Showing posts with label Elvis Presley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elvis Presley. Show all posts

12/30/2019

Rock-Pop Review: Elvis Presley-Live 1969

Release Date: August 9, 2019
Label: RCA/Legacy Recordings
Elvis, Elvis, and more Elvis! Live 1969 is a comprehensive 11 CD set for the ultimate fan base that exists and is continually growing.

Live 1969 features the release of eleven complete sets from Elvis’ August 1969 engagement at Las Vegas’ International Hotel. Of these performances, four are being released in full for the first time. That fact alone should raise some eyebrows in the worldwide community of supporters of the King’s legacy.

This also marks the 50th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s return to the stage to perform after an eight-year absence fulfilling his movie obligations.  His Las Vegas residency at the International Hotel featured 57 sold-out shows and the live debut of his signature #1 hit “Suspicious Minds.” That track happens to be my personal all-time favorite as it captured the excellence of the band backing Elvis and his ability to command an audience and own the song. He also was able to cover other popular songs in his way giving an audience a complete view of his tremendous talents.

This deluxe package also includes a 52-page booklet with rare photos, memorabilia, and an oral history by Ken Sharp curated from historic interviews with Elvis, Colonel Tom Parker, Tom Jones, Jerry Schilling, James Burton, Cissy Houston, Terry Blackwood, George Klein, Fats Domino, etc. That is the icing on the cake for the live music fan and you have an opportunity to reap the benefits of first-hand discussions from his peers while taking in this massive collection.

I appreciate the music of Elvis Presley and to hear him come to life on this set gave me a new perspective of what a great performer he was. Even after being away for eight years he just picked up where he left off and thrilled every audience he performed for. 

There is some repetition in this set but I think most people would expect that with this much music. He did have his act and storytelling that went into his set but you will get some different setlists to enjoy and a bird’s eye view of what it was like to be there interacting with him. 

Live 1969 may very well be the ultimate live Elvis recording however I think you need to be a superfan to enjoy this to the fullest otherwise if you are a casual listener, that genuinely appreciated the artistry of The King, you would be well advised to listen to this over some time.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
December 29, 2019

Founder of:

Review Provided By MuzikMan.net

4/09/2018

Rock-Pop-Blues-Gospel-Country-R&B Review:Elvis Presley-The Searcher - The Original Soundtrack (Deluxe 3 CD Set)

Release Date: April 4, 2018
Label: Sony Legacy/RCA

As time passes and I learn more about Elvis Presley, the more I appreciate his legacy. Through several of the deluxe sets, I have gained a good education and heard some amazing music.

Elvis Presley: The Searcher The Original Soundtrack is a 3CD deluxe box set that features 37 additional Elvis cuts plus a special disc featuring selections from Mike McCready's (Pearl Jam) original score for Elvis Presley: The Searcher; Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers performing "Wooden Heart," and the music that inspired Elvis that includes R&B and country classics and "Home Sweet Home" sung by his mother, Gladys Presley. The set also includes a 40-page book featuring rare photographs, liner notes by Warren Zanes, and a director's note by Thom Zimny. Those are some of the highlights of this comprehensive set.

The Searcher - The Original Soundtrack is more of a deeper look into the persona of the legendary performer we knew as The King. Not only are there three CDs with this set, an informative booklet is included and a soon to follow two-part HBO special that kicks off on April 14th. So, all of us Elvis fans get the full multimedia treatment this time around.

I think when you strip away the Elvis we knew on stage you find a very dedicated, serious and committed performer. And I think, more importantly, he is a man that never forget from whence he came. He was legendary for his generosity, and perhaps because he was brought up in poverty, he sincerely appreciated his stardom and all the things he could enjoy because of it.

The thing I always find so striking about Elvis was his ability to cover every genre with equal energy and class. There has been and never will be another more eclectic performer than Elvis. Being multi-dimensional was his calling, and did he ever fill those shoes with excellence. Having top-notch musicians to back him never hurt either. Like a quarterback with great receivers, he covered every nuance in each genre including Country, Blues, Pops, Gospel, R&B, and Rock. At times there were tracks that took a little of each influence to create a song, only Elvis could deliver.

