If Elvis Presley Was Alive Today, What Songs Would He Be Covering?

Elvis Presley, like Frank Sinatra, was first and foremost an interpreter of song. Sometimes, if you listen to the original "Blue Moon Of Kentucky for instance, A re-arranger of songs so thoroughly, he , indeed, just about rewrote them. Compare Presley's take on the blues with his contemporary Pat Boone for a clear idea as to how completely he could own a song. So what would a current album be like? My friend, rock critic Amy Freeman suggested "Bitter Sweet Symphony", "Time Of Your Life", "Creep" and "Rehab". I think he'd say no no no to that particular Amy and so choose another. So with no further ado, here  is Presley's latest release, 2011's  Love's Gonna Make It Alright

1. One – U2 – Somewhere else today, Alyson has Bono at  # 2 of her rock and roll assholes lists, here he is the top of a better one. "One" is the definable post Presley humanism anthem, and Presley would shake it down.

2. Whenever God Shines His Light On Me – Van Morrison With Cliff Richard – Cliff was the English Elvis, but Cliff's touch was light indeed. Elvis would take Van's part and Cliff remain the same. I'd pay hard cash to hear it.

3. Brilliant Disguise – Bruce Springsteen – "Elvis," Bruce once said, "Now there was a heartnbreaker." Elvis would pursue the dark country of Tunnel Of Love over and above the overused Born In The USA. Though… couldn't you imagine Elvis on "Fire" or "I'm On Fire"?

4. Bye Bye Johnny – Chuck Berry – C'mon, Chuck wrote it for him.

5. Can't Believe Remix – T-Pain And Justin Timberlake – I realize I am asking for a leap of imagination, not least because of the key. But with real orchestration, bringing down an octave for the King's voice and pump it up, I can really see Presley clearing this.

6. Love's Gonna Make It Alright – George Strait – Because Presley loved country and this is pure country.

7. Toledo – Elvis Costello – As well written a song as you wil ever, ever hear.  Maybe a little wordy for Presley, but he would love Bacharah's arrangement.

8. Everybody Hurts – REM – A no doubter, the sort of anthem Presley could always do.

9. Build. Destroy. Rebuild – Hanni El Khatib – Because,, Presley can still rock and this spare rock sounds like 50s rock filtered thru Stephen Stills.

10. Every Grain Of Sand – Bob Dylan – It wouldn't be the first time Presley would've covered Dylan. My bet? This one he would have sung.

11. Tears Dry On Their Own – Amy Winehouse – Hey, maybe they're singing it now in rock and roll heaven