Elvis Is Back

He's back! In pog form.

All very lovely and that, but I don't think I'd lose my mind and faint at his gigs. It didn't make any sparks fly out of my willy.

He sure is, and--guess what--he's still not an album artist.

SHACK got a phone call from his son's school today... "Hello, is that Mr. SHACK?" "Yes, how can I help you? This is indeed the mythical SHACK." "Hi, this is little SHACK Midget's music teacher calling." "Oh, hi." "Yeah, hi. I just wanted to let you know it looks like you have a little Elvis Presley on your hands!" "Really? Wow! That’s..." "Yeah, we just found him dead on the toilet."

“Elvis Is Back” by Elvis Presley (1960) I’m very familiar with Elvis Presley through radio airplay, TV, movies, and hits when I was growing up in the 1960s, but I’ve never listened to a whole album of his music. And I don’t suppose anyone should be content to die before listening to an Elvis album, so I’m grateful for the experience. But it’s not his best stuff. This album is a product. And as a product, it is clearly well produced. Strong presence of backing vocals and top notch studio musicians. The songwriting is good, basically a collection of current songs by professional writers. So Elvis’ artistic work here is mostly that of a front man for a collaborative project. However, the art of Elvis Presley is not so much what he emitted, but rather what he evoked. He tapped into something in his audience that was latent and repressed—something that emerged as chaotic and histrionic mania. He put the boom in Boomers. He did for music what Van Gogh did for painting. Elvis’ voice at this stage of his life is better than it was in the middle 1950s, but still marked by an annoyingly rapid high-throat vibrato which one suspects he depends on to maintain pitch on sustained notes. Nice sonorous tone in the lower end of his range, but rather whiny on the highs. This is a good album. But it does not demonstrate what made Elvis a cultural icon. It lacks the energy and seductiveness of his earlier live and television performances. And it lacks the showmanship of his later Vegas years. If this album were the only Elvis Presley music to which you were ever exposed, you’d likely think, “Meh.” And that would be a shame. 3/5

Elvis is obviously more of a phenomenon than he is a recording artist. Genuinely didn’t truly enjoy a single track. Elvis said of himself: “I don’t know anything about music. In my line you don’t have to.” I’m a firm believer that this would have been more enjoyable had he just known a tiny bit.

I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for Elvis. On family holidays as a kid, my dad used to always sing Suspicious Minds on the karaoke (he probably still does, to be fair). Hence, Elvis’ voice causes a Pavlovian feeling of being young again. Songs I already knew: Fever Favourites: The Girl Of My Best Friend, Such A Night I enjoyed this album a lot. I love the era of rock and roll where there was plenty of “du wa ooo” backing vocals - Buddy Holly was one of my favourite singers when I was around 10 years old (I was a strange child). Elvis’ voice is so iconic and can’t really be replicated. There are many good Elvis impersonators out there, but none seem to have gone on to be genuinely successful authentic singers outside of simple replication. I really enjoyed the walking bass guitar, and the fairly simple but very effective guitars. No doubt though, the vocals are where the talent really shines here. An easy recommend to… well pretty much anybody.

I fuckin love Elvis.. He's the fuckin King.

Rating: 9/10 Beat songs: Fever, The girl of my best friend, Dirty feeling, Such a night, It feels so right, The girl next door, Like a baby

So many babies were conceived to this record… This album showcases the quality and range of Elvis’ voice compared with earlier ballads and later Vegas mumbling, often straying into blues and jazz. The session musicians dazzle and are a real highlight. And whilst there are no knock-it-out-of-the-park famous hits (and a completely unnecessary near identical vocal interpretation of Peggy Lee’s version of Fever), there is lots to enjoy here.

Great album by the king Actually great

Just vote on how much I enjoy listening and this once again was great, smooth and easy yes, but incredibly enjoyable.

Classic Elvis.

This was my first time listening to an Elvis Priestley album. I had heard best of and compilation. It was great, I felt I got it for the first time. I think it will go in the home roster.

This is Elvis Presley's fourth studio album, and his first album made after his deployment with the army. Elvis was influential in creating the rock and roll movement that exploded in the late 50's - early 60's. You can definately hear influence from blues and country throughout this album. My knee-jerk reaction this morning after seeing this album pop up was "Oh no, not an Elvis album". I understand how important he was to music, but have never been particularly fond of his music, however, after listening to this album, I was pleasantly surprised! This being an early album, and also happening right after his tour in the military, he did a bit more exploration of his sound on this record. The albums that follow this one (after he begins his time in Vegas) steadily go downhill and he becomes more of a circus act than a singer (with the hip gyrating and weird outfit). This is what I think of when I think of Elvis, and I hate that era of his music, so I am very glad this wasn't that. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this album today! Not a bad song on the record, even though I only recognized one of them (Fever, because of the movie Hangover, even though the song in the movie is a remake of this one). Favourite songs: "Dirty, Dirty Feeling", Such a Night, Make Me Know It, Reconsider Baby, Like a Baby, The Girl of My Best Friend, Fever, I Will Be Home Again, Fever Least favourite songs: It Feels So Right, Soldier Boy 5/5

Easy five stars for the King of Rock and Roll. Late 50s/early 60s rock and roll is one of my favourite genres so this album was a delight for me. "Make Me Know It" was love at first listen for me.

