and Songs of the Week, and more! Visit Patreon.com/TCBCast for more details. We appreciate your support!
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TCBCast 149: Elvis & The Beatles Part 1 feat. Antony Rotunno
01/19/2021
TCBCast 149: Elvis & The Beatles Part 1 feat. Antony Rotunno
Just in time for our big 150th episode and third anniversary of TCBCast, we're thrilled to have Antony Rotunno, from the podcast Glass Onion: On John Lennon, join us for our first-ever big two-part discussion about Elvis and The Beatles. We cover a lot of ground in this first half, from the Quarrymen's Elvis-inspired demo, to Elvis' sole attempt at serious songwriting, and the Beatles' open desire as fans to see Elvis return to his rock roots. There's plenty of comparisons between performing styles, the wide variety of genres both took influence from, how fame impacted them, and even differences between Elvis & Beatles tribute acts. Also this episode: Chapter 7 of our TCBCast Book Club look at "Elvis: What Happened?" and Justin's impressions of the Regina King-directed "One Night in Miami," which features Sam Cooke as a prominent protagonist. Next week, we'll wrap up this topic with Antony by looking more closely into Brian Epstein's vs Colonel Parker's management styles, delving into respective filmographies, and of course, the Beatles songs Elvis did, and vice versa. Fun fact: Song of the Week next week will feature the 250th Elvis Presley song we've covered on TCBCast! Be sure to check out Antony and Glass Onion: On John Lennon over at https://soundcloud.com/glassonionjlpod
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TCBCast 148: The Quiet Comeback: 1966-1968 feat. David "Ghosty" Wills
01/12/2021
TCBCast 148: The Quiet Comeback: 1966-1968 feat. David "Ghosty" Wills
Justin & Gurdip are joined this week by radio personality and longtime TCBCast listener David "Ghosty" Wills to discuss one of the most underrated and misunderstood eras of Elvis' career: the two years leading up to the famous NBC TV Special. Beneath the formulaic movies, poorly constructed soundtrack albums, and a generally well-received gospel album, those who look deeper can find an artist rediscovering the styles and sounds that originally inspired him... long before the conventionally accepted "reawakening." Here is an Elvis Presley rediscovering hard-hitting R&B tunes, crossing classic and contemporary country licks, and digging the output of newcomers like Bob Dylan alongside old heroes like Roy Hamilton. This will be a TCBCast you don't want to miss out on! Also, Chapter 6 of our continuing review of "Elvis: What Happened". Then, for Song of the Week, Ghosty shares the various versions of the 70s country weeper "There's A Honky Tonk Angel" while Gurdip demands, "Don't Forbid Me" from talking about Elvis missing out on a Pat Boone hit. Finally, Justin wraps up with the brief but funky "Nothingville," recorded specially for the famous "Road Medley" segment of the 1968 NBC Special. Featured Songs of the Week: David "Ghosty" Wills: There's A Honky-Tonk Angel Gurdip: Don't Forbid Me Justin: Nothingville
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TCBCast 147: Elvis: What Happened? An Intro to TCBCast Book Club
01/04/2021
TCBCast 147: Elvis: What Happened? An Intro to TCBCast Book Club
Justin & Gurdip start off 2021 and Season 4 of TCBCast reacting to Peloton's new exclusive Elvis remixes, then examining the first five chapters of the infamous 1977 book "Elvis: What Happened" by Steve Dunleavy, Dave Hebler and Red & Sonny West, as selected by TCBCast listeners. Justin points out the importance of context; particularly Dunleavy's long history in the right-wing tabloid media sphere, but also acknowledging his strength as a writer. Gurdip ponders whether the karate experts in the book are really as lethal as they say, and both guys consider the deeper moral questions raised by the book. Is there a difference between excusing or simply acknowledging Elvis' behavior, and can you do either while also celebrating his cultural contributions? And how are the most salacious stories Dunleavy used to shock America's perception of Elvis tied in with broader socio-political issues, such as America's modern opioid problem and the hyper-masculine culture Elvis grew up in? All heady stuff for a first glance, and not something we typically cover. From here on out, we'll be reviewing the book roughly one chapter per episode while other main topics resume. (A Personal note from Justin: Please let us know what you think of our approach to this content. As we discuss in the show, we are here to examine how and why historical events happened, and how they're specifically depicted in this telling. We trust our listeners to participate in thoughtful and respectful discussion about the contents of this ongoing segment.) For Song of the Week, Justin starts 2021 off with an affirmative, uplifting deep cut from 60 years ago, the beautiful "Starting Today." Gurdip, on the other hand, highlights "Don't Ask Me Why" from 1958's King Creole soundtrack.
