STAX Studios Memphis

[Trev1]

I was in Memphis last year and visited RCA studio B, Nashville & and Sun Studios Memphis and it was awesome...(y) but I also visited STAX
studios (now in a very rough area of Memphis) and done the tour but
nowhere did it mention that Elvis had some recording sessions there.
Most of the tour concentrated on other artists that recorded there like
Issac Hayes, Otis Redding and Booket T and The MGs........

now I know that these artists probably recorded more there than Elvis
but wasnt even a mention of Elvis....tis would have been good if I knew
it cause just to know that Elvis walked and breathed in thats studio too
would have been special for me as an Elvis fan :notworthy
(I never found out Elvis recorded there only a few days ago)

My memory though is the saddness of who rough and rundown the area
surrounding the STAX studios is. I kept thinking to myself that the
president (Bush at the time) should come around and have a look at
'the american dream'!

[Polk-Salad-Annie]

I was in Memphis last year and visited RCA studio B, Nashville & and Sun Studios Memphis and it was awesome...(y) but I also visited STAX
studios (now in a very rough area of Memphis) and done the tour but
nowhere did it mention that Elvis had some recording sessions there.
Most of the tour concentrated on other artists that recorded there like
Issac Hayes, Otis Redding and Booket T and The MGs........

now I know that these artists probably recorded more there than Elvis
but wasnt even a mention of Elvis....tis would have been good if I knew
it cause just to know that Elvis walked and breathed in thats studio too
would have been special for me as an Elvis fan :notworthy
(I never found out Elvis recorded there only a few days ago)

My memory though is the saddness of who rough and rundown the area
surrounding the STAX studios is. I kept thinking to myself that the
president (Bush at the time) should come around and have a look at
'the american dream'!

The last time that is was there (August 2007) they did mention that Elvis recorded some songs there.
But you are right, they concentrated more on other artists that recorded there.
And it is sad to see the neighbourhood the way it is.:'(

[Jungleroom76]

There was talk of turning the STAX studio into a museum to showcase the history of the studio, wasn't there?? :hmm:

Wonder what happened to those plans...

TCB!
Mike

[Unchained Melody]

I'll always have a soft spot for the music Elvis recorded there at Stax Studio. Would be very cool if it did open as a museum.(y)

[Polk-Salad-Annie]

There was talk of turning the STAX studio into a museum to showcase the history of the studio, wasn't there?? :hmm:
Wonder what happened to those plans...
TCB!
Mike

Here is a link about the museum:

http://www.soulsvilleusa.com/explore-museum/

[Donut]

You are all confusing me :lol:. Isn't it already a museum? At least that's what I thought when I was there. The original STAX studio was demolished in the late 80's or it was my understanding...

[JDD]

You are all confusing me :lol:. Isn't it already a museum? At least that's what I thought when I was there. The original STAX studio was demolished in the late 80's or it was my understanding...

Correct on both , the original was torn down, and now is a replica/museum
though some of the foundation floor in the old studio section is still original (they claim) if someone wanted to imagine they walked in the same place.

Its really well done IMO. The history of Stax beyond even Elvis was fantastic.

[Jungleroom76]

Here is a link about the museum:

http://www.soulsvilleusa.com/explore-museum/

Thanks PSA!!! (y)

I thought there was a museum... ;)

TCB!
Mike

[Donut]

Correct on both , the original was torn down, and now is a replica/museum
though some of the floor in the old studio section is still original (they claim) if someone wanted to imagine they walked in the same place.

Its really well done IMO. The history of Stax beyond even Elvis was fantastic.

Thanks for the explanation JDD.

[JDD]

If you think the neighborhood is rough now you should see how it looked in the 1980s Here is a link to a photo I found in google images

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/2324952953_d7f2541107.jpg?v=0

its someone elses but you can see what it is and was. If you do a google search there is also at least one photo out there I remember of Elvis at Stax, or better yet maybe someone here in TCB worlds large collection of photos has it and they can point it out to anyone interested .

[TCB4ELVIS]

Funny, I remember reading that, that area was run down even when Elvis recorded there.
I read that they could hear the rats crawling around in the ceiling. The owner was trying to sell that building to me 11 years ago. Didn't Neil Diamond record the there too the same time Elvis was?

[TCB4ELVIS]

If you think the neighborhood is rough now you should see how it looked in the 1980s Here is a link to a photo I found in google images

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/2324952953_d7f2541107.jpg?v=0

its someone elses but you can see what it is and was. If you do a google search there is also at least one photo out there I remember of Elvis at Stax, or better yet maybe someone here in TCB worlds large collection of photos has it and they can point it out to anyone interested .

what a shame. Thanks for sharing that photo.

