40 years since the American Sessions

[ehollier]

Its been 40 years folks since Elvis set foot in American Studios to record some of his best known work, which would yeild him his last #1 single, Suspicious Minds. From these sessions, Elvis would record some incredible music - from the passionate "Long Black Limousine", the tender "Do you Know Who I Am?", the best blues he ever made "Stranger in My Hometown", the pleading "This is the Story", the urgent "Kentucky Rain" ..... and so many more great tracks.

We all know the story that after a decade of stale movie soundtracks, Elvis made great music with some of the best musicians, producer (Chips Moman) and great material, something which always seemed to be in short supply. Although we know the reasons that Elvis never returned to American or Chips to make another LP, I have always wonder what could have happened if he would have. Could Chips have been able to extract that same passion from Elvis a second time, especially in the mid-70's, what material could Chips have offered Elvis and would it have made any difference in the end.

But, most will agree that this was a truly landmark session!!!!!!

[kathy parkinson]

Agree with that, i went there in August 87 with the British Fan Club, even though it was run down i knew i was standing in a magical place.

[Diane]

I agree with you too Liz. I think if Elvis has stayed around Chips Moman he would have been more inspired to try new things.

Diane

[SleepyJack]

Hard to believe that it has been that long....it`s a lasting tribute to Elvis,Chips and everyone involved in those sessions that it sounds as fresh and alive today as it ever did. It would have been great to have seen them work together again after that....they really seemed to work well together.

[ehollier]

Hard to believe that it has been that long....it`s a lasting tribute to Elvis,Chips and everyone involved in those sessions that it sounds as fresh and alive today as it ever did. It would have been great to have seen them work together again after that....they really seemed to work well together.

Very true. Each tune sounds like something that could still be in anyone's musical catalogue. I don't think that all of Elvis' music sounds as fresh and timeless as the music he made at American nor do I think had any of these songs been recorded by another artist, they would be as entertaining, but the combination of Elvis Presley and Chips Moman certainly have some serious magic!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SleepyJack]

Not to take this one off topic...but..... Anyone think that maybe Elvis would have been better off not using the same band almost all of the time in the `70s studio sessions? Would the music have been better had he recorded with a more varied lineup of musicians?...It certainly seemed to work in `69.

[KPM]

Not to take this one off topic...but..... Anyone think that maybe Elvis would have been better off not using the same band almost all of the time in the `70s studio sessions? Would the music have been better had he recorded with a more varied lineup of musicians?...It certainly seemed to work in `69.
I think you have a point-new musicians now and then to add something new would have been a good idea. Not to replace the regular guys he was comfortible with but to augment them and energize the recording process.

[KPM]

[QUOTE=ehollier;283504[SIZE=3][COLOR=darkorange]But, most will agree that this was a truly landmark session!!!!!!



I think it would have been one of those times to be a fly on the wall-to hear and see the magic!(y)

[ehollier]

[quote=ehollier;283504[COLOR=darkorange]But, most will agree that this was a truly landmark session!!!!!!



I think it would have been one of those times to be a fly on the wall-to hear and see the magic!(y)


[SIZE=3]No kidding. The Elvis-Jordan site has the all 5 bootleg CD's - I think entitled "American Sessions" with quite a bit of the studio chatter between takes from those recording sessions. I would have loved to been a there....

[SleepyJack]

I`ve got one of them.."American Way-Sound of the city"...can`t remember where it came in the order...might have been the fourth. It`s great to hear them working away in the studio....and so different to the outtakes from any other session.....Love to have all of them!(y)(y)

[memphis69]

THE MEMPHIS SESSIONS OF 1969 PRODUCED SOME OF THE BEST MUSIC ELVIS EVER RECORDED!! IT IS A TRUE MUSIC MASTERPIECE. SONGS LIKE "ANY DAY NOW" AND "LONG BLACK LIMOUSINE" ARE JUST BRILLIANT. HIS VOICE IS SO POWERFUL AND TENDER WHEN HE SINGS THE BALLADS. IT'S A SHAME ELVIS DIDN'T GO BACK THERE AGAIN TO RECORD. I HAVE THE "AMERICAN WAY SERIES" OF CDS AND ITS AN ESSENTIAL PURCHASE IT GIVES A GREAT INSIGHT INTO THESE SESSIONS. LOVE IT!!

[Brian]

I recall starting a thread a while ago about the Memphis sessions being overrated. I don't recall anyone on this board back then that thought these sessions were overrated except Albert and myself.

I thought the sessions were good but not as great as their made out to be
and don't think it's the greatest session he ever did.

I think And the Grass won't pay no mind is the best song he did at the sessions.

[ehollier]

I recall starting a thread a while ago about the Memphis sessions being overrated. I don't recall anyone on this board back then that thought these sessions were overrated except Albert and myself.

I thought the sessions were good but not as great as their made out to be
and don't think it's the greatest session he ever did.

I think And the Grass won't pay no mind is the best song he did at the sessions.

I do recall that thread and am not surprised by your opinion on these sessions, as you are entitled to your opinion. However, you cannot discount the American Sessions as just another LP by EP. It was a groundbreaking session for him if only because he was challenged a bit and worked with a group of new players, including Chips. Elvis was a creature of habit and didn't like to go out of his comfort zone. To expose himself to new players and music in an unfamiliar location had to have him a little nervous. If you read Peter Guralnick's summary of these sessions and EP's attitude, he gives a good idea of how things played out.

However, he did make good music that had a different sound than all of the recording in Nashville and it may just be a matter of personal preference whether or not you like the more soulful feeling of the American Sessions or the distinctive sound of Nashville and it did yield him his last #1 song.

[Brian]

I do recall that thread and am not surprised by your opinion on these sessions, as you are entitled to your opinion. However, you cannot discount the American Sessions as just another LP by EP. It was a groundbreaking session for him if only because he was challenged a bit and worked with a group of new players, including Chips. Elvis was a creature of habit and didn't like to go out of his comfort zone. To expose himself to new players and music in an unfamiliar location had to have him a little nervous. If you read Peter Guralnick's summary of these sessions and EP's attitude, he gives a good idea of how things played out.

.

The thread got a good 63 replies

I said the sessions were good but not great and I do think FEIM is one of Elvis better LP's but at the end of the day I do think it is just another LP from Elvis.

I think Peter Guralnick is quite possibly the most overrater writer ever in Elvis history maybe one of the all time overrated writers in history in any writing genre but that discussion is for a different time.

[vegas 74]

[QUOTE=ehollier;283504[SIZE=3][COLOR=darkorange]But, most will agree that this was a truly landmark session!!!!!!



I think it would have been one of those times to be a fly on the wall-to hear and see the magic!(y)

Back in Memphis is and always will be one of my favorite albums.
I am very lucky to own a small piece of Elvis American Sound Studios. It is a acoustic tile that was in the "singers booth". It is signed on the back by Bill Glore who owned the studio and also signed papers and lists of all the other singers who also recorded in the booth. The tile was auctioned on the 16 august 1984. I have a set of all the out takes, and i get such a "Buzz" when i get to play them and look at the tile.
I have some pics of the inside of the studio and Bill Glore, I will try to find them.

[KPM]

The thread got a good 63 replies

I said the sessions were good but not great and I do think FEIM is one of Elvis better LP's but at the end of the day I do think it is just another LP from Elvis.I think Peter Guralnick is quite possibly the most overrater writer ever in Elvis history maybe one of the all time overrated writers in history in any writing genre but that discussion is for a different time.
So what do you see as the top album by Elvis from 68 on?
If this is just "another album"- if the 69 sessions were just typical Elvis sessions-and the singing, production, and material were just another album I must have listened to something else, The world must have listened to something else, the critics must have listened to something else. IMO


I think most here would agree his 2 volumes "Last Train to Memphis" and "Careless Love" are definitive as of this date.
Gurlanick went way beyond normal research compared to any other book on Elvis.
You may not like what he wrote-or how he wrote it-but this man spent years researching these books. He has to have a very intimate knowledge of Elvis, his associates and associations that few who did not actually know Elvis have. I mean if you spend years interviewing practically every conceivable person who dealt with Elvis, examine hundreds of documents and news clippings- you are bound to learn something-you are bound to put a pretty accurate picture of those involved and the story told.

[utmom2008]

I recall starting a thread a while ago about the Memphis sessions being overrated.

No surprise there...:blink:

So what do you see as the top album by Elvis from 68 on?
If this is just "another album"- if the 69 sessions were just typical Elvis sessions-and the singing, production, and material were just another album I must have listened to something else, The world must have listened to something else, the critics must have listened to something else. IMO
That's my question as well Ken.:P;):lol:

[utmom2008]

I think Peter Guralnick is quite possibly the most overrater writer ever in Elvis history maybe one of the all time overrated writers in history in any writing genre but that discussion is for a different time.



I think most here would agree his 2 volumes "Last Train to Memphis" and "Careless Love" are definitive as of this date.
Gurlanick went way beyond normal research compared to any other book on Elvis.


Not just most here Ken, most everywhere agree that's it's not only the best, most definitive book ever written on Elvis, but it's also among the top definitive books ever written on anyone.(y)(y)

[vegas 74]

[quote=KPM;283557]

Back in Memphis is and always will be one of my favorite albums.
I am very lucky to own a small piece of Elvis American Sound Studios. It is a acoustic tile that was in the "singers booth". It is signed on the back by Bill Glore who owned the studio and also signed papers and lists of all the other singers who also recorded in the booth. The tile was auctioned on the 16 august 1984. I have a set of all the out takes, and i get such a "Buzz" when i get to play them and look at the tile.
I have some pics of the inside of the studio and Bill Glore, I will try to find them.

Found em!....Bill with Dick Clark

[ehollier]

Not just most here Ken, most everywhere agree that's it's not only the best, most definitive book ever written on Elvis, but it's also among the top definitive books ever written on anyone.(y)(y)

Absolutely!!!!!! You don't have to like Peter or the journalism style; however, he does get credit for a very well, researched book on Elvis Presley. I am in no position to correct the facts of his work, as I give credit to his references; but he set the bar in writing factual works, biographies. When one compares Peter to Goldman, we have come a long way in writing about other people. And you don't have to necessarily use Elvis as the example. Peter and Goldman have other written work.

[ehollier]

Another thing about Peter Guralnick. He spent over 11 years researching, interviewing, writing, editing and working in his two books about Elvis. This does not include the time that he spent while Elvis was alive writing reviews on his music and concerts.

Eleven years is a long time to spend working on one project. I do not know how long Goldman spent writing his book, but not much b/c the book was published within 5 years of Elvis death. I do not know how much time was spent on the other reputable works attributed to his life and career; however, I would imagine that after eleven years working on a particular subject, he would have checked, doubled checked and triple checked his facts.

[LtCarman]

Another thing about Peter Guralnick. He spent over 11 years researching, interviewing, writing, editing and working in his two books about Elvis. This does not include the time that he spent while Elvis was alive writing reviews on his music and concerts.

Eleven years is a long time to spend working on one project. I do not know how long Goldman spent writing his book, but not much b/c the book was published within 5 years of Elvis death. I do not know how much time was spent on the other reputable works attributed to his life and career; however, I would imagine that after eleven years working on a particular subject, he would have checked, doubled checked and triple checked his facts.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

[rickb]

In my humble opinion the 1969 Memphis sessions produced some of the best songs by Elvis - or any singer - ever!

[LtCarman]

In my humble opinion the 1969 Memphis sessions produced some of the best songs by Elvis - or any singer - ever!

Yeah, "Any Day Now" is one of the best songs I have ever heard. Especially towards the end where he sings, "Don't fly away, my beautiful bird."