Some of the tracks like “Blue Moon” showed how Elvis could get his voice to hit the higher register. The track will send a chill up your spine in a heartbeat. Its simplicity and atmosphere are exceptional and a complete step away from the previous track. That is one example of the many facets of Elvis. His emotion and soul were weaved into everything he sang. There are some tracks like “Blue Moon” that really make you realize what a powerful presence he had and unique delivery that made each song come alive.

I have been looking forward to this set for a long time and the HBO special as well. I think my education of Elvis; his music and life will be a continuing process for many of us. And I am loving every minute of it. I know without any doubt that everyone that came after him is indebted for his influence, and one that he is still having on anyone recording music.


5/5 Stars
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
April 9, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By MuzikMan Reviews and News


Elvis Presley: The Searcher (The Original Soundtrack) [Deluxe] – 3CD Deluxe Box Set

Disc 1
1. Trouble / Guitar Man
2. My Baby Left Me
3. Baby, What You Want Me To Do
4. Old Shep
5. That's When Your Heartaches Begin
6. That's All Right
7. Blue Moon Of Kentucky
8. Fool, Fool, Fool
9. Tweedlee Dee
10. Baby Let's Play House
11. Good Rockin' Tonight
12. Trying To Get To You
13. Blue Moon
14. When It Rains It Pours
15. Blue Christmas
16. Heartbreak Hotel
17. Lawdy, Miss Clawdy
18. Money Honey
19. Hound Dog
20. (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me)
21. Crawfish
22. Trouble
23. Farther Along
24. Mona Lisa
25. Hide Thou Me
26. Loving You (end title take 16)
27. Lonely Man (solo version)
28. Power Of My Love


Disc 2
1. Milky White Way
2. A Mess Of Blues
3. Fame And Fortune
4. Love Me Tender / Witchcraft (duet with Frank Sinatra)
5. Like A Baby
6. Are You Lonesome Tonight?
7. It's Now Or Never
8. Wooden Heart
9. Swing Down Sweet Chariot
10. Reconsider Baby
11. Bossa Nova Baby
12. C'mon Everybody
13. Tomorrow Is A Long Time
14. Take My Hand, Precious Lord
15. Run On
16. Baby What You Want Me To Do
17. Suspicious Minds (take 6)
18. Baby Let's Play House (rehearsal)
19. Words (rehearsal)
20. That's All Right
21. Never Been To Spain
22. An American Trilogy
23. You Gave Me A Mountain
24. Burning Love (rehearsal version)
25. Separate Ways (rehearsal version)
26. Hurt (take 5)
27. If I Can Dream


Disc 3
1. Dissolution 2 - Mike McCready
2. Satisfied - The Blackwood Brothers
3. That's All Right - Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup
4. She May Be Yours But She Comes To See Me Sometimes - Joe Hill Louis
5. Mystery Train - Little Junior's Blue Flames
6. Smokestack Lightning - Howlin' Wolf
7. Rock-A-My Soul - The Blackwood Brothers
8. Just Walkin' In The Rain - The Prisonaires
9. Rocket 88 - Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats
10. Write Me A Letter - The Ravens
11. Blue Moon Of Kentucky - Bill Monroe
12. Ain't That Right - Eddie Snow
13. Just Walkin' In The Rain - Johnnie Ray
14. Lawdy Miss Clawdy – Lloyd Price
15. Home Sweet Home - Gladys Presley
16. Blowin' In The Wind - Odetta
17. Tomorrow Is A Long Time - Odetta
18. The Weight - The Staple Singers
19. Heartbreak Hotel - The Orlons
20. Wooden Heart - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
21. Rebound - Mike McCready

 

12/17/2017

Holiday Review: Elvis Presley-Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Release Date: October 6, 2017
Label: Sony

Elvis Presley is the top-selling solo artist of all time, having sold more than one billion records worldwide put him on top of the mountain with a very select group.  Elvis' previous Christmas releases have sold more than 22 million copies in the United States alone. That is a fact people! 