[Brian]

Funny, I remember reading that, that area was run down even when Elvis recorded there.
I read that they could hear the rats crawling around in the ceiling. The owner was trying to sell that building to me 11 years ago. Didn't Neil Diamond record the there too the same time Elvis was?

That was at American studio's not Stax

[TCB4ELVIS]

That was at American studio's not Stax

sorry about the mix up.

[Brian]

sorry about the mix up.

no big deal

[Getlo]

done the tour but nowhere did it mention that Elvis had some recording sessions there.

Why would they?

We talk about how Elvis "recorded at Stax" but he never really did. He merely used their studio space, without the traditional Stax sound and feel.

Many artists did this, and they cannot be considered part of the Stax work.

And, when all is said and done, neither can Elvis.

[KPM]

Why would they?

We talk about how Elvis "recorded at Stax" but he never really did. He merely used their studio space, without the traditional Stax sound and feel.

Many artists did this, and they cannot be considered part of the Stax work.

And, when all is said and done, neither can Elvis.
I agree, Stax was a soul and R&B studio and I think from what I have read about the Stax studio and its management-they do not feel that Elvis was in anyway a part of their history-he recorded there and thats how they feel.
Stax had huge hits from many stars and that is the heritage they want to have remembered.
Elvis is a part of the Sun Records history and the American Sound Studio in Memphis where the great 69 sessions took place-if he was not mentioned in these places that would be a different story.

[rocknroll]

Half his work at Stax is sub par, the rest, save for a couple of songs, was average at best.

[Brian]

I agree, Stax was a soul and R&B studio and I think from what I have read about the Stax studio and its management-they do not feel that Elvis was in anyway a part of their history-he recorded there and thats how they feel.
Stax had huge hits from many stars and that is the heritage they want to have remembered.
Elvis is a part of the Sun Records history and the American Sound Studio in Memphis where the great 69 sessions took place-if he was not mentioned in these places that would be a different story.

I understand what Getlo is saying, and pretty much agree with it

With the exception of a few tracks Elvis doesn't record the funky R&B stax was know for, but instead records country ballad material however he was a big recording star who recorded several country, easy listening, and pop chart hits there, and is also the most famous person to be associated with Memphis. You'd think Stax would make more than an occasional mention of Elvis recording there since he is so popular while at the same time could still focus more on Issac Hayes, Otis Redding, Booker T. and the MG's, Rufus Thomas etc.
I've read quite a bit about how the Beatles had planned on recording Revolver there but the plans fell through had that happened The Beatles would be mentioned a whole lot.
I wouldn't expect Revolver to have any R&B feel to it even if it had been recorded at Stax. The Beatles simply didn't record that type of music.
But of course I just know the Stax museum would be milking that association for all it's worth right now had it took place.

[Teddy]

I've read quite a bit about how the Beatles had planned on recording Revolver there but the plans fell through had that happened The Beatles would be mentioned a whole lot.
I wouldn't expect Revolver to have any R&B feel to it even if it had been recorded at Stax. The Beatles simply didn't record that type of music.


http://smiley.net.ru/entoth0675.gif (http://smiley.net.ru/entoth20.htm)The Beatles were constantly fantasizing about trying new studios because, despite their romantic association with Abbey Road, they often resented working there.
Apparently Elvis offered them the use of Graceland for the duration. According to Johnny Keyes, anyway.

[Getlo]

Apparently Elvis offered them the use of Graceland for the duration. According to Johnny Keyes, anyway.

Absolute rubbish. Bye Bye, Johnny ... :rolleyes:

[Trev1]

Elvis Presley is one of the Legend. The fact that he even recorded one
song in STAX is wroth a big mention in the tour IMO (y) Okay he didnt
record R&B stuff (tho Feelin' About You Baby is getting there) but still...
Completely disagree tho that he recorded all subpar songs at STAX.
Yes he recorded a few (see my marks below) but I count at least 6
classics IMO (8.5+/10).........:hmm:

So I really love the stuff he recorded at Stax Studios !!