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TCBCast 146: New Year's Eve 1976 feat. Ryan Droste
12/29/2020
TCBCast 146: New Year's Eve 1976 feat. Ryan Droste
As 2020 winds down, Ryan joins Gurdip & Justin for an absolute whopper of an episode: our first-ever in-depth discussion of one of Elvis' 1970s concerts. Since its bootleg release the year Elvis died, the Pittsburgh New Year's Eve show from 1976 has claimed in some circles as perhaps the last great Elvis Presley concert. Armed with the "New Year's Eve" FTD and the "Final Countdown to Midnight" bootleg DVD, the guys try to examine whether the widespread belief that Elvis simply didn't care about performing anymore by 1976 holds water in light of this concert's expanded setlist, engaging audience interactions, and overall tone. Then, for Song of the Week, Ryan selects 1962's "Suspicion," which causes Gurdip to relive his trauma with the Terry Stafford cover. Gurdip demands that we "Give HIM The Right" to spotlight a deep cut pop tune from 1961's "Something for Everyone" album, and Justin is "Playing for Keeps" when he chooses an underrated but beloved 50s ballad. We wish all our listeners a Happy New Year - despite all the turmoil of 2020, we've gone on an amazing ride together this year and we hope 2021 is even better. Thank you for listening to TCBCast!
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TCBCast 145: Elvis Sings The Wonderful World of Christmas
12/22/2020
TCBCast 145: Elvis Sings The Wonderful World of Christmas
In 1971, Elvis laid down his second holiday-themed album, full of both traditional hymns and then-contemporary originals. The question is whether, despite the classic "Merry Christmas Baby," does the rest of the album hold up if you don't grade it on the Christmas Curve? In the news, the guys discuss the recent passing of country artist Charley Pride, Justin provides his in-depth review of the new book "Walk A Lonely Street: Elvis Presley, Country Music, and the True Story of Heartbreak Hotel" from author Tony Plews, then gives a long-awaited answer to a listener question about why he doesn't call Elvis "The King of Rock'n'Roll." Finally, Gurdip plucks a highly underrated track off "Elvis for Everyone" for Song of the Week and says "Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers," while Justin explores the unexpectedly deep roots and variants of the Sun-era "Just Because." We hope our listeners have a wonderful and safe holiday!
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TCBCast Bonus #6: TCBCast NOW
12/18/2020
TCBCast Bonus #6: TCBCast NOW
For a bit of holiday fun, join Justin & Gurdip as they discuss topics from across the fields of TV, film, games and music. Gurdip fills us in on his recent viewings of Fargo, Justin discusses why The Mandalorian connects so well to all three Star Wars trilogies, and both examine the effect of subscription services on the increasingly fractured audiences. Justin dives into Cyberpunk 2077's problematic release, Gurdip talks his recent deep dives into Marvel Unlimited's archives of old series and both ponder how the upcoming Elvis graphic novel will fare. Then, for Song of the Week, Gurdip spotlights Tupac's heartfelt posthumous hit "Thugz Mansion" while Justin breaks out his cowboy hat and spurs for the controversial Garth Brooks recording "The Thunder Rolls." We hope you enjoy this experiment outside Elvis. Next week, we review "The Wonderful World of Christmas" and the following week we're joined by Ryan Droste for a look at the New Year's Eve 1976 show!