This is a great way for me to wrap up my Holiday season with a review of an Elvis Christmas album. Last season I enjoyed the colored vinyl edition of Merry Christmas Baby.

So here we go again with another new and old classic titled Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. This music was already a great group of songs but now Elvis is backed by a full orchestra, and one of the finest in the world. I just wish the man was alive to witness the technological marvels we have now at our disposal.

This recording is incredible and it fills your room wherever ever you decide to listen. It takes music from Presley’s yuletide performances from Elvis’ Christmas Album (1957) and Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas (1971). It is like taking every song and reworking them to perfection with a beautiful orchestra in step with The King as he sings some of his fan favorites.

It’s interesting how I just go through watching It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed (believe it or not for the first time!). My emotions caught up with as we moved towards the end of the movie. Now I am sitting here listening to probably the greatest rock ‘n’ roll phenomena the world has ever known. Every time I hear Elvis’s music I appreciate it more. This music moved me just as the movie did.

This was a great idea that worked very well. The final touch was Priscilla reminiscing about Christmas with Elvis in the CD booklet.

My favorites remain “Blue Christmas” and “Merry Christmas Baby.” I really appreciated how the orchestra blended so well with all the tracks. If they are in a traditional sense or with touch of blues, it all sounds great. 

Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is one you should not miss this. There is also a deluxe version with more tracks available, look for the copy with the red cover. Either way you win if you are an Elvis fan and appreciate the full-bodied sound the music has from start to finish.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
December 17, 2017
Founder of:

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Tracks:
01. Santa Claus Is Back In Town
02. White Christmas
03. Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)
04. Merry Christmas Baby
05. Blue Christmas
06. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
07. Winter Wonderland
08. Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)
09. Silver Bells
10. Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem
11. O Come, All Ye Faithful
12. The First Noel
13. Silent Night

 

8/06/2017

Pop-Rock-Roots Rock Review: Elvis Presley-A Boy From Tupelo-The Complete 1953-1955 Recordings (3 CDs/Book)

Release Date: July 28, 2017
Label: Legacy / RCA / Sony Music

The recordings of Elvis Presley remain as pertinent today as they always have. In fact, it is likely with each passing year that their importance goes up one more notch. His position in rock music goes without saying and there are still many new fans to gain. The release of these informative box sets has shed new light on one of our greatest performers.

This rootsy original music is the second version of a A Boy From Tupelo-The Complete 1953-1955 Recordings.  The three CDs and booklet capitalizes on his never-ending popularity.

This set puts together all the known existing Elvis Presley recordings from 1953 through 1955. A massive total of 53 studio takes and 32 live performances are included. These were the Sun Years and there is even cuts the man paid for himself. At this point that sounds ludicrous but we must remember he had humble beginnings as most artists did when they first started. The priceless masters released for Sam Phillips on his iconic Memphis label feature a treasure trove of outtakes and acetates. This set can claim rights to the “complete” set of that period. It was a monumental achievement to get all this music together and remaster it. Some parts are snippets put together piece by piece.

Something needs to be said for the generous book that is included with many rare pictures. It is the story behind the music. If you enjoy reading about the history of this legend then this will be a big plus while you are listening. The 119 pages come packed with notes on the beginnings of Elvis and his early career.

The most enjoyable thing for my ears was listening to the influence of country and blues intersecting with his quickly developing style and voice. It is simplistic music at times, yet his full-bodied vocals served as a separate instrument. His contributions were just enough to really appreciate all the instrumentation as well. You have to keep in mind that recording was in its infancy in comparison to today’s high-tech tools and enhancements. His voice was very mature so early on and you could hear how and why he was a shooting star once his music hit the streets. He went from a little boy watching the choir at church and trying to sing with them to an international super star in matter of years. Stories like Elvis are not something you hear these days and honestly there are not performers like him around anymore nor anyone to challenge his continuing popularity and legacy. I am still waiting for that day to arrive although realistically I am not very confident it will.

