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American Sound 1969 Update

July 16, 2019 | Music

The earlier announce Digital Release by Sony Legacy turns out to be released as 5CD set by FTD as start of a new series 'Sessions'. Weird start for a series with a collection that doesn't seem to be complete at all.

Disc 1
 
1) Long Black Limousine – takes 1,2,3 & 5 4:41
Previously unreleased
2)   Long Black Limousine – take 6 4:30
First release: FTD CD MEMPHIS SESSIONS 74321-89293-2. 10-200
3) Long Black Limousine – takes 7,8 & 9 5:02
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS IN MEMPHIS 506020-975047. 04-201
4) Long Black Limousine – take 9 (undubbed master with vocal repairs) 4:22
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS AT AMERICAN SOUND STUDIO 506020-975064. 12-2013
5) This Is The Story – takes 1 & 2 (take 2 is master track & vocal overdub) 3:31
First release: FTD CD MEMPHIS SESSIONS 74321-89293-2. 10-2001
6) Wearin’ That Loved On Look – takes 1,2,3 & 5 2:19
Takes 1, 2 & 5. Previously unreleased
Take 3. First release: RCA 2-CD set SUSPICIOUS MINDS – THE MEMPHIS 1969 ANTHOLOGY 07863-67677-2. 04-13-1999 
7) Wearin’ That Loved On Look - take 10 3:06
First release: FTD CD MEMPHIS SESSIONS 74321-89293-2. 10-2001
8) Wearin’ That Loved On Look – takes 12,13 & 14 4:53
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS IN MEMPHIS 506020-975047. 04-2013
9) Wearin’ That Loved On Look – take 15 (undubbed master) 3:07
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS IN MEMPHIS 506020-975047. 04-2013
10) You’ll Think Of Me – takes 1-6 6:39
First release: FTD 2-CD set BACK IN MEMPHIS 506020-975050. 12-2012
11) You’ll Think Of Me – take 7 4:50
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS AT AMERICAN SOUND STUDIO 506020-975064. 12-2013
12) You’ll Think Of Me – take 8 4:25
First release: FTD CD MADE IN MEMPHIS 82876-76965. 04-2006
13) You’ll Think Of Me – takes 11 & 14 6:01
Take 11. Previously unreleased
Take 14. First release: FTD CD MEMPHIS SESSIONS 74321-89293-2. 10-2001
14) You’ll Think Of Me – take 16 4:32
First release: RCA 2-CD set SUSPICIOUS MINDS – THE MEMPHIS 1969 ANTHOLOGY 07863-67677-2.
15) You’ll Think Of Me – takes 19,20 & 22 4:04
Previously unreleased
16) You’ll Think Of Me – take 23 (undubbed master) 4:27
First release: FTD 2-CD set BACK IN MEMPHIS 506020-975050. 12-2012
 
