50s, 60s or 70s What do you prefer?

[nashville cat]

I would probably go with the 70's, partly for the music and the attitude, but also because that era is so compelling. His singing was so filled with emotion and it's even more powerful when you know what he was going through as a person.

That being said, I think the 60's are highly underrated. He cut many, many classic songs during this period (aside from soundtracks). For instance, the songs found on the third disc of the 60's box always blow me away. "Western Union", "Long Lonely Highway", "Slowly But Surely", "It Hurts Me", etc. Most of these songs are completely overlooked. Not to mention the great tunes recorded in 1966, which was the beginning of the comeback, IMO. I think his music and voice was more consistent during the 60s. I really don't think he cut a bad song during that time (once again, aside from soundtracks), and his voice was just impeccable. There's more fire in the 50s, and more raw emotionon in the 70s - but the 60s is the most consistent as far as I'm concerned.

[JDD]

That being said, I think the 60's are highly underrated. He cut many, many classic songs during this period (aside from soundtracks). For instance, the songs found on the third disc of the 60's box always blow me away. "Western Union", "Long Lonely Highway", "Slowly But Surely", "It Hurts Me", etc. Most of these songs are completely overlooked. Not to mention the great tunes recorded in 1966, which was the beginning of the comeback, IMO. .

I agree with that. A lot of the 60s work gets slagged off as the "movie years" in almost a dismissive tone.

[STUD]

I was just thinking 'bout starting a poll about which of the 3 Elvises do you prefer, but then I thought I'd better do a search, and sure enough it's been done.

Interesting decision, and since the option is there, I'd have to vote for ALL of them (but the poll is closed, oh well). That said, if I had to pick one, I'd choose the '60s Elvis. I agree that much of his '60s material gets overlooked cuz of the campy movies, but the early '60s and late '60s recordings were awesome. And yes, some of the movie songs were good too. And the gospel was great too! I also think Elvis looked his best in the '60s, especially in the '68 Comeback.

All in all, if I had to rank the 3 Elvises, combining his looks, performance, and song quality, it would be IMO - 1)'60s, 2)'70s, 3)'50s. But ALL of them were great in their own way! It's funny, cuz it's like they're 3 different people.

[elvislady]

definatly the 70s for me he looked so good then.
elvislady

[Suspicious Minds]

I vote for the 70's because that's when I started buying Elvis records.

I also like the 50's and 60's.

[MickyG63]

I take Elvis as a whole. People choose the eras they like most usually because it's the era they lived through and therefore relate to it more, or because they can't associate with an era because it's just too far back in time. I think he brought something new to himself in all the eras. He couldn't have sung something like "hurt" in the '50s, but then again his '70s versions of his '50s stuff do not hold up against the originals.

Each era has a certain kind of atmophere - something in the ether if you like. When I listen to '50's music I want it to have that sound, that atmosphere. The same for the '60s & '70s. In other words my opinion of Elvis' look, sound of his voice, etc, is based on what attracts me to each respective era. That's why I take Elvis as a whole. Because that's what made him who he was. To leave out any one era does him a great disservice as an artist. There are great things to be found in all of them. There is as much greatness to be found in Elvis, Scotty & bill strapping their instruments to the top of their car and hitting the road - and in the proccess changing popular music and culture - as there is in any of the Vegas slickness & professionalism. As I said, each era has its merits.

[Wendy56]

Thanks for bringing back my thread! I do love all eras, but 50s have a especial place in my heart...

[rich]

The 70`s Long Live The King.

[goodelvisgirl]

well i love elvis from 68-77 but it would have to be the 70's cos of the songs that came out and ttwii elvis on tour aloha from hawaii were great dvd's the divorce all helped elvis make great music he sang for the love of music not just for the money the songs came from the heart and filled with soul

[Leroy]

I just prefer: Elvis!