The best Elvis album I've heard so far, and that's without any songs or singles I knew beforehand going in. What a comeback for the King!

Solid album. Elvis really was a great singer. “It Feels So Right” is probably my favorite. Fever is so cool with just the bass and minimal drums. 4.5

The king! This record sounds so good, it was recorded in RCA studio B in nashville, everything that comes out of that room sounds amazing. I love the reverb on the vocals and the minimalist arrangement on fever. 4.9 because I like the earlier Elvis best

I dig Elvis, and I dug this album. Nothing that I was familiar with, but a quality album both in sound and entertainment value.

Other than Fever, I didn't recognize a single song on this album. Really enjoyed getting to listen to a bunch of brand-new-to-me Elvis songs.

This is some great classic Jordinaires-backed Elvis! His voice sounds really great, the recording sounds really great (in Stereo!), and he recorded this after coming back from a stint in the army (not something I have seen big rock and roll stars do in my lifetime). This didn’t have any of the monster hits I knew of from Elvis, but I enjoyed it a lot. And found a lot of songs I could bop along with. I was leaning towards a 4-star rating, but my mother would be disappointed, and he does do a mean cover of Fever. So five stars it is!

Although they have common recording origins, two of the three singles, "It's Now or Never" and "Are You Lonesome Tonight," were very quirky by the standards of Elvis songs at the time -- the former inspired by Elvis's admiration for Tony Martin's 1949 hit "There's No Tomorrow," while the latter was recorded at the request of Col. Parker as a favor to his wife. They add to the diversity of sounds on this record, which shows a mature Elvis Presley. "Dirty, Dirty Feeling" and "It Feels So Right" showed he could still rock out and challenge authority and propriety, while "Reconsider Baby" and "Like a Baby" offer some of his best blues performances; but "The Thrill of Your Love" (a very gospel-tinged number), "Soldier Boy," "Girl of My Best Friend," and "Girl Next Door Went a' Walking," also displayed the rich, deep vocalizing that would challenge critics' expectations of Elvis Presley playing rhythm guitar throughout. He also comes off better than on any of his other albums since arriving at RCA, as a musician as much as a "star" (he'd always had a lot more to say about running his sessions than the critics who loathed his RCA years indicated).

Sure, this first stereo album by Presley is exquisitely recorded, especially for the year it was released. And Elvis has never sung better than on this one, apparently, adding range and nuance to his performance, hereby displaying vocal chops that were nowhere to be found in his earlier mono records. But the problem lies elsewhere: does anyone really think the songs on this record are superior to the all-time hits Elvis Presley had released during the fifties? Weren't the rougher vocals and more barebone instrumentation dating from those first singles and albums far more compelling than this mellow stuff here? Sure, it's OK to broaden your horizons... But even the cover of "Fever" feels lackluster compared to the earlier versions of that classic gem of a song. No wonder John Lennon said that Elvis symbolically died when he went to the army. Lennon was no deaf idiot, he knew that technically, there was nothing wrong with this album. But the spirit of early rock'n' roll was gone, and you couldn't fool sincere fans of the genre like him. Admittedly, there are a few bluesy cuts towards the end of that record that still make it an interesting listen for folks interested in that period. But there's also too much pop/doo-wop stuff watering down that early rock'n'roll dimension kids like Lennon longed for in the first place. Besides, the album is also somewhat obnoxious for being partly a PR plan from manager Colonel Parker so as to artificially (and successfully) revive the Elvis craze. After spending two years in the U.S. Army in Germany, Presley sure worked his ass off on that one to make sure his comeback would be worthwhile. But does that mean that the result should be a mandatory listen? Hard work is not always fruitful. And more worryingly, it seems that Dimery and the writers from "1001 Albums..." are often under the spell of promotional plans dating from way back when in their selections of so-called "important" records. And those PR plans shouldn't have a bearing on their critical assessment today. For chrissake, this stint here is the mother of all the PR shenanigans that followed, and it's a sixty-plus-year-old stint, to boot. Good music (or even "bad' music, for that matter) has nothing to do with this. This here is marketing, first and foremost. That people fell for it sixty years ago is understandable. But today??? There's another issue die-hard Elvis fans never consider when they put forward albums like these. Nobody ever thinks of the younger generations who might wonder why Elvis was such a phenomenon for their grandparents or great-grandparents. If you exposed them first to this album, they wouldn't get the picture at all. There are at least two or three records before it, during the fifties, that make a finer job explaining the brush strokes of the phenomenon that Presley was. And some of those records also have hidden gems that are far more intriguing or evocative than any of the stuff in *Elvis Is Back!*. Take "Blue Moon", on the very first LP, for instance. Finally, no one should forget that Presley also represented the "white" face of a black culture largely left in the margins of the "mainstream" at the time. And that, as such, his inclusion on this list should *at least* be complemented by the inclusion of lesser-known African-American artists. In a way, I'm delighted that this album has been suggested to me, because it's given me the occasion to discover who the first performer of "Fever" was. His name was Little Willie John, he's a half-forgotten figure, and yet his performance of the song was just brilliant, as brilliant as the one by Peggy Lee (and far more brilliant than the one on *Elvis Is Back!*). And the most important point comes now: anyone who thinks I'm exaggerating things when I (along many others) state that Elvis is still a symptom of the plundering of black culture should consider the following nugget: when you type "Fever" on Spotify, many versions of the song appear, by Peggy Lee, Elvis Presley, Michael Bublé and the likes... Yet Little Willie John's original version does not, at least not before dozens of other suggestions. If *this* is not a symbol of cultural appropriation, I don't know what is. [Number of albums left to review or just listen to: 978 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 9 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 6 Albums from the list I will *not* include in mine (as I think many others are more important): 7 (including this one--unless I have room for it, but it'd be for its historical importance only, and it will be at the very bottom of my list). Albums I might not be able to judge (some might end up on my final list if they're culturally important): 1]