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TCBCast 144: Golden Songs of the Week, Volume 6
12/15/2020
TCBCast 144: Golden Songs of the Week, Volume 6
Justin & Gurdip are busy toodling away at something different for a bonus episode you'll get later this week, but never fear! Golden Songs of the Week are here! Whether you're revisiting these or hadn't gone back and listened to them yet, here are the Songs of the Week from Episodes 26-30. Normally, we wouldn't have a compilation be this long but since #30 ends with "I'm Leavin'" and we discuss Joe Var Veri's cover in detail during it, and we just had Joe guest on the show, we thought it was the most fitting end for this one! Featured Songs of the Week include: Lover Doll, Run On, Wear My Ring Around Your Neck, It Hurts Me, Bossa Nova Baby, Steppin' Out of Line, I'm Leavin' as well as Eddie Cochran's Summertime Blues, Nancy Sinatra's These Boots are Made for Walkin', and Fire Down Below, the song Elvis' band cut in 1976 with the hopes Elvis might put a vocal down, but never quite got to. We hope you enjoy this look back at some of our earlier Songs of the Week from our first year!
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TCBCast 143: Elvis Novelty Songs Part 2
12/08/2020
TCBCast 143: Elvis Novelty Songs Part 2
Justin & Gurdip find that Santa has delivered them another gift of Elvis-themed novelty songs. From tracks poking fun at obsessive Elvis fans to a calypso-styled defense of Elvis' hip-shaking, the world of Elvis novelty records has some surprises in store! Then, for Song of the Week, Gurdip discusses the one-off live version of Bo Diddley's "Hey Bo Diddley" Elvis did in 1976 while Justin points out the similarities between 1960's "Forget Me Never" and Elvis' 1953 Memphis Recording Service acetates.
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TCBCast 142: Joe Var Veri
12/01/2020
TCBCast 142: Joe Var Veri
This week Justin & Gurdip are joined by musician, songwriter and Elvis enthusiast Joe Var Veri, who's known on YouTube for his unique covers of Elvis and other classic rock acts as well as original material. Hailing originally from Melbourne, Australia, Joe deep dives Elvis' creative process as a musician, the value of live performing as an artist, and highlights some of his most memorable recordings, including his version of "I'm Leavin'," which was given the stamp of approval by songwriter Michael Jarret. If you'd like to hear more of Joe, check out joevarveri.com and youtube.com/joevarveri. We also recommend checking out material from his wife, comedian Veronica Mosey, at veronicamosey.com. Then, for Song of the Week, Justin brings to light the many Elvis connections to the currently popular "1940s rapping but wait for ittttt" video featuring gospel group The Jubalaires. Later known as the Jubilee Four, bass singer George McFadden served as one of the only artists Elvis ever sang backup for in the studio on "The Climb" from 1964's "Viva Las Vegas." So much cool history here in this one! Then, inspired by the From Elvis in Nashville set, Gurdip surprises with his pick of the bluegrass classic (and Elvis deep cut) "A Hundred Years from Now."
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TCBCast 141: Elvis' Best Album? That's The Way It Is (50th Anniversary Review)
11/24/2020
TCBCast 141: Elvis' Best Album? That's The Way It Is (50th Anniversary Review)
While catching up with the hot new Sony Legacy release "From Elvis in Nashville," Justin & Gurdip are inspired to take a look at the first album comprised of material from those June 1970 sessions: That's The Way It Is. Blending live and studio cuts and bearing perhaps the most prominent influence of the 70s adult contemporary style (reflecting artists like BJ Thomas and Tom Jones), does the not-so-soundtrack album accompanying the documentary film stand on its own 50 years out from its original release? Where does it sit within Elvis' greater discography? And are there still new insights to glean from the songs? All this and more in this week's TCBCast, plus Gurdip rings in the holiday season with "Here Comes Santa Claus" while Justin wraps up his tale of a 1962 movie cut with a "Happy Ending." If you haven't done so yet, we highly recommend picking up or streaming on an official platform of your choice the new compilation set "From Elvis in Nashville." https://www.amazon.com/Elvis-Nashville-Presley/dp/B08928MGYK
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TCBCast 140: Heartburn Motel - Heartbreak Hotel Review Pt. 2 feat. Hugh McKenna
11/16/2020
TCBCast 140: Heartburn Motel - Heartbreak Hotel Review Pt. 2 feat. Hugh McKenna
Justin, Gurdip & Hugh continue their review of 1988's "Heartbreak Hotel." The fantasy of Elvis living the domestic life in small town Ohio wears thin as Gurdip laughs off the horrible impersonations and Hugh draws more comparisons between the film and other 80s classics. Justin, meanwhile, goes apoplectic from the leaps in logic and culturally problematic plot points. Then, to cool everything off, Hugh flies us down to "Blue Hawaii" for Song of the Week. Justin picks the legendary 1972 classic "Always On My Mind" to definitively disprove the film's premise, and For the Millionth and (probably not) the Last Time, Gurdip spotlights an underrated favorite from the early 1960s.
