The Album Collection

Sony Legacy had a golden opportunity to make this set the ultimate go-to source for all of the recorded tracks that were contained on Elvis Presley's original albums during his lifetime. Unfortunately, they failed. They also placed some of the bonus songs onto inappropriate discs. Very disappointing... to say the least.

So much potential for an excellent tribute, but poorly executed and misses the mark. This is yet another rehash, release of the material previously available in the Complete Masters, The Original Collection and other multiple CD disc collections. With an average of 10 - 12 tracks per disc, some of these discs are pitifully short by today's CD standards, why not add some bonus tracks taken from FTD releases or RPO type remix to each disc? Yes it is nice to see some thought has gone into the disc appearance with an authentic label look, and original style paper sleeves. But there is just a hint of let's just rehash and release yet again. I personally don't get Sony's reasoning or target audience for this release. I doubt if potential new fans will pay for this set, and most existing fans will have all these releases already. Why not release a series of hard to find CD releases, such as In Demand, or Guitar Man I am certain there are enough worldwide releases that are hard to obtain on official CD's to make an attractive release that would appeal to both new and existing fans, whilst still being a fitting tribute to Elvis' legacy.

saf7670, I agree with you that a few more bonus tracks should have been added to the original albums on this new set to make them a little more interesting. As an example, they could've included the complete undubbed master of "Could I Fall In Love" (from FTD) as a bonus track on the "Double Trouble" disc. However, I don't agree with adding any RPO-type remixes to this set. Your thought of including a special album like "Elvis In Demand" would've been a great idea. It too could've had bonus tracks added to it. As things turned out, it appears that Sony didn't put much thought into the three so-called "Rarities" discs.

Unfortunately and "plus tax", RCA and/or Sony have never been taking care of business in regards of no matter releases they made. Elvis has always meant money for them and anything else ! What a pity to act that way towards Elvis Aaron Presley ! This is my opinion and I will maintain it forever and ever !

I'm looking forward to reading the reviews on this set after it's released in March. I'm interested in hearing about how detailed the information is in the book, and of course I want to know about the sound quality of the music.

I already own everything that's in the box on CD except "C'mon Everybody." Too expensive for 1 CD. I don't care about the book. Even so, I probably would have bought the box set anyway if all the LPs released in his lifetime were included. But they're not.

Two noteworthy errors by Sony in the box set . . . 1. The "C'mon Everybody" CD does not have the original running order of the songs as they appeared on the 1971 Camden album. The song, "Today, Tomorrow and Forever", mysteriously changed from being the 8th track to becoming the 10th track. That means that the original track 9 is now track 8, and the original track 10 is now track 9. 2. The accompanying book has the "Moody Blue" album incorrectly listed as being released in June 1976. It was released in July 1977. There's absolutely no excuse for SONY to make these kind of careless mistakes on an expensive project like this! I'm glad I didn't buy it.

I love the collection. I'm not bothered by the few mistakes or thoughts of what could have been. When you open the box it oozes Elvis. If I had to choose between this box or the complete masters box, I would buy this one. Thankfully I don't have to.

I caved-in and bought this set, but for only $120 from PopMarket. I ordered it on November 30, 2016 and should receive it soon!

"I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine" sounds much, much better on the Elvis At Sun CD from 2004. They should've used that exact same cleaned-up track on this box set. And... "Tiny Little Moonbeams/Girls,Girls,Girls" (finale) should have been added to the end of the Girls!Girls!Girls! CD as bonus tracks instead of being placed (misplaced) on the Let's Be Friends CD. There are other bonus tracks that were also misplaced in the set (my opinion), but it is what it is.