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From Elvis At American Sound Studio

By ElvisNews.com/ Lex, December 30, 2013 | Music

Among FTD’s latest escapes is an album with left-overs from the 1969 sessions: From Elvis At American Sound Studio.

Design

A great candid shot of Elvis decorates the front and in the booklet we can find some more of these. Thanks to Sandi I happen to have prints of some of them but it never bores me to see them. Furthermore the booklet is as usual, well documented and decorated.

Content

The left-overs I mentioned are for different reasons left-overs. Some because of the strange single/album strategy RCA used in those years, some because they were not good enough and some because they didn’t fit on the FTD releases of From Elvis In Memphis or Back In Memphis, I guess. All together we got a pretty strange mixture of great songs, not so great songs and even unfinished songs.

We all know the content by heart, so that makes it hard to say something original about them, so I won’t even try it. The sound is great, it is a good addition to the previous two releases in the classic albums series.

Conclusion

Elvis Sings Left-overs and more… is a nice release, but does certainly not belong to the better FTDs.
 

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Mr Cool wrote on December 30, 2013
Was the original tape for I'll Be There session damaged? Track 21 disc 1 doesnt sound right on my copy.
kink56 wrote on December 30, 2013
I quite like If I'm A Fool, and I'll Be There! Too much echo on Elvis' voice on Kentucky Rain though; on the outtakes and unfinished master his voice is recorded more to my liking.
kink56 wrote on December 30, 2013
Mr Cool, do you mean the EXCESSIVE echo on that track? It almost sounds like there is both pre and post echo on it. Many of the American tracks have WAY too much echo. That one is one of the worst.
Cruiser621 wrote on December 30, 2013
Compared to the other 2 FTD Issues on the Memphis recordings this one pales in comparison. I would not have purchased this one had I known what was on board; further, there are a few leftover takes from the first FTD release on these sessions and for why, I know not. Save your money folks; don't be taken with this one. Other than "Mama Liked The Roses" outtakes, there's not much to recommend this FTD issue; especially "Hey Jude"…..
VivaLasDavies wrote on December 30, 2013
I'm sure a lot of people will read the previous post in disbelief! Even if you accept a few of these tracks are weaker than those on the first two, this is still an excellent set and an absolute MUST HAVE for any Elvis fan. And it has a great cover.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on December 31, 2013
Cruiser621 do you mean that the same outakes that are on from elvis in memphis and back in memphis are on this release also? As for rca ,they never had any strategy that was any good.
VivaLasDavies wrote on December 31, 2013
I think you might find they're different ones. Maybe if you bought and listened to it you'd know that. I read your last comment then opened my cupboard and looked at 14 years of FTDs - not a bad "strategy" in my book.
Mr Cool wrote on December 31, 2013
Kink56 yeah it is the crazy echo that made me think there was tape damage. I like the set, only thing different i would have done is use those mixes of I'll Be There and My little Friend that came out on those camden lp's way back in the 70's. Dont think we've ever had them on cd?
Deano1 wrote on December 31, 2013
I received this CD(s) as a Christmas gift and my only complaint is that there is no way RCA would have released the nine songs as a stand-alone LP. "Suspicious Minds" should have been on this set (I know the notes explain why it wasn't), but it would have definitely been on this LP if RCA had decided to release it in 1970. Also, RCA padded out LP's in the past with songs from movies ("Steppin' Out Of Line" on "Pot Luck", "I Slipped...on "Something For Everybody"). I think songs such as "Let's Forget About The Stars", "Let Us Pray", "Clean Up Your Own Backyard" and even "Change Of Habit" would have been fine additions to this LP (or instead of "Hey Jude"). I really like seven of the nine songs ("Don't Cry Daddy" deserved to be on the LP, but was always one of my least favorite Elvis tunes, if not my very least). I don't listen to outtakes on an everyday basis, but they are always funs for a listen to. Is this release essential? I don't think it is, but it is a nice addition to the catalog.
VivaLasDavies wrote on December 31, 2013
The mistake in 69/70 was to not recognize they had enough material for three albums and compile them accordingly. The non Memphis songs you mention had no place on this release but hopefully FTD will issue them soon in an imaginative way.
