Your thoughts on the Elvis Now FTD Release

[Unchained Melody]

I was hoping to get some reviews on the latest FTD release Elvis Now. This has always been one of my favorite albums and wanted to know what the sound is like, on the masters, and the outtakes aswell before I go ahead and buy it this Friday from NDT!

Thanks!

[debtdbruno]

still waiting for mine.....................

[Unchained Melody]

Just curious Deb, where do you buy your FTD's from?

I chose NDT. Mainly because I've heard not so good things about shopelvis with the cardboard being bent etc, I just decided the extra couple of dollars would be worth getting the ftd's with no damage to the exterior.

[debtdbruno]

I'm in the UK

get them from http://www.essentialelvis.com/offers-followthatdream.php

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

I also get mine from Essential Elvis, I have got my copy.

The sound is crystal clear as usual. The album has always been a mixed bag for me, there are great songs like 'Early Morning Rain', 'Its Only Love' and then you have odd songs like 'Lady Madonna' & 'Hey Jude' The album is basically a rag tag of songs from 1969 - 1971 That said the quality is awesome and despite the mixed styles I like almost all the tracks.

The Second disk has the usual alternative takes, which for me are the best parts, any song that is stripped from dubbing is a bonus for me . I also enjoy hearing Elvis vocalise to get his wording precise. I love listening to the band warm up. Track 8 - It's Only Love is just awesome, at the end you hear Elvis say "It's Only Sex" Its nice to hear different takes on 'I'm leaving' at the end of takes 2 & 3 you hear Elvis say "Man it's tough, this thing is worth working on" showing Elvis was being push by the vocals.

I've said it before, listening to alternate takes without the strings and backing vocals is like listening to Elvis unplugged.

Overall worth buying just because you get clarity.

[Unchained Melody]

I also get mine from Essential Elvis, I have got my copy.

The sound is crystal clear as usual. The album has always been a mixed bag for me, there are great songs like 'Early Morning Rain', 'Its Only Love' and then you have odd songs like 'Lady Madonna' & 'Hey Jude' The album is basically a rag tag of songs from 1969 - 1971 That said the quality is awesome and despite the mixed styles I like almost all the tracks.

The Second disk has the usual alternative takes, which for me are the best parts, any song that is stripped from dubbing is a bonus for me . I also enjoy hearing Elvis vocalise to get his wording precise. I love listening to the band warm up. Track 8 - It's Only Love is just awesome, at the end you hear Elvis say "It's Only Sex" Its nice to hear different takes on 'I'm leaving' at the end of takes 2 & 3 you hear Elvis say "Man it's tough, this thing is worth working on" showing Elvis was being push by the vocals.

I've said it before, listening to alternate takes without the strings and backing vocals is like listening to Elvis unplugged.

Overall worth buying just because you get clarity.

Nice "mini" review there Matt thanks!

Ordering mine in just a few minutes, but from Now Dig This. I am excited. Wish there were more outtakes of songs like We Can Make The Morning, its one of my favorites!

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

P.S. Standing Room Only is A.W.E.S.O.M.E.

[Unchained Melody]

P.S. Standing Room Only is A.W.E.S.O.M.E.

Was looking at the track listing for that Matt after I saw your post, see alot of songs that I am a huge fan of on there, definitley on the to get list, but for some reason, want to go for NOW first :D

[my boy]

SRO is awesome! Maybe even better than the NOW FTD – grab the vinyl version while you can it's truly awesome!!!

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Ahhh the slight crackle as the needle caresses vinyl.... :D

[Unchained Melody]

Would be pointless for me to get the vinyl besides from a collectors stand point, as I don't have a record player unfortunatley.

They do look tempting though.

[Unchained Melody]

Right now I am listening to the Elvis now album from the 50 Cd Collection and was wondering why in then world is Hey Jude included on this '71 album.

I thought this was recorded in 1969, I know it was performed live in concert in 1969 so why put it on this...just a filler?

[Jungleroom76]

I also get mine from Essential Elvis, I have got my copy.

The sound is crystal clear as usual. The album has always been a mixed bag for me, there are great songs like 'Early Morning Rain', 'Its Only Love' and then you have odd songs like 'Lady Madonna' & 'Hey Jude' The album is basically a rag tag of songs from 1969 - 1971 That said the quality is awesome and despite the mixed styles I like almost all the tracks.

The Second disk has the usual alternative takes, which for me are the best parts, any song that is stripped from dubbing is a bonus for me . I also enjoy hearing Elvis vocalise to get his wording precise. I love listening to the band warm up. Track 8 - It's Only Love is just awesome, at the end you hear Elvis say "It's Only Sex" Its nice to hear different takes on 'I'm leaving' at the end of takes 2 & 3 you hear Elvis say "Man it's tough, this thing is worth working on" showing Elvis was being push by the vocals.

