Go to main content

Elvis - Re: Versions (The First Remix Album)

By ElvisNews.com/ Kees, June 07, 2008 | Music

Released May 2008 is the first complete remix album of Elvis. The Italian DJ Spankox, known in real life as Agostino Carollo, was brave enough to engage in this endeavor. Should he be praised or crucified?

Design


I reviewed the Deluxe Version which comes as a booklet with cardboard cover. Inside a ten pages booklet with pictures, quotes by some well known names in the music industry and pictures of Spankox' (studio)equipment where we find several links to Elvis. It would have been nice if the DJ would have added some personal liner-notes. The booklet comes in a hard plastic slipcase. Just like the first single, the first vinylCD ever, the producers really made an effort of the package.

Content

Regardless of the package most fans are interested in the content of-course. The content of this particular album may very well be the most controversial content of any Elvis' album. Many will say "who the f*ck is this DJ thinking he can touch classics like "Teddy Bear", "All Shook Up" or even Elvis' signature songs "That's All Right" and "Heartbreak Hotel"". A short run-down of the eleven mixes on this album.

The re: version of "Baby Let's Play House" is a song most fans know by now. This is one of the songs that has been reworked very much. The other songs on this album come in various levels of reconstruction but some of the elements used in this mix; bass, drum, electronics sounds and resampling of snippets find their way to most "re: versions".

The Re: Version of "Don't Be Cruel" song could do well in Europe the next three weeks during the European Soccer Championship with the use of the "stadium horn" sound.

"Teddy Bear" has become a funky bear, personally I would have used the signature piano intro a bit more.

A brave choice to include "Jailhouse Rock" as it is such a well known song. It really sounds pumped-up, the modern overdubs are a bit much, but this version could work very well in a disco.

The song 'All Shook Up" sounds all shook up, the wrong effect was used here, the song sounds very heavy and lost the freshness of the original.

"Blue Moon Of Kentucky" has been mixed softly with an additional beat and bass. It could have worked very well if it wasn't for the typical sound Elvis' SUN recordings have. If more early RCA recordings were reworked like this song even the "old" fans could enjoy them :-)

Remixing "Heartbreak Hotel" perhaps Elvis foremost signature song is like adding a mustache on DaVinci's Mona Lisa and trying to keep a serious face. It works on a t-shirt but not in the French Louvre museum where millions of fans come by. Spankox left the original pretty much in tact adding a big bass. This will work prett well in a lounge-mix on the beach but not listening to the song by itself. It is a bit "Too Much".

Talking about "Too Much" that song really has been reworked with bass and additional sounds. The signature guitar loop has been reworked into an electronic effect which kinda keeps this mix in line with the original, but again, a bass sounding "too much".

"Just Because" you're A DJ does not mean you can mix just about everything right. But this mix is the best mix on the album. The freshness of the original with a matching base-drum which updates the song to the 21st. century. Several mixes on the album have the words "radio mix" in the title, perhaps an indication of future single releases, but I hope this one get some more exposure.

Many fans who feel you should not touch Elvis' work as it is good enough to stand the test of time by itself may think of Spankox as an "heartbreaker", but perhaps they should listen to his re: version of "You're A Heartbreaker" which got the same treatment as "Just Because".

Touching the song "That's All Right" that "created Rock And Roll" is a dangerous thing in the Elvisworld. This Re: Version leaves the original pretty much in-tact adding only a bass and a few sound effects to this classic. Due to the slow beat added to the original that original sounds faster than this 21st. century remix.

The album ends with the videoclip of "Baby Let's Play House", but you can also watch it right here:-)

Conclusion

Remixes will remain controversial in the Elvis world. Like I said some will say it is like drawing a mustache on the Mona Lisa. But on occasions I like to wear a shirt like that. The same goes for this album, several songs may fit in very will on a sunny afternoon enjoying a few drinks at the BBQ with some up-beat lounge music on the background. The more reworded classics could spin a few heads in the disco when youngsters think I've heard this one before ... at granddad's house :-) But this was exacly what Spankox intended.

I'll leave the final judgement to you ... but leave with both the preview and a very funny reaction from Jerome who reworked the tracklisting to show his opinion.