Orion wrote on December 31, 2013
First off, I understand why they are referred to as 'left-overs', but the chart success of "Kentucky Rain", and "Don't Cry Daddy" give the CD a solid foundation, it just sort of falters from there. Then again, these songs were never meant to be a legitimate full album release. It might be fun to play around with the songs a create a solid set of three CDs, but a time machine I don't have. It is what it is, and I find it enjoyable. However, maybe its because it's been pointed out, but I do find the echo on these to have been added by Sebastian Jeansson in his mixing of the songs. It's not bad, but it does make the 'familiar' sound different to these ears.. It's a solid end to an incredible piece of the Elvis catalog - thanks FTD for a great 2013 - can't wait to see what 2014 brings.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on December 31, 2013
Viva,i was talking about rca not ftd,and no ftd isnt perfect either,send me this release,i be glad to take a closer listen.
Tony C wrote on January 01, 2014
RCA, they were terrible, they went and made Elvis one of the biggest selling recording artists of all time! Sarcasm, you bet! I don't know how people can be surprised what is on this release, the track listing was published ages ago, beside which any fan should really know which Memphis songs were not on the two LPs. FTD can't win, they add a few out-takes from songs on the earlier two sets and people complain. Had they not, people would have been complaining about the running time. As for somebody here asking to have a copy sent to him, words fail me!
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on January 01, 2014
Hey,you know what how about people give there view and not try to tell others how wrong there views are,elvis fans r the most uptight babys. And i was joking about sending me a cd,i buy my own!!!
woody1 wrote on January 01, 2014
At last, I've been wondering why there's been no comments on this release but they are just like the proverbial buses. I believe that this release does a nice job of tidying up the 69 recordings with on the whole some pretty good tracks and having known the track listing prior to buying it, it's exactly what I expected with great sound. I've become more selective in my purchasing lately but this one was a must have even though I have all the volumes of the American way. (I've not checked it but I'm sure that the strange echo mentioned previously is also on the American Way release) It may be that we are coming to an end to the FTD releases and for me it's the releases such as this that makes that a sad fact. Buy it or borrow it but enjoy it, there can't be much left.
VivaLasDavies wrote on January 01, 2014
The way to view these now that we have all three is as a six disc set of Memphis material. Put them into I-tunes and play on random - it doesn't get much better than that. By the way, thanks for mentioning the request was a joke Mature, I was just reaching for a jiffy bag!
claunath82 wrote on January 01, 2014
Great songs and sound but why don't we have the "mp3" song titles and take number on the cd (like on the FEPBblvrd for example). The album is called "at american sound studio " but no picture from Elvis in this studio ! I would like to see the camden albums : flaming star, almost in love and let's be friends in the series FTD Classic serie. despite some different opinions I appreciate the work of the FTD Team, so thanks for the 2013 releases. Something for everybody !
kink56 wrote on January 02, 2014
Too much echo on Elvis' voice on the master of Kentucky Rain. (CD1 track 1) On the unfinished Master Elvis' voice is presented much cleaner. I wonder if it was Chips or Felton who added echo on some of tracks of these session?
Strutmut wrote on January 03, 2014
Hi all, it's no echo. It's reverb. It's also on the Complete Masters set. Probably a spring-reverb used during the mastering. Maybe we dislike it because we have the session takes wich sound much better without the dated techniqeu used here... On the A Little Bit of Green (rehearsal)" you can hear the tape delay used (echo) live during recording. It's all recorded in 1969... 8 mono tracks.. All in the same room.. let's not forget about that! Did you guys here the trucks passing by between tracks??? Listen very carefull!!
Cruiser621 wrote on January 03, 2014
Upon listening to my FTD CD and hearing the background music and part of Elvis' words on "Poor Mans Gold" I can't believe they or he abandoned this tune. It has potential written all over it. It amazes me how his career was treated at this stage. Another 3rd Memphis Album could easily have been released, throw out "Hey Jude" (the supreme "dog" of the group) and add "My Way" plus "Suspicious Minds" and Elvis would have had a huge hit album again on his hands. But as things would be, we have RCA and Colonel Parker mudding up the waters as usual and no such luck. "Memory Revival" and "Come Out, Come Out" 2 more strictly instrumental tracks laid down but with no vocals makes me also wonder what was missed out on. I'll say it again, listening to "Poor Mans Gold" and from what I can hear, it had hit potential written all over it. With the exception of "Hey Jude" the rest of the tunes included here are rather decent especially "If I'm A Fool". The inclusion of over tunes released on the other 2 prior Memphis FTD Releases, leads me to believe they at FTD did not have enough room on those issues to fit them in and "I'll Hold You In My Heart" although classified as a complete outake is really the entire song with some additional talk; why brother?
