Music

A Man From Elvis Presley Boulevard

/ TY

Readers,

I sincerely hope you like my new FTD Album review.

My best wishes,
TY

A review of the new FTD edition of From Elvis Presley Boulevard

The Original Album

The first ten tracks of FTD’s From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee represent the original album that RCA released in May 1976. Recorded at Graceland in February of that year, this album is thematically the saddest ever released by Elvis. It also may be the most honest look at himself ever made available by the man living behind the gates of that home on Elvis Presley Boulevard. Despite the at times overblown production, From Elvis Presley Boulevard is a beautiful and moving album. Highlights include “For The Heart,” “Hurt,” “Never Again,” and “Love Coming Down.”
Today, Elvis is often spoken of as a singles artist rather than an album artist. Part of this comes from the admittedly mishmash quality of some of his albums. RCA had been hauling leftovers out from the vault since the very beginning when it included rejected SUN cuts like “I Love You Because” on the much-lauded Elvis Presley album in 1956. There is no question, though, that From Elvis Presley Boulevard two decades later is a coherent album through and through.
In fact, the twenty years that separate the albums Elvis Presley and From Elvis Presley Boulevard are quite evident – which is a good thing. Elvis did not devolve into an Oldies act looking to recapture past glories by singing the same types of songs over and over. As an artist, he changed over the years rather than stagnating with one style. That is not to say that From Elvis Presley Boulevard is superior to Elvis Presley – but that it is, quite rightly, an entirely different experience. It reflects the years of living the man did in those twenty years.
While Elvis Presley may be described as a bright, optimistic album, From Elvis Presley Boulevard is dark and moody. There are still bits of joy, but they are scattered and buried. Elvis had been intensely exploring “lost love” songs since at least 1972, and From Elvis Presley Boulevard represents the culmination of that often depressing but still worthwhile journey.  From Elvis Presley Boulevard is certainly among the twenty best albums that Elvis released during his lifetime.
That the Elvis of 1956 is different from the Elvis of 1960 or 1976 is one of the things that draws me to his music. No matter my mood or what is going on in my life, there always seems to be an Elvis that fits. This particular album has brought me comfort when I needed it. It is part of my journey.
Sound here on this 2012 edition is terrific. Listen to “Danny Boy”, a song Elvis had been fooling around with for decades, and you may imagine that he is singing in your den rather than his own.
The Alternate Album
Next up on disc 1 is an “alternate” version of the album using different takes of the same songs in the same sequence as the original album. I love this concept. As evidenced on A Life In Music and The Jungle Room Sessions, alternate takes of these songs can be quite revealing because they do not contain any of the post-session overdub work that either plagued or enhanced a given song.
Take 1 of “Hurt” falls apart after only a minute, though Elvis sounds great. The slightly weaker Take 2 made its debut on A Life In Music, but sound quality seems better here. I have not done A/B comparisons on any of these songs, though, so this is just based on an admittedly faulty memory.
Take 11 of “Never Again” first appeared on The Jungle Room Sessions. Again, the sound quality seems much improved to me. While I have long enjoyed The Jungle Room Sessions, there was always a muffled quality to the sound that I am not picking up here on this new release. In any event, this happens to be one of my favorite songs on the album, and this is a fine rendition.
Take 4 of “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain” is a newly released version. Here’s a song that definitely benefits from the simpler sound compared to the released master. Check out that guitar solo at about the 1:45 mark. Unfortunately, Elvis’ voice is not quite up to par at times on this run-through – yet, it still works. “Baby, blue eyes cryin’ in the rain…” he sings near the end. Overall, he sounds much more engaged in the recording than we have been led to believe at this point of his life. This may be my new favorite version.
A Life In Music was also the debut of Take 9 of “Danny Boy,” though to my ears, this sounds different than that version. Perhaps it is only the apparent improved sound quality. Though foreboding, I love Elvis’ take on this song. At 41, that boy could still sing when he wanted!
The FTD producers get a little creative with “The Last Farewell” by creating a composite of takes 3 and 2. The master version from the original album itself was a splice of takes 5 and 3. Take 2 was previously released on The Jungle Room Sessions. As with the standalone Take 2, this new composite version is superior to the released master with overdubs. The interesting thing about this alternate album so far is that Elvis’ voice does not have as much of a depressing quality as evidenced on the released album. I am not sure why that is, whether it was a product of the subsequent overdubs or simply which takes were selected for use.
“For The Heart” is Take 1, as originally released on A Life In Music. Featuring rock ‘n’ roll infused with country, this is one of the hidden gems of the 1976 sessions. Terrific song.
Take 6 is previously unreleased for “Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall.” As with the original version, nothing really stands out about it. It is just an average album cut.
“Solitaire” always gets to me, especially the opening… “There was a man… a LONELY man…” This is take 3, previously released on The Jungle Room Sessions. How I love this song, though it can bring tears to my eyes. He was putting his pain right there on the record for all to hear.
The previously unreleased Take 3 of “Love Coming Down” is as genuine and effective as the superb master. In fact, in some ways, it may even be better – including a brief, unexpected spoken part on “and lookin’ back now…” early on in the song.
The previously unreleased Take 4 of “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again” falls apart within seconds, while Take 5 was first heard on The Jungle Room Sessions. Here is one where I definitely prefer the original album version. I cannot stand the piano work on this version. The piano portion sounds like it was intended for use at a retirement home, and it distracts me from the rest of the performance.
The Alternate Single
Every imaginary album deserves an imaginary single to promote it, and that is what FTD delivers here – mirroring the “Hurt”/”For The Heart” single released in March 1976.
Up first are previously unreleased versions of “For The Heart” — two false starts and then the complete Take 5B. It is an energetic and engaging performance.
Disc 1 concludes with a composite of Takes 4 and 3 of “Hurt.” Take 3 was previously released alone on The Jungle Room Sessions. This is a nice composite that will definitely get many spins by me.
The Making Of