There is a lot of music and information to absorb in A Boy From Tupelo-The Complete 1953-1955 Recordings.  It is well worth the price tag if you are Elvis fan or a general music fan curious about the early career of such a legendary performer. If you listen to the popular genre of Roots Music you will hear how some of that music started on this set. He laid down the foundation for so much as so many artists that came after him. Elvis set many precedents and this music was a real treat when I first heard it. It can be very special if you are already familiar with his catalog and diverse career path in recording. Either way, there is a lot to enjoy here for any music fan or history buff.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
August 6, 2017
Founder of:

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

11/24/2016

Holiday Vinyl LP Review: Elvis Presley-Merry Christmas Baby - RSD Exclusive

Genre:  Holiday/Blues
Release Date: November 25, 2016
Label: RCA/Legacy

With the Holidays upon us once again we have an opportunity to hear some new music and old standards. And some artists should never give it a thought to release an album of Christmas songs. It reminds me of the year the Metal God Rob Halford released one just because he always wanted to. The results were horrific, it probably should have been released as a Halloween joke to all metal heads. At this point I regress... 

Well there are artists, or legends I should say, that have some great recordings that they have released over their long and productive careers, and in this case, we are talking about the iconic Elvis Presley.

RCA/Legacy dug into the archives to release a special Record Store Day limited edition of Merry Christmas Baby in random red and green vinyl. Mine came in green and it is beautiful vinyl with fantastic music and select tracks from the king.

Vinyl is growing exponentially, and along with that, record players have come into vogue once again. Also, stores like Newbury Comics who used to carry thousands of CDs, has pulled them out of their stores and replaced them with vinyl and other swag and memorabilia. I was shocked to see this happen but it makes sense on a business level - you must stock what sells. If I want a CD I get it on eBay, it’s as simple as that.

So, the state of music today has many variables however availability for special issue vinyl LPs and the demand for them has soared. I am thankful for that. What I have found interesting is that all along I thought the sound of CDs was as good as it would ever get, I was wrong. I hear things on vinyl now I never would have noticed before on a CD. 

You get 17 tracks, which is a handful for a standard LP and each one stands on its own as Elvis at his best. The best thing about this release besides the color and format is the fact that the king covers some holiday classics infused with some heavy blues influence. It’s not the sugar and spice and everything nice kiddy stuff that you hear blaring at Wal Mart this time of year, oh no.  This is flat out rockin’ blues based music adapted to Christmas classics. At one point Elvis hollers out “Play it Scotty,” calling out his guitar man Scotty Moore to cut loose. 

I don’t think music fans or Elvis fans could ask for more this Holiday season. You get the King getting down and dirty with a crackerjack band and his voice is full of emotion and grit. I enjoyed this LP immensely and plan to make it a yearly spin this time of year from this day forward.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Featured Tracks:

Disc: 1

1. Santa Claus Is Back In Town
2. Blue Christmas
3. Winter Wonderland
4. White Christmas
5. I'll Be Home for Christmas
6. Holly Leaves and Christmas Trees
7. Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)
8. It Won't Seem Like Christmas (Without You)
9. O Come, All Ye Faithful
10. Silent Night


Disc: 2

1. Merry Christmas Baby
2. If Every Day Was Like Christmas
3. Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)
4. O Little Town of Bethlehem
5. The Wonderful World of Christmas
6. On a Snowy Christmas Night
7. I'll Be Home On Christmas
Day
 
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
November 24, 2016
Founder of:

Review Provided By Write A Music Reviews

9/10/2014

Rock-Pop Review: Elvis Presley-That’s The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition)

Label: Legacy

The Elvis Presley music just keeps coming and for fans of the King it’s always a great day when new music is unearthed from the archives. That’s The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition) continues that tradition. The set comes in the 2 CD Deluxe Edition and an expanded 8 CD/2 DVD set.