Here are my favourites and marks out of 10:

Promised Land - 9.5/10
I've Got A Thing About You Baby - 9/10
My Boy - 9/10
It's Midnight - 9/10
Good Time Charlies Got The Blues - 9/10
Loving Arms - 8.5/10
Help Me - 8/10
If You Talk In Your Sleep - 8/10
Spanish Eyes - 8/10
She Wears My Ring - 7.5/10
Iv'e Got A Feeling in My Body - 7.5/10
Just A Little Bit - 7.5/10
Raised On Rock - 7.5/10
Thinking About You - 7/10
Mr Songman - 7/10
Your Loves Been A Long Time Coming - 7/10
Talk About The Good Times - 6.5/10
Its Different Now - 6.5/10
Take Good Care Of Her - 6/10
For Ol' Times Sake - 6/10
Love Song Of The Year - 6/10
Girl Of Mine - 5/10
Find Out Whats Happening - 5/10
Sweet Angeline - 5/10
If That Isnt Love - 5/10
Honky Tonk Angel - 5/10
Three Corn Patches - 4/10

Please let me know what you think of the above songs !! ..and my
marking....its just my opinion .....im sure there are Elvis fans out there
that like the songs I rated 5/10 :blink:

SIDENOTE: I could never understand some of the tracks selected for the essential
70s masters boxset..... I mean Three Corn patches, Find Out Whats Happening,
Take Good Care of Her and For Ol Tiems Sake...all average to poor... yet better quality
songs like Spanish Eyes, She Wears My Ring & Your Loves been a long time coming left
out......

[Trev1]

Half his work at Stax is sub par, the rest, save for a couple of songs, was average at best.

Your entitled to your opinion but that is totally not true. Absolutley not.
Please see a list of the songs he recorded there.....you have to admit there
are half a dozen classics :king:

[debtdbruno]

I love Honkey Tonk Angel....certainly wouldn't put it at the bottom

[Brian]

Your entitled to your opinion but that is totally not true. Absolutley not.
Please see a list of the songs he recorded there.....you have to admit there
are half a dozen classics :king:

It's his opinion.

opinion's can't be right or wrong they are true for whoever it is expressing them

If rocknroll feels most of Elvis work at Stax was subpar then to him it's true.

[Pacerstar]

Elvis Presley is one of the Legend. The fact that he even recorded one
song in STAX is wroth a big mention in the tour IMO (y) Okay he didnt
record R&B stuff (tho Feelin' About You Baby is getting there) but still...
Completely disagree tho that he recorded all subpar songs at STAX.
Yes he recorded a few (see my marks below) but I count at least 6
classics IMO (8.5+/10).........:hmm:

So I really love the stuff he recorded at Stax Studios !!

Here are my favourites and marks out of 10:

Promised Land - 9.5/10
I've Got A Thing About You Baby - 9/10
My Boy - 9/10
It's Midnight - 9/10
Good Time Charlies Got The Blues - 9/10
Loving Arms - 8.5/10
Help Me - 8/10
If You Talk In Your Sleep - 8/10
Spanish Eyes - 8/10
She Wears My Ring - 7.5/10
Iv'e Got A Feeling in My Body - 7.5/10
Just A Little Bit - 7.5/10
Raised On Rock - 7.5/10
Thinking About You - 7/10
Mr Songman - 7/10
Your Loves Been A Long Time Coming - 7/10
Talk About The Good Times - 6.5/10
Its Different Now - 6.5/10
Take Good Care Of Her - 6/10
For Ol' Times Sake - 6/10
Love Song Of The Year - 6/10
Girl Of Mine - 5/10
Find Out Whats Happening - 5/10
Sweet Angeline - 5/10
If That Isnt Love - 5/10
Honky Tonk Angel - 5/10
Three Corn Patches - 4/10

Please let me know what you think of the above songs !! ..and my
marking....its just my opinion .....im sure there are Elvis fans out there
that like the songs I rated 5/10 :blink:

SIDENOTE: I could never understand some of the tracks selected for the essential
70s masters boxset..... I mean Three Corn patches, Find Out Whats Happening,
Take Good Care of Her and For Ol Tiems Sake...all average to poor... yet better quality
songs like Spanish Eyes, She Wears My Ring & Your Loves been a long time coming left
out......

I will go with your rating on all but the following. I would rate these as follows:
Promised Land 10/10
Loving Arms 9/10
Spanish Eyes 9/10
Mr. Song Man 9.5/10
Talk About the Good Times 9/10
For Old Time's Sake 9/10
If That Isn't Love 10/10
Honky Tonk Angel 10/10
I am assuming that 10 is the highest rating.:D:D:D:D:D

[Trev1]

It's his opinion.

opinion's can't be right or wrong they are true for whoever it is expressing them

If rocknroll feels most of Elvis work at Stax was subpar then to him it's true.


Valid point, didnt mean to disrespect his opinion :blink:

[Trev1]

Pacerstart - thanks very much for your votes !
I have to admit I just listened to Spanish Eyes just now and
it is so well sung! Maybe more than what I marked it. If that isnt love is maybe okay
but I cant get into For Ol Times Sake - I much prefer 'Just For Old Times Sake' from the
sixties - different songs but easily mixed up !!!!!!!!!!


Please Anyone else any opinion on Elvis Stax songs ?