Disc 2 consists of additional takes of the various songs from this album. Though I personally would have preferred a sequential presentation for this portion, reflecting the order in which Elvis recorded the songs, I can understand FTD’s decision to place entertainment considerations above historical ones. Besides, it is easy enough to re-order the songs if desired.
“For The Heart” kicks things off right with Takes 2 and 3A, previously released on The Jungle Room Sessions. Next up is Take 1 of “Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall.” This was first released on Made In Memphis, a CD I do not have. This is actually the first recording of the February session at Graceland. This is not a particularly compelling take. Elvis often sounds uncertain.
Next are two previously unreleased takes of “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again.” Take 1 is a false start, while Take 3 is complete – including that annoying piano. Elvis is hard to listen to on this one, yelling parts of the song. Between that and the piano, I found myself wishing for the song to end.
Take 3 of “Hurt” was previously issued on The Jungle Room Sessions. As with that album, it begins here with a false start and then the take is re-tried. A decent enough performance, though I prefer the master.
Take 1 of “The Last Farewell” is previously unreleased. It is okay, but certainly not a highlight. The take falls apart about three-fourths of the way through the song.
The next attempt, Take 2, of “The Last Farewell” follows. As noted above, this was originally released on The Jungle Room Sessions. I think I like the composite version from Disc 1 better.
“Never Again” features three false starts (Takes 1-3) before jumping ahead to the complete Take 9 – all previously unreleased. Take 9 is okay, but a disappointment compared to the versions on Disc 1.
“For The Heart” Take 4A first appeared on the excellent Today, Tomorrow & Forever. For those who have not been able to collect all of the individual releases, FTD’s Classic Album series does a commendable job bringing together previously released material such as this. Enjoyable, but I much prefer Take 1 from Disc 1.
Takes 6 and 7 of “Danny Boy” make their debut here, the earliest takes yet released of this song. Elvis sounds off on Take 6 and he eventually quits about a minute into the song. “Let’s take it up to E” he says before trying again on Take 7. When he once again struggles with the high notes, he quits again and states, “I liked it in C better. That’s how I’d like to do it, better.” [Interestingly, Ernst Jorgensen’s quote in A Life In Music, page 398, of Elvis saying, “I can’t make it. I’ve got too much sh-t in me, man…” when he blows take 7 has either been edited out or never actually happened.]
Take 8 is next, in C, and Elvis indeed does a better job this time, managing to complete the take – as previously released on The Jungle Room Sessions.
Made In Memphis included Take 4 of “Love Coming Down.” I find that I do not enjoy this take as much as the master or Take 3.
Take 1 of “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain” is only a false start. Take 2, previously released on The Jungle Room Sessions, does not have the spark of Take 4. For all takes, a simpler arrangement would have greatly benefited this song. Imagine something similar to Elvis’ 1967 recording of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” as an example of what I mean. Instead, there is just too much going on here.
Take 5 of “Solitaire” is a previously unreleased false start. Take 7 was previously issued on Made In Memphis and, thus, is new to me. An okay version.
“Hurt” Take 6 is a previously unreleased false start. Take 5 is from Today, Tomorrow & Forever, a strong version.
As previously released on The Jungle Room Sessions, up next are takes 3, 4, and 5 of “Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall.” Takes 3 and 4 are false starts due to interruptions by a ringing phone and a barking dog. I guess that’s what happens when you try to record an album in your den. Take 5 manages to be complete, and Elvis puts in an enthusiastic performance.
Take 5A of “For The Heart” was first issued on Made In Memphis. Great version! This sounds pretty close to the master.
Take 4, a very brief false start, of “The Last Farewell” is previously unreleased. It is followed by the undubbed master of the song, which is superior to the album version.
I’m not exactly sure what a “master rough remix” is, but it turns out to be somewhat enjoyable for “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again” – except for that darn piano kicking it 1920s style every now and then.
For “Never Again,” we are treated to a “master remix” – this one is apparently not rough. (By the way, we are not talking JXL or Viva Elvis style remixes here, but simply changes to the original mixing channels – lest there be any confusion.)  And this one really is a treat. “Never Again” sounds wonderful like this. I would have been interested to hear the whole album receive this kind of treatment.
Finally, FTD’s From Elvis Presley Boulevard closes out with a “master rough remix” of “Danny Boy.” A beautiful recording, it seems, no matter the mix.
Disc 1 is definitely the highlight of this release. I imagine I’ll be playing that one quite often. Disc 2, while not a total letdown, mostly features some of the lesser takes.
Packaging/Booklet/etc.
As usual, the front cover mimics the original album – though I really do not like the printed inclusion of what was actually a sticker applied to the shrink wrap on the original version. It makes for a cheap look. The back cover is FTD-designed, and they have chosen to include a relatively poor photo of Elvis. He looks tired. Certainly not something to include on a cover, but FTD does not exactly have a great track record when it comes to choosing appropriate images.
The inside gatefold includes the original back cover, which I prefer. It includes a letter from Elvis stating, “I sincerely hope you like my new RCA Album.” The CDs mimic the tan labels of the original album release.
The booklet is standard fare for the Classic Album series, including a timeline and a listing of takes. The vintage RCA communications around the cover art and album content are, as always, of interest, though I wish there could have been more in this case. Apparently, Graceland was at one time to be featured on the cover in addition to Elvis. Though no reason is given, this may have been dropped for looking too similar to 1974’s Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis album.
Communication related to recording at Elvis’ home would have also been interesting to read, but nothing is provided. Like the cover, most of the booklet’s Elvis photos were taken by Ed Bonja at Elvis’ June 10, 1975, concert at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis. Just about every photo inside the booklet would have been a better choice to use on the back cover.
Overall
Follow That Dream Records delivers a fantastic upgrade to From Elvis Presley Boulevard. This release, especially Disc 1, will be stuck in my CD player for quite awhile. I eagerly await FTD’s take on the concluding chapter of the Graceland sessions, Moody Blue.

