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Elvis Country

By ElvisNews.com/ Lex, October 29, 2008 | Music

Another Classic (with a capital) Elvis album is released in the FTD series. Does it meet the expectations?

Design

As usual the design of this FTD series is top notch. For the booklet FTD leaned on the card that was with the original album, the famous family shot. Nearly all photos are shots of a (very) young Elvis.
The photos are decoration for the detailed information on the release, including session notes and even a (childish) drawing of the back cover design.

Content

What can I say on those tracks that are so well known? It has always been among my favourites. The original album has its original presentation, including the snippets of I Was Born About 10,000 Years Ago in between the songs. Something I thought it was fun when I just had the album, but soon found it to be irritating… especially when I wanted to make my own compilation on tape or when I wanted to play a song in a radio show I was involved in during the early 80s.
The 12 previously unreleased takes are (of course) all very close to the known ones, so not much new stuff there either, or it must be the in between takes banter that is sometimes pretty long.
The very positive side of this release is the sound quality. It is haunting beautiful… I Really Don’t Want To Know caught me as much as the first time I heard it… goose bumps all over! The horns in the rough mix version of Whole Lotta Shakin’ really overwhelm you, even if you are prepared (when e.g. you have one of my favourite bootlegs). Those two and the undubbed June 7 masters are my personal highlights, but they are not far ahead of the remaining tracks. In other words, this is one of my personal toppers in the long FTD series.

Conclusion

I can understand all complaints I have seen lately. This album should be available in the “normal” market for a “normal” price. I fully agree with them, but it does not take away the fact that I enjoyed these two discs from the first to the last minute… and will enjoy them over and over again.

