Critics and music

I'm forever reading about Elvis--Guralnick and Jorgensen are some of my favorites lately.

But sometimes I read about how Elvis didn't perform well at a certain session or a certain song is weak and it turns out the songs they are referring are some of my favorites.

Rags to Riches, Tomorrow Never Comes were referred to as rushed through in what i was reading the other night and so often everything after '71 is dismissed. I love parts of moody Blue, Promised Land and I like the Memphis Concert LP better than any other live recording.

Can anyone relate?

I can definite relate to what your saying. Ill read a review or something about Elvis' music and they will criticize a song that I absolutely love or fail to mention what I think are the best songs on the album. Sometimes I just dont get it. I guess its a popular thing for critics to put his 70s music down. :angry:

I agree with you guys. Some critics get it but most don't. He had changes in his life and, consequently, his music changed. Styles were changing also of which Elvis was aware of. Some of what the critics have to say about the "later years" really irritates me. Some of his best work is from this time. He was the biggest star in the world then and with his incredible vocal talent, physical presence and looks, any change brought about a firestorm of criticism. Now, an artist gets older or heavier or their voices change and it's no big deal. (There are some Paul McCartney shows I can hardly watch because the voice is so different but I never heard any negative criticism from it. Same for the Rolling Stones, etc..)But Elvis was the biggest star and the first to really change. ( he didn't just resort to 50's nostalgia shows like some did) And he was criticised for it. Sure, there were songs that he didn't do to well, but as an overall whole, whether you liked the song or not, you had to admit that the guy could sing! He had the gift all the way to the end.

Yes I agree Menwithbrokenhearts,

The man could sing! Even until the end. You put it right. (y) Elvis will always be the one and only man with so much of everything. Looks, big voice, good personality and a leader in the way music got to be where it has gone. Without Elvis we can only imagine what might have been now with music. He made rock and roll (a whole new music). He was so talented, playing the piano, guitar, drums, accordion. He's the MAN. "Elvis Aaron Presley"

?Elvis is the greatest cultural force in the twentieth century. He introduced the beat to everything, music, language, clothes, it?s a whole new social revolution - the 60?s comes from it.?
Leonard Bernstein, 1960s.

Tommy :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tommy

Yes I agree Menwithbrokenhearts,

The man could sing! Even until the end. You put it right. (y) Elvis will always be the one and only man with so much of everything. Looks, big voice, good personality and a leader in the way music got to be where it has gone. Without Elvis we can only imagine what might have been now with music. He made rock and roll (a whole new music). He was so talented, playing the piano, guitar, drums, accordion. He's the MAN. "Elvis Aaron Presley"

?Elvis is the greatest cultural force in the twentieth century. He introduced the beat to everything, music, language, clothes, it?s a whole new social revolution - the 60?s comes from it.?
Leonard Bernstein, 1960s.

Tommy :)

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Thanks. And I love the quote! I've never heard or read that before.