PUNK RAWK ELVIS
"Punk Rawk Elvis" EP (Billy Chivo Records)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
You might have thought that Elvis Presley has had more than his hunka hunka burnin' pile of parody piled upon him already, but then along comes Punk Rawk Elvis and you realize that, nope, there's plenty more to be had.
Punk Rawk Elvis is five different Elvis's (listed below) and a couple of hotties who, as you may have guessed, do punk rock covers of classic Elvis tunes, as well as an original here and there. On this three track EP, you'll find Punk Rawk Elvis versions of "Wonder of You," "Devil in Disguise" and "My Way."
What's cool about Punk Rawk Elvis is that the songs are really, truly, seriously, punk rock songs. Yeah, they're old Elvis Presley tunes, but they've been re-tooled and performed with a fun punk rock attitude that makes them not only funny but honestly entertaining. There's a secret to the band's success here: Punk Rawk Elvis contains former members of legendary bands like Ill Repute, Stalag 13, NOFX, and Slam Alice.
Still, as fun as this CD is (and I am really looking forward to a full-length from this band), their live show has got to top it. Imagine, five hip musicians dressed up in various styles of Elvis Presley costumes, rocking out to the King of Rock'n'Roll's music in a way he never could have imagined it. (And let's not forget the two "booty-shakers," either. That's entertainment, baby!).
Punk Rawk Elvis is just twisted enough, fun enough and well-crafted enough to turn into a weird sort of hit. The band is playing in Las Vegas later this month and, if there's anyplace a band like Punk Rawk Elvis will hit it big, it's Vegas. I wish I was going to be in town for that show!
Punk Rawk Elvis: Elvis Knievel - sings the songs and acquires prescriptions mama baby!; Elvis Sinatra - bangin' the drums and your mother; Elvis Priestly 90210 - handlin' the bass duties, spies on his naked sister; Elvis Vicious - guitar solos of enduring beauty and great strength; Elvis of Nazareth - guitars/vocals/spiritual leadership/etc etc etc; PrissZilla - backup singer/booty shaker; Jackie Ohh! - backup singer/booty shaker.
For more information, check out www.myspace.com/punkrawkelvis.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2007 by R. Scott Bolton. All
rights reserved.
Revised: 11 Nov 2024 11:53:41 -0500
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