"Live At Massey Hall 1971" by NEIL YOUNG (March 2007 Reprise/Neil Young Archives (NYA) HDCD and DVD Reissue and Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...I'm Just Like You...

I Need Someone To Love Me...

...The Whole Day Through..." 

As a veteran of some 3700 reviews most of which are about quality CD reissues - I bow my head in shame on this one. I'll admit that "Live At Massey Hall 1971" slipped past my radar somehow. How did I not get to hear this absolute gem?

Firstly - as pointed out by many others - the audio quality on this release is just incredible.

Released March 2007 there’s two versions of "Live At Massey Hall 1971" by NEIL YOUNG - a stand-alone disc (67:38 minutes) on Reprise 9362-43328-2 (Barcode 093624332824) and this – the CD + DVD version on Reprise 9362-43327-2 (Barcode 093624332725). Both come in gatefold card sleeves.

Clear, warm, present – "Live At Massey Hall 1971" is like an ultra high-quality 90's or 00's 'unplugged' performance. Both JOHN NOWLAND and TIM MULLIGAN worked on the Restoration, Transfers and Mastering of the original Analogue tapes and they have produced what has to be a Grammy-winning result.

1. On The Way Home

2. Tell Me Why

3. Old Man

4. Journey Through The Past

5. Helpless

6. Love In Mind

7. A Man Needs A Maid/Heart Of Gold Suite

8. Cowgirl In The Sand

9. Don’t Let It Bring You Down

10. There’s A World

11. Bad Fog Of Loneliness

12. The Needle And The Damage Done

13. Ohio

14. See The Sky About To Rain

15. Down By The River

16. Dance Dance Dance

17. I Am A Child

The DVD has all 17 of the above as well as Bonus Footage:

18 and 19 are "The Needle And The Damage Done" and "Journey Through The Past" from the "Johnny Cash On Campus TV Show" (Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, Tennessee)

20 is "Old Man" from "Swingin Mit Neil Young – Dutch TV Documentary"

21 is "Archive Meetings" from "Broken Arrow Ranch"

But best of all is the music and Neil Young's performance. With just guitar and piano - the intimacy of the gig is as beautiful as a singer-songwriter concert gets. And of course - there's the date. Recorded in front of a home crowd on 19 January 1971 at Massey Hall in Toronto, Canada  - Young had the brilliance of both the "After The Gold Rush" and "Harvest" albums to draw on. And with a smattering of CSYN and Buffalo Springfield material thrown in for good measure, the effect is pretty much devastating. After each song - the crowd erupts in genuine pleasure.

Then there's the feeling of eavesdropping on a gig that has gone to that magical place of an Artist and Audience engaged in a shared intimacy. When he sings songs that are now part of culture like "Old Man" (lyrics above) and "Heart Of Gold" (beautifully blended into "A Man Needs A Maid") - he is doing so here with a freshness that is thrilling. His vocals are slightly nervous yet beautiful - his ache is real. And he even tries to sell some of the songs to the audience with story-banter in between tunes. Neil Young gets personal - yikes! And as if this isn't enough - someone only went and filmed it - the DVD is gorgeous - concert footage, lyrics and interviews...wow!

A genuinely sensational reissue in the on-going ‘Neil Young Archives' series (NYA) - get this treat into your life as soon as possible...

"Femme Fatale" by HADDA BROOKS (2006 Ace Records 'Hip Pocket' CD Reissue and remaster in 6" Card Repro Artwork) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...I Let It Linger..." 

In 2008 I did a Listmania List on Amazon UK called "Ace Records Hip Pocket Series..." and have added to it subsequently as further releases turn up. The "Hip Pocket List" pictures 24 releases - 5" card repros of albums covering all types of music in their reissue back catalogue of 35 years - Rock, Pop, Punk, Metal, Soul, Blues, R'n'B, Doo Wop etc. This very rare and obscure American Torch Singer album from the late Fifties is part of that series...

"Femme Fatale" by HADDA BROOKS is a straightforward repro of her 10-track 1956 album originally released on Modern Records MLP-1210 in the USA [Mono]. It was re-released on Crown Records CLP-5010 a year later in 1957. 

This November 2006 CD on Ace Records Hip Pocket CDCHM 1129 (Barcode 029667022125) uses the Crown Records artwork and comes in a "Hip Pocket" card sleeve with no inner (33:53 minutes). 

1. Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere

2. Don't You Think I Ought To Know 

3. Dream

4. How Do You Speak To An Angel

5. My Ideal 

6. My Romance [Side 2]

7. Stolen Love

8. Take Me 

9. There Is No Greater Love

10. The Thrill Is Gone

Musically - imagine a more intense version of Peggy Lee or a huskier Nellie Lutcher or even Frank Sinatra sat at the bar on the cover of "No One Cares" - drink in one hand and a cigarette in the other muttering "rack ‘em up Joe" to the bartender. Then imagine slow blue and boozy tunes with shuffling brush strokes on the snare drums and a low piano tinkling in the background (only with a woman singing) — and you get the idea. It may only have 10 tracks but that's all it needs. It's fabulous stuff and beautifully produced (given the vintage).

Downsides - as other reviewers have pointed out - the repro card sleeve is small and flimsy and the original liner notes on the rear are barely legible. The CD itself does at least have the smarts to list writers credits - but visually it's not a lot to go on - when this is one of those occasions that cries out for an in-depth booklet. But that quickly evaporates once you start playing the music. 

Given the vintage of the original analogue recordings, the listen is helped incredibly by the gorgeous sound quality - her voice to the fore - clear, powerful and full of passion (the Remaster was done at Sound Mastering in the UK - probably by Nick Robbins or Duncan Cowell). Highlights include the opener "The Thrill Is Gone" which sets the sad tone (lyrics above) and the lovely guitar solo on the Rogers & Hart standard "My Romance". Aching female lounge-lizard never sounded so good...

Three other Hadda Brooks compilations are in print by Ace Records - but musically they couldn't be more different. They feature her 'Queen Of The Boogie-Woogie' piano-playing on Modern Records in the Forties and Fifties. With virtually no vocals featured, the tracks are almost all instrumentals dubbed from scratchy 78's - but like Pete Johnson or Amos Milburn tinkering on the keys - each CD is blindingly great fun and hugely evocative of bars jumpin' and people having a ball. The great lady could play too.    

To sum up - I've never seen a copy of the original album and clocking in at hundreds of dollars in rarity value - this is a very clever and brilliantly chosen reissue. Forget the flimsy packaging and concentrate on the wonderful music and sound quality. And dig that great photo of Miss Hapgood (her real name) in her prime. 

Hadda Brooks lived to be 85 and died in 2002 - beautiful and gigging to the end. Ace Records have done her memory and musical legacy proud. I love it...

Titles in Ace Records Mid-Price 'Hip Pocket' CD Series are:

1. DONALD AUSTIN – Crazy Legs (Ace/Westbound CDHP 016, Dec 2006)

2. THE BISHOPS – Cross Cuts (Ace/Chiswick CDWIKM 256, June 2005)

3. HADDA BROOKS – Femme Fatale (Ace CDCHM 1129, Nov 2006)

4. THE CHAMPS – Go, Champs, Go! (Ace CDCHM 1126, Sep 2006)

5. THE DAMNED – Machine Gun Etiquette (Ace/Chiswick CDHP 027, July 2007)

6. THE ESCALATORS [ex Meteors] – Moving Staircases (Ace CDHP 017, Dec 2006)

7. THE EVERLY BROTHERS – The Everly Brothers (Ace CDCHM 1127, Sep 2006)

8. FUNKADELIC – Maggot Brain (Ace/Westbound CDHP 030, Aug 2007)

9. CHUCK HIGGINS – Pachucko Hop (Ace CDHP 024, April 2007)

10. B. B. KING – The Jungle (Ace/Kent CDHP 031, Nov 2007)

11. JOHNNY MOPED – Cycledelic (Ace/Chiswick CDHP 029, Oct 2007)

12. JACKIE LEE – The Duck (Ace/Kent CDHP 032, Dec 2010)

13. LONNIE MACK – The Wham Of That Memphis Man! (Ace CDCHM 1134, Nov 2006)

14. MOTORHEAD – Motorhead [1977 Debut LP] (Ace/Chiswick CDHP 021, Oct 2007)

15. THE OLYMPICS – Something Old, Something New (Ace/Kent CDHP 018, Dec 2006)

16. THE RADIO STARS – Songs For Swinging Lovers (Ace/Chiswick CDWIKM 5, June 2006)

17. THE SONICS – Here Are The Sonics! (Ace/Big Beat CDHP 022, Feb 2007)

18. THE SONICS – The Sonics Boom (Ace/Big Beat CDHP 023, April 2007)

19. ROOSEVELT SYKES [aka 'The Honeydripper'] – Sings The Blues (Ace CDCHM 1132, Nov 2006)

20. VARIOUS – For Dancers Only [Kent's 1st Reissue LP compilation] (Ace/Kent CDHP 019, Feb 2007)

21. VARIOUS – For Dancers Also [Kent's 2nd Reissue LP compilation] (Ace/Kent CDHP 020, April 2007)

22. VARIOUS – Hollywood Rock 'n' Roll [80ts Rockabilly compilation] (Ace CDHP 026, July 2007)

23. VARIOUS – Fool's Gold [70ts Punk compilation] (Ace/Chiswick CDHP 028, August 2007)

24. LINK WRAY – Early Recordings (Ace/Chiswick CDCHM 6, June 2006
25. THE ZOMBIES – Odyssey And Oracle (Ace/Big Beat CDHP 025, June 2007)

