The import CD world is a real wild jungle sometimes with releases popping out of nowhere. Recently released is “Elvis At The Jungle” with the subtitle “Essential Elvis volume 7”.
Design
Let’s call it a different design … Elvis with kind of a “dirty” look at the camera is a brave choice for a cover. But it does fit the content of the CD, recordings from the Jungle room at Graceland, something Elvis hadn’t been too willing to do. The liner notes are a nice background to the recording circumstances. Illustrated with a lot of (small) images this two pages booklet is packed both graphical and with content.
Content
As for the actual content of this CD, it offers nothing new; the material is taken from both import and official releases like “ELV1S 30 #1 Hits”, the “Guitar Man” album, “Our Memories Of Elvis”, “Platinum, A Life in Music” and others. The result is very entertaining if you like the “country style” Elvis. Just look at the track listing, not one track I don’t enjoy, with most of the “Moody Blue” my personal favourite, on board. Most songs have a sad theme and Elvis knows how to deliver this kind of songs like only a few can. The compilation contains many out-takes and alternate versions, giving this CD that different sound I like on these kind of releases.
With the “Jungle Room Sessions” steady at #1 on our FTD Top 40 it is kind of surprising that this release hasn’t drawn that much attention. You can ask the question what’s to like on a release like this. The answer is simple, the music. What’s probably not to like for the fans (with a wider collection) is that the producers are ripping fans off with rehashes of material already available. But then again, if you don’t have it in your collection, this is a nice way. Remembering when I started out collecting CDs, there was not as much material available as today. Could this be a reason the die-hard fans who had a harder time (but probably enjoyed it more) getting their collection of rarities condemn these releases?
Conclusion
A nice collection, well designed, well compiled but only worth getting if you enjoy the songs from the Jungle Room sessions or don’t have all these tracks on the before mentioned releases or the Follow That Dream release. The latter remains the classic collection of this material.
Track listing
For The Heart (Take 1) - She Thinks I Still Care (Take 2B) - Moody Blue (Undubbed / Unedited Master take 10) - Hurt (Take 2) - Pledging My Love (Take 3) - She Thinks I Still Care (Take 10) - Love Coming Down (Undubbed Master take 5) - For The Heart (Take 4) - Danny Boy (Unedited Take 9) - She Thinks I Still Care (Undubbed Master take 17) - Way Down (Part Of Take 1 + Undubbed Master take 3) - I'll Never Fall In Love Again (Undubbed Master take 9) - Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall (Rough Cut Mix) - Solitaire (Undubbed Master take 11) - Never Again (Undubbed Master take 14) - For The Heart (Undubbed Master take 8) - Hurt (Take 5) - She Thinks I Still Care (Remixed Version) - Way Down (Remixed Version) - Moody Blue (Take 6, Without Fade Out ) - Hurt (Undubbed Master take 7) - Hurt (Informal Recording / X-Rated Version)
Elvis At The Jungle
By ElvisNews.com/ Kees, September 01, 2007 | Music
Elvisnites wrote on
September 01, 2007
Well, well, well. Look at what is on this CD. Now anyone wondering about "Hurt" need not wonder any longer. Why did they put that song on this CD? Sorry, but it doesn't make sense to me. Neither does it make sense as to why it wasn't destroyed. Do they really have to scrap the barrel? The rest of the CD looks great. I've been listening to the rest of the out takes on the radio and will buy this CD. (For the rest of the songs)
Elvisnites wrote on
September 01, 2007
Your right, after checking the other albums I have you mentioned, it would be alot or repeating. Thanks.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on
September 02, 2007
What is the appeal of the x rated version of hurt? its nasty and it sure doesnt show a man who has it together,i find it sad and pathetic,do people just like to hear him curse? kinda like the 69 sessions,whos he trying to impress?