 

REVIEW: Elvis – The Complete Masters Collection (Part 4)

/ TY

This is Part 4 of an ongoing series reviewing Elvis: The Complete Masters Collection. Read Part 3.

CD Vol. 6: Heartache

Elvis: The Complete Masters Collection - Volume 6This volume of The Franklin Mint‘s 36-disc Elvis: The Complete Masters Collection (mastered by Vic Anesini) presents songs falling under the theme of “Heartache.” The booklet describes this disc as “Twenty haunting melodies that reveal Elvis’ familiarity with the darker side of love.”

Heartache is certainly a theme Elvis revisited often in his recordings over the years. Many of my favorite Elvis songs would probably fit into this category, so I’m excited to give Heartache a spin.

01. That’s When Your Heartaches Begin: Elvis actually first recorded “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” as a demo at the Memphis Recording Service in 1953. This is his professional version, though, recorded four eventful years later for RCA. He does a masterful job with the song, including the spoken-word recital in the middle – a technique that he would perfect even further a few years later with the similar “Are You Lonesome Tonight.” (Recorded: 1957)

02. Don’t: If you listen too closely to the words to “Don’t,” it can actually sound creepy from a modern perspective:

“Don’t, don’t,” that’s what you say each time that I hold you this way. When I feel like this and I want to kiss you, baby don’t say “don’t.”

This song should be judged within the context of innocence from which it sprang, though. The Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller song features masterful lyrics, indicative of the quality of material Elvis lost out on when his association with that team ended. “Don’t” includes a quite beautiful and sincere love pledge:

I’m your love and yours I will stay. This you can believe, I will never leave you, Heaven knows I won’t.

Oddly, this track has about ten seconds of extra silence at the end once the song concludes – not reflected in the runtime on the CD sleeve, either. (1957)

03. Are You Lonesome Tonight?: “Are You Lonesome Tonight” is an Elvis masterpiece, recorded shortly after the end of his stint in the US Army. Listen to that voice. He was back, better than ever. (1960)

04. Starting Today: “Starting Today” is the first of four songs written by Don Robertson that appear on Heartache. This is a quiet, likable song. (1961)

05. (Marie’s The Name) His Latest Flame: “His Latest Flame” is one of three Doc Pomus songs on this disc. “His Latest Flame” is fantastic and includes a much-needed increase in tempo over the opening songs of Heartache. (1961)

06. Anything That’s Part Of You: Another Don Robertson song, “Anything That’s Part Of You” is as relevant to broken relationships today as it was when first recorded. This is a perfect, subtle performance by Elvis. (1961)

07. Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello: It’s hard for me to believe this weak number is from Leiber & Stoller, yet it is. “Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello” sounds like it should be a movie tune. (1962)

08. Suspicion: Doc Pomus delivers the goods again, this time with the fantastic “Suspicion.” I first heard this song on a cassette variant of Elvis Country and have loved it ever since. (1962)

09. She’s Not You: “I’d trade all of someone new for anything that’s part of you,” lamented Elvis in “Anything That’s Part Of You.” On “She’s Not You,” though the writers are different, he continues that theme: “She’s everything a girl should be, but she’s not you.” For this song, Doc Pomus teamed up with Leiber & Stoller, ensuring a sure-fire hit when also combined with another great performance by Elvis. The original pressing of Franklin Mint’s Elvis: The Complete Masters Collection contained an error on this track – the last several seconds were missing. They issued replacement discs and subsequent pressings (including mine) have not had this error [6]. (1962)

