Customer Reviews

Roustabout//Viva Las Vegas

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

 

 

Elvis' soundtrack recordings are generally considered the nadir of his career but the truth is that his singing until at least 1965 was generally superb and whenever he was given half a chance he always came through. This CD is exhibit "A".

On the "Viva Las Vegas" end, Presley is given a few decent tunes for once and turns in what would have been one of the period's most interesting albums,if this had been released as an album. You would never guess it from the film's camp reputation but Presley tries new things here. "Viva Las Vegas", which contains some of his most dramatic singing, is as good a mixture of swing and rock and roll as anything Bobby Darin ever did. That it's often dismissed as just another goofy movie song is unforgiveable. For Doc Pomus' lyrics, alone that capture the essence of the city, the song is a classic. The best ever remake of "What'd I Say" features the largest arrangement Presley had ever used up to that time. Driven by furious drumming from Hal Blaine who pounds his tom toms in a high speed endless roll and an ecstatic vocal by Presley, this is the only version that even comes close to Ray Charles. "I Need Someone to Lean On" is an intimate Frank Sinatra style saloon tune, also new territory for Presley. In more familiar areas "C'mon Everybody" and "If You Think I Don't Need You" are first-rate dance numbers and the duet with Ann Margaret on "You're the Boss" is thrillingly raunchy(you can feel their chemistry), far better than the original by Jimmy Ricks and Laven Baker. Much of the rest is standard movie fare but delivered with Presley's usual aplomb.

Roustabout is a bit of a different story. The material is weak, some of Presley's vocals seem a little rushed and it sounds like it was recorded in a canyon. Still, even here there are moments including a first-rate pop rock number in "One Track Heart" and a fine but very close to the original remake of the Coasters' "Little Egypt". Plus "Hard Knocks" and "Big Big Love Heartache" are better than passable.

Making all of the material a little more acceptable is the packaging which contains photos from the films (though not many) and session information. It's intelligent but not all it could be. The sound throughout features a little too much echo. (On Roustabout this can be attributed to the original recording conditions.) Also more detail in the liner notes would have been appreciated. Finally, it wouldn't have killed BMG to stuff a few hooks in here for collectors. Except for the previously released duets there are no rarities. Given the brief length of the album (53 minutes) there was plenty room for an alternate take or two especially the terrific movie version of "C'mon Everybody" which is still unreleased.
Overall though this is a must for fans, while the casual listener will be challenged but also rewarded.

The real standout in the double-feature series, VLV/R provides mostly above-average songs and performances. Whatever compelled Mr. Presley to rise to the occasion on the "Viva..." session (perhaps his three contemporaneous duets with Ann-Margret?), the results are outstanding for the period - his voice is noticeably stronger than on the "Lost Album" sessions from about two months earlier, especially on the energetic title tune, which deserved a higher placement, and, really, the whole "Viva" set which deserved an actual long play release, not just a single and E.P. Collectors please note the many first-time stereo tracks and "You're The Boss" with a different ending from the first issue. (Thanks RCA, uh, when will we have the MOVIE version of "C'mon Everybody" and the still unreleased duet of "Today, Tomorrow, and Forever"? Just kidding). And now on to "Roustabout", another enjoyable listen. I think many fans would agree that the material and the singing is somewhat less impressive than on the aforementioned entry, but listen to Elvis wail on two '50s-styled rockers (featuring Mr. Boots Randolph doing *his* thing) - it ain't bad! Both soundtracks and movies will not serve the '50s purists; but the rest of us can enjoy two very respectable efforts.

This two-fer, however would have gotten more stars if the songs on "Roustabout" weren't so weak. "Viva Las Vegas" remains one of the King's most popular films, and Elvis sounded like he actually enjoyed recording the songs for that film. The two duets with Ann-Margret (one of which made it into the film) are raw and sexy, showing the respect and chemistry they had together. The only dog track is "Do the Vega," which was thankfully cut. "Roustabout," unfortunately, has little going for it, except for the title track and for Elvis' admirable take on Lieber & Stoller's "Little Egypt." Most of the songs are about carnivals and circuses, and at the end of "Carny Town," there is evidence of Elvis' frustration and impatience of having to tackle more empty-headed drivel ("We've gotta end!..."). It seems mysterious that the "Roustabout" album went to #1 in early 1965, while "Vegas" was delegated to being an EP, since the former did not produce any hits. Now all the songs and outtakes from these films are on this CD. The title track of "Vegas" remains an Elvis classic.