[Brian]

Another thing about Peter Guralnick. He spent over 11 years researching, interviewing, writing, editing and working in his two books about Elvis. This does not include the time that he spent while Elvis was alive writing reviews on his music and concerts.

Eleven years is a long time to spend working on one project. I do not know how long Goldman spent writing his book, but not much b/c the book was published within 5 years of Elvis death. I do not know how much time was spent on the other reputable works attributed to his life and career; however, I would imagine that after eleven years working on a particular subject, he would have checked, doubled checked and triple checked his facts.

I don't mind explaining to everyone why I think Guralnick is overrated
but this isn't a thread about him

so I'll discuss it at another time

[laura17]

the american sessions are the best. close are the elvis is back..post army sessions

[rocknroll]

I don't mind explaining to everyone why I think Guralnick is overrated
but this isn't a thread about him

so I'll discuss it at another time

Appreciate it. (y)

[Brian]

So what do you see as the top album by Elvis from 68 on?
If this is just "another album"- if the 69 sessions were just typical Elvis sessions-and the singing, production, and material were just another album I must have listened to something else, The world must have listened to something else, the critics must have listened to something else. IMO


.

I think one reason everybody thinks so highly of the Memphis sessions is because Elvis had recorded so much bad material before then. If he had recorded better material throughout the decade I don't think it would be rated as highly.

I don't think Elvis made any great albums in the 70's

he made a couple of good one's, some average and bad one's

I view Elvis as a singles artist

[kathy parkinson]

the american sessions are the best. close are the elvis is back..post army sessions

Agre with that, but, the other way round for me.(y)(y)

[Getlo]

Two points:

1. The 1969 sessions are, virtually unarguably, the finest Elvis ever recorded. Mainly because the sessions saw him exploding from almost total obscurity to reclaim his place at the top of the music tree. The sessions didn't have the same impact as the first 50s work, but the explosion was almost deafening, helped along by his resurgence in '68. A pity that the creativity and energy didn't last long after that. And an even greater pity Chips Moman wasn't brought in ever again.

2. Guralnick's two-volume biography on Elvis, Last Train To Memphis and Careless Love, together are unquestionably the finest Elvis Presley biography written to date. It will be a long, long time before anything equals or surpasses these excellent tomes.

[memphis69]

The whole production of these sessions was top class. Elvis working under Chips Moman and with a crew of excellent backing musicians created a musical masterpiece. These recordings are a mixture of blues,soul and country demonstrating just what a versatile artisit Elvis was. He once again crosses musical boundaries to sing songs that come direct from his soul and into your heart.

[jak]

From Elvis In Memphis is a masterpiece IMO.If anything I dont think it gets enough praise when judged against other lp's by other artists.That body of work shows Elvis at his most passionate best.He put everything into it.To me the vocals are from another world.I didnt know anybody could sound that good.When Elvis cared about the material he was performing,he always delivered the goods and the results were usually spectacular.Those sessions were no exception.Breathtaking to say the least.
Elvis Country would be his last good lp.I would agree that Elvis didnt create any good studio lp's after that.Enjoyable yes,great no.

[kathy parkinson]

Two points:

1. The 1969 sessions are, virtually unarguably, the finest Elvis ever recorded. Mainly because the sessions saw him exploding from almost total obscurity to reclaim his place at the top of the music tree. The sessions didn't have the same impact as the first 50s work, but the explosion was almost deafening, helped along by his resurgence in '68. A pity that the creativity and energy didn't last long after that. And an even greater pity Chips Moman wasn't brought in ever again.

2. Guralnick's two-volume biography on Elvis, Last Train To Memphis and Careless Love, together are unquestionably the finest Elvis Presley biography written to date. It will be a long, long time before anything equals or surpasses these excellent tomes.

My favourite album as always been ''Elvis Is Back'', apart from that Getlo(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)

[utmom2008]

Two points:

1. The 1969 sessions are, virtually unarguably, the finest Elvis ever recorded. Mainly because the sessions saw him exploding from almost total obscurity to reclaim his place at the top of the music tree. The sessions didn't have the same impact as the first 50s work, but the explosion was almost deafening, helped along by his resurgence in '68. A pity that the creativity and energy didn't last long after that. And an even greater pity Chips Moman wasn't brought in ever again.

2. Guralnick's two-volume biography on Elvis, Last Train To Memphis and Careless Love, together are unquestionably the finest Elvis Presley biography written to date. It will be a long, long time before anything equals or surpasses these excellent tomes.
Agreed on both counts!(y)(y)(y)

From Elvis In Memphis is a masterpiece IMO.If anything I dont think it gets enough praise when judged against other lp's by other artists.That body of work shows Elvis at his most passionate best.He put everything into it.To me the vocals are from another world.I didnt know anybody could sound that good.When Elvis cared about the material he was performing,he always delivered the goods and the results were usually spectacular.Those sessions were no exception.Breathtaking to say the least.
Elvis Country would be his last good lp.I would agree that Elvis didnt create any good studio lp's after that.Enjoyable yes,great no.
Agreed Jak!(y) And it's good to see you stranger!:supriced::lol:

[Brian]

From Elvis In Memphis is a masterpiece IMO.If anything I dont think it gets enough praise when judged against other lp's by other artists.That body of work shows Elvis at his most passionate best.He put everything into it.


you make a good point

Dusty in Memphis gets a lot more praise

[SleepyJack]

Two points:

1. The 1969 sessions are, virtually unarguably, the finest Elvis ever recorded. Mainly because the sessions saw him exploding from almost total obscurity to reclaim his place at the top of the music tree. The sessions didn't have the same impact as the first 50s work, but the explosion was almost deafening, helped along by his resurgence in '68. A pity that the creativity and energy didn't last long after that. And an even greater pity Chips Moman wasn't brought in ever again.

2. Guralnick's two-volume biography on Elvis, Last Train To Memphis and Careless Love, together are unquestionably the finest Elvis Presley biography written to date. It will be a long, long time before anything equals or surpasses these excellent tomes.

I`m almost in total agreement with you here..even if the little voice in my head is fighting between `56 and `69 on the greatest recordings. Also, from the beginning of his books he himself admits the difficulties of writing a "definitive" biography of Elvis presley and that we would probably never see one until all the people involved in the story were long since gone. I`ve not read anything that surpasses him...yet!(y)(y)

[easyrider]

The 1969 MEMPHIS Sessions is best music........

[KPM]

I think one reason everybody thinks so highly of the Memphis sessions is because Elvis had recorded so much bad material before then. If he had recorded better material throughout the decade I don't think it would be rated as highly.

I don't think Elvis made any great albums in the 70's

he made a couple of good one's, some average and bad one's

I view Elvis as a singles artist
Great is a relative term and your great may mean one thing someone elses-who likes a differing style, or type of music great would be something else.
I see Elvis as not a singles artist-but a musical artist. No matter the mode of delivering the music.

[Brian]

Great is a relative term and your great may mean one thing someone elses-who likes a differing style, or type of music great would be something else.
I see Elvis as not a singles artist-but a musical artist. No matter the mode of delivering the music.


you asked for my opinion so I gave it

[Diane]

The music Elvis recorded in '69 and the 70's are definitely my favorites. He had grown tremendously as an artist and it showed.

Diane

[KPM]

you asked for my opinion so I gave it
This is true.
If I recall one of your gripes about Elvis is that he did not record more original songs and that he did so many covers. I think on another thread about the FEIM album you brought this up.
I am curious as to what attracted you to Elvis as an artist, since he always has relied on songs done by others?
Elvis did do originals but he liked doing covers he liked doing songs which for some reason touched or moved him. Since you do not like covers-what drew you to Elvis? What do you think put him on top-and what do you think keeps people 31 years after his death finding his music?
I was drawn to Elvis by his voice-the feeling he puts forth and the flexibliity of his style. I had no idea what songs were covers, what songs were originals I liked the voice. I still like the voice and it matters little if the songs are covers or originals to me. So that is my attraction to Elvis-not the songs-but the way he sings them. Thats what makes him great-the voice, the charisma the talent. I've said this before Bob Dylan said Elvis's voice was his instrument-I might add he plays it uniquely-one of a kind.

[Diane]

(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)

Diane

[Brian]

This is true.
If I recall one of your gripes about Elvis is that he did not record more original songs and that he did so many covers. I think on another thread about the FEIM album you brought this up.
I am curious as to what attracted you to Elvis as an artist, since he always has relied on songs done by others?
.



I became a fan because of songs like Crawfish and Return to sender
Don't be cruel etc.



I do think Elvis should have done a little more original material especially later in his career but
you have to look at the 69 sessions in context

Marty Lacker set the sessions up because he wanted Elvis to work with Chips Moman and the American studio band who played on 122 top 40 hits throughout a 6 year period, and he also wanted Elvis to have access to material from songwriters better than what he was getting from Hill and Range.For a session where he could've gotten good comtemporary written songs he relies mostly on covers of old country songs
As you pointed out Elvis did covers thoughout his career so why not take advantage of the opportunity and do something different for a change.
He could do covers of Eddy Arnold and Johnny Tilotsson anytime

most of the newer songs like Bobby Russell ''Do you know who I am''
and Dallas Frazier's ''True love Travels on a Gravel Road'' I like.
and think Elvis should have continued in this direction

[ehollier]

I became a fan because of songs like Crawfish and Return to sender
Don't be cruel etc.



I do think Elvis should have done a little more original material especially later in his career but
you have to look at the 69 sessions in context

Marty Lacker set the sessions up because he wanted Elvis to work with Chips Moman and the American studio band who played on 122 top 40 hits throughout a 6 year period, and he also wanted Elvis to have access to material from songwriters better than what he was getting from Hill and Range.For a session where he could've gotten good comtemporary written songs he relies mostly on covers of old country songs
As you pointed out Elvis did covers thoughout his career so why not take advantage of the opportunity and do something different for a change.
He could do covers of Eddy Arnold and Johnny Tilotsson anytime

most of the newer songs like Bobby Russell ''Do you know who I am''
and Dallas Frazier's ''True love Travels on a Gravel Road'' I like.
and think Elvis should have continued in this direction

I think Elvis historically relied on covers when recording. If he heard a song and liked it or it struck a chord in him, there was a good possibility he would one day record it. I don't think he ruled out new or original songs, but he liked to record the things that were familiar to him and make each song his own. This is the way he began his career and he would continue this practice until the last session.

[LtCarman]

Though the 50's recording sessions were far more revolutionary and creative, I still like the 68-76 Elvis a heck of a whole lot more. Songs like T-R-O-U-B-L-E, Way Down, Moody Blue, and Love Song of the Year are my absolute favorites. I can pick out a lot more songs from 68-76 that I like than 50's songs, but again, that is just the type of music I prefer, not fact.

[Trelane P]

I've stated it before and i will state it again. The trouble was RCA released everything form all sessions. If they had justb released the cream of the crop from each session then elvis would have has classic 69 and 70's albums:

best of 69 memphis
best 70 nashville
best of 71/72
best 73 stax
best of what followed

the america, nashville and stax session albums would be in the top album list of all time if they were nmore selective. elvis in memphis album is not as good as it could have been by including tracks such as suspicious minds and stranger in my own home town.

rca dropped the ball sooooooooooooooo many times. But hey hindsight is a wonderful thing.

also, a distinction needs to be highlighted between singer/songwriters and singers. I am sick people looking down on singers that do not sing their own songs. it doesn't happen in the movie world. Does anyone slate brando for not writing the "i could have been a contender" scene. No, because ultimately it's about the delivery. In my optinion many songwriter screwed their career by not letting great singers record their songs and many great singers screwed up by insiting on recording their own songs when they were below par songwriters. Elvis relaised his limitations and concentrated on delivery. Years later he was proved right.

[KPM]

I became a fan because of songs like Crawfish and Return to sender
Don't be cruel etc.