10. They Remind Me Too Much Of You: More from the pen of Don Robertson, “They Remind Me Too Much Of You” again continues the theme of “Anything That’s Part Of You” and “She’s Not You,” except now the singer has reached the stage where he wants all reminders of the love gone wrong wiped away. Robertson’s lyrics are masterful at portraying the anguish: “Must I evermore be haunted, day after day my whole life through, by the memory of each moment that I spent alone with you?” (1962)

11. What Now, What Next, Where To: “What Now, What Next, Where To,” while still lamenting a lost love, manages to strike some hopeful tones as well. This is the fourth and final Robertson composition on Heartache, wrapping up this mini-storyline as the singer finally moves on. I have to give the compiler credit for putting all of these songs together, actually making for a coherent album of sorts. (1963)

12. Blue River: I can’t stand this song and hardly ever play it. The sooner “Blue River” ends, the better. (1963)

13. It Ain’t No Big Thing (But It’s Growing): I had to go and say that, didn’t I? As soon as “Blue River” ends, an even worse song begins, “It Ain’t No Big Thing.”  While Elvis’ June 1970 marathon recording session in Nashville produced some of the best songs of his career, it also produced junk like “It’s Ain’t No Big Thing.” Nearly unlistenable. (1970)

14. I’ve Lost You [Live]: After two duds in a row, Elvis’ live version of “I’ve Lost You” is a welcome reprieve. While not as interesting as the studio version, this is still a fine performance in its own right. I love how his voice nearly blends with the Sweet Inspirations as the chorus repeats at the song’s end. (1970)

15. When I’m Over You: Like most songs, “When I’m Over You” is better than “It Ain’t No Big Thing,” but it is still one of the weaker songs from the 1970 Nashville sessions. I do enjoy the gospel sound that the background vocalists bring to the song. (1970)

16. I Will Be True: Accompanying himself on piano, Elvis takes on the Ivory Joe Hunter song “I Will Be True.” A decent performance, with much conviction. (1971)

17. Love Me, Love The Life I Lead: Elvis did not write this song, but it sure sounds like he could have:

If you’re gonna love me, love the life I lead. Need the things I need. Don’t try to change me. If you’re gonna take me, take me for what I am. I can’t be another man. I can’t be free from the life I lead.

Unfortunately, though Elvis must have connected with the lyrics, the song never really develops – a good song that probably could have been better. (1971)

18. Thinking About You: Featured on the Promised Land album and recorded at Stax Studio in Memphis, “Thinking About You” is one of Elvis’ best country songs. Wow, does it sound great on this set. Nice to have the original mix back. (1973)

19. Mr. Songman: “Mr. Songman” is a decent album cut that also served well as the flip-side to 1975’s “T-R-O-U-B-L-E.” (1973)

20. Woman Without Love: “Woman Without Love” is the worst of the songs Elvis recorded at his March 1975 Hollywood session that produced the very solid Today album. Unless I’m listening to the entire album in context, I always skip this dreadful song. (1975)

Though it contains a few duds (this is a complete masters collection, after all), Heartache is overall a stellar collection of songs. The early 1960s tracks in particular are real highlights.

Sources

(6) “Complete Masters compared/contrasted with Franklin Mint” by elvissessions, For Elvis CD Collectors Forum, 2010.

Read Part 5.

From Elvis Presley Boulevard to your CD player

/ TY / 5 Comments

From Elvis Presley Boulevard (1976)I’ve been a little behind on Elvis news lately, so I just found out that one of my favorite albums is getting an FTD release in October. From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee, recorded at Graceland in 1976, will now be an expanded, 2-CD edition. This marks yet another exciting release for 2012.

September 20, 2012, Update: Back In Memphis, the lesser of the two resulting albums of his 1969 American Sound Studio sessions, will be the FTD Classic Album release for December. Also to be released by FTD that month is a 2-CD package consisting of a 1972 rehearsal tape and an August 1972 Las Vegas show.

REVIEW: Elvis – The Complete Masters Collection (Part 3)

/ TY

This is Part 3 of an ongoing series reviewing Elvis: The Complete Masters Collection. Read Part 2.

CD Vol. 5: Complete Aloha From Hawaii Concert

Volume 5 of The Franklin Mint‘s 36-disc Elvis: The Complete Masters Collection (mastered by Vic Anesini) presents the 1973 concert album Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite as well as bonus songs recorded for insertion into the NBC version of the Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii TV special.

Elvis: The Complete Masters Collection - Volume 5

This disc features the original mix of the 1973 double album. In 1998, BMG/RCA released a CD with a new mix and mastering by Dennis Ferrante. At that time, I tried to keep my Elvis CD collection consolidated. Since I much preferred the new mix, I gave away my older Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite CD with the original mix. Therefore, I do not have anything to make fair sound comparisons against for this CD. These days, I put more stock into owning the original mixes as released during Elvis’ lifetime than I did back then.

Elvis recorded all songs on the Complete Aloha From Hawaii Concert on January 14, 1973. Though it aired live in some parts of the world, Aloha From Hawaii did not air in the United States until April 4 of that year. To this day, many Americans wrongly believe they saw the special live. In reality, it had an even longer “tape delay” than NBC’s abysmal Summer Olympics 2012 coverage.