Dear Spankox, after listening to the samples of your album, I'd like to recommend you to change the song titles in order to become more suitable:

1. Baby, Let's Make Noise
2. Don't Be Cruel To My Ears
3. Teddy Swear
4. Barnhouse Rock
5. All Messed Up
6. Blue Moon of Ken*ucky
7. Heartattack Hotel
8. Too Much (very appropriate)
9. Just Because I Can Press A Button
10. You're An Earbreaker
11. That's Not Allright

Make up your own mind:

  1. Baby Let's Play House (Spankox Re:Version - Highpass Radio Edit) (2:52)
  2. Don't Be Cruel (Spankox Re:Version - Highpass Radio Edit) (2:12)
  3. Teddy Bear (Spankox Re:Version - Highpass Album Cut) (1:53)
  4. Jailhouse Rock (Spankox Re:Version - Highpass Radio Edit) (2:30)
  5. All Shook Up (Spankox Re:Version - Highpass Album Cut) (1:58)
  6. Blue Moon Of Kentucky (Spankox Re:Version - Highpass Album Cut) (2:49)
  7. Heartbreak Hotel (Spankox Re:Version - Ago Radio Edit) (2:04)
  8. Too Much (Spankox Re:Version - Highpass Album Cut) (2:34)
  9. Just Because (Spankox Re:Version - Eyes Cream 3AM Short Mix) (2:38)
  10. You're A Heartbreaker (Spankox Re:Version - Highpass Radio Edit) (2:14)
  11. That's All Right (Spanko

