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No ''No" For Symphonic Elvis Mix

January 30, 2004 | Other
The OEPFC's suggestion to mix Elvis' vocal tracks with a symphonic orchestra has not been ruled out by both Ernst Jorgensen and BMG. Let's see what the future will bring.
Source:Magazines: OEPFC Magazine
JerryNodak wrote on February 01, 2004
I like the idea a lot, but the trouble with many ideas is that something bad happens after the inception of the "idea" and the execution of the final "product". Especially where Elvis is concerned. EX: The "Guitar Man" album. If the "Powers That Be" can match the idea with proper final execution it'll be great!
Matt W wrote on January 31, 2004
I'm not for this at all, I hated what was done to Always On My Mind for the BT advert and besides, from what I have read in Elvis mags over the years many fans believe that often Elvis' songs were drowned with strings and brass. I can't see much commercial success for this which is surely the point of such a venture. How about investing the time and money in a more productive way and remaster more of the original tapes to optimum sound quality? The 71 sessions could well do with a remix and remastering.
patrikw wrote on February 02, 2004
I think this is an excellent idea as long as elvis' voice is projected as the main element in the mix. Elvis 70s recordings suffered from a lot of over-production with strings backing vocals etc. so this is something to be avoided. It would be interesting to hear "Its Now or Never" given the symphonic treatment or "Surrender". Other lesser known songs from the movies could benefit too from this e.g. a song in Harum Scarum called "so close yet so far" has a great vocal but the backing is rubbish. Or even "stay away" from Stay Away Joe with its "greensleves" roots would lend itself well to the symphonic approach. Then there are other songs based on traditional/classical tunes - "No More" (Blue Hawaii) or "Today, Tomorrow and Forever" (Viva Las Vegas) with Ann Margaret, the list goes on...
JeroenNL wrote on January 30, 2004
Love the idea!, it will make Elvis sound even more 'today'. I hope they will get the TCB Band for the rythym!. Would be a great project for 'E3'...
bkdnyc2 wrote on January 31, 2004
Hi Everyone! I loved the 2 dance remixes and i welcome new ideas as far as remixes are concerned. Mixing Elvis with symphonic music could owrk if its done well. However there are other alternatives: 1) duets ( like they did with frank sinatra) with todays and yesterdays singers , some examples could be: 1)"Edge of Reality" with Cher--they could use the video footage from the movie and fuse Cher in 2) Maddona did a version of "fever" at the same tempo as elvis, this would make a great mix ,they could use Elvis's concert footage fro this project 3) "If I Can Dream" this song can realte to todays problems very well-- this vocal performance would lend itself well to a Whitney Houston music style and they could use one of the 2 unused video versions from the comeback special as a video--this would be a great promotion for the new edited version of the 68 Comeback due later this year 4) from reading these postings there seems to be a lot of interest of a whole remix album------iI think it should be noted that the elvis remix "Rubberneckin" is still in the top 10 as far as " Billboards dance single sales, this says there is an audience out there for this " -----i hope your listening Rca!!
gribz wrote on January 30, 2004
They would have to relate it to a broadway play or new movie. Some of Elvis' 70's songs would fit great in a broadway play or movie where the emotion and song go together. However to just release it with no connection to something contempory and relevant, would be a waste. Only core fans would buy it, and it would do nothing for the future of Elvis, and his ongoing legacy..Think twice Ernst...
joemin wrote on January 30, 2004
Not sure this is a great Ideas. What would they call it, Elvis sings from Grandparents (follow up to smash hit Elvi sings for children and adults??)
Jon Burrows wrote on February 04, 2004
Ever since this idea was first brougt up, I became a total supporter of it. I would want to see this kind of remix on the E 3 album, which I sure hope will be out this year - despite what Ernst says - and I would like to see Raised On Rock to be remixed (it needs more rock in it), or Whole Lot-ta Shakin' Goin' On, but sadly Promised Land was put out on the E 2 album, so any kind of remix of it is propably out of the question (even though Elvis kinda re-did the song (he lets Glen D. Hardin play a good rhytm at the beginning ...but that's about the only difference from the original version), that version is on the Live In Las Vegas box set) - even though it sure needs some refreshing touches.
pidge wrote on February 07, 2004
i agree with remixes if done well with Elvis being the major part. work with a 19 year old who knew of Elvis but not his music until rubber neckin came out, now she asks about him and has even borrowed cd's from me to listen to more of his music
lighthouse wrote on February 02, 2004
Thou my answer is no as well, I wonder why majority couldn't say no to thoese damn remixes such as LLC and Rubberneckin as they say no to this new idea. With a great shame those remixes had their places in his albums and still no reaction. I think people getting sillier everyday that Elvis's own music is not enough for their immature sense of music. STOP CREATING RUBBISH ABOUT HIM.
sttos wrote on January 31, 2004
Don't they dare mess with elvis' vocal tracks with anything else than the music he made is in my opinion is a sin, it is ok with remixes because they are remixes if his songs.