Disc 2
 
1) I’m Movin’ On – takes 1-2 3:52
(Clarence E. “Hank” Snow)
First release: FTD CD MEMPHIS SESSIONS 74321-89293-2. 10-2001
2) I’m Movin’ On – take 2 (with vocal replacements and steel guitar overdub) 2:57
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS IN MEMPHIS 506020-975047. 04-2013
3) A Little Bit Of Green – rehearsal 4:28
(Chris Arnold/Geoff Morrow/David Martin)
First release: FTD 2-CD set BACK IN MEMPHIS 506020-975050. 12-2012
4) A Little Bit Of Green - take 1 3:42
First release: FTD 2-CD set BACK IN MEMPHIS 506020-975050. 12-2012
5) A Little Bit Of Green – takes 2-3 (track master with live vocal) 5:04
First release: FTD 2-CD set BACK IN MEMPHIS 506020-975050. 12-2012
6) Gentle On My Mind (with track replacement overdubs and master vocal) 3:42
(John Hartford)
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS IN MEMPHIS 506020-975047. 04-2013
7) Don’t Cry Daddy – take 3 (master take with vocal overdub) 3:47
(Scott ”Mac” Davis)
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS AT AMERICAN SOUND STUDIO 506020-975064. 12-2013
8) Poor Man’s Gold – take 12 (track master with incomplete vocal overdub) 1:06
First release: RCA 2-CD set SUSPICIOUS MINDS – THE MEMPHIS 1969 ANTHOLOGY 07863-67677-2
9) Inherit The Wind – take 1, rehearsal, take 4 with vocal overdub #1 4:18 
First release: FTD 2-CD set BACK IN MEMPHIS 506020-975050. 12-2012
10) Mama Liked The Roses (master track with alternate vocal overdub) 2:30
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS AT AMERICAN SOUND STUDIO 506020-975064. 12-2013
11) Mama Liked The Roses (master track with master vocal overdub) 3:22
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS AT AMERICAN SOUND STUDIO 506020-975064. 12-2013
12) My Little Friend (master track with master vocal overdub) 3:14
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS AT AMERICAN SOUND STUDIO 506020-975064. 12-2013
13) In The Ghetto – take 1 2:56
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS IN MEMPHIS 506020-975047. 04-2013
14) In The Ghetto – takes 2-3 4:06
Take 2. First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS IN MEMPHIS 506020-975047. 04-2013
Take 3. First release: RCA 4-CD set PLATINUM – A LIFE IN MUSIC 07863-67469-2. 07-15-1997
15) In The Ghetto – take 4 2:58
First release: RCA 5-CD set FROM MEMPHIS TO NASHVILLE - THE ESSENTIAL 60’S MASTERS I - 07863-66160-2. 09-28-1993
16) In The Ghetto – takes 5-10 6:52
Previously unreleased
17) In The Ghetto – take 11 3:19
First release: FTD CD MEMPHIS SESSIONS 74321-89293-2. 10-2001
18) In The Ghetto – take 13 2:53
First release: FTD CD MADE IN MEMPHIS 82876-76965. 04-2006
19) In The Ghetto - take 19 3:09
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS AT AMERICAN SOUND STUDIO 506020-975064. 12-2013
20) In The Ghetto – take 20 3:05
First release: RCA 4-CD set ELVIS: TODAY, TOMORROW & FOREVER 07863-65115. 06-25-2002
21) In The Ghetto – take 22 (track master with vocal overdub) 3:07
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS IN MEMPHIS 506020-975047. 04-2013
 
Disc 3
 
1) Rubberneckin’ - takes 1-2 (take 2 is undubbed master) 2:51
Take 1. First release: RCA 2-CD set SUSPICIOUS MINDS – THE MEMPHIS 1969 ANTHOLOGY 07863-67677-2
Take 2. First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS AT AMERICAN SOUND STUDIO 506020-975064. 12-2013
2) Hey Jude – take 1 4:45
First release: FTD CD MEMPHIS SESSIONS 74321-89293-2. 10-2001
3) Hey Jude – takes 3,5,6 & 7 6:27
Take 5. First release: FTD CD MEMPHIS SESSIONS 74321-89293-2. 10-2001
Takes 3,6 & 7. First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS AT AMERICAN SOUND STUDIO 506020-975064. 12-2013
4) From A Jack To A King – takes 1-3 3:12
First release: FTD CD MEMPHIS SESSIONS 74321-89293-2. 10-2001
5) From A Jack To A King – takes 4-5 (take 5 is undubbed master) 3:02
First release: FTD 2-CD set BACK IN MEMPHIS 506020-975050. 12-2012
6) Without Love (There Is Nothing) – take 1 3:16
(Danny Small)
First release: RCA 2-CD set SUSPICIOUS MINDS – THE MEMPHIS 1969 ANTHOLOGY 07863-67677-2
7) Without Love (There Is Nothing) – takes 2-4 4:01
Take 2. First release: FTD 2-CD set BACK IN MEMPHIS 506020-975050. 12-2012
Takes 3-4. First release: FTD CD MEMPHIS SESSIONS 74321-89293-2. 10-2001
8) Without Love (There Is Nothing) – take 5 (undubbed master) 2:57
First release: FTD 2-CD set BACK IN MEMPHIS 506020-975050. 12-2012
9) I’ll Hold You In My Heart (Till I Can You In My Arms) – take 1 (master) 4:38
First release: RCA LP FROM ELVIS IN MEMPHIS LSP 4155. 06-17-1969
10) I’ll Be There – takes 1-3 (take 3 is undubbed master) 4:35
(Bobby Darin)
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS AT AMERICAN SOUND STUDIO 506020-975064. 12-2013
11) I’ll Be There – takes 4-6 3:12
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS AT AMERICAN SOUND STUDIO 506020-975064. 12-201
12) Suspicious Minds – takes 1-5 8:33
First release: FTD 2-CD set BACK IN MEMPHIS 506020-975050. 12-2012
13) Suspicious Minds – take 6 3:43
First release: FTD CD MEMPHIS SESSIONS 74321-89293-2. 10-2001
14) Suspicious Minds - take 7 3:46
First release: RCA 5-CD set FROM MEMPHIS TO NASHVILLE - THE ESSENTIAL 60’S MASTERS I - 07863-66160-2. 09-28-1993
15) Suspicious Minds – take 8 (undubbed master) 4:06
First release: RCA 4-CD set PLATINUM – A LIFE IN MUSIC 07863-67469-2. 07-15-1997
 