TheMemphisFan wrote on January 04, 2014
There weren't enough remaining songs for a third album to be released. The standard number of tracks for an RCA Victor album in 1969/'70 was 12. With what was actually recorded, there were only 10 songs remaining, and with "Hey Jude" considered "a dog" by some, that would leave 9 songs. This is the best that a 10-track album could've looked like... SIDE A: Suspicious Minds, If I'm A Fool (For Loving you), My Little Friend, Kentucky Rain, Don't Cry Daddy SIDE B: Rubberneckin', Hey Jude, I'll Be There, Mama Liked The Roses, Who Am I? - A 12-track album could've only been possible if a couple of tunes from "Change Of Habit" had been added as bonus songs.
VivaLasDavies wrote on January 04, 2014
Back In Memphis was a ten track album (I know it was originally part of a double) so they had enough for a third ten track set. Had three albums been conceived originally the third wouldn't have been made up of "leftovers".
TheMemphisFan wrote on January 04, 2014
I understand your logic, VivaLasDavies... however, in 1970 RCA probably didn't want to have too much overkill with the 'Memphis' theme. I think they made the right decision at the time, even though they wouldn't have had to use "Memphis" in the title of a third album. It's seems ironic that none of Elvis' three 'Stax' albums refer to Memphis OR Stax!
Natha wrote on January 05, 2014
In those days I didn't care at all where these songs were taped, be it Memphis or Stax (and I still don't care). I wanted those records because it was Elvis. And it would not matter if there were only 10 tracks, as those soundtracks with 12 were easily over classed by 10 stuio songs!
Deano1 wrote on January 05, 2014
Natha, you are exactly right, almost no one cared (or knew) when they were buying an Elvis LP if the songs were from different sessions. His first LP is amazing and contains songs from different recording sessions and his 2nd LP contains "So Glad, You're Mine" from his first RCA recording session. While I don't think FTD should have included movie songs on this CD, I do think an original LP would have and should have. Of course, it is just speculation now, but I think this would have made a nice LP in Feb or March of 1970. Side A Kentucky Rain, My Little Friend, Rubberneckin', If I'm A Fool, Let's Be Friends and Let Us Pray Side B Don't Cry Daddy, I'll Be There, Let's Forget About The Stars, Mama Liked The Roses, Change Of Habit and Who Am I Since the live version of "Suspicious Minds" appeared on the previous LP, the studio version may have not been considered for this LP, although its inclusion would have helped sales. Closing each side with a sacred song would have been a nice touch too.
Natha wrote on January 06, 2014
Deano1, Your ideas are interesting and I think I would have loved that back in 1970 as was always eager to get new songs and albums. However I would definitely be disappointed is 'sacred' songs were on the album, which would leave 10 or in worse situation 8 songs left for me. The so-called sacred songs or gospels should not be mixed to my taste. I bought those albums to complete my collection, but listened maybe just once after which they were stored indefiitely.
Lou A wrote on January 07, 2014
Most of us didn't find out where the songs came from until the original first edition of Elvis Recording Sessions came out . And Deano , don't forget that Elvis In Person At The International could have been a 2 record set , bookended by the 2 Memphis LP's during late 69 and early 1970.
TheMemphisFan wrote on January 07, 2014
Lou A, Am I understanding you correctly? Why would RCA have wanted to wait until "late" '69 to release the first Memphis LP ?