I do think Elvis should have done a little more original material especially later in his career but
you have to look at the 69 sessions in context

Marty Lacker set the sessions up because he wanted Elvis to work with Chips Moman and the American studio band who played on 122 top 40 hits throughout a 6 year period, and he also wanted Elvis to have access to material from songwriters better than what he was getting from Hill and Range.For a session where he could've gotten good comtemporary written songs he relies mostly on covers of old country songs
As you pointed out Elvis did covers thoughout his career so why not take advantage of the opportunity and do something different for a change.
He could do covers of Eddy Arnold and Johnny Tilotsson anytime
most of the newer songs like Bobby Russell ''Do you know who I am''
and Dallas Frazier's ''True love Travels on a Gravel Road'' I like.
and think Elvis should have continued in this direction
Until I heard Elvis's "I Really Dont Want to Know" I had never heard that song. So to me and many other people who had no idea who Eddy Arnold was it was an original.
When I played it one day my mom said-"Thats an Eddy Arnold song"
She had an Eddy album with that song on it. I listened to Eddys version and I liked it-but Elvis's had a more bluesy feel-it had more soul to it-I liked it better. But I also discovered that Eddy Arnold was a great country singer.
In a way Elvis doing so many covers helped me broaden my musical taste and knowledge. But I almost always liked Elvis's cover better-occasionally I do like the original more but not often. Elvis's voice, to my ear, had it all-soul, blues, country, rockabilly.....a hardness and a whisper. I don't think anyone else I had ever heard before had that quality IMO.
I think his originals were fine -when he wanted to do them, I wanted to listen.
But his covers were just as good-music to my ears, and many times the first I had ever heard of those songs.

[Getlo]

Until I heard Elvis's "I Really Dont Want to Know" I had never heard that song. So to me and many other people who had no idea who Eddy Arnold was it was an original.

This was not an Eddy Arnold original. Like Elvis, he merely covered it.

It was first recorded by Les Paul and Mary Ford in 1953.

[KPM]

This was not an Eddy Arnold original. Like Elvis, he merely covered it.

It was first recorded by Les Paul and Mary Ford in 1953.
You know now that you mention that I just saw an old tape of those 2 doing it from the 50s. I did not know they had done it first. They also did some comedy guitar playing in which Les would play a weird run or note and Mary had to repeat it-it was pretty cool and funny. He broke a string and continued on for 2 songs just ignoring that fact.:)

[Brian]

Until I heard Elvis's "I Really Dont Want to Know" I had never heard that song. So to me and many other people who had no idea who Eddy Arnold was it was an original.
When I played it one day my mom said-"Thats an Eddy Arnold song"
She had an Eddy album with that song on it. I listened to Eddys version and I liked it-but Elvis's had a more bluesy feel-it had more soul to it-I liked it better. But I also discovered that Eddy Arnold was a great country singer.
In a way Elvis doing so many covers helped me broaden my musical taste and knowledge. But I almost always liked Elvis's cover better-occasionally I do like the original more but not often. Elvis's voice, to my ear, had it all-soul, blues, country, rockabilly.....a hardness and a whisper. I don't think anyone else I had ever heard before had that quality IMO.
.

That's true for other artists as well


I like Eddy Arnolds version of ''I really don't want to know'' better than Elvis.

[KPM]

That's true for other artists as well


I like Eddy Arnolds version of ''I really don't want to know'' better than Elvis.
Well then obviously we disagree once again;)

[KPM]

I'm curious Brian what music did you like as a teenager? You say you had heavy metal friends-so I'm assuming you had something in common with those people. You just seem to not like a lot about Elvis. The things which are almost universally considered great by him (not just by fans but by critics and the public)-you seem to have a much lower regard for-which is curious to me as to what the appeal is to you of Elvis Presley? If the things most consider well done and great by Elvis are of such low appeal-why do you like him?

[Brian]

I'm curious Brian what music did you like as a teenager? You say you had heavy metal friends-so I'm assuming you had something in common with those people. You just seem to not like a lot about Elvis. The things which are almost universally considered great by him (not just by fans but by critics and the public)-you seem to have a much lower regard for-which is curious to me as to what the appeal is to you of Elvis Presley? If the things most consider well done and great by Elvis are of such low appeal-why do you like him?

I liked different types of music as a teenager Rock was my favorite though I liked the early Rolling Stones and several country artists.

I have a very eclectic taste in music

I even like classical music

I like all sorts of songs Elvis did throughout his career, but their are many I don't like.


not everybody thinks the Memphis sessions are the best sessions he ever did it just happens that i'm the only one on this board that thinks that but their are others.

Not everybody thinks Peter Guralnick is the best writer there is but I just happen to be the only person on this board that thinks he isn't but their are others. I have my reasons and some valid criticisms for his work.

I've have met and talked with fans who love Elvis movie songs the best
they like sand castles and Barefoot ballad etc.
haven't met any of these fans on this board though
don't think there are any.

[KPM]

I liked different types of music as a teenager Rock was my favorite though I liked the early Rolling Stones and several country artists.

I have a very eclectic taste in music

I even like classical music

I like all sorts of songs Elvis did throughout his career, but their are many I don't like.


not everybody thinks the Memphis sessions are the best sessions he ever did it just happens that i'm the only one on this board that thinks that but their are others.

Not everybody thinks Peter Guralnick is the best writer there is but I just happen to be the only person on this board that thinks he isn't but their are others. I have my reasons and some valid criticisms for his work.

I've have met and talked with fans who love Elvis movie songs the best
they like sand castles and Barefoot ballad etc.
haven't met any of these fans on this board though
don't think there are any.
This is true-but my point was that the majority of fans, non fans and critics do see MSessions as some of his best work. So its not like theres a 50/50 split on it- most do seem to think these are some of his great recordings. So if you can base an opinion of great by how well its received and reviewed the 69 sessions would pass that test-and how well its received and reviewed is ruled by how good the recordings perceived to be. Would that be a fair statement? When a majority of varied groups like something-it seems to lend itself to the idea that what they like must have something which draws them all to a similar conclusion.

Sgt. Pepper is considered by most to be some of the best work the Beatles ever did-I agree not everyone thinks so-but the majority do think so-critics, fans and non fans. So there must be something to it-the same with the 69 sessions.

I do happen to like songs like Barefoot Ballad and many other movie songs-but if I had to rank them against the 69 sessions there is just no comparison.
Most movie songs should be ranked with other movie songs IMO.
Except for the 50s movies, the emphasis was not so much on good music as
was getting something to fit into a prescribed section of a film. After 62 the movie music just kept getting of lesser quality.
Very few movie songs after 1960 can be compared to recordings outside of the movies. But I do like many movie songs.

[Brian]

This is true-but my point was that the majority of fans, non fans and critics do see MSessions as some of his best work. So its not like theres a 50/50 split on it- most do seem to think these are some of his great recordings. So if you can base an opinion of great by how well its received and reviewed the 69 sessions would pass that test-and how well its received and reviewed is ruled by how good the recordings perceived to be. Would that be a fair statement? When a majority of varied groups like something-it seems to lend itself to the idea that what they like must have something which draws them all to a similar conclusion.


I do happen to like songs like Barefoot Ballad and many other movie songs-but if I had to rank them against the 69 sessions there is just no comparison.
Most movie songs should be ranked with other movie songs IMO.
Except for the 50s movies, the emphasis was not so much on good music as
was getting something to fit into a prescribed section of a film. After 62 the movie music just kept getting of lesser quality.
Very few movie songs after 1960 can be compared to recordings outside of the movies. But I do like many movie songs.

I know what the majority of fans and critics say about the memphis sessions
it's praised very much but I just gave my opinion

I've have met fans who think that songs like Barefoot Ballad and other songs like Wisdom of Ages are among the best stuff Elvis ever did

[KPM]

I know what the majority of fans and critics say about the memphis sessions
it's praised very much but I just gave my opinion

I've have met fans who think that songs like Barefoot Ballad and other songs like Wisdom of Ages are among the best stuff Elvis ever did
Well they are good movie songs with a tranquil feel and that was great in the films-but lets face it Elvis could not have done most of those songs anywhere else but in the films they were written for.
He maybe could have worked up a medley of movie songs for the stage-but since he disliked much of the movie music and recognised the restricted quality I think he chose to ignore the bulk of them.
But he could have done a tour of singing nothing but songs from the 69 sessions and had no problem in doing so.
He could not have toured singing only the songs of Speedway or Harem Scarem ie........
I like the song "Pocket Full of Rainbows" from GI Blues and learned to play it in 1968-I had a small band and wanted to teach it to them so we could work it up. I did it for them and they asked who were we going to play for that wanted to hear it. "Memories" from the TV special they liked and we learned, and "If I Can Dream"-they even learned "One Night"-but the movie songs I liked were basically just not live group material. Although my brothers band does do "Wolf Call" from "Girl Happy" now and then-they just think its a fun song. They explain the the audience that its and Elvis movie song and everyone seems to have fun with it.

[ehollier]

I know what the majority of fans and critics say about the memphis sessions
it's praised very much but I just gave my opinion

I've have met fans who think that songs like Barefoot Ballad and other songs like Wisdom of Ages are among the best stuff Elvis ever did

Brian, could you please tell me what you do like about Elvis, why are you compelled to come here, share with us the things that you don't like, because you always seem to always go against the majority (which is perfectly okay), but without explanation. I am just baffled why you spend so much time here, but are always in disagreement with everyone.

[Brian]

Well they are good movie songs with a tranquil feel and that was great in the films-but lets face it Elvis could not have done most of those songs anywhere else but in the films they were written for.
He maybe could have worked up a medley of movie songs for the stage-but since he disliked much of the movie music and recognised the restricted quality I think he chose to ignore the bulk of them.
But he could have done a tour of singing nothing but songs from the 69 sessions and had no problem in doing so.
He could not have toured singing only the songs of Speedway or Harem Scarem ie........
I like the song "Pocket Full of Rainbows" from GI Blues and learned to play it in 1968-I had a small band and wanted to teach it to them so we could work it up. I did it for them and they asked who were we going to play for that wanted to hear it. "Memories" from the TV special they liked and we learned, and "If I Can Dream"-they even learned "One Night"-but the movie songs I liked were basically just not live group material. Although my brothers band does do "Wolf Call" from "Girl Happy" now and then-they just think its a fun song. They explain the the audience that its and Elvis movie song and everyone seems to have fun with it.

you should tell the fans that like those movie songs this

I was talking with some of them awhile ago and the conversation turned to songs Elvis should've done live

They said Elvis should've sung Gualdlahara and Double Trouble live in the 70's

[Brian]

Brian, could you please tell me what you do like about Elvis, why are you compelled to come here, share with us the things that you don't like, because you always seem to always go against the majority (which is perfectly okay), but without explanation. I am just baffled why you spend so much time here, but are always in disagreement with everyone.

