Open Web Player
![Elvis By the Presleys [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41AifY6QMjL._AC_UL140_SR140,140_.jpg)
This is the most wonderful, fully realized and sustained music Elvis Presley ever did. Much as anyone should love and admire the Sun Sessions, this music here cuts straighter to the bone. It is a perfectly sequenced album of songs delivered with the most powerful, heartfelt emotion Elvis ever presented in a secular setting. 100 years from now, what will survive of Elvis's music will largely be the Sun Sessions, his gospel recordings, and this album.
You can get all this music on a 2-CD set called Suspicious Minds, which documents all the Jan.-Feb. 1969 Chips Moman recording sessions the produced this album, plus the great singles Suspicious Minds, Don't Cry Daddy, Mama Liked the Roses and Kentucky Rain. There are some other good cuts on it, too, like Without Love, Inherit the Wind and Stranger in My Own Home Town. So, if you're a big big fan, go ahead, spend the 30 bucks and get that one.
But I want to make the case for THIS disc. Because when you hear Suspicious Minds, you realize that the producer picked the true gems from those sessions, only leaving out the singles. I would argue you can get the singles elsewhere on best-of collections that any Elvis fan would have. And there is something to be said for having a CD that only has the original programming, and doesn't dilute its impact. Believe, this album has major impact as Elvis' major statement on the travails of love and life.
Wearin' That Loved on Look--Great, funky opening, but a disquieting scenario--sort of the flip side of Suspicious Minds.
Only the Strong Survive--The first hold-your-breath moment. This was a great single for Jerry Butler, but Elvis just blows him away. Look at it as a 1969 update on Elvis' early melding of R&B with country. Every moment is perfect, especially the vocal.
I'll Hold You in My Heart (Till I Can Hold You in My Arms)-- Oh man, what a vocal. Recalls "Heartbreak Hotel."
Long Black Limousine -- The next jaw-dropper. A song filled with anger and pity, thinking about an old girlfriend or friend whose big dreams came crashing down. This is the album's greatest performance, and that's saying something.
It Keeps Right on A-Hurtin' -- I love this version of the country classic, and it's got the most marvelous arrangement. Maybe my favorite song on it, just because its warmth and momentum.
I'm Movin' On-- Closed side one of the original, a gospel rave-up.
Power of My Love -- And it's powerful indeed. He gets a big, funky sound here.
Gentle on My Mind-- I can't say it tops the Glenn Campbell original, but it's a lovely version.
After Loving You -- Another great vocal performance on another great 50s'-style tune.
True Love Travels on a Gravel Road-- Great moment #4. It sounds like a tribute to a constant wife, but I can't help but think it's really a song of yearning, of a man who wishes for this kind of faithful loyalty, but isn't quite sure. Nick Lowe does a version that brings out this subtext on "The Impossible Bird."
Any Day Now -- Great moment #5. More yearning, kind of like the Beach Boys' When I Grow Up (lyrically, I mean). Smooth and so evocative.
In the Ghetto -- It's dated as hell, and it doesn't matter. Great moment #6. Elvis sings the song with evident compassion; this is a real young man he's singing about, not a social stereotype, and his conviction makes the song work, plus the performance of the band, brilliant throughout, is beautifully understated here, making lots of room for the strings.
I love this album as much as any album I've heard. It doesn't get the recognition it deserves, despite Amazon's "Essential" listing. And it bothers me that the songs are now being repackaged merely at the outcome of the Memphis Sessions. It would be like if George Martin repackaged all the Beatles songs from 1967 as The Psychedelic Sessions, instead of Sgt. Pepper. Just trust me, get and play this record for what it is, and if you love it, you'll want the Suspicious Minds set just to feed your fanaticism.
Frequently bought together
- +
- +
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers also search
Page 1 of 1Page 1 of 1
Top reviews from other countries
Lee Matthew Rusz
Elvis finally shows his musical chops with a great follow up to the NBC TV special
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on September 23, 2018
mr john jack
THE ALBUM THAT BROUGHT ELVIS BACK TO THE TOP
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on January 27, 2015CoastalWaters
From Elvis In Memphis
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on November 4, 2016