Lou A wrote on January 08, 2014
No. I meant release From Elvis In Memphis In April 1969. Then follow it up with either Back in Memphis (with Suspicious Minds on it) , or a 2 lp set of Elvis Live At the Intermational in November. Actually as I think it out , the two Memphis albums should have definatly been released in 69 and the second should have included Suspicious Minds . Then they could have been followed by the live album, which could have been a 2 LP set and still include the live version of Suspicious Minds . This was was after all Elvis first live album so a double record wouldn't have been unwarrented . I think RCA's release schedule may have been crowded when you factor in the Camden LP's. Just my opinion. And I know this is long in the past now, so we just discuss this now as a matter of semantics!
Deano1 wrote on January 08, 2014
Lou A, but it can be fun to think about different releases and what they may or may not have been. I don't think it would change anything about his legacy or his brilliant career, but still interesting to ponder. The Camdens were a mixed blessing. They exposed a lot of people to Elvis at an affordable price, but it is amazing to think that between Dec of 1968 and June of 1972, RCA and Camden released 21 albums that included two 4-record sets! This kept "Elvis Country" and "Madison Square Garden" from reaching the top 10 and possibly "That's The Way It Is" from reaching that milestone too (Why were TTWII and EC, two great LP's released six weeks apart????). TTWII had to compete with the Camden Christmas LP, "Almost In Love"and six weeks into its run "Elvis Country").
Lou A wrote on January 08, 2014
Deano , your right - there was a wealth of fantastic material at that point in Elvis career and an abundance of good releases And regarding the Camdens , I have a fondness for many of them , but not "Hits From The Movies" or "Burning Love and Hits from the Movies" niether of which enhanced Elvis image or career .
Deano1 wrote on January 08, 2014
Lou A...I agree with the hits from his movies. I understand why they did them as several soundtracks including "Clambake", "It Happened At The World's Fair", "Spinout", "Double Trouble" and "Harum Scarum" were deleted from the RCA catalog in 1971. I would have rather Camden just re-released the soundtracks without the bonus songs or in the case of IHATWF, they could have just released it as since it was so short. The extended plays were discontinued in 1971 too and that is how we got "C'mon Everybody" and "I Got Lucky". Two good budget LP's minus "Yoga" and "Love Machine". "Burning Love" really hurt Elvis' future sales. Imagine the disappointment of hearing this great new single and getting the single plus eight dated movie songs. Some of them were decent songs, but not to try to sell as a new LP using a fantastic rock single. I would think people who bought it, were leery of buying "Raised On Rock" the following year. Especially when they repeated the trick with "Separate Ways".
TheMemphisFan wrote on January 09, 2014
It's interesting to note that when the 4-LP set "50 WORLDWIDE GOLD AWARD HITS" was released in 1970, it was the only way to get "Kentucky Rain", "Don't Cry Daddy", "Suspicious Minds", and "Viva Las Vegas" on an LP album in the U.S. ... and it remained that way for several years. "Kentucky Rain" was also released five years later on "PURE GOLD".
Deano1 wrote on January 09, 2014
Living in Kentucky, "Kentucky Rain" was played on the radio quite a bit even in the mid 1970's...I bought the "Pure Gold" LP just for that song somewhere in the late 70's. It had better sound than the over-echoed version on the featured CD. It seems like only yesterday, there were Elvis songs I had never heard and I remember paying big money to get a hold of a LP that was no longer available in stores. I believe I paid $60 in the late 80's for a well-played copy of the 1973 Elvis LP with "Fool" on it. Now you can go to a website and listen to any Elvis song you want. For some reason I miss the days of the treasure hunts.
Natha wrote on January 09, 2014
Luckily I bought most of the soundtracks upon release, so I did not have to double my LPs at that time. Also RCA did not value even to release alternate takes to make the songs or buying experience 'interesting'. I guess they were still stuck in the sixties and not realising completely the impact and intrinsic value of the songs recorded during this new period in Elvis' career. Even Elvis was possibly so caught up in other issues that he was just sparcely aware of it. If they had, I think his career would have been even more brilliant and breathtaking.
