Review by Piers Beagley - Elvis Information Network
Review by Piers Beagley & Keith Flynn
Ernst Jørgensen originally said that FTD was unlikely to release this Joan Deary 1979 "Pure Elvis Sound" concept on CD stating, "I think we have more important things to do."
However, after the success of the 2010 Victrola bootleg and having discovered 18 previously unreleased "Pure Elvis Sound" tracks, FTD have now issued a stunning thirty-eight track compilation, gathering up all the Dick Bogert "Pure Elvis Sound" masters. And what a great concept it is.
After Elvis died - and with producer Joan Deary still in control at the label - RCA was still trying to find "new" Elvis product to release to his adoring fans.
Apart from the A Legendary Performer series, Joan Deary also came up with the idea of removing Felton Jarvis' excessive overdubs, giving fans a chance to hear a more purer Elvis sound with a focus on his voice.
RCA audio engineer Dick Bogert was the man responsible for the remixes and he later also worked with Joan Deary on the Elvis Aron Presley Silver box-set.
Most of the selected tracks were Elvis' master versions with some, but not all, of the overdubs removed. Sometimes backing vocals were left in but usually the backing vocals that were recorded at the original studio session with Elvis were faded out. These tracks were almost never the "undubbed masters" that are now being released on FTD.
Both Our Memories Of Elvis Volume 1 and Volume 2 were released in 1979, and even then the LP cover announced a new "series" of releases. One crucial marketing mistake was NOT using a photo of Elvis on the first album cover but using a picture of Colonel Parker and Vernon.
If anything indicated that this might be a "rip-off product" using their picture rather than Elvis’, almost confirmed fans’ suspicions!
While they sold relatively well, without a big hit single they didn’t even chart in the US Top 100.
Once RCA started work on their Elvis Aron Presley box-set the "Pure Elvis Sound" idea was then dropped.
These "Pure Elvis" albums, however, are definite favourites amongst Elvis vinyl collectors and the 2010 bootleg Victrola release proved that they deserved a proper re-release.
As the FTD sleeve notes state, it is doubtful that Elvis himself would have approved of the concept, as he always liked his vocal to be part of the overall sound. However, his complaints against Colonel Parker, who wanted Elvis’ vocal raised above the band, were from the past and the early sixties.
I personally doubt that Parker and Elvis ever had the same debate over Felton Jarvis’ smothering of Elvis’ studio recordings, band and all, with those excessive syrupy orchestral overdubs in the seventies.
There is a point to the fact that some studio tracks like the 1975 Today session were only recorded with the male backing vocals and the later vocal overdubs from the Holladays etc... actually did improve some songs.
Tracks like ‘Your Love’s Been A Long Time Coming’ and ‘Shake A Hand’ benefit from the fuller gospel feel added by the backing vocals. Although they also DO have a wonderful, different feel as just rhythm versions - I like them both.
However, there is no doubt that a fair number of Elvis ‘70s releases were ruined by the excessive overdubs which often hid or removed the true emotion of Elvis’ singing. Tracks like ‘Solitaire’ and ‘The Last Farewell’, and even ‘Heart Of Rome’, were ruined by bombastic, excessive overdubs.
In some ways the weaker Elvis’ voice was (due to tiredness or strain) the more emotional and touching it could sound. Felton would see this as a weakness and instead would try and bury Elvis’ wavering under a pile of backing vocals or violins. Inevitably this would leave Elvis’ vocal track muffled and very hidden. In this case Colonel Parker was right!
The album cover said "Just Elvis singing as he did in the recording studio - the pure Elvis without additional accompaniment."
While this is true in some respects, it is also true that these tracks, mixed by engineer Dick Bogert, were NOT the undubbed masters, rather the masters with some backing tracks and overdubs faded out.
In the studio sessions - and even in the Jungle Room - the backing musicians were there with Elvis and Elvis was singing along with them. Yet here these vocals are usually faded out.
Often you can hear the faded-out backing vocalists bleeding through into the background via Elvis’ microphone.
In general Dick Bogert increased the level ofElvis’ vocal, dropped any overdubs that Felton Jarvis has added, and faded out the original studio backing vocals if they were present. If the original masters were not overdubbed, he usually changed the mix of the band’s instruments instead.
