TCBCast 236: Elv1s: 30 #1 Hits 20th Anniversary Retrospective

On September 24, 2002, BMG unleashed what would become perhaps the most successful Elvis Presley release of the 21st century: 30 #1 Hits. To celebrate two decades since its milestone release, Justin and Gurdip look back at how producer David Bendeth overcame obstacles like deteriorating master tapes, poor documentation and missing elements to deliver a vibrant compilation that while massively successful, also proved controversial at the time to the most hardcore Elvis enthusiasts for its dynamic, modern mixes and mastering, technical issues and historical inaccuracies. 

Then, from the highest of highs of Elvis's career, we sink to the lowest of lows as Justin continues "Justin Explains Bad Elvis Movie Songs Month" by exploring the genuinely incredible and surprising history behind an 18th century comedic opera song and subsequent folk tune that eventually became known as "Old MacDonald," a version of which Elvis would record for the film "Double Trouble."

But as maligned as "Old MacDonald" is, despite how frequently it's cited as the worst song Elvis Presley ever recorded, nothing can prepare you for Gurdip hilariously running the premise of the month straight to its natural climax: "What Every Woman Lives For" from Frankie and Johnny, not only the actual worst song Elvis recorded, but the worst song ever written by hitmakers Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman.

We're committed to covering all the songs, and we had to do it someday. It just felt appropriate to do it tongue firmly planted in cheek, on the episode celebrating one of the most successful releases of Elvis's most brilliant, endearing and classic recordings. The good news is: things can only go up from here now. Song of the Week can never go lower. And we've had so much fun doing it.

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