Carlos2014 wrote on January 10, 2014
Do you also wonder friends ? I think that FTD has again made big mistakes when releasing or preparing for release these nrecent new digipacks. E.g. why didn’t they put the slow-version of “Stranfger in my own home town” on the new FTD Elvis at Am Sound studios ??? Forgotten ?? I have been reading lots of your remarks, friends, but must say that most of you are so wrong, giving away your opinion that is not complete nor right. In absence of a very knowledgeable fan (master in international marketing…!) who commented years ago but probably got fed up with some of your negative comments, I want to clarify that I personally couldn’t have cared about the FTD Moody Blue digi…was not going to buy it. And how much do I like now to listen tos ome of the great outtakes and banter between songs. However, when it comes to the recent FTD EP at Am S Studios, I don’t agree at all with most of you who call some of these songs “left overs”…Nor do I agree that they should perhaps have released a third Memphis album in those days. What happened was that due to the Colonel’s infighting with RCA managers like Joan Dreary a.o., the whole management of RCA and later Sony & BMG got shambled and became pretty floppy/careless about Elvis releases. In my opinion this is what should have been released with more, much more successful sales : Back in November 69 RCA should have released the “From Elvis in Memphis” LP with numbers added like Suspicious minds, If I can dream & Edge of reality (recent hits !!million sellers in late 68) ! Also, a mishap occured when they should have put the other version of ‘I’ll hold you in my arms’ (the one from FTD Too much monkey buzz) on thhe original album; but nobody cared…. As a follow up, they should have added to LP Back in Memphis the following songs: I’ll be there, Let’s forget about the stars, If I’m a fool and Let’s be friends. Then in Nov 70 the LP That’s the way it is came out. Wrong, completely wrong, the Colonel’s view to mix live songs with studio takes…! Fans should have been entitled the actual live songs of that movie. I miss most of those great performances. Maybe they could have released a double album with the soundtrack on one side and the studio songs plus the great outtakes (Little sister, what’d I say, Mary in the morning, Stranger in the crowd, Washed my hands in muddy water, Oh happy days, Words, etc. on the other…Bad marketing from the Colonel and RCA at the time; worse for fans who still request it today, January 2014 !! NOW was released in Feb 72 and sold a mere 200,000 copies duet o its ugly selection of songs, really! It should be said that Joan Dreary did know much better than Felton Jarvis what should have been released successfully. After all, she was the experienced, knowledgeable one in marketing whereas Felton was just another hillbilly protected by his friend and studio chief, Chet Atkins. This album should have been named differently i.e. Kentucky rain or so. Should have been released also with these songs: KRain, Clean up your own backyard, Rubberneckin’, Don’t cry Dad, Mama liked the roses, Sep ways, Burning love, It’s only love, Sound of your cry, Matter of time and Only believe !! It would have sold half a-million copies more with such hits on it (on NO Hey Jude, …please). Another complete flop was released in July 73. The “Fool album” was doomed to failure ! Joann knew already and complained to the Colonel and RCA in writing…It should have sold another half a-million copies more had it contained songs like 3Steamroller baby, Always on my mind, American Trilogy, For first time, Rags to richess, Where could they go to Lord, I’m leavin’, A little conversation, Change of habit and perhaps Life”…! No cheap Camden budget albums with a mic-mac of stupid songs on it should ever had been released in my opinion. Seperate EPs for Change of habit & Charro and Live a little & Trouble w Girls should have been released ! Then they wouldn’t have had to release 35 years (…?) later the Standing Room Only album !! Too late, much too late for fans and no longer a hot product to sell. One more thing about those 66 & 67 recordings : It’s one thing now that FTD has released –finally and far too late- the FTD Elvis sings Memphis and Elvis sings Guitar Man….but it should have been released way back already in 66 and 67. Then again, Felton was chapperonned by Chet but Joan Dreary was the only one who really had followed since long Elvis’career and knew exactly what fans wanted … wanted to buy…But both Parker and RCA knew everything better, then…. So, who said the songs released finally on EP at Am S Studios are left overs…? Ain’t they much, much more better than some of the sosngs that were released on those original albums…! Oh and let’s not forget the Camden album with sacred songs (that nobody bought…). They should have release dit with these songs added : Only believe, Help me, If that isn’t love, Let u spray, Sing you children sing, movie version of Swing down sweet chariot, Miracle of rosary, Mam a liked roses, We call on Hi mand the TV medley Where do I go but to the Lord/Up above my head/Saved !!!! Then you are talking about impressive sales numbers…. Then…when Elvis sales were pretty much down… Valid, intelligent opinions (maybe somewhat different) from intellectuals are welcome. Happy new year to all those Elvis fans, friends of mine in 4 continents ! Hope this 2014 will bring us some more & better rarities, folks !
