The italian DJ Spankox, who remixed Elvis' classic "Baby Let's Play House" has been invited to Elvisweek 2008 by EPE a guest speaker at the Elvis Insiders Conference. SONY BMG will release his remix single May 27, 2008; a special limited edition CD single of the re-mix will be available exclusively at Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis and online at Shop Elvis.
From the press release:
New Remix of Elvis Presley's Baby Let's Play House to be Released by Sony BMG.
Elvis’ classic “Baby Let’s Play House”, re-mixed by progressive DJ Agostino Spankox, will be released by SONY BMG Music Entertainment as a new re-mix single on May 27th and will be available for purchase via digital download. A special limited edition CD single of the re-mix will be available exclusively at Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis and online at shopelvis.com.
This is only the third re-mix SONY BMG has released in cooperation with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. following the smash hits “A Little Less Conversation” (JXL remix) in 2002 and “Rubberneckin'” (Paul Oakenfold remix) in 2003.
“Anytime Elvis' master recordings are altered, we take a special interest to make sure the new sound is the right sound. Elvis was a pioneer who broke the mold and barriers with his music, this remix does just that with a fresh approach to an Elvis classic,” said Jack Soden, CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises.
“Baby Let’s Play House” was originally recorded by Elvis in April of 1955 at Sun Studio in Memphis. Music historians consider this single as one of the defining moments of Elvis' time with Sun before signing with the RCA label. “Elvis has a long history of inspiring creativity in other musicians and artists; this new remix is a great example of his influence on today’s music. When you listen to the re-mix, the essence of the original recording is still there, but the contemporary production values and the blazing guitars give it a whole new sound,” said Tony Yoken, Format Manager and DJ of SIRIUS Elvis Radio.
Well known Italian DJ Agostino Spankox first remixed the track in 2007 over 50 years after it was first recorded by Elvis. “I fell in love with this song, mostly because of Elvis’ superior voice and the song’s title, not really thinking about the true meaning behind the lyrics, but rather how the title “Baby Let’s Play House” relates to the music genre I’ve play as DJ, house music,” said Spankox.
Following its release in Europe, the “Baby Let’s Play House” remix shot up the single sales charts to #1 in Italy for 7 consecutive weeks in addition to 8 weeks in the top spot of the Italian iTunes sales chart.
On the heels of the overseas success of Elvis Presley's “Baby Let’s Play House” remix, SONY BMG will release the song to all digital service providers in the United State for a May 27 release date. A music video of the remixed track will also be available for digital download and purchase. The contemporary music video creatively utilizes archival footage of Elvis singing the classic tune from an April 1956 Dorsey Brothers Stage Show performance.
Known for his sometimes controversial on-stage moves, Elvis once said in an interview, “Some people tap their feet, some people snap their fingers, and some people sway back and forth. I just sorta do ‘em all together.” The music video continues in the controversial vein and this latest re-mix of “Baby Let’s Play House,” already popular in dance clubs across Europe is sure to have American audiences on the feet and moving to the King of Rock n’ Roll’s new beat.
As part of the excitement surrounding the re-mix release, Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis will host an exclusive launch event 10 AM CDT on May 27th featuring the first CD sales of “Baby Let’s Play House.” The event also includes the first official radio air play of the re-mix following its release in the U.S., special programming on SIRIUS’ Elvis Radio channel 13 and will feature the new re-mix, the original recording from 1955, and several live versions recorded by Elvis. Elvis Radio broadcasts live from Graceland exclusively on SIRIUS Satellite Radio and is the world’s first and only officially authorized, commercial-free, Elvis all-the-time radio station.
This re-mix release marks the beginning of a whole year of exciting Elvis activity that includes four new exhibits at Graceland that chronicle various milestones in Elvis’ career. The excitement culminates with Elvis Week, www.elvisweek.com, in August where Spankox, creator of the re-mix, will appear in front of thousands of Elvis fans from all over the world as a guest speaker at the Elvis Insiders Conference.