Whatever, the genuine purity of each individual track, these albums were a great concept at the time and a true relief to any fan who suffered through the overdubbed messes of Elvis last two studio albums that Jarvis produced. The original From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee was a particular stinker with Elvis' vocal buried under layers of mush.
Joan Deary was aware that it was Elvis’ slower ballads that were the songs most altered by Felton’s excessive overdubs, so the first compilation - Our Memories Of Elvis Volume 1 - was an album focused on love and loss (except for the delicious 'Spanish Eyes').
On the second album, she chose a more up-tempo mix including the extended 'Don't Think Twice, It's All Right' jam. Here the faster rocking numbers like ‘For The Heart’ and ‘Way Down’ sound a little odd without the funky backing-vocals that were there in the Jungle Room helping push a tired Elvis on towards the master.
But there is no doubt that tracks like 'Are You Sincere', 'Take Good Care Of Her', 'Thinking About You', ‘I Got A Feelin’ In My Body’, ‘Sweet Angeline’ and 'Spanish Eyes' all sound remarkably clear and with a more touching and appropriate emotional sentiment compared to the masters.
There are also several tracks like ‘Never Again’, ‘Mr Songman’, ‘Girl Of Mine’ and ‘The Last Farewell’ (I’m not sure why Elvis even touched this dreadful song!) that I found unlistenable in their excessively mushy overdubbed original form, but really enjoy as "Pure" Elvis versions.
The REAL TREAT here is getting the ten never released tracks selected for the scrapped Our Memories Of Elvis Volume 3, as well as seven other "Pure Elvis" tracks prepared by Dick Bogert.
Cover Design
The two CDs come in a three panel 5" fold-out digi-pack and comes with a twelve- page booklet featuring some memorabilia, some explanatory notes, plus some nice George Hill photos of Elvis live on stage.
The booklet has an unfortunate typo stating that the first volume of Our Memories was released in 1989 when it should of course say 1979.
The front cover (as taken from the second album) is excellent and should have been the one used on the original first album instead of those old cronies outside Graceland!
The Audio
For fans who enjoy FTD’s usual high quality audio upgrading and new remastering courtesy of Vic Anesini, Sebastian Jeansson etc. will be disappointed with the audio quality here.
Unfortunately Lene Reidel has mastered this FTD compilation and has done a less-than-adequate job.
There is a major audio skip on track 1 of the first CD (at 01:12) which spoils the otherwise beautiful ‘Are You Sincere’.
It seems that - like on the Today FTD release - Reidel has not bothered to fully check the master transfer before it sent to press.
Also, the audio is unfortunately a little muffled in the higher frequencies. The Victrola bootleg had better, shiner top-end, as well as a nice expanded bass-mix - albeit a little compressed. I have to agree with others though, that the overall audio here sounds a little flat.
It’s a real shame as the overall compilation and concept is really good.
Checking the FTD audio-quality against the original vinyl albums, it is disappointing to find that the audio is very similar and not really improved, nearly thirty-five years later.
Volume 1 certainly disappoints here (Volume 2 is better) and ‘Spanish Eyes’ on my original vinyl has a beautiful sound, beating this new 2012 CD version. How can that be?
Overall Verdict
Most fans have heard the two original vinyl album compilations (which I still occasionally play) but if you haven't, you are in for a REAL treat. Even better, the previously unreleased eighteen tracks on the second CD feature some gorgeous new versions of old favourites.
While not all tracks work as well as the others, it is good to hear Elvis’ vocal as pure as on this album.
Fans who are not overly demanding of remastered audio quality will love this great compilation. Two CDs for the price of one – great value - and I’m sure fans will be playing this CD a lot.
The following pages provide you with a unique track-by-track breakdown of what each track offers and detailed analysis on how they are different from the outtakes and real undubbed masters on the FTD classic album series.
The following is a track-by-track analysis by Keith Flynn of what is on the FTD release of Our Memories Of Elvis, as opposed to the “real” undubbed masters, where they have been released, either officially, or not.