Elvisnites wrote on
September 03, 2007
Footnote: This song has been bothering me since it ended up on a CD I had purchased. Of course I am referring to "Hurt". Because of Joe's book I found out why it was done. After some further research I found out why it's still around. Felton Jarvis' wife did destroy the master. However, there was a reference copy that she obviously did not know about. The poor dear lady tried to do right.
wayup wrote on
September 03, 2007
Poor lady "Hitler" Jarvis had no rights to burn any Elvis recordings. And personally I think the story is bullshit anyway. Also I wonder WHY you are so offended by this take of Hurt?? Mature, what SAD and PATHETIC is there?? It was Elvis in studio, he used such language very often also in 60s! It was all private, not for release... and btw do not tell me that you are not using such kind of language in private too. Everyone does.
terbon4 wrote on
September 03, 2007
No Wayup, sorry--not "everyone does" use such language and expressions in private. My wife and I do not--ever.
Elvisnites wrote on
September 03, 2007
I'm sorry I caused so much controvery over this song. I am not offended by this song. I was curious because you could tell there was more than met the ears on this one, and there was. Like terebon4 my husband and I do not use profanity. We see not need for it. However like Elvis my husband and I grew up in housing projects during the 50's and early 60's. It was a different life then. If you cursed you did it amongst you peers because if your parents heard you it was a sure backhand. Not like today when you go into a store and it seems to be a way of life. That is what offends me. Elivis did not go out on the street and start cursing. Yes he used this language during rehearsals and recordings. I'm amused by it because I do not think he ever though it would be sold on CDs. If you notice, when he uses foul language he starts laughing, like he's waiting to get smacked by his mother. Lets all just agree he was human and the best singer that ever lived. He was still lovable. Sorry for venting.
wayup wrote on
September 03, 2007
Elvisnite: not a big problem I think... and no need to apologize. Elvis was human and he used this kind of language/cursing very often (ask me and I will tell you that I am using similar words too, sometimes, when I am pissed off), but of course not so often in public. There are sessions from early 60s, from 1967, 68 and especially from 1969 where he is using, or maybe over-using some explicit words that you can hear in this "take 69" (another joke, he did more of such "takes69" through the years) of Hurt. This is why I wondered why this particilar song started such strong discussion... after all it's nothing new, it was released more than 10 years ago on Elvis Among Friends boot. And now re-released o this cheap CD full of stolen stuff. I really do not think that there's anything sad in it, it's rather funny just as uncut "Stranger In My Own" from 1970 rehearsal... the other side of Elvis, yes. He was not Ned Flanders from The Simpsons ;-).
Steve V wrote on
September 03, 2007
I am more offended by his daughter dropping the F- word on an official CD release than by any such outtake not meant to be heard by the public. She intended it to be heard and I am sure Elvis would not approve. But such is the state of music today.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on
September 03, 2007
With all the imports and ftd now giving more complete unedited sessions,i find myself annyed with Elvis over his use of such language,its not something i would play around my family,and im sorry it does nothing for his music,sure he never knew that it would be released, but i think no matter your stand on language,it shows a sometime easy to get upset man who wasnt that great at dealing with his emotions,by the way everyone doesnt use such language,and for your info i dont,what gets me is a gospel group was sitting beside him and said nothing,i think to often he did this to try and look cool,instead of being in control he let others control him and guide him,would he have used that language around his mother? He got lost in it all,its so easy to see and it cost him his life,as for lisa,im not a fan,useing language on recordings is so lame and has become the norm,kids hear a song on the radi edited then go and buy the cd and find out it has language,the reason i am not a fan of the 69 sessions is due to the same reason,he just sounds like someone trying to impress!
