"The Memphis Sessions strips these landmark recordings bare of their orchestral and backing vocal tracks. The orchestration and additional vocals were added for commercial, not artistic reasons. With Elvis singing alone and backed by excellent session musicians well-versed in a variety of musical styles, the emotional impact and intimacy of these recordings is greater than on the original 1969 releases. Elvis sings with great range and passion and from his own experience of personal loss, without a hint of disingenuousness or overaffected phrasing. Today, people in the industry can't sing, can't write lyrics or compose music, can't play instruments, and have no rooting in classic music from the past that has stood the test of time. The MTVs, record companies, producers, and plastic performers have turned music into a medium of grating noises, sound processing, and commercialism. Despite the fact Elvis remains popular and was wildly popular, he actually made great music and could really sing. These are some of the best popular music sessions ever put on tape and stand in stark contrast to the banal display of talentless posers frequenting the airwaves today."
Gems from the King
Johnny Heering | Bethel, CT United States | 09/02/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of the best CDs released by Follow That Dream Records. It features outtakes from Elvis' American Studios recording sessions in 1969. These recordings are acknowledged as being among Elvis' best. This CD features alternate versions of Elvis classics like "Stranger In My Own Home Town", "In the Ghetto", "Suspicious Minds", "Long Black Limousine" and "Kentucky Rain". It's fascinating to hear early versions of these songs, without the horn, string and girl group overdubs the finished versions have. Recommended for all Elvis fans."
A Must Have !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Donald J. Perrotta | New Britain, Ct. United States | 02/25/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is without a doubt the real and true Elvis at his best...Get this CD and enjoy.!!"
Buy it!
John R. | Australia | 07/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a companion CD of unreleased takes to "Elvis In Memphis", "Back In Memphis", "The Memphis Record", and "Suspicious Minds" (2CD).
In addition, get "American Crown Jewels" (alternates), "Finding The Way Home" (2CD - more alternates)and "American Rejects" (again alternates). Essential."
Less is Best
John Williams | Princeton, wild, wonderful W. Virginia USA | 07/11/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is killer Elvis. Lean, Mean, & hungry for an album of hits after his movie era, this is the studio outakes, without overdubs and vocals. Plus it has been remastered for utimate sound. If you have great sound system then you need to hear this CD. It is the best of the 69 sound. Elvis warming up for S. Minds & and then a full take will melt you where you stand. You have got to hear this man's voice per modern remastering."
Track Listings (20) - Disc #1
