Another remix album?
Design
A copy of a typical way to use Elvis' silhouette and name. Everyone knows who's music is featured on this disc.
Content
The proper title for this CD could be "Original Songs Updated For The Next Century" as most songs received additional instrumentals using the original songs. Remixing a song means you either remaster a song for better audio quality or create a remix for the dance floor.
The so-called "producers" had to use the songs as they were released so you hear the original instrumentals in the background. Adding instrumentals can work but it has to be done trying to create a certain result. It worked on restoring the Hayride Recordings a few years back and on the JXL remix. O.K. not every fan will agree on this, but you probably get the picture.
The people behind the mixing desk surely did not know Elvis. They added standard sounds, pre-programmed rhythm and echo-effects to the original songs. Elvis never recorded Jazz music, so why add a jazz-themed backing to the slow songs? Or artificial computer generated violins to a classic like "heartbreak Hotel"?
The up-tempo songs get a slightly better update as the producers added a "Stray Cats" kind of rockabilly backing which kind-off keeps pace with the original tempo.
The two extended remixes at the end of the CD are really over the top. They took the drum from Madonna's "La Isla Bonita" and an Hawaiian steel guitar to the up-tempo "Blue Suede Shoes" and a slow bossa-nova rhythm on "Love Me Tender" ... please release me Lord!
Conclusion
I changed the title earlier in this review, but I found the definitive title for this release "Original Songs Which Shouldn't Have Been Remixed For The Next Century". Or "C-R-A-P" as some of the posters on this site would comment on a release like this :-).