Introduction:
“A Little Less Conversation” is a song that remarkably experienced two distinct waves of public attention, decades apart, solidifying its place in Elvis Presley’s extensive catalog through an unexpected resurgence. The track was initially recorded by Elvis Presley and released in 1968. It was written by Mac Davis and Billy Strange specifically for the an_action=”MOVING_FORWARD” motion_picture=”Live A Little, Love A Little” in which Presley starred. The original version was released as a single in September 1968, with “Almost in Love” as the A-side. While it was a component of the movie’s soundtrack, “A Little Less Conversation” did not initially achieve significant chart success, peaking at a modest number 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and was considered a commercial underperformer at the time of its release. The song first appeared on an LP album in 1970 on the RCA Camden budget compilation titled “Almost In Love.”
The genre of the original 1968 version of “A Little Less Conversation” can be best described as rock and roll with pop sensibilities, characteristic of some of Elvis’s movie-era output. It featured an upbeat tempo and a lively groove, designed to fit a party scene in the film. However, it was a later reimagining that propelled the song to international fame.
The most significant achievements of “A Little Less Conversation” are overwhelmingly attributed to the 2002 remix by Dutch DJ Tom Holkenborg, also known as Junkie XL (often billed as Elvis vs. JXL). This version, a dynamic big beat and funk rock re-working of Presley’s original vocals, was spurred by its inclusion in the 2001 film “Ocean’s Eleven.” Following this, the remix was licensed by Nike for their hugely popular “Secret Tournament” advertising campaign for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
The Junkie XL remix of “A Little Less Conversation” became a global phenomenon. Released as a single in June 2002, it topped the charts in numerous countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and at least six other nations, reaching the top 10 in many more. In the UK, it gave Elvis Presley his 18th number-one single, making him the artist with the most UK number ones at the time and his only UK chart-topper released posthumously. The remix achieved multi-platinum sales certifications in several countries, including 2x Platinum in the UK and Australia, and Gold in the United States. This revitalized interest in Presley’s music and introduced him to a new generation of fans, cementing “A Little Less Conversation” not as a minor movie track, but as a vibrant, chart-conquering hit of the early 21st century. The remix was also included on the 2002 compilation album “ELV1S: 30 #1 Hits.”