Baby Let's Play House Remix To Be Released By Sony BMG
May 25, 2008 | Music
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Harvey Alexander wrote on
May 25, 2008
Can someone send me a recording of the speech he makes, please? I'd like to remix it so it appeals to the kids and the jumpsuit-wearing, wig-headed, sunglassed loons. Thank you.
japio wrote on
May 25, 2008
oh no .EPE what are you doing. First we have the stupid Impersonator. And now we get a guy who's think he's a great Dj. Wake up everybody. But Elvis is now more a Milkcow to make fast money.Elvis is the king of rock and roll ( what now is called "old fashion and out of time") he made a lot of great songs ,let's play that on the radio and promote it. Not that stupid dance s...t
EspenK wrote on
May 25, 2008
"let's play that on the radio" - as if that's not already done... For decades :D
Viva wrote on
May 25, 2008
What's your problem? Scared Elvis might actually get popular again? For once I have to tip my hat to EPE for embracing this re-mix. A good decision, and one which, despite the wishes of the short-sighted brigade, could just mean we get to hear The King booming out from music venues everywhere, just like ALLC. There's nothing wrong with that and, as I've said elsewhere on this site, this is just the kind of thing which may just get someone who wouldn't normally give Elvis the time of day to ask the vital question "What else has this Elvis guy done?". Well done EPE. Never thought I'd say that again.
Greg Nolan wrote on
May 26, 2008
As sort of an agnostic on remixes, I'm pleasantly surprised to see Sony/BMG get behind this remix. It's not to my taste by and large but that's not entirely the point. I'm more of skeptic but they've been pretty restrained since the "ALLC" remix's 2002 success. They could have milked it but only "Rubberneckin'" was the follow-up remix. As Ernst said later on, to get a single in any kind of rotation (radio / V-H1 or MTV) requires a huge budget, one that even a deceased catalog artist like Elvis in 2008 is not likely to receive.
The concerns about putting a "moustache on Mona Lisa are valid. But done in a limited fashion and given how a-historic today's kids are, this is a great way to break though just a bit into the restricted world of I-Pods, downloads and the post-radio, post-CD / post-record era, and maybe, just maybe, build interest in arguably (to non-fans, anyway) the greatest entertainer of the last century.
marty wrote on
May 26, 2008
For me Elvis music (what he recorded during his life) and the remixes are two completely different things. The remixes are an attempt to capitalize on the brand name 'Elvis' by creating something that might appeal to the general buying public of today. They are NOT Elvis music and should not be confused with that, even if someone who is an Elvis fun likes them! EPE supports some of these remixes because they are also looking to capitalize on Elvis' name (they even sell an Elvis duck). Their success is further proof of Elvis staying power, his charisma, the ongoing marketing etc and not so much of the quality of his music. Would the original version of 'Baby Let's Play House' become a hit today? Probably not, but I prefer the originals over any of the remixes...
EspenK wrote on
May 26, 2008
Marty, those are some really good points you make there. It is indeed two completely different things. Still they are obviously connected, and I believe they are an important tool to "keep the legacy alive". His legacy cannot live on rubber ducks alone.
ibegofyou wrote on
May 26, 2008
I actually love the remixes. What's wrong with young people discovering Elvis for the first time in dance clubs? Release this song & others in the U.S ! Sad but true... The only image young people have of Elvis is of some over weight, jump suit wearing, wanna bee doing a bad impersonation.. Let them hear just how brilliant he was ! I listen to Elvis all the time but really enjoy the updated remixes..
Brian Quinn wrote on
May 26, 2008
A GREAT release. It's a pity that Sony BMG did not get their act together sooner with other possibilities e.g. 'Let Yourself Go'. If you are a fan who wishes Elvis to succeed chartwise in the 21st Century then I cannot see any other alternatives than remixes or duets. We will always love the originals but soundwise, time moves on and the general public will no longer accept 12 or 24 track recordings. Providing Elvis' voice remains intact then I do not mind such albums.
Steve V wrote on
May 26, 2008
I guess if it came to a choice of a rubber duck or this remix, the remix would get my vote. I agree that Elvis is a non-entity to todays music downloading teenagers. Maybe this will help, I dont know. I know my son & his mates took notice of ALLC five years ago, so it does help if done right . Hey all you DJ/remixers out there, how about these titles? Let Yourself Go, Patch It Up, Power Of My Love, The Fool, Promised Land? Liitle known gems to most of the world & potential hits.
