Elvis’ 16th movie was certainly not his worst one (yes, a lot were worse) and also the album is not the worst soundtrack (as a matter of fact it went to #1 back in the day). Still, it is from the magical 1964, so there must be some good in it…
Design
The album got the usual “classic album”-treatment. Nothing wrong there in my view. A lot of goodies in the booklet, not many rare pictures, but all well presented.
Content
As said, it is certainly not the worst soundtrack. In reactions some even called it good, which goes a bit too far for me. Nevertheless I found myself humming a lot while spinning it and at the moment it is on for the 4th time in 3 days, which is exceptional for a soundtrack.
Having said that, I can only conclude it is a meager release with only one CD and hardly any new outtakes. Probably that is the reason it is one of the last original albums to be released in this series. I guess Ernst & Co. were hoping for a miracle in the form of a long lost tape. Unfortunately that didn’t happen anymore since I’m A Roustabout.
So the “new” stuff consists of a few movie versions, in instrumental of the immortal It’s A Wonderful World (without Elvis’ voice it is really a painful experience) and a couple of takes of the title track.
Soundwise there is nothing wrong with the release. The weird over the top stereo is there as it should be and it is crystal clear all the way.
Conclusion
Positive is the lack of repetition, since there are not too many outtakes available (except for the title track), the sound is fine and there are some above average movie songs. Still the mediocrity of the complete picture cannot be changed by the positive.
I am grateful for this FTD release. This album is long overdue in receiving the FTD classic treatment. They have given us what they have and I am looking forward to this one. The music is quite good overall throughout this movie.
jb
Seems they put extra effort into this 1 CD release with everything they had.
well that leaves Kissin Cousins and Aloha but the well is far from dry as far as releases go both on CD and vinyl - The '68 '69 movies and soundtracks need releasing on Cd+V. Flaming Star and Wild in the Country still waiting for an outing on vinyl. August '69 live box set like the TTWII deluxe set. Sessions from '60 '69 and definitely summer '70 like the Stax box set release. so still lots of mileage
Giving it a good listen the average movie sound track SOUNDS GREAT due to re-mastering ,outakes and enough interest, no interesting dialogue however.still a decent/worthwhile FTD release
Very good quality reproduction of the original cover, the whole is very neat with a beautiful booklet. The sound is excellent, of course there is not much new, I do not really need the 17 roustabout takes but to have everything together with Im a roustabout is still nice. Especially interesting for the packaging and the booklet, good work FTD
The sound is really great. Music and Artwork one of the better ones. And the 17 Roustabout Takes a great deal for the collection and me. Thumbs up. So what will be the follow up ...
not worth buying because of the songs did not go cart wheels when it first came out 64/65?? but like wonderful world , one of my favs similar to ALLC album wonderful world like these up in the clouds songs makes me feel happy
Ernst and the FTD team give us what they have. For that I am thankful. I was 14 when the original LP was released. Loved it then. Still very much enjoy it today. Roustabout FTD version: 4 stars.