I like Elvis Gospel music

I do give explanations that's what i've been doing
explaining what I don't like about the memphis sessions

I come here to discuss Elvis it is a coincidence that I disagree with the members here often

if everybody had the same opinions this place and the world would be boring

[KPM]

you should tell the fans that like those movie songs this

I was talking with some of them awhile ago and the conversation turned to songs Elvis should've done live

They said Elvis should've sung Gualdlahara and Double Trouble live in the 70's
Now Brian they can't be serious? If he was touring New Mexico with a heavy espanic population may....bbe...."Guadalajara" may....be. But no where else.
"Double Trouble" ?? no where would it be a good choice for a live tour.
If they like the songs so well-they have the soundtracks. The reason the bulk of these songs were never done live is because Elvis saw they were not touring stage material.
"Viva Las Vegas" which has been seen as a good iconic song was never incorporated into his Vegas show and it could have been its a good song.
But "Double Trouble" I'm sorry I strongly disgree with whoever suggested this-are you sure they are not putting you on??? If not something is definitely wrong IMO

[KPM]

I like Elvis Gospel music

I do give explanations that's what i've been doing
explaining what I don't like about the memphis sessions

I come here to discuss Elvis it is a coincidence that I disagree with the members here often

if everybody had the same opinions this place and the world would be boring
The world has never been a boring place. People are hard at work being people and that alone breeds excitement which happens naturally.
But this is the question I have asked a couple times -what is it you see in Elvis Presley which draws you here to spend this much time? I told you I think his unique voice and charisma are what drew me and still draw me.
I like listening to different artists and music. I like blues, country, rock and middle of the road artists-but Elvis's voice singing those styles would be my preference 80% of the time I listen to music.
Other than politics and my job I do not spend this much time at any forums for any person or topic because Elvis is number one in my book.

[vegas 74]

Now Brian they can't be serious? If he was touring New Mexico with a heavy espanic population may....bbe...."Guadalajara" may....be. But no where else.
"Double Trouble" ?? no where would it be a good choice for a live tour.
If they like the songs so well-they have the soundtracks. The reason the bulk of these songs were never done live is because Elvis saw they were not touring stage material.
"Viva Las Vegas" which has been seen as a good iconic song was never incorporated into his Vegas show and it could have been its a good song.
But "Double Trouble" I'm sorry I strongly disgree with whoever suggested this-are you sure they are not putting you on??? If not something is definitely wrong IMO

KPM, Can you not see......this guy is nothin but a "wind up merchant" the more you say to him the more he gets a kick out of it!.....just kick "him" to the curb along with his so called "opinion" ....................well thats opinion anyway!(n)(n)(n)(n)

[LtCarman]

I like Elvis Gospel music
if everybody had the same opinions this place and the world would be boring

Remember, it is people with different opinions that start wars... I guess war and thousands of innocent civilians dying is very exciting.

Yeah, I too, would like to know why you spend most of your time here if you like only certain aspects of Elvis' music.

[Brian]

KPM, Can you not see......this guy is nothin but a "wind up merchant" the more you say to him the more he gets a kick out of it!.....just kick "him" to the curb along with his so called "opinion" ....................well thats opinion anyway!(n)(n)(n)(n)


you are so wrong

and your name calling is uncalled for

[Brian]

Remember, it is people with different opinions that start wars... I guess war and thousands of innocent civilians dying is very exciting.

Yeah, I too, would like to know why you spend most of your time here if you like only certain aspects of Elvis' music.

what are you talking about?

I was talking about Elvis music and career

if everybody liked the same things the world would be boring

I was never talking about wars

[vegas 74]

and your name calling is uncalled for

Tough!.....you aint pulling wool over this boys eyes!!(n)

[Brian]

Now Brian they can't be serious? If he was touring New Mexico with a heavy espanic population may....bbe...."Guadalajara" may....be. But no where else.
"Double Trouble" ?? no where would it be a good choice for a live tour.
If they like the songs so well-they have the soundtracks. The reason the bulk of these songs were never done live is because Elvis saw they were not touring stage material.
"Viva Las Vegas" which has been seen as a good iconic song was never incorporated into his Vegas show and it could have been its a good song.
But "Double Trouble" I'm sorry I strongly disgree with whoever suggested this-are you sure they are not putting you on??? If not something is definitely wrong IMO


they were serious
they like those songs


Elvis movie songs are liked all over the world by many fans

I posted a thread a while back where I listed all of Elvis #1 hit's worldwide

some of the movie songs were #1 hits in other countries

The Love Machine was #1 in Indonesia
I think Animal instinct was number one in some Asian country
I also remember Do the Clam being #1 in Japan in 1965

so if Elvis ever toured Asia he would have some unusual song requests

I doubt he would've played them but you never know

[Brian]

Tough!.....you aint pulling wool over this boys eyes!!(n)


I haven't had any interaction with you before

nor have I done anything to you

I would be very careful about calling people names
you might get in trouble as this board is very strict or you might hurt someone's feelings or make them angry

[Brian]

[/B]
The world has never been a boring place. People are hard at work being people and that alone breeds excitement which happens naturally.
But this is the question I have asked a couple times -what is it you see in Elvis Presley which draws you here to spend this much time? I told you I think his unique voice and charisma are what drew me and still draw me.
I like listening to different artists and music. I like blues, country, rock and middle of the road artists-but Elvis's voice singing those styles would be my preference 80% of the time I listen to music.
Other than politics and my job I do not spend this much time at any forums for any person or topic because Elvis is number one in my book.

yes

I also think Elvis was a great singer

I've said before I like a lot of Elvis songs and a few of his movies

I also think he was an underrated guitar player

I wouldn't be here if I wasn't a fan

[vegas 74]

I haven't had any interaction with you before

nor have I done anything to you

I would be very careful about calling people names
you might get in trouble as this board is very strict or you might hurt someone's feelings or make them angry

If anybody here is causin trouble (again) its you mate!....and if your tryin to reel me in to get your kicks...forget it! I will just leave you with this....."opinions are like a** holes...we all got one! but some stink more than others".....byeeeee!:P

[Brian]

If anybody here is causin trouble its you mate!....and if your tryin to reel me in to get your kicks...forget it! I will just leave you with this....."opinions are like a** holes...we all got one! but some stink more than others".....byeeeee!:P

how rude

your'e the trouble maker

this is what I was talking about
some people on this board just don't like differing opinions

I've never been accused of not being a real Elvis on any other message boards

[LtCarman]

how rude

your'e the trouble maker

this is what I was talking about
some people on this board just don't like differing opinions

I've never been accused of not being a real Elvis on any other message boards

If anything, both of you are the trouble makers.

[Brian]

If anything, both of you are the trouble makers.

I agree about Vegas 74

But I haven't done anything

[KPM]

yes

I also think Elvis was a great singer

I've said before I like a lot of Elvis songs and a few of his movies

I also think he was an underrated guitar player

I wouldn't be here if I wasn't a fan
I was just curious as to what draws you to Elvis-you just seem to not like more than you like. That is curious to me which is why I asked the question.
What other boards do you post on? Where some fans say they wanted Elvis to sing Double Trouble live.

[Brian]

I was just curious as to what draws you to Elvis-you just seem to not like more than you like. That is curious to me which is why I asked the question.
What other boards do you post on? Where some fans say they wanted Elvis to sing Double Trouble live.


it may seem that way but that's not true

I started a thread today about liking the song three corn patches

I like the 69 sessions but think they are overrated

I like the 68 special but just don't like the Road medley part

I also post on the Fecc forum

I've met fans in person who like the movie songs and some of them use to post on the Fecc forum and the old Aek ng

[KPM]

it may seem that way but that's not true

I started a thread today about liking the song three corn patches

I like the 69 sessions but think they are overrated

I like the 68 special but just don't like the Road medley part

I also post on the Fecc forum

I've met fans in person who like the movie songs and some of them use to post on the Fecc forum and the old Aek ng
And I posted on it-saying that for a change you and I agreed on a topic.

[vegas 74]

If anything, both of you are the trouble makers.
Hey LT,....Just for warning KPM to steer clear from this "person" makes me into "a trouble maker"??............Just days ago he was telling you to "Just mind your own business" and Roseanne to "Shut up!" (and more) and lead to the thread closing down!
I can respect you for trying to keep the peace....but to call me "A trouble maker" is just a bit to strong!.......all my threads on this site have been to help members!
I was only saying what some other members were thinking.....you included i am sure!:hmm:

[SleepyJack]

It`s no big surprise that people from various different parts of the world would have liked Elvis to include songs that,to their particular tastes and musical backgrounds,would have been very popular choices to see him perform live. Being from Ireland I would have been touched to hear "Danny Boy" or "I`ll take you home again Kathleen" sung in a show,had I been lucky enough to have been to an Elvis concert...and at the same time it might not have been too popular with the rest of the audience! We are all different at almost every level here...what we do have in common is Elvis Presley...does it have to be this difficult to get along????

[utmom2008]

Now Brian they can't be serious?
But "Double Trouble" I'm sorry I strongly disgree with whoever suggested this-are you sure they are not putting you on??? If not something is definitely wrong IMO

:lmfao::lmfao:(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)

[LtCarman]

Hey LT,....Just for warning KPM to steer clear from this "person" makes me into "a trouble maker"??............Just days ago he was telling you to "Just mind your own business" and Roseanne to "Shut up!" (and more) and lead to the thread closing down!
I can respect you for trying to keep the peace....but to call me "A trouble maker" is just a bit to strong!.......all my threads on this site have been to help members!
I was only saying what some other members were thinking.....you included i am sure!:hmm:

Though I don't agree with his opinions either, calling him a "wind up merchant" was unnecessary. I'm sorry if I was too blunt. No hard feelings?

[utmom2008]

I agree about Vegas 74

But I haven't done anything
:rolleyes::rolleyes:

I was just curious as to what draws you to Elvis-you just seem to not like more than you like. That is curious to me which is why I asked the question.
What other boards do you post on? Where some fans say they wanted Elvis to sing Double Trouble live.

Some people love to take the oppsing opinin from the majority because they LOVE the attention it brings to them. For some people, negative attention is just as good as positive attention.:lol:

[Diane]

It`s no big surprise that people from various different parts of the world would have liked Elvis to include songs that,to their particular tastes and musical backgrounds,would have been very popular choices to see him perform live. Being from Ireland I would have been touched to hear "Danny Boy" or "I`ll take you home again Kathleen" sung in a show,had I been lucky enough to have been to an Elvis concert...and at the same time it might not have been too popular with the rest of the audience! We are all different at almost every level here...what we do have in common is Elvis Presley...does it have to be this difficult to get along????

Yes, we should be learning from all our differences and I guess some people don't want to get along as it's their brand of "fun". Such a waste of life.

Diane

[utmom2008]

We are all different at almost every level here...what we do have in common is Elvis Presley...does it have to be this difficult to get along????

You know what Jack? This is something that Gail and I talk about alot, trying to figure out when and why the Elvis world got like this. Back in the day, ALL Elvis fans got along, no one ever had a cross word.:blink::blush::blush:

[vegas 74]

Though I don't agree with his opinions either, calling him a "wind up merchant" was unnecessary. I'm sorry if I was too blunt. No hard feelings?
OK...By me!;)

[vegas 74]

[/b]

You know what Jack? This is something that Gail and I talk about alot, trying to figure out when and why the Elvis world got like this. Back in the day, ALL Elvis fans got along, no one ever had a cross word.:blink::blush::blush:

So very true!....Happy days:)

[SleepyJack]

Group Hug!!!!!!.....:lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:

[Diane]

:hug::hug::hug::lol:

Diane

[Brian]

:rolleyes::rolleyes:


Some people love to take the oppsing opinin from the majority because they LOVE the attention it brings to them. For some people, negative attention is just as good as positive attention.:lol:

that is so wrong


luckily we have me on this board who geniunely thinks the Memphis sessions are overrated and I was only giving my opinion on the subject since someone started a thread.

If some people on this board can't understand opposing views that's really unfortunate

[memphis69]

ELVIS PRESLEY FANS ARE ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY!! WE ALL COME TOGETHER TO SHARE STORIES ABOUT OUR LOVE FOR MAN!! ELVIS WOULD WANT ALL HIS FANS TO BE KIND TO EACH OTHER!!

[utmom2008]

that is so wrong


luckily we have me on this board who geniunely thinks the Memphis sessions are overrated and I was only giving my opinion on the subject since someone started a thread.

