Absolute Radio: Discover real music

Follow that dream records, the collectors division of RCA have done it again with another superb re-packaging in their latest series of original LP re-issues. Turning their attention to the 1961 "Wild In The Country" movie soundtrack. A classic film, one of the last serious roles for Elvis, a slow paced film by all accounts but one with some great actors and acting. I enjoyed watching this one many times over, yet its not a film that is that well known generally. The songs were made to fit into the movie plot far more on this occasion, and they did not spoil the more serious tone of the movie. The songs are generally fairly low key gentle ballads. They are beautiful songs though. The exception is "I slipped I stumbled I fell" being the most rockin track on the set. This was of course featured on "ELVIS SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY" LP later that year 1961.

This 7" gatefold CD includes booklet and outtakes from the movie songs. Many unreleased previously. I love the early takes of "Wild In the country" Elvis really lets loose on the vocal, unfortunately the takes are incomplete but had they of used the early takes to make up the master it could well have surpassed the actual final version of the song.

Overall a great purchase for the collector, I am however a little confused by this release as I thought RCA (Follow That Dream) 7" gatefolds were only re-issuing LP's and EP's that were originally issued in Elvis's lifetime, and that are no longer available. I dont recall this EP ever existing originally, so therefore its a new release rather than a re-issue. Odd but I am not complaining.

Not the best FTD release to date, its really not great value for money when they issue a 4 or 5 song EP, but the alternate takes always make up the running time and the presentation and packaging is second to none. As I say not the best but nice none the less.
Paul



Rating: 4 out of 5

Personally I have always reckoned that Elvis was at the top of his vocal powers in AD 1960. He had superb vocal control and exceptional range and he had improved vocally at least from the rawness (albeit a very very appealing rawness) of the 1950's. This is a tremendous collection of stunning ballads and the rocking "I slipped I stumbled I fell". The outtakes are interesting and I haven't got tired of listening to 27 versions of 5 songs. Interestingly "Husky Dusky Day" also appears and tho' very short (50 seconds) it is quite an amusing little ditty sung in duet with the lovely Hope Lang. One of the best FTD releases by far!

Rating: 5 out of 5