TCBCast: An Unofficial Elvis Presley Fan Podcast

Latest Episodes:

TCBCast 148: The Quiet Comeback: 1966-1968 feat. David "Ghosty" Wills Jan 12, 2021

Show notes

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

TCBCast 147: Elvis: What Happened? An Intro to TCBCast Book Club Jan 04, 2021

Show notes

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.

TCBCast 146: New Year's Eve 1976 feat. Ryan Droste Dec 29, 2020

Show notes

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!

TCBCast 145: Elvis Sings The Wonderful World of Christmas Dec 22, 2020

Show notes

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!

TCBCast Bonus #6: TCBCast NOW Dec 18, 2020

Show notes

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!

TCBCast 144: Golden Songs of the Week, Volume 6 Dec 15, 2020

Show notes

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!

TCBCast 143: Elvis Novelty Songs Part 2 Dec 08, 2020

Show notes

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.

TCBCast 142: Joe Var Veri Dec 01, 2020

Show notes

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."

TCBCast 141: Elvis' Best Album? That's The Way It Is (50th Anniversary Review) Nov 24, 2020

Show notes

While catching up with the hot new Sony Legacy release "From Elvis in Nashville," Justin & Gurdip are inspired to take a look at the first album comprised of material from those June 1970 sessions: That's The Way It Is. Blending live and studio cuts and bearing perhaps the most prominent influence of the 70s adult contemporary style (reflecting artists like BJ Thomas and Tom Jones), does the not-so-soundtrack album accompanying the documentary film stand on its own 50 years out from its original release? Where does it sit within Elvis' greater discography? And are there still new insights to glean from the songs?

All this and more in this week's TCBCast, plus Gurdip rings in the holiday season with "Here Comes Santa Claus" while Justin wraps up his tale of a 1962 movie cut with a "Happy Ending."

If you haven't done so yet, we highly recommend picking up or streaming on an official platform of your choice the new compilation set "From Elvis in Nashville." https://www.amazon.com/Elvis-Nashville-Presley/dp/B08928MGYK

TCBCast 140: Heartburn Motel - Heartbreak Hotel Review Pt. 2 feat. Hugh McKenna Nov 16, 2020

Show notes

Justin, Gurdip & Hugh continue their review of 1988's "Heartbreak Hotel." The fantasy of Elvis living the domestic life in small town Ohio wears thin as Gurdip laughs off the horrible impersonations and Hugh draws more comparisons between the film and other 80s classics. Justin, meanwhile, goes apoplectic from the leaps in logic and culturally problematic plot points.

Then, to cool everything off, Hugh flies us down to "Blue Hawaii" for Song of the Week. Justin picks the legendary 1972 classic "Always On My Mind" to definitively disprove the film's premise, and For the Millionth and (probably not) the Last Time, Gurdip spotlights an underrated favorite from the early 1960s.

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