TheMemphisFan wrote on January 11, 2014
Carlos2014, The reason that the slow version of "Stranger In My Own Home Town" wasn't included on the new "Elvis At American Sound Studio" FTD set, is because that version wasn't recorded at American Sound Studio or anywhere in Memphis. As for your ridiculous comments about RCA's original issue of "From Elvis In Memphis", it wouldn't have made any sense for them to wait until November of '69 to release it... and your thinking that "Edge Of Reality" & "If I Can Dream" should've been included on that album is total nonsense. Those two songs weren't even recorded in Memphis! Two more songs that weren't recorded in Memphis are "Let's Forget About The Stars" & "Let's Be Friends"... therefore, there's no way they should have been added to the LP "Back in Memphis". Also, your comments about the "Camden album with sacred songs" better-known-as "You'll Never Walk Alone" are silly. There was no way for them to include the songs "Help Me" and "If That Isn't Love" on a 1971 album because those two songs weren't recorded until December of 1973. For an album "that nobody bought" (as you wrote), it sure has sold a lot of units... well over 3 million copies in the U.S. alone (as it has been awarded 3x Platinum by the RIAA). I would continue, but your long-winded, incoherent post isn't worth anymore of my time. Happy new year to you, too.
Martin DJ wrote on January 11, 2014
New year, new name, same old 'master in international marketing'.
Troubleman wrote on January 13, 2014
Carlos2014; We all know about the infighting between RCA and the Colonel on how many times Elvis would go to a recording studio, what and when a single/album should be released, etc. I believe that RCA could have released 3 good albums from these sessions if put in a coherent order: The single ‘In the Ghetto’ released in April 1969 would help promote the album ‘From Elvis in Memphis’, which could have been released in early May with the following tracks: Side 1: Wearin' That Loved On Look , Only The Strong Survive, Do You Know Who I Am, Long Black Limousine, I'll Be There, Power Of My Love Side 2: After Loving You, True Love Travels On A Gravel Road, This Is The Story, Stranger In My Own Home Town, Any Day Now, In The Ghetto Then they could have released ‘Suspicious minds’ in June and ‘Don’t cry daddy’ in August as singles to promote the second album (Back in Memphis) which could have been released in August/September: Side 1: Suspicious Minds, You'll Think Of Me, Rubberneckin', Mama Liked The Roses, Without Love (There Is Nothing) Side 2: Don't Cry Daddy, A Little Bit Of Green, Hey Jude, And The Grass Won't Pay No Mind, The Fair Is Moving On In November/December they should have released a complete concert from Vegas (not just the 12 songs) by itself, either on a single or double LP. Then in January 1970, ‘Kentucky rain’ would be released as a single to promote the 3rd album from these sessions which would have a country/folk/ sound: Side 1: Kentucky Rain, My Little Friend, Who Am I, From A Jack To A King, If I'm A Fool (For Loving You). Side 2: Inherit The Wind, It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin', I'm Movin' On, I'll Hold You In My Heart, Gentle On My Mind, Let’s Forget About The Stars (song not used from Charro) which could have been added. I do not believe that any of these songs are ‘leftovers’ but some are ‘album fillers’ if placed in coherent order. TCB
TheMemphisFan wrote on January 13, 2014
Troubleman, the only catch with releasing "Suspicious Minds" in June of '69 is that it wasn't ready (as we know it) until they did some additional/final overdubbing to it in August of '69.
Carlos2014 wrote on January 14, 2014
Memphisfan - you're right man. The rest is pure marketing ! They could have sold still many more records, really (especially the Now and Fool albums). Maybe Authentic Brands now re-negotiates a deal with Sony/BMG/RCA to re-pack & re-release in an updated way those records/albums for the wider public (mind you, not everyone has access to FTD or know about it !). Cheers friends and a great 2014 to you all !