If some people on this board can't understand opposing views that's really unfortunate

No, it's not wrong. There are plenty of people(at all ages) that enjoy attention any way they can get it.
:blink:

[Brian]

No, it's not wrong. There are plenty of people(at all ages) that enjoy attention any way they can get it.
:blink:

right

that's what I was saying

it's wrong for those people to do that

we don't have any of those people on this board
Like I was saying my opposing views are legtimate and spot on

[ehollier]

Elvis recorded so many great songs during these 2 recording sessions. Which is your favorite???????

Brian, if you had to choose one, which would it be???

[ehollier]

"Kentucky Rain" is my favorite. Oh, how I wish he would have performed this song on stage after 1970.

But I have so many others that I enjoy.

[utmom2008]

"Kentucky Rain" is my favorite. Oh, how I wish he would have performed this song on stage after 1970.

But I have so many others that I enjoy.

That is Jim's all time favorite too!(y)(y)

[KPM]

right

that's what I was saying

it's wrong for those people to do that

we don't have any of those people on this board
Like I was saying my opposing views are legtimate and spot on
Brian your opposing views may be legit-but that does not necessarily make them spot on-that would be your opinion that they are spot on.

[Brian]

Elvis recorded so many great songs during these 2 recording sessions. Which is your favorite???????

Brian, if you had to choose one, which would it be???

I answered that on page 1

[utmom2008]

I answered that on page 1

I guess I'm just an obtuse individual....I had to go back and search for it.;)

[ehollier]

I answered that on page 1

Got it! Grass Won't Pay You No Mind. Sorry to bother you. Apparently, I missed this one, too. Go figure......

[Brian]

You know I was thinking

while the 69 sessions are praised by many fans and critics it's just the FEIM album and the singles that got the acclaim while the album Back In Memphis didn't.

I remember reading Rolling Stone back then and Peter Guralnick wrote a review for BIM he blasts the album as being to bland and a step in the wrong direction for Elvis. The only song Guralnick said he liked was Stranger in my own Hometown.

A shame really as I think it stacks up well against FEIM
it's more ballad oriented but just as good though songs like This is the Story and the Fair is moving are kinda weak and are better suited for a female singer.

For all the praise FEIM gets it didn't perform all that well commercially in the U.S.
it only peaked at #13 on the album charts

I think it should have at least made the top 10

The album hit #1 in the U.K. though

[utmom2008]

Got it! Grass Won't Pay You No Mind. Sorry to bother you. Apparently, I missed this one, too. Go figure......


:lmfao::lmfao:

[ehollier]

You know I was thinking

while the 69 sessions are praised by many fans and critics it's just the FEIM album and the singles that got the acclaim while the album Back In Memphis didn't.

I remember reading Rolling Stone back then and Peter Guralnick wrote a review for BIM he blasts the album as being to bland and a step in the wrong direction for Elvis. The only song Guralnick said he liked was Stranger in my own Hometown.

A shame really as I think it stacks up well against FEIM
it's more ballad oriented but just as good though songs like This is the Story and the Fair is moving are kinda weak and are better suited for a female singer.

For all the praise FEIM gets it didn't perform all that well commercially in the U.S.
it only peaked at #13 on the album charts

I think it should have at least made the top 10

The album hit #1 in the U.K. though

I read this review. "Back In Memphis" was not the best of the lot from the Memphis Sessions, but these songs were lightyears better than the recording sessions that proceeded it, except maybe the "Guitar Man" sessions. Coincidentally, the LP also contained all songs from Hill & Range, as Chips was careful to put his tracks - which were really much better - on the first LP, "From Elvis in Memphis." I honestly think that Peter Guralnick was pointing out, as he has done since, that Elvis was a perfect vehicle for R & B and that so little was done. Instead, he concentrated on all of the ballads.

[Merry]

"Kentucky Rain" is my favorite. Oh, how I wish he would have performed this song on stage after 1970.

But I have so many others that I enjoy.



I adore "Kentucky Rain" :D

*Love the lyrics, love the inflections, love the affects they do.

God Bless.

[KPM]

You know I was thinking

while the 69 sessions are praised by many fans and critics it's just the FEIM album and the singles that got the acclaim while the album Back In Memphis didn't.

I remember reading Rolling Stone back then and Peter Guralnick wrote a review for BIM he blasts the album as being to bland and a step in the wrong direction for Elvis. The only song Guralnick said he liked was Stranger in my own Hometown.

A shame really as I think it stacks up well against FEIM
it's more ballad oriented but just as good though songs like This is the Story and the Fair is moving are kinda weak and are better suited for a female singer.

For all the praise FEIM gets it didn't perform all that well commercially in the U.S.
it only peaked at #13 on the album chartsI think it should have at least made the top 10

The album hit #1 in the U.K. though
I don't think peaking at 13 was that bad-considering that many thought that it was "Just another Elvis album" along the lines of what he had been producing prior to January 69. So it was dismissed by many who had no idea what was on it. Also I do not recall a huge publicity campaign pushing the album.(at least in the St Louis area)
I knew about the album coming out because I got a fan club newsletter which told me about it.

[Brian]

Coincidentally, the LP also contained all songs from Hill & Range, as Chips was careful to put his tracks - which were really much better - on the first LP, "From Elvis in Memphis." .

Are you sure about this

I read Neil Diamond gave George Klein ''And the Grass won't pay no mind''
to give to Elvis.

and Bobby Russell who wrote ''Do you know who I am'' was a songwriter who wrote several hits around this time

[ehollier]

Are you sure about this

I read Neil Diamond gave George Klein ''And the Grass won't pay no mind''
to give to Elvis.

and Bobby Russell who wrote ''Do you know who I am'' was a songwriter who wrote several hits around this time

I didn't say every song on From Elvis in Memphis belonged to Chips; however, the songs that Chips did retain publishing were put on that album.

[Brian]

I think FEIM is best described as a R&B/soul album however their are problems with classifying it as such

Wearin that loved on look, only the strong survive,long black limosuine,power of my love, True love travels,Any day now and in the ghetto fit the R&b description as I see it but certain songs don't and that's the problem with the album in my opinion.

Ill hold you in my heart a Eddy Arnold cover starts off slow sounding like a jam
but the cover doesn't work as it's not what I'd call R&B therefore it doesn't fit in the context of the album. I personally never liked this song and think the song was actually bettered when Felton Jarvis produced a remix of this in 1980 giving it an uptempo honkytonk feel. Another thing is I bet Eddy Arnold is the most covered artist by Elvis, Elvis covered him going all the way back to 1956 and continued covering him into the 70's so nothing really new here.

track #5 on the album is a country weeper called it keeps right on a hurtin originally by Johnny Tillotson. Elvis basically does this the same as Tillotson and sings it as a country song so it's not R&B and doesn't fit in well with the other songs.

After loving you-yet another Eddy Arnold cover this song doesn't sound contemporary like most on the soulful FEIM album it sounds like a song out of the 50's, it doesn't fit the world of the 60's


The way Elvis does the arrangements I'm movin on and Gentle on my mind have a soul sound to them that fits the other songs but the thing about GOMM is that a lot of people were covering this song at the time and it was very popular because it was featured in Glen Campbell's t.v show
so I would've replace it with another song.

If Elvis would've gotten some more songs from outside sources or from Chips Moman song catalouge and replaced I'll hold you, it keeps right on a hurtin, gentle on my mind and After loving you with 4 more soul songs the album would've had a complete R&B/soul sound and been a more cohesive album.

This problem plagued Elvis in the 70's.

for example at the December 73 sessions I think it should've been an all country album instead you have Promised Land and a couple of country type numbers along with Julio Iglesias sounding pop ballads.

If Elvis was going to do all rock make an all rock album
if Elvis was going to do country or blues make an all country or blues album.

I think Elvis was too eclectic in the way he recorded sometimes and I think it hurt his record sales and his chart placings especially in later years.

[Brian]

"Kentucky Rain" is my favorite. Oh, how I wish he would have performed this song on stage after 1970.




I don't think that would be appropriate

your from Louisana right?

Elvis playing other states going around the country singing a song with a reference to Kentucky in it. It would get people all riled up and possibly cause riots.

That's why Elvis didn't perform it very much and when he did it was to a neutral blue chips gambling crowd in Las Vegas

[ehollier]

I don't think that would be appropriate

your from Louisana right?

Elvis playing other states going around the country singing a song with a reference to Kentucky in it. It would get people all riled up and possibly cause riots.

That's why Elvis didn't perform it very much and when he did it was to a neutral blue chips gambling crowd in Las Vegas

Then explain why so many fans love the song and it did so well on the charts. "Riots"??? I highly doubt it. If Elvis would have caused riots, "In the Ghetto" COULD have been that song, but not "Kentucky Rain". The song is about looking for a lost love; not a message song. My liking it has nothing to do with being from the south. I just like the sound, the feel, the edge that song embodies.

[kathy parkinson]

I don't think that would be appropriate

your from Louisana right?

Elvis playing other states going around the country singing a song with a reference to Kentucky in it. It would get people all riled up and possibly cause riots.

That's why Elvis didn't perform it very much and when he did it was to a neutral blue chips gambling crowd in Las Vegas

:doh::doh::doh::doh::doh::doh::doh::doh::doh::doh:

[TotallyInsane]

I don't think that would be appropriate

your from Louisana right?

Elvis playing other states going around the country singing a song with a reference to Kentucky in it. It would get people all riled up and possibly cause riots.

That's why Elvis didn't perform it very much and when he did it was to a neutral blue chips gambling crowd in Las Vegas


You're kidding right? I'm surprised his singing about a "Houng Dog" instead of a cocker spaniel didn't cause riots then!! Some people just don't like Houng Dogs!

[ehollier]

I don't think that would be appropriate

your from Louisana right?

Elvis playing other states going around the country singing a song with a reference to Kentucky in it. It would get people all riled up and possibly cause riots.

That's why Elvis didn't perform it very much and when he did it was to a neutral blue chips gambling crowd in Las Vegas


This really your theory as to why he didn't perform "Kentucky Rain"? Riots??? Explain "American Trilogy"? This song was lifted straight out of the south, a combination of 3 songs by Mickey Newbury, which included singing, not about Kentucky, but Dixieland. Riots?? I don't think so.

[KPM]

I think FEIM is best described as a R&B/soul album however their are problems with classifying it as such

Wearin that loved on look, only the strong survive,long black limosuine,power of my love, True love travels,Any day now and in the ghetto fit the R&b description as I see it but certain songs don't and that's the problem with the album in my opinion.

Ill hold you in my heart a Eddy Arnold cover starts off slow sounding like a jam
but the cover doesn't work as it's not what I'd call R&B therefore it doesn't fit in the context of the album. I personally never liked this song and think the song was actually bettered when Felton Jarvis produced a remix of this in 1980 giving it an uptempo honkytonk feel. Another thing is I bet Eddy Arnold is the most covered artist by Elvis, Elvis covered him going all the way back to 1956 and continued covering him into the 70's so nothing really new here.

track #5 on the album is a country weeper called it keeps right on a hurtin originally by Johnny Tillotson. Elvis basically does this the same as Tillotson and sings it as a country song so it's not R&B and doesn't fit in well with the other songs.

After loving you-yet another Eddy Arnold cover this song doesn't sound contemporary like most on the soulful FEIM album it sounds like a song out of the 50's, it doesn't fit the world of the 60's


The way Elvis does the arrangements I'm movin on and Gentle on my mind have a soul sound to them that fits the other songs but the thing about GOMM is that a lot of people were covering this song at the time and it was very popular because it was featured in Glen Campbell's t.v show
so I would've replace it with another song.

If Elvis would've gotten some more songs from outside sources or from Chips Moman song catalouge and replaced I'll hold you, it keeps right on a hurtin, gentle on my mind and After loving you with 4 more soul songs the album would've had a complete R&B/soul sound and been a more cohesive album.