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TCBCast 139: Heartbreak Hotel Movie Review Pt. 1 feat. Hugh McKenna
11/10/2020
TCBCast 139: Heartbreak Hotel Movie Review Pt. 1 feat. Hugh McKenna
Justin & Gurdip are joined by movie buff and longtime listener of the show Hugh McKenna to review the 1988 film "Heartbreak Hotel." Written & Directed by Chris Columbus, who was right between two massive hits, Adventures in Babysitting and Home Alone, and with shades of John Hughes teen comedies and Back to the Future all over it, this flop of an Elvis flick should be right up our alley... yet over the years it still has a lot of fans for its fantastical yet oddly domestic spin on the Presley myth. Join us down at the cinema down at the end of lonely street to see if it's perhaps been misjudged - and check back in next week for Part 2 and Songs of the Week!
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TCBCast 138: Our Least Favorite Elvis Songs (Again)
11/03/2020
TCBCast 138: Our Least Favorite Elvis Songs (Again)
After nearly a year and a half, Gurdip & Justin return to an early TCBCast topic to discuss some of the Elvis tracks that don't quite inspire them. Gurdip gets Justin riled up picking one of Justin's country favorites, while Justin not only backpedals hard on his previously even-handed thoughts on a glacially slow 50s ballad off Elvis' second album, but also very nearly retracts his position on "Golden Coins" from the first time around! Then, for Song of the Week, Elvis teaches us how to "Do the Vega" in Justin's pick, while Gurdip distracts himself from colder weather by dreaming of having "Fun in Acapulco." Feature Songs of the Week: Gurdip: Fun in Acapulco Justin: Do The Vega
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TCBCast 137: Elvis or Treat!
10/27/2020
TCBCast 137: Elvis or Treat!
To celebrate the spookiest holiday of the year, Gurdip & Justin meet up at a haunted mansion to explore novelty recordings from throughout Elvis' lifetime, including several with Elvis connections. Just before Song of the Week, something wicked this way comes... and gets Justin! Gurdip reminds us to "Never Say Yes" to those who write off the Spinoff soundtrack, while Justin the Friendly Ghost comes back down to this plane to sing the praises of "Working on the Building," the classic gospel tune Elvis cut for his 1960 album "His Hand in Mine."
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TCBCast 136: Isle of Paradise (Tickle Me Review Part 2)
10/20/2020
TCBCast 136: Isle of Paradise (Tickle Me Review Part 2)
Just ahead of Halloween, Gurdip, Ryan and Justin wrap their review of the spookiest film in Elvis' movie oeuvre: 1965's "Tickle Me." With the back half of the film set in a haunted hotel aesthetically ripped right out of a Scooby-Doo cartoon, the guys finally settle on where this slightly outdated movie rests in Elvis' filmography before diving into their Songs of the Week. Apropos for the review of a movie about Elvis surrounded by women, Ryan selects the title track of "Girls! Girls! Girls." In a bizarre coincidence, Gurdip ALSO selects a song from that same 1962 film, "We're Coming in Loaded." Finally, Justin highlights the interesting backstory behind a rarely heard studio snippet of Elvis singing the Chips Moman-penned "This Time."