Disc 4
 
1) Stranger In My Own Home Town – jam (undubbed) 4:55
First release: FTD 2-CD set BACK IN MEMPHIS 506020-975050. 12-2012
2) It’s My Way/This Time/I Can’t Stop Loving You – jam 3:52
First release: RCA 5-CD set FROM MEMPHIS TO NASHVILLE - THE ESSENTIAL 60’S MASTERS I - 07863-66160-2. 09-28-1993
3) True Love Travels On A Gravel Road – take 2 2:37
First release: RCA 4-CD set ELVIS: TODAY, TOMORROW & FOREVER 07863-65115. 06-25-2002
4) True Love Travels On A Gravel Road – take 4 2:32
First release: RCA 2-CD set SUSPICIOUS MINDS – THE MEMPHIS 1969 ANTHOLOGY 07863-67677-2. 04-13-1999
5) True Love Travels On A Gravel Road – take 5 3:00
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS AT AMERICAN SOUND STUDIO 506020-975064. 12-2013
6) True Love Travels On A Gravel Road – takes 6-7 4:36
First release: FTD CD MEMPHIS SESSIONS 74321-89293-2. 10-2001
7) True Love Travels On A Gravel Road – take 11 (undubbed master) 3:16
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS IN MEMPHIS 506020-975047. 04-2013
8) And The Grass Won’t Pay No Mind – takes 1,3 & 5 6:34
First release: FTD 2-CD set BACK IN MEMPHIS 506020-975050. 12-2012
9) And The Grass Won’t Pay No Mind – take 6 (master track with live vocal) 3:33
First release: FTD CD MEMPHIS SESSIONS 74321-89293-2. 10-2001
10) And The Grass Won’t Pay No Mind – take 6 (master track with overdubbed vocal) 3:56
First release: FTD 2-CD set BACK IN MEMPHIS 506020-975050. 12-2012
11) Power Of My Love – take 1 3:14
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS IN MEMPHIS 506020-975047. 04-2013
12) Power Of My Love – takes 2 & 3 3:17
Take 2. First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS IN MEMPHIS 506020-975047. 04-2013
Take 3. First release: RCA 4-CD set PLATINUM – A LIFE IN MUSIC 07863-67469-2. 07-15-1997
13) Power Of My Love – take 6 3:56
First release: FTD CD MEMPHIS SESSIONS 74321-89293-2. 10-2001
14) Power Of My Love – take 7 (undubbed master) 3:06
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS IN MEMPHIS 506020-975047. 04-2013
15) After Loving You – take 2 3:43
First release: RCA 2-CD set SUSPICIOUS MINDS – THE MEMPHIS 1969 ANTHOLOGY 07863-67677-2. 04-13-1999
16) After Loving You – take 3 3:42
First release: FTD CD MEMPHIS SESSIONS 74321-89293-2. 10-2001
17) After Loving You - take 4 (undubbed master) 3:14
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS IN MEMPHIS 506020-975047. 04-2013
18) Do You Know Who I Am? – takes 1 & 3 5:03
Take 1. First release: FTD CD MEMPHIS SESSIONS 74321-89293-2. 10-2001
Take 3. FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS AT AMERICAN SOUND STUDIO 506020-975064. 12-2013
19) Do You Know Who I Am? – take 4 4:01
First release: FTD CD MADE IN MEMPHIS 82876-76965. 04-2006
20) Do You Know Who I Am? – take 5 4:31
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS AT AMERICAN SOUND STUDIO 506020-975064. 12-2013
21) Do You Know Who I Am? – take 7 (master with vocal overdub) 3:16
First release: FTD 2-CD set BACK IN MEMPHIS 506020-975050. 12-2012
 