This problem plagued Elvis in the 70's.

for example at the December 73 sessions I think it should've been an all country album instead you have Promised Land and a couple of country type numbers along with Julio Iglesias sounding pop ballads.

If Elvis was going to do all rock make an all rock album
if Elvis was going to do country or blues make an all country or blues album.

I think Elvis was too eclectic in the way he recorded sometimes and I think it hurt his record sales and his chart placings especially in later years.
Right??????????

[LtCarman]

I don't think that would be appropriate

your from Louisana right?

Elvis playing other states going around the country singing a song with a reference to Kentucky in it. It would get people all riled up and possibly cause riots.

That's why Elvis didn't perform it very much and when he did it was to a neutral blue chips gambling crowd in Las Vegas

Then what about "Poke Salad Annie?"

Let me repeat a verse in it for you:

"Down in Louisiana, where the alligator grow so mean."

According to your logic, hundreds of thousands would be dead at Elvis concerts because of "Polk Salad Annie" causing riots.

[KPM]

I don't think that would be appropriate

your from Louisana right?

Elvis playing other states going around the country singing a song with a reference to Kentucky in it. It would get people all riled up and possibly cause riots.That's why Elvis didn't perform it very much and when he did it was to a neutral blue chips gambling crowd in Las Vegas
Brian I can honestly say- that Elvis not performing Kentucky Rain in other states had nothing to do with potential riots! Kentucky Rain is not political-its not racial, its not offensive in any way shape of form.
My goodness its a beautiful song, he did it beautifully and the idea that it might have caused riots-among Elvis fans-at an Elvis concert-its absurd. You have to be putting us on-think about what you said- We fans would have rioted at an Elvis concert over some song naming another state?

[utmom2008]

Well, I have some "red suede shoes" and come to think of it..........that blue suede shoes song really ticks me off.:mad::mad:

:lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:

[Diane]

Same with my black ones...just can't bear that Blue Suede Shoes song!:lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:

[utmom2008]

And what about the atheists in the audience having to listen to "How Great Thou Art"?;);)

I heard they wanted to riot in New York when he would sing the lyrics "Oh I wish I was in the land of cotton,'ole times there are not forgotten."

What about the people that have been to Spain?:lol::lol:

On a personal note......."Sweet Caroline" and "Mary in the Morning" infuriated me.:mad: Why not "Sweet Rosanne" or "Rosanne in the Morning?"

[Brian]

Then explain why so many fans love the song and it did so well on the charts. "Riots"??? I highly doubt it. If Elvis would have caused riots, "In the Ghetto" COULD have been that song, but not "Kentucky Rain". The song is about looking for a lost love; not a message song. My liking it has nothing to do with being from the south. I just like the sound, the feel, the edge that song embodies.


Actually Kentucky Rain didn't do as well as the other singles recorded at American Kentucky Rain hit #16 while all the other singles hit the top 10

[LtCarman]

And what about the Mary's that are not proud? I'm sure they murdered a few people at the concerts.

I have newspaper clippings.

[Brian]

This really your theory as to why he didn't perform "Kentucky Rain"? Riots??? Explain "American Trilogy"? This song was lifted straight out of the south, a combination of 3 songs by Mickey Newbury, which included singing, not about Kentucky, but Dixieland. Riots?? I don't think so.

In the song American Trilogy I don't recall it specifically mentioning a state

Kentucky Rain mentions Kentucky several times and even has it in the title

[utmom2008]

And what about the Mary's that are not proud? I'm sure they murdered a few people at the concerts.

I have newspaper clippings.

:lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:(y)(y)(y)(y)

[LtCarman]

In the song American Trilogy I don't recall it specifically mentioning a state

Kentucky Rain mentions Kentucky several times and even has it in the title

I still don't see how it would be offensive.

[utmom2008]

In the song American Trilogy I don't recall it specifically mentioning a state



Do you think the people up North didn't know he was referring to the South?:doh::doh::doh::doh:

[utmom2008]

Then what about "Poke Salad Annie?"

Let me repeat a verse in it for you:

"Down in Louisiana, where the alligator grow so mean."

According to your logic, hundreds of thousands would be dead at Elvis concerts because of "Polk Salad Annie" causing riots.

There would have been twice as much rioting over this one. All the people from Louisiana AND all the ladies named "Annie.":lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:

[LtCarman]

There would have been twice as much rioting over this one. All the people from Louisiana AND all the ladies named "Annie.":lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:

And lets not forget the people that ate Poke Salad.

By the way, I still want my question answered Brian.

The million dollar question is: Why would "Kentucky Rain" be offensive?

[Brian]

Do you think the people up North didn't know he was referring to the South?:doh::doh::doh::doh:


he was referring to the south

but it's different from Kentucky Rain


American Trilogy only made #66 on the U.S. charts and didn't sell at all.

[utmom2008]

And lets not forget the people that ate Poke Salad.

True! My parents said they had both eaten some of it when they were kids. I guess I'm lucky that Daddy didn't storm the stage in Vegas over this one.;):lol::lol::lol:

[ehollier]

he was referring to the south

but it's different from Kentucky Rain


American Trilogy only made #66 on the U.S. charts and didn't sell at all.

Brian, that may be your argument, but I just don't buy it and I fairly certain that was not the reason it wasn't performed after Feb. 1970.

[Brian]

And lets not forget the people that ate Poke Salad.

By the way, I still want my question answered Brian.

The million dollar question is: Why would "Kentucky Rain" be offensive?




I answered your question already

[LtCarman]

I answered your question already

I guess I wasn't clear enough...

Why is a reference to a southern state offensive? I have looked through every single page of this thread. Nothing. This is the only answer you have provided previously:


Elvis playing other states going around the country singing a song with a reference to Kentucky in it. It would get people all riled up and possibly cause riots.

If you had read my other replies, you would've already seen that I have noticed that and asked why it would be, but you never answered.

[franny]

You're kidding right? I'm surprised his singing about a "Houng Dog" instead of a cocker spaniel didn't cause riots then!! Some people just don't like Houng Dogs!

:lol: :lol: I almost fell off my chair reading this one Gail :P

I don't understand either why the song Kentucky Rain would cause riots? There's nothing in that song that would provoke anyone, is there? :blink:

franny

[utmom2008]

I don't understand either why the song Kentucky Rain would cause riots? There's nothing in that song that would provoke anyone, is there? :blink:

franny

No, there's not. However...it did provoke lots of responses here at TCB, maybe that was the original goal.;);):lmfao:

[ehollier]

:lol: :lol: I almost fell off my chair reading this one Gail :P

I don't understand either why the song Kentucky Rain would cause riots? There's nothing in that song that would provoke anyone, is there? :blink:

franny

Well Franny, you know......It has "Kentucky" in the title and that would cause Elvis fans worldwide to riot.........I think its a little farfetched too.

[franny]

No, there's not. However...it did provoke lots of responses here at TCB, maybe that was the original goal.;);):lmfao:

:lmfao: :lmfao: It sure did, Rosanne. Not sure what the goal was, could be. ;)


Well Franny, you know......It has "Kentucky" in the title and that would cause Elvis fans worldwide to riot.........I think its a little farfetched too.

:lol: :lol: Liz, if the world ever got that crazy....:lmfao:

franny

[ehollier]

:lmfao: :lmfao: It sure did, Rosanne. Not sure what the goal was, could be. ;)



:lol: :lol: Liz, if the world ever got that crazy....:lmfao:

franny

Franny, if you go far back enough, you will find where I asked what everyone's favorite track from the Memphis Sessions and I listed mine as "Kentucky Rain" and then this is where we are.....debating whether or not it would cause a riot......:blink:

To bring this thread back on topic, what is your favorite from those sessions?

[LtCarman]

To bring this thread back on topic, what is your favorite from those sessions?


Any Day Now.

[Wendy56]

Ritchie was a part of the roots of the mexican rock'n'roll. (y)

[franny]

Franny, if you go far back enough, you will find where I asked what everyone's favorite track from the Memphis Sessions and I listed mine as "Kentucky Rain" and then this is where we are.....debating whether or not it would cause a riot......:blink:

To bring this thread back on topic, what is your favorite from those sessions?


Liz, I read from the begining and also had a small sandwich :P I see now how we got here...:lol:

My favourite is Suspicious Minds (y)

I still don't see how Kentucky Rain would cause a riot..:wiggle:

franny

[Brian]

Brian, that may be your argument, but I just don't buy it and I fairly certain that was not the reason it wasn't performed after Feb. 1970.

Well I just answered your question as to why Elvis didn't perform Kentucky Rain

some things are true whether you believe them or not

I still don't know what's so hard to believe about the issue

If Elvis sang Kentucky rain in Chicago or Philadelphia it just wouldn't be an appropriate thing to do.

It's like if Elvis did a concert in Japan and while he was on stage he began singing a song about Melbourne Australia.

[TotallyInsane]

Well I just answered your question as to why Elvis didn't perform Kentucky Rain

some things are true whether you believe them or not

I still don't know what's so hard to believe about the issue

If Elvis sang Kentucky rain in Chicago or Philadelphia it just wouldn't be an appropriate thing to do.

It's like if Elvis did a concert in Japan and while he was on stage he began singing a song about Melbourne Australia.

Did you go to a SuperBowl party early by chance?

[Brian]

Did you go to a SuperBowl party early by chance?

no

I don't go to parties that much besides the Superbowl isn't that interesting to me this year.

[KPM]

Well I just answered your question as to why Elvis didn't perform Kentucky Rain

some things are true whether you believe them or not

I still don't know what's so hard to believe about the issue

If Elvis sang Kentucky rain in Chicago or Philadelphia it just wouldn't be an appropriate thing to do.
It's like if Elvis did a concert in Japan and while he was on stage he began singing a song about Melbourne Australia.
Brian with all respect-this is not true-it is your opinion that it is true.
If it is true tell us how you and you alone know its true.
You "think" its inappropriate foe Kentucky Rain to be sung in Chicago or Philadelphia-that does not translate Elvis thought it was or that anyone else thought it was. There is absolutely no reason it would be inappropriate other than your opinion.
Frank Sinatra say "New York, New York" and "Chicago" all over the world-people wanted to hear them no one was offended and riots did not break out.
People sing songs about other cities all the time. The only person who thinks its inappropriate is you-with no explanation as to your thinking that it would cause riots. Excitement galore.

[LtCarman]

Well I just answered your question as to why Elvis didn't perform Kentucky Rain

some things are true whether you believe them or not

I still don't know what's so hard to believe about the issue

If Elvis sang Kentucky rain in Chicago or Philadelphia it just wouldn't be an appropriate thing to do.

It's like if Elvis did a concert in Japan and while he was on stage he began singing a song about Melbourne Australia.

Ok, this is your logic as I have determined: Songs that have references to the south will cause riots (but why exclude "An American Trilogy" because it has no state named but has obvious references to the south. *cough* Dixie Land *cough*) in the northeastern/west/midwest United States. (But why as I have asked a 1.5 billion times before.)

So, now, lets apply your logic to "Aloha From Hawaii." Elvis wore the "American Eagle" jumpsuit if I am correct. (No one dare argue that.) According to your logic, millions of people would have killed each other in 40 countries in Europe, parts of Asia, and Australia as a result of riots caused in living rooms all over Europe and Asia because his jumpsuit screamed America.

Now, after January 15, 1973, lets fast-forward to April 4, 1973, shall we? An additional 10,000 would be dead because of the riots in the northeastern/west/midwest United States brought on by "An American Trilogy" because it has references to the south, even though no state is named. (Which somehow make it "riot-proof" to you, I have no idea and you have never stated why is was "different" besides the fact that it wasn't a #1 hit, but I'll still include it in here.)