01. Also Sprach Zarathusta/02. See See Rider: “Also Sprach Zarathustra” (used as the theme for 2001: A Space Odyssey) was the perfect way to open Elvis concerts in the 1970s. This is a particularly fine version, beginning with low rumbles and building into a fantastic crescendo as Elvis appears on stage and quickly rocks into “See See Rider.” Listen to James Burton’s guitar work on the solo, sounding better than I remember it.

03. Burning Love: Elvis moves right into another rocker, “Burning Love.” The sound on this CD is so incredible, I can already tell I may go back to this mix when I want to listen to Aloha, over the 1998 version. Elvis just kills the song on the end during the “Hunka’ hunka’ burnin’ love” segment. What a fantastic opening to the live broadcast. Sounding sheepish, Elvis quietly tells the audience after the song, “Good evening, and I hope you enjoy our show tonight. We’re gonna try to do all the songs you wanna hear, you know.”

04. Something: For this third song of the international event, Elvis launches into a Beatles number, “Something.” The performance is okay, but a bit of a letdown after the concert’s stellar opening. Wow, this CD sure does sound awesome, though. It can make an okay song sound a little better.

05. You Gave Me A Mountain: Elvis had first tackled Marty Robbins’ “You Gave Me A Mountain” while on tour in 1972, including one performance used in the 1972 documentary Elvis On Tour. While this version is a step down from that one, Elvis still sounds great here.

06. Steamroller Blues: Next up, Elvis takes on James Taylor with “Steamroller Blues,” adding some much-needed energy back into the show. Elvis earned a top 20 hit when RCA released this performance as a single (backed with the 1972 studio cut “Fool”). Authentic to the original album (the end of side 1), the CD fades on the applause after the song ends.

07. My Way: As with the original album, “My Way” begins with the piano strains, leaving out Elvis’ introduction of the song. This is a fine, though not very compelling, version of the Frank Sinatra hit. In the first six songs of his live event, Elvis has already tackled the blues, rock ‘n’ roll, the Beatles, country, James Taylor, and Frank Sinatra.

08. Love Me: Before the song, Elvis mentions that he’s planning to do a medley of his records later in the show, to which an audience member shouts, “Do all of them!” Elvis hears this and replies, “Okay, I’ll do it, all 429 of ’em. I’ll do it.” He then dips back into his own catalog for a disappointing version of 1956’s “Love Me.” The song borders on being a throwaway, which is a shame.

09. Johnny B. Goode: James Burton carries this Chuck Berry classic on guitar, as Elvis forgets some of the lyrics early on (the song was added to fill time when a rehearsal revealed the planned show was too short). Still, Elvis rocks the song and the show benefits from its inclusion.

10. It’s Over: “I’ll watch you walk away somehow, I have to let you go, because it’s over,” Elvis sings in what must have been another heart-wrencher for him, as his own marriage was ending at this time. Unfortunately, “It’s Over” is otherwise forgettable.

11. Blue Suede Shoes: It’s back to rock ‘n’ roll, this time with a rousing but short rendition of Carl Perkins’ “Blue Suede Shoes.”

12. I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry: Elvis introduces the Hank Williams classic “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” as “the saddest song I’ve ever heard” and proceeds to do a commendable job.

13. I Can’t Stop Loving You: Next, Elvis moves right into “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” Though the arrangement is the same, Elvis sounds much more subdued here compared to the rocking version found on the previous year’s As Recorded At Madison Square Garden.

14. Hound Dog: Elvis then launches into a perfunctory version of “Hound Dog,” lasting a mere 45 seconds and leaving me to wonder, “Why bother?” As with the record, the CD fades out shortly after the song ends, leaving out Elvis’ joke about first performing that song when he was twelve-years-old.

15. What Now My Love: Elvis gets serious again and puts more effort into “What Now My Love” than his own hit material. This is one of the highlights of the show, and the sound quality on this CD makes it shine even more.

16. Fever: Maybe it’s because I heard this one first, but I’ve always preferred this live version of “Fever” over Elvis’ 1960 recording of the song for the Elvis Is Back! album. The song just works better in a concert setting. I also see this as the point in Aloha From Hawaii where Elvis finally shakes off the rest of his nerves and really loosens up – making for a better second half to the show.

17. Welcome To My World: This is a lightweight song that serves as a breather for Elvis between “Fever” and “Suspicious Minds.”

18. Suspicious Minds: Growing up, the first versions I heard of “Suspicious Minds” were on this album and the similar one released on As Recorded At Madison Square Garden. It took me a long time to become accustomed to the studio version. While I now prefer the studio and early live versions best, I still enjoy the 1972 and 1973 versions. Great to hear Elvis rocking on one of his more contemporary hits.

19. Introductions By Elvis: I’m not going to start reviewing band introduction tracks, but I will point out that this is the edited version as released on the original album (i.e., Elvis calling Charlie Hodge a “general flunky” and later mentioning Hawaii Five-O star Jack Lord have been omitted).