Yes! Another album where the majority of the songs are three minutes or less. 12 songs, 32 minutes. If I’m gonna be stuck listening to these quaint songs from the most milquetoast era of American culture, it’s best that it happens in short bursts.

Loved the old time feel.

Used to be an Elvis girlie at age 6-10 (pre-emo Elvis phase) and this was lovely to revisit

Elvis is always gonna be the king

I always liked Elvis more than the Beatles as a kid because it felt like the edgier thing to say. I now know that I was a fool. But Elvis still fucks. I mean, literally. Your grandma lost her virginity to this album. I'm sorry to say that and for making you think about it. But it's true.

The third Elvis album to reach us here, I don’t have much of an angle on this, the King as cipher perhaps: slot in a card punched by a crack songwriter, out spools the Elvis interpretation. How much say did he have in his repertoire, in the choices made in these interpretations? This is accomplished but doesn’t have the spellbinding power of whatever was the last one we had. I can’t shake the feeling I’m hearing each of these songs in a period gangster movie as ironic counterpoint to acts of violence.

Lot’s to enjoy here from the King. Doesn’t have the out and out raw energy, swagger, and urgency of his best 50s stuff, but there’s still heaps of style. His voice is as good as ever, and the session musicians and production are on point and top notch with the latter part of the record being surprisingly loose and sleazy. Good stuff overall.

Mid-period Elvis, when he spent more time repurposing European ballads and gurning through cheesy movies than rocking out. Good voice though!

elvis's band is back. on every single track somebody put their whole pussy in 300%. even elvis.

Maybe it’s a failure of imagination on my part but it seems abundantly clear to me why Elvis is king of rock and roll. So singularly talented and insanely charismatic even when recorded. Can’t imagine music without him and this album is no exception

Did not expect to enjoy Elvis as much as I did.

Great album!! 5 stars.

Great

Giggly 😊

Damn, I'd never expected I'd like Elvis. The album is really catchy and enjoyable wow

Expected Schlok, instead there was gravitas and astute reference just with a distinctive voice. He was king for a reason

Elvis is amazing. Nothing Else to say here. 5/5!

Classic

Wonderful album with a great, varied collection of songs. There’s crooners and rockers, country ballads and swinging tunes. And Elvis sounds completely at home no matter what style or genre he’s singing. He’s a great singer and more than that, he’s an incredible entertainer. His delivery kept putting a smile on my face. What an incredible performance he gives on “Fever”! He really milks those lines for everything they’ve got!