Emiel Maier wrote on
May 26, 2008
I will get it too! (I can use it for my up-coming Elvisdisco!). I hope Sony will be able to get it connected to a major brand. Preferably in a commercial which is broadcasted on television. I do strongly believe that the success of ALLC was for large portion the work of Nike which used the song in their commercial during the World Cup Soccer (...Football for us Europeans...). The brand was heavily promoted during that time and Elvis was everywhere to be heard. In the end it resulted in Elvis topping the charts in 17 countries. I must admit that JXL did a fantastic job, but must add that Elvis was at the peak of his voice in '68 (the time of the taping of the version which was used). Spankox on the contrary had the difficult task of using a song from 1955. It gave him less oppertunities. So in this respect he did a fair job with the tools he had. I think the man definately deserves a big compliment. I think we all ought to support a release like this.
JerryNodak wrote on
May 26, 2008
Elvis had his run as a chart artist. This constant obssession with making Elvis relevent to the younger generation by fancying up his music with gimmicks is ridiculous! If the younger generation can't except Elvis' music the way he recorded it, the hell with 'em I say. Elvis doesn't need another chart hit for the sake of his stats, or that all precious legacy. Let he and his music rest in peace.
marty wrote on
May 27, 2008
Well said Jerry! Elvis dominated the charts all over the world when he was alive and he does not need a hit today to book his place in music history. 'Baby Let's Play House' becoming a hit today is a 'Spankox' hit as well as an 'Elvis' hit. It has been modified (actually loosing the 'feel' of the original) so as to appeal to people who don't really care about Elvis's music in the first place. It is no longer Elvis music (he never intended it to sound that way!) but based on Elvis music, capitalizing on his legendary status and his commercial appeal. Maybe it helps put Elvis in the spotlight once more, maybe it even sounds good and it is created with respect to Elvis and his music legacy, but it is NOT Elvis music anymore...
Harvey Alexander wrote on
May 27, 2008
I've just been to see the new Indiana Jones film and there's 'Hound Dog' blasting out over the opening scenes. That's the sort of thing that will introduce Elvis to future generations, not excrement like these soul-less remixes. If the originals aren't good enough for you - hard lines.
emjel wrote on
May 27, 2008
I really cannot understand what people are getting so uptight over. You've still got the originals to play and enjoy. Nobody is erasing Elvis' legacy and replacing it with something else. If you like it, then buy it - if you don't, then surely that's not a problem is it? I'd much prefer this type of thing being sold than Elvis ducks or Elvis loo seat warmers and other stuff which insults the memory. Come to think of it, what the hell has a duck got to do with Elvis.
marty wrote on
May 27, 2008
Come to think of it, what the hell has today's dance music got to do with Elvis? Exactly what a duck has, it's a relatively easy way to make a quick buck. Not much else, one uses Elvis image, the other Elvis vocal... I see no need to alter what Elvis did in the past, one still has the originals (original dance music of today that is) to play and enjoy if so he wishes. Or maybe creativity is nowhere to be found today...
JerryNodak wrote on
May 27, 2008
I'm not uptight. I just simply expressed a strong negative opinion. Yes, by all means if you enjoy that kind of crap buy it. Rest assured I won't. Oh, there I go again. Expressing another strong negative opinion. Just can't help myself. In real life I'm really a mild-mannered, laid back sorta guy. These MBs just do something to me.
Greg Nolan wrote on
May 28, 2008
I see both sides on this and have long took on those who foolishly say there should have been a dozen remixes already, etc. At the same time, I think it *is* mostly rather harmless and amounts to a one-off promotional version to get Elvis into the media again in terms of interest and the spotlight. It's not like they've done one a year since ALLC's remix in '02. They have been rather restrained and to top it off, the sad reality (or if you oppose these remixes, one solace) is that the single (these days a lame pant, I mean, download) has nowhere near the importance it had even five and defintitely ten years ago.
Vast amounts of the youth-centric US public doesn't care about older music before say 1975 and certainly isn't about to buy even a download, so by and large this has to be about getting yet another news blurb in about Elvis in the last five minutes of the local TV news in Anytown, USA, timed to one of the anniversaries...
"And closing out tonight, Elvis is *back in the building* as a new single hits the dance charts based on his "Baby, Let's Play House" single from 1955...!" (old Tupelo '56 footage is shown, invariably some '50s but possibly even an Associated Press shot of Elvis performing in Florida in February of '77..) Segment closes with dumb banter as the Ken Doll anchor attempts to drawl "Thank-you-very-much" to the bemusement of his toothy blonde (or perhaps in a multicultural vein), an Asian or African-American female counterpart. "We'll see you tomorrow night..." (Grins and chuckles all around...) (Fade to Black...)