Disc 5
 
1) Kentucky Rain – takes 1-3 7:17
Takes 1-2. First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS AT AMERICAN SOUND STUDIO 506020-975064. 12-2013
Take 3. First release: RCA 2-CD set SUSPICIOUS MINDS – THE MEMPHIS 1969 ANTHOLOGY 07863-67677-2. 04-13-1999
2) Kentucky Rain – takes 5-7 6:02
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS AT AMERICAN SOUND STUDIO 506020-975064. 12-2013
3) Kentucky Rain – take 8 3:57
First release: RCA 5-CD set FROM MEMPHIS TO NASHVILLE - THE ESSENTIAL 60’S MASTERS I - 07863-66160-2. 09-28-1993
4) Kentucky Rain – take 9 3:57
First release: FTD CD MEMPHIS SESSIONS 74321-89293-2. 10-2001
5) Kentucky Rain – take 10 (undubbed master) 4:19
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS AT AMERICAN SOUND STUDIO 506020-975064. 12-2013
6) Only The Strong Survive – take 1 2:27
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS IN MEMPHIS 506020-975047. 04-2013
7) Only The Strong Survive – takes 8,11 & 12 5:53
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS AT AMERICAN SOUND STUDIO 506020-975064. 12-2013
8) Only The Strong Survive – takes 17,21 & 22 4:38
Takes 17 & 21.  First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS IN MEMPHIS 506020-975047. 04-2013
Take 22. First release: FTD CD MEMPHIS SESSIONS 74321-89293-2. 10-2001
9) Only The Strong Survive – take 29 (undubbed master)  3:22
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS IN MEMPHIS 506020-975047. 04-2013
10) It Keeps Right On A Hurtin’ – takes 1 & 2 4:24
Take 1. First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS IN MEMPHIS 506020-975047. 04-2013
Take 2. First release: RCA 2-CD set SUSPICIOUS MINDS – THE MEMPHIS 1969 ANTHOLOGY 07863-67677-2. 04-13-1999
11) Any Day Now – takes 1 & 2 3:36
(Bob Hilliard/Burt Bacharach)
Take 1. First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS IN MEMPHIS 506020-975047. 04-2013
 Take 2. First release: FTD CD MEMPHIS SESSIONS 74321-89293-2. 10-2001
12) Any Day Now - takes 3 & 4 5:13
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS IN MEMPHIS 506020-975047. 04-2013
13) Any Day Now – takes 5 & 6 (take 6 is undubbed master track and live vocal) 5:44
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS AT AMERICAN SOUND STUDIO 506020-975064. 12-2013
14) If I’m A Fool (For Loving You) - takes 1,2 & 3 5:55
Takes 1 & 2. First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS AT AMERICAN SOUND STUDIO 506020-975064. 12-2013
Take 3. First release: FTD CD MEMPHIS SESSIONS 74321-89293-2. 10-2001
15) If I’m A Fool (For Loving You) - takes 6,7,8 & 9 (take 9 is undubbed  master) 6:47
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS AT AMERICAN SOUND STUDIO 506020-975064. 12-2013
16) The Fair’s Moving On (track master with vocal overdub) 3:17
First release: FTD 2-CD set BACK IN MEMPHIS 506020-975050. 12-2012
17) Who Am I ? (undubbed master) 3:08
First release: FTD 2-CD set FROM ELVIS AT AMERICAN SOUND STUDIO 506020-975064. 12-2013

