Two words exploded worldwide on December 19, 1957 – “Elvis Drafted!” – but three words resounded across the universe even more explosively on March 3, 1960: “Elvis Is Back!” The album that Elvis Presley began recording in Nashville on March 20th, and finished in the legendary overnight session of April 3-4th, is widely regarded as possibly the best album he ever made.
A half-century later, "Elvis Is Back" is now coupled with 1961’s "Something For Everybody," an album he recorded back in Nashville one year later. Along with one dozen hit single sides recorded (also in Nashville) and charted over roughly the same period of time, the deluxe "ELVIS IS BACK: LEGACY EDITION" will be available at all physical and digital retail outlets starting March 1, 2011.
I love this album. I wish it would have come out as a single (without the Something or Everybody). Also I wish it would come in a cardboard edition with remastering on a par with the Beatles Remastered series. That would mean incredible sound & I'd replace my Japanese Cardboard cd & buy this.
This does not look as if this is being released in the UK. £28.00 from Amazon.uk for the US import & $16.45 on Amazon.com, the US site. Hmmm!
why is this album priced at £28.00 in uk? its way over the top for a double cd!!!!
I have good news oldscudder. These are the remasters on par with the Beatles remasters!!! But I think I know what you are saying. You want only the original 12 tracks in a cardboard sleeve.
How many times can they say newly newly remastered? Wasn't the FTD release supposed to be the ultimate version and before that the 90's version of this LP with the extra singles tracks?( a nice release that didnt sell well) That was also newly remastered. Then go back to the 60's box. Again remastered for ultimate sound. Let me not forget the 24K gold cd version of this LP. See what I mean? It gets a little old after a while to keep hearing about remastering. The Beatles cds were released once in the 80's and again last year with vastly superior sound. The label did it right and they sold millions. To be honest I have never been blown away by the sound on any Elvis release. Pleased yes, astounded no. I wont be buying this for the umpteenth time but I know fans will for some reason. The label has mishandled the catalog of Elvis over the years.
Mr Steve.V the recordings on this release are from the masters from "" The Complete Elvis Presley Masters" are you going to say that those remasters are not good either? these remasters are so good that i have no excact words to it to describe that...it's that good,and it's not getting any better then this, and why naming all those other releases? in those days and time the remaster skills were not so good compared to now.So i will buy this anyway..and why not?.One thing i do agree with though is that Sony does not really know how to handle Elvis's legacy of recordings AKA releases,and between that calling MJ the greatest of all time...as if!!
Hi Jesse garon, I know you're a very,very dedicated Elvisfan, and you're defending our man whenever and wherever you can.So I want you to know I think that's great! !! On the other hand, after reading so many postings by a large lot of members in the last years , I've learned a lot about the points of view of some members in particular. Be assured Steve V is a loyal fan too .( I know you're intelligent enough to have come to the same conclusion ) IMHO both of you are right on some points .The sound of the CDs varies from, let's say "less good " to "excellent", so you're right to state there are very good sounding Elvis-CDs worth to be purchased, but Steve has a point too: there is a limit for everything, and that goes for remastering too . I think that's the mean point Steve is trying to say . When will the ultimate sound-quality be reached ? I don't know myself of course .Also, let's not forget about the audio equipment on which the audio-bearer is played ! Good sounding CDs need good equipment to obtain good reslult . I did not always agree with Steve in the past on certain topics, but this time I agree with both of you ! By the way : I'm gonna buy this release too ! The best to both of you . Always El.
Back in the fifties people listened to Elvis on equipment that hardly qualified as audiophile - which didn't seem to lessen their enjoyment.
Martin DJ : how right you are ! I once was in that situation. Luckily, things have changed. Always El.
Regarding the sound quality discussion - If RCA / FTD are making use of the remastered tracks as provided on The Complete Masters Set you should get it. I own the full set and the audio quality for the Sun, Nashville, Memphis and some of the NYC tracks is stunning. Some of the soundtrack material is a bit weak in terms of sound quality but I think that the overall sound even on those tracks is an improvement. Put on your headphones and enjoy.
I've been really happy with the Legacy Editions thus far (On Stage and From Elvis in Memphis). The artwork and booklets are outstanding, and the prices are very reasonable, in the States at least. My only concern is that buying this material again may not be worth it. I own the FTD version, which is in the 7" format and includes loads of outtakes, cool booklet, etc. The Essential 60's Masters has all of "Something For Everybody". The sound quality is just fine on both of the aforementioned. I'm in total agreement with Steve V. I just can't find a good reason to buy this material one more time.
Have to agree with Steve V on this. The comp 'presley - all time greatest hits' release back in '87 was far superior in sound to most that followed. I'm still waiting for a decent Moody Blues or Boulevard album although I feel they got it right with the 'I Belive' box set (at last). I've always maintained that they should have just taken the masters to Abbey Road and done it there once and for all. As for the mishandling of the catalogue, well since the millenium its now sadly just an accepted fact right?
I like the Beatles and I have the newly remastered CDs of theirs. But the early 60s Bill Porter engineered recordings of Elvis are some of the most STUNNING pop recordings ever made, when it comes to dynamics, transparency, and natural warmth. The Beatles recording just do not add up in this respect.
But if you really want to be "astounded" listen to Elvis is Back original stereo pressing on a $5000-$90,000 Turntable, tonearm, cartridge combo, with equal quality electronics and speakers. CD will NEVER touch it, no matter how many times it is remastered. And I agree, it is too bad that Elvis CDs were not mastered with the care some of them are now, from the beginning, they certainly could have been. The original 50s and 60s boxed sets were great, and still are. I DO appreciate what Vic Anesini has done to improve the catalog(ue). Elvis is Back and From Elvis In Memphis (completely different recording philosophies) are my two favorite Elvis albums.
kink56 makes a good point. No matter how good the CD or LP may be, it will only sound as good as the equipment it's played on. Can't say I know a single soul that owns a "$5000-$90,000 Turntable, tonearm, cartridge combo, with equal quality electronics and speakers," but I bet a home recording of Elvis singing in the shower would sound better on that set up than anything FTD or any other CD producer will ever issue.
sorry what i meant was ERNST should have taken the masters to abbey road and remastered them there. I think they would have done a great job if the Queen and David Bowie masters are anything to go by - and it would have saved us fans a pretty penny too ...
Yes, it's definitely out! At least play.com have it in stock. (£11.99,) This version is an EU pressing. Amazon are currently advertising the US import for a lot more money, so you know where to get it! It sounds superb; I've not got the "Masters Box set" to compare it with (Who has?!) but I would bet it has come from that. I'm listening to things I've never heard before, & that's just on an MP3 on small speakers - It's great, buy it!!!
