One of the three releases on the FTD in July 2006 is the soundtrack of “Clambake”. Was it worth buying?
Design
As we are used to by now in the original cover art series, this release is a little jewel design wise. A great booklet, with some marvelous pictures gave me a lot of pleasure while thumbing through it.
Content
I have to admit that this soundtrack was one of the first “old” Elvis LPs that I bought back in the 70s. Back then I was caught by the positive catchy nature that a lot of the songs showed. My English wasn’t good enough to understand most of the (often silly) lyrics yet, and I think that helps a lot. What do I think of that same album some 30 years later?
An album that starts with “Guitar Man” can’t be wrong, and from the other bonus songs I still dig “How Can You Loose What You Never Had” and “Big Boss Man”. I can’t remember exactly, but I don’t think I ever liked “Singing Tree” and “Just Call Me Lonesome” never really caught me either, since I dislike the sound of a steel guitar as long as I can remember, it always makes me nervous. Talking about that instrument… “A House That Has Everything” is probably the only song starring it that I can stand. From the soundtrack I still love the beautiful ballads “You Don’t Know Me” and “The Girl I Never Loved”. The up-tempo songs, like the title track and even the stupid “Hey, Hey, Hey”, benefits from the fact that I have just listened to “I Found My Thrill” (for the first and last time), another recent FTD-release. After hearing that boring CD these tracks are welcome (as a matter of fact, even “Singing Tree” – which is playing right now - is acceptable).
The bonus songs appeared to be mainly my favourites, so that was easy scoring. I don’t really feel like searching for which takes are actually unreleased – even on bootleg, if there are any… I decided just to enjoy the man and his music.
Conclusion
If you told me a couple of years ago that one day I would enjoy the “Clambake”-soundtrack more than a complete soundboard show of 1974, I would have looked at you as if you were crazy. Now I have to admit it is possible… “Hey, Hey, Hey”.
Clambake
By ElvisNews.com/ Lex, July 16, 2006 | Music
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Shakingruud wrote on
July 17, 2006
YES, it IS worth buying....fantastic quality, beautiful pictures and great ´behind the scenes´ information. OK, its not all music on a high level, but that story has been told a 1000 times. Elvis´ movies songs were not all that great. I dont care, every soundtrack has its highlights even this one. And the outtakes of Clambake are great! He did have fun at times while recording these songs. BUY!!
Tony C wrote on
July 17, 2006
It certainly is worth buying, the out-takes are great. I loved they various takes of "Hey Hey Hey" with Elvis having trouble with the tongue-twisting lyrics. The remastering is excellent and the packaging superb.
lray wrote on
July 17, 2006
When the LP first came out I was excited to hear Guitar Man and Big Boss Man for the first time. As a collection I thought that this LP was better music and in some cases was an improvement in sound quality over the Double Trouble, Paradise Hawiian Style, Frankie and Johnny and Girl Happy LP's. And also much better than the latter Speedway LP.
CD King wrote on
July 18, 2006
Is it worth buying? Yes, it is definately worth buying. The excellent booklet, original cover art, packaging and rare photos alone are worth it. Not to mention those superb, extremely entertaining outtakes etc. "Clambake" may not be of of his better soundtrack album but this FTD 7" Format version is a gem for the true fans and collectors. Keep up the good work Ernst and company. More please.
Shaky wrote on
July 21, 2006
I have enjoyed all three on the new FTD's I think your a little hard on the 'Thrill' CD - I enjoyed this the most, good sound, good mix and a season we have never had even on bootleg - give it some space! Clambake is a good FTD - the silly movie songs always sound better when Elvis is laughing and joking trying to get through them!
Steve P wrote on
July 27, 2006
Poor old Elvis, this is embarrassing. He's trying to produce great work like Guitar Man but is forced to sing Who needs Money and Hey,hey,hey - surely one of the worst-ever movie songs. The cover design has good photos and A House that Has Everything outtakes are cute but the rest is plain bad. All the good tracks are on the 60s box-set. what's the point UNLESS you happen to like Clambake?
PTCJones wrote on
July 27, 2006
Is anybody having trouble with the last track on this CD? It's kind of hit and miss when it plays on mine
sugartummy wrote on
February 23, 2013
Listen to clambake take 4, 21 amazing seconds. Only Elvis could hear something like that in a stupid song like clambake. This is worth the price of admission alone. Only you don't know me is a good movie song here, the rest is rubbish. Of course, all the non movie songs here are great.