I've said it before, listening to alternate takes without the strings and backing vocals is like listening to Elvis unplugged.

Overall worth buying just because you get clarity.

Thanks for the preview Matt!!! (y)

I haven't received my copy yet, but for some reason, I've always liked this album so I am anxious to receive my copy, especially now that I've read your review!! :D

TCB!
Mike

[Albert]

Waiting for mine, but i'm really looking forward to this one. Eventhough this album is a filled with left-overs, I consider it to be way (WAY!!!) better than Love Letters (that album was a joke, considered Elvis' strong comeback in 1969 and the tracks that have been recorded during 1969-1970).

[Unchained Melody]

Waiting for mine, but i'm really looking forward to this one. Eventhough this album is a filled with left-overs, I consider it to be way (WAY!!!) better than Love Letters (that album was a joke, considered Elvis' strong comeback in 1969 and the tracks that have been recorded during 1969-1970).

Even on weaker albums such as love letters, FTD can make these even subpar albums such as this a true gem with alternate takes etc included imo that can make for a delightful listen (y)

Hopefully my copy of NOW will be here sometime this coming week placed my order lastnight. :D

[See See Rider]

RECEIVED MINE LAST SATURDAY. ITS AWESOME I'VE PLAYED IT OVER FIVE TIMES NOW!

[Getlo]

A pointless release, just like the original album - designed just to throw together an overly-mixed bag of stuff.

Instead of wasting time on this, FTD should be working on Promised Land!!!

Pass on this one ...

[nolvis]

I love the song line-up(I love everything that Elvis sings!) and I can't wait to purchase this cd!!!!! The cover is awesome and I love all of the great avatars!!!!!

[Sonny]

I also have to say this one is worth your while. Very good sound and some good alternates!

[lvs2day]

i agree it's great release. and it was a great album for me i liked the mix bag i remember getting the album from ron d'ambra 's always ELVIS record club, he was always quick to get the latest ELVIS albums and this was a popular album amongst fans, i loved early morning rain and put your hand so now with the ftd release to be a fly on the wall and listen how this great wealth of tracks came together is fantastic and exciting all the same.

[U.S. Male]

Mine arrived in the mail yesterday, and I've got it blasting through my speakers as I type this.

So far, the sound quality is EXCELLENT! (y) Am listening to Takes 1,2, 9 of Early Morning Rain and it sounds fantastic. Too bad he cut 1 & 2 short, because they both start off with a slightly different arrangement (at least to my ears).

They also did a nice job on the artwork, and the booklet contains some very live photos from 1971 (a few of which I've never seen before :D )

If anyone hasn't purchased this one yet, I suggest you do - you won't be disappointed! :P (y)

[The Welz]

OK, let me start with the well known fact that ELVIS NOW could have been a better album, if the right songs from the 1971 sessions had been chosen. However, the record still contains some goodies like EARLY MORNING RAIN, PUT YOUR HAND IN THE HAND or WE CAN MAKE THE MORNING.

Unfortunately the outtakes -at least some of them- reveal a somewhat stoned sounding King and even being straight Elvis never reached the level on which he had delivered the year before. His voice sounded weaker in 1971 and his style of singing seemed to have changed a little, too.

Nevertheless I think that songs like HELP ME MAKE IT THROUGH THE NIGHT or UNTIL ITS TIME FOR YOU TO GO sound better without the overdubbs.

In all I'd say the release is a good one. Not because I like everything on it, but it's very well done by FTD. The Digi-pak looks great, the booklet is well done and Vic Anesini once again did a very good job on the remastering.

If you are into the CLASSIC ALBUMS like me this one is a must have. It may not be the King's best album, but you'll never get it in a better sound!

[my boy]

I've been playing "Now" non-stop lately in anticipation of the 'Fool" album because some of the tracks are duplicated. As a result it's becoming one of my favourite FTDs –– It's got a mellow feel that's simple gorgeous. "Until It's Time To Go's" simplicity and that great bass line opening, just gorgeous!

More highlights include: A long acoustic jam on Bob Dylan's , "Don't Think Twice It's Alright',great ballad "We Can Make The Morning" – underrated single, "It's Only Love" and a Beatles cover – "Lady Madonna" – short but sweet.

However, CD-2 is the real gem and there's plenty of outtakes here with, "It's Only Love" a highlight. Takes of Early 'Morning Rain' are enjoyable too.

Also there's a great take of 'Miracle Of the Rosary" with a pure, spot on vocal from Elvis that's simply devine!

There's so much to enjoy here and it's a real grower – roll on the FOOL FTD and more excellent listening.