Elvis Presley... where should I go next?

[Rocker]

It's Scotty Moore's 82nd birthday today. A legend!

[Lonely Summer]

It's Scotty Moore's 82nd birthday today. A legend!

Some of my friends used to snicker at those guitar solos, but I find them electrifying! My friends' attitude was "that stuff is so simple, anyone could do it", but of course only one guy had that tone, that style, many have tried to replicate it, but there is only ONE Scotty Moore!

[Moon Dawg]

  James Burton was Elvis Presley's most accomplished guitarist but Scotty Moore was the best in his way. Once read concurrent interviews with both men. When asked about Elvis's own guitar playing skills, Burton played Elvis up but Scotty did not. Elvis apparently broke a lot of strings. Safe to say that even though Elvis did some solid strumming on record 1954-60 (particularly so on ELVIS IS BACK) most of his rep as a guitarist rests with the epochal sit down shows of 1968 when he switched axes with Scotty and played lead. I'm not a musician of any sort but Elvis did jam that day. Wish he'd continued in that vein...

[Rocker]

Elvis was a good rhythm guitarist and certainly got better as his career went on. You can hear him play solid on his accoustic or his electric Gretsch. He played some fine fills. Johnny Cash was impressed enough to try to play more like Elvis. Tony Joe White said some nice things about Elvis' playing as well. But especially in the beginning, as Scotty said, he broke a lot of strings on stage because he beat so hard on the guitar. But in the end he was a singer and saw himself as that. Every instrument was just for accompaning (spelled correctly?) his singing so he never went and really tried to learn it.

[Moon Dawg]

  Yes, it does grate a bit when people assume Elvis couldn't play because he used the guitar as a prop in 28 movies. His leads on "Baby What'd You Want Me to Do" sounded pretty cool.

 How do you rate Elvis as pianist?

[Rocker]

 How do you rate Elvis as pianist?

As good as on guitar. Not great but he could accomany himself.
One has to remember that he worked with some of the finest talents in the business. He certainly did pick up some things.
I would have loved to hear him on drums. There are some pictures from different times (50s and 60s) when he was sitting at the drums. One in which he and Boots Randolph jam a little. Elvis had a great sense of rhythm and I guess with him being such a natural musician it could've sounded good.

[Lonely Summer]

Yeah, I can imagine Elvis doing good on the drums. And he may have been miming in the movies, but look at his fretting hand - he is usually playing the correct chords. He was a better guitar player than generally acknowledged. It was his rhythm playing that drove those Sun sides, and gave Scotty room to play those great fills and solos.

[Rocker]

Are you sure about the chords in the movies? I never really analyzed it. I believe in th 50s and early 60s he many times used the right chords but iirc after that he just did some random ones. But I really don't know for sure.
And yes, he was a capable guitar player for playing along to his singing. His playing was not a small part of his early sound. But people (including many fans) generally tend to underestimate Elvis' abilities (in every aspect)

[Moon Dawg]

  That's Elvis playing the electric bass on "(You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care". Apparently Bill Black got frustrated and left the studio.

 

[Rocker]

 That's Elvis playing the electric bass on "(You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care". Apparently Bill Black got frustrated and left the studio.

 

Yeah. His bass playing would also be an interesting point. It seems he played it quite a bit at home. When he and the Beatles jammed he was playing bass and you see some pictures of him at Graceland in '65 with a bass. Unfortunately there's nothing recorded except for "Baby I don't care". Although it's not a very hard bassline I think it is striking that his bass player couldn't play it yet Elvis just took the bass and played it like that. AFAIK him and Bill Black got electric basses at the same time.

Here's more about Bill and his electric bass:

http://scottymoore.net/56PBass.html

And you can see him here playing it with his combo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm_xBHCtubM









I just saw this on the FECC-forum. Here's footage of Elvis in Oklahoma in 1956. Starts at 8:29 min.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0yIxFMu9gY

[Jim V.]

So I've returned to this Elvis thread I started. Anyways, in addition to the stuff I had before I started the thread, I'm also now in possession of the FTD version of Elvis Presley album, the album from the '68 special entitled Elvis/NBC-TV Special, and the Legacy Edition of Elvis Is Back!

I gotta say that the album for the 1968 NBC special is amazing. I'm not sure if I ever heard a performer so into his material as I do on this album. The medley's are all awesome and "If I Can Dream" is a classic (despite the fact that before getting into it I was somewhat expecting something more overwrought or maudlin - instead what I got was a powerful, powerful performance). The Gospel/Christian medley is great in my opinion as he sounds truly committed and on the other medley's he tears it up, with special notice going to "One Night", "That's All Right", "Jailhouse Rock", "Tiger Man" and "Trying to Get to You".

I know that many will probably disagree with this decision but I also ordered the Moody Blue FTD. From the clips I've heard, "Unchained Melody" seems to be a highlight, the title track is a cool little bit of country/disco (?) and "Pledging My Love" really kicks. I can't wait to listen to it when the set finally arrives.