"Call My Name with Bonus Tracks" [1967 Cadet Records in Stereo] by ETTA JAMES (October 2011 Ace/Kent-Soul CD Reissue and Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review is part of my e-Book

"…You Know Where It's At…"

2011 has turned out to be a bumper year for fans of the American Soul legend Etta James. February saw the "Who's Blue" compilation give us 24 elusive tracks on Chess and Cadet Records spanning 1961 to 1976 – whilst 31 October will see her even rarer 1970 album "Losers Weepers" get a long overdue sonic update (with bonus tracks too). And sandwiched between those is this little peach – the first official release on CD of "Call My Name" – a criminally forgotten Cadet Records LP from 1967. Yum yum. But here are the finite details first…

UK released Monday 3 October 2011 - "Call My Name with Bonus Tracks" by ETTA JAMES on Ace Records/Kent-Soul CDKEND 360 (Barcode 029667236237) reissues her 1967 12-Track Soul Music LP originally on Cadet Records (in Stereo) and adds on 12 Bonus Tracks. It breaks down as follows (67:59 minutes):

1. Happiness
2. That's All I Want From You
3. Have Faith In Me
4. I'm So Glad (I Found Love In You)
5. You Are My Sunshine
6. It Must Be Your Love
7. 842-3089 (Call My Name)
8. Don't Pick Me For Your Fool
9. I Prefer You
10. Nobody Loves Me
11. It's All Right
12. Nobody Like You

Tracks 1 to 12 are the US album "Call Your Name" – released 27 January 1967 on Cadet Records LP-4055 [Mono] and LPS-4055 [Stereo] – the STEREO Mix Is Used

Bonus Tracks (13 to 20 are MONO, 21 to 24 are STEREO):

13. Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
14. I Got You Babe
15. You Took It
16. I Worship The Ground You Walk On
17. I've Gone Too Far
18. You Got It
19. Misty
20. Almost Persuaded
21. Slow And Easy
22. The Soul Of A Man
23. Light My Fire
24. Miss Pitiful

Track 13 is a cover of the Aretha Franklin hit "Do Right Man, Do Right Woman" (written by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham) – unreleased until "The Essential Etta James" 2CD set on Chess CHD2-9341 in 1993

Tracks 14 and 16 are "I Got You Babe" (a cover of the Sonny & Cher hit) and "I Worship The Ground You Walk On" (written by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham) – released as the A&B-side of a 7” single on Cadet 5606 in May 1968 (CD as per 17)

Tracks 17 and 19 are "I've Gone Too Far" and "Misty" – unreleased until "Tell Mama – The Complete Muscle Shoals Sessions" CD on Chess 088 112 518-2 in 2001

Track 18 is "You Got It" – issued as the A-side of a 7” single on Cadet 5620 in September 1968 (CD as per 17)

Track 20 is a cover of the David Houston Number 1 Country hit "Almost Persuaded" – the A-side of a 7” single issued on Cadet 5630 in December 1968 (CD as per 17)

Tracks 15, 21, 22, 23 are "You Took It" [Disc 2], "Slow And Easy" [Disc 3], "The Soul Of A Man" [Disc 3] and "Light My Fire" [Disc 2] – all previously unreleased until the 3CD set "The Chess Box" on Chess 088 112 288-2 in 2000

Track 24 is a cover of the Otis Redding/Steve Cropper song "Mr. Pitiful" reworked as "Miss Pitiful" – released as the A-side of a 7” single on Cadet 5655 in 1970 (CD as per 15)

Apart from the brassy Northern Soul feel to almost all of the tracks, the first thing that hits you full-in-the-face is the truly GORGEOUS SOUND QUALITY. Remastered by DUNCAN COWELL at Sound Mastering in London – I’ve sung this engineer’s praises before – but he’s outdone himself here. There’s amazing clarity on every song – clean Stereo separation too and a huge presence on instruments - especially the brass and percussion. It’s a blast from start to finish. The 12-page colour booklet is crammed with photos of 7” singles, Cash Box magazine adverts and reviews as well as superbly detailed and affectionate liner notes by noted writers and Soul lovers MALCOLM BAUMGART and MICK PATRICK. A typically classy effort…

CONTENT - die-hard Etta James fans may be slightly disappointed to see that 'all' the bonus tracks (though many are rare) have turned up on previous CD compilations as noted above. However – this is the first commercial CD release for the entire "Call My Name" album – and it’s a worthwhile investment for just that alone.

