For once we’ll start with the conclusion of our review… we are… TOTALLY STUNG!
Knowing most of the material already does often decrease the pleasure of receiving a new import release. Beside the fact that some of The King’s best work can be found on this CD the quality makes this release an exception on this “rule”. Especially compared to the recent studio work on non BMG-releases “Totally Stung!” is a real treat for the ear. The quality compares to the known BMG-releases of these outtakes, if not equaling them. Very clear sound, with only very little noise on most tracks. Impressive is probably the best adjective to be used here.
Returning to the content, the main part formed by Elvis’ last pre-army session… what can we say more than “I Got Stung”, “I Need Your Love Tonight”, “A Big Hunk o’Love”, “A Fool Such As I” and “Ain’t That Loving You, Baby”? Okay, we can order them randomly but the titles themselves are enough. Round up with some of Elvis’ finest work of 1956, like “Lawdy Miss Clawdy”, “One Sided Love Affair” and “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You” this CD gives more than 68 minutes of pure delight. Some people will complain about the mix-up of the ’56 and ’58 tracks, but to a lot of others it will extend the listening pleasure, because it prevents too much repetition in a short time.
Being a jewel on itself, the CD receives with the artwork what it deserves. Very tasteful, great pictures and as usual Johnny Savage did a great job on his view of the content. Again, we are impressed. This CD should have been in BMG’s Essential series, and we wouldn’t be surprised at all when “Totally Stung!” races to the higher regions of the Import Top 40.
Most of the tracks were released on bootlegs like "Absent Without Leave" and "I Got Stung". Some are even available on BMG-albums like "The Complete 50's Masters", "Essential Elvis, Vol. 2" and "Platinum", among others. Still this great collection of is outstanding, especially because of the quality.
Totally Stung!
January 19, 2001 | Music
Sal wrote on
November 01, 2004
Make no mistake, this is attention grabbing stuff, what a release to have if you love the 50's Elvis- Fire, passion , you name it its all here, the likes of which wasnt to be heard again till 1968. Pure class with all tracks getting full treatment, especially 'aint that loving you baby' (the fast version is THE version, period) Nearly all the tracks are up tempo with a consistancy that makes it difficult to stay still too!. Lots of takes (ok, some are available elsewhere but in this sound quality? nah!) of legendary songs gives a facinating insight into the last recording sessions before leaving for Germany. The inclusion of some 56' songs only adds to the compilation. My only gripe (just one folks!) is the photos are a touch blurry and could have been easliy corrected. Top tunes, first class sound, wow, im off to play it again!