Elvis Presley – A Little Less Conversation

Introduction

A Little Less Talk, A Lot More Action: The Enduring Legacy of Elvis’s “A Little Less Conversation”

Elvis Presley’s 1968 song “A Little Less Conversation” is more than just a catchy tune. It’s a track with two distinct lives, each contributing to its enduring legacy.

The song’s origin story begins with songwriters Mac Davis and Billy Strange. They crafted the energetic melody and the now-iconic lyrics “A little less conversation, a little more action please” in 1968. Elvis Presley soon recorded the song for the film “Live a Little, Love a Little,” a romantic comedy where he played a photographer. The film itself wasn’t a major hit, but “A Little Less Conversation” fit the lighthearted mood perfectly. The original version, with its rockabilly rhythm and Elvis’s signature vocals, became a minor hit and a solid album track.

However, the song’s true explosion of popularity came decades later. In 2001, Dutch musician Tom Holkenborg, better known as Junkie XL, remixed “A Little Less Conversation.” This high-energy remix, featuring a prominent dance beat and a focus on the song’s most recognizable elements, became a global sensation. The “JXL Remix” was used in the remake of the heist film “Ocean’s Eleven,” propelling the song back into the spotlight. It topped charts worldwide and introduced a whole new generation to Elvis Presley’s music.

Today, “A Little Less Conversation” exists in two worlds. The original version is a fun snapshot of Elvis’s film work, while the JXL Remix is a dance floor anthem. This duality speaks to the song’s versatility and its ability to capture the essence of both classic rock and roll and modern electronic music. So, whether you prefer the smooth swagger of the original or the pulsating energy of the remix, “A Little Less Conversation” remains a testament to Elvis Presley’s enduring impact on music.

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