Produced by legendary writers and musicians MONK HIGGINS and RALPH PARIS at the Chess Tel-Mar studios in late 1966 - highlights include "I Prefer You" and "I'm So Glad (I Found Love In You)" which were paired as a 45 in December 1967 (Chess 5552). Along with the other great writers like MAURICE DOLLISON (aka Cash McCall) and JOYCE WRENCHER, Higgins provided the lion’s share of the songs – and tunes like the torch ballad "Have Faith In Me" and the mid-tempo album finisher "Nobody Loves Me" are so much better for it (lyrics above). Another player in the sessions was BILLY FOSTER whom Etta married and had a son with – he gets a co-write on the jaunty "It Must Be Your Love" and "842-3089 (Call My Name)". Cult hero and song arranger CHARLES STEPNEY is in the band too on Vibes. The cover of Curtis Mayfield's Impressions' classic "It's All Right" is perhaps too fast and a bit heavy-handed, but that’s countered by the warm church Soul feel of "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" - a highlight among the bonus tracks.

To sum up – once again Ace Records have delivered on all fronts – keeping the great lady’s recorded legacy alive for future generations to savour and enjoy. A job well done.

Jamesetta Hawkins folks – accept no less.

"Elvis Is Back: Legacy Edition" by ELVIS PRESLEY (2011 RCA/Legacy 2CD Reissue and Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…You Gave Me Love To Enjoy…Like A Bright Shiny Toy…"

Conscripted into the American Army in March 1958 and discharged two years later, Sergeant Presley was a mere 18 days back in the USA when RCA practically frog marched him into their Nashville Studios to cut some new material for a highly expectant public. So it's perhaps strange now in hindsight to think that 1960's "Elvis Is Back!" - his most beloved of studio albums - only went to Number 2 on release. But I can assure you that there is nothing second-place about this 50th Anniversary reissue. It's a gem. Here are the details...

Released 8 March 2011 in the USA (28 February in the UK) - "Elvis Is Back" by ELVIS PRESLEY on RCA/Legacy 88697 85300 2 (Barcode 886978530028) is a 2CD 'Legacy Edition' and contains 2 whole albums along with 12 x 7" single-sides (5 of which reached Number 1). Its 36 Stereo tracks break down as follows:

Disc 1 (50:43 minutes):

1. Make Me Know It

2. Fever

3. The Girl Of My Best Friend

4. I Will Be Home Again

5. Dirty, Dirty Feeling

6. Soldier Boy [Side 2]

7. Such A Night

8. It Feels So Right

9. Girl Next Door Went A’ Walking

10. Like A Baby

11. Reconsider Baby

Tracks 1 to 12 are the US LP "Elvis Is Back!" - released 8 April 1960 on RCA Victor LPM-2231 [Mono] and LPS-2231 [Stereo]

Tracks 13 and 14 are "Stuck On You" and "Fame And Fortune" - the A&B-sides of RCA Victor 47-7740 - released 23 March 1960

Tracks 15 and 16 are "It's Now Or Never" and "A Mess Of Blues" - the A&B sides of RCA Victor 47-7777 - released 5 July 1960

Tracks 17 and 18 are "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" and "I Gotta Know" - the A&B sides of RCA Victor 47-7810 - released 1 November 1960

Track 19 is "Surrender" - the A-side of RCA Victor 47-7850 - released 7 February 1961

Disc 2 (39:23 minutes):

1. There’s Always Me

2. Give Me The Right

3. It’s A Sin

4. Sentimental Me

5. Starting Today

6. Gently

7. I’m Comin’ Home [Side 2]

8. In Your Arms

9. Put The Blame On Me

10. Judy

11. I Want You With Me

12. I Slipped. I Stumbled, I Fell

Tracks 1 to 12 are the US LP "Something For Everybody" - released 17 June 1961 on RCA Victor LPM-2370 [Mono] and LSP-2370 [Stereo]

Track 13 is "I Feel So Bad" - the A-side of RCA Victor 47-7880 - released 2 May 1961

Tracks 14 and 15 are "(Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame" and "Little Sister" - the A&B-sides of RCA Victor 47-7908 - released 8 August 1961

Tracks 16 and 17 are "Good Luck Charm" and "Anything That's Part Of You" - the A&B sides of RCA Victor 47-7992 - released 27 February 1962

The really big news in 2011 is a new VIC ANESINI remaster with truly beautiful sound quality. Anesini is not new to Elvis reissues; he handled the 2CD 'Legacy Editions' of "Elvis Presley" and "From Elvis In Memphis" as well as the 4CD set "The Complete '68 Comeback Special" - with unanimous praise heaped on all three.

