TCBCast: An Unofficial Elvis Presley Fan Podcast

This week marks the third anniversary of TCBCast, and we start off wrapping up our in-depth discussion about Elvis & the Beatles with Antony Rotunno from Glass Onion: On John Lennon. We finally dig into all the various songs Elvis did that were originally written & recorded by the Beatles, some of the Elvis-related songs The Beatles performed, and compare their feature film acting performances before finally closing out with Antony posing a twist to his trademark final question from Glass Onion interviews: what do we think Elvis would have done if he'd lived?

For the 250th Elvis song covered on TCBCast, Gurdip highlights "You're A Heartbreaker" from the SUN era, while Justin tells the story of a legendary-yet-rediscovered acetate from the same year, 1954, the contents of which led to young Elvis Presley being invited to record at Sun under more professional circumstances in the first place.

Huge thanks to Antony for the wonderful conversation, representing John Lennon and the Beatles' legacy, and for all his talent. Please be sure to check out Glass Onion: On John Lennon at https://soundcloud.com/glassonionjlpod, it's very highly recommended!

Songs of the Week:

Gurdip: You're A Heartbreaker

Justin: Without You (Jimmy Sweeney)

NOTE: As mentioned at the top of the show, we have launched a Patreon where you can help support the show and receive additional bonus content, including NEW episodes of the Blue Suede Reviews video series, TCBCast Now, Elvis & 50s-related movie commentaries by us, opportunities to vote on upcoming topics and Songs of the Week, and more! Visit Patreon.com/TCBCast for more details. We appreciate your support!

Just in time for our big 150th episode and third anniversary of TCBCast, we're thrilled to have Antony Rotunno, from the podcast Glass Onion: On John Lennon, join us for our first-ever big two-part discussion about Elvis and The Beatles. We cover a lot of ground in this first half, from the Quarrymen's Elvis-inspired demo, to Elvis' sole attempt at serious songwriting, and the Beatles' open desire as fans to see Elvis return to his rock roots. There's plenty of comparisons between performing styles, the wide variety of genres both took influence from, how fame impacted them, and even differences between Elvis & Beatles tribute acts.

Also this episode: Chapter 7 of our TCBCast Book Club look at "Elvis: What Happened?" and Justin's impressions of the Regina King-directed "One Night in Miami," which features Sam Cooke as a prominent protagonist.

Next week, we'll wrap up this topic with Antony by looking more closely into Brian Epstein's vs Colonel Parker's management styles, delving into respective filmographies, and of course, the Beatles songs Elvis did, and vice versa. Fun fact: Song of the Week next week will feature the 250th Elvis Presley song we've covered on TCBCast! Be sure to check out Antony and Glass Onion: On John Lennon over at https://soundcloud.com/glassonionjlpod

Justin & Gurdip are joined this week by radio personality and longtime TCBCast listener David "Ghosty" Wills to discuss one of the most underrated and misunderstood eras of Elvis' career: the two years leading up to the famous NBC TV Special. Beneath the formulaic movies, poorly constructed soundtrack albums, and a generally well-received gospel album, those who look deeper can find an artist rediscovering the styles and sounds that originally inspired him... long before the conventionally accepted "reawakening."

Here is an Elvis Presley rediscovering hard-hitting R&B tunes, crossing classic and contemporary country licks, and digging the output of newcomers like Bob Dylan alongside old heroes like Roy Hamilton. This will be a TCBCast you don't want to miss out on! Also, Chapter 6 of our continuing review of "Elvis: What Happened".

Then, for Song of the Week, Ghosty shares the various versions of the 70s country weeper "There's A Honky Tonk Angel" while Gurdip demands, "Don't Forbid Me" from talking about Elvis missing out on a Pat Boone hit. Finally, Justin wraps up with the brief but funky "Nothingville," recorded specially for the famous "Road Medley" segment of the 1968 NBC Special.

Featured Songs of the Week:

David "Ghosty" Wills: There's A Honky-Tonk Angel

Gurdip: Don't Forbid Me

Justin: Nothingville

Justin & Gurdip start off 2021 and Season 4 of TCBCast reacting to Peloton's new exclusive Elvis remixes, then examining the first five chapters of the infamous 1977 book "Elvis: What Happened" by Steve Dunleavy, Dave Hebler and Red & Sonny West, as selected by TCBCast listeners.

Justin points out the importance of context; particularly Dunleavy's long history in the right-wing tabloid media sphere, but also acknowledging his strength as a writer. Gurdip ponders whether the karate experts in the book are really as lethal as they say, and both guys consider the deeper moral questions raised by the book. Is there a difference between excusing or simply acknowledging Elvis' behavior, and can you do either while also celebrating his cultural contributions? And how are the most salacious stories Dunleavy used to shock America's perception of Elvis tied in with broader socio-political issues, such as America's modern opioid problem and the hyper-masculine culture Elvis grew up in? All heady stuff for a first glance, and not something we typically cover. From here on out, we'll be reviewing the book roughly one chapter per episode while other main topics resume. (A Personal note from Justin: Please let us know what you think of our approach to this content. As we discuss in the show, we are here to examine how and why historical events happened, and how they're specifically depicted in this telling. We trust our listeners to participate in thoughtful and respectful discussion about the contents of this ongoing segment.)

For Song of the Week, Justin starts 2021 off with an affirmative, uplifting deep cut from 60 years ago, the beautiful "Starting Today." Gurdip, on the other hand, highlights "Don't Ask Me Why" from 1958's King Creole soundtrack.