Feel free to gives your marks out of 10 :D

[Raised on Rock]

Elvis Presley is one of the Legend. The fact that he even recorded one
song in STAX is wroth a big mention in the tour IMO (y) Okay he didnt
record R&B stuff (tho Feelin' About You Baby is getting there) but still...
Completely disagree tho that he recorded all subpar songs at STAX.
Yes he recorded a few (see my marks below) but I count at least 6
classics IMO (8.5+/10).........:hmm:

So I really love the stuff he recorded at Stax Studios !!

Here are my favourites and marks out of 10:

Promised Land - 9.5/10
I've Got A Thing About You Baby - 9/10
My Boy - 9/10
It's Midnight - 9/10
Good Time Charlies Got The Blues - 9/10
Loving Arms - 8.5/10
Help Me - 8/10
If You Talk In Your Sleep - 8/10
Spanish Eyes - 8/10
She Wears My Ring - 7.5/10
Iv'e Got A Feeling in My Body - 7.5/10
Just A Little Bit - 7.5/10
Raised On Rock - 7.5/10
Thinking About You - 7/10
Mr Songman - 7/10
Your Loves Been A Long Time Coming - 7/10
Talk About The Good Times - 6.5/10
Its Different Now - 6.5/10
Take Good Care Of Her - 6/10
For Ol' Times Sake - 6/10
Love Song Of The Year - 6/10
Girl Of Mine - 5/10
Find Out Whats Happening - 5/10
Sweet Angeline - 5/10
If That Isnt Love - 5/10
Honky Tonk Angel - 5/10
Three Corn Patches - 4/10

Please let me know what you think of the above songs !! ..and my
marking....its just my opinion .....im sure there are Elvis fans out there
that like the songs I rated 5/10 :blink:

SIDENOTE: I could never understand some of the tracks selected for the essential
70s masters boxset..... I mean Three Corn patches, Find Out Whats Happening,
Take Good Care of Her and For Ol Tiems Sake...all average to poor... yet better quality
songs like Spanish Eyes, She Wears My Ring & Your Loves been a long time coming left
out......

I do agree on this: Half of the stuff he recorded at Stax Studios is underrated, there is actually an amount of good recordings coming out from there. Sure there was crap too, but there was crap also coming from the Nashville sessions and even from American. I guess shit just happens and RCA never get that not everything recorded was to be released.

On the other hand, when Elvis went to American Sound Studios in '69, he did used the house band, he worked under directions of the studio producer, he recorded stuff that Chips suggested, and most important of all, he was aiming at that particular studio sound, and he achieved it. Same happened in Nashville.

When Elvis went to Stax in '73, he did not used the house band, he brought his Nashville producer and sound engineers, and he didn't seemed to be aiming at the house sound at all.

Sure, some of the recordings he made at Stax had a soulish edge that is not present on his recordings at Nashville (although they are not exactly soul or R&B records at all), but that has much more to do with what he wanted to do, and the fact that some of the guys from the American sessions where there, but that sound could have come from any studio, it was not the Stax trademark sound, as it was the American sound in '69, or the Sun sound back in the 50's. So no I don't see anything wrong really if they omit Elvis on the list. There where many other artists from different labels that as Elvis just rented some studio time, but they were not to use the musicians or producers to get that sound, and so they are not listed as their heritage, cause, well they are not. ELVIS DID NOT CONTRIBUTE A THING TO STAX STUDIOS LEGEND, NEITHER STAX STUDIOS DID ANYTHING FOR ELVIS. Preslet did quite a bit for American, Sun and Nashville B heritage, as much as those studios sound benefited Elvis.

One thing Im not sure and I would like to bring it out if anyone have a reasonable answer, if Elvis was not aiming at the Stax sound and bringing in Felton and most of the guys from Nashville and the TCB Band, why he went to Stax and not the usual Nashville or Sunset? (where sessions from '72 and '75 took place)

[Trev1]

Raised on Rock - yeah it would have been interesting to see Elvis use the
house band which were Booker T and the MGs along with Issac Hayes.....
all deadly musicians ..... the tune Green Onions is classic. I like Issac
Hayes solo too, even later stuff (Choclate Salty Balls :P)

Just out of interest can you give you review of each songs ?

[Raised on Rock]

Sure thing, here is mine:

Promised Land - 10/10 (Presley greatest rocker from the 70's period)

I've Got A Thing About You Baby - 19.5/10 (love the intro and feeling on this)

My Boy - 7.5/10 (Great performance but a little overdramatic, enough of that with the '72 Separate Ways or Fool)

It's Midnight - 7.5/10 (This track is overated, Presley quit the drama)

Good Time Charlies Got The Blues - 8.5/10 (The undubbed take may got a 9)

Loving Arms - 8.5/10 (Presley vocals are superb on this one, the undubbed may get a 10. What the F"#$ with all those string on a simple country tune, they were logical on My Boy but here? Anyway, love the double bass trick.)

