Lonniebealestreet
04-26-2005, 10:44 AM
Does anyone here have info on the alternate takes of If You Talk In Your Sleep and Mr. Songman as heard on Bilko's Stax Trax? The rest of the album features master recordings with some channels removed, making for a tripped down sound like heard on the Our Memories of Elvis releases, but apparently those first two tracks are alternates. Which takes are they and have they been released elsewhere?
They both sound great to me, but If You Talk In Your Sleep is a particular standout. Elvis' vocal is a little more agressive--very powerful, and I enjoy that song so much more without the horns and what not. The released version, though I do like it, just always sounded a little cheesy to me...too overdone. It sounds like "caper" music; I feel like I'm watching Spider-Man or Batman and Robin. So when I first heard this version, I was blown away by Elvis' delivery--I love the way he basically yells, "...TALK in your sleep"--and the improved overall feel to the song. It's got a little more funk or soul to it and sounds "Staxier" than the finished product did.
I've had this recording for some time, but it's on my mind now because any day I expect to receive a copy of the LP in the mail. Before I didn't know that it featured different cover art, with a less era-appropriate photo, than what's on the CD. Have a look.
They both sound great to me, but If You Talk In Your Sleep is a particular standout. Elvis' vocal is a little more agressive--very powerful, and I enjoy that song so much more without the horns and what not. The released version, though I do like it, just always sounded a little cheesy to me...too overdone. It sounds like "caper" music; I feel like I'm watching Spider-Man or Batman and Robin. So when I first heard this version, I was blown away by Elvis' delivery--I love the way he basically yells, "...TALK in your sleep"--and the improved overall feel to the song. It's got a little more funk or soul to it and sounds "Staxier" than the finished product did.
I've had this recording for some time, but it's on my mind now because any day I expect to receive a copy of the LP in the mail. Before I didn't know that it featured different cover art, with a less era-appropriate photo, than what's on the CD. Have a look.