‘Are You Sincere’ - This is actually Take 1, as opposed to the master, but there is a higher Elvis vocal and cleaner mix than same the take as heard on FTD’s classic album issue of Raised On Rock.
‘It’s Midnight’ - The original studio backing vocals have been faded out, along with Elvis’ harmony vocal overdub, and the overdubbed strings have been removed. The real undubbed master can be found on the bootleg Unedited Masters - Stax ‘73.
‘My Boy’ - Elvis’ vocal has no echo. The original studio backing vocals have been faded out and the brass and string overdubs have been removed. The real undubbed master can be found on FTD‘s classic album issue of Good Times.
‘Girl Of Mine’ - The original studio backing vocals have been faded out and the string and guitar overdubs have been removed. The real undubbed master can be found on the bootleg By Special Request - From Louisiana To Tennessee.
‘Take Good Care Of Her’ - The original studio backing vocals have been faded out and the string and guitar overdubs have been removed. The organ is also lower in the mix. The real undubbed master can be found on FTD‘s classic album issue of Good Times.
‘I’ll Never Fall In Love Again‘ - Elvis’vocal has the excessive echo removed and is now very clear. The string overdubs have also been removed. The real undubbed master has not been released.
‘Your Love’s Been A Long Time Coming‘ - The original studio backing vocals have been faded out, although you can still hear them bleeding through Elvis’ microphone. The string overdubs have also been removed, and the piano is now more prominent in the mix. The verse which was edited out of the released master is missing here too. The real unedited undubbed master can be found on FTD‘s classic album issue of Promised Land.
‘Spanish Eyes’ - The original studio backing vocals have been faded out and the string overdubs have been removed. The real unedited undubbed master can be found on FTD‘s classic album issue of Good Times.
‘Never Again’ - The string overdubs have been removed, along with the additional overdubbed backing vocals. The real undubbed master can be found on the bootleg Welcome To the Jungle - Never Again.
‘She Thinks I Still Care’ - The original studio backing vocals have been faded out and the guitar and string overdubs have been removed. Although this runs longer than the master, it is still faded. The real unedited undubbed master can be found on the bootlegs Unedited Masters - Hollywood To Nashville 1972-1980 and Live, Live, Live Volume 2.
‘Solitaire’ - The original studio backing vocals have been faded out and the string overdubs have been removed. The real undubbed master has not been released, except from a cassette source in poor quality on the bootleg Elvis Among Friends.
‘I Got A Feelin’ In My Body’ - Some of the original studio instruments, along with the later band overdubs, have been removed, and Elvis’ vocals are much higher in the mix. The real undubbed master can be found on FTD‘s classic album issue of Good Times.
‘Green, Green Grass Of Home’ - The original studio backing vocals have been faded out and the string overdubs have been removed. The real unedited undubbed master can be found on FTD‘s classic album issue of Today.
‘For The Heart’ - The original studio backing vocals, along with the later overdubbed backing vocals have been faded out and the bass overdubs have been removed. The real undubbed master has not been released, except from a cassette source in poor quality on the bootleg Elvis Among Friends.
‘She Wears My Ring’ - The original studio backing vocals have been faded out, although you can still hear them bleeding through Elvis’ microphone. The string overdubs have also been removed. The real unedited undubbed master can be found on FTD‘s classic album issue of Good Times.
‘I Can Help’ - The original studio backing vocals have been faded out and the brass overdubs have been removed, although this still contains the re-recorded bass. The real undubbed master, with original bass, can be found on FTD‘s classic album issue of Today.
‘Way Down’ - The original studio backing vocals have been faded out, although you can still hear them bleeding through Elvis’ microphone. The additional backing vocal and band overdubs have also been removed. The real undubbed master can be found on FTD‘s classic album issue of Moody Blue.
‘There’s A Honky Tonk Angel (Who Will Take Me Back In)’ - The original studio backing vocals and some original studio have been faded out and the string overdubs have been removed. The real unedited undubbed master can be found on FTD‘s classic album issue of Promised Land.
‘Find Out What’s Happening’ - The original studio backing vocals have been faded out and Elvis’ vocals are higher. The master wasn’t overdubbed, but a rough mix of the master can be found on FTD‘s classic album issue of Raised On Rock.
