From Elvis In Memphis - Elvis Presley > Reviews > The '69 Special

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Standard
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money

Advantages:	Elvis making real music again
Disadvantages:	-

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Elvis' triumphant return in the now legendary "68 Special" TV show reminded everyone, if they still needed reminding, that the Presley juggernaut was back in business after the inane film soundtracks of the years before.

Hot on the heels of that success, The King was persuaded to record in Memphis, Tennessee for the first time since leaving Sun Records 14 years earlier. This album was recorded at the American Studio owned by Chips Moman.

Backing up Elvis were the studios house band, all superb exponents of their craft: Reggie Young (guitar), Bobby Emmons (keyboards), Tommy Cogbill (bass) and Gene Chrisman (drums). All great session players and, perhaps more importantly, all grew up listening to Elvis' rock and roll material. With the package of superb musicians and an Elvis well up for the challenge, this album has gone down as one of his very best.

These songs are not rock and roll, they're all heavier blues and R&B material. The bass takes centre stage musically on nearly all this album, relegating the lead guitar to do the fill-ins, and the record is much the better for it.

A note to those of you not familiar with Elvis - he took songs offered to him or covered older C&W sounds in his own style. This had the benefits to the original composers of not only royalties, but often also being introduced to a wider audience. There are 18 tracks on here!!! You ready?

WEARING THAT LOVED ON LOOK
Getting down and dirty right away, Elvis' woman has gone and done him bad while he's been away. "If you ever loved me, then Bonnie and Clyde loved the law". Elvis was back in business with this album opener.

ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE
Elvis gets whistful here, his momma told him they'll be a woman out there for him somewhere. A sparse bass and gospel backing give this a good atmosphere.

I'LL HOLD YOU IN MY HEART
Almost straight from a demo, Elvis holds the band up three times at the beginning before crooning beautifully through a simple E to A blues. Then for good measure, he leads them through two false finishes before the big finale. Like all good bands, they just play on and I get the impression they are having the time of their lives.

LONG BLACK LIMOUSINE
A sad tale of a smalltown boy coming home, in a long black limousine - a hearse! "When you left, you know you told me someday you'd be returning, in a fancy car, all the town to see, well everyone is watching you, you've finally had your dream", Elvis gives a wonderfully emotive performance in this cover of a C&W song originally recorded in 1958. I could cry listening to this. I think the song is sung from the perspective of the boy's father. "Through tear filled eyes I watch, as you ride by oh yeah". This number would be remembered in August 1977 when The King took his own ride in that Long Black Limousine.

IT KEEPS RIGHT ON A-HURTIN'
Done in a shuffle style, with upfront percussion as Elvis regrets a lost love. Another simple yet effective arrangement.

I'M MOVING ON
A honky tonk jam on here as the band take centre stage - Elvis leads the band through the first three verses and then leaves them to it. Another example of great musicians playing music they love.

POWER OF MY LOVE
A down and dirty organ led macho romp, as Elvis tells his woman she WILL be shaken by the power of his love, oh yes she will. This is Elvis at his chest -beating bragadaccio best. Written by the people that brought you "Devil In Disguise".

GENTLE ON MY MIND
Probably best remembered for Glen Campbell's version, also recorded by Leonard Nimoy of all people. Elvis keeps to the original formula here. If anyone knows the bass tab to this please email it to me cos I've tried to get it and can't!!!!!!!!

AFTER LOVING YOU
Another simple E to A love song, notable in this album that the guitarist gets to put down some licks here. Elvis is no good to anyone after loving you, darlin'. Stating the obvious but god could that man sing.

TRUE LOVE TRAVELS ON A GRAVEL ROAD
My least favourite song on here, a slow story of how love is no easy ride. Still another heartfelt vocal though.

ANY DAY NOW
A philosophical Elvis sings of that day to come when his woman will say goodbye. The parting will not be such sad sorrow. A gospel flavoured pop number.

IN THE GHETTO
Hit single from the album, sung from the view of 60's black America, which in 1969 was literally burning. "People don't you understand, the child needs a helping hand, he'll grow to be an angry young man some day". Elvis is probably the only white singer who could have pulled this song off.

There were also 6 (count em!!) bonus tracks not on the original vinyl release:

THE FAIR IS MOVING ON
"......but I won't leave you long", insists Elvis. A classic B side of another single. "Remember the love that we had", sings Elvis as the caravans leave town.

SUSPICIOUS MINDS
The all-time classic late Elvis anthem, US no 1, brilliant. Do you really need a description Ciao people?

YOU'LL THINK OF ME
B side of Suspicious Minds. A nice little whistful love song. Eastern styled guitars too!

DON'T CRY DADDY
More classic late Elvis, a real tearjerker this one, another later single and a million seller. A man left alone comforted by his children, "you still got me and little Tommy, together we'll find a brand new mommy", and not a dry eye left in the house.

KENTUCKY RAIN
A great song written by Eddie Rabbitt (remember Every Which Way But Loose?). The King's woman has gone, he don't know why, but he's gonna find for her alright. "Searching for you, in the cold Kentucky rain". Another macho performance in a dramatic sound, as Elvis lays it down like only he could.

MAMA LIKED THE ROSES
One of those songs that only C&W writers can come up with, she'd plant the roses in the yard, decorate the living room with them, now every mothers day we lay them on her grave. Complete with tolling church bells and a choral choir this should be hideous but is very emotional instead, bear in mind Elvis' close ties with his own ma.

Blimey there we are! One and a quarter hours worth of a reinvented, rejuvinated 34 year old King of Rock and Roll. Fabulous. To all you Young People out there, this is how you make music when you're into the thirties. It'll make a great Mothers or Fathers day pressie if your parents like Elvis. And doesn't everyone?

I got this CD from Amazon just in time for Christmas - it was £4.98 brand new. Bargain or what? Even Mrs Pink was grooving to the King whilst we were getting the festivities under way and this is not usually her thing.