Update on “Elvis Presley Sings the Great British Songbook”
Written by admin on June 21, 2010 – 8:03 pm -There is a little more to “Elvis Presley Sings the Great British Songbook” than first meets the eye.
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The concept of the two-CD set is to provide a comprehensive overview of the British songs recorded by Elvis Presley. This is very different from the usual genre-based or greatest hits Elvis compilations, and it’s made more unusual by the decision to replace several studio masters with alternate takes or live versions.
For the most part, the replacements do not eclipse the original masters, but it does make it a more interesting release for collectors. |
These are the songs where the original master hasn’t been used:
CD 1
- You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me – live version from August 10, 1970. The studio cut was recorded on June 6, 1970 and has appeared on many compilations, so this isn’t a bad decision
- Something – live version from August 11, 1970, instead of the familiar Aloha from Hawaii version from January 1973
- It’s Easy for You – alternate take 1
- My Boy – Elvis actually sang this track live before ever recording it in the studio. Here we get a later live version from March 1975.
- I’ve Lost You – live version from August 11, 1970. The studio master was cut on June 4, 1970 and recently appeared on the “Elvis 75” compilation.
CD 2
- Softly as I Leave You – live version from August 21, 1974
- Twenty Days and Twenty Nights – live version from August 12, 1970. The studio master was from June 4, 1970.
As noted in last month’s review, the set is more comprehensive than it needed to be, so some weak tracks have slipped in. However, given the unusual tracklist, the alternate/live content and the very low price, it is worth picking up.
“Elvis Presley Sings the Great British Songbook” is available now from Amazon (UK).
Tags: Elvis Presley, Elvis Presley - The Great British Songbook
Posted in Elvis, New releases |