Elvis is the king. This album is stellar. Really pretty songs with his timeless buttery vocal performance. I'm really, really impressed by the production too and I'm shocked that I'm listening to the original mix and it's sounding so good on my speakers. I think that's a testament to the amazing arrangement; there seems to be a layer that appears every single time that my ear wants one... there seems to be a change every time I'm ready to move on from whatever section I'm listening to. Beautiful record. I grew up listening to Elvis as he was my mom's favorite but I don't often reach to put his records on these days but this was such a delight to listen to. I was really considering this as a 4/5 until I heard "Such a Night" which really blew me away. The energy and tension in the verses that explode into the huge shouting chorus is so amazing. Truly incredible songwriting that I think is really missing these days. Currently when I think of pop/indie music there is such a hesitancy to have big dynamic sections; so much of current music is about coming across as "cool" that I think songwriters in those genres stay away from this sort of big emotional moments and it's so refreshing to hear something that is 60 years old having this effect on me. Love the album cover too. All the guys wanted to be him, and all the ladies wanted to be with him; just put his face on the cover and it'll be great.

Elvis is well and truly back!! Best Song: Fever Worst Song: Like a Baby

Classic

Elvis es Elvis.

I did like this one! It was pretty awesome so I'd probably rate a 8-9/10. 5 stars for me

Elvis had a million great songs but only a handful of really great albums. When he was paired up with the right material, like he is here, he was better than anyone.

Nice as always

Day66 - elvis’ voice and the jordanaires singing backup is a recipe for a great album. such a night is my favorite elvis song

Great tunes. Almost all were new to me.

Elvis is in the building! I really enjoyed this album -- I hadn't heard any of these Elvis songs before, so it was a new experience for me, and I really dig the early 1960s rhythms, horns, vocals, etc.

You can NEVER go wrong with Elvis!

Love Elvis, always 5 stars

Nice!

Classic Elvis. Without super hits. 5 stars.

I thoroughly enjoyed this album. Never thought of myself as much of an Elvis fan but these were some of his best songs. Will definitely listen again!

I grew up listening to Elvis but haven’t heard any of these songs, which was surprisingly to me. All of them were really good too! Elvis is straight up the “King of Rock & Roll”! 10/10

One of my top list artists!

May be Elvis' best.

I was raised on Elvis, so this was a nice revisit. Loved this album.

classic

classic

Beautiful album

Elvis back? The King is still not gone! Amazing album not only due to Fever, but for all the other gems like "The Girl Next Door Went A'Walking"

Still holds up to this day

Elvis es Elvis

LOVE Elvis.

Elvis was probably my first favourite artist. Elvis Gold on 8 track. All the music, all the movies, I liked all of it. Old doo wop rock and roll is tough to beat.

čagica

I've heard all the Elvis. Some good some lame.

упапапа

Loved it. Elvis can truly do no wrong.

Really enjoyed this album, especially the doo-wop elements made it work for me.

grande som do mestre

Loved it!!

I can't believe I just 5 stared him. I guess I've been missing Graceland and Memphis lately

This could be his best ever album

Super good album. Shame about the "stealing it all from black ppl", but whatevs, I guess.

Solid album, great production that highlights the great voice of Elvis.

So freaking good. I could listen to his voice forever

For et album! Helt rått

Incredible. Lots of blues.

Love this album. Love Elvis

His voice is so soothing to me on any non-hyped up songs. A lot of this album is like that.

The only jam that I was already familiar with was Elvis’ version of Fever. Dirty, Dirty Feeling fucking slaps. The album sounds exactly how I thought it would sound, but with a bunch of songs that I didn’t already know. No big surprises today, but that’s ok.

Classic.

This is so much fun.

Make me know it!

This is a really good early rock & roll record. Definitely feel the blues influence. Great use of horns and good examples of piano as the main rock instrument in several songs. I don't know if this has been remastered, but it sounds great; super-clean with great stereo separation.

very cool

I'm not a huge Elvis fan, but I really enjoyed this album.

Elvis' fourth album overall and his first in two years after his army discharge. The only other Elvis album I have listened and can compare to is one of his Christmas albums that my parents had. But, I don't really remember much of that. That will change in the future with this exercise. One of the critical praises of this album is the musical variety which I wholly agree with. This variety includes ballads, doo-woop (for lack of a better term), rock and blues. Needless to say, he nails all of them. My two favorite songs are the two blues-based songs "Like A Baby" and "Reconsider Baby" which end the album. Another highlight is his cover of Peggy Lee's "Fever". I can't say that I didn't expect to like and enjoy this album. I did. It's Elvis baby.

ko i inače uz Elvisove pisme, poseban feel-good ugođaj!!

grandeee elvis!!!

I don't know, looks and sounds like the same Elvis to me... (OOPS! I'm sorry. I thought this album was called "Elvis is BLACK!") Three songs recorded during this session went to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. None are included on the album, which is insane. The King's voice actually improved after he got out of the army, and yet he followed up this gem by seemingly appearing in as many forgettable movies as time would allow. As always, blame the colonel. But this is the King, who belongs on this list in a big way.

Elvis is our eternal sweetheart.

Rock de Elvis. Vinilo.

Elvis es Elvis