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Buy at OEPFC

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Steve V wrote on October 29, 2008
Darn Lex, now I have to buy it! LOL ( thanks for the honest review)
Orion wrote on October 29, 2008
Lex - this was the review I was waiting for. Can't wait until next week to put it in my CD player. I love your comment that "this album should be available in the “normal” market for a “normal” price." If that were the case, it would have to be a "Classic." Isn't that the type of albums that should be available instead of all those compilation/garbage releases in the stores? Albums like: "Elvis Presley", "Elvis Country", "His Hand In Mine" etc. should be available because they are true classics, and since SONY/BMG doesn't see it that way, Ernst has decided to release them on FTD with outtakes on a second disc. I think it's a great idea for the true fans, not the casual fan who goes to Woolworths or WalMart (in the USA) to buy an Elvis disc. They'd never pick upa classic anyway - give them a hits compilation and they're satisfied. Thanks to FTD as a true fan, I'm satisfied - but broke !! lol
Marty_TCE wrote on October 29, 2008
I've pre-ordered my first FTD release. This looks awesome! Awesome content, amazing packaging - it doesn't get any better than this. :u)
You Dont Know Me wrote on October 29, 2008
Great Lex...cannot wait to hear this GREAT FTD RELEASE just as soon as it arrives to me!
TulsaM wrote on October 30, 2008
Great release, however.....why, oh, why is the undubbed master of 'I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water' edited (around 26 seconds shorter) from the version found on 'Essential Elvis, Vol. 4 - A Hundred Years From Now'? I am not usually one to complain but it did niggle me!
JerryNodak wrote on October 30, 2008
It's edited? Good. It's too damn long anyway. The unedited master just goes on and on and on to nowhere.
Rob Wanders wrote on October 30, 2008
I like it, though not so much new stuff for me. I'm puzzled about the fact that Love letters appears on it. Just a few months after the Love letters FTD album. Funny.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on October 30, 2008
Why wonder,they can throw what they want on these things!
Pedro Nuno wrote on October 30, 2008
This Album is, for me, one of Elvis Best Albums ever. Even thought I may be accused of a crime, is better than "From Elvis in Memphis" (at least as good as…). Only the 50's albums and “Elvis is Back” are superior! So, no matter what, I look forward to buy this fantastic release. It's a true pity that this album (the only concept album of Elvis entire carrier) never got the critical and public recognition as, fortunately, From Elvis in Memphis now has. It has always been off any list of "the world’s best albums". Only Mojo Magazine made a little justice including it, in March 2004, in the “Lost Albums You Must Own” List. But that’s too short and too little for what this Album really deserves.
Steve V wrote on October 30, 2008
Pedro is right. This doesnt get the repsect that Elvis In Memphis gets (altho I still give the edge to Memphis - I like the mix of different styles) but it should. I think its Elvis' last great album. Others that followed were OK, but never great, and some were poor.
JerryNodak wrote on October 30, 2008
Complain, complain, complain. As I recall the Love Letters (FTD) discs are pretty full. So would you rather have the alt. takes of the last three tracks here or not at all. I swear some of you wouldn't be happy if you won the lottery.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on October 30, 2008
No its not complaining its haveing a differt view,thats what this is all about isnt it? You love every classic albums and simply love the series,i and others dont!
JerryNodak wrote on October 31, 2008
This has nothing to do with whether I like the classic series or not. His question/complaint was about Love Letters on this release. My answer was/is: It's here (along with two the other cuts) because there wasn't room on the Love Letters (FTD). I repeat would you rather have the last three alt. cuts included here or not have them at all? Me? I'd rather have them than not.
circleG wrote on October 31, 2008
doesn't look as if there's any undubbed version of the songs, that is without the'10,000 years ago' link. I know they've been released on the 70's set but I believe that sets been deleted and the sound could have been upgraded here. I'm just thinking of the new fans. I still go along with my idea that this should have been a 3 disc set at the REGULAR price which would have been more popular with fans. Not a major complaint as i'm buying this collection anyway.
Harvey Alexander wrote on October 31, 2008
Surely his best last album was 'Elvis Today'. It's much better than the over-produced 'Elvis Country'.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on October 31, 2008
Id rather have them on the album they belong on,instead of material i have already,pretty simple really!
JerryNodak wrote on October 31, 2008
So would I. And in a perfect world in which there would be CDs with unlimited space we would have. But since CDs don't have unlimited space and there wasn't room on "Love Letters" (FTD) I'd rather have them here than not at all. Simply really.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on November 01, 2008
They would have space if they didnt rerelease what they already sold you,more fans are starting to see the slyness of the label,keep on buying what you already have,that should be there new slogan!
Marten wrote on November 01, 2008
circleG, you're absolutely right! This one time it would have been justified with a 3 CD set. But, as you, I'm ordering it anyway!
JerryNodak wrote on November 01, 2008
Yeah, it's true I've bought a lot of stuff more than once (and not just Elvis). Such is the collector's hobby. BUT when I'm finished buying the FTD 'classic' series I'm done collecting Elvis. BTW: My public library thanks me for all the outdated Elvis CDs I've donated through the years as I updated to the improved versions. Mature: You do know that Elvis has been deed for more than 30 years? There's not any new stuff coming. Of course, a lot of what they're selling we already have. They sold us stuff we already had when he was still alive. Remember? Get a new rant. Get over it!
