Customer Reviews

The King of Rock 'N' Roll: The Complete 50s Masters [Box Set--Slipcase Edition]

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

You must have this set. It's worth every cent it costs. It has just about everything from Elvis' finest era-the 50's. The only thing missing are the Sun outtakes but that's just a quibble. There's very little sub-standard material and a whole lot of brilliant music. Compulsory and compulsive listening.

This box set proves that Elvis did not steal one thing during his rise to the top. He earned respect every inch of the way. Disc 2 is probably the greatest all around early rock and roll I've ever heard. His comfort level was growing and he was getting some really great songs.

The real treat for the collector is on disc 1. You get some of the earliest of the Elvis Sun studio recording. His performance of 'Blue Moon' is simple but effective in conveying a sense of loneliness.

Disc 5 ends with a long press conference conducted by Presley right after completing boot camp. It's interesting to hear how he interacts with the press and how he was trying to set himself up as just another private headed to duty.

These discs represent a piece of history the true collector must own.

This is the best place to start your Elvis Presley collection. Every single song he recorded and released during the 1950s plus a fifth disc full of alternate takes and rarities. You'll see why his talent dwarfed all the other great 50s artists. As good as they were, none could hold a candle to Elvis. A warning though to any potential buyer, once you get this set...you'll be on the road to buying lots more Elvis!!

If you agree that Elvis was at the top of his game during the 1950's, this five-disc set is heaven sent. Personally, I love his early recordings like Mystery Train, That's All Right, Blue Moon of Kentucky, Good Rockin' Tonight, and especially Milkcow Blues Boogie (has to be one of my favorites for its name alone!). Therefore, for me the first disc is the best, but they're all good. The 5th disc with all the previously unreleased material is especially cool.

Spend the extra money, get this 5 disc set...you'll never need another Elvis collection again.

I have almost every compilation of Elvis music and this one tops them all. I've owned this box set for several years and it continues to get spun regularly. The interview before Elvis was shipped to Germany is a classic and gives you a small glimpse at the quality person he was.

I'll let the song titles alone justify the purchase:1954 saw Elvis cut That's All Right, Blue Moon, Just Because & Good Rockin' Tonight; in 1955, Elvis dropped the following tunes on the world:You're Right, I'm Left, She's Gone/Mystery Train/I Forgot to Remember to Forget; Elvis 1956: Heartbreak Hotel, Blue Suede Shoes, Hound Dog, Don't Be Cruel,Love Me Tender, My Baby Left Me,Love Me, When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again; The King in 1957 recorded Jailhouse Rock,Teddy Bear,I Beg of You, One Night, You're So Square, Blue Christmas,Treat Me Nice,Loving You & Got Alot of Livin' to Do. Before entering the Army, Elvis was able to record A Big Hunk O'Love in 1958. Now I am just listing some of my picks from a great collection of tunes that no record collector should be without. Do the right thing and pick this up. Thank you very much.

The awesomest collection of his 1950's work ever assembled.If your a big fan of his 50's material this is the only thing you will ever need. Now at a price we all can afford. Run don't walk and get this today.

The music is timeless, of course, and this set delivers the goods. As historic as these performances are, you'd think there would be an information booklet included with the set, as there was with the 1992 set and, indeed, just about every CD set on the market. Nope! Keep that in mind when deciding which set to order, this more recent slipcase version or the older box. As far as I can tell from the reviews, the mastering and sonic quality are the same. Incidentally, used copies of the 1992 booklet are available on the Amazon site for extra $$.

These discs explain why Elvis became such an influential and towering rock 'n roll artist. His talent shows through on all of these songs and it's simply a great introduction for fans who are only familiar with the King's later work. I prefer the early Presley, and all the hits are here, but more importantly, his other, lesser known songs, are here as well. How about "Baby You're So Square," one of his most charming and fun recordings? Another gem is "Don't You Think it's Time." Even "Here Comes Santa Claus" is a stellar performance!

Another great feature is that you can hear Elvis develop his vocal style. There are three different versions of the fabulous "Shake, Rattle and Roll," and on each successive version, you can hear the improvements, both vocally and instrumentally. This is a piece of music history and will show even a casual listener that Elvis was amazingly gifted as a vocal innovator and rock stylist. Highly recommended!

This box set represents why Elvis Presley was the king of rock 'n' roll, with all of the master recording from the '50s (and a number of alternate and rare ones, too) here on these five discs, from his "Sun Records" days up to when he was inducted in the army in '58.

It might seem like a lot for the casual fan, but if you want to go beyond his greatest hits and don't mind spending some extra money, then, by all means, GET IT! It's well worth it!