As may be known by now, I am a huge vinyl supporter, and FTD delighted me with yet another set in their classic album series, this time the historic How Great Thou Art album.
Design
As with all classic series releases, this set is superb into the smallest details. Heavy vinyl, quality printing, in other words… another jewel in the FTD (vinyl) treasury. If only all FTD releases got this quality treatment!
The artwork is not much different from the CD-set, the same memorabilia and photo shoots are used, including the original publicity shot of the picture of Elvis on the front cover.
Content
I guess if you don’t know the content, you wouldn’t be on this site. To me it’s not the favourite gospel-session, but still it is of a quality that is outstanding. The original album is historic because of this quality, it gave Elvis his first Grammy after all.
The only minor I found is this set that one of the – to me – worst songs Elvis ever recorded (disregarding the soundtracks) Beyond The Reef is included.
This release proofs once again that a CD can’t beat the good old vinyl sound wise!
Conclusion
This is great for collectors and music lovers that really like to listen to the music instead of just hear it!
I'm not against Elvis' religious LPs getting grammys,but why didn't he get one for Elvis Is Back ? or G.I. Blues or Blue Hawaii.
Can't go back to buying vinyl. No way!!
Again only wished FTD would have done vinyl releases from the beginning.........
CDs last longer in its original sound. So for me vinyl is not interesting. By the way, I don't grasp the last sentence. You mean to say that not having vinyl you only hear Elvis? I disagree. Anyway, in my personal case Elvis is never background music.
Natha, your comments regarding 'grasping' the last sentence makes no sense at all??.........sorry.
Understanding what the author meant by the last sentence.
I understand drjohn's reaction, but Natha's comment about "the last sentence" made sense indeed, though maybe it was a little confusing to understand at first. The author, without any doubt, wanted to state this : if playing a vinyl record of Elvis, the quality of the sound is soooo good, one really listens concentrated to Our Man . If playing a CD instead, the soundquality is absolutely below par compared to the vinyl, and for that reason the music should just serve as background. Well, personally I disagree with the author too . I love both, vinyl and CD . Why do I love vinyl ? I grew up with it, I've known the 78rpm in shellack, the 45s and 33s in vinyl. Call it nostalgia, youth sentiment, whatever you like.But I have as much pleasure listening to a CD, and this audio-bearer can sound very good too. Natha and drjohn : 2 members of whom I always read and enjoy their postings,and there are many others too! Always El.
Dear Benny Scott, thank you for your kind words. I also grew up with LP (33.45) and the ancient 78 records (highly breakable remember?). The problem with vinyl is that it damages and wears off easily while CDs are safer. So I think the difference is short lived. I still have my collection of vinyl, but I don't play them anymore. I don't think my pick-up works any more. Having spent quite some money on the HiFi CD system, I don't think my ageing ears will hear the difference anymore. What I meant by background music, is my own personal experience. His voice is so compelling that my attention is drawn to it as soon as I hear it. Anyway, ye all have a nice ELVIS weekend!
Natha, after re-reading the last sentence.....i can see your point and have to agree!....the merits of vinyl verses cd will always be down to personal choice and in today's world of itunes,ipods and downloads vinyl is indeed a thing of the past.But for me i have a love of all things vinyl-wise and of course Elvis Presley vinyl,having 2 collections running vinyl and cd i suppose i am on both sides of the fence,some of the early Elvis vinyl still gives me a thrill to listen to as much as he latest revamped Elvis cd........but as you have stated it's the voice of Elvis Presley that draws my attention and yes maybe cd has the advantage of bring that to the forfront where as a old vinyl may lose some of that as time goes by.Many thanks for all your excellent cooments on this forum as along with Benny,Cisco and many others i always read your comments and have a great respect for you all........so may i also wish you a happy Elvis weekend and look forward to more of the greatest entertainer ever.
The vinyl releases by FTD do look great, but they do not sound any better than cd. They have all been mastered from 16/44 digital sources (same as cd), and the same mastering from the cd has been used. But they look great....
