Released on the “RE3” label is volume 3 in the “Rare Elvis” series. Is it rare?
Design
This budget import release comes with a simple design in line with the official releases in this series from RCA. The only problem is the omission of the details of the alternate versions on this compilation.
Content
Like so many rip-off bootlegs, which appear to be, coming out (e.g. A “Legendary Performer Vol. 9” or any volume in the “Tiger Man - An Alternate Anthology” series) this compilation does not contain any unreleased track what so ever. On that point this release scores 0/10 points.
But the CD does score on listening pleasure with alternate takes of “Little Sister”, my personal favourite “(Marie’s The Name Of) His Latest Flame” and “G.I. Blues “. Like the before mentioned “Tiger Man” series the fun of releases like this is the different sound these compilations have through the use of alternate versions. Perhaps BMG could add a little chatter between the tracks on their next compilation, that way you have contentious audio and no “breaks” between the tracks.
Conclusion
This compilation gets a 0/10 for originality but an 8/10 for listening pleasure
Track listing
Little Sister (take 1-5) / Little Sister (take 6) / Judy (take 1) / Judy (take 2-3) / Judy (take 4) / His Latest Flame ( take 1) / His Latest Flame (take 2) / His Latest Flame (take 3, 4) / His Latest Flame (take 5, 6) / Good Luck Charm (take 1) / What She's Really Like ( take 6, 7) / G.I. Blues (take 7) / Doin' The Best I Can (take 9) / Pocketful Of Rainbows (take 2) / Your Cheatin' Heart (take 9) / Viva Las Vegas (Stereo version) / What I'd Say (Stereo version) / A Dog's Life (take 1) / You'll Be Gone (take 2) / It's A Long Lonely Highway (Single version) / 500 Miles (version 1) / 500 Miles (version 2) / A Little Less Conversation (Single version) / You'll Think Of Me (Single version) / Life (Single Version) / Almost In Love ( Single version).