Search - Elvis Presley :: Let's Be Friends (Reis)

One of Elvis' best Camden albums on CD for the first time!..

Michael Slater | Massapequa Park, NY United States | 11/07/2006

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I always liked this LP, because it included some un-released studio and soundtrack recordings that had never been released before this LP first appeared in 1970. However, there have been a few slight changes in the CD version, which were kind of dissapointing. The song "Mama", which is an out-take from Elvis' movie "Girls! Girls! Girls!, is not the 2:12 mono version from the original LP...it is the 58 second, stereo version that was first included on the "Double Features" series. This shorter version was probably included because of the better sound quality and the fact that it is in stereo, although the actual reason is not quite clear. The shorter version is actually the original, the way Elvis actually recorded it. The longer version is spliced from Elvis' version and the Amigios version, which was probably done at the same session. This is the version that was used in the film, and Elvis probably liked it enough to record a version of his own...probably as a tribute to his mother. It is also possible that it was originally intended for the film, but never used. The other change here is with the song "Let's Forget About The Stars". The version included on the CD is the same take as the one on the original LP...however, the LP version included a piano track that is missing from the CD. Again, the CD includes the stereo version that was included on the "Double Features" series, probably because the original LP included the song in mono. It's possible that the master, which included the over-dubbed piano track, has been lost. Still, this CD is not a complete dissapointment, because the versions of these two songs included here are still very good. My only complaint would be that this version of "Mama" is much too short, and this LP only included 9 songs and had a short running time to begin with. These original Camden albums on CD are selling for only about 5.99, so at least they are not over priced, which makes them well worth purchasing. Still, anyone who has waited for this CD to get the versions of these two songs as they were released on the LP will be a bit dissapointed."

Let's Be Friends

GEM | Minot, ND United States | 11/29/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As the above reviewer points out the first ever release of this Camden budget album on cd isn't exactly the original. Logical (if speculative) reasons are given for the changes. I, too, am disappointed that these changed happened, but I can live with them. I certainly wouldn't rate the cd 1 star because of them. The music that is here is fine.



As for the short running time: As has been mentioned this was originally a budget release. At the time of release of this album on vinyl in '70 you could buy it for around four dollars. Now more than 35 years later you can buy it on cd for about 6 dollars or less. You can't expect the label to lengthen this release just because the modern cd holds 80 minutes of music.



If you're new to Elvis' music this probably isn't the place to start your collection. But if you do you'll certainly be starting with music that isn't that well known to the "casual" fan such as yourself.



Come to think of it, maybe this and other Camden albums is a good place to start. You'll be hearing these songs with "fresh" ears. You'll hear some "new" music before your ears are bombarded with all the big hits that everybody is familar with.



If you, like me, had this album on vinyl way back when, buy the cd version and relive some great musical memories."

GREAT CD!

Luciana C. Ferreira | 08/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The CAMDEN SÉRIES are GREAT AND RARE CDS...GOOD IDEA The sony (bmg),release this "LOST" série to all fan's Elvis to complete our collection!

The Art Cover is Original (front cover), the Sound is Great!"