[utmom2008]

Did you go to a SuperBowl party early by chance?
:lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:
:lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:

[utmom2008]

Hey guys....the responses are what he wanted.;););)

I'm done with this complete and utter nonsense, a good thread gone bad. Anyway...I'm going to go sing to my dog, "You Ain't Nothin But a Miniature Schnauzer.":lmfao::lmfao:

[utmom2008]

I don't go to parties that much

I'm stunned by this.:supriced::supriced::supriced::supriced:

[TotallyInsane]

I'm stunned by this.:supriced::supriced::supriced::supriced:


I'm not!!!

[utmom2008]

I'm not!!!

;);););););););)

[Merry]

Brian,

I'm not standing in line here, or anything, but I have to say, that I'm from Australia (duh, lol) and I just adore "Kentucky Rain".

I think of the rain, I listen to Elvis' voice, as he tells the story. It's an emotional and beautiful story. "Kentucky" for me, doesn't come into it.

The only thought that does come to mind, is if I had the opportunity, I'd happily move to the South, as I think it is absolutely beautiful there, and from what I've heard, some places in the South, sound nicer than Australia.

[kathy parkinson]

I'm stunned by this.:supriced::supriced::supriced::supriced:

:lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:: lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:

[Brian]

Brian with all respect-this is not true-it is your opinion that it is true.
If it is true tell us how you and you alone know its true.
You "think" its inappropriate foe Kentucky Rain to be sung in Chicago or Philadelphia-that does not translate Elvis thought it was or that anyone else thought it was. There is absolutely no reason it would be inappropriate other than your opinion.
Frank Sinatra say "New York, New York" and "Chicago" all over the world-people wanted to hear them no one was offended and riots did not break out.
People sing songs about other cities all the time. The only person who thinks its inappropriate is you-with no explanation as to your thinking that it would cause riots. Excitement galore.

I didn't say it would cause riots

I said it might make people upset or riled up

[LtCarman]

I didn't say it would cause riots


Eh hem:


I don't think that would be appropriate

your from Louisana right?

Elvis playing other states going around the country singing a song with a reference to Kentucky in it. It would get people all riled up and possibly cause riots.

That's why Elvis didn't perform it very much and when he did it was to a neutral blue chips gambling crowd in Las Vegas

By the way, thanks again for answering my question...

[utmom2008]

Eh hem:

By the way, thanks again for answering my question...

And thank you for pointing out that riots were indeed discussed!;);)(y)

[utmom2008]

Then explain why so many fans love the song and it did so well on the charts. "Riots"??? I highly doubt it. My liking it has nothing to do with being from the south. I just like the sound, the feel, the edge that song embodies.

"Ohio Rain" just wouldn't sound quite the same.:lol::lol::lol:

[LtCarman]

http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo21/LtCarman/lol.jpg

[franny]

http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo21/LtCarman/lol.jpg


:lmfao: :lmfao: :lmfao:

Elvis looks pretty calm for a riot, no? :lol:

franny

[SeeSeeRider777]

So gathering this information all these possible offensive lyrics in these songs, I gather when Elvis sings "Burning Love", he is offending people who caught gonorrhea?


:lmfao:

[Brian]

So gathering this information all these possible offensive lyrics in these songs, I gather when Elvis sings "Burning Love", he is offending people who caught gonorrhea?


:lmfao:


that's not what I meant when bringing this up

[SeeSeeRider777]

that's not what I meant when bringing this up

Sir I was kidding. I was not implying anything.

[utmom2008]

http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo21/LtCarman/lol.jpg

:lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:

:lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:

:lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:

[LtCarman]

Brian, you can not be serious. It seems like you are trying to avoid explaining to us why you think that "Kentucky Rain" is offensive. I have asked a billion times already. It is impossible to not see how many times that I have asked you to explain, along with other members on this board. I mean, really.

I think I've seen enough.

[utmom2008]

So gathering this information all these possible offensive lyrics in these songs, I gather when Elvis sings "Burning Love", he is offending people who caught gonorrhea?


:lmfao:

Good one Joe.:lol::lmfao:

[Getlo]

Elvis playing other states going around the country singing a song with a reference to Kentucky in it. It would get people all riled up and possibly cause riots.

Ridiculous.

Did the Northern parts of Trilogy offend those in the South?


It's like if Elvis did a concert in Japan and while he was on stage he began singing a song about Melbourne Australia.

And do you think Gene Pitney only sang 24 Hours From Tulsa in Oklahoma?

Does Chuck Berry refuse to sing Memphis, Tennessee anywhere else?

Has anyone ever been offended in New York, Sydney or London by Tony Bennett singing I Left My Heart In San Francisco?

Of course not.

As we say here in Australia, it is obvious you are a s**t stirrer; you couldn't possibly seriously believe any of these opinions.

[ehollier]

I don't think that would be appropriate

your from Louisana right?

Elvis playing other states going around the country singing a song with a reference to Kentucky in it. It would get people all riled up and possibly cause riots...............


I didn't say it would cause riots

I said it might make people upset or riled up

But Brian, you DID use the word RIOTS.

[SleepyJack]

I was going to start a poll along the lines of "What,in your opinion,is the most ridiculous discussion ever on tcb-world?".... There goes that idea...I really don`t have to now!:blink::blink:

[ehollier]

I was going to start a poll along the lines of "What,in your opinion,is the most ridiculous discussion ever on tcb-world?".... There goes that idea...I really don`t have to now!:blink::blink:

Another one of my threads gone to he!! in a handbasket........:blink: :blink: :blink: I never dreamed when I started this thread about the recording sessions at American, it would have led to the absolutely ludicrous idea that has consumed two pages of this thread that has "Kentucky Rain" starting a riot had Elvis sung it in concert.......It seems I can never win.........:'( :'( :'(

[Diane]

Another one of my threads gone to he!! in a handbasket........:blink: :blink: :blink: I never dreamed when I started this thread about the recording sessions at American, it would have led to the absolutely ludicrous idea that has consumed two pages of this thread that has "Kentucky Rain" starting a riot had Elvis sung it in concert.......It seems I can never win.........:'( :'( :'(

It's not just you Liz, look what happened to the thread of Rosanne's when she posted a simple newspaper article. There are people on every site that love to go around stirring up trouble...it's not personal so please just go on posting as if this never happened...don't give them the satisfaction of knowing they upset you.:hug:

Diane

[utmom2008]

As we say here in Australia, it is obvious you are a s**t stirrer; you couldn't possibly seriously believe any of these opinions.
SPOT ON!! (and we say it in Texas as well!)(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)

But Brian, you DID use the word RIOTS.
YES....he DID!!:mad:

I was going to start a poll along the lines of "What,in your opinion,is the most ridiculous discussion ever on tcb-world?".... There goes that idea...I really don`t have to now!:blink::blink:
This one has already gone in the dumb-butt post hall of fame.:lmfao::lmfao:

It's not just you Liz, look what happened to the thread of Rosanne's when she posted a simple newspaper article. There are people on every site that love to go around stirring up trouble...it's not personal so please just go on posting as if this never happened...don't give them the satisfaction of knowing they upset you.:hug:

Diane
(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)

[KPM]

I didn't say it would cause riots
I said it might make people upset or riled up
I will not repost your comment as many have already done so.
You used the term riots-implication-that people would go crazy and destroy property, hurt other individuals-pillage, rampage and other similar terms which are used in conjunction with the term "riot" I'm sorry Brian you seem to be trying to upset people for the purpose of creating excitement at this forum. I have told you( privately and in public posts) that IMO this forum does not need artificial excitement created by anyone-it happens naturally here enough.

[utmom2008]

I'm sorry Brian you seem to be trying to upset people for the purpose of creating excitement at this forum.

Another nice way of saying what Getlo said earlier.....someone that likes to stir the sh!t. His arms must be tired by now with the CONSTANT stirring.(n)(n)(n)

[kathy parkinson]

Another nice way of saying what Getlo said earlier.....someone that likes to stir the sh!t. His arms must be tired by now with the CONSTANT stirring.(n)(n)(n)

Agree Roseanne.

[LtCarman]

Another nice way of saying what Getlo said earlier.....someone that likes to stir the sh!t. His arms must be tired by now with the CONSTANT stirring.(n)(n)(n)

Agreed as well.

[vegas 74]

Agreed as well.

Hi LT, This "NOT" a dig at you my friend (and we have all had enough of that i am sure").....but can you see now why i said "wind up merchant" because thats all this person has done....."WIND US ALL UP"!:mad::mad::mad:
Dennis

[LtCarman]

Hi LT, This "NOT" a dig at you my friend (and we have all had enough of that i am sure").....but can you see now why i said "wind up merchant" because thats all this person has done....."WIND US ALL UP"!:mad::mad::mad:
Dennis

Yes, I can finally see that. The wool has been pulled off my eyes.

[TotallyInsane]

http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo21/LtCarman/lol.jpg

:lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:
This one needs to be framed!!!!

[utmom2008]

:lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:
This one needs to be framed!!!!

I told you, didn't I?:lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:

[LtCarman]

Glad you all like my picture.

[LtCarman]

By the way Brian...

http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo21/LtCarman/wait.jpg

[TotallyInsane]

Glad you all like my picture.


You don't mind if I use it for my signature picture - do you? :lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:

[LtCarman]

You don't mind if I use it for my signature picture - do you? :lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:

Feel free. Do what ever you want.

[utmom2008]

By the way Brian...

http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo21/LtCarman/wait.jpg

:lmfao: :lmfao: :lmfao: :lmfao: :lmfao:

:lmfao: :lmfao: :lmfao: :lmfao: :lmfao:

[ehollier]

What in the world has happened to my thread??????? What began as an innocent tribute to the landmark recording sessions has turned into something completely different?????? Poor Elvis....always surrounded by wackiness......... :supriced: :supriced: :supriced:

[TotallyInsane]

What in the world has happened to my thread??????? What began as an innocent tribute to the landmark recording sessions has turned into something completely different?????? Poor Elvis....always surrounded by wacky controversy......... :supriced: :supriced: :supriced:


He did have a way of bringing out the "wacky" in people!! :lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:

[LtCarman]

What in the world has happened to my thread??????? What began as an innocent tribute to the landmark recording sessions has turned into something completely different?????? Poor Elvis....always surrounded by wackiness......... :supriced: :supriced: :supriced:

Sorry, Liz, (I think that's your name) I guess I got too carried away with my pictures. Again, sorry.

[ehollier]

Sorry, Liz, (I think that's your name) I guess I got too carried away with my pictures. Again, sorry.

No need to apologize for the pictures. I wasn't referring to that. I was referring to the 'riot' cr*p that someone has tried to sell us!!!!

[utmom2008]

The lobby of an auditorium after an Elvis concert.....
29932

[ehollier]

The lobby of an auditorium after an Elvis concert.....
29932

That must have been after he did that Kentucky Rain song..........:lmfao: :lmfao: :lmfao:

[LtCarman]

The lobby of an auditorium after an Elvis concert.....
29932

I blame the Mary's and the Poke Salad eaters.

:lmfao::lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:

[utmom2008]

This is after kentucky Rain AND Polk Salad Annie......
29933

[LtCarman]

This is after kentucky Rain AND Polk Salad Annie......
29933

And this after a combination of "An American Trilogy", "Proud Mary", a rare live performance of "Memphis, Tennessee", and last but not least, Kentucky Rain.

http://kalaniosullivan.com/OsanAB/Pics/ProtestCampHumphreys10Jul2005j.jpg

[utmom2008]

And this after a combination of "An American Trilogy", "Proud Mary", a rare live performance of "Memphis, Tennessee", and last but not least, Kentucky Rain.

http://kalaniosullivan.com/OsanAB/Pics/ProtestCampHumphreys10Jul2005j.jpg

:lmfao: :lmfao: :lmfao: :lmfao: :lmfao:


(y) (y) (y) (y) (y)

[TotallyInsane]

Man, I sure am glad I missed those concerts!! Those people were serious about their music!!