Deano1 wrote on January 14, 2014
Troubleman, I appreciate the time and effort you took in redesigning the Memphis LP's, but I do have to say, I wouldn't touch "From Elvis In Memphis". It is like "Elvis Is Back", perfect!. Also, I would hate side 2 of your "Back In Memphis". Just my opinion, but "Don't Cry Daddy", "Hey Jude", "And The Grass Won't Pay No Mind" and "The Fair Is Moving On" are four songs I just don't care for at all (I do like the song "Hey Jude", but Elvis' version is not his best offering). "Just A Little Bit Of Green" is okay, but not one I seek out to play a lot. The 3rd LP has a nice concept, but it is so hard to take songs off of "From Elvis In Memphis". Still it would be a nice listen with as you said a nice country/folk feeling. I really think in the 70's when RCA was still trying to churn out three LP's a year, they should have made a cumulative Elvis folk LP. Maybe in late '75 and LP that took "Gentle On My Mind", "For Lovin' Me", "I'm Leavin", "Until It's Time For You To Go", "Early Morning Rain", "Don't Think Twice", "Tomorrow Is A Long Time", "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", "Fools Rush In" and "I Was Born About 10,000 Years Ago". "Welcome To My World" sold well in 1977 for an LP of country songs from previous LPs (#44 pop, #4 country), maybe this would have been a nice seller in '75. They could have even added "It's Only Love" and "Where Did They Go Lord" since those singles weren't on an LP during Elvis' life and while not folk really even country they don't stray to far from the sound of the proposed LP.
Troubleman wrote on January 15, 2014
Deaon1: Yes it is hard to change the ‘From Elvis in Memphis’ song listing, but in order to get the 3rd album concept, I had to change a few songs. Although I do not particularly like ‘Don’t cry daddy’, I do enjoy “And The Grass Won't Pay No Mind" and "The Fair Is Moving On", so I would be OK with side 2. We can speculate all we want about which songs should go where, but I think the point is that there was enough material from the Memphis session to make 3 good quality albums. All the songs recorded were either exceptional (In the Ghetto, Suspicious minds, Power of my love, After loving you, Kentucky rain, etc.) or very good songs. It is true that the 70s albums are not quite up to par as far has consistency, but remember that after 1971, RCA had a hard time getting Elvis back in the studio for a full recording session. Since they simply not longer had enough material for 3 albums per years, they came up with ‘mixed grab’ albums: ‘Fool’ album, Legendary performer, Pure gold, Welcome to my world, and even the ‘Sun session’ album came out because they had virtually nothing new from Elvis in 1976. Only after 1973 was RCA able to use previous recordings to release concept albums (Elvis and the Colonel sold the mall his back catalogue). Before that, they always had to check with the Colonel. The Colonel only agreed to the Camden releases because it was a quick way to make a buck. TCB
TheMemphisFan wrote on January 15, 2014
Troubleman, the Camden releases were fine until 1972 when the following 3 duds came along... "Elvis Sings Hits From His Movies" volumes 1 & 2, and "Separate Ways". Now back to the American Sound Studio recordings -- A little known fact about the release of "Mama Liked The Roses" in 1970... it was actually issued as the A-side of RCA single #47-9835. "The Wonder of You" was the B-side. The original picture sleeve design and matrix numbers on the label confirms it. There was also a purpose with RCA's release timing of the song, as it was issued April 20, 1970, just 20 days before Mother's Day of that year on May 10, 1970. However, "The Wonder of You" proved to be the more commercially popular song of the two. I think the single is one of the best 2-sided quality issues in Elvis' career!
Troubleman wrote on January 17, 2014
THEMEMPHISFAN – You are right about the 3 Camden ‘duds’ from 1972. It’s funny that they were the last Camden released. It also probably had something to do with RCA buying Elvis’ back catalog in 1973, and releasing the ‘Legendary performer’ series shortly after that. Thanks also for the interesting fact about ‘The wonder of you’. I knew it hit number 1 in the UK but I didn’t know it was a B side. TCB
Deano1 wrote on January 19, 2014
I think "THEMEMPHISFAN" has a good idea for topic to discuss amongst us. It would be very interesting to see what each of us thought were Elvis' highest quality 45's (we could each list our top 10). This wouldn't be based on sales, whether it was a good release at the time or anything other than the each fans' opinion. I love the "The Wonder Of You" backed with "Mama Liked The Roses" (or vice-versa), but I know some fans have a low opinion of "Mama...". The list would be any 45 released in his lifetime (we could include "My Way" from Oct of '77) and include all worldwide releases.
