The latest outing on the FTD label is a silver disc full of material from the NBC Special. Is it something special?
Design
Well, let’s be honest… even a male fan can’t deny that with Elvis in June 1968 one can’t go wrong. Only the amount of pictures of our man is something to complain about ;-). Again the contrast is pretty good, so this old man had no problems with reading the text on the cover.
Content
The CD starts with the production numbers recorded at Western Recorders, Burbank between June 20 and June 24. Those songs have always between my favorite material from the show, next to the stand-up shows. Especially the soul that the gospel segment has is beyond imagination. “Where Could I Go But To The Lord” from the “How Great Thou Art” album is good, but the version from the special is from another planet, while the power of the up-tempo part is the finishing touch of what is in my opinion the best music in TV history. So far the tendentious opinion I have… let’s go to this particular disc.
I can be pretty short on that, the takes are all pretty close to what we know and the fun of hearing Elvis’ breaking up, some studio conversations is well known to most of us too. In other words: the outtakes part meets my expectations completely.
The other part of the CD – The Rehearsals – was a pleasant surprise. I knew the material from bootlegs, but the way Kevan Budd restored it is - again - beyond imagination, especially when keeping the source in mind. As we all know these rehearsals were the base for the sit-down shows, but I like them much better – mainly because there is no irritating tambourine.
Conclusion
To me this is one of the best FTDs of the last couple of years, nothing really surprising, but at least The King that I fell – musically - in love with.
Let Yourself Go!
By ElvisNews.com/ Lex, October 12, 2006 | Music
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Ton Bruins wrote on
October 13, 2006
Yes, a very good release. 15 great outtakes and indeed nothing really surprising because we all know what to expect when a CD is released from this 68 comeback. What could go wrong there ? Fantastic versions from "Let Yourself Go" , "It Hurts Me", "Guitar Man" and "Memories". The rehearsals I all ready had for a long time on bootlegs. I am not such a fan of those "home recordings" with just a so-so soundquality.
Rob Wanders wrote on
October 13, 2006
for me this cd is not one of the best from FTD. About the Rehearsals: I'm getting tyred listening to (the same) jokes, rather poor soundquality and the guy with that horrible laugh (is it Joe?) irritates me very much. He laughs too loud, too long and too much. About the productionnumbers: No real surprises, no track which make you go back to the cd-player to hear it again, only Memories, cause I love the original and Elvis sang so out of tune during the live-version. This version he has the same problem on the same phrase, but not as much as in the live-show, it's much better. For one reason or the other the cd gives me an untidy ( a little bit in the direction of chaotic) impression.
NorwayElvis wrote on
October 13, 2006
agree with Rob Wanders, didnt like this release much either. Played it once and wont play it again in the near future. Not a bad release its just not to my taste
Greg Nolan wrote on
October 14, 2006
You're kidding right? It's on the collector specialty label "FTD" -owned by BMG/Sony. And some people don't like this? C'mon! I don't even have it yet but I'm sure it's a must-have.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on
October 14, 2006
Come on man, its not like they advertise the label in there regular releases, and everyone is not gonna think its a winner,the poster didnt put down the label or either the cd itself,just said didnt do much for him,sorry i love ftd,but im not gonna prasie every release,when nashville 71 or more nashville 70 comes out,youll hear me praising its release,look for it!
Ton Bruins wrote on
October 14, 2006
Don't worry Greg this is a great release. You will enjoy this one for sure. Perfect sound and a motivated first class '68 Elvis !
Ciscoking wrote on
October 14, 2006
An essential must have, one of the most interesting FTD releases at all. My advice: Go and get it........
Rob Wanders wrote on
October 14, 2006
I do agree with you mature_elvis_fan75, aren't we all waiting for the 71 sessions: Love me, love the life I lead, Early morning rain, We can make the morning and many more. It's for me a wonder why they don't focus on these sessions for a (double)cd from FTD.
ttwiise wrote on
October 14, 2006
What on earth is going on? This is Elvis at his absolute best, just listen to the power and emotion he puts into each track. I can accept criticism of some of the soundtrack releases, and although i agree the disc can appear as a mis-mash on first listening, this is a great disc in superb sound, definately in my top 5. If you don`t want this disc then, really, what is it you want? don`t tell me lacklustre out-takes from the mid 70`s!
