Song#: 1258
Date: 11/27/1982
Debut: 84
Peak: 71
Weeks: 7
Genre: Pop
Pop Bits: If the Beatles and the Beach Boys can do it, why not Elvis? Presley's label RCA decided to jump on the board the medley craze and got producer/keyboardist David Briggs to assemble a single of classic Elvis hits. The medley contained six Elvis chestnuts: "Jailhouse Rock," "Teddy Bear," "Hound Dog," "Don't Be Cruel," "Burning Love," and "Suspicious Minds." Unfortunately, by this time folks were tired of the medleys and this single faded fast. It did a little better on the country and AC charts where it peaked at #31 on each. RCA also issued an album with the same title that featured the medley plus the full-length versions of each song and two other hits. It reached #29 at country and #133 pop.
ReduxReview: I'm pleased to report that this single finally ended the medley craze (well, at least on the chart)! It was a dark period in 80s music history, but we got through it. As with the major artist ones mentioned above, this is just an advertisement in single form. I mean, if I was a true Elvis fan, why would I want his hits all chopped up and stitched together? Maybe, just maybe, this might have introduced Elvis to a few new younger fans, but overall I consider these medleys marketing gimmicks rather that artistic statements. Plus, what is up with the end of this thing? It just sort of stops during the slow part of "Suspicious Minds." That's an ending? Yikes. Anyway, ignore this hunk o' burnin' crap and go get the originals.
ReduxRating: 3/10
Trivia: Keyboardist David Briggs began his association with Elvis back in 1966. When pianist Floyd Cramer was delayed getting to a recording session, Briggs stepped in. The gig landed him a spot in Presley's band and he continued to record and tour with Elvis throughout his career. Briggs also had his own side projects including the band Area Code 615 who issued a couple of albums in 1969-70. Although they didn't have any hits, the band's harmonica-lead instrumental song "Stone Fox Chase" was used as the theme song for the BBC music program "The Old Grey Whistle Test" (1971-88).
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