In the past, I would have come to the same conclusion as well. But, like yourself, I have come to the point that I can see Elvis singing most songs and, really, anything (as another post had pointed out). He had ventured into every genre, for the most part, prior to his death. It would not surprise me in the least that opera was not far behind Elvis, let alone the post-punk/new wave era of opportunity. Elvis was a great interpreter of music and Morrissey a craftsman of his music. Nevertheless, I have realized that the more I have listened to both of these artists through the years (as I am a fan of both), it is not so much that they sound similar (in the general sense) but it is the way they both sing that makes the two comparable (along with the incredible stage presence of both, of course) . The song "You'll Be Gone" is a perfect illustration of both. Early Morrissey (via The Smiths) is comparable to Early Elvis. Vocally, compare the song, "The Boy With The Thorn In His Side" to "Tomorrow Night," for example. In fact, alternate a track listing of an Elvis and Morrissey/Smiths song and you would be quite surprised. I have done that with my own home made collection with different pictures of both artists on the cover of each one. Very cool looking.
Here is a sample listing: 1) Sister I'm a Poet (Live Version) - Morrissey then 2) (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame - Elvis; then 3) Well I Wonder - The Smiths; then 4) Any Way You Want Me (That's How I Will Be) - Elvis; then 5) Suedehead - Morrissey. Another example, Ask - The Smiths then Such A Night - Elvis. Another example, (You're The) Devil in Disguise - Elvis and then Sing Your Life - Morrissey; then Follow That Dream - Elvis, and so on. Slow songs: Seasick, Yet Still Docked - Morrissey then That's Someone You Never Forget - Elvis then I've Changed My Plea To Guilty - Morrissey, then Indescribably Blue - Elvis then I'd Love To - Morrissey, etc., etc. You get the idea. I have a track listing that covers at least 10 cds at the least, I would imagine, on its own merit. It is not difficult, although, most of solo Morrissey is early Morrissey (before '00s). After that, one has to be very selective -- very minimal for the crossover of the two to work. Elvis had far more material to work with. Otherwise, the years go from '50s, '60s and some '70s Elvis to '80s, '90s and very minimal '00s Morrissey. So, yes, the two are far more comparable then one might be lead to believe otherwise. Elvis' "Blue Moon" is very, very Morrissey-ish, if you will, is another example. It is closest to the brooding of Morrissey as Elvis usually offsets this brooding, heh-heh, but in his own way. Elvis is not immune though. Now, Morrissey's song selection of present is closer to Elvis prior to his death and not a bad thing. In any case, all of this is a good topic of discussion. I could write a book (though a very thin one, mind you, unfortunately) on this topic of these two great artists alone. Haha. Hey, you take care now. -- Eric