From Elvis in Memphis
July 28, 2009

Product Description
36 Tracks Across 2 CDs, Including 10 Original Mono Single Masters

Elvis Presley's Memphis sessions proved that sometimes you can go home again. It was January 1969, and Elvis had not recorded in his hometown since leaving Sun Records for RCA in 1955. But the renewed focus and ambition sparked by his wildly successful TV comeback special the previous month propelled him back into a Memphis studio, where in just two weeks of sessions he made some of the most memorable and artistically satisfying music of his career.

This burst of inspired creativity resulted in the critically acclaimed album From Elvis In Memphis and its companion Back In Memphis. "Suspicious Minds," "In The Ghetto," "Don't Cry Daddy" and "Kentucky Rain" were among the unforgettable hits that resulted. This 40th anniversary Legacy Edition contains every track from the sessions recorded at American Studios in Memphis in January and February of 1969.

CD 1
1. Wearin' That Loved On Look
2. Only the Strong Survive
3. I'll Hold You In My Heart (Till I Can Hold You In My Arms)
4. Long Black Limousine
5. It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'
6. I'm Movin' On
7. Power Of My Love
8. Gentle On My Mind
9. After Loving You
10. True Love Travels On A Gravel Road
11. Any Day Now
12. In The Ghetto
13. I'll Be There
14. Hey Jude
15. If I'm A Fool (For Loving You)
16. Who Am I?

CD 2
1. Inherit The Wind
2. This Is The Story
3. Stranger In My Own Home Town
4. A Little Bit Of Green
5. And The Grass Won't Pay No Mind
6. Do You Know Who I Am?
7. From A Jack To A King
8. The Fair Is Moving On
9. You'll Think Of Me
10. Without Love (There Is Nothing)
11. In The Ghetto (Mono)
12. Any Day Now (Mono)
13. The Fair's Moving On (Mono)
14. Suspicious Minds (Mono)
15. You'll Think Of Me (Mono)
16. Don't Cry Daddy (Mono)
17. Rubberneckin' (Mono)
18. Kentucky Rain (Mono)
19. My Little Friend (Mono)
20. Mama Liked The Roses (Mono)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002BX4VEK/?tag=imwan-20

I don't recall any of those songs being mono on the previous issue of the CD or the 60s box set...

They weren't. And I didn't miss them that way. But apparently some did.

Third time for me on CD, can't resist the mono mixes.

Here's a review of the Legacy Edition from AMG...

http://www.allmusic.com/album/r1606073

Got my copy at 'Rama. Just can't resist those Legacy Editions...

So - has anyone compared the sound on this to Suspicious Minds - The Memphis 1969 Anthology? Presumably it's the same original 1969 album (& single) mixes, but with fresh remastering, rather than a remix job (like The Memphis Record)?

On Stage
March 23, 2010

Product Description
After an eight-year absence from live performance, Elvis Presley made his triumphant return to the concert stage in 1969 at The International Hotel in Las Vegas. On the heels of Suspicious Minds, In The Ghetto, the '68 Comeback Special and the acclaimed album From Elvis In Memphis, the year that man landed on the moon was also the year that Elvis reclaimed his standing as the ultimate live performer.

On Stage and Elvis In Person are the classic live albums that capture the shows which forever cemented the long and famous association between the iconic entertainer and the sparkling desert city. This Legacy Edition contains both albums in their entirety, plus nine bonus tracks and a rehearsal take of The Wonder Of You, the hit version of which is also featured. These transcendent performances chronicle Elvis' creative rebirth as a stage performer and showcase The King's deep connection with his loyal audience.