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Milky White Way wrote on July 16, 2019
Looking on other sites at the content, it is clear that it’s not the complete sessions. There’s several gaps in takes ie Kentucky Rain take 4 (unless this take was a complete non starter). Also I know there’s another vocal version of Gentle on my mind. Sony may have decided to remove takes due to Elvis’ bad language I’m not against this release but just don’t call it complete when it’s not. Also, as I’ve mentioned before. I hate the cover, it looks cheap and poorly photoshopped. I would like to buy this set but I’ve already ordered the live 69 set and my wallet won’t stretch to another expensive item. That said, thank you Sony for celebrating Elvis’ best recording session.
Rob Wanders wrote on July 16, 2019
Do they really take this photo on the cover???? There are so many wonderful pictures of Elvis in this period and then they take this one (also badly photoshopped) :-(
Gladyslove wrote on July 16, 2019
There is no sign that it will be a complete sessions box set. It´s the same as the download. Why they didn´t release the complete sessions is a mystery to me. And in a few years, maybe, they will release it but I don´t want to be in Ernst´s skin in these days.
Gladyslove wrote on July 16, 2019
Pierre, the critics will be on fire, a lot of the ftd fans will be disappointed ( I want to be honest, me too ) cause Ernst won´t give us the complete sessions now but, maybe in a few years, in complete form.
Cruiser621 wrote on July 16, 2019
Another giant rip-off by FTD of the same stuff, released in the past (3-individual FTD CD's at last count); enough is enough! How many times can FTD go to the well repackaging the same stuff over and over and there are folks out there who will continue to buy this even though thery have everything already. Not me.
JerryNodak wrote on July 16, 2019
I bought the 3 FTD double disc releases of this material and that's enough American Sound sessions for me. Whatever I'm missing, I'm messing.
bajo wrote on July 16, 2019
The only thing I can say, is that this was too early following the 3 wonderful FTD's. On the other hand the year as it is, it is some kind of understandable. The well is running dry, and Ernst tries as best as he can to keep it alive. First sign of drougth! Sadly!
jaques marcello wrote on July 16, 2019
The three cds / ftd previously released already enough for me. I certainly will not buy it. The art of the cover, for me, is terrible, could have chosen another photo.
Bob Finkel wrote on July 16, 2019
I am also a little disappointed that we do not get served the full session here. Maybe there will be a second 5 CD Box Vol. 2 soon. That was also the case with the FTD vinyl editions Jailhouse Rock and GI Blues. I would like to hear and have the complete sessions in the near future. So come on Ernst. Think about the many collectors that have kept the FTD loyalty over all these years. The Viva Las Vegas and the Fun In Acapulco boxes were a great start. We are waiting for Vol. 2 of this extraordinary session.
TheMemphisFan wrote on July 16, 2019
I'm not the least bit interested in buying this expensive set. I already have all the CDs of these sessions that were released in past years. I can live without the few unreleased takes that are sprinkled throughout this set.
Adams wrote on July 17, 2019
I'm a strong follower of FTD and thanked zillion of times Ernst and his colleagues for creating this label and delivering so many fantastic or at least very good/good titles. Absolutely I'm not the one of many eternally unsatisfied critics of FTD releases present on this site. I think the beginning of the "complete session" series was great. Both boxes - VLV and FIA - were great and listening to them is a pure pleasure for Elvis music lovers. And I can understand why there is one take of I think I'm gonna like it here missing - it's a vis maior - it doesn't exist and nobody can do anything about it. Nevertheles I must say that this forthcoming American Sound box is a heavy dissapointment for me. The amount of missing takes/mixes is very high. I know, I know, some tapes are missing but this is not the point here. On the published setlist of the box there are many missing outtakes and mixes for instatnce from bootleg series American Way or from 30 years old now release The Memphis Record! In my opinion it is not excusable. The most ridiculous fact is the absence of take 1 of After loving you. Spending hard-earned money for the compilation of almost all already released outtakes is useless. If anybody at FTD thinks seriously about the quality of this box it should be extended to seven CD's release with all existing/remaining outtakes, different vocal overdubs and mixes.
wildfishie wrote on July 17, 2019
I have a hope that sometime in the near future MSR (Memphis Recording Service) will give this session the high quality treatment it deserves. I've been collecting all their "complete" box sets and was never let down.
Gorse wrote on July 17, 2019
When you provide a service, no matter how hard you try to balance it out there will always be dissenters, that unfortunately is life. I think it is phenomenal what FTD has achieved in keeping this going. As an aside has anyone here discovered Dimash a mind blowing sensation from Kazakhstan - Elvis would have liked him I'm sure
Martin DJ wrote on July 18, 2019
When the original albums came out, from Raised on Rock onwards, I listened to them numerous times. Collections such as these: maybe twice. So I really won't miss any missing takes or false starts or banter in between. It looks like a decent set, next year probably the same sort of thing documenting the 1970 sessions.