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TCBCast 135: Cowboy Melodie (Tickle Me Review Part 1)
10/13/2020
TCBCast 135: Cowboy Melodie (Tickle Me Review Part 1)
Ryan Droste is back this week to join Gurdip & Justin in reviewing the 1965 musical film "Tickle Me." Notable for its extremely low budget and reused Elvis recordings, the film still had some comedy pedigree, with a script penned by writers known for working with The Three Stooges. Do the film's "far out" zany antics still hold up in 2020? What do the guys make of the recycled soundtrack? All this and more on this week's TCBCast - plus, trivia returns again for another week, all questions related to the making of this film! Song of the Week will return in next week's Part 2 of the Tickle Me review.
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TCBCast 134: Mac Davis
10/07/2020
TCBCast 134: Mac Davis
Justin & Gurdip reflect this week on the life and songs of singer-songwriter Mac Davis. For Song of the Week, they decide to pay tribute to Mac by selecting two of the biggest songs he wrote for Elvis. Justin selects "In The Ghetto," the plea against indifference toward the cycle of poverty, crime and systemic racism that unfortunately remains potently relevant. Gurdip, on the other hand, selects the syrupy-sweet ballad "Memories," which conjures up poetic reflections on a life well lived. Rest in peace, Mac. Featured Songs of the Week: Justin: In the Ghetto Gurdip: Memories
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TCBCast 133: Elvis' Worst Album? Raised on Rock Review
09/30/2020
TCBCast 133: Elvis' Worst Album? Raised on Rock Review
TCBCast listeners know that Gurdip has few good words for Elvis' 1973 album "Raised on Rock" due to an inexplicable title track and the universally derided "Three Corn Patches," but can Justin make a case for the rest of the album? And what were the implications of the album's commercial and creative disappointments for Elvis' career going forward? Was it genuinely a low point, or just a misfire? All that and more in this episode - plus, some excellent listener emails! Gurdip selects Elvis' cover of The Spiders' R&B hit "Witchcraft" as his Song of the Week, and after all this, all Justin needs is the rain, selecting a bluesy country track from the 1968 film "Stay Away Joe"
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TCBCast 132: The Most Goosebump Inducing Performances
09/22/2020
TCBCast 132: The Most Goosebump Inducing Performances
Justin & Gurdip spend the whole episode gushing over the very best of Elvis' performances - whether live, in the studio, or in the films - that have wowed them or evoked strong reactions from them. From fun rockers like "Ready Teddy" to inspirational and moving tracks like "If I Can Dream," sometimes it's just celebrate why we love listening to an artist's incredible music. Then, for Song of the Week, Gurdip highlights the elegant ballad "Anything That's Part of You." Justin, meanwhile, goes in a complete 180 and picks a comedy number that even Elvis' recording company has never acknowledged as an official track - but Justin's gonna make a case for it! Featured Songs of the Week: Justin: Range Round-Up Gurdip: Anything That's Part of You
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TCBCast 131: Devil in Disguise - Billboard R&B, August 24, 1963
09/15/2020
TCBCast 131: Devil in Disguise - Billboard R&B, August 24, 1963
Professor Ladhar's class returns after a long summer vacation for a look at the chart where Elvis' last Top 10 R&B hit peaked. The Beatles haven't quiet yet came to the US, Motown is beginning to take hold, and things are about the change... but for the moment, Elvis is in good company alongside all-time great female vocalists like Doris Troy and Martha & the Vandellas, as well as icons such as Brook Benton and Marvin Gaye. Then, for Song of the Week, Gurdip continues his R&B kick with the 1960 blues number "Like A Baby," while Justin highlights "And The Grass Won't Pay No Mind", the only studio cut Elvis made written by the "Jewish Elvis" himself, Neil Diamond! Featured Songs of the Week: Gurdip: Like A Baby Justin: And The Grass Won't Pay No Mind
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TCBCast 130: Hunka Hunka Bill and Ted
09/07/2020
TCBCast 130: Hunka Hunka Bill and Ted
EXCELLENT! Justin & Gurdip hop in their phone booth and travel back to 1992, the year that "Hunka Hunka Bill & Ted," an episode featuring Elvis from the short-lived Bill & Ted live action TV series aired. As the review goes on, Justin discovers to his surprise that his child-of-the-80s cohost has little love for Wyld Stallions! Bogus!!! Then, for Song of the Week, Gurdip takes us "Down in the Alley" for Elvis' down and dirty cover of The Clovers classic, while Justin could listen to Sam Cooke's earworm "Good Times" all night long... and all night. And all niiiiight. And all night. All night long. Featured Songs of the Week: Justin: Good Times (Sam Cooke) Gurdip: Down in the Alley
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TCBCast 129: Sun Records Episode 1 "706 Union"
09/01/2020
TCBCast 129: Sun Records Episode 1 "706 Union"
Justin & Gurdip are joined by Olivia Murphy-Rogers for a review of the pilot episode of the 2017 CMT miniseries "Sun Records." Intended as an adaptation of the stage musical "Million Dollar Quartet," did the series' attempt at making Memphis Recording Service's historic breakthroughs relevant to modern audiences work, or did the show give in to biopic tropes and stereotypes? Then, for Song of the Week, Olivia selects Elvis' cover of Eddy Arnold's timeless country ballad "After Loving You," while Gurdip serenades us all with his version of The Tune Weavers' "Happy Happy Birthday Baby." (Oh yeah, and he talks about Elvis' home recording of said tune!) Justin, meanwhile, takes a complete 180 from pretty much every Elvis fan ever and tries to make a case for "Signs of the Zodiac."