I purchased this CD years ago as a total Elvis hater turned appreciator after seeing the video and hearing the music. Elvis and Ann-Margret have an excellent chemistry and the Viva Las Vegas part of this CD is practically worn out! Buy this CD just for You're the Boss and The Lady Loves Me and you'll be happy. Buy the video, buy the CD and sing along! ...in the middle of the night when the moon is shining bright, you're the boss...

Too often Elvis was given second and third rate material to sing in his movies. With this set he show what he can do with decent material. He delivers the goods, and this disk is enjoyable even if you have not seen the movies.

Star songwriters, Leiber & Stoller, Doc Pomus & Mort Shuman, and Ray Charles are some of the contributors here. Elvis, still in fine voice hits the notes and delivers true performances. I haven't taken the disk out of the player in the past week!

Downside--The disk is discontinued so you are looking at buying used or from an outside seller. It figures they would discontinue the best of the double packs. (Side note--it is almost criminal what they have done with Elvis' material in marketing) It is well worth purchase though. Ann Margaret turns in 2 enjoyable duets also. The material on Roustabout is not equal to Viva Las Vegas, but is still head and shoulders above most of the other soundtracks.

I am giving it 5 stars. While you can argue that it just misses and deserves 4, I remind you that these are soundtracks, not pure Elvis performances. Compared to other soundtracks they are easily 5 star products, and as a set they belong in every Elvis collection.
No matter your age, you should enjoy this.

I was never a big Elvis fan, but have always loved Ann-Margret (The female Elvis, some have said) - together they are a real treat and I am slowly becoming an Elvis fan. The sound of this disc is quite fine and well mixed, and as a bonus it includes songs deleted from the film ("You're the Boss" is great!). I find it strange that A-M's "Appreciation" wasn't included here, though.I've never seen ROUSTABOUT but I find the songs silly and enjoyable. "Little Egypt" is actually quite good and "Poison Ivy League" is a nice satire of upper crust society and their self-important attitudes. The title track and "Hard Knocks" also get stuck in my head after listening.Overall, a nicely packaged and enjoyable set.

The first half of this album is masterfully done and contains a wide variety of beautiful songs. However, the songs from Roustabout leave much to be desired. A couple of the songs are nicely done, especially Little Egypt, but generally the songs are cheesy carnival songs that are truly an embarrassment to Elvis' career. Even with Roustabout any veteran Elvis lover should have buy this album.

For me, Elvis could never do any wrong. I don't love all of his songs or all of his films but there has never been anyone like him, ever - and there never will be again. People are STILL making money from his films, recordings, exhibits, possessions and name - I believe he would have wanted 100% of the revenue obtained to go to charity but people are unfortunately avaricious. He will never die. A true legend. My biggest regret and sorrow is that I was never able to see him perform live.

I love Viva Las Vegas because he's so happy in the film, both on and off set. The songs are bright, lively and fun. The story line is daft. But who cares? Not me!

As for Roustabout, not such a happy story but I still love it and the songs anyway.
This double treat of a CD is a gem. Purchase it (NOW) and treasure it (always).

Many other reviews here pay homage to Viva Las Vegas, and rightly so. However, I have to strongly disagree with those who underappreciate Roustabout. This is one of the best soundtracks, with only two clunkers--Carny Town and It's Carnival time. The other nine songs are great, the title tune plus Little Egypt, Poison Ivy League, Hard Knocks, and One Track Heart--all great rockers. The other four include some good love songs and likeable swing-type songs. One review mentioned in passing that this album hit #1. That was in November 1964, which was the very height of the "British Invasion" when American artists were being pushed off the charts. To my knowledge, only Blue Hawaii and GI Blues hit #1 among the 60's soundtracks. The fact that Elvis could be #1 in late 64 is extraordinary and a testimony to how good this album had to be. It is definitely better than Blue Hawaii and a close second to GI Blues among the soundtracks. This combo with Viva Las Vegas is great.

Unlike many fans of "The King", I was too young to appreciate his early music (Hound Dog, etc.) and too old to get into the overweight, jumpsuit Elvis. I found my niche at 10 when I saw Roustabout at a Saturday matinee. I was hooked. Every time I had a few dollars saved up I'd head to my local record shop and order (Elvis soundtracks aren't normally something they carried in stock)one of his movie tracks. Viva Las Vegas, Kissin Cousins, Roustabout, Girl Happy, and on and on. I have his greatest hits. etc, but when I want to rock out, it's always an Elvis soundtrack I drop in. How can you beat "Hard Knocks", "Big Love(big heartache)", "Viva Las Vegas" and "Come On Everybody"? Oh no doubt there are some clunkers amongst the gems ("Do the Vega" for example) but the bulk of these songs are really fun to listen to (and sing along) and I think capture Elvis in his prime.