Elvis & Michael live on through their music

I do not know when he did it but somewhere before his death more than a year ago, Michael Jackson jotted down these lines. We only live once. Since we are given the gift of life, it should be our persistent endeavor to immortalize ourselves, no matter what field of endeavor we choose.

Michael chose music for himself and after listening to his new album Michael and to Viva Elvis by Elvis Presley, I say that nothing guarantees immortality better than music. Just think, both Elvis and Michael have already departed for the great beyond, but here they are, as exciting as ever in these CDs. Thanks to their music and the wonders of technology.

Aside from his comeback tour This Is It, Michael was also working on a new album at the time of his death. In fact like most artists, he was constantly working, laying down tracks that might make up a future album. The legend is growing that he left hundreds behind. Given how technology can pretty much do anything to sound, fans can look forward to more of these posthumous CDs in the future. Here in Michael is the first batch.

He may not have done any new stuff for almost a decade. His last was Invincible in 2002, but Michael never lost his touch for a pop hit. The songs in this CD, which are simpler than usual, are hit materials and while he may not be all in good form vocally, it is still Michael you hear most of the time. Word is going around that it is not really Michael singing. I do not know if this is true or not. All I know is that Michael sounds like a Michael Jackson album.

It is rather laid back and not as perfect as he would have wanted it. But it delivers the goods, despite being a posthumous release made up of snippets, he would have never allowed to be released. Of course, I also cannot help but imagine what Michael could have done with these materials in the studio had he been given a chance. But I see no room for complaints about this album. Michael was such a natural with pretty melodies and there are plenty here. It is also great to find him collaborating with a surprising line-up of artists, Akon, 50 Cent and Lenny Kravitz.

The romantic (I Like) The Way You Love Me is the best of the lot, maybe because, it was previously included in his Ultimate Collection album. That means it is the most complete cut in the CD, and is the way Michael envisioned the finished version. Best Of Joy, which has the makings of a classic is another. He could have done wonders with this one.

The single release is the easy and catchy Hold My Hand, a duet with Akon. The other cuts are Hollywood Tonight; Keep Your Head Up; Monster, featuring 50 Cent; Breaking News; (I Can’t Make It) Another Day featuring Lenny Kravitz; Behind The Mask; and Much Too Soon.

Viva Elvis is another Cirque Du Soleil production. Remember how they also did Love with the music of the Beatles, remixed and mastered and in some cases also rearranged by George Martin who also produced many of the original recordings. Well, if the Beatles show was a success, then what’s to stop the Cirque Du Soleil from also doing a show using the music of Elvis Presley.

And so here is Viva Elvis, a sight and sound experience that was set to open at the new Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas this month in time for Elvis’ 75th birthday. The latest news have it that this opening has been moved to February, but that does not really matter. What does is that the music of Elvis is alive again in Las Vegas.

The vocals in the Viva Elvis soundtrack are the originals by Elvis, but all the arrangements are new. These are fantastic, and were created especially for the show. The result is simply amazing. I cannot help but think of how strong and totally ageless these songs are. And I am talking only from the sound point of view. Can you imagine what it would be like hearing the music while watching the show? Awesome probably.

Of course there is also an emotional factor involved in this reaction. It can’t be helped. Presley was an exceptional vocalist who could really involve listeners with his songs. Prepare for lots of goose pimples. Love Me Tender, pared down to basics and presented as a boy/girl duet is particularly affecting.

Also included are Blue Suede Shoes; That’s All Right; Heartbreak Hotel; King Creole; Bossa Nova Baby; Burning Love; Memories; Can’t Help Falling In Love, also a duet; You’ll Never Walk Alone; and for the grand finale, Suspicious Minds.