Elvis On Velvet

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Elvis On Velvet" by Stray Cats from their 1992 album Choo Choo Hot Fish, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it. This track, the album’s first single, is a rockabilly tribute to Elvis Presley, capturing a nostalgic yet bittersweet vibe. The song’s lyrics paint vivid scenes of cruising down a highway with Elvis tunes blaring, juxtaposed with the kitschy image of Elvis immortalized on velvet paintings, evoking a mix of admiration and melancholy. Written by David Neuhauser, Monty Byrom, and Tommy Kimmel, it reached #197 in Australia and #66 in the Netherlands upon its release on May 22, 1992, by JRS Records. The album’s title comes from a now-demolished soul food fish restaurant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, near the Chattanooga Choo-Choo Hotel, a quirky nod to the band’s love for retro Americana.

One juicy tidbit about "Elvis On Velvet" comes from its production. Stray Cats initially worked with legendary producer Nile Rodgers for Choo Choo Hot Fish, but they scrapped those sessions to reunite with Dave Edmunds, who better captured their raw rockabilly sound. The song features electronic drums and bass on some tracks, a slight departure from their usual upright bass-driven style, showing their willingness to experiment while staying true to their roots. The Calgary Herald noted the album’s struggle to define its revivalist intent, questioning whether it harked back to classic rock ‘n’ roll or just the band’s own early ‘80s heyday, but fans embraced the track’s heartfelt Elvis homage. Guitar Player magazine praised the song’s intense guitar work, describing it as spitting and howling with energy, a testament to Brian Setzer’s virtuosity.

Stray Cats, formed in 1979 in Massapequa, New York, began as a trio of Long Island rebels—Brian Setzer (vocals, guitar), Lee Rocker (bass), and Slim Jim Phantom (drums)—obsessed with 1950s rockabilly in an era dominated by punk and new wave. Sporting pompadours, tattoos, and leather jackets, they looked like they stepped out of a time machine. Struggling to break through in the U.S., they moved to London in 1980, where the rockabilly revival scene embraced them. There, they caught the ear of producer Dave Edmunds, who helped craft their self-titled debut album in 1981 for Arista. Hits like “Runaway Boys,” “Rock This Town,” and “Stray Cat Strut” exploded in the UK, and their 1982 U.S. debut, Built for Speed, rode MTV’s wave to score Top Ten hits with “Rock This Town” and “Stray Cat Strut.” “Rock This Town” later earned a spot on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of 500 most important songs in rock history.

The band’s journey wasn’t all smooth cruising. Personality clashes and the pressures of fame led to their breakup in 1984, with Setzer pursuing solo work and later spearheading the ‘90s swing revival with the Brian Setzer Orchestra. Rocker and Phantom formed Phantom, Rocker & Slick with guitarist Earl Slick. The trio reunited multiple times, including for 1989’s Blast Off and 1992’s Choo Choo Hot Fish, but by the mid-’90s, they parted ways again. Their 2019 album, 40, marked a triumphant return, proving their enduring love for rockabilly. Stray Cats remain a cultural touchstone, blending retro cool with timeless energy.

Fans can connect with Stray Cats on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For Zoo Freaks craving more, check out the fan-run Stray Cats Collector’s Archive, a treasure trove of band memorabilia and history since 2012. There’s also a vibrant Stray Cats fan group on Facebook, where devotees share stories, photos, and love for the band’s rockabilly legacy. Join the crew, spin some vinyl, and keep the rockabilly flame burning!