Doug wrote on
October 15, 2006
This CD is not one of the best from FTD I was waiting for Let Yourself Go like the version from Legendary Performer Vol. 3. I don't like Let Yorself Go as appeared on TV Special, it's interesting to watch not to hear.
secondrichard wrote on
October 15, 2006
I love it. It's great material. Can't believe people here are asking for outtakes of some of the worst things Elvis ever sang like 'Love Me Love The Life I Lead' or 'We Can Make The Morning'. I sure hope 'Padre' isn't on that want list..........It's a far as being 'The King Of Rock'n Roll' as Elvis ever could get. I love Elvis' 70's period, but definately not those type of songs. I'll enjoy this FTD release and will certainly play it more than once. And I agree the laughing guy is irritating. Almost as annoying as 'Padre', 'We Can Make The Morning' and 'Love Me, Love The Life I Lead'......
Steve V wrote on
October 15, 2006
I agree - great release from one of the greatest Elvis career moments. I consider this essential just for what it represents. A rare time when critics and fans agreed Elvis was great. As for Love Me Love The Life I Lead, I cant even sit thru the master. Absolutely one of the worst songs he ever recorded and truly showed he was not getting good material at this point in his career, probably due to the ridiculous publishing demands put on songwriters. Keep the outtakes locked up please!
Adams wrote on
October 15, 2006
What are you talking about, guys? Some of you don't like "Love me, love the life I lead" and some of you do like it. De gustibus non est disputandum! I'm a collector and I want all of the existing outtakes, even those of the killer songs like "Who needs money" or "Catchin' on fast". I'm waiting (or maybe I should say - we are waiting) for '71 sessions for many, many years and I want them now. Never mind some songs from '71 are worse than others. After all, coming to the point, "Let yourself go" is a great compilation in both ways - artistically and musically. Of course, this is just my opinion. Just don't say "I don't like these type of songs, so don't release them". OK? Somebody else surely likes them. At least, wants to have them on CD.
Steve V wrote on
October 15, 2006
Yes Adams, you are right - release them on FTD so fans can decide to buy or not to buy. I just hope not to the general public. I remember what a bomb the "fool' LP was when first released in 1973. Elvis followed arguably what was his crowning achievemnet with an LP of sub-par songs and it didnt sell at all well.
Greg Nolan wrote on
October 16, 2006
Mature, they'll get to '71, sooner or later. FTD keeps getting to everything and they'll make a way. I think it's a bad song but I admit to liking "Love Me, Love the Life I Lead." It also was one of the last studio masters I hadn't heard up to a few years ago, as I had somehow never gotten the "Fool" album before, but had heard all the other songs on other comps. I look forward to "Let Yourself Go" big-time. Doug: to me, the '68 version (audio and video) kicked a$$. <grin> I will be sad when the day comes when these releases start slowing down. Except for maybe soundboards, the bottom of the well is within sight, so enjoy the ride!
secondrichard wrote on
October 16, 2006
As an Elvis fan I always want outtakes. And offcourse I'll buy every FTD release, including the one which could contain outtakes from the 1971 songs. But reviewing or giving an opinion on the 'Let Yourself Go' CD and asking for outtakes of the 1971 sessions in one sentence sounds weird to me. Two different leagues, two totally different periods. In 1968 Elvis was on his way back to the top. The 1971 songs (not all of them, but some of the songs mentioned in previous contributions here) are in my opinion the start of the downfall of Elvis. I don't expect anything from the outtakes of those songs. The masters are terrible (my opinion, Ton likes some -dat mag Ton-) in most cases. But I hate most of the Masters of the 1973 Stax sessions also and I liked the outtakes released so far.