Musically - like Sam Cooke's "Night Beat" (1963 on RCA) and Roy Orbison's "Lonely And Blue" (1961 on Monument) - these Elvis Presley 'Living Stereo' recordings have long been the stuff of audiophile wet dreams. The previous reference point is the 2005 "Follow That Dream" 2CD reissue where the sound quality is superb  - and yet here - it is somehow elevated even further. The effect is instantaneous - Otis Blackwell's "Make Me Know It" is the album opener and every instrument is wonderfully clear and full of HUGE presence. That's followed by Presley's stripped-down version of the Little Willie John/Peggy Lee classic "Fever" - with razor sharp audio on Bob Moore's Double Bass and Buddy Harmon's Percussive shuffles and snare-drum whacks.

I love "It Feels So Good" with the sexy slink of Scotty Moore's guitar and the schmooze of Floyd Cramer's piano tinkling. It all leads up the big-duo finishers - "Like A Baby" (lyrics above) and "Reconsider Baby". In his musical and vocal element - Elvis lets rip on these stunning bluesy workouts. The effect has always removed the pain of the Vegas years for fans and will instantly stop any Presley sceptic within a ten-mile radius. And by the time you reach the saxophone of Boots Randolph half way through "Reconsider Baby" - the audio onslaught is just incredible. Never mind 'living stereo' - you'll think these guys are in your living room... 

The 2nd album is a bit of a forgotten gem too. Tracks 1 to 6 are "The Ballads Side" with 7 to 12 being "The Rhythm Side". Highlights include his chipper version of Charlie Rich's "I'm Coming Home" while "Put The Blame On Me" is great Sixties pop. And it all sounds wonderful. The singles too are embarrassingly strong - the sexy strut of the kissing song "Stuck On You" and the reworking of the Clovers hit "There's No Tomorrow" which would eventually became the huge Salsa hit "It's Now Or Never". Brilliant. 

The packaging is lovely to look at. A 3-way card digipak features the gorgeous "Elvis Is Back!" colour artwork on the front with the "Something For Everybody" full-colour sleeve on the inside flap. There are full-colour repros of the US pictures sleeves for "His Latest Flame" and "It's Now Or Never" (a contender for his best ever picture sleeve) featured beneath the see-through CD trays - while the 24-page booklet is crammed full of spot-on discography stuff by lifetime fan and keeper of the flame - ERNST MIKAEL JORGENSEN - a name Presley fans will be comfortable with (even if his wording is a little flowery here and there). There are the 'bonus' G.I. snapshots that came with original gatefold albums, snaps of Elvis with Frank Sinatra about to do the Timex TV Special, more US 7" picture sleeves, trade adverts, holding his Army discharge papers up etc. Jorgensen also rightly praises behind-the-scenes heroes like Producer STEVE SHOALS and RCA's perfectionist Studio-Engineer BOB PORTER and his Telefunken U-47 microphones. It's very nicely done...

Niggles - a look at the total playing time of each disc and RCA is not exactly pushing the digital boat out here. And when you reference the incredible 53 tracks of the 2005 "Follow That Dream" 2CD reissue - some may feel it would have been better to do 2 separate Legacy Editions - one for "Elvis Is Back!" and another for "Something For Everybody" - both featuring copious amounts of 'outtakes' and the elusive LPM MONO mixes of both albums. There are two B-sides missing when there was plenty of room to include them. But like the Legacy Edition of "Elvis Presley" (his explosive 1956 debut album), which is presented in a similar way - you could also argue that what you've actually got here is less fussy and more defined. It's a matter of personal opinion I suppose.

To sum up - "Elvis Is Back! Legacy Edition" is a timely reminder of his genius and a STEREO gem in his otherwise patchy Sixties catalogue. It boasts a fabulous new remaster, affectionate presentation by a man who cares and isn't going to break your bank balance either. I'd say snap it up and then proceed with haste to the MONO "Elvis Presley" to see what all the fuss is about (see separate review).