[Diane]

Man, I sure am glad I missed those concerts!! Those people were serious about their music!!

You and me both. :lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:

Diane

[Trelane P]

This should have been the track list (in no particular order) of Elvis From Memphis album:

Wearing That Loved On Look
Stranger In My Own Hometown
Rubberneckin'
Any Day Now
Gentle On My Mind
Suspicious Minds
Long Black Limousine
Only The Strong Survive
I'm Movin' On
In The Ghetto
Kentucky Rain
From A Jack To A King
Power Of My Love

[KPM]

Here is the review for FEIM in the listing of the top 500 albums in Rolling Stone:

"I had to leave town for a little while," Presley sings in the first track. Along with his 1968 TV special, this record announced he was back. Cut at Chips Moman's American Studios, it is little short of astounding. With help from a crack crew of Memphis musicians, Presley masterfully tackles quality material from country ("I'm Movin' On"), gospel ("Long Black Limousine"), soul ("Only the Strong Survive") and pop ("Any Day Now") as well as message songs ("In the Ghetto"). The same sessions also yielded one of Presley's greatest singles, the towering pop-soul masterpiece "Suspicious Minds."

[KPM]

Here is the Rolling Stone review for FEIM from 1969:
The Review :
- Elvis and Memphis have changed, along with everything else. Country music has been polysyllabized, and rhythm and blues, which was once just that, has long since dropped the blues from its make-up. When Elvis was in high school he could have heard Muddy Waters' "Long Distance Call" or "Honey Bee" as popular new releases, Sonny Boy Williamson's "Don't Start Me to Talkin" came out at just about the same time as Elvis' own first song. Sam Phillips, Elvis' discoverer, had in the course of just a few years recorded Howlin' Wolf, Bobby Bland, little Junior Parker, Johnny Ace and B.B. King, all for the first time. Some records has been leased; others had appeared on his own Sun label. There was a relaxed interplay - musical and probably social - between white and black that was the product as much naivete as of conscious commercial exploitation.
When Elvis first recorded fifteen years ago there was no name for the kind of music he was playing. It was just the sort of thing you heard at roadhouses and country fairs all through Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee. Country singers like Sonny Burgess were known for raucous blues like "Red Headed Woman" and Harmonica Frank, The Great Medical Menagerist recorded by Phillips, was popular for his blues and novelty numbers. All of this was at Elvis' fingertips, and he couls sing Arthur Crudup's "That's All Right" as naturally as "Isle of broken Dreams" or "My Happiness" (the song he originally paid to record for his mothers birthday).

Elvis' first commercial release, Crudup's blues backed by Bill Monroe bluegrass tune, changes everything. For one thing, it changed Sun Records. From a white-owned Blues label which might have given the Chess brothers (to whom much of Phillips' material was leased) stiff competition Sun became first the harbinger and then the king of the new rockabilly sound. It's generally been assumed that the phenomenal commercial success of this music reflected a correspondent deterioration in quality, but I think that it in reality no such decline took place. In just three years Phillips put together a list that could rival that of another recording company in any other field. There was room for the talents of artists as diverese as Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Charlie Rich, Billy Riley, Warren Smith, Johnny Cash, and Elvis himself, and really the only conclusion to which we are led is that Phillips was a man of exceptional and wide-ranging musical taste who possessed extraordinary abilities as a producer.



Elvis with Sam Phillips


Dewey Phillips, a popular Memphis DJ with a big rhythm and blues following, broke Elvis' song on the radio, and according to legend the station was flooed with calls demanding that song to be played over and over again. Elvis himself hid out in a movie theatre and at last appeared at Dewy Phillips' radio show to quiet the puplis uproar, and, at Phillips' prodding, to give assurence(in order to authenticate his color) that it was indeed all-white Humes High School that hids has attended. We listen to these accounts not with disbelief but with a kind of in comprehension, unable to imagine so electrifing a triumph, unable to recapture so revolutionary a moment. In those days Sonny Boy Williamson was on the radio broadcasting from West Helena, Arkansas with his King Biscuit Boys, who sometimes included Elmore James and B.B. King. Rufus "Bear Cat" Thomas, the novelty blues singer, was a regular DJ on WDIA - as he remains today - and it was just a couple of years before that Howlin' Wolf left his job at KWEM and went north to Chicago after five years of spinning records and selling fertilizer. It seems in retrospect like such a faboulous time - yet many of these same singers are still around, and Elvis is still on top. The new album is great. I think it is flatly and unequivocally the equal of anything he has ever done. If it were made up only of its weakest elements it wouls still be a good record and one that would fulfill in many ways all the expectations we might have of Elvis.

"In the Ghetto",a hit big enough to substantiate Elvis' continued popularity, is for all its lush orchestration convincingly sung and pjhrased with sensitivity. It substantiates as well the whole liberal complex we grafted onto Elvis in adopting him for our hero, and despite a message fuzzy enough to allow the song considerable C&W popularity it gives us a statement as explicit as any we are ever likely to get. "Only The Strong Survive", while a little stiff and thightly sung, is a creditable soul offering, and even "Any Day Now" is palatable enough in this vein. Finally "Gentle On My Mind" offers us Elvis in the new mod buckskin image of country music, as he triumphs forcefully over the banality of the lyrics with the willingness to use dramatics, even at the risk of seeming melodramatic, and all this on a song that has previously been the property of singers like Glen Campbell and Bobby Goldsboro.

On top in the late 60's


Most striking are the powerful evocations of an earlier style with "Power of My Love", a tough blues with a popular bridge, and "After Loving You", a stammered blues ballad very much like "One Night". Both have basic rock and roll accompaniment, both are marked by the boastful sexual swagger of the earlier days, and "After Loving You" is highlighted by what sounds like Elvis' own lowdown guitar (with the same runs that brought cries of "Play it dirty, play it dirty" on the TV special). "True Love Travels On A Gravel Road" gives us a well-written love ballad, eerily updated with scarcely a hint of the anachronistic style of "Love Me", "Love Me Tender", and "Loving You". It's put across in Elvis' best genteel manner, offering a glimpse af real sophistication while ar the same time "It Keeps Right on A-Hurtin'" and "Movin' On" are masterful reminders of country and western roots. "It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'" showscases fine Jerry Lee Lewis-styled country piano, and "Movin' On", Hank Snow' driving classic, complete with whinning steel guitar, is nicely understated by Elvis' normally extravagant voice. Both cuts are marked by the same sensible arrangements which distinguish the greater part of the album, and both are vivid, highly successful performances.
All of this is merely confirmation of what we already knew about Elvis, through. What is new, and what is obvious from the first notes of the record, is the evident passion which Elvis has invested in this music and at the same time the risk he has taken in doing so. From the hoarse shout that opens the album to the hit song that closes it, it seems clear- as indeed it was clear on the TV special - that Elvis is trying, and trying very hard, to please us. he needs to have our attention, and it comes as something of a shock to discover that a hero whom we had set up to feel only existential scorn, a hero who was characterized by a frozen sneer and a look of sullen discontent should need us in the end. It is his involvement after all which comes as the surprise.


Many of the songs take their inspiration from gospel stylings. "Wearin' That Loved On Look" is very much in the gospel idiom, for example, with its strained hoarse vocal, ethereal female chorus, and the almost classic piano break in the middle. Both "Power of My Love" and "After Loving You" are sung with unmistakable feeling, with "After Loving You" in particular notable for its staggered gospel-type phrasing. Even the soul ballads, "Only the Strong Survive" and "Any Day Now", present an unashamed emotionalism that few of Elvis' golden hits would admit to achieve a kind of tension at least that is singularly absent from the earlier songs. But it is "Long Black Limousine" and "I'll Hold You in My Heart" whick mark the high point og the album and indeed may mark the high point of Elvis' career to date. "Long Black Limousine" is the almostquintessential C&W ballad, whose melody bears traces of such mournful standards as "Old Shep" and "Green, Green Grass of Home". It tells the classic story of the country girl who goes to the city in search of riches, only to be corrupted by city ways:


When you left you know you told me
that someday you'd be returning
In a fancy car for all the town to see
Well now, everyone is watching you,
you've finally had your dream
And you're riding in a long black limousine
Ordinarily songs like this will be treated as a kind of grim cautionary tale, delivered in a flat unadorned voice with simple sentimental country backing. Here the accompaniment is ornamented with bells, horns, and female choir, but it is Elvis' voice upon which the words depend for their dramatic effect. In a departure quite uncharacteristic of country music, there is a feirce, almost shocked indignation in the voice, and the passionate intensity of Elvis' voice transforms a fairly ordinary song into a vehicle for savage social protest.


8. june 1968 at the gates of Graceland


"I'll Hold You In My Heart (Till I Can Hold In My Arms)", an Eddy Arnold composition, is a simpler kind of song and a simpler kind of message. Here Elvis dispenses with words almost altogether, the arrangement is just country-gospel piano, stong supporting guitar, organ, and rhythm, and the message consists only of one or two verses repeated hypnotically over and over. The effect is allenveloping, though, and nothing could better exemplify the absorbing character of Elvis' unique and moving style. At the same time nothing could more effectively defy description, for there is nothing to the song expect a haunting, almost painful emotionalism. It goes on and on , long past the point where you would think it might logically have stpped as Elvis himself is seemingly caught up in the mesmerizing effect of words and rhythm until he is lost in the song, using the dynamics of his voice to marvelous effect, calling up an aching vulnerability which he has never before exposed. He doesn't let go of the song until he has wrung every last ounce of feeling from it, and listening to this performance is an absorbing, emotionally riveting experince. Elvis has never sung better. And yet it's still not the same. There is that unavoidable tightness in his voice. For a moment we lose sight in "I'll Hold You In My Heart", but it's a function of knowledge as much as anything else. you can't recapture the innocent ease of those first sides, you can't recall the easy innocence of adulthood, whether for listener or for singer. What is so striking about the Sun sides, even today, fifteen years after their first release, is the freshness of style, their cleaness and enthusiasm. there is a total lack of pretentiousness in Scotty Moore's crisp lead guitar and in the easy swing of the combo. The sound is without affectation or clutter, and the songs - about equally didived between blues and country and mostly available on two RCA albums, A Date With Elvis (LPS 2011) and For LP Fans Only (LSP 1990) - are all of them timeless. most of all the voice, free of the mannerisms with which it has inevitably become infected, is joyously full of confidence and youthful vitality.

The first arrangement of "That's All Right", it is said, was worked out during a coffeebreak between takes of a ballad called "Without You". Really, all the early songs sound like some kind of inspired accident. It's as if some musicians got together and fooled arund to make music for themselves, and the result somehow found its way onto record. There's the unexpected falsetto and chuckle with which Little Junior Parker's "Mystery Train" trails off, the bubbly beginning to "Baby Let's Play House", and the too-perfect, beautiful slow take of Kokomo Arnold's "Milkcow Blues" when Elvis says, "Hold it, fellas. That don't move me. Let's get real, real gone for a change."


Well, he got gone. Sun sold his contract to RCA for $ 35.000

[ehollier]

Thanks Ken. I've read bits of these reviews before, but its great in its entirety.

[KPM]

Thanks Ken. I've read bits of these reviews before, but its great in its entirety.
I actually use to have a couple of books which had nothing but the Rolling Stone reviews going back to the start of Rolling Stone. I must have loaned the one with this review to a friend, and never got it back. But I found it on line and enjoyed rereading it all these years later.

[franny]

Liz, I was wondering where your thread went :lol: it was on page 2, already :supriced:

franny