All Elvis' 21 #1 US hits on 20 individual CD singles together in a limited edition numbered box set. Each single is individually packaged in a mini sleeve reflective of the original single artwork, each CD is pressed on black plastic with "vinyl" grooves.
After the UK success a copy of this concept was to be expected on the opposit side of the Atlantic.
Design
This singles box basically comes in the same design as the UK edition. There are a few differences to the first numbered edition of the UK singles box.
The CD-singles are all housed in cardboard sleeves, but do not contain an inner sleeve. Just like the unnumbered edition of the UK box this results in a slimmer collector’s box. Naturally we would have preferred a copy of the original UK release. The collector’s box also comes in the same design, but the colors of the “1” and background have changed places.
In contrary to the UK box this edition comes with a small booklet with details on the songs and a poster with all the cover. We never understood the latter, a poster folded up so many times to fit into a little CD box is not a poster we'll hang on our wall.
The liner notes by Colin Escott place the (Elvis) single in the right historical perspective.
Content
How to describe the content? A great compilation of 40 tracks by the artist we all like, only a lot more work, but also fun, to play them. This compilation shows all aspects of Elvis’ career: the rocker, the lover, the movie star, the performer and of course the King of the Charts. Contrary to the UK release these singles do not contain bonus tracks.
Conclusion
This is an o.k. copy of the U.K. campaign; a lot of effort has been made to create the original look and (vinyl) feel. But we miss some additional details (inner sleeves) and the joy of collecting the singles on a weekly basis. Wasn’t it fun to go to the shop and buy the latest Elvis single, listed high on the chart?
One advice, be aware where you buy this set outside the US. We found it for 52 Euro including shipping, using the link below, but also saw it for a staggering 95 euro and that did not include shipping.
The singles:
Heartbreak Hotel / I Was The One
I Want You, I Need You, I Love You / My Baby Left Me
Don't Be Cruel / Hound Dog
Love Me Tender / Any Way You Want Me
Too Much / Playing For Keeps
All Shook Up / That's When Your Heartaches Begin
Teddy Bear / Loving You
Jailhouse Rock / Treat Me Nice
Don't / I Beg Of You
Hard Headed Woman / Don't Ask Me Why
A Big Hunk O'Love / My Wish Came True
Stuck On You / Fame And Fortune
It's Now Or Never / A Mess Of Blues
Are You Lonesome Tonight / I Gotta Know
Surrender / Lonely Man
Good Luck Charm / Anything That's Part Of You
Return To Sender / Where Do You Come From
In The Ghetto / Any Day Now
Suspicious Minds / You'll Think Of Me
Burning Love / It's A Matter Of Time
Why do I need this? Oh, wait. I don't!!
What a total rip-off! It took me 3 months to buy the previous cd and vinyl box sets, supposedly 'limited edition', so wot is the point of re-releasing these no.1's again? But, never the less, myself and other fans will no doubt rush out and buy this box, I think its only good for the people who missed out on obtaining their limited numbered singles.
Rating: 5 / 5
Kempo: The point of re-releasing these songs again is that these are the U.S. no. 1 singles. As with the UK box, there were some different number ones here. 5 stars for content. 1 star for my personal interest in purchasing. Overall; 2 stars.
More proof that BMG is running out of ideas of new things to come out with. But hey you can now readily get "Where Do You Come From" if you don't mind laying somewhere around $50.00 for that song and all the other songs on this set are songs most Elvis' fans already have.
Rating: 2 / 5
I am REALLY looking forward to this release, because I was disappointed that in U.K. has the release last year and couldn't get my hands on them. I do have all the songs, but like to collect the cd's and this is one fine looking set!! OH, I Can't Wait!!!! Yess!!
Rating: 5 / 5
I'm actually looking forward to this release. I think these unusual releases are worth having, whether or not you have the particular songs 100 times elsewhere. I loved the UK version (was that really a year ago?), in spite of the hassle in getting them. It was a well produced set and very nice to have; I'm sure the US one will be just as good. Anyway, nobody is forcing anyone to buy it!
Rating: 5 / 5
My god... I will never, ever buy this. A two or three songs on a cd - and all of them on REAL cd's (eg. with 12 or more songs! More value for your money!) that I currently own. I would give this zero stars if that was an option here. And if it comes with those stupid stickers that were on the UK release (that I didn't buy either), I would give this release minus one star.
Rating: 1 / 5
Don't you get it... the reason why they keep on re-releasing Elvis material, is because we keep on buying them. And let me say: I like the fact that BMG still thinks it's worthwiile to produce and sell mainstream CDs and (as in theis case) deluxe packages. I think it's great that people still buys them, because the moment they don't, Elvis is fading off the market. For those of you who don't appreciate these releases, remember it is for YOU (and me) that the FTD lable exists.
Rating: 5 / 5
Another Box set from the Mummys' Tomb
nice item....might be a money maker to do the whole 45 catalog this way
collectors item only a must have.
Rating: 5 / 5
collectors item only a must have.
Rating: 5 / 5
