Elvis [Import]

But, when this album was released in the summer of '73, it only hit #50 on the charts! Why is that? Perhaps lack of promotion from RCA?

This album contains tracks recorded from 1971 to 1972 (one which is from a Las Vegas performance). All songs on this release have something to offer: "Fool" and "Where Do I Go From Here" are pleasant tunes that are decidedly "non-commercial" by Elvis standards.

"Love Me, Love the Life I Lead" is probably one of the most overlooked Elvis performances. He sings it tough, hitting lots of high notes and showing a lot of expressionism. A classic!

"It's Still Here", "I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen" and "I Will Be True" were all recorded alone in the studio with Elvis alone at the piano. Overdubbs were added later. These give you a feel of intimacy as Elvis sings his heart out.

"It's Impossible" is Elvis' cover of a Perry Como hit. It's probably the weakest track on the album, but weak doesn't necessarily mean BAD. It's just not my personal fave, that's all.

"For Lovin' Me" was recorded during Elvis' "folk music" period (when he also recorded "Early Morning Rain"). This is a nice cover of a song he heard Peter, Paul and Mary do.

"Padre" is a favorite song of Elvis' (as he mentions on the interview found on the "King of Rock and Roll-The Complete 50s Masters" box set. This is quite a performance, starting out calmly and leading up to a crescendo ending, as only Elvis could do.

"Don't Think Twice, It's Alright" is one of two Bob Dylan covers released during Elvis' lifetime (the other being "Tomorrow Is a Long Time", originally released as a 'bonus track' on the SPINOUT LP and later released on the "From Nashville To Memphis: The Essential 60s Masters"). This is a brief edit of a 10+ minute jam that Elvis and his band would sometimes evolve into. A longer version appears on the 70s box, and an even longer one is on the long out-of-print LP OUR MEMORIES OF ELVIS, VOLUME 2.

This is an album that really deserves another listen. Just because there are no hit songs on this album, that doesn't make it any less of an Elvis classic. In fact, it's his best release until PROMISED LAND.