I am a fan of Elvis and I have had the pleasure of checking out the digital version of the larger set and enjoying all the footage on the DVD. I especially enjoyed the “fly on the wall” footage of Presley in the studio with his band and witnessing every day conversations. Even though he was a huge star I could see how he set people at ease with his demeanor. I would think the diehard fan would love the expanded set and the casual fan would go for the regular release. Either way you get a good glimpse of Elvis hitting his stride and some added bonuses along the way. One of the bonuses includes the accompanying booklet with several pictures and a fantastic write up from Warren Zanes about this critical juncture in Presley’s career.

Other added treats include outtakes and original singles culled from the sessions and of course the amazing live shows. In his third decade of recording the man was at the top of his game and you bear witness to that incredible talent and energy he commanded in the studio and on stage.

The sound quality is superb on this set. They did an excellent job of remastering the original tapes, bringing the legend of Elvis out of your stereo system directly into your room where your stereo resides.

The best part is you get it all with this deluxe set, the original album outtakes, the original singles then the opening night performance in Las Vegas. The venue held 2,000 seats so he was able to move around, mingle in the crowd, and kiss all the ladies. Folks who managed him were surprised he did that. In this instance Elvis was so happy about the music and overall performance that he was transferring that joy to his audience like never before. This was 1970 when we lived in different world and Presley was a world renowned star, once again reminding everyone of the power and magnitude of his music. 

If you are a fan of Elvis Presley’s music you most certainly will recognize many of the tracks. This will also serve as a good introduction to his music as any I have ever heard. This is one more reminder that there will never be another one like Elvis to grace the stages or recording studios. Performers like this will be forever in our hearts and minds for their originality and unique charisma and appeal to their audiences.

What I have come to appreciate over the years is the versatility of Elvis and the musicians that performed with him. There was a time in my life that I was not paying attention but that changed several years ago and now I can fully understand the impact and far reaching influence this performer had on music as a whole.

This set comes highly recommended from this Elvis fan and music lover.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder

September 10, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music

7/11/2014

SONY/RCA/Legacy Recordings Announce the Release of Monumental Definitive Edition of Elvis: That's The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition)



 The King’s 1970 Album & Concert Documentary, Presented Together for the First Time Ever in a Deluxe Box Set (8CD/2DVD).

That’s The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition) Includes Expanded Version of Original LP, Six Complete Shows from Elvis’ Electrifying Summer of ’70 Las Vegas Season, Rare and Insightful Rehearsals, the 1970 Theatrical Edit AND the 2001 Special Edition of “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is,” 80-Page Booklet featuring Rare Photographs, Memorabilia and Recording Data.

Available on August 5, 2014
* * * * *
In 1970, Elvis Presley fans were thrilled by the arrival of two cultural milestones: one an album, the other a full-length concert/documentary and each of them called Elvis: That’s The Way It Is. Since then, aficionados of Elvis have been clamoring for a package that included both the album and the film.

On Tuesday, August 5, 2014, Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, will release That’s The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition), the most ambitious Elvis Presley restoration package ever created, bringing together—for the first time ever--the album, the theatrical and home video versions of the film, six full-length concerts (featuring previously unreleased performances), rehearsal highlights and other rare recordings in one astounding and essential package.  The result of an historic partnership between Sony Music and Warner Brothers Home Video, the deluxe set combines the video and audio assets of Elvis: That’s The Way It Is with unique and previously unreleased material.

A highly-collectible 8CD/2DVD box set, That’s The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition),marks the first time the 1970 documentary and album have been available in a single package, with bonuses including unreleased material, remixed and remastered audio and a new 80-page book detailing the entire event with facts, songwriter and musician interviews, and photos in a deluxe 8CD/2DVD box set. A 2CD Legacy Edition of Elvis: That's The Way It Is will also be available.  Elvis: That’s The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition) is available for pre-order now on Amazon.com

Originally released on RCA Records in November 1970, Elvis: That's The Way It Is combined eight studio tracks, recorded in Nashville, and four live concert performances recorded in Las Vegas during Presley's 1970 "Summer Festival" season at The International Hotel in Las Vegas to create what the All Music Guide has called "…one of his best…" and "essential listening for Elvis fans, both die-hard and casual."