Troubleman wrote on January 20, 2014
Deano1 – That is a very interesting idea, and a very though list to compile. But after much thought, this would be my list of top ten singles that I enjoy both sides: 1. A Fool Such As I/I Need Your Love Tonight [3/1959] 2. His Latest Flame/Little Sister [8/1961] 3. Milky White Way/Sing Down Sweet Chariot [2/1966] 4. Burning Love/It’s A Matter Of Time [8/1972] 5. One Night/I Got Stung [10/1958] 6. Jailhouse Rock/Treat Me Nice [9/1957] 7. Guitar Man/Hi Heel Sneakers [1/1968] 8. What’d I Say/Viva Las Vegas [4/1964] 9. Promised Land/It’s Midnight [10/1974] 10. Don’t Be Cruel/Hound Dog [7/1956] My runner up that barely missed my top ten would be: If I Can Dream/Edge of Reality [11/1968] What about your list? TCB
Deano1 wrote on January 20, 2014
Troubleman, your list is very compelling (MWW backed with SDSC is an awesome single and not one I was expecting, but it is great nonetheless). I have only 5 different 45's in my top 10. I hope Lex is ok with us straying from the original topic. My list is as follows: 1) Way Down / Pledging My Love 2) Jailhouse Rock / Treat Me Nice 3) Promised Land / It's Midnight 4) Don't Be Cruel / Hound Dog 5) U.S. Male / Stay Away 6) A Fool Such As I / I Need Your Love Tonight 7) Little Sister / His Latest Flame 8) Hurt / For The Heart 9) Are You Lonesome Tonight / I Gotta Know 10) Unit It's Time For You To Go / We Can Make The Morning HM to Don't / I Beg of You; Steamroller Blues / Fool; My Boy/Thinking About You
Troubleman wrote on January 20, 2014
Deano1 – ‘Milky white way’ is my favorite of his gospel songs, and combined with ‘Swing down’, it’s a sure winner to me! Your number 10 is a surprise, and not one I would expect. But hey that’s what makes it a personal top 10; you can’t go wrong. I don’t think Lex will have a problem with us straying from the topic a bit. In fact, I would be curious about ‘his’ personal top ten? TCB
TheMemphisFan wrote on January 23, 2014
The following are my choices for the best 2-sided singles of Elvis' career, in chronological order . . . 1. That's All Right/Blue Moon of Kentucky (1954) 2. Money Honey/One Sided Love Affair (1956) 3. Don't Be Cruel/Hound Dog (1956) 4. Jailhouse Rock/Treat Me Nice (1957) 5. His Latest Flame/Little Sister (1961) 6. Santa Claus Is Back In Town/Blue Christmas (1965) 7. Guitar Man/High Heel Sneakers (1968) 8. Suspicious Minds/You'll Think of Me (1969) 9. Mama Liked The Roses/The Wonder of You (1970) 10. Separate Ways/Always On My Mind (1972) * "If You Talk In Your Sleep/Help Me" probably holds the distinction for the single with the most extreme polar opposite lyrics.
Deano1 wrote on January 23, 2014
Troubleman, I agree that SDSE and MWW are top notch gospel classics. I wonder how the single would have fared on the charts if it had been released in conjunction with the "His Hand In Mine" LP in '60? Of course, at the time "Are You Lonesome Tonight" was holding down the top spot. I love UITFYTG and WCMTM, just wish the rest of the LP had stayed to this high standard and of course it could have with the inclusion of "I'm Leavin'", "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", "For Lovin' Me" and "Don't Think Twice" (take away "Hey Jude" and "Miracle")....THEMEMPHISFAN, awesome list! It is neat to see the singles that have shown up on all the lists and then the ones unique to each list. Everyone of them is a winner, although "Guitar Man"/"Hi-Heel Sneakers" would be well down on my list, but I am sure some of mine would be down on others' lists...Regarding IYTIYS backed with "Help Me", I always thought of It as the sinners' confession of sin backed with his plea to God to forgive him and "help" him.