Related links


Buy at Amazon.co.uk
Lex wrote on June 07, 2008
Crucifying is not cruel enough. Play his own "music" to him for 24 hours!
Harvey Alexander wrote on June 08, 2008
For those foolish enough to think these remixes sound good, just imagine how silly you're going to feel in a few years when you realise you have mental problems but the originals still sound as fresh as a daisy.
RonBaker wrote on June 08, 2008
This is so beyond awful that it isn't funny! I listened to the tracks a while back and then again in case I was too harsh. I wasn't harsh enough!!! This stuff is absolutely unlistenable.
japio wrote on June 08, 2008
The title is wrong ,it has to be The fu..d up versions.It's a shame when elvis fans liked it. It's a shame when elvis fans like it. Buy a dance cd and let us enjoy of the originals (outtakes or not). But it's also a shame that everybody give attention to it. Can't you see how non-musical Dj's are. But i think they even like a remix with elvis in duet with mickey mouse or donald duck
ttwiise wrote on June 08, 2008
Rubbish, How can you think you can re-mix such classics and then do a crap job.
Jesse Garon Presley wrote on June 09, 2008
to the critical people ..just shut up. this is Elvis in the 21st century..a lot of the young people like this. this is only positive for Elvis. i think this cd is great and it's not awful at all. the remixes are great. i getting really tired reading all those negative reactions. just doesn't make any sense at all..and for the record? " Play House" scored big time in the world.. ur negative comments doesn't change that at all only a minor percentage doesn't like this album.. but a big percentage does like this album..nuff said
David Brys wrote on June 09, 2008
Let's keep our minds open to the evolution of the world (/music) people. If you don't like it, don't buy it. If you already bought it and still don't like it, through it away or give it to someone who is more worldly. If you listen to the samples and are not liking what you hear, push the "Close" button on your window. It's as simple as that. Don't bother an international medium like the internet with the content of your stomach. I'm waiting for my copy of this one and if I like it or not, I'm glad that somebody had the nurve to make this. More people should experiment with these beautiful sounds that I've loved nearly all my life... My Man is cool and will surely remain that way in decades to come! Let's stick to the facts boys!
Natha wrote on June 09, 2008
Henk(bryan), this shows how many Elvis fans feel about the way Elvis' legacy is handled. If this guy did it out of love for Elvis and his music, I can understand his drive. But that does not mean I as a fellow fan have to love it or appreciate his artistic impression. There will be some people who like the outcome. But is that because of Elvis or is this because they like that type of remix? Maybe they would like it even if he had been using the chordettes or the monkeys. ELO had an interpretation of classical music. That did not mean people started to appreciate classical music more. This may hold for these types of remixes and Elvis too.
Steve V wrote on June 09, 2008
I still think the classics should be left alone. Everyone (mostly) knows these songs so what does it add? You can modernize them but some of them are even laughable to me. If remixes are to be done, use those little know Elvis songs (e.g. ALLC) which will give them life for the first time since they were recorded. There are so many to choose from.
EspenK wrote on June 09, 2008
Henk, nevermind the old people and their trash talk. They just do not understand the new music and are full of prejustice. This is only history repeating itself: The old people talked trash about Elvis back in the 50s as well.
japio wrote on June 09, 2008
Dance music s..ks. every mo...n can make this on his computer. And it's not the remix. Elvis is now more a milcow to make a quick buck. And when we don't like it that's my choice. And we talke d trash . Mabey your self trash
Harvey Alexander wrote on June 09, 2008
Question: What's the difference between these remixes and a bucket of horse dung? Answer: The bucket.
Lex wrote on June 09, 2008
The Dutch team took avenge for what that Italian did with Elvis' music :-) And Espen.... the old people back then didn't recognize music, with music as keyword.
Jesse Garon Presley wrote on June 10, 2008
Espenk i totally agree with you..well said!!
EspenK wrote on June 10, 2008
Lex, they didnt recognize the *new* music. Didn't back then, do not do now, will not do in the future. The young people today will in 30-40 years time start whining about how music were much better backwhen they were young. It all really is so obvious it's stupid. And mind you all, I will never fall into that trap. I may not like what I hear 20-30 years into the future, but I'll stay wise enough to shut the hell up about it and let those who enjoy the music do so.
JimmyCool wrote on June 11, 2008
*Baby, Let's Play House (plus bonus songs)* I have to admit I had a lot of faith in this project by Spankox... but I just finished listen to the whole album and now I'm very dissapointed. The only good track is "Baby, Let's Play House" which I had already. The other tracks sound so amateurish, homemade... what's the point of overdubbing them with all those spacial sounds, I didn't like it all. My computer can do this almost automatically! I was going to show this album to all my friends, to listen to it on the car before going clubbing... but now I changed my mind... I'll stick to "A Little Les Conversation", "Rubberneckin'" and "Baby, Let's Play House". I really expect much better...
Natha wrote on June 11, 2008
Espen, I am also one of those old people now and confess that I don't like most of the remixes. However, it is not me who must judge. Time alone will prove whether or not the remixes are useful to promote Elvis' legacy to the young people. My young wife likes the remixes, but admitted yesterday that she was not sure at all whether it would create an appeal towards listening to the pure Elvis music (which she also likes by te way!). We'll see. I am not for restriction, rather exploration. So let's see.
wayup wrote on June 11, 2008
This is just A.W.F.U.L. As I wrote before, Spankox deserve long, bloody spanking for this rape of Elvis classic songs.
Ton Bruins wrote on June 11, 2008
Hate this release. Don't touch the original Elvis !!
GEORGE (GK) wrote on June 12, 2008
I am all for remixing Elvis songs, for a "fresh new sound" for Radio, and club play, etc.. And, as long as the Elvis originals are still availble.. I have no problem with it. However, lets get "JXL" or "Paul Oakenfold" to do the remixing.. They did amazing work on "A little Less conversation" and "Rubberneckin"
Harvey Alexander wrote on June 12, 2008
Crap will always be crap, and this is crap.
Cher wrote on June 15, 2008
I've said it before and I'll say it again. If it ain't broke, why try to fix it? Elvis music is timeless. I play it all the time when we have friends and family over. Everybody loves it. I can match any mood and appeal to all ages so why do we need some DJ to try to fix what isn't broke? Another of my repeated statements: Nobody did anything as well as Elvis did and that includes some DJ in a studio somewhere thinking he can improve on perfect. I won the "Baby Let's Play House" remix here for trivia. It's in my Elvis "junk" box. :-)
Herman wrote on June 18, 2008
I don't have a problem with this release, it gives us a lot of "new" Elvis fans. If they like this than they would be interested in more Elvis music. I bought this one and some in my family (about age 12 till 16) like it very much. Their reaction was: "Mmm, I thought that Elvis was only for older people, this is cool !".
crapzapper wrote on June 20, 2008
no harm done. i dont like this album.