Two CDs in the classic album series, one doesn't really fit since it is a compilation and the other can't be called classic due to its performance in sales, but well, it is an original album. First Loes' view on the compilation.
Design
Like we are used to by now, the design is beautiful. At least for me, because this was a LP I didn’t have until I married Lex. Often I held it in my hands in the vinyl store, long ago, but I did not have enough pocket money to actually buy it myself.
Content
If you want facts and numbers don’t read any further, because I am not a database: I just love this music all my life and it brings back memories, feelings and thoughts of the past. Also I am not a real fan of live concerts on CD, because I want to see a concert. When there is no moving material available I just want to listen with my eyes closed and of course I want the best version of that song: the master only.
Disc 1
The Wonder of You, a truly beautiful love song; whenever I hear this, I remember all the lonely nights where I dreamt of my true love. Oh I longed for the right love in my life. I think every woman loves to hear a man call her a wonder. Maybe I have to tell you that lyrics are very important to me.
I’m Leavin’; this emptiness inside me…. I tried so hard each time… living from day to day… I could have written this myself, if I had a talent for songwriting. Elvis’ voice helped me to make it through the most difficult decision of my life.
Burning Love: yeah, some good old rocking! I simply love this tune. Although since I met Lex, there is some downside to it, because (due to his strange sense of humor) he wants to ‘hear’ this song at his cremation. A bit morbid to dance on his grave, but the rhythm could make me do it anyway.
Always on my Mind; as a little girl, I loved the thought that a man would ever say these words to me. And of course my sweet love did not die for him, Elvis I mean. For a very long time Elvis was the only man on my mind, just to help me make it through the nights.
I Just Can’t Help Believing; one of the few singles I was able to buy when it came out. How beautiful are this lyrics. Elvis’ voice, with a little crack of despair in it here and there, makes this song part of my top three of Elvis songs. I must admit, this was one of the first Elvis songs I could understand word for word. I love it!
You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me: like many others I almost can’t listen to this song without drumming along. And believe me, while listening with ear plugs in, I would be the love of the town.
There Goes My Everything: yuck! I am sorry, but I really don’t like this song. Maybe it is the three-four time of the waltz, maybe the memories of my piano teacher, while practicing classic music, but this song simply doesn’t have it for me. Good to have a skipping possibility on my CD player.
Rags to Riches: well, Elvis proofs here again what a great reach he had. Hold me and kiss me… he would not have asked me this twice.
Until it’s Time for You to Go: this is the song I know word for word. I can’t listen to it without getting my eyes all wet. It is obvious to me this is a song fit for my funeral. I don’t ask people to love me forever, but I sure hope people will love me now. The words of this song are so true for me, it is almost scary. I was an oak, now I am a willow…
But unfortunately Lex hates this song, so I can’t do this to him on my funeral. But maybe one of my children will read the lyrics out loud, when the time comes.
Kentucky Rain; time for a nice up tempo song. Elvis’ voice is warm and beautiful again, and I really love the strong piano breaks just before the couplet starts again, just like the great drumming by Gene Chrisman.
I’ve Lost You; with the first words of this song immediately I am back in time again. This is the ultimate broken heart song of every person who have lost a great love. I would change the lyrics a bit to You’ve lost me, but hey, that was then, I am happy now.
An American Trilogy; I really thought for a while this was the national anthem of America. I think it is beautiful, touching and really moving. Glory glory hallelujah: my eyes are wet again. So hush little baby, don’t you cry, you know your daddy is bound to die…. Please hand me a tissue, because by time the flute is there, the tears are running from my eyes. This is an exception by the way, I really love seeing the footage of Aloha while listening to this wonderful song, because that was the first time I heard it.
Don’t Cry Daddy; most of us can’t listen to this without thinking about the version with Lisa Marie, but I really prefer this version. I don’t particularly like the violins in this song, but Elvis’ voice make up for it big time. I don’t know many men who have this gentleness in their voice.
Polk Salad Annie; wow, again one of my favorites. My feet are moving already. It is hard to understand that this great tune is written by one of the most depressive men in the world. I can’t stand his version (Lex does by the way), but I love this one!
Fool; what a great surprise this song was for me. I did not know it for quite some time. Again the lyrics find their way to the very depth of my heart. Once there was a period in my life I could scream the words out load myself. And so my belief that Elvis sings about all that has happened in my life is true again.
Take Good Care of Her; not as terrible as There Goes my Everything, but it comes close. The words are not doing it for me. When a woman leaves a man, he can’t be that understanding, not in my book anyway. Please don’t send me any wedding invitations…. Yeah my ass!
If You Talk in Your Sleep: now there is a true believable story. I love the bass in this tune. And of course the lyrics are great. Thank God I did not forget from where I came… now 11 years ago (happy anniversary dear!)
My Boy; ouch… I just liked to play this on the piano myself. Long before it came true for myself, I use to cry hearing these words. If someone had told me it would become real to me some day, I would have told them to shut up, but it did. And from time to time I still feel the pain of leaving my loved ones behind.
Promised Land; this really rocks: I love it! I simply want to dance! What a great band is playing here. Must buy some CDs more by them ;-) The vocalist is great too by the way. Without kidding, this is really one of my favorites again. I know, I have many, but hey, who can listen to this without moving?
T-R-O-U-B-L-E; Mercy! Look what just walked through that door. I love the piano here!! It swings from start to end! Glen D Hardin is doing his best here! Did I mention I love Ronnie Tutt as a drummer? I love Ronnie Tutt as a drummer! It rocks big time.
Green Green Grass of Home; oh boy, this is a question of conscience. Since I met Lex I am a Tom Jones fan too and many nights we discussed who is better: Elvis or Sir Tom. I have listened to countless versions of this song by TJ and I must confess, he is the better one here. Sorry for standing on some toes here, but it is just a matter of taste I guess.
Hurt; one of the songs I immediately recognize by the very first tone, like most of us do. But the minute Elvis stops singing and start talking I am touched deep down my soul. I have heard the swearing version too, of course, and my heart still cries for him while listening to this song.
Moody Blue; just the other day I heard this when I was visiting a friend, not an Elvis fan by the way, and I thought, well, this must be a song everybody love