20. I’ll Remember You: Also omitted is Elvis explaining that proceeds from the concert would benefit the Kui Lee Cancer Fund. “I’ll Remember You,” first recorded by Elvis in 1966, was written by Kuiokalani Lee, who passed away from cancer that same year. The lyrics take on even more signficance if you listen with that in mind: “I’ll remember you long after this endless summer is gone. I’ll be lonely, oh so lonely, living only to remember you.” Though a decent live version that matches the mood of the show, “I’ll Remember You” really does not live up to Elvis’ 1966 recording – both in terms of the vocals and the percussion.

21. Long Tall Sally/Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On: The closest thing the show gets to the promised medley is this combination of Little Richard’s “Long Tall Sally,” which Elvis recorded in 1956, and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” popularized by Jerry Lee Lewis in 1957 and recorded by Elvis in 1970. While the medley works in the show and picks up the pace as needed, both songs pale next to Elvis’ studio efforts. “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” in particular has a completely different, watered-down arrangement compared to Elvis’ version from less than 3 years earlier.

22. An American Trilogy: Reportedly, when asked what kind of costume he wanted for the live broadcast, Elvis noted that he wanted something that said “America.” The custom-designed American Eagle jumpsuit fit the bill visually, while “An American Trilogy” sealed the deal on the musical side. This is both the climax of the show and the most impressive performance on the album. An argument could even be made that this moment was the climax of his career as well. Though not evident on the record, Elvis throws his jewel-studded belt into the audience shortly after this song.

23. A Big Hunk O’ Love: Serving as a bookend of sorts with the similar “Burning Love,” Elvis reaches back to 1958 for this hit and serves up a great rendition. If only he had treated his other classics with this respect for this show. “A Big Hunk O’ Love” provides a powerful rock ‘n’ roll ending for the live broadcast.

24. Can’t Help Falling In Love: Finally, Elvis closes out the show with a quick version of “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” It is not in the same league as his 1968 or 1969 live versions, but it almost does not matter at this point. The power of the overall concert wins out, and it ends in utter excitement. What a performer.

25. Blue Hawaii [Re-recording]: For the NBC version of the special, Elvis recorded several “insert” songs without an audience to extend the length of the special. This is a fine version of the title song to his 1961 movie Blue Hawaii.

26. Ku-U-I-Po [Re-recording]: The remaining songs on this CD were first released after Elvis’ death, on the 1978 album Mahalo From Elvis. Though they are technically outside of the parameters of Franklin Mint’s Elvis: The Complete Masters Collection, I am happy to have them as bonuses. This is a great re-recording of “Ku-U-I-Po” from Blue Hawaii.

27. No More [Re-recording]: Though recorded for the NBC version of the show, “No More” actually went unused. The visual portion of this performance was first released on DVD in 2004. This is another strong re-recording of a song from Blue Hawaii.

28. Hawaiian Wedding Song [Re-recording]: “Hawaiian Wedding Song” was featured in the finale of Blue Hawaii. Elvis does another good job on this re-recording. Perhaps he should have performed one or two of these Blue Hawaii songs during the actual concert. Why not drop “Welcome To My World” or “It’s Over” for one of these? (Other than the fact that the other two songs had never been released before by Elvis.)

29. Early Mornin’ Rain [Re-recording]: Though Elvis had first recorded it only two years earlier, this re-recording of “Early Mornin’ Rain” has a different vibe. I enjoy both versions. Again, this would have made a great number for the actual concert.

The sound is terrific, and so is the show. This will now become my go-to edition of Aloha From Hawaii.

* * *

I was about 13-years-old before my older brother would allow me to touch his record collection. As a small child, I had a bad habit of accidentally destroying his stuff (Star Trek posters, a trumpet, and pretty much anything else I could get my curious little hands on), so his records were off limits for a long time.

Of his fifty or sixty Elvis albums, the one I considered the most special was Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite. I was sure at the time that this was the greatest Elvis concert ever. Though I could name dozens of live recordings now that would top it, I did relive some of that youthful exuberance when listening to the Complete Aloha From Hawaii Concert. While I do not have the older release to compare, I am sure this album has never sounded better on CD.

* * *

With thirty-one CDs still to go, continue to look for future installments here on The Mystery Train.

Read Part 4.

It’s Here

/ TY / 9 Comments

A Big Monster (A Boy From Tupelo)

I included the standard CD in the picture to give you an idea of the scale. A Boy From Tupelo is a big monster, weighing every bit of the promised 11 pounds.

Needless to say, this is the last time I’ll be posting for awhile. I’ve got a lot of reading and listening to do!

The 100 Greatest Elvis Presley Songs Of All Time (Part 4: The Top 25)

/ TY / 3 Comments

In observance of Elvis Week and to honor the life of Elvis Presley, this is Part 4 of a countdown of his greatest songs. Read Part 3.

