After leaving a whole generation of white American teens all shook up and a brief spell in the army in 1960, Elvis’ manager Colonel Tom Parker took the bizarre decision to focus his career into making cheesy B movies and soundtrack albums. Not surprisingly, Elvis grew increasingly unhappy with this arrangement and after his legendary 68 comeback special, wanted to record a new LP in Memphis with a change of musical direction. After some wrangling over publishing rights and contracts, he finally got into the studio and recorded a set of songs with styles ranging from Memphis Soul to country and blues, with a touch of gospel. This album is a great showcase for Elvis at his vocal crooning best, even if some of the songs are on the mawkish side. This re-release includes some non album singles including the great Suspicious Minds but offset by the atrocious Don’t Cry Daddy. Ghetto-tastic!