Help Me - 8/10

If You Talk In Your Sleep - 8.5/10 (It made good on the charts for that period on Elvis career, not a classic of his entire songbook, but it is from his last period.)

Spanish Eyes - 6.5/10
She Wears My Ring - 6/10 (This and the above could have been Ok as surprises on the Elvis Aron Presley box set. YES, as unreleased material.)

Iv'e Got A Feeling in My Body - 8.5/10 (Too dated to me, but when you compare it with stuff from that same period like '74 Lennon's Whatever Get You To the Night, it actually sounds superior.)

Just A Little Bit - 9/10 (Even if Elvis voice sounds a bit flat and the guy sounds sleepy, James Burton guitar licks makes of this track a must for 70's Presley rockers. The common trick to speed it up the tape a just a little bit, may have worked here.)

Raised On Rock - 7.5/10 (Just like the title lol, but yes the song is forgettable and Elvis sounds like he gives a shit really)

Thinking About You - 9.5/10 ( Great performance, no way man you giving less than 8 to this one, this is one of those in the line of stuff like You'll Think Of Me from American days, it beats anything from Dylan's same year Planet Waves, James Burton indeed sounds a bit like The Band's Robbie Robertson, but as it is, being born in Louisiana, not in Toronto. A total underrated and unknown Presley track)

Mr Songman - 7/10

Your Loves Been A Long Time Coming - 8/10 (Sounds better without the overdubbs right?)

Talk About The Good Times - 8.5/10 (Sounds like the stuff The Killer was recording at the time)

Its Different Now - 6.5/10 (Well this was not even released, just a studio run on a song, so...)

Take Good Care Of Her - 6/10 (The undubbed track might get a 7.5 from me)

For Ol' Times Sake - 6/10 (Elvis voice sound like its about to crack, but it is a song to make your heart crack, and I love the guitar fills so, i´ll give it, yes, and 8)

Love Song Of The Year - 5/10 (No point on this song)

Girl Of Mine - 6/10 (Well from 5 to 6 is not really disagreeing)

Find Out Whats Happening - 8/10 (I like the funky groove and as you can tell by now, Im a James Burton fan almost as much as a fan for Elvis singing, and James does it well on this one so I actually like this one.)

Sweet Angeline - 3/10 (Sounds like Elvis castrated at 74, no offense. And what with all those choirs and strings.)

If That Isnt Love - 8/10 (This IS a good country gospel performance)

Honky Tonk Angel - 7.5/10 (Again I might give it an 8 to the undubbed take)

Three Corn Patches - 2/10 (It could have been cool as a filler on an 80's box set of unreleased crap)

[Pacerstar]

Pacerstart - thanks very much for your votes !
I have to admit I just listened to Spanish Eyes just now and
it is so well sung! Maybe more than what I marked it. If that isnt love is maybe okay
but I cant get into For Ol Times Sake - I much prefer 'Just For Old Times Sake' from the
sixties - different songs but easily mixed up !!!!!!!!!!


Please Anyone else any opinion on Elvis Stax songs ?

Feel free to gives your marks out of 10 :D

:blush::blush:I'm sorry. I didn't realize there were two different songs on
Old Time Sake. I will have to listen to both of them and then decide how I
would rate them. Thanks for letting me know.:D:D

[Brian]

One thing Im not sure and I would like to bring it out if anyone have a reasonable answer, if Elvis was not aiming at the Stax sound and bringing in Felton and most of the guys from Nashville and the TCB Band, why he went to Stax and not the usual Nashville or Sunset? (where sessions from '72 and '75 took place)

Marty Lacker who set up the American Sessions for Elvis in 1969 also set up the Stax sessions of 73.

According to Marty he and Elvis were out by the pool one day when Elvis told him that RCA and the Colonel were hounding him to record so he told Marty to set up a recording session for him in Memphis because he didn't want to have to travel anywhere and that he didn't care which studio it was because he was just going to record to honor his recording contract.
Marty says he chose Stax because of the excellent security and high fence.

[Brian]

Raised on Rock - yeah it would have been interesting to see Elvis use the
house band which were Booker T and the MGs along with Issac Hayes.....
all deadly musicians ..... the tune Green Onions is classic. I like Issac
Hayes solo too, even later stuff (Choclate Salty Balls :P)



Elvis did use some of the Stax band by the time of his sessions there Booker T. had moved out to L.A. and Steve Cropper had also left to open his own studio across town TMI Studio's.

in July of 73 Elvis was backed by Stax musicians Al Jackson Jr., Donald Dunn, and Bobby Manuel.
with musicians from American studio's Bobby Wood, Tommy Cogbill and Reggie Young along with James Burton.