Always On My Mind (1972)

#25 You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ [Live] (1970)
That’s The Way It Is [2000 Special Edition (Disc 2, Track 10)]
Other notable version: 1970 Rehearsal (Elvis Aron Presley)

#24 Just Pretend (1970)
That’s The Way It Is
Other notable version: 1970 Live (Live In Las Vegas)

#23 I’ve Lost You (1970)
Worldwide Gold Award Hits, Volume 2
Other notable version: 1970 Alternate Mix (Heart & Soul)

#22 How The Web Was Woven (1970)
That’s The Way It Is
Other notable version: 1970 Take 1 (The Nashville Marathon)

#21 Lawdy, Miss Clawdy [Live] (1968)
Memories
Other notable versions: 1956 Master (For LP Fans Only), 1968 Rehearsal (Memories)

#20 Tryin’ To Get To You [Live] (1968)
A Life In Music
Other notable version: 1955 Master (Elvis Presley)

#19 Polk Salad Annie [Live] (1970)
On Stage-February 1970
Other notable versions: 1970 Live (Today, Tomorrow & Forever), 1970 Live (That’s The Way It Is [2000 Special Edition]), 1970 Live (Elvis Aron Presley), 1970 Live (One Night In Vegas), 1970 Rehearsal (The Way It Was)

#18 Baby, What You Want Me To Do [Live] (1968)
Tiger Man [Track 6]
Other notable versions: 1968 Live (Memories [Disc 2, Track 16]), 1968 Live (Memories [Disc 2, Track 7]), 1968 Live (Memories [Disc 1, Track 10])

#17 Good Rockin’ Tonight (1954)
Good Rockin’ Tonight/I Don’t Care If The Sun Don’t Shine [SUN Single]

#16 You’ll Never Walk Alone [Take 2] (1967)
A Life In Music
Other notable version: 1967 Master (You’ll Never Walk Alone)

#15 Promised Land [Undubbed Master] (1973)
Promised Land [2011 FTD Edition]
Other notable versions: 1973 Master (Promised Land)

#14 Burning Love (1972)
Burning Love And Hits From His Movies, Volume 2
Other notable versions: 1972 Live (Close Up), 1973 Live (The Alternate Aloha), 1973 Live (Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite)

#13 Baby, Let’s Play House (1955)
Baby, Let’s Play House/I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone [SUN Single]
Other notable versions: 1956 Live (A Golden Celebration [Disc 1, Track 10]), 1955 Live (The First Live Recordings), 1970 Rehearsal (A Life In Music)

#12 Tiger Man [Live] (1969)
Live In Vegas
Other notable versions: 1969 Live (From Memphis To Vegas/From Vegas To Memphis), 1969 Live (Collectors Gold), 1969 Live (Elvis At The International), 1970 Live (That’s The Way It Is [2000 Special Edition]), 1970 Live (One Night In Vegas), 1968 Live Master (Singer Presents Elvis Singing Flaming Star And Others), 1968 Rehearsal (A Life In Music)

#11 Santa Claus Is Back In Town (1957)
Elvis’ Christmas Album
Other notable version: 1968 Live (Tiger Man)

#10 Reconsider Baby (1960)
Elvis Is Back!
Other notable versions: 1969 Live (Collectors Gold), 1961 Live (Elvis Aron Presley), 1972 Live (A Legendary Performer, Volume 4)

#9 Are You Lonesome Tonight (1960)
Elvis’ Golden Records, Volume 3
Other notable versions: 1969 Live [“Laughing Version”] (Elvis Aron Presley), 1960 Take 2 (Today, Tomorrow & Forever), 1969 Live (Elvis: Viva Las Vegas [2007 Limited Edition]), 1968 Live (Memories), 1969 Live (Elvis At The International)

#8 One Night (1957)
50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can’t Be Wrong
Other notable version: 1968 Live (Memories [Disc 2, Track 15])

#7 Love Me (1956)
Elvis
Other notable versions: 1956 Live (Young Man With The Big Beat), 1968 Live (Memories), 1956 Live (A Golden Celebration), 1970 Live (That’s The Way It Is [2000 Special Edition]), 1968 Rehearsal (Burbank 68), 1970 Live (Live In Las Vegas)

#6 Jailhouse Rock (1957)
Elvis’ Golden Records
Other notable version: 1968 Live (ELVIS-TV Special)

#5 Can’t Help Falling In Love (1961)
Blue Hawaii
Other notable versions: 1968 Live (ELVIS-TV Special), 1961 Movie Master (Blue Hawaii [1997 Special Edition]), 1969 Live (From Memphis To Vegas/From Vegas To Memphis), 1970 Live (That’s The Way It Is [2000 Special Edition]), 1970 Live (Live In Las Vegas)

#4 Suspicious Minds (1969)
Suspicious Minds/You’ll Think Of Me [RCA Single]
Other notable versions: 1969 Live (Elvis At The International), 1969 Live (All Shook Up), 1969 Live (Live In Las Vegas), 1970 Live (That’s The Way It Is [2000 Special Edition])

#3 Mystery Train (1955)
I Forgot To Remember To Forget/Mystery Train [SUN Single]
Other notable versions: 1969 Live (Live In Vegas), 1969 Live (Collectors Gold), 1969 Live (From Memphis To Vegas/From Vegas To Memphis), 1969 Live (Elvis At The International), 1970 Live (That’s The Way It Is [2000 Special Edition]), 1970 Live (One Night In Vegas)

#2 If I Can Dream (1968)
If I Can Dream/Edge Of Reality [RCA Single]
Other notable versions: 1968 TV Master (Memories [Disc 2, Track 19]), 1968 Take 1 (A Life In Music), 1968 TV Take 3 (Burbank 68), 1968 Take 4 (He Walks Beside Me)

#1 Always On My Mind [Rehearsal] (1972)
This Is Elvis
Other notable version: 1972 Master (Separate Ways)

May the Music be with us, always.

