TCBCast: An Unofficial Elvis Presley Fan Podcast

Bec and John pitched Justin on the idea of assigning them ANY album from across Elvis's entire discography, from any time or country, and the two of them would have to try to make the case that their pick is better than the other's, even if it may challenge them to do so.
So Bec was assigned the #1 2016 UK album "The Wonder of You with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra," the sequel release to "If I Can Dream," which we have not covered on TCBCast before! Produced by Nick Patrick, Don Reedman and Priscilla Presley, same as the first volume, which Bec really liked, can she make the case that it's a strong listen - or was there are precipitous drop-off in experimentation in favor of an overly safe, commercial follow-up, featuring recognizable hits like "Suspicious Minds," "Kentucky Rain" and "Always On My Mind"?
John, on the other hand, being an avid study of Elvis' gospel music, was assigned the 2018 album "Where No One Stands Alone," a #1-charting album from the US's Top Christian Albums, which John had never listened to before except for the title duet with album co-producer Lisa Marie Presley. Although original backing vocalists who worked with Elvis such as Darlene Love, Cissy Houston, Bill Baize, Terry Blackwood, Armond Morales, Ed Hill, Jim Murray, Larry Stickland and Donnie Sumner were brought back to add authenticity to the project, the new arrangements by producer Andy Childs reflected contemporary changes in the field of American gospel music that when applied to Elvis' songs... well, let's say John will have his work cut out for him making a strong case for it being the better record. (Note from Justin: "Where No One Stands Alone" had been briefly reviewed at release on a very early episode of TCBCast, which Gurdip & I would probably re-evaluate our opinions from as well with hindsight.)
For Song of the Week, John takes the opportunity of just having passed Easter to reflect on Elvis' interpretation of Shirl Milete's "Life," which was released as a single in 1971, and explores how its "Christianity-by-New-Age" approach may have resonated with Elvis' spiritual perspective on life, love and creativity. Then Bec digs into Pomus-Shuman's "Night Rider," featured on both the Pot Luck album and in the film "Tickle Me," highlighting its eerie lyrics despite its deceptively upbeat arrangement.
If you enjoy TCBCast, please consider supporting us with a donation at Patreon.com/TCBCast. Your support allows us to continue to provide thoughtful, provocative, challenging and well-researched perspectives on Elvis's career, his peers and influences, and his cultural impact and legacy.

There's an old saying that when life hands you lemons, make lemonade - Bec, Ryan and Olivia challenge themselves to make the most out of the weakest films in Elvis' cinematic canon, spotlighting their favorite and most redeeming musical performances from their least favorite Elvis movies.
For Song of the Week, Olivia deep-dives the fascinating history of what, for Elvis, was a throwaway goof during the making of That's The Way It Is, as "Froggy Went A-Courtin'" evolved from cutting political satire to folk tradition and finally to children's song. 
Then, Ryan celebrates the songwriting strengths of Elvis's buddy Red West, picking "If You Think I Don't Need You" from the soundtrack of 1964's iconic "Viva Las Vegas." 
If you enjoy TCBCast, please consider supporting us with a donation on Patreon. Your support allows us to continue to provide thoughtful, provocative, challenging and well-researched perspectives on Elvis's career, his peers and influences, and his cultural impact and legacy.

Bec is joined this week by John Michael Heath to rank their all-time favorite co-stars from across Elvis's Hollywood career. From Debra Paget to Mary Tyler Moore, which ladies made the cut? You'll just have to give it a listen and find out...
For Song of the Week, Bec spotlights the playful "Cross My Heart and Hope to Die" from 1965's "Girl Happy." Then John reflects on the somber brilliance of Elvis's interpretation of the classic folk tune "Danny Boy" - including his 1958 home recordings and the beloved 1976 "Jungle Room" version.
If you enjoy TCBCast, please consider supporting us with a donation at Patreon.com/TCBCast. Your support allows us to continue to provide thoughtful, provocative, challenging and well-researched perspectives on Elvis's career, his peers and influences, and his cultural impact and legacy.

Gurdip, Justin, Bec, Ryan and Olivia reflect on 400 episodes of TCBCast, discussing our favorite music, movie, Elvis influence episodes, songs of the week and even our favorite Gurdip moments. 
We also pay homage to a dearly missed friend. 
Oh, and Justin made a couple new Elvis discoveries that we bring up right at the end that we guarantee you've never heard before.
Thank you to all of our fellow Elvis fans, music and film history enthusiasts and friends who've followed us so far. We're so immensely grateful to Elvis Presley for his work and cultural contributions that has meant so much to us and has brought such wonderful people and experiences into our lives, and connected us all to you.

Olivia joins Justin this week for a meaty follow-up to our EPiC review. Not only does she chime in with her thoughts and observations from her viewing experience, the duo also read and react to all of YOUR many wonderful emails, comments and submitted audio reviews of the film from TCBCast's Patreon supporters. 
Then, Song of the Week IS BACK, BABY!! Olivia, taking cues from EPiC, is feeling the "Sweet Inspiration," discussing the history behind the iconic hit recording by The Sweet Inspirations, its American Sound connections, and the time during the August 1970 engagement (narrowly missed by the TTWII film crew) that Elvis sang it to the Sweets, live on stage! 
Justin couldn't let the news slip by that Neil Sedaka had passed away, so he reflects on Elvis' 1976 interpretation of Neil's heartbreaking "Solitaire," and deliberates over whether Elvis' own preferred recording process by '76 may have accidentally led to a more claustrophobic final arrangement. They also consider the value of Bergen White's orchestrations and the thematic resonance Elvis may have felt with co-writer Phil Cody's lyrics.
Thank you to all of our listeners for your support coming up on 400 episodes, and especially to our TCBCast patrons who wrote in to provide their insights and reactions to EPiC. We loved hearing all your perspectives!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro & Olivia's Review
17:45 - Patron & Collaborator Reviews of EPiC
1:25:30 - SOTW: Sweet Inspiration
1:43:31 - SOTW: Solitaire