Classic Tracks, Less Than Classic Remastering

While there's no debating the five-star quality of Elvis' 1969 American Studios recordings, SUSPICIOUS MINDS probably deserves to lose at least half a star for its extreme, and at times quite intrusive, remixing and remastering. Depending on your sound system, you may (as I did) find the King himself remastered right into the background on many tracks, while the instruments come forward with almost surreal (and decidedly post-sixties) clarity. I found that turning off the surround/loudness seemed to help a bit, but there were still more than a few awkward moments. The mix doesn't help things any, as the bass is confined to the left channel for most of the songs and the backing vocals are frequently all but inaudible no matter how one fiddles with the equalizer.

Several prior reviewers have given this set a thumbs-down in favor of 1987's THE MEMPHIS RECORD, which does indeed preserve the feel of the vinyl originals better overall. But with essential tracks like "My Little Friend" and "And the Grass Won't Pay No Mind" missing, TMR is an ultimately unsatisfying package as well. SUSPICIOUS MINDS' great strength is its comprehensiveness, as it offers at least one version of every song Elvis recorded at American Studios a well as numerous outtakes and alternates (many without overdubs) to paint a truly definitive picture of these legendary sessions.

And what songs they are! The justly famed album FROM ELVIS IN MEMPHIS starts things off, its original running order preserved intact. The King gives some epochal performances here, notably on "Only the Strong Survive," "Any Day Now," the wrenching mini-tragedy "Long Black Limousine," the wistful and wordy "Gentle on My Mind" and of course his trademark hymn of late-sixties social conscience, "In the Ghetto." The hit singles "Suspicious Minds," "Don't Cry Daddy" and "Kentucky Rain" follow close behind, though for some reason only the first of these is properly paired with its B-side ("You'll Think of Me"). Other standouts include "Without Love (There Is Nothing)," wherein Elvis gives a foretaste of the huge vocal presence he'd develop over the next few years; Neil Diamond's dreamy "And the Grass Won't Pay No Mind"; "Inherit the Wind" and an effective spiritual, "Who Am I?"

1969 was, of course, the great turning point for the King. A couple of movies were still left to be made, but in the wake of his comeback TV special and these classic recordings no one could deny that Elvis had indeed returned to point the way forward as he'd always done it best - through his music.

ELVIS THE BEST OF THE BEST

Superb is probably not a strong enough word for this set. There are no weak tracks, and few less than fantastic. It is the King at his most regal best. If you never buy another Elvis CD/set, make certain you buy this one. You won't regret it!!!

This set is just wonderful!!

This 2 CD set,which covers all of Elvis' 1969 Memphis sessions,at American Studios,plus alternate takes,from those sessions,is superb!!The sound is great and those sessions are some of his best work.The alternate takes are very good,too.Elvis doesn't get enough credit as being a blue-eyed soul singer,which he certainly was,in these sessions,among other sessions,he did.He definately had soul and anyone who can't see that,just doesn't know.He was certainly as soulful,as Dusty Springfield,who is another of my favorite artists.This set is a must,for the Elvis fan and even if you aren't an Elvis fan,how could you not like it?