In Rob Bowman's book Soulsville U.S.A. The History of Stax Records it has a couple of pages devoted to Elvis sessions where Donald Dunn and Bobby Manuel talk about how excited they were to have Elvis record there thinking he was going to do some Stax styled songs or Otis Redding stuff but were disappointed by his attitude and him doing what they describe as goofy pop songs. They decided to leave after a few nights.
A shame really as Elvis should've used the Stax engineers, producers, staff songwriters and used his great band that he had to their full potential as he could've reinvented himself and his sound again but didn't.

Having said that I do believe Elvis Stax sessions are underrated as some good material came out of there after the Nashville 1970 Sessions it was the best recording sessions he did in the 70's imo.

[Trev1]

Wasn't Donald Dunn the Bass Player for Booker T & The MGs???

Brian I agree with you, would have love to seen Elvis take on 2 of STAXs
other famous songs - 'Dock Of The Bay' & 'Soul Man'... with the voice that
Elvis had and if he put his mind to it, I reckon he could have pulled off 2 top
notch cover version (y)

[Trev1]

Anyone else with any REVIEWS or OPINIONS on the songs Elvis
recorded at STAX? (im really enjoying reading your views !!)

[Brian]

Wasn't Donald Dunn the Bass Player for Booker T & The MGs???

Brian I agree with you, would have love to seen Elvis take on 2 of STAXs
other famous songs - 'Dock Of The Bay' & 'Soul Man'... with the voice that
Elvis had and if he put his mind to it, I reckon he could have pulled off 2 top
notch cover version (y)

Yes, Donald Dunn was the bass player for Booker T. and the Mg's
that's what I meant by saying that Elvis did use members of Stax's house band the one's that were still there.

I think it would've been even better if Elvis had gotten people like Issac Hayes, Dave Porter, Homer Banks, William Bell etc. to write some Stax type R&B songs specifically for him.

[Brian]

Anyone else with any REVIEWS or OPINIONS on the songs Elvis
recorded at STAX? (im really enjoying reading your views !!)

Sure

From the July session Elvis was in weak voice and most of the songs are terrible. The exceptions are ''If you don't come back'', ''Find out what's happening'', ''I've got a thing about you baby'' and For ol times sake.
I have gained new respect for the song Raised on Rock after hearing Mark James demo on Writing for the King but the song still isn't great.
The best songs from these sessions were the two Tony Joe White tunes.
Find out what's happening is a cool funky rocker and the song Just a little bit could've been good if Elvis was more committed to it.

From the December sessions things are much better in terms of material and voice. standouts include Promised Land, Loving Arms, help me, good time Charlie's got the blues, Honkytonk Angel, If you talk in your sleep, Talk about the good times and I got a feeling in my body.
These were all good songs the standout for me would be I got a feeling in my body because it's a different type of song for Elvis. I would describe it as him doing a Curtis Mayfield Surperfly song.
I also like the funky creepy sounding Red West song ''If you talk in your sleep''
Honkytonk Angel and lovin arms are 2 great country performances.

[rocknroll]

Your entitled to your opinion but that is totally not true. Absolutley not.
Please see a list of the songs he recorded there.....you have to admit there
are half a dozen classics :king:

Classics? No. He recorded half a dozen good songs there, with Promised Land maybe approaching classic status. The summer sessions were well below standard. You are generous, but I'll stand by my statement.

[rocknroll]

Elvis did use some of the Stax band by the time of his sessions there Booker T. had moved out to L.A. and Steve Cropper had also left to open his own studio across town TMI Studio's.

in July of 73 Elvis was backed by Stax musicians Al Jackson Jr., Donald Dunn, and Bobby Manuel.
with musicians from American studio's Bobby Wood, Tommy Cogbill and Reggie Young along with James Burton.

In Rob Bowman's book Soulsville U.S.A. The History of Stax Records it has a couple of pages devoted to Elvis sessions where Donald Dunn and Bobby Manuel talk about how excited they were to have Elvis record there thinking he was going to do some Stax styled songs or Otis Redding stuff but were disappointed by his attitude and him doing what they describe as goofy pop songs. They decided to leave after a few nights.
A shame really as Elvis should've used the Stax engineers, producers, staff songwriters and used his great band that he had to their full potential as he could've reinvented himself and his sound again but didn't.

Having said that I do believe Elvis Stax sessions are underrated as some good material came out of there after the Nashville 1970 Sessions it was the best recording sessions he did in the 70's imo.

I believe Duck Dunn and Al Jackson overdubbed their instruments on one or 2 songs, after the fact. To say they backed Elvis on the sessions, I've seen nothing to back that up.