benny scott wrote on July 18, 2019
Gorse : wise words (as always), so amen to that ! As for Dimash : to be honest, I didn't know him so I looked it up. Mindblowing ! What a vocal range ! Version of "All by myself " = goosebumps ! Our man would have liked him indeed.
Gorse wrote on July 18, 2019
Thanks Benny but you have for years set a good example of how rational fans should act as being a Presley fan is supposed to be a pleasure, and a helpful relief from these challenging times. As regards Dimash I have a 'Sinful Passion' lol
Steve V wrote on July 19, 2019
I cant believe there were that many takes on Hey Jude, and the finished master is the best they could come up with? What the heck went on there with that song? I have enough 69 Memphis takes to get me through forever. Dont need any more, but it sounds like a nice release if you dont have any of the previous FTDs on this material.
Gorse wrote on July 19, 2019
Steve V - I know his version of Hey Jude divides opinion and many agree with you, but from a personal; point of view I find this the equal of the Beatles version as opposed to say Yesterday. What is interesting is that Paul M has sung this at big events in the last few years in the UK and his efforts amongst many fall well short of perfection ( I happen to have always greatly admired the Beatles since the Love Me Do single in 1962 so no axe to grind).
Steve V wrote on July 19, 2019
Gorse - I dont like any of Beatles covers by Elvis. They all fall short of the originals. Maybe if Elvis bothered to learn the lyrics to Jude & Something, I would have liked them better. It would have been nice to see Elvis strap on an acoustic to play and sing Yesterday as Paul did on the Sullivan show. The Vegas versions? Nah. Overdone with all the voices and orchestra. One of the few 69 songs he did live I dont care for at all. Hey Jude is a studio disaster IMO. Anyway , as far as Paul falling short in recent years, well he is over 70, and his voice is not what it used to be, so I agree there.
Gorse wrote on July 20, 2019
That's the trouble with you Steve V, you never say what you feel lol ! Yes Something and Yesterday are not as good as the Beatles versions but it would have been closer with studio recordings. Orchestration has for you, and many others on this forum a real negative and I also note that differences manifest themselves in liking 'Pot Luck' almost as much as 'Elvis is Back' and enjoying the 1973 Stax recordings almost as much as the 1969 Memphis sessions. Our opinions and that is the fun side of being a fan, will collide on many occasions..
Steve V wrote on July 20, 2019
Gorse - Collisions are good , as long as they are on opinions and not in cars! I love a healthy debate. Elvis never did all that much for me as a live performer after TTWII. His act became too predictable, too Vegasy, his classic songs were done faster and faster, and he did way too many covers for my taste. I agree that some of the live renditions of Beatles songs may have worked better if a good studio session was worked on. Hey Jude could have been spectacular if taken seriously.. Lady Madonna, and Get Back also. I wish he had tried something with them.
JerryNodak wrote on July 20, 2019
I'm not saying every "cover" Elvis did was great. But I liked him doing covers. I already knew he could do his own hits. I didn't need to hear them again. I wanted to hear him bring something to someone else's tune. Even if it was just his voice and their arrangement. I loved "covers." I realize this is quite possible an unpopular position, but so be it.
Gorse wrote on July 20, 2019
I agree with some of your comments Steve V (although I am often in the JerryNodak corner) and I have a theory as opposed to the intimate knowledge many seem to have on youtube. His mother, an accepted huge influence on him was a great Mario Lanza fan (Surrender, It's Now or Never) who was at his peak around the time Elvis was at the impressionable age of 15/16 , while the Grand Ole Opry as he stated in Houston 1970 was possibly the first thing he had heard on the radio. Combine these with his accepted love of Gospel as demonstrated by their performances in his most dire concerts, and (this is where one could call it unfounded conjecture), not an innate liking of rock 'n' roll, as it wasn't in his genes, and as a singer wanting vocal recognition not musically satisfying . This amongst other points like a more sophisticated voice consideration was possibly why it ended in mostly rushed rock performances, and why the 1970's broadly according to you, took a disappointing musical direction.
claunath82 wrote on July 27, 2019
FTD Sony offered us so many good products that I am grateful to them, all those who did not suit me I did not buy them. about the sessions of memphis '69 it is surprising that it misses "come out" and "memory revival" I know Elvis does not sing but it should be in this kind of box set, there are really very nice pictures of elvis during these sessions and this is one of them that should appear on the cover or otherwise why not keep the concept of vlv and fia, my wishes for the future would be the first 3 camden Flaming Star, Let's Be Friends and Almost in Love then In Concert '77 in classic album, concerts ON TOUR ... I will certainly bought the box LIVE 69 which seems interesting to me at 80 € I prefer the format smaller (identical to STAX and MSG) contrary to the special comeback of 2018.