Topic: Elvis Presley

Author and "Rock and Roll Detective" Jim Birkenstadt donates to the show and shares his book, "Mysteries in the Music: Case Closed." The book investigates historical conspiracies, including whether the CIA attempted to assassinate Bob Marley and the FBI's investigation into the lyrics of "Louie Louie." Host John C. Dvorak reminisces about his time at KFJC radio and his own collection of "Louie Louie" covers.

A re-watching of the 1963 Elvis Presley film "Blue Hawaii" leads to a discussion about the overt misogyny and casual cruelty toward women depicted in the movie. The hosts describe scenes of Elvis's character being physically aggressive and demeaning toward female characters, noting how much social standards have shifted since the film's release.

A satirical discussion explored potential modern replacements for the U.S. National Anthem to better reflect contemporary culture. Candidates included Toby Keith's "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue," Miley Cyrus's "Party in the U.S.A.," and Elvis Presley's "Promised Land." The hosts suggested that an Elvis song would be particularly effective because every American town has an impersonator available to perform at sporting events.

Following the death of Muhammad Ali, his legacy is compared to Elvis Presley, specifically regarding how the U.S. government used the military draft to manage "societal disruptors." The discussion notes that Ali's physical decline was significantly impacted by his fights with Joe Frazier, particularly the "Thrilla in Manila." Frazier's aggressive boxing style is credited with causing the brain damage Ali suffered later in life.

A review of the 1963 Elvis Presley film Blue Hawaii reveals what is described as shocking levels of misogyny and casual mistreatment of women. The film is compared to Breakfast at Tiffany's, with the hosts noting how much cultural standards have shifted since the early 1960s. The commentary highlights specific scenes involving Elvis's character being dismissive of his girlfriend and the use of "little slaves" in the film's Hawaiian setting.

Adam Curry recounts his travels through Mississippi, visiting "Rhino the Bearded" near Tupelo. The visit included a demonstration of a "Rubens tube" (a propane-powered acoustic flame device), authentic Mississippi hot wings with Arkansas sauce, and a night of singing country songs and playing pool.

The travelogue continues with a visit to Smithville, Mississippi, to view the destruction from the April 27th tornado. The hosts also compare the Elvis Presley birthplace in Mississippi to Graceland, noting the affordability and authenticity of the two-room structure where the singer was born.

Michael Jackson topped the Forbes list of top-earning dead celebrities, making $275 million in 2009. The hosts discuss Jackson's ownership of half of Sony Music Publishing and revisit theories that he was murdered for his valuable music catalog. They criticize the media for continuing to make jokes about Jackson's past legal troubles.

A British television movie dramatized the true story of a council worker who embezzled £200,000 to fund a massive Elvis Presley memorabilia collection. The hosts criticize the production for attempting to make the criminal appear sympathetic by focusing on her loneliness and personal tragedies.

John C. Dvorak describes his visit to Memphis, comparing its music scene to Nashville's and recounting a stay at a Holiday Inn with a great basement band. He shares his impressions of Graceland, noting that Elvis Presley's home was smaller than expected and reminded him of Bill Gates' first house.