Rob Wanders wrote on
October 17, 2006
I just do not understand that the non-religious/Xmas recordings of 1971 have been avoided so far, with the exception of Until it's time. I think songs like I'm leaving, Early morning rain, We can make the morning, For lovin' me, The first time (the duet version), It's only love and also Love me, love the life I lead ( I love it) deserve a new good release with the originals in optimal soundquality and with outtakes if there are any. And then they can put "Padre" on it also. It's still heaven compare with "He's your uncle", "Confidence" or "America, the beautiful". Much more interesting than bringing another Las Vegas live boring show on cd, don't you think so. The fact that I ask for the 71songs together with my review about the Let yourself go cd, secondRichard, has not so much to do with this cd as with the fact that I repeatedly take the chance to ask for the 71 songs if I write something. And I listened to the "Let yourself go" cd a second time (the first part only)and I still am not fond of it. There's another reason I don't like it so much. It has nothing to do with the music. The music is great, but the sudden breaks of songs irritates me. Than I prefer to listen to the original cd or better watch the DVD.
Renan Augusto wrote on
October 17, 2006
"Love Me, Love The Life I Lead" is a beautiful song in my opinion!
untamedhawk wrote on
October 18, 2006
I'm just waiting for FTD to get back on track again...... This is just DVD cuts. I also have to complain about an old FTD release TOO MUCH MONKEY BUSINESS It was just overdubbed music on original takes.... I'd hate to think we were buying less than original Elvis recordings, I', also wondering when they'll pull the rabbitt back out of the hat as they have with a great many of their releases. Just another fan of the man complaining about what's in hand!
untamedhawk wrote on
October 18, 2006
Love Me Love The Love I Lead? I don't see this song on this CD... What am I missing LOL besides the good stuff like the rest of you.
marty wrote on
October 18, 2006
I'm still waiting for my copy from the mail but I am sure that it will be another great release from FTD. I have been an Elvis fan for 30 years now and I am interested in everything he recorded during his career. I don't like them all equally but I want everything! All FTD releases are essential for a true fan I think, regardless of whether the songs included are among our favorites or not. Looking forward to hearing this cd (especially the production numbers) and also for the next release...
ger wrote on
October 19, 2006
a very good album worth the money . Love Me Love The Love I Lead is terrible Elvi was on the sllde 1971 on .
byebye wrote on
October 19, 2006
untamedhawk, the "Too much monkey business" album from FTD is mainly based on the original RCA release "Guitar man" from "81, wich was procuced by Felton Jarvis and engineered by Chip Young. "Too much monkey.." has 10 tracks from that re-recorded album, and did pretty well in sales back then. (Just so you know before you dump it.. :)
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on
October 20, 2006
Folks when it comes to oppions,its not about sales or being told you must like this or that because its held in high regard in the elvis world,like the 68 special,its not something i watch much,yes he sounded great but the long drawn out dance routines ,the sit down shows i like somewhat but its still something i dont watch daily,im more of a alternate aloha fan(not original but alternate) every ftd is not essential to everyone, i so far have bought every ftd, but this release ive not been in a hurry to get,i feel it could have been put out down the road a little,doesnt mean im trashy this release as many may love it,maybe i love the 71 sessions,oppions are what make conversations fun right?
Greg Nolan wrote on
October 22, 2006
I agree, Mature, that a lot of "group-think" gets boring, so a Devil's Advocate can shake things up. Still..... Rob Wanders wrote : "And I listened to the "Let yourself go" cd a second time (the first part only)and I still am not fond of it. "There's another reason I don't like it so much. It has nothing to do with the music. The music is great, but the sudden breaks of songs irritates me. Than I prefer to listen to the original cd or better watch the DVD.: "I still am not fond of it"? What is it, an Iron Maiden record or Shakira record? It's Elvis, enjoy it. If your not a hard core fan interested in outtakes and rarities, especially from the '68 special, including a rehearsal never completely released or in this sound quality, and certain not videotaped, then maybe FTD isn't the place for you. Good work, FTD!
Rob Wanders wrote on
October 22, 2006
Greg, what a nonsense... are we now going to have a discussion about who is more a hardcore fan than the other. Elvis is in my life since 1975. I just don't like this cd as I hoped I would. I gave you the reasons why. I am still very happy with FTD; bought almost all their cd's (except Clambake). By the way, who is Shakira?
