Sun Studio Sessions, The - Elvis Presley

Advantages: It's Elvis in the 50s
Disadvantages: None

...of the best. The FTD release contains the 7 songs heard in the movie, with 5 other studio recordings which filled out the original vinyl release in 1957. However this 2 CD release also features numerous bonus masters, movie versions and studio outtakes, with original artwork and upgraded sound. The booklet which comes with the CD features many fantastic photos from the movie and the relevant recording sessions, in addition to detailed information about those sessions. The CD set features over 2 hours of music, including the full selection of alternate takes of Elvis singing the title song. This is very effective as you hear him trying out different nuances with the song and it is very interesting to hear how a song develops in the studio. Overall this is a must-have if you are an Elvis fan, although the mass of alternate takes for one song may... Read review

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Advantages: Elvis making real music again
Disadvantages: -

...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... Read review

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Advantages: Another towering Elvis performance
Disadvantages: None whatsoever

...I'm sure you are all aware of the state of Elvis by the mid 1970s. The fried peanut butter sandwiches, on the spot purchases of Cadillacs and thousand dollar jewellery, not to mention Priscilla leaving him.....all well documented, and especially in that extremely readable book by his aides Red West and Dave Hebler (Elvis; What Happened?) His recording output had fallen away in both quality and quantity since the blockbuster 1969 release of From Elvis In Memphis, although he could still "pack em in" for the live shows. By now The King could not even be bothered to turn up for recording sessions. Two new albums were needed for 1976 though, so therefore it was decided that the studio should be put into Gracelands itself, a somewhat unusual arrangement to say the least. Even then Elvis didn't always show up on time for the cuts... Read review

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