I'd better go now because I can feel a need to tame "...a team of wild horses..."

The King folks - remember him this way...

PS: For other Vic Anesini Remasters - see my reviews for "Be What You Want..." the 4CD Box Set by HALL & OATES, the Legacy Edition of "Couldn't Stand The Weather" by STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN and the Legacy Edition of "Tomorrow The Green Grass" by THE JAYHAWKS. He has also done the much-praised Columbia issues of Simon And Garfunkel's back catalogue and the already mentioned Roy Orbison album "Lonely And Blue"

"Elvis Presley (Legacy Edition)" by ELVIS PRESLEY. A Review Of The 2011 2CD Reissue.

"…Please Don’t Excite Me…"

Even the most ardent of Presley fans will look at this 'Legacy Edition' of his explosive debut album – and yawn – even grumble a little.
RCA is milking it again. They’d be right of course. But I’m reviewing "Elvis Presley (Legacy Edition)" because there are far too many plus points in its favour to have it ignored (especially the superlative new remastered sound). But let's get to the details first…

UK released Monday 26 September 2011 - RCA/Legacy 8869796183 2 contains 2 whole albums and the A&B-sides of 6 x 7" singles. Its 36 MONO tracks break down as follows:

Disc 1 (40:21 minutes):
1. Blue Suede Shoes
2. I'm Counting On You
3. I Got A Woman
4. One-Sided Love Affair
5. I Love You Because
6. Just Because
7. Tutti Frutti
8. Trying To Get To You
9. I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Over You)
10. I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin')
11. Blue Moon
12. Money Honey

13. Heartbreak Hotel
14. I Was The One
15. My Baby Left Me
16. Lawdy, Miss Clawdy
17. Shake, Rattle And Roll

Tracks 1 to 12 are his debut US LP "Elvis Presley" – released 23 March 1956 on RCA Victor LPM-1254 [Mono Only]
Tracks 13 and 14 are "Heartbreak Hotel" and "I Was The One" – the A&B-sides of RCA Victor 47-6420 released 27 January 1956
Track 15 is "My Baby Left Me" – the B-side of "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" (Track 13 on Disc 2) on RCA Victor 47-6540 released 4 May 1956
Tracks 16 and 17 are "Lawdy, Miss Clawdy" and "Shake, Rattle And Roll" – the A&B-sides of RCA Victor 47-6642 released 31 August 1956

Disc 2 (41:54 minutes):
1. Rip It Up
2. Love Me
3. When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again
4. Long Tall Sally
5. First In Line
6. Paralyzed
7. So Glad You're Mine
8. Old Shep
9. Ready Teddy
10. Anyplace Is Paradise
11. How's The World Treating You
12. How Do You Think I Feel

13. I Want You, I Need You, I Love You
14. Hound Dog
15. Don't Be Cruel
16. Any Way You Want Me (That's How I Will Be)
17. Too Much
18. Playing For Keeps
19. Love Me Tender
(From the 20th Century-Fox Cinema Scope Production "Love Me Tender")

Tracks 1 to 12 are his 2nd US album "Elvis" – released 19 October 1956 on RCA Victor LPM-1382 [Mono Only]
Track 13 is "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" – the A-side of RCA Victor 47-6540 released 4 May 1956 [the B-side is Track 15 on Disc 1]
Tracks 15 and 14 are "Don't Be Cruel" and "Hound Dog" – the A&B-sides of RCA Victor 47-6604 released 13 July 1956
[Note: "Hound Dog" was the B-side in the USA, but the tracks were reversed in the UK on HMV POP 249 with "Hound Dog" as the A]
Tracks 19 and 16 are "Love Me Tender" and "Any Way You Want Me (That's How It Will Be)" – the A&B-sides of RCA Victor 47-6643 released 28 September 1956
Tracks 17 and 18 are "Too Much" and "Playing For Keeps" – the A&B-sides of RCA Victor 47-6800 released 4 January 1957

Fast approaching a distance of nearly 60 years - it's difficult for us in 2011 to even imagine the musical and cultural Atomic Bomb that was Elvis Presley in 1956. Beginning with an opening salvo of "Heartbreak Hotel" on the 27th of January (which quite probably changed the fabric of the known universe), RCA then bombarded the American continent with releases - 12 x 7” singles, as many 4-track EPs and 2 whole albums. They even took the then unprecedented step of releasing all 12 of the "Elvis Presley" album tracks on 6 singles on the same day - 31 August (RCA Victor 6636 to 6641) with “Lawdy, Miss Clawdy” being number 7 - also put out on the 31st of August. Had Elvis Aaron Presley flatulated profusely into a Soda bottle in 1956 – RCA would probably have tried to chart it.