Anyways, I've been looking for A Boy From Tupelo for a reasonable price, but alas it's insanely out of my range right now, so I guess I'm either gonna have to wait for the unlikely repress or more possibly, a possible release this year of Sun stuff. I mean I have the core stuff on Elvis at Sun, but I really do want the true Sun, no-echo version of "That's All Right", along with Elvis' first four recordings, not to mention the plethora of live stuff, like "Maybellene", "Little Mama" and "Tweedlee Dee". I'm hoping that RCA/Sony/whoever they are recognizes that it's the 60th anniversary of "That's All Right" and issues a new set that includes all (or at least most) of that stuff. I was thinking about getting Sunrise or the '50s box to acquire some more of that stuff, but for now I'll stick with Elvis at Sun and wait to see if there is indeed a release this year. I kinda assume there will be one since even the Recorded Live On Stage in Memphis album seems to be getting a Legacy Edition with this being it's 40th anniversary. Anyways, I guess we'll see.

[Lonely Summer]

I find it amazing the amount of material Elvis recorded in his lifetime, ditto for Johnny Cash. There's just so doggone much of it! So occasionally you will come across something that's not very good, and Elvis fans tend to harp on that endlessly, but there is still so much great stuff.

[Rocker]

but I really do want the true Sun, no-echo version of "That's All Right", along with Elvis' first four recordings, not to mention the plethora of live stuff, like "Maybellene", "Little Mama" and "Tweedlee Dee".

"Maybellene" and "Tweedlee dee" (one of the two or three versions) have been out numerous times on CDs with some of the Louisiana Hayride recordings and quite often also the '56 Little Rock concert.
I'm not sure "A boy from Tupelo" features the real original echo-less "That's alright" (Elvis At Sun doesn't afaIk). I guess you'll find it on youtube though along with some other stuff.

[Justin]

So I've returned to this Elvis thread I started. Anyways, in addition to the stuff I had before I started the thread, I'm also now in possession of the FTD version of Elvis Presley album, the album from the '68 special entitled Elvis/NBC-TV Special, and the Legacy Edition of Elvis Is Back!

I gotta say that the album for the 1968 NBC special is amazing. I'm not sure if I ever heard a performer so into his material as I do on this album. The medley's are all awesome and "If I Can Dream" is a classic (despite the fact that before getting into it I was somewhat expecting something more overwrought or maudlin - instead what I got was a powerful, powerful performance). The Gospel/Christian medley is great in my opinion as he sounds truly committed and on the other medley's he tears it up, with special notice going to "One Night", "That's All Right", "Jailhouse Rock", "Tiger Man" and "Trying to Get to You".

I know that many will probably disagree with this decision but I also ordered the Moody Blue FTD. From the clips I've heard, "Unchained Melody" seems to be a highlight, the title track is a cool little bit of country/disco (?) and "Pledging My Love" really kicks. I can't wait to listen to it when the set finally arrives.

Anyways, I've been looking for A Boy From Tupelo for a reasonable price, but alas it's insanely out of my range right now, so I guess I'm either gonna have to wait for the unlikely repress or more possibly, a possible release this year of Sun stuff. I mean I have the core stuff on Elvis at Sun, but I really do want the true Sun, no-echo version of "That's All Right", along with Elvis' first four recordings, not to mention the plethora of live stuff, like "Maybellene", "Little Mama" and "Tweedlee Dee". I'm hoping that RCA/Sony/whoever they are recognizes that it's the 60th anniversary of "That's All Right" and issues a new set that includes all (or at least most) of that stuff. I was thinking about getting Sunrise or the '50s box to acquire some more of that stuff, but for now I'll stick with Elvis at Sun and wait to see if there is indeed a release this year. I kinda assume there will be one since even the Recorded Live On Stage in Memphis album seems to be getting a Legacy Edition with this being it's 40th anniversary. Anyways, I guess we'll see.

Glad you're enjoying it!

[Rocker]

sweetdudejim, if you haven't already looked, here are some youtube links.


"Maybellene" on the Louisiana Hayride:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eclCCjzeOZs


"Tweedle dee":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2FiQ0ltZHM


"Little Mama":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQfgmpRlffg



And too late found to be included on "A boy from Tupelo" was this live recording (the only known one!) of "I forgot to remember to forget". What else might be in the basements?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH74K8_Jztc

[Ian]

As I have all three boxes (50s masters, 60 Masters, 70s Masters) as well as the movie films box and other releases (burning Love, Rhythm and Country, etc) it takes a lot to get me to buy any more EP product.  But I Just gotta say-I got Elvis "The Jungle Room Sessions" (FTD) and it is really good.  What is great about it is that it gives me appreciation for songs I hardly listened to before (I have his last two studio albums and must say that I NEVER play them-but heard in this context, free of excessive overdubs and mixed well-they really are nice).  It is nice to listen to something that feels like I never heard it before (even though I have heard this material before). 