‘Thinking About You’ - The original studio backing vocals have been faded out, although you can still hear them bleeding through Elvis’ microphone. The string overdubs have also been removed. The ending which was faded on the released master is missing here too. The real undubbed master can be found on the bootleg By Special Request - From Louisiana To Tennessee.
‘Don’t Think Twice, It‘s All Right’ - This is an edited down version of the original studio jam. The full, unedited, jam can be found on FTD‘s classic album issue of Elvis Now.
‘Woman Without Love’ - The original studio backing vocals have been faded out and Elvis’ vocals are higher. The string overdubs have also been removed. The real undubbed master can be found on FTD’s classic album issue of Today.
‘Moody Blue’ - The original studio backing vocals have been faded out and Elvis’ vocals are higher. Some later overdubs have also been removed. The released master was faded but this runs unedited. The real unedited undubbed master can be found on FTD’s classic album issue of Moody Blue.
‘When I’m Over You’ - The overdubbed backing vocals and string overdubs have been removed, along with the original organ, leaving only Elvis’ solo vocals. The real undubbed master can be found on FTD‘s classic album issue of Elvis Country.
‘It’s A Matter Of Time’ - The original studio backing vocals have been faded out, leaving only Elvis’ vocals. The real undubbed master has not been released.
‘Sweet Angeline’ - The original studio backing vocals have been faded out and the string overdubs have been removed. The real undubbed master can be found on the bootleg Live, Live, Live Volume 2, although it still has no backing vocals.
‘Hurt’ - The piano and original studio backing vocals, along with the additional overdubbed backing vocals have been faded out. The real undubbed master has not been released, except from a cassette source in poor quality on the bootleg Elvis Among Friends.
‘Shake A Hand’ - The original studio backing vocals, along with the additional overdubbed backing vocals, have been faded out and the string overdubs have been removed, although this still contains the re-recorded bass. The real unedited undubbed master can be found on FTD‘s classic album issue of Today.
‘Promised Land’ - This is the unused organ overdub, and also does not contain the overdubbed tambourine that can be heard on the master. The undubbed master can be found on FTD‘s classic album issue of Promised Land.
‘Heart Of Rome’ - The string overdubs have been removed and the piano is faded. The real undubbed master can be found on the bootleg You Know, It Don’t Have To Be Strictly Country Volume 1.
‘If You Don’t Come Back’ - Elvis’ vocals and the backing vocals are louder than on the released master, which doesn’t contain any overdubs. A different rough mix of the master can be found on FTD‘s classic album issue of Raised On Rock.
‘Mr Songman’ - The original studio backing vocals have been faded out and the string overdubs have been removed. The real undubbed master has not been released
‘For Ol’ Time Sake’ - Elvis’ vocals are higher than the released master and feature less echo. The master wasn’t overdubbed, but a different rough mix of the master can be found on FTD‘s classic album issue of Raised On Rock.
‘Love Coming Down’ - The original studio backing vocals, along with the additional overdubbed backing vocals, have been faded out and the string overdubs have been removed. The real unedited undubbed master can be found on the bootleg Live, Live, Live Vol. 2.
‘Pledging My Love’ - The original studio backing vocals, along with the additional overdubbed backing vocals, have been faded out and the string overdubs have been removed. The real unedited undubbed master can be found on FTD’s classic album issue of Moody Blue.
‘Pledging My Love’ - The original studio backing vocals, along with the additional overdubbed backing vocals, have been faded out and the string overdubs have been removed. The real unedited undubbed master can be found on FTD’s classic album issue of Moody Blue.
‘Raised On Rock’ - The backing vocals, have been reduced and Elvis‘ vocals are higher than the master, which doesn’t contain any overdubs. A different rough mix of the master can be found on FTD‘s classic album issue of Raised On Rock.
‘The Last Farewell’ - The original studio backing vocals, along with the additional overdubbed backing vocals, have been faded out and the excessive string overdubs have been removed. The real undubbed master can be found on FTD’s classic album issue of From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee.
‘Fool’ - The original studio backing vocals have been faded out, although you can still hear them bleeding through Elvis’ microphone. The brass and string overdubs have also been removed. The real undubbed master has not been released.
