Elvis Memphis (5 CD)

 Elvis Memphis (5 CD)

Due for release from RCA / Legacy on August 9, 2024 is the 5-CD-set ‘Memphis’ according to the appearance of the digital edition on the QoBuzz HQ-music website. 

Publicity stated: Memphis is a comprehensive collection that takes listeners through the many recordings Elvis had done while in Memphis - from his songs at SUN Records, to his American Studio and Stax sessions, through to his 1974 hometown show and finally, his last recordings in Graceland. 

Over 111 tracks, ‘Memphis’ captures Presley from his earliest sessions at Sun Studio - which occurred 70 years ago this Summer - to his final recordings in Graceland’s Jungle Room. Along the way, the Bluff City serves as both home and muse to Presley, playing a pivotal role in the dramatic arc of his artistry as he finds creative rebirth at American Sound in 1969, overcomes personal struggles at Stax in 1973, and brings his most extravagant and spellbinding live show to the Mid-South Coliseum in 1974. Produced by noted Elvis authority Ernst Jørgensen, with rare archival material and new liner notes by Grammy-winning music historian Robert Gordon, ‘Memphis’ will be released in 5-CD, 2-LP and digital configurations, giving fresh insight into the bond between Elvis and his eternal home.

With the exception of the Sun recordings, all tracks on ‘Memphis’ were newly mixed by four-time Gramma-winner Matt Ross-Spang at Southern Grooves in Memphis, with overdubs stripped away - leaving the listener with only what Elvis heard live in the studio. With this intimacy, new revelations abound - from Elvis’ intuitive chemistry with “The Memphis Boys” at American, to the subtle way he builds his vocal phrasing around his backing singers in the Stax sessions, or the palpable joy he brings to his final sessions in the Jungle Room. Through it all, the listener is standing next to Elvis - hearing exactly what he is hearing.

This 5-CD collection of Elvis’ songs over the years features 111 tracks, 88 of which are newly mixed versions of the select recordings, pure and without overdubs. More information on this 111-track set when available.

CD 1: That's All Right - 2 Blue Moon Of Kentucky - I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine - Good Rockin' Tonight - Milkcow Blues Boogie - You're A Heartbreaker - Baby, Let's Play House - I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone - I Forgot To Remember To Forge - Mystery Train - I Love You Because - Just Because - Trying To Get To You - I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin') - Blue Moon (Take 9/M) - Harbor Lights - I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (Slow Version) - When It Rains, It Really Pours - Tomorrow Night - My Happiness - That's When Your Heartaches Begin - I'll Never Stand In Your Way - It Wouldn't Be The Same Without You.

CD 2: In The Ghetto - Suspicious Minds - Don't Cry Daddy - Kentucky Rain - Mama Liked The Roses - Do You Know Who I Am - You'll Think of Me - True Love Travels On A Gravel Road - Long Black Limousine - After Loving You - I'll Hold You In My Heart (Till I Can Hold You In My Arms) - From A Jack To A King - Without Love (There Is Nothing) - Medley: It's My Way / This Time / I Can't Stop Loving You - It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin' - I'm Movin' On - Power Of My Love - Stranger In My Own Home Town - Wearin' That Loved On Look - Any Day Now - Only The Strong Survive - Gentle On My Mind - The Fair's Moving On - Hey Jude.

CD 3: Promised Land - Raised On Rock - I've Got A Thing About You Baby - If You Talk In Your Sleep - My Boy - Spanish Eyes - Help Me - I Got A Feelin' In My Body - It's Midnight  - Find Out What's Happening - If You Don't Come Back - For Ol' Times Sake - Just A Little Bit - Talk About The Good Times - Loving Arms - You Asked Me To - Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues - Your Love's Been A Long Time Coming - There's A Honky Tonk Angel (Who Will Take Me Back In) - Take Good Care Of Her - She Wears My Ring - If That Isn't Love - Three Corn Patches.

CD 4: - (Live at Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis, TN - March 20, 1974): Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Trying To Get To You - All Shook Up - Steamroller Blues - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - Love Me Tender - Long Tall Sally / Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On / Your Mama Don't Dance / Flip Flop And Fly / Jailhouse Rock / Hound Dog - Fever - Polk Salad Annie - Why Me Lord - How Great Thou Art - Suspicious Minds - Introductions - Blueberry Hill / I Can't Stop Loving You - Help Me - An American Trilogy - Let Me Be There - My Baby Left Me - Lawdy, Miss Clawdy - Funny How Times Slips Away - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp.

CD 5: Hurt - Never Again  - Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain - Danny Boy - The Last Farewell - For The Heart - Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall - Solitaire - Love Coming Down - I'll Never Fall In Love Again - Moody Blue - She Thinks I Still Care - Way Down - He'll Have To Go - Pledging My Love.

 

Note from FECC: These tracks seem to be missing from the American Sound Sessions: This Is The Story / A Little Bit of Green / My Little Friend / Inherit The Wind / I'll Be There / And The Grass Won't Pay No Mind / If I'm A Fool For Loving You / Who Am I? And from the Stax these tracks seem to be missing: Girl of Mine / Mr. Songman / Thinking About You / Love Song of the Year.

In the 'Behind The Box' video Matt Ross-Spang, Robert Gordon and Ernst Jørgensen discuss ‘Memphis’ and its significance.

Source: ElvisDayByDay | Amazon | FECC