A Perfect Song: Elvis Presley, Hound Dog
Much rock and roll draws direct lineage from this Elvis Presley hit — two minutes of pure rock perfection, with one chord progression repeated eight times — but it’s hardly boring. There are some inspired instrumental choices behind a brash Elvis vocal resulting in an awesome song that still sounds cocky today.
Elvis is displeased with someone, and insults this individual by comparing them to a hound dog; maybe the same person who stepped on his shoes. There’s talk about not catching rabbits, not being high-class, and crying all the time. It’s unclear if this is a former lover or a male friend. But while the lyrics revolve around the subject’s inferiority, the music takes a direct approach.
It’s a straight-ahead rock number, armed with drums, bass, guitar, hand-claps, and Elvis. During the first three verses, the pulsing spark and bite of the guitar provides counterpoint to Elvis’ lead vocal. But what really sells it for me lies waiting at the end of each verse: a machine-gun spray of snare drum. This raucous sound is a true rock and roll milestone — basically a rebellious noise that still has bite today. The rat-a-tat-tat throws us off kilter, and allows the band to drop out completely so Elvis’ boisterous voice can lead us into the next verse. I’m sure many a parent heard that noise and thought rock was garbage — providing the contrary vitality beneath rock music, the rhythm and sneer.
The chord progression is repeated three times, and before we know it, we’re in a guitar solo. The instrumentation opens up wide up to background vocals, no hand claps, and a ride cymbal. There’s just enough treble on the high guitar notes to cut through the fuller sound.
After another verse, another revelation occurs: a second guitar solo — as if it’s already known we want to hear this song again.
After two more verses, we’re spent. The last blast of snare drums feature Elvis mumbling “You ain’t nothing but a…” as if to coldly dismiss the thought of ever talking to this worthless former acquaintance again. But during the very last two guitar chords ending the song, I want to give this tune another spin.
Some additional bits of trivia: Hound Dog was originally recorded by Big Mama Thornton. A television performance of Hound Dog proved controversial because of Elvis’ “gyrations.” It was a number one hit for 11 weeks.
iTunes Store Link: Hound Dog — Elvis: 30 #1 Hits
Jason,
I gotta say your reviews of the ‘perfect’ songs are some of my favourite bits of your site (even if, so far, you’ve shamelessly snubbed ‘Walking on Sunshine’). I wish you’d do more of them.
Dan
Heh… as you can see I’m trying to get back into them. Seeings how I’m nearing the end of my James Bond Movie Marathon, my bandwith is freeing up to do more music stuff …
Thanks for visiting!
That’s a very nice early 65th birthday present for me, thank you very much! “Hound Dog” by Elvis was the first record I bought, a HMV 78rpm version in 1957. It was soon worn out. The other side too, which was also an Elvis classic, “Don’t Be Cruel” with the unforgettable Scotty Moore guitar intro. Now that song cushioned the powerful Rock ‘n’ Roll impact of “Hound Dog”, and was actually appreciated by the, “Squares” of the time
It probably goes without saying but I wasn’t around when the original came out (I’m in my thirties). So what did your parents think about the song?
I also thought I was funny to read about how people thought Elvis’ pelvis was scary… and now Prince gets some complaints about the Super Bowl. Times don’t change too much when it comes to rock and roll.
Parents and many people two or three years older than 15 year olds in 1957 thought “Hound Dog” was atrocious! It was to fast, to loud, too exciting for them. They were too accustomed to the softer crooners like Crosby, Sinatra, Perry Como and Dean Martin etc, or tenors like Mario Lanza:-)
The same adults slowly but surely grudgingly admitted Elvis could sing when they heard his quieter ballads. “Love Me Tender” won many over.
The song “It’s Now or Never” by Elvis in 1960 ” silenced just about all his critics…at least those not tone deaf
Elvis’s Gospel music surprised the life out of people. What an amazing and versatile singer he was!
A world with the likes of Ludwig Van Beethoven and Elvis at his best, just cannot disappoint!
Hound Dog Was Perfect for 1950’s, someone said That Elvis Will Still Singing Hound Dog In 1976 that’s was say in 1956. The pertect Song for Elvis In 1960’s There so much them. Suspicious Minds Is top one
for 1960’s, suspicious Minds almost wasn’t Recorded by Elvis, He was tried recording songs when Suspicious Minds Came To play.
The American SEssions is his best recordings .
The 1970’s came Elvis Is back On Tour for 7 years of tour Elvis Do least stuido recordings, THe perfect song for Elvis THat Era is “My Way”, THe first time We hear “My Way” On REcords Was “Alona From Hawaii” Record in 1973, Elvis use The “My Way” in Las Vegas In 1972 Shows. We never know that He Recording song In Studio THe Essenatial 1970’s Master Recordings box set come out In 1997, It’s Was sweet To hear The Studio Version. The 1977 Live Version is more Powerful song, with Elvis be ill his voice see better .
Hound Dog Is true Classic Songs Of Rock and Roll era.
Thomas, I also recently did a post on Suspicious Minds. I really love that Elvis song, too.
It’s neat to read some history about Elvis. I should pick up a book about him. I don’t know much of the story behind his hits, as I’m in my thirties.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
heyy its ur boy’s best friend of elvis luv dis c.d. its rocken
hound dog is not one of Elvis’s origanle songs it was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and originally recorded by Willa Mae “Big Mama” Thornton so if all you people think it was written by elvis and first recorded by him well you are wrong. sorry to tell you
Jonathan, that is widely known by the vast majority of Elvis Presley fans.
Elvis Presley’s version is the Classic version by a mile. It sold millions!!!
I’m too busy with a Ludwig Van Beethoven story which you can see on the link, to reply at length.
I did make a note at the bottom of my article who recorded the original version.
Thanks for visiting and commenting though. Obviously Elvis still has a lot of legs even decades after the original song.
ok im sorry if i mad people mad i just wanted to make a point but im not really a elvis fan im more into The Who and Mississippi John Hurt and Big mama thornton and the stones so i have never really heard elvis’s songs.
That’s OK Jonathan. It took me awhile to discover how great Beethoven’s music actually is.
Elvis Presley is remembered to this day for good reason. TV will devote a month to him next August.
The quote of John Lennon: “Before Elvis, there was nothing.” says it all about that great artist of all times.
Here I’ve tried to collect all notable tributes paid to Elvis Presley by peers: http://www.tributespaid.com/quotes-on/elvis-pre…