Your thoughts on the Elvis Now FTD Release

[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! 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 )

If anyone hasn't purchased this one yet, I suggest you do - you won't be disappointed!

[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.