Customer Reviews

Hits Like Never Before: Essential Elvis Vol 3

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

...but only for the outmost Elvis fan, I would not recommend this CD for an Elvis beginner nor anybody else (because of all those alternate versions and false starts; I recommend the three cd-set Artist Of The Century for the those who are just about to begin to appreciate Elvis). But this essential volume is a great one - so much so, that I am going to buy the whole lot of this series (And for those who think there is no volume five in this series (Just type in "Essential Elvis" here on amazon.com), then I want to inform you that Rhythm And Country is Essential Elvis, volume five). I have mine copy right here in front of me and I have 24 songs on my cd (and I have listened to my CD from the first minute to the last, and I have 24 songs)!

This volume in the Essential Elvis series features songs recorded in 1958. Elvis wouldn't record again until 1960, when he got out of the Army. The 1958 sessions included the recording of the soundtrack for Elvis' fourth (and best) movie, King Creole, along with a handful of other songs recorded for potential release as singles. Most of this CD features alternate takes of songs from these sessions, although there are a few master takes included (a "master" take being the take that was chosen to be released on record). Of course, just about everything Elvis recorded in the '50s was great, and these songs are no exception. If you're an Elvis fan, it's interesting to hear these different versions of songs you are probably already familiar with.

This is a great, if mistitled, series. Volume 3 is subtitled 'Hits Like Never Before' which is only partially true - I only see 10 or so actual hits, out of the 24 tracks, but that's not really important. If you're more than just a casual Elvis fan, you should probably start out with the 3 big box sets covering the 50's, 50's, and 70's - which really do present the "essential" Elvis - before venturing into the 6 volume Essential series, or some of the other "alternate takes" offerings. But once you do, it's fascinating to see how the songs evolved, or in some cases did not. Some of the tracks actually differ very little from the ones finally selected for release. Another interesting aspect of these recordings is the between-take chatter between Elvis and the studio band (and the engineers/producers). He certainly seems to be, or wants to appear to be, in charge of the sessions. The booklet for Volume 3 has some interesting tidbits (e.g. Dick Clark informing Elvis that "King Creole" has been voted Best Record of 1958) and photos (Elvis strumming guitars with Faron Young).

These alternate takes from one of Elvis' last recording sessions before his stint in the army are out-standing.The essentials are all great and get you inside an Elvis recording session like never before...vol.3 is no different.Wear my Ring,Big hunk...and the many songs from the movie King Creole are as good as the songs that were selected for use.Elvis is awesome on these tracks...high energy and raw power in that GOD given voice...he demonstrates take after take why he is forever THE singer of anyones lifetime.Ess.Elvis vol.3 is a must have for the true Elvis fan.Hey RCA....how bout a vol.7,8,9 and 10 please.

Song List

1. King Creole - (take 18)
2. I Got Stung - (take 1)
3. Fool Such As I, A - (take 3)
4. Wear My Ring Around Your Neck - (take 22)
5. Your Cheatin' Heart - (take 9)
6. Ain't That Loving You Baby - (take 1)
7. Doncha' Think It's Time - (take 40)
8. I Need Your Love Tonight - (take takes 2, 10)
9. Lover Doll - (take 7)
10. As Long As I Have You - (take 8)
11. Danny
12. King Creole - (take 3)
13. Crawfish - (take 7)
14. Big Hunk O' Love, A - (take 1)
15. Ain't That Loving You Baby - (take takes 5 and 11)
16. I Got Stung - (take takes 13 and 14)
17. You're Cheatin' Heart - (take 10)
18. Wear My Ring Around Your Neck - (take 22)
19. Steadfast, Loyal And True - (take 6)
20. I Need Your Love Tonight - (take 5)
21. Doncha' Think It's Time
22. I Got Stung - (take 12)
23. King Creole - (take 8)
24. As Long As I Have You - (take 4)

I agree with Jon; this cd is only for the most hardcore fans! And it has 24 songs, not 15!!!

Yeah, I also have 24 songs on this cd myself, not 15 songs as amazon.com thinks this cd has. But even though; just the more pleasure for those who order this cd and think they only get 15 songs. But I agree with Jon Thor, this is only for the outmost hardcore Elvis fans