Search - Elvis Presley :: Frankie & Johnny

A revisit of the New Orleans jazzy sound

Petter Sellers | 12/28/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Here we have Elvis present a new approach on the New Orleans sound, a far cry from "King Creole".

The title song, an old American classic, is actually given a powerful treatment and it holds pretty well on the top of the album.

Later on we receive songs that do not instigate any exciting listening experiences and the case is certainly made for "Petunia, the gardener's daughter". Still, the out-takes of even that tune provide a fresh look for avid collectors. A gypsy-like song by the name Chesay is sheer pleasure and is wonderfully mastered by Elvis. As far as the ballads go, in this album we are treated with more than the usual one or two. "Beginner's luck" and coming near the end strong and emotional "Please don't stop loving me" are real cult classics that command repeat performances.

Do listen to the overall out-takes because they vividly colorize the recording set and let you in the making process of the album.

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