Natha wrote on
September 05, 2007
As already stated before, the outtakes were never meant to be published. It is amazing how we (I for one at least) are interested to hear and BUY them too. Do you know fans of any other artist doing like this? I think this is quite unique and proves the greatness of the impact ELVIS had and still have on people. Sometimes I also wonder what ELVIS himself would think about that. These takes are hits (or general songs) in the making through trial and error and fun. During those moments of fooling around there is inevitably the interaction between those present with all the known results. When we buy and listen to those outtakes we should keep this in mind. The remarks on stage are different. but that can be the result of so many prior happenings. Mr. Carr had an interesting analysis which noted conditions definitely contributed to this. I for one (also being from a poor family) never use this type of language, but that gives me no right to judge over others too. The interactions on stage are not always wholesome, however that is part of ELVIS too. I don't feel offended, at such instances I just wait till his singing starts and that makes it all worthwhile.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on
September 06, 2007
Yes they were not meant to be heard,but for elvis its little differt,didnt he know that tapes like that could get leaked,why not destroy it yourself put it under lock and key? he let too many others take care of everything and trusted just a bit too much,people would have a field day with such comments coming from elvis,you have to remember hes not a rapper were such crude language is the norm!
Rob Wanders wrote on
September 06, 2007
yes, its a bit sad, hearing Elvis use the same sexual curses over and over; it makes him a bit childish, indeed as if he had to impress someone. But he did or said more things repeatedly; like that sentence: "there goes my career ... years through the drain". Or the silly joke with Charlie Hodge when he sung "Are you lonesome tonight". I reall do not understand that you still like it after doing it 1 or 2 times. And oh yes, I can curse also, it brings a great relief sometimes.
Jerome wrote on
September 07, 2007
first of all, why should an album end with such a song. A last song on a album should leave a special feeling and mostly has a special purpose- I think it's rather remarkable that Elvis cursed that much- being a religious person. Is it frustration about his life or just fooling around.. Sometimes it's hard to know what kind of thoughts/feelings he had in his head, that's interesting and frustrating at the same time. G*dd*mmit!
genedin wrote on
September 07, 2007
personally i think your all crazy for wasting your time discussiing somwthing you have no control over nor have the need to buy it or listen if it offends you. this material is availible elsewhere without take 69. give me elvis the way he was,not thru rose colored glasses which all the fans and his coworkers saw him thru all through the 70s.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on
September 08, 2007
Rose colored glasses? as for him being aggervated about his life,you can still have self control,he seemed to over use the language,since were not viewing Elvis through rose colored glasses lets admit he wasnt perfect!
JerryNodak wrote on
September 09, 2007
As an entertainer Elvis was without equal. But Elvis, as he was, (as genedin puts it) is in many ways probably not PERSON I would have liked very much. I think Elvis labored under the false assumption (as many do) that swearing makes you cool.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on
September 09, 2007
I agree,i think it was too often used as macho type of thing,to me it adds nothing to a person or there music,just makes you look typical,the stamps being a gospel group should have let him know they didnt care for that,but did they even care? it reminds me of trying to date and meeting a pretty woman who seems to have a great personality,only to hear her start cursing just to curse,i notise this more recent with Elvis on the raised on rock ftd,id love to play some of the outtakes to family etc, but Elvis just had to use every curse word he could think of, leaving me annoyed and again dissapointed!
Elvisnites wrote on
September 09, 2007
Your remark EspenK was stupid and uncalled for. I didn' t think this forum was about attacking other countries. If Mature Elvis is against cursing, then he has a right to that opinion. That's what America is all about, or there wouldn't be any rappers. I can tell you've never been to America, or you wouldn't have said something so "stupid". I know your not representing your country by that remark, so keep that type of comment to yourself. God Bless America. I am second generation Irish and love all countries for what they have to offer to this big world we live in.
Rob Wanders wrote on
September 09, 2007
I (as a fellow-european) don't agree with you Espen; I don't think that swearing makes Elvis cool. Don't misunderstand me; I'm not a religious person who says it's forbidden to curse; and I can curse, really. But you must have a reason to curse, than it can give some relief. But swearing just to be cool I think is silly. If you hear sometimes people in the USA talk; with everything they use the F word. "there's this f... man sitting in a f... car, driving through the f... street" etc. it's so pointless to use these words here. Swears have a meaning and a purpose. And please, lets have some respect for each other, despite the country you live in or the ideas/opinions you have.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on
September 09, 2007
If you hate america then why do you like Elvis? and to say cursing is cool,how does it make you cool? my oppion is also based on useing language in a silly way.,hey turn off the f ing lights,some people use language in every sentence and its annyoing and silly,thanks for the support guys,i cant say ive never cursed,but to show no control is another thing,by the way all americans dont live the lifestyle of a rapper or talk like that,they dont respesent us all! There just an embaresment!