But the really big news today is a new VIC ANESINI remaster - and the sound is just BEAUTIFUL. These stark MONO tracks needed the deftest of engineering touches and he's delivered. Tracks like "Trying To Get To You" and "Blue Moon" still retain hiss – but it hasn’t been compressed to buggery for effect – Anesini has allowed the eeriness of them to breath. Others however are just amazing – Scotty Moore’s lovely guitar playing on the Don Robertson cover "I'm Counting On You" is clear as a bell - as is Elvis' heavily echoed vocals. The cover of the Ray Charles Atlantic Records hit "I Got A Woman" has DJ Fontana's slapping drums just whacking out of your speakers like they’re going to invade your living room.

I’d admit that musically the second LP "Elvis" with the truly turgid "Old Shep" tests my patience, but again its opener (a cover of the fabulous Little Richard rocker "Rip It Up") has gorgeous cymbal clarity – then piano – and so on. The jaunty "When My Blue Turns To Gold Again" sounds incredible - so good it could almost be Stereo. The singles too are an embarrassment of riches – Lloyd Price's "Lawdy, Miss Clawdy" (lyrics above) and the Big Joe Turner/Bill Haley classic "Shake, Rattle And Roll" are both pristine. But my heart lies with "Love Me" – his best ever ballad and a vocal joy on the "Elvis" album. It's as sweet as a nut. Fans will lose it for this.

The packaging is good too. A 3-way card digipak features the debut album cover on the front (with a pink sticker full of details) with the “Elvis” full-colour sleeve on the inside flap. Classy Black and White photos of Elvis in his prime are featured beneath the see-through CD trays - while the 24-page booklet is crammed full of spot-on discography stuff by lifetime fan and keeper of the flame – ERNST MIKAEL JORGENSEN – a name Presley fans will be comfortable with. There are also nicely placed colour shots of those lovely US EPs in the text, trade adverts, in-studio snaps of Elvis at work etc. It’s very nicely done…

Content – a look at the total playing time of each disc and RCA is not exactly pushing the digital boat out here. And when you reference the incredible 71 tracks of the 2005 "Follow That Dream" 2CD reissue of "Elvis Presley" - some may feel it would have been better to do 2 separate Legacy issues – one for "Elvis Presley" and another for "Elvis" – both featuring copious amounts of 'outtakes'. How cool would it have been to hear previously unreleased versions of "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Love Me Tender"? But – you could also argue that what you've actually got here is less fussy and more defined. It’s a matter of personal opinion I suppose.

To sum up – "Elvis Presley (Legacy Edition)" is a timely reminder of his genius and the sheer global impact of that mercurial year - 1956.
It boasts a fabulous new remaster, affectionate presentation by a man who cares and it’s retailing for less than eight quid online.
I'd say snap it up and proceed with haste to the 2CD Legacy Edition of 1960's "Elvis Is Back" - another gem only this time in STEREO.

I’d better go now because I can feel a lip curl coming on and a need to corrupt the youth of America with my hip gyrations.

The King – remember him this way...


PS: the USA site of Amazon seems to be suggesting that "Blue Moon" is missing from Disc 1 - it isn't. And for other Vic Anesini Remasters - see my reviews for "Be What You Want..." the 4CD Box Set by HALL & OATES, the Legacy Edition of "Couldn't Stand The Weather" by STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN and the Legacy Edition of "Tomorrow The Green Grass" by THE JAYHAWKS

PPS: for fans who wish to sequence all the 45’s and EP’s surrounding these 2 albums, I’ve typed up a detailed discography below referencing this 2CD release.

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ELVIS PRESLEY – USA 7” single, EP and LP DISCOGRAPHY
Referencing the 2CD set “Elvis Presley (Legacy Edition)”
Released 26 September 2011 in the UK (27 September 2011 in the USA)

Layout: [1/13] = Disc 1, Track 13 … [2/15] = Disc 2, Track 15 etc
All tracks are MONO – all tracks marked * were non-album on original release

USA 7” SINGLES:

1. Heartbreak Hotel [1/13] * b/w I Was The One [1/14] *
USA 45 released 27 January 1956 on RCA Victor Records 47-6420

2. I Want You, I Need You, I Love You [2/13] * b/w My Baby Left Me [1/15] *
USA 45 released 4 May 1956 on RCA Victor Records 47-6540

