The Real Vince Everett

It was often said that, in the '60s, Elvis Presley imitator Vince Everett made the records that Elvis should have been making. In fact, the two were sometimes making the same music. Both recorded "Such a Night," for example, and Everett's choice of cover material reflects a very similar sensibility as Elvis when Elvis was having his way. Everett's MGM sides are collected here (dubbed from vinyl), as well as a few later singles, including some on which he reverted to his real name, Marvin Benefield. All are solid rock and pop, Elvis style. This package will appeal to serious Elvis fans, who were probably Everett's biggest constituency even in his heyday, considering that he never had a national hit and is remembered alongside Ral Donner and Orion as one of the most blatant Elvis imitators. With lengthy liner notes and a detailed discography, the less-than-stellar sound quality is easy to forgive considering that this may be the only Vince Everett package to come down the pike for some time.