Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Worth a listen for the open minded, September 2, 2001
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.
|
|
|
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Two Fine Crowd Pleasers in a Neat Package, April 18, 2000
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.
|
|
|
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
The "Viva Las Vegas" half is essential movie Elvis, June 18, 1999
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.
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
~ Elvis Presley
~ Elvis Presley
~ Elvis Presley
~ Elvis Presley
~ Elvis Presley
by Elvis Presley 