CD 1
1. See See Rider
2. Release Me
3. Sweet Caroline
4. Runaway
5. The Wonder Of You
6. Polk Salad Annie
7. Yesterday
8. Proud Mary
9. Walk A Mile In My Shoes
10. Let It Be Me
11. Don't Cry Daddy (Live At International Hotel Las Vegas, NV, February 18, 1970, Dinner Show)
12. Kentucky Rain (Live At International Hotel Las Vegas, NV, February 16, 1970, Dinner Show)
13. Long Tall Sally (Live At International Hotel Las Vegas, NV, February 18, 1970, Midnight Show)
14. The Wonder Of You (Rehearsal - Live At International Hotel Las Vegas, NV, February 18, 1970, Afternoon Rehearsal)

CD 2
1. Blue Suede Shoes
2. Johnny B. Goode
3. All Shook Up
4. Are You Lonesome Tonight?
5. Hound Dog
6. I Can't Stop Loving You
7. My Babe
8. Medley: Mystery Train/Tiger Man
9. Words
10. In The Ghetto
11. Suspicious Minds
12. Can't Help Falling In Love
13. I Got A Woman (Live At International Hotel Las Vegas, NV, August 23, 1969, Dinner Show)
14. Medley: Jailhouse Rock/Don't Be Cruel (Live At International Hotel Las Vegas, NV, August 23, 1969, Dinner Show)
15. Heartbreak Hotel (Live At International Hotel Las Vegas, NV, August 23, 1969, Dinner Show)
16. Baby, What You Want Me To Do (Live At International Hotel Las Vegas, NV, August 23, 1969, Dinner Show)
17. Reconsider Baby (Live At International Hotel Las Vegas, NV, August 23, 1969, Midnight Show)
18. Funny How Time Slips Away (Live At International Hotel Las Vegas, NV, August 25, 1969, Dinner Show)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00353RUO8/?tag=imwan-20

Elvis Is Back (Legacy Edition)

Product Details
Audio CD (March 8, 2011)
Number of Discs: 2
Label: Sony Legacy
ASIN: B004C4IKCU



Product Description
In the mold of recent 2-CD Legacy Editions of the classic albums From Elvis In Memphis and On Stage, Elvis Is Back (Legacy Edition) is the definitive version of one of Elvis most essential albums, expanded to include another historically significant album from the time period and the hit singles associated with both albums.

It is argued by many that Elvis Is Back is possibly the best album Elvis ever recorded. During his two years in the army, Elvis had spent what spare time he had expanding his vocal range and improving his technique. Combined with a challenging and diverse repertoire, a new band of Nashville session aces, and improved three-track recording technology, it was an almost completely new Elvis who emerged in April of 1960. Recorded over just two nights, the sessions produced not only the twelve album tracks, but also six tracks for single release, including three #1 singles: all-time classics It's Now Or Never, Are You Lonesome Tonight? and Stuck On You. While the follow-up album Something For Everybody has not historically received the same reverence, Elvis voice on that LP may have been even better than it was the year before - possibly the best of his career. These recordings burst with an impact that is immediate - no surprise, considering the album was recorded in only one night. The bonus singles, which include the #1 hits (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame and Good Luck Charm as well as the classic Little Sister, were also cut in just two additional sessions.

Track Listings
Disc: 1
1. Make Me Know It
2. Fever
3. The Girl Of My Best Friend
4. I Will Be Home Again
5. Dirty, Dirty Feeling
6. Thrill Of Your Love
7. Soldier Boy
8. Such A Night
9. It Feels So Right
10. Girl Next Door Went A Walking
11. Like A Baby
12. Reconsider Baby
13. Stuck On You
14. Fame And Fortune
15. It's Now Or Never
16. A Mess Of Blues
17. Are You Lonesome Tonight?
18. I Gotta Know
19. Surrender
Disc: 2
1. There's Always Me
2. Give Me The Right
3. It's A Sin
4. Sentimental Me
5. Starting Today
6. Gently
7. I'm Comin' Home
8. In Your Arms
9. Put The Blame On Me
10. Judy
11. I Want You With Me
12. I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell
13. I Feel So Bad
14. (Marie s The Name) His Latest Flame
15. Little Sister
16. Good Luck Charm
17. Anything That's Part Of You

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004C4IKCU/?tag=imwan-20

Wow!

This looks very interesting.