As 2020 winds down, Ryan joins Gurdip & Justin for an absolute whopper of an episode: our first-ever in-depth discussion of one of Elvis' 1970s concerts. Since its bootleg release the year Elvis died, the Pittsburgh New Year's Eve show from 1976 has claimed in some circles as perhaps the last great Elvis Presley concert. Armed with the "New Year's Eve" FTD and the "Final Countdown to Midnight" bootleg DVD, the guys try to examine whether the widespread belief that Elvis simply didn't care about performing anymore by 1976 holds water in light of this concert's expanded setlist, engaging audience interactions, and overall tone.

Then, for Song of the Week, Ryan selects 1962's "Suspicion," which causes Gurdip to relive his trauma with the Terry Stafford cover. Gurdip demands that we "Give HIM The Right" to spotlight a deep cut pop tune from 1961's "Something for Everyone" album, and Justin is "Playing for Keeps" when he chooses an underrated but beloved 50s ballad. We wish all our listeners a Happy New Year - despite all the turmoil of 2020, we've gone on an amazing ride together this year and we hope 2021 is even better. Thank you for listening to TCBCast!

In 1971, Elvis laid down his second holiday-themed album, full of both traditional hymns and then-contemporary originals. The question is whether, despite the classic "Merry Christmas Baby," does the rest of the album hold up if you don't grade it on the Christmas Curve? In the news, the guys discuss the recent passing of country artist Charley Pride, Justin provides his in-depth review of the new book "Walk A Lonely Street: Elvis Presley, Country Music, and the True Story of Heartbreak Hotel" from author Tony Plews, then gives a long-awaited answer to a listener question about why he doesn't call Elvis "The King of Rock'n'Roll."

Finally, Gurdip plucks a highly underrated track off "Elvis for Everyone" for Song of the Week and says "Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers," while Justin explores the unexpectedly deep roots and variants of the Sun-era "Just Because." We hope our listeners have a wonderful and safe holiday!

For a bit of holiday fun, join Justin & Gurdip as they discuss topics from across the fields of TV, film, games and music. Gurdip fills us in on his recent viewings of Fargo, Justin discusses why The Mandalorian connects so well to all three Star Wars trilogies, and both examine the effect of subscription services on the increasingly fractured audiences. Justin dives into Cyberpunk 2077's problematic release, Gurdip talks his recent deep dives into Marvel Unlimited's archives of old series and both ponder how the upcoming Elvis graphic novel will fare.

Then, for Song of the Week, Gurdip spotlights Tupac's heartfelt posthumous hit "Thugz Mansion" while Justin breaks out his cowboy hat and spurs for the controversial Garth Brooks recording "The Thunder Rolls." We hope you enjoy this experiment outside Elvis. Next week, we review "The Wonderful World of Christmas" and the following week we're joined by Ryan Droste for a look at the New Year's Eve 1976 show!

Justin & Gurdip are busy toodling away at something different for a bonus episode you'll get later this week, but never fear! Golden Songs of the Week are here! Whether you're revisiting these or hadn't gone back and listened to them yet, here are the Songs of the Week from Episodes 26-30. Normally, we wouldn't have a compilation be this long but since #30 ends with "I'm Leavin'" and we discuss Joe Var Veri's cover in detail during it, and we just had Joe guest on the show, we thought it was the most fitting end for this one!

Featured Songs of the Week include: Lover Doll, Run On, Wear My Ring Around Your Neck, It Hurts Me, Bossa Nova Baby, Steppin' Out of Line, I'm Leavin' as well as Eddie Cochran's Summertime Blues, Nancy Sinatra's These Boots are Made for Walkin', and Fire Down Below, the song Elvis' band cut in 1976 with the hopes Elvis might put a vocal down, but never quite got to. We hope you enjoy this look back at some of our earlier Songs of the Week from our first year!

Justin & Gurdip find that Santa has delivered them another gift of Elvis-themed novelty songs. From tracks poking fun at obsessive Elvis fans to a calypso-styled defense of Elvis' hip-shaking, the world of Elvis novelty records has some surprises in store!

Then, for Song of the Week, Gurdip discusses the one-off live version of Bo Diddley's "Hey Bo Diddley" Elvis did in 1976 while Justin points out the similarities between 1960's "Forget Me Never" and Elvis' 1953 Memphis Recording Service acetates.

This week Justin & Gurdip are joined by musician, songwriter and Elvis enthusiast Joe Var Veri, who's known on YouTube for his unique covers of Elvis and other classic rock acts as well as original material. Hailing originally from Melbourne, Australia, Joe deep dives Elvis' creative process as a musician, the value of live performing as an artist, and highlights some of his most memorable recordings, including his version of "I'm Leavin'," which was given the stamp of approval by songwriter Michael Jarret. If you'd like to hear more of Joe, check out joevarveri.com and youtube.com/joevarveri. We also recommend checking out material from his wife, comedian Veronica Mosey, at veronicamosey.com.

Then, for Song of the Week, Justin brings to light the many Elvis connections to the currently popular "1940s rapping but wait for ittttt" video featuring gospel group The Jubalaires. Later known as the Jubilee Four, bass singer George McFadden served as one of the only artists Elvis ever sang backup for in the studio on "The Climb" from 1964's "Viva Las Vegas." So much cool history here in this one! Then, inspired by the From Elvis in Nashville set, Gurdip surprises with his pick of the bluegrass classic (and Elvis deep cut) "A Hundred Years from Now."