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on November 02, 2008
Yes i think we all know that you donate to your library,of course we all dont have money to throw away,but by all means do continue to tell us all how you donate,and while your at it dont forget to insult us all! you can have your classic series.as i and others have said they know they can get by with what they do,i once bought every Ftd,but have lost interest and remember when fans stop buying,you will care what fans like me think!
JerryNodak wrote on November 02, 2008
1. I don't have money to throw away. 2. The money I do have I spend as I please. 3. I've never bought every FTD. I've passed on many. e.g. I hate soundboards 4. When fans stop buying (and I will be one of them) I won't care what any one fan thinks then, because I don't particularly care now. 5. Besides the local library I donate to many recognized, reputable charities.
JerryNodak wrote on November 02, 2008
P.S.: 6. I won't be spending any money on FTDs now until after Christmas. That leaves Elvis Country and the forthcoming In Person out in the cold. &. Once you get to really know me you'll discover that I'm really a selfish, uncaring, arrogant jerk. Aside from that I'm a pretty decent guy.
circleG wrote on November 02, 2008
er guys its really sad to see suff like this here and i really like this site, why don't you both swap emails and trade insults offsite? Elvis deliberately covered a wide range of styles and images over 22 years and so appealed to a broad spectrum. of course not all the fans will like everything but lets try to be civilised or at the very least have an interesting opinion.
John4126 wrote on November 02, 2008
It's a minor point i know, but the second cd of 'Love Letters' is just 75 mins long. Get rid of Something from disc one and FTD could have put the two tracks on this release on that one where they should belong. The same story with TTWII - no need for the Little Sister/ Get Back medley on therefore it could have accomodated Next Step is Love. Those tracks have appeared on numerous releases we already have and in any event dont really belong with the albums. . It's another example of us paying over and over for the same stuff. With a bit of thought the producers could have done it.
Steve V wrote on November 02, 2008
I'm skipping this release (not enough new to warrant my purchase) but I am looking forward to the Elvis In Person 1969 FTD. I always thought it was the best live album of them all especially with the versions of Mystery Train and My Babe. Of course LP was way too short. Maybe FTD will finally do it justice. I dont buy many live shows, but hopefully this will be done right.
theoldscudder wrote on November 02, 2008
I love this album. It actually my favorite Elvis LP. I will however not be buying because I am not a fan of outtakes. Also I have the Japanese papersleeve version. Does anyone know if the new papersleeves (Today etc.) from Japan have been released yet.
MEMPH1SMUSIC wrote on November 03, 2008
This is a supurb release. Whole Lotta Shakin' is worth the entry price alone!
Sirbalkan wrote on November 03, 2008
Just 6.48 pounds in amazon. Hurry up people... BUY IT!!!! And u say it's expensive? doom on you!
FJE wrote on November 03, 2008
The 6.98 one on Amazon is the 2000 version, with 6 extra tracks. The FTD version costs 12.98 (still cheaper than other sources I must add) plus postage.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on November 04, 2008
Jerry,i have never said anything to you persanally besides replying to some comment made,your not the only one who gives to charity,just one of the few ones who talks about it every chance you get,giving music is not as important as giving to lets say something to save lives,i know more than ever why Elvis fans are thought the way they are,by the way the ones who really know me think im such a bad guy either,expecially my buyers!
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on November 04, 2008
Circle g i didnt anything,its not my style,all i said was my thought on a release,but some as jerry pointed out only care what they think,i believe he said that in point 4,so again,i agree it is sad when other fans cant respect others,but it seems all Elvis sites have this issue!
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on November 04, 2008
Typo alert, should have read people who know me, think im not such a bad guy either, and the some of the japan 20 bit and 24 bit cd's are still around,i have Elvis-Today, but found that not all of the japan cd's were worth a dime, John thats my point with Ftd, putting stuff we already have and sometimes have more than one time,live songs on studio albums are silly and out of place, put as much new stiff on the darn cd's, after all its a collectors label not a reissue label, oh wait i think it is, and steve i am also getting the in person Ftd, that was the first Elvis cd i bought and i agree one of his best live albums!
GEORGE (GK) wrote on November 06, 2008
Hello, "Immature Elvis Fan 75", I mean "Mature Elvis Fan 75. Can you make your "posts" less about you? And, is it possible, you can use a "space bar" when typing?
Loesje wrote on November 06, 2008
Hello George, and maybe you could use the space bar less and also less dots in your posts? I have to edit every reaction you make!
clp1093 wrote on November 06, 2008
Japan paper sleeve. New titles are released on 26th November. Out of interest this 12 brings the total to 42, which is all albums (studio and live) plus the 'important' film soundtracks, ie Loving You, King Creole, GI Blues and Blue Hawaii released during Elvis' lifetime. These new releases are 24/96 using K2 technology so should sound good. I have just received and listened to the 5 SHM releases from Japan and the sound quality is exceptional. Typical BMG though, Elvis gets 5 SHM releases with more to come in January and 12 cardboard sleeve releases in November which are not SHM. Take for example Dire Straits where 12 albums are released which are cardboard sleeve AND SHM, makes you want to weep
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on November 06, 2008
Sure you know me as a person because i write what i think,your the one insulting but im the immature one,ok keep thinking that way,so you like space bars,i dont,i just like to talk about myself,im a vain person,you have found me out,so umm lets see oh yea has anyone listen to this set.hows the sound,umm whats the highlights,!