Follow That Dream (FTD), the "official bootleg" Elvis label, released an even more comprehensive 2-disc set of this album:



Disc 1:
1. Make Me Know It
2. Fever
3. The Girl Of My Best Friend
4. I Will Be Home Again
5. Dirty, Dirty Feeling
6. Thrill Of Your Love
7. Soldier Boy
8. Such A Night
9. It Feels So Right
10. The Girl Next Door Went A-Walking
11. Like A Baby
12. Reconsider Baby
13. Stuck On You
14. Fame And Fortune
15. It's Now Or Never
16. A Mess Of Blues
17. Are You Lonesome Tonight?
18. I Gotta Know
19. Make Me Know It (Take 1)
20. Fever (Take 1)
21. The Girl Of My Best Friend (Take 3)
22. Soldier Boy (Take 1)
23. Such A Night (Take 1)
24. It Feels So Right (Take 1)
25. Stuck On You (Take 1)
26. Fame And Fortune (Take 2)
27. It's Now Or Never (Take 1)
28. Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Takes 1 & 2)

Disc 2:
1. Make Me Know It (Take 3)
2. Make Me Know It (Takes 9, 10 & 11)
3, Make Me Know It (Takes 17 & 18)
4. Soldier Boy (Takes 2, 3 & 7)
5. Soldier Boy (Takes 9 & 10)
6. Stuck On You (Takes 1 (FS) & 2)
7. Fame And Fortune (Takes 4 & 5)
8. A Mess Of Blues (Take 1)
9. A Mess Of Blues (Takes 2 & 3)
10. It Feels So Right (Take 2)
11. It Feels So Right (Takes 4 & 3)
12. Fever (Takes 2 & 3)
13. Like A Baby (Take 1)
14. Like A Baby (Take 2)
15. Like A Baby (Takes 3 & 4)
16. It's Now Or Never (Take 2)
17. It's Now Or Never (Takes 3 & 4)
18. The Girl Of My Best Friend (Takes 2, 4, 5 & 6)
19. The Girl Of My Best Friend (Take 9)
20. Dirty, Dirty Feeling (Take 1)
21. Dirty, Dirty Feeling (Takes 2 & 3/4 (SP))
22. Thrill Of Your Love (Takes 1 & 2, 1-PB)
23. Such A Night (Takes 2, 3 & 4/5 (SP))
24. The Girl Next Door Went A-Walking (Takes 1, 2 & 3)
25. Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Takes 4, 3 & WP 1/2 (SP))

Amazon USA:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007XTOKC/?tag=imwan-20

Amazon UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0007XTOKC/?tag=imwan-21

"Something For Everybody", the 1961 Presley album featured on Disc 2 of the "Elvis Is Back" Legacy Edition, has also gotten the FTD treatment:



Disc 1
1. There's Always Me
2. Give Me The Right
3. It's A Sin
4. Sentimental Me
5. Starting Today
6. Gently
7. I'm Comin' Home
8. In Your Arms
9. Put The Blame On Me
10. Judy
11. I Want You With Me
12. I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell
13. I Feel So Bad
14. Little Sister
15. (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame
16. Good Luck Charm
17. Anything That's Part Of You
18. There's Always Me (Take 1)
19. Give Me The Right (Take 1)
20. It's A Sin (Takes 1 & 2)
21. Sentimental Me (Take 1)
22. Starting Today (Take 1)
23. Gently (Takes 1 & 2)
24. I'm Comin' Home (Take 2)
25. In Your Arms (Take 1)
26. Put The Blame On Me (Takes 1 & 2)
27. Judy (Take 1)
28. I Want You With Me (Take 1)
29. Little Sister (Take 3)
30. (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame (Take 2)
31. Anything That's Part Of You (Take 1)

Disc 2
1. I'm Comin' Home (Takes 1 & 3)
2. I'm Comin' Home (Takes 5 & 4)
3. Gently (Take 3)
4. Gently (Take 4)
5. Give Me The Right (Takes 3 & 2)
6. I Feel So Bad (Take 1)
7. There's Always Me (Take 2)
8. There's Always Me (Take 4)
9. Starting Today (Take 2)
10. Judy (Takes 2 & 3)
11. Judy (Take 4)
12. (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame (Take 1-rehearsals)
13. (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame (Takes 3 & 4)
14. (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame (Takes 5 & 6)
15. Little Sister (Takes 1, 2, 4 & 5)
16. Little Sister (Take 6)
17. Good Luck Charm (Take 1)
18. Good Luck Charm (Takes 2 & 3)
19. Anything That's Part Of You (Take 2)
20. Anything That's Part Of You (Takes 4 & 5)
21. Anything That's Part Of You (Take 8)
22. There's Always Me (Takes 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9)
23. Judy (Takes 5, 6 & 7)
24. (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame (Takes 10, 11 & 12)
25. Little Sister (Takes 7, 8 & 9)
26. Anything That's Part Of You (Take 9)