JerryNodak wrote on
October 22, 2006
Mature_Elvis_Fan_75: I'm rather like you. I appreciate the '68 special, but I don't watch it a lot. I'd rather listen. When I do I pull out the Japanese paper sleeve edition. All the essential parts are there with none of the long musical/dance interludes. Great sound too!! It's well worth the investment. If you can find it.
Steve V wrote on
October 22, 2006
I'm a fan of the CD only for the rehearsal/jam (the second part). As for the 68 special, I'd much rather watch it than listen to it (and Aloha also). Listening to 'live' CDs is just not my thing. We have so little professional footage of Elvis performing that I'd always opt for the watch. But I'm not a fan of the tireless outtakes that was on the deluxe DVD edition. Watch it once, then not again for a long time. I'd rather watch a complete sit down show or the noraml TV special itself (brings me back to Dec 1968 and the anticipation I had that night). Lets face it, Elvis only did 2 TV specials of which only 2 are released. I savor them.
Greg Nolan wrote on
October 23, 2006
Jerry, I admit to prefereing to watch the '68 show, but the rehearsal, as was said, is very much something I enjoyed hearing. Rob, I just don't get where someone can slam this CD, given the mission of FTD and the esteem most hold this show in. If you're just into the masters, fine, but don't badmouth FTD for doing releasing unreleased material. This is a fine package, and if it's not your cup of tea, move on with out denigrating it. Why is that so hard to do? Is this forum just for a lot of typing and random personal opinions or are we going to put thought into our posts? This release is to be applauded, if only that. No one is telling you to like it, but as with the soundtrack FTDs, to each his own but FTD is getting the job done for fans, sooner or later. Congratulations on your fandom, but let's not tear down a release like this. It's not like it's "Love, Elvis" or the "genre" re-treads. And obviously you listen only to Elvis or nearly about and that's fine, but "Shakira" is a Latin American hottie from Columbia who has lately become a Top American act. Nothing we want to hear at all, but she's easy on the eyes, if nothing else. Every single FTD is worth having compared to the Top 10 pop albums, bar none. On that, I'm sure we agree.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on
October 28, 2006
Greg it says at the top right corner give your oppion right? and i havnt heard one person say this is such a alful release, why ftd why? have you? they just said its not there favorite,and who said anything about ftd in any bad way? we get it already that ftd is great but every release is not everyones favorite,whats the difference in someone who says they dont like it and do like it? i mean we all have either bought it or will buy it,so since were supporting this label,i think our voice should be heard just as much as the i love this cd posters,the way you talk,someone should only post if they have comments like i love this release or gosh this is the best ftd release yet! come on man it be ok,wereall here cause we all agree on one thing(atleast) and thats elvis, that and i like typing alot haha
Greg Nolan wrote on
October 29, 2006
Hey, I'm the first one to criticize BMG/Sony: check my name and what I've said since 2003 about the main label, so I'm not against even stinging criticism. I just think FTD has been great all around (by and large) and the internet allows fans to just "type" whatever random thoughts they have, as opposed to making a sustained, well-thought-out critique. Again, by any standard, there's nothing to complain about with "Let Yourself Go" unless someone has *zero* perspective. That's my opinion but of course, you and others may differ. Viva la difference...!
Greg Nolan wrote on
October 30, 2006
P.S. A day later and in hindsight, "Mature_elvis_fan75," that's a little harsh, so here's a sober apology. No hard feelings but we all know the feeling when someone doesn't "get" what we get. That's music, I guess. Among Elvis fans, I'm always surprised how much people *don't* like. I'm a fan of it all, save the lowest moments like "Yoga Is As Yoga Does," etc. I always thought the '68 show, like the Sun era, was pretty much beyond criticism. I guess I'm wrong on that, too.