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TCBCast 128: June 1958 - The Last 50s Session
08/25/2020
TCBCast 128: June 1958 - The Last 50s Session
We wrap up our coverage of Elvis' 1950s non-soundtrack studio sessions with the last session Elvis had before shipping out to Germany. Backed by an A-team of Nashville players, Elvis worked no less hard turning out single material than he did with Scotty & Bill. And unlike several prior sessions, RCA kept the tapes, so we get to hear the artistic process in motion as Private Presley pushes for distinct sounds and hard-hitting rockers, although "Ain't That Loving You Baby" trips them all up. Then, for Song of the Week, Gurdip selects the optimistic "What A Wonderful Life" from the 1961 film "Follow That Dream." Justin, meanwhile, takes a listener request to cover "That's Someone You Never Forget," penned by Red West and none other than Elvis Presley himself. But does the urban legend that Elvis wrote this for his mother have any historical basis? We deep dive on the source for this oft-repeated story and see what can be uncovered! Featured Songs of the Week: Gurdip: What A Wonderful Life Justin: That's Someone You Never Forget
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Blue Suede Reviews: Guitar Man (1981) to Where No One Stands Alone (2018) PLUS Justin's Top 10 Elvis Albums
08/12/2020
Blue Suede Reviews: Guitar Man (1981) to Where No One Stands Alone (2018) PLUS Justin's Top 10 Elvis Albums
Justin rounds off Blue Suede Reviews highlighting some of the major posthumous projects that purported to offer "new" Elvis recordings via overdubs, remixes and reorchestrations, along with a brief discussion of the state of RCA's Elvis output between 1977 and the release of "Guitar Man" in 1981. Then, Justin offers an extended discussion of his Top 10 favorite Elvis lifetime albums. Later this week, we'll have some additional content for you to enjoy this Elvis Week. Thanks for your continued support of TCBCast! Video versions of these reviews (without audio samples) will be released on the original Blue Suede Reviews YouTube Playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLksrT1foBINwTJCYMGruFbBjsG7Gx5SnQ
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Blue Suede Reviews: The Missing Albums (1970-1977)
08/11/2020
Blue Suede Reviews: The Missing Albums (1970-1977)
As promised, Justin revives Blue Suede Reviews for Elvis Week 2020 to look at the albums released during Elvis' lifetime that were left off the RCA Albums Collection box set, starting with the 1970 Camden release of "Elvis' Christmas Album" and ending with the album that eventually accompanied the 1977 CBS Special "Elvis in Concert." This episode also includes a discussion on the 1973 buyout deal with RCA that affected Elvis' catalogue for years to come. Justin will also be releasing additional episodes this week about notable posthumous albums, his Top 10 favorite Elvis lifetime albums, and perhaps more surprises! Video versions of these reviews (without audio samples) will be released on the original Blue Suede Reviews YouTube Playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLksrT1foBINwTJCYMGruFbBjsG7Gx5SnQ
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