Amazon USA:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EUMKVS/?tag=imwan-20

Amazon UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000EUMKVS/?tag=imwan-21

It's kind of strange marketing decision to release a two-fer of Elvis is Back and Something for Everybody but call it the "Elvis is Back Legacy Edition." You'd think they would want people to know they are getting two full albums with the set.

My take on this is a total guess: FTD has the "Elvis collector" corner to themselves. For one reason or other, Sony can't or won't put Elvis releases out with alternate takes & unreleased tracks , etc. to the general market. That's FTD's "territory. But the "Legacy Edition" brand has some market recognition & value, so they're using that & going with what are essentially 2-fers. How far they will take this is anyone's guess. So far they are only releasing the cream of the crop to the general market.

I think they do want to keep the basic catalog uncomplicated by alternate takes, and it wouldn't really make sense to release a Legacy Edition that mimicked the existing FTD. It just seems weird to me to in essence hide the fact you're getting two albums in one set, and make it look like the second album is just a pile of bonus tracks. I guess calling it the "Elvis' best albums plus their not-quite-as-good follow ups" series wouldn't sell as well.

Agreed about the fact that they are "hiding" the second album - very weird indeed. Although I'm sure that the second album's artwork will be inside. I wonder how they will handle the next one - Elvis Presley & Elvis together in a Legacy Edition? Will they "hide" the second album? Probably - his first is more recognizable by the general public.

Once these 2 are out, would you do any more for general release - considering the dwindling CD market & the fact that Elvis "albums" appeal more to a generation that doesn't buy a lot of music? At this point, you would have:

Early: Elvis Presley / Elvis

Post Army: Elvis Is Back / Something For Everybody

Memphis Sessions: From Elvis In Memphis / Back In Memphis

Live: On Stage / Live In Person....

Are there any others that you would consider to be absolutely essential for general release? Supposedly the long-awaited Sun set is due this year - but that's an FTD release, right? You already have the movie years captured in 2007 with Elvis At The Movies - although there are some glaring omissions on that set ("Teddy Bear"). Aloha From Hawaii maybe?

Will the tracks on the Legacy Edition be mono or stereo mixes? (do stereo mixes of these tracks even exist?)

Stereo. Elvis Is Back has been available in stereo since 1960. It sounds great too

I can't say that I'm anything but indifferent to it, but the fact that a typical Walmart always seems to have a comparatively generous selection from Presley's catalog on the shelf at all times indicates that his music still sells. Every now and again the Presley estate is presented with yet another RIAA certification when a vintage Presley album crosses yet another sales threshold.

While I recommend the FTD material, the discs do cost a lot more money than the "standard" Elvis packages. While one side of me wishes that rare material from an artist be made available to all at a regular price, I must admit that after I've shelled out extra $$$ for a "premium" or OOP disc, I become much more indifferent to the possibility of another collector someday being able to purchase the same material at a discount.

The FTD sets aren't for everybody. In some instances, listening to repeated multiple takes can be, um, tedious. During certain sessions, Elvis, for whatever reason, could be surprisingly profane; the FTD discs don't shy away from including this, and I doubt the Walmart people would approve.

But many of the FTD discs of studio material offer a fascinating glimpse of Presley found nowhere else, countering the traditional view of Elvis as a drug-addled hillbilly who sang other people's songs by documenting the active role he took during recording sessions, creating, directing and arranging much of his best music. (They also document his growing apathy in the studio recording soundtrack material for his movies).

That said, there are other Presley fans who collect every last one of the various 1970's concerts (and there have been at least a couple of dozen) that FTD has released, and I, for one, am just not that interested in that stuff. But I'm glad it's available.

Assuming the Legacy Editions are sticking to original album releases, the only other possible one I can think of would be Elvis Country/That's the Way it Is. Or maybe yet another repackaging of the 68 Comeback material. Or I guess they could do a Gold Records Volume One and Two.