Despite the fact

That the anniversary of Elvis' death was last Thursday, I have immersed myself in the cult of Presley for the last week or so - to be more accurate, I would have to admit for the last 10 years or so- but who's counting? Most of you think I'm crazy and obsessed (or maybe you think this is just a joke?), but I would like to clarify my interest...

Yes, I believe that he was one of the most gifted musical talents of the 20th Century - hands down - but I also think his life and story are an excellent example of modern tragedy. Perhaps a cautionary tale. For those of you who would dismiss him as a drug addict that got what he deserved...I just don't have enough space to refute this claim. He was a good man who got caught up in his own myth. Did he believe his own hype? Definitely. Was he someone that abused his body and shunned help? Yes. Was he a good person that tried to help those that were in need? Absolutely.

So, lets recap. I'm not a crazy fan that thinks he could do no wrong. I just think the good outweighs the bad.

New to Elvis? Here are the top five songs you should commit to your music library:
1. Suspicious Minds (all-time favorite)
2. It's Now or Never (I believe it fully displays his vocal range)
3. That's All Right [Mama] (The song he was first famous for)
4. If I Can Dream (although not one of my favorites, it was one of Elvis' and it is a powerful song)
5. Can't Help Falling in Love (don't get me started on why this song is just too much)

January 8, 1935-August 16, 1977

Thirty years since the death of The King. My favorite song is "Suspicious Minds" and the link below is from one of his concerts before his...decline.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTYg2Q-vDJ0

A Question of Loyalty and Elvis

Two topics today, folks.

First: I like to think of myself as a loyal person. One that feels the hurt of other people and tries to support them when they've been wronged. How far does this go? This week, I've offered to never go back to one of my favorite restaurants. That's a big deal for me, but it is still a matter of being loyal. If I think there is a legitimate reason for how a friend feels about a certain person, place, or thing...I try to support them. Just a note.

Second: I am finishing up the second volume of an Elvis biography that I have been working on reading for the last several months. The total page count is a little under 1200 pages, but I am a fan and I want to know as much about The King as possible. It's a great read, but a little disillusioning. The author, Peter Guralnick, really explores EVERY aspect of his life and a lot of it is quite depressing. I knew he was a philanderer and super strung out on drugs, but it was much worse. And so very sad. I think I'm a little obsessed as this is my fifth Elvis bio in the last four months...and I have another one waiting in the wings. I will totally kick ass at my Elvis trivia game that I own and intend on making people play.

I'm going to take a trip...

I have decided that I'm not getting any younger (part of this realization comes from the fact that my loving friends keep reminding me) and I need to take a trip. I want to go to Memphis and visit Graceland. I can't be a fan of Elvis and never visit his hallowed home. I'm not sure when I am taking this trip, but I have the itinerary slightly planned out. I will arrive at Graceland and spend many hours enjoying the abode of The King. After my time at Graceland I am going to move on to Tunica, MS and gamble (and probably have a few adult beverages). Ahhh, Elvis, gambling, and drinking. What more do you want?