GEORGE (GK) wrote on November 07, 2008
"Elvis Country" is one of the best of the 70s albums. I wish FTD would release this CD, without the "I was born about 10,ooo years ago" song in between the song tracks. Just add the song as the last track on the CD.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on November 07, 2008
Snippets of songs between tracks,bad idea then and bad idea now!
Natha wrote on November 07, 2008
Back then it was a novelty to fill up the time between songs. It was nice, once. But after that it became a bit annoying. Unfortunately they repeated this on the FTD. Luckily now we can easily skip to the next song. Today I heard both cds twice (again). Great to listen to.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on November 08, 2008
Ok and the highlights of the release are? And the Sound?
Matt W wrote on November 14, 2008
"Mature..." how much thought do you put into your FTD bashing posts? Anyway, to explain the inclusion of "When I'm Over You", "Love Letters", and "The Next Step Is Love" is quite easy: 1) Space on TTWII FTD and Love Letters FTD 2) These recording are the beginning, middle, and conclusion to the single session on June 7th 1970 that resulted in HALF of the Elvis Country LP from unplanned songs - the session that sparked the direction for a country style LP in the first place! Tracks recorded that day were: When I’m Over You, I Really Don’t Want To Know, Faded Love, Tomorrow Never Comes, The Next Step Is Love, Make The World Go Away, Funny How Time Slips Away, I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water, Love Letters. The material well was running dry so Elvis was forced into creativity, delving deep into his memory of songs he enjoyed and loved. The inclusion of these rough mix masters is therefore perfectly reasonable and acceptable as they were all part of that eventful session. It is very unlikely that the September 22nd make-up session would have taken place if it weren’t for this day in June 1970. I applaud the FTD team for such creative thinking and planning – well done!
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on November 14, 2008
Its easy to praise,i dont like what the label has become,but i dont take this stuff as serios as others it seems,simple do not release what you have already released,put the original abums(cd) in stores,or dont,also how about getting the editing right and take away sound errors,sorry when i pay 30 plus dollars i expect quality,the reason i keep repeating what i say,is others want to jump on my views,there are issues with the label,but for those who enjoy each Ftd release enjoy,by the way i have bought every Ftd up intill Elvis Country!
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on November 15, 2008
How well has this one sold so far, anyone know? matt can we move on,we are all here for same reason,peace!
genedin wrote on November 15, 2008
so now wiht the country and thats the way it is released,do we still need whole lotta shakin and essential elvis vol 4? what about the nashville marathon. is everything out on the 2 expanded cds?
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on November 16, 2008
Not sure,the version of where did they go lord that was on whole lotta shakin is on the new Ftd country,i love the essential Elvis vol 4!
BBManTwo wrote on November 21, 2008
Great FTD release. However, what's coming next Mr Jorgensen. Can we look forward to buy in 2009 the other missing classic albums Now, GTimes, Fool, PromLand (can't wait to hear those wonderful strong good songs and their outtakes), also the GuitarM and USMale sessions from sixtyseven and sixtyeight with Jerry Reed present, and picking...When Ernesto ?? Many friends of ours have also been waiting for years to get the missing digi movie outtakes packs on FTD. When will those be released ? Hopefully next year.
JerryNodak wrote on November 21, 2008
You wouldn't by any chance be related to Josh & Jody would you? Chill out, man. It's a pretty good bet that something(s) from your list will be released next year. But don't expect it all in one year.
Steve V wrote on November 21, 2008
Jerry is right. I think Josh & Jody have morphed from the lava stage into BBManTwo. I can see the maturity evolving.
BBManTwo wrote on November 22, 2008
Would have been fantastic to have more outtakes on this CD of songs like Really don't want to know, There goes my ev'th (with more, much more steel guitar!), If I'm a fool (all those 12 outtakes available on boots) and also on others. Maybe they could release a truly country CD with these songscarrying more STEEL GUITAR by fabulous Pete Drake on it...Would sell millions to country fans and audience, no doubt; rather than fabricating techno/electro/disco sounds like we hear on LLConversation, Rubbern etc (there is only ONE exception to this and that is the fabricated version of Burning Love on one of those FTDs from 2 years ago)
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on November 22, 2008
So steve did you give in and order this one,i got it for a good price at amazon uk so i took the plunge,also ordered the in person Ftd,i ordered it when it was at the 6.99 prices,thats in pounds but still great deal,jerry are you picking on someone again? josh and jody and bbman are just a bit excited,ok very excited! (im joking,some take things way too serios)
Steve V wrote on November 22, 2008
Mature - not yet. I have to order the Elvis In Person first since I sold my original CD on ebay and now I dont have one. Very upset on how the FTD version panned out though. . I still have my original Elvis Country on CD and dont think the FTD version is worth the upgrade yet alhtough I pretty much agree with Lex's reviews as a rule. Lets see how A Man & His Music reviews it.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on November 27, 2008
Steve i can say that i find the sound to be great,although id like differt outtakes,kinda more variety i guess,i have played the set and did enjoy it,my fav being make the world go away!
Aaron Spicer wrote on November 27, 2008
How come I haven't got my copy? I ordered it on Amazon weeks ago. Is it released?
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on November 28, 2008
If you mean Elvis Country yes it has been released, In person & I'll remember you are due early dec!
Sandman wrote on February 01, 2010
His last truly great album.