Every side of Elvis - from jeans to jumpsuits

It seems there are as many Elvis Presley CDs released each year as there are Elvis impersonators in Vegas. Well, this one is different...sort of. While this generation has undoubtedly been beaten over the head with the idea of Elvis being one of the most important figures in rock history and probably experiencing a little of a backlash effect because of it, this compilation may make him easier to appreciate. \nFor those who can't really take listening to the most commercialized performer in 50 years, this collection should serve as a cool alternative to hear his sweeping influence, which happens to be much broader than he's typically credited for.\nThe album opens with Paul McCartney's version of "All Shook Up" and closes with John Lennon paying tribute with a live take of "Hound Dog." While these are both good takes, especially McCartney's, there is a more significant meaning behind these choices. Putting two Beatles on this album makes the point that not only did the Fab Four dig the King, but their more sophisticated output in their later years was possible in part because of Elvis. \nAnd while the country and blues tunes' impact may be obvious, this collection even has a few highlights from his more straightforward, pop-rock and even flashy, funky Vegas years. More than the songs themselves, the variety of performers here makes this one of the most interesting and diversified tribute albums. The songs sound great on their own, but the fact that they are so adaptable to such a variety of original sounding bands shows Elvis' overlooked depth. Oldies great Del Shannon plants his trademark '50s malt shop sound into "His Latest Flame" and Canned Heat's almost forgotten grit works just as well on "That's All Right Mama." Willie Nelson and Leon Russell give us a good example of Presley's twangy roots on "Heartbreak Hotel" and Brian Ferry (formerly of Roxy Music) does a beautiful interpretation of "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" \nAlmost as important is the fact that this sounds like a tribute album should. In so many instances it's obvious that the performers are taking a trip back to their childhood singing with a broom in their hands for a microphone in front of the old AM radio, not a trip to the bank. Sure, the Kenny Rodgers take is a bit sappy, but only because he's that convicted about Elvis' music. And an inspired Kenny Rogers is better than...well, I'll leave it at that. If the Fine Young Cannibals can sound this good, the music must have something to it. The uniquely soulful voices of Lou Rawls and Candi Staton and rockabilly greats like Eddie Cochran and Jerry Lee Lewis make the album worth it alone for anyone who likes the music, even if you can't stand the image.