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Love Me Tender

By BlogCritics/ Hombre Divertido, September 27, 2009 | Music

Whether you love these songs already, or this is your first time experiencing some of the tender tunes crooned by one of the best balladeers of all time, you are sure to enjoy this new release from EMI.

Released on August 25th, just a few days after the 32nd anniversary of Elvis’ passing, and narrated by Ashley Judd, this new release chronicles the career of the King from the perspective of his love songs.

With additional input from interviews with members of groups that backed up Elvis throughout his career including: Gordon Stoker of the Jordanaires, Joe Moscheo of The Imperials, Ed Enoch of the Stamps Quartet, and Myrna Smith of The Sweet Inspirations, there is a substantial amount of anecdotes, trivia, and valuable insights, into the life of the legendary singer.

 

Judd is provided with an informative and entertaining script which she delivers with the fluidity of a pro. She strategically compliments the program without ever making it about her.

The documentary primarily relies on renditions of 22 songs from clips of Elvis’ many films, all of which are enjoyable as we watch Elvis evolve throughout his career. One of the most enjoyable clips on the single DVD release is from a Frank Sinatra television special in which Elvis appeared and performed a duet with Sinatra. It is, unfortunately, the most casual and natural that Elvis appears in this collection. Though the interviews include many wonderful stories, some behind-the-scenes footage would have only enhanced an already wonderful project.

This release suffers more from a technical aspect, than any other factor. The little things may tend to frustrate some. The menu loads quite slow, the editing lags and leaves the screen black too long in many transitions, and the sound is awkward in many of the interviews. The information provided regarding the details of some of the motion pictures is inconsistent as well. Where extensive information and anecdotes are provided regarding some of the films, in other cases the audience is left with questions. In most cases it is the simple failure to identify the actress to whom Elvis is singing.

The bonus material consists of extended interview with the above-mentioned backup singers and three commercials for Graceland. The additional interview footage is repetitive in some cases, but enjoyable for the most part.

Recommendation: You may have seen some of this material before, and there are certainly more informative productions on the life of the King, but few as well put together and presented as this.

For the true fan or those still learning of Elvis' legend, this is a wonderful addition to any collection. You are sure to love The Love Songs.

Tracklisting:

  1. Love Me Tender
  2. I Can't Stop Loving You
  3. The Wonder of You
  4. I Just Can't Help Believin'
  5. Always On My Mind
  6. What Now My Love
  7. Can't Help Falling In Love
  8. There Goes My Everything
  9. It's Now Or Never
  10. Are You Lonesome Tonight
  11. As Long As I Have You
  12. You Don't Know Me
  13. Loving You
  14. Unchained Melody
  15. I'll Remember You
  16. For The Good Times
  17. And I Love You So
  18. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
  19. Just Pretend
  20. Love Me
  21. Until It's Time For You To Go
  22. Mary In The Morning
  23. I Want You, I Need You, I Love You 

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JerryNodak wrote on September 27, 2009
I'd view it a few times and then it would sit on a shelf for years. Hardly ever watch the videos I have (movies included.) No plans to buy this.
Musicwizard wrote on September 27, 2009
I just bought this, Very well put together and the picture is amazing and the sound is 5.1 and is also amazing to hear. This is one I would play often when I am in a laid back mood. EMI did a fantastic job putting this together, my hats off to them, Sony/BMG you should pick up a copy and learn something from EMI, they know how to treat an artist of this caliber.
commoneverybody wrote on September 28, 2009
Very BAD dvd production. Quality of the footage that is used is very poor, even the 68 comeback show and Aloha footage is poor, not to mention the 1950s clips. Only the clips used from his movies are in good quality. Also, theres NOTHING new to see or hear, we have heard the stories and stills a million times before. Watched it once, but never again. Waste of time...and money!
drjohncarpenter0117 wrote on September 28, 2009
Mr Nodak, i have watched this once and you have read my mind.....it will indeed sit on my shelf and that's were it will stay.....Ashley Judd trying to convey just how good Elvis was as a ballad singer just did not work for me......it's like telling me something i have known for a long long time.Trying to pick a selection of ballads from the Elvis collection is impossible and did not really reflect in this dvd,poor editing and footage used was not really as good as it could of been.Still i have it now and as i did get it cheap so not really that it was money wasted.
djm wrote on September 28, 2009
heres what ashley judd had to say about elvis..`elvis explored human love through his music. he looked at the power of love, at the wonder of love, at tragic love, lasting love and finally healing love. most of all he considered love in its wonderous and magical way of holding two people together. its no wonder elvis truly loved love songs`. pass the vomit bag.
Deke Rivers 6 wrote on November 15, 2009
Great cover,but confusing with the title "Love Me Tender" showing a picture from "King Creole"?