Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the 80s
Elvis Presley died 30 years ago this week, which means the King never got to experience the music of the 80s. (Though I'm not sure I could handle listening to his rendition of "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.")
I've traveled to Memphis several times, but have never been tempted to visit Graceland. For one, the only 
Presley I'd like to commune with is Lisa Presley. And second, if I wanted to see rooms decorated in animal prints and munch on fried peanut butter sandwiches, I'd visit Times pop music critic Sean Daly's house.
But though I find no fascination in Elvis, plenty of 80s artists did. The Residents covered more than a dozen Elvis songs. But they're not alone.
Favorite Elvis Presley songs covered by 80s artists:
- Viva Las Vegas -- Dead Kennedys, Bruce Springsteen, ZZ Top
- Don't Be Cruel -- Cheap Trick, Bryan Ferry, Devo
- Can't Help Falling in Love -- UB40, Lick the Tins, Corey Hart, Richard Marx, Bruce Springsteen, U2
- Jailhouse Rock -- The Blues Brothers, John Mellencamp, ZZ Top
- Love Me Tender -- Holly Johnson
- Suspicious Minds -- U2
- Mystery Train -- Stray Cats
- Faded Love -- Wall of Voodoo
- Heartbreak Hotel -- The Clash
Relive the music, movies and culture of the greatest decade ever with Times online editor Steve Spears. A teen during the decade, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to Reaganomics.
E-mail Steve Spears:
Rick,
The thing about our winters is that they only last about five minutes, whereas the summer stretches on forever. But why am I telling you this? You're from Arizona.
Posted by: Johnny B. Goode | August 17, 2007 at 01:23 PM
Maybe a stretch but don't forget Dread Zeppelin:
Heartbreaker (At The End of Lonely Street)
Black/Hound Dog
Oh wait - that album came out in '90. My bad.
Posted by: Brad | August 17, 2007 at 12:32 PM
Don't forget Fine Young Cannibals take on "Suspicious Minds."
(I was in Memphis Jan/Feb '07 for the International Blues Competition when it was freezing and even snowed! What season do you call that, Johnny B., "woeful winter"? It's a great town, nonetheless. We even spent a couple of days at Elvis' old stomping grounds, Sun Studios.)
Posted by: Rick in Scottsdale | August 17, 2007 at 12:07 PM
Yes, you've been to Memphis, but how recently, Steve?
You're missing our fifth season, which we call "super summer."
Posted by: Johnny B. Goode | August 17, 2007 at 11:25 AM