Though never considered a soundtrack album, Elvis: That's The Way It Is was initially released to accompany the first theatrical run of "Elvis: That's The Way It Is," a 1970 documentary feature, directed by Denis Sanders, which combined on-stage, off-stage and behind-the-scenes footage in Presley's first non-dramatic film since his 1956 Hollywood movie debut. In the documentary, Sanders captured and illuminated a pivotal moment in Elvis' transformation from teen idol to consummate showman, Memphis meets Vegas via Hollywood, the King's return to full concert performances after years of film stardom.

Elvis Presley had made a dramatic comeback two years prior to these shows in a transcendent NBC-TV special, which aired in December 1968. The International Hotel, then-newly-built and the largest live venue in Las Vegas, booked Presley for an unprecedented 57 show run in July 1969, a four-week-long residency that would raise the bar and set the standard for superstar entertainment in Vegas and beyond. "There are several unbelievable things about Elvis, but the most incredible is his staying power in a world where meteoric careers fade like shooting stars,” Newsweek wrote of his incredible new approach to live performance at the time, while Rolling Stone lauded Elvis as “supernatural--his own resurrection.”

Early in 1970, Elvis returned to Vegas for a second engagement at the International, with RCA recording songs for the then forthcoming On Stage, February 1970.  Elvis was on a roll and making big plans--including a feature film--surrounding what would be his third Las Vegas engagement, scheduled for the summer of 1970.

On June 4, 1970, Elvis arrived at RCA's Studio B in Nashville, where producer Felton Jarvis had assembled a hot new session band featuring Elvis' on-stage guitar legend James Burton. Five nights of recording generated material for no less than three future albums and four singles, including Elvis: That's The Way It Is and the essential Elvis Country album.

On July 14, rehearsals for the movie and live shows commenced at the MGM lot in Culver City, California. The Hollywood cameras rolled for five different rehearsals prior to the opening night on August 10, including augmentation run-throughs with the singers and the orchestra at the hotel. Unquestionably, Elvis was keen to broaden his repertoire for the film, as more than 60 songs were attempted during the period, far more than the usual average of 20 to 25 that would normally be chosen. Over the four nights filmed by MGM, Elvis and his band worked tirelessly, trying out a broad variety of musical styles, emphasizing his desire to share the wide range of music he loved with his audience. Director Denis Sanders captured the end result magnificently, providing fans throughout the world with their first glimpse of the new contemporary Elvis performing at the peak of his vocal prowess both in rehearsal and on the stage.

That's The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition) centers on the six complete shows recorded and partially filmed by MGM.  Two of the shows are released for the first time in their entirety; two more have only been available only through the mail-order Elvis fan-club network. The original RCA album is expanded with the four single sides from the period, and a selection of “fly-on-the-wall” outtakes from the June Nashville sessions that produced the majority of tracks for the album. Completing the audio section, a separate disc of insightful rehearsal highlights, featuring unusual song selections showcases both the hard work and the playful atmosphere that governed Elvis’ relationship with his musicians.

The original Elvis: That's The Way It Is includes fiery renditions of “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me,” previously a hit for Dusty Springfield; “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin,’” made famous by The Righteous Brothers, and a show-stopping rendition of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The original album and singles will fill Disc One of the new edition, with six CDs worth of concert performances and one of rehearsal takes from the Summer of '70 International Hotel residency.

That's The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition) puts the original RCA album and the 1970 MGM documentary feature together in a single package for the first time. It includes both the original theatrical DVD version (1970) and the re-edited and extended DVD version from 2000.