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Elvis Presley's legendary recordings for Sun Records had been reissued many times before, most notably in the 1987 collection The Complete Sun Recordings CD, the 2005/6 Memphis Recording Service's DVD-Audio releases and 2005's Elvis at Sun CD. The latter two used the best original sources with the exception of "That's All Right" on the Elvis at Sun CD, which has some added RCA reverb - totally inappropriate for the Sun sound. Which source did Xtra use? You'll have to buy it to find out! Despite its title, The Complete Sun Recordings missed a few odds and ends, plus its track sequencing was a little didactic, resulting in a repetitive listen. Such flaws are corrected on this release. The compilers have instead decided to devote the first part of the CD to original takes and the second to ten live cuts and three interviews. This running order emphasizes the brilliance of this music. Not only is listening to the 16 Sun cuts in a row quite breathtaking, but the second part winds up as a revelatory experience, since it offers a kind of alternate history by following Elvis through some early live performances. As such, this is essential for the curious and the collector alike.

TRACK LIST [Sun Studio unless live or interview]

1. Baby Let's Play House

2. Tomorrow Night

3. Blue Moon

4. I'm Left You're Right She's Gone

5. You're To Heartbreaker

6. I Forgot To Remember To Forget

7. I Love You Because

8. Good Rockin' Tonight

9. Just Because

10. Blue Moon Of Kentucky

11. Harbour Lights

12. That's All Right Mama

13. Mystery Train

14. I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine

15. Milk Cow Boogie Blues

16. Trying To Get To You

17. Maybelline (live)

18. Baby Let's Play House (live)

19. Money Honey (live)

20. That's All Right Mama (live)

21. Good Rockin' Tonight (live)

22. Blue Moon Of Kentucky (live)

23. I Was The One (live)

24. Tweedle Dee (live)

25. I Got To Woman (live)

26. Long Tall Sally (live)

27. Churn Born Auto Florida (interview 1955)

28. Texarkana (interview Elvis Presley talking to Bob Neal)

29. At Louisiana Hayride (Interview)

Sam C Phillips of Sun Records once boasted that if he could find a white singer that could sing, sound and feel 'like a negro' that he'd make a million dollars. Well, he only ever made $35,000 off Elvis Presley, that sum received when he sold Elvis's contract to RCA records. RCA took ownership of these recordings, using them to flesh out the early RCA Elvis albums, for the most part. Joining Elvis here of course, is guitar picker Scotty Moore and a bass player name of Bill Black. Elvis burst into these sessions, raring to go, full of enthusiasm and it is audible enthusiasm. OK this isn't the best 16 studio rock 'n' roll or rockabilly cuts ever made. These songs sold modest amounts at the time, a time before RCA turned Elvis into the worlds biggest star. So, no. not the best rock 'n' roll cuts ever, but Elvis is here, his delivery is tense sounding, a result of nerves perhaps, but this tension is released into a collection of stunning vocal performances. The faster cuts, mostly, where Elvis really is himself, really pours his voice out. Early singles like 'That's All Right' and 'Mystery Train' are both totally together, tight performances and the voice of Elvis is very rich and the musical backings creating much excitement. Less 'together' performances, both musically and vocally are tracks like 'Blue Moon Of Kentucky', but these cuts are just so loose and raw, so genuine in the emotion and excitement, to even be there getting the chance to sing in the first place, that they create a special atmosphere all the same. The sheer enthusiasm Elvis brings to these Sun recordings is audible in the grooves. I particularly like the way 'Milk Cow Blues' opens all acoustic blues, very earnest - before Elvis stops the recording and says "Let's get real gone for a change" - and then of course, he jumps around, his voice jumps and swoops with tension and enthusiasm as Bill and Scotty follow him to suit.' You're A Heartbreaker' boasts a great, assured Elvis vocal in contrast to other, more tense performances. Same comments apply to the very assured sounding and hugely enjoyable rock 'n roll of 'Good Rocking Tonight'. Whether 'it' started here with these Sun recordings, or really started with the later 'Heartbreak Hotel' - in effect, it did all start here. The beginnings of the recorded Elvis story are here - and this isn't, or at least, doesn't come across as, a mere historical document. The performances themselves still sound very alive and relevant - highly recommended especially at this competitive asking price.

Rating: 4 out of 5