After a 2-year stint in the military, Elvis returned with this very eclectic group of songs. The styles ranged from doo-wop to rock to jazz to gospel. The album was recorded over 2 sessions, one in Hollywood and one in Memphis. When Elvis first returned to the studio, several reps from RCA attended to make sure that he still "had it." They needn't have worried, as the three singles that were recorded in these sessions ("It's Now or Never," "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" and "Stuck On You") all topped the charts.However, due to contractual obligations (and Col. Tom Parker), none of those singles appeared on the original release of the LP. Elvis was only obligated to record 12 songs for the album, but the Memphis session turned into an all-night recording jam and they turned out 18 songs. Back then the charts were still very singles-based, so RCA felt no need to include the songs on the LP, since people were buying both anyway (mo' money).
I did enjoy this album a little more than Elvis Presley, if only for the very fun "Dirty, Dirty Feeling." And even though I much prefer the Peggy Lee version (or even the Madonna version), he does a fine cover of the very simple "Fever" (accompanied only by a bass and two percussionists).
Favorite Tracks: "Dirty, Dirty Feeling" "Fever" and "Such a Night"
No comments:
Post a Comment