[Brian]

I believe Duck Dunn and Al Jackson overdubbed their instruments on one or 2 songs, after the fact. To say they backed Elvis on the sessions, I've seen nothing to back that up.

Well I have

[Raised on Rock]

Well I have

According to the session data on the 70's box set, yes, Bobby Manual (guitar), Johnny Christopher (guitar), Donald Dunn (Bass), and Al Jackson Drums), DID BACKED Elvis on July 24. The only songs they recorded was Girl of Mine and Sweet Angeline, a true disapointment. (I think but not sure they also provided backing for a couple of other tunes on the same line that Elvis didn't even minded to provide vocals for, Color my Rainbow and that stuff on FTD's Raised on Rock)

Regular TCB Band members James Burton, Reggie Young, Ronnie Tutt, plus American sessions Tommy Cogbill, Bobby Wood and Bobby Emons recorded with Elvis from the 21th to the 23th, because of previous engagements they had to leave, (except for Wood and Emmons) and so, the stax house band members mentioned above, provided backing. Elvis was in a *****y mood and as you said, Stax members were bored to dead, and so the session was called to an end.

Non Stax member participated on the December sessions.

It is odd anyhow to notice how the one session when Elvis used members from the stax house band provided the two less worthy pair of tacky tracks, while the stuff he recorded using the good old TCB band is much more soulful and funky: Find Out What's Happening, I Got a Thing About You... etc

[rocknroll]

According to the session data on the 70's box set, yes, Bobby Manual (guitar), Johnny Christopher (guitar), Donald Dunn (Bass), and Al Jackson Drums), DID BACKED Elvis on July 24. The only songs they recorded was Girl of Mine and Sweet Angeline, a true disapointment. (I think but not sure they also provided backing for a couple of other tunes on the same line that Elvis didn't even minded to provide vocals for, Color my Rainbow and that stuff on FTD's Raised on Rock)

Regular TCB Band members James Burton, Reggie Young, Ronnie Tutt, plus American sessions Tommy Cogbill, Bobby Wood and Bobby Emons recorded with Elvis from the 21th to the 23th, because of previous engagements they had to leave, (except for Wood and Emmons) and so, the stax house band members mentioned above, provided backing. Elvis was in a *****y mood and as you said, Stax members were bored to dead, and so the session was called to an end.

Non Stax member participated on the December sessions.

It is odd anyhow to notice how the one session when Elvis used members from the stax house band provided the two less worthy pair of tacky tracks, while the stuff he recorded using the good old TCB band is much more soulful and funky: Find Out What's Happening, I Got a Thing About You... etc

This sounds closer to the truth. I'm going by memory here. Certainly, over two different sessions and a couple dozen songs recorded, it is stretching it a little to say the Stax band backed him when they were only on a couple of songs.

[KPM]

I understand what Getlo is saying, and pretty much agree with it

With the exception of a few tracks Elvis doesn't record the funky R&B stax was know for, but instead records country ballad material however he was a big recording star who recorded several country, easy listening, and pop chart hits there, and is also the most famous person to be associated with Memphis. You'd think Stax would make more than an occasional mention of Elvis recording there since he is so popular while at the same time could still focus more on Issac Hayes, Otis Redding, Booker T. and the MG's, Rufus Thomas etc.
I've read quite a bit about how the Beatles had planned on recording Revolver there but the plans fell through had that happened The Beatles would be mentioned a whole lot.
I wouldn't expect Revolver to have any R&B feel to it even if it had been recorded at Stax. The Beatles simply didn't record that type of music.
But of course I just know the Stax museum would be milking that association for all it's worth right now had it took place.
I think that may be one of the reasons the Stax people-do not mention him-they may feel he gets huge amounts of mention everywhere else. Stax and its artists are also a part of Memphis history-and perhaps they want to be known mainly for the things which made them great which were the R&B hits and the soul music they produced without Elvis.
Elvis was the first to give others their due-so I do not think he would feel slighted by their lack of attention to him.

[Brian]

Certainly, over two different sessions and a couple dozen songs recorded, it is stretching it a little to say the Stax band backed him when they were only on a couple of songs.

No, it's not they either backed him or they didn't.
Since they did back him on a couple of songs it's worth noting.

[Brian]

I think that may be one of the reasons the Stax people-do not mention him-they may feel he gets huge amounts of mention everywhere else. Stax and its artists are also a part of Memphis history-and perhaps they want to be known mainly for the things which made them great which were the R&B hits and the soul music they produced without Elvis.
Elvis was the first to give others their due-so I do not think he would feel slighted by their lack of attention to him.

