20-02-2010, 22:12
I haven't come across any good threads about Elvis and am curious as to how others think of him. I quoted a prominent rock critic, Greil Marcus, writing about Elvis' cultural significance as it appeared to him in the 70s. For the most part I agree with him. How could he be considered the king of rock and roll if he didn't write his own music. However he demonstrated a superior understanding to the styles which make up rock and roll by choosing great songs and delivering emotional performances.
--Greil Marcus--
[. . .] How could he take it seriously? How could anyone create when all one has to do is appear? 'He looks like Elvis Presley!' cried a friend, when the Big E stormed forth in an explosion of flashbulbs and cheers. . .It is as if there is nothing Elvis could do to overshadow a performance of his myth. And so he performs from a distance, laughing at his myth, throwing it away only to see it roar back and trap him once again. . .There is great satisfaction in his performance, and great emptiness
--Greil Marcus--
[. . .] How could he take it seriously? How could anyone create when all one has to do is appear? 'He looks like Elvis Presley!' cried a friend, when the Big E stormed forth in an explosion of flashbulbs and cheers. . .It is as if there is nothing Elvis could do to overshadow a performance of his myth. And so he performs from a distance, laughing at his myth, throwing it away only to see it roar back and trap him once again. . .There is great satisfaction in his performance, and great emptiness