Ronaldv wrote on
October 30, 2006
let's talk about this cd, it sure is one of the better ftd's so far. very good sound (long live kevan budd, his work reminds me of the legendary Rick Rowe in the 80's) the gospel part is terrific. saved, up above my head, nothingville, memories and if I can dream are great outtakes. this cd is a winner! (I listened to an old bootleg (1991) this weekend, containing the dressing room rehearsal, but I have to admit the sound does not differ too much from this new release, maybe this ftd is slightly better)
Danny Fisher wrote on
October 30, 2006
Did anyone else notice the following? One liners of 'when the swallows come home to Capistrano' 'are you horny tonight' and 'when Irish eyes are smiling' and a part of 'The Lords Prayer'. I love 'Memories' myself, just beautiful! All good fun stuff.
Roy M wrote on
October 31, 2006
Saved is a good track also on this FTD, I hope a 1971 FTD will be out soon. That would be a great FTD release to follow up with hopefully in the New Year. This appears to be what everyone is now waiting for?
You Dont Know Me wrote on
October 31, 2006
Yes Danny i DID enjoy those 1 liners very much! great CD and atmosphere, pity about Lamars insane annoying laughing during the rehearsal though.
pasa-ryu wrote on
October 31, 2006
serpurb outtakes and excellant rare dressing room reheasals!-pity you hear lamar fike laughing his head off thru elvis' performance-i hope f.t.d. will one-day release the how great thou art sessions/..they been released on import cd's and will be amazing to own them 'officialy' and remastered with great picture booklets and tones of studio ottakes and studio banter from elvis and his buddies!..i love to listen to the rel elvis.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on
November 01, 2006
Again i havnt put down or trashed this release,just felt it could have been put out at a later date,and no this special is not my favorite,but again ill get it and support,and ftd has put out many great cd's,ive never said otherwise,im sure that something on this cd will catch my ear,just like those 7 inch soundtracks etc on ftd,i dod rather just have outtake cd instead of them but others think differtly,im glad to have the ftd label around but none of us will love every idea they have,even us people who dont like the popular ideas are still fans,just not fans of every idea! When nashville 71 is released i promise youll hear praises from me! untill then,its just an oppion,and thats all !
EspenK wrote on
November 01, 2006
How is it possible to like Elvis but not rate Elvis 68/69 as the absolutely ultimate Elvis experience, with no competition whatsoever from any of the other Erlvis eras...? I just cant comprehend - I respect your opinion, it just seem too unbelieveably to be true! :D
untamedhawk wrote on
November 02, 2006
'70-'73 If we're choosing..... Prime All we really know about the 50's is cliped to death.
Greg Nolan wrote on
November 02, 2006
'Hawk: what exactly did you mean about the '50s Elvis? If anything, I think FTD has been pretty even handed, as on strict terms, his '50s work most critically acclaimed and yet they have done many deluxe soundtracks (with outakes) and numerous live sets. Ronald: what was so legendary about '80s-era RCA engineer Rick Rowe, the man behind quite a few '80s sets like "Reconsider Baby," "A Valentine Gift for You," "Rocker," "Return of the Rocker," "The Memphis Record," and more? I actually liked a lot of those at the time and recently tracked down somewhat rare-CD versions of them but many audiphiles detest those '80s era Rowe versions, and at best concede he did a few interesting remixes..Few would compare him to a Kevan Budd. I'm not pro or anti so fire away.
Ronaldv wrote on
November 10, 2006
rick rowe is legendary, because in the 80s we were not so spoiled with releases like nowadays. for those days his capacity of "creating" real good sound quality was amazing, his remastering was stunning at the time! for instance, the memphis record is one of my favourite legal cd's, after almost 20 years the sound is still just great. I agree that in the 80s there were not too many interesting releases as nowadays, so it was a delight back then when a cd sounded like the memphis record.
Greg Nolan wrote on
November 15, 2006
I still like "The Memphis Record" and enjoyed the 2-LP set when it came out and got the CD a few years ago, but many audiophiles (if I recall right) say that the Rowe era did not age well for the simple fact that the '80s era -CDs were too new. By today's standards, they sound very tinny and cold. But he was part of some interesting releases and I think subtle remixes as well.