Search - Elvis Presley :: Let Yourself Go: The Making of Elvis the Comeback

For Collectors: ***** / For Casual Fans **

Phil S. | USA | 11/24/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The packaging is exquisite, including the attractive framing of the songlist, but "Collectors" and "Casual Fans" beware: "Blue Moon", "Young Love", "Oh, Happy Day", probably the titles mostly likely to entice buyers are small fragments, not even long enough to be considered parts of a medley. The longtime Collector will get some enjoyment from "Blue Moon"; "Oh, Happy Day" doesn't sound like much more than the song title itself. It looks great in print, but for the uninitied it could be a serious disappointment.

Another title "I Found That Light" is not the "new" song buyers who are not familiar with Gospel music might expect. It's actually a medley element - "Up Above My Head" apparently should have been listed as "Up Above My Head"/"I Found That Light" on the original release. Having said that, it's still a stirring number.

Previously unreleased "Dressing Room" performances of "I Got A Woman" and "When It Rains, It Really Pours" are two of the most exciting things Elvis ever cut - and these tunes were for *personal reference*! For the serious fan/collector, these two tracks are worth the price of the whole CD.

Add "Memories" to that. It's an "alternate vocal" to the familiar music bed. The shoulda-been-number-one-Pop Valentine should be included in any future Presley collection where his "art" is the theme. It's quite an experience for a fan who values a tune over time, to be moved *again* by the same song (with a different "feel").

The CD title tune is another amazing alternate of the E.P. semi-hit from '68; the backing isn't as tight but the lead vocal is even stronger than on the TV Special remake. The famous B-side, "It Hurts Me", another shoulda-been, is at least as good as the original from the show (originally not included in the first two telecasts).

Most of the rest have their "moments" - the tracks are for those who just love to listen to Elvis. Example: an outtake of "Trouble" will leave you "Breathless"! JLL might agree!!"