[Moon Dawg]

As I have all three boxes (50s masters, 60 Masters, 70s Masters) as well as the movie films box and other releases (burning Love, Rhythm and Country, etc) it takes a lot to get me to buy any more EP product.  But I Just gotta say-I got Elvis "The Jungle Room Sessions" (FTD) and it is really good.  What is great about it is that it gives me appreciation for songs I hardly listened to before (I have his last two studio albums and must say that I NEVER play them-but heard in this context, free of excessive overdubs and mixed well-they really are nice).  It is nice to listen to something that feels like I never heard it before (even though I have heard this material before). 

  "It's Easy for You" might be nice to hear in that context.

[Rocker]

As I have all three boxes (50s masters, 60 Masters, 70s Masters) as well as the movie films box and other releases (burning Love, Rhythm and Country, etc) it takes a lot to get me to buy any more EP product.  But I Just gotta say-I got Elvis "The Jungle Room Sessions" (FTD) and it is really good.  What is great about it is that it gives me appreciation for songs I hardly listened to before (I have his last two studio albums and must say that I NEVER play them-but heard in this context, free of excessive overdubs and mixed well-they really are nice).  It is nice to listen to something that feels like I never heard it before (even though I have heard this material before). 

  "It's Easy for You" might be nice to hear in that context.

Yeah. The master take on "Moody blue" shows some problems with the mic (I guess). It's a cool song, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber for Elvis.

[Ian]

I also got the Viva Las Vegas 2 CD version-with the full Aug 1969 show as the bonus.  It is really good.  In a way it is better than the In Person release because it presents a full concert (including material RCA held back and released on On Stage in 1970-like Runaway and his 1969 monologue about his career, etc) from El at his absolute peak (when he still really sang his oldies with passion).  Sound is great too.

[Rocker]

I also got the Viva Las Vegas 2 CD version-with the full Aug 1969 show as the bonus.  It is really good.  In a way it is better than the In Person release because it presents a full concert (including material RCA held back and released on On Stage in 1970-like Runaway and his 1969 monologue about his career, etc) from El at his absolute peak (when he still really sang his oldies with passion).  Sound is great too.

That imo is one of the best mainstream releases of the last decade or so.
The only downpart are the liner notes which do nothing. But the CDs are great. Thanks for mentioning. Normally this would be one of the first things I'd recommend a Presley starter to get but somehow I forgot....

[Outtasight!]

Get the way it is 3cd set and prince from another planet. Great stuff.

[Heysaboda]

Elvis Is Back.
You cannot go wrong with that.  His best album, save for From E to Memphis.



I'm a big, big fan of Elvis' lean years.  Meaning the later 70s, when he was not recording much.  When was ironically not "lean."     And they literally had to bring the studio to him, cuz he was in bad shape.  I guess it's similar to Brian's more tortured years: Love You, et al.  There's something appealing to me when the shine is off the apple.

Promised Land.  Today.  From EP Boulevard.  Good Times.  Moody Blue.


Lastly... if you care about your wallet -- do not go to the FTD (Follow that Dream) website.  Ever!  You will soon be broke.   



FTD in not affiliated wit the flower company -- nor is their logo an endorsement of Obama! 

Thanks for this recommendation Bean Bag (and Justin).  I'm gonna check it out!

[Justin]

Very nice!  Come back with thoughts and reviews if you pick anything up!

[rn57]

The Complete '50s Masters (which can be picked up for as little as $13, Amazon says).

The Memphis Record from 1990.

The 1994 two-CD gospel compilation.

The 30 #1 hits CD and the 2nd To None comp.

Those are the most essential ones in my own collection that come to mind. (Plus my old cassettes of the Spinout soundtrack and Elvis Country.)

But indeed, there's a lot more that falls into the "essential" category.

[Rocker]

The Memphis Record from 1990.


The 30 #1 hits CD and the 2nd To None comp.

The Memphis Record is a very interesting release. But it uses different mixes and mastering that sounds very much of the times it was done in (the 80s era). So if someone wants the music as Presley put it out he has to go to the original albums.
That said, I love the Memphis Record. It gives you a different look on some of the American recordings.


I don't know about 30 #1 Hits and Second To None being essential. The first one certainly not imo. 30#1 hits doesn't feature the master takes of "A fool such as I" "The wonder of you" and "A big hunk o' love" but alternate takes. Unfortunately some of the official releases in the 90s and 2000s didn't use the original edit of "A big hunk...". The original master take was spliced from takes 3 and 4 (iirc).
Also the fade-out to "Jailhouse rock" is longer and for my taste goes on too long. But it is the master take.
I don't know if that was corrected on later pressings but since the first listen it annoyed me as I was expecting a good Greatest Hits comp. that of course would have the hits and no alternate versions.

Second To None is nice (apart from the unbelieveable ugly, mindless front cover). As far as I remember it features all the correct takes plus as of now it is the only place to hear the cool "I'm a roustabout" which I really like very much.






Uncut's February edition has a nice article about "Elvis Country":

http://www.uncut.co.uk/magazine/february-2014

"ELVIS PRESLEY
Cutting the King’s country gems"