3. Don’t Be Cruel [2/15] * b/w Hound Dog [2/14] *
USA 45 released 13 July 1956 on RCA Victor Records 47-6604

4. Blue Suede Shoes [1/1] b/w Tutti Frutti [1/7]
USA 45 released 31 August 1956 on RCA Victor 47-6636

5. I Got A Woman [1/3] b/w I’m Counting On You [1/2]
USA 45 released 31 August 1956 on RCA Victor 47-6637

6. I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Over You) [1/9] b/w I’ll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin’) [1/10]
USA 45 released 31 August 1956 on RCA Victor 47-6638

7. Trying To Get To You [1/8] b/w I Love You Because [1/5]
USA 45 released 31 August 1956 on RCA Victor 47-6639

8. Blue Moon [1/11] b/w Just Because [1/6]
USA 45 released 31 August 1956 on RCA Victor 47-6640

9. Money Honey [1/12] b/w One-Sided Love Affair [1/4]
USA 45 released 31 August 1956 on RCA Victor 47-6641

10. Lawdy, Miss Clawdy [1/16] * b/w Shake, Rattle And Roll [1/17] *
USA 45 released 31 August 1956 on RCA Victor 47-6642

11. Love Me Tender [2/19] * b/w Any Way You Want Me (That’s How I Will Be) (2/16] *
USA 45 released 28 September 1956 on RCA Victor 47-6643

12. Too Much [2/17] * b/w Playing For Keeps [2/18] *
USA 45 released 4 January 1957 on RCA Victor 47-6800

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USA 7” EXTENDED PLAYS (EPs):
Notes: as you can see from EP numbers 3 and 6 - certain tracks are marked [-]; they're NOT on this 2CD Legacy Edition, but are easily available elsewhere.

1. "Elvis Presley" on RCA Victor EPA-747
Released: 23 March 1956 (a single-disc EP with 4-tracks – see entry 2)
A1: Blue Suede Shoes [1/1] A2: Tutti Frutti [1/7]
B1: I Got A Woman [1/3] B2: Just Because [1/6]

2. "Elvis Presley" on RCA Victor EPB-1254
Released: 23 March 1956 (a double-disc EP with 8-tracks)
A1: Blue Suede Shoes [1/1] A2: I’m Counting On You [1/2]
B1: I Got A Woman [1/3] B2: One-Sided Love Affair [1/4]
A1: Tutti Frutti [1/7] A2: Tryin’ To Get To You [1/8]
B1: I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry B2: I’ll Never Let You Go

3. "Heartbreak Hotel" on RCA Victor EPA-821
Released: 20 April 1956
A1: Heartbreak Hotel [[1/13] A2: I Was The One [1/14]
B1: Money Honey [1/12] B2: I Forgot To Remember To Forget [-]

4. "Elvis Presley" on RCA Victor EPA-830
Released: 8 June 1956
A1: Shake, Rattle And Roll [1/17] A2: I Love You Because [1/5]
B1: Blue Moon [1/11] B2: Lawdy, Miss Clawdy [1/16]

5. "The Real Elvis" on RCA Victor EPA-940
Released: 17 August 1956
A1: Don’t Be Cruel [2/15] A2: I Want You, I Need You, I Love You [2/13]
B1: Hound Dog [2/14] B2: My Baby Left Me [1/15]

6. "Anyway You Want Me" on RCA Victor EPA-965
Released: 21 September 1956
A1: Anyway You Want Me (That’s How It Will Be) [2/16] A2: I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone [-]
B1: I Don’t Care If The Sun Don’t Shine [-] B2: Mystery Train [-]

7. "Elvis, Volume I" on RCA Victor EPA-992
Released: 19 October 1956
A1: Rip It Up [2/1] A2: Love Me [2/2]
B1: When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again [2/3] B2: Paralyzed [2/6]

8. "Elvis, Volume II" on RCA Victor EPA-993
Released: 19 October 1956
A1: So Glad You’re Mine [2/7] A2: Old Shep [2/8]
B1: Ready Teddy [2/9] B2: Anyplace Is Paradise [2/10]

9. "Love Me Tender" on RCA Victor EPA-4006
Released: 21 November 1956
A1: Love Me Tender [2/19] A2: Let Me [-]
B1: Poor Boy [-] B2: We’re Gonna Move [-]

10. "Strictly Elvis" on RCA Victor EPA-994
Released: 25 January 1957
A1: Long Tall Sally [2/4] A2: First In Line [2/5]
B1: How Do You Think I Feel [2/12] B2: How’s The World Treating You [2/12]