That is true

However I was just saying that I was surprised that STAX didn't mention him since he's so famous.
You'd think they would milk that association more to try and gain some extra attention for themselves but they don't.

[Raised on Rock]

That is true

However I was just saying that I was surprised that STAX didn't mention him since he's so famous.
You'd think they would milk that association more to try and gain some extra attention for themselves but they don't.

I tend to believe that that is exactly their intention, to get attention just for what they are and did.

If they start milking on Elvis fame, would be like saying that what Stax record did is not enough to justify the museum.

Anyway, Stax records once released an Elvis tribute album, its on the will of the great great blues man Albert King, who in 1970, recorded at Stax, what would became an album released same year under the name: "Blues for Elvis".

Wonder if Elvis ever got to hear that one.

[Brian]

I tend to believe that that is exactly their intention, to get attention just for what they are and did.

If they start milking on Elvis fame, would be like saying that what Stax record did is not enough to justify the museum.

Anyway, Stax records once released an Elvis tribute album, its on the will of the great great blues man Albert King, who in 1970, recorded at Stax, what would became an album released same year under the name: "Blues for Elvis".

Wonder if Elvis ever got to hear that one.

As I said on page 1 they could figure out a way to mention Elvis sessions there while at the same time focus a lot more of their attention on Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Issac Hayes, The Bar kays etc.
The Beatles had planned on recording Revolver there but those plans fell through.
I can just picture it in my mind now had the Beatles recorded Revolver there The people at the STAX museum would talk about the Beatle association until they were blue in the face.

[Raised on Rock]

As I said on page 1 they could figure out a way to mention Elvis sessions there while at the same time focus a lot more of their attention on Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Issac Hayes, The Bar kays etc.
The Beatles had planned on recording Revolver there but those plans fell through.
I can just picture it in my mind now had the Beatles recorded Revolver there The people at the STAX museum would talk about the Beatle association until they were blue in the face.

Well, maybe if Elvis had recorded something as transcendent to pop/rock music as Revolver during his Stax sessions in '73, just as it happened at Sun Studios in the mid 50's or at American Sound Studios in '69, they ought to be dedicating a whole area to Elvis. But Elvis sessions at Stax are of no real significance in Elvis career, needless to say in the course of music history.

[Brian]

Well, maybe if Elvis had recorded something as transcendent to pop/rock music as Revolver during his Stax sessions in '73, just as it happened at Sun Studios in the mid 50's or at American Sound Studios in '69, they ought to be dedicating a whole area to Elvis. But Elvis sessions at Stax are of no real significance in Elvis career, needless to say in the course of music history.

If the Beatles had recorded the type of things Elvis recorded there they would still get mentioned.
There is a Beatle bias that revovles around the baby boomer generation.

[Raised on Rock]

If the Beatles had recorded the type of things Elvis recorded there they would still get mentioned.
There is a Beatle bias that revovles around the baby boomer generation.

Although you are just implying, yes I know where you coming from, the only thing I could say is that lately baby boomers stuff is being relegated more and more as baby boomers stuff (old people stuff), and younger generations are less and less interested in hippy crap and more into real vintage rock and roll as this is now the real underground stuff in history, and Beatles, Woodstock, and other baby boomer stuff is getting more and more established as the blaa story to be told over and over (and now at the point of being reduced to videogame parafernalia) so...

Around here I've seen more and more teenagers with a big interest in rediscovering rockabilly and 50's music, than in phony 60's flower power or Rolling Stones (seen to them as multimillionaires has beens that provides rock music for the consume of their parents). If there is any interest in 60's music for them that would be on obscure garage bands and vintage soul music for a while.

It is time finally for the Woodstock generation to be the old farts, the laugh at of younger generations.

[Raised on Rock]

If the Beatles had recorded the type of things Elvis recorded there they would still get mentioned.
There is a Beatle bias that revovles around the baby boomer generation.

The thing is that the Beatles never recorded low points as lower as Elvis, that's why their career as a band is considered impeccable, and rarely a target of mockery, the odds are, impeccable in the same way Elvis one was considered until '61, which is actually the same amount of time, 7 years from '63 to '69, Elvis: '54 to '61.

Then if you analyze the careers of Lennon, Macca, Harrison and Ringo as solo artists, you will actually realize Presley career post '62 was much more successful than any of the other Bealtes careers during their first 15 years, being maybe McCartney pop efforts (criticized at the time) the only possible challenge to him. While Lennon´s political issues (so cool at the time) could be in 2009 quite more a target of mockery than Presley 70's jumpsuits.

Interesting would be to know how people will perceive all that 50 years from now, when everybody that was there when Presley Bealtes and all that happened, and might influence the media heavely with their generational preferences is long gone deep in the grave.