The 100 Greatest Elvis Presley Songs Of All Time (Part 3)

/ TY / 5 Comments

In observance of Elvis Week and to honor the life of Elvis Presley, this is Part 3 of a countdown of his greatest songs. Read Part 2.

Heartbreak Hotel (1968)

#50 Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On (1970)
I’m 10,000 Years Old: Elvis Country

#49 As Long As I Have You (1958)
King Creole

#48 A Mess Of Blues [Take 1] (1960)
A Life In Music
Other notable version: 1960 Master (Elvis’ Gold Records, Volume 4)

#47 Witchcraft (1963)
Elvis’ Gold Records, Volume 4

#46 Twenty Days And Twenty Nights [Take 3] (1970)
The Nashville Marathon
Other notable versions: 1970 Master (That’s The Way It Is), 1970 Rough Mix (That’s The Way It Is [2008 FTD Edition]), 1970 Live (That’s The Way It Is [2000 Special Edition])

#45 When It Rains, It Really Pours [Re-recording] (1957)
Elvis For Everyone!
Other notable version: 1955 Take 9 (A Legendary Performer, Volume 4)

#44 Funny How Time Slips Away (1970)
I’m 10,000 Years Old: Elvis Country
Other notable versions: 1969 Live (Today, Tomorrow & Forever), 1972 Rehearsal (Elvis On Tour: The Rehearsals)

#43 My Baby Left Me (1956)
For LP Fans Only

#42 Amazing Grace (1971)
He Touched Me
Other notable version: 1971 Take 2 (Walk A Mile In My Shoes)

#41 The Wonder Of You [Live] (1970)
On Stage-February 1970

#40 Run On (1966)
How Great Thou Art

#39 Blue Moon (1954)
Elvis Presley

#38 Tomorrow Never Comes (1970)
I’m 10,000 Years Old: Elvis Country
Other notable version: 1970 Take 2 (The Nashville Marathon)

#37 Power Of My Love (1969)
From Elvis In Memphis
Other notable versions: 1969 Take 3 (A Life In Music), 1969 Take 6 (Memphis Sessions)

#36 I’ll Be Home On Christmas Day [Re-recording] (1971)
Memories Of Christmas
Other notable versions: 1971 Take 4 (A Life In Music), 1971 Master (Elvis Sings The Wonderful World Of Christmas), 1971 Re-recording Take 9 (Today, Tomorrow & Forever), 1971 Re-recording Take 2 (I Sing All Kinds)

#35 Walk A Mile In My Shoes [Live] (1970)
Today, Tomorrow & Forever
Other notable versions: 1970 Live Master (On Stage-February 1970), 1970 Live (Polk Salad Annie)

#34 Kentucky Rain (1969)
Worldwide 50 Gold Award Hits, Volume 1
Other notable version: 1970 Live (Elvis Aron Presley)

#33 Johnny B. Goode [Rehearsal] (1972)
Elvis On Tour: The Rehearsals
Other notable versions: 1970 Rehearsal (That’s The Way It Is [2000 Special Edition]), 1969 Live Master (From Memphis To Vegas/From Vegas To Memphis)

#32 Stranger In The Crowd (1970)
That’s The Way It Is
Other notable version: 1970 Rough Mix (That’s The Way It Is [2008 FTD Edition])

#31 That’s All Right (1954)
That’s All Right/Blue Moon Of Kentucky [SUN Single]
Other notable versions: 1968 Live (Memories), 1968 Live (A Legendary Performer, Volume 4), 1970 Live (One Night In Vegas), 1970 Live (That’s The Way It Is [2000 Special Edition]), 1970 Rehearsal (That’s The Way It Is [2000 Special Edition]), 1954 Live (The Hillbilly Cat), 1961 Live (Elvis Aron Presley), 1955 Live (The First Live Recordings)

#30 Pledging My Love (1976)
Moody Blue
Other notable version: Take 3 (A Life In Music)

#29 I Really Don’t Want To Know (1970)
I’m 10,000 Years Old: Elvis Country
Other notable versions: 1970 Undubbed Master (I’m 10,000 Years Old: Elvis Country [2008 FTD Edition]), 1977 Live (Elvis In Concert)

#28 How Great Thou Art (1966)
How Great Thou Art
Other notable versions: 1966 Take 2 (A Life In Music), 1974 Live [Alternate Mix] (Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis [2004 FTD Edition]), 1972 Live (Close Up)

#27 An American Trilogy [Live] (1972)
This Is Elvis
Other notable versions: 1972 Live Master (An American Trilogy/The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face [RCA Single]), 1973 Live (Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite), 1973 Live (The Alternate Aloha)

#26 Heartbreak Hotel [Live] (1968)
ELVIS-TV Special
Other notable versions: 1968 Live (Memories [Disc 2, Track 5]), 1956 Master (Elvis’ Golden Records), 1969 Live (Collectors Gold), 1956 Live (A Golden Celebration [Disc 1, Track 17])

To Be Continued . . .

Read Part 4.