EspenK wrote on
September 10, 2007
I just returned from the US after being there a month (starting with Elvis week), this is my fourth travel to the US, so yes I've been to the states and know the southern states pretty well by now. And it is no coincidense that this particular people elected Bush as president - but thats another discussion alltogether. In many ways americans remind me of the videogame "lemmings". But spare me the "oh my god the foul language, how could he, awww hush hush naughty boy, your momma should spank ya" and "god bless america"s, it makes me sick.
Elvisnites wrote on
September 10, 2007
Ignorance is thy name. Because you made a couple of trips to the south that makes you an expert. Get out of the 1950's.
Elvisnites wrote on
September 10, 2007
First of all, I am not from the South. Your stero type remark is not amusing. The people from the South are very kind hearted friendly people. Of course there are a few bad apples in every group. Look at you. Get your facts straight, I believe the bj was being discussed in the dressing room. I think the car was the bush. And whose side are you on? I though things like that were cool to you not embarassing. Oooo, Mr. Cool said a bad word. How mature. I'm done having fun with you. Have a good life and try and express yourself as a mature adult. At least I'm guessing your are. An adult I mean. Oh and I'm assuming your a male. If your not, sorry. (not because your a male, but because I addressed you incorrectly)
EspenK wrote on
September 10, 2007
Hey lighten up mister, I didn't mean to offend you and am sorry if I did. Furthermor I didn't mean to indicate that you're from the south, and that remark wasnt meant to be stereotypic either. Wasnt the BJ being discussed in the car? Oh well, it's been a long time since I saw that clip. But the location isnt of importance here, as I'm sure you agree with. That he talked like that to the camera was, to me, probably the single most disappointing "Elvis-moment" ever. And it's not about "mr cool saying a bad word", you're really missing out on my point here. But I guess I have to blame myself for that, with my slightly... uhm... provocative post.
Elvisnites wrote on
September 10, 2007
LOL. Very funny, I'm a female. No harm done. It was amusing. When I blog on here I don't thing of anyone being from anywhere but Elvisworld.
Steve V wrote on
September 10, 2007
When I see things posted like 'stupid american' (with a small 'a' no less) I really thinks its time to get off this site. I am not from the South but voted for Bush because the other choice in my opinion was not as good. I would not vote for him again, but I really resent your remark.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on
September 11, 2007
Were did the south part come from? and i am from the south,oh so you know not a big bush fan,though im not into politics anyways,i wont say anymore,we all seem to get along pretty well steve,but you know how it goes!
Steve V wrote on
September 11, 2007
As Elvis was, I am pretty patriotic, and resent remarks like stupid american, and God Bless America insults. I think this is a pretty damn good country or people wouldnt be risking their lives everyday to get here. Politics aside, I am proud to be from the USA.
ElvisFab wrote on
September 17, 2007
I've always thought that Elvis' idea to design rooms in his home so differently, is just another sign of his great creative mind. True this does not refer directly to the subject above, but I have always loved the "Jungle Room" most.
Elvisnites wrote on
September 17, 2007
Have you ever heard the story behind the furniture? Vernon came home one day and told E he just saw the worst furniture he had ever seen at a local furniture store. E who yes did love the unusal went down to see it. He bought it. He was trying for an Hawaii room, which is why I don't understand why people started calling it the Jungle room. That wasn't his intent. Creative he was.
ElvisFab wrote on
September 19, 2007
I beleive that people started calling it the "jungle room" because Hawaii is in the climate zone on earth that commonly contains jungles. So if you did not know what specific theme, or location is being reproduced, you might use a more common general descriptive word, like "jungle".