This final installment in the prestigious five volume Elvis Gold Record series confirms that Elvis’s last 10 years were some of the most innovative and productive of his music career. Indeed the tracks on this CD, which deals with the period 1967-1977, are every much as impressive and enduring as the pioneering pre-1958 rock hits that were included in the first edition of the set.

Elvis Gold Records Volume 5 was originally released in 1984 and contained just 10 tracks. This 1997 re-release expands the set to 16 songs. Significantly, not all of Elvis’s hits or even gold singles from the relevant time period are contained on the collection. Particularly notable omissions are “Don’t Cry Daddy” and “The Wonder of You”. The reasons for their exclusion are unknown, however, it may have been that the number of tracks had to be cut somewhere and those that were retained were seen to make the set more marketable when viewed in the context of the songs included on other Elvis releases at the time.

The Tracks

The tracks on the CD are diverse and showcase the best of Elvis’s considerable music talents in his later years. There is a maturity in many of these numbers that is unparralled in his earlier work. Examples of the subject matter include poverty, crime, world peace, societal hypocrisy, marital hardships, infidelity, runaway children and family. Individual tracks are discussed below.

Kentucky Rain

One of Elvis’s most despairing yet enervating numbers, “Kentucky Rain” finds Elvis searching for a loved one who has run away. Though I have never heard the number referred to in this light, I have always viewed it as a social commentary on the pain and suffering felt by parents whose children become runaways or disappear without explanation. In each verse Elvis speaks to strangers looking for any clues regarding the whereabouts of his missing loved one and hangs on every one of their words in the hope that he will find her. The continued reference to the ongoing rain in the chorus makes for magnificent imagery and reinforces the desperation inherent in the search.

Elvis is in fine voice throughout the performance. Recorded in 1969, there is a controlled power in his vocals that characterizes much of his best work during this creative peak in his career. The musical accompaniment in this dramatic and quite fascinating track is also beyond fault. When released as a single in 1970, “Kentucky Rain” hit #16 on the Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. Sales exceeded one million copies.

In the Ghetto

“In the Ghetto” was Elvis’s second recognised foray into the world of social commentary through music. The number is a protest ballad about the plight of those who live in the ghettos of the world. It intelligently and tenderly deals with the issue of the link between poverty and crime by using a case example of a child who is born in a ghetto without sufficient food or warmth. The child ultimately grows older and wonders why he is hungry and cold. He turns to crime and is finally shot and killed by police.

The repeated reference throughout the lyrics to the words “and his mama cries’ and the unchanging harmonies emphasise the tragedy of the whole situation. The song contains the following soul searching lines that those of us fortunate enough not to live in poverty should take time to consider:

“People don’t you understand, the child needs a helping hand or he’ll grow up to be an angry young man some day. Take a look at you and me are we too blind to see or do we simply turn our heads and look the other way.”

“In the Ghetto” is without doubt a classic Elvis recording and was very successful at the time of its release (1969: US #3; UK #2). Elvis’s performance is both sincere and authoritative. The feel of the track is accentuated by excellent musical accompaniment including imaginative use of an acoustic guitar and female backing vocals. The sad part about the song is that the message it is still as applicable today as it was at the time of its recording.

Clean Up Your Own Backyard

This song has a Gospel feel with a hint of country blues. In addition to Elvis’s defiant vocalizing, the performance is characterized by imaginative use of guitar, brass and female backing vocals. In short the number is a statement of the social hypocrisy inherent in our society. The message is that we would all be better off if people cleaned up their own “backyards” before interfering and criticizing those of another. In other words don’t throw stones if you live in a glass house. When released as a single, “Clean up Your own Back Yard” was moderately successful and peaked at #35 on the Hot 100 chart in 1969.

If You Talk In Your Sleep

Marital infidelity is subject of this number. Interestingly the topic is dealt with from the perspective of the “other man”. It is a slow to medium tempo track that is characterized by a flickering orchestral accompaniment that injects an atmosphere of menace and panic. The only other song that I can recall that is so successful in creating such a mood is Phil Collins “Something in the Air Tonight”. Anyone contemplating having an affair with a married person should really listen to this track as it lays it on the line, without moralizing, how it is going to feel.

From a musical perspective, it is almost impossible to fault the contributions of all involved. The only possible criticism is that the orchestra is so good and integral to the success of the performance that Elvis at times almost has to compete with it to remain the main attraction. Chart wise, “If You Talk in Your Sleep” peaked at #6 on Billboard’s country and easy listening charts.

If I Can Dream

Elvis used this powerful protest number as the finale for his 1968 “Comeback Special”. Dressed in a white suit and displaying a gravel in his voice that had never been heard before, Elvis belted this cry for world peace and understanding with although the intensity and passion his soul could muster. It was an excellent (though admittedly surprising) choice for the Special’s closing performance.

The track includes a brass accompaniment and builds with intensity with each verse culminating in a crescendo ending. When released as a single A-side, “If I Can Dream was a million seller and charted at a peak of #12 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in 1968.

Suspicious Minds

One of Elvis’s most popular and enduring hits, “Suspicious Minds” had no trouble in 1969 making the pinnacle of both the US and UK charts. Characterized by a distinctive guitar line and excellent use of brass, this medium tempo rock number is about the futility and pain associated with having an intimate relationship with someone who is unable to trust you. Although nearly five minutes, the performance holds the listener’s interest throughout and is one of Elvis’s finest performances.

Burning Love

“Burning Love” is a fast paced classic rock number penned by Denis Linde. With the support of some outstanding drumming and guitar work, Elvis demonstrates why he was nicknamed the king of rock some fifteen years earlier. The performance is polished but still retains the raw edge that is the hallmark of any great rock song. Further, the well-known and most original ending where Elvis repeats over and over “Just a hunka hunka burning love”, is nothing short of exhilarating. It is no surprise that that when released as a single, the recording easily made the top 10 in the US and the UK in 1972.

Moody Blue

Moody Blue” has an up-tempo beat, excellent arrangements and clever lyrics. Essentially Elvis is singing about his girlfriend who in short has him totally perplexed and confused about what she is really all about. There is a sense of bewilderment in Elvis’s performance that is immediately appealing. The fact that the chorus is particularly catchy also helps. It never ceases to surprise me how many supposed non-Elvis enthusiasts seem to make an exception when it comes to this song.

When released as a single “Moody Blue” was particularly successful in the UK (1976: #6) and also hit the top spot on Billboard’s Country chart and #2 on the Easy-Listening chart. When “Moody Blue” was first released it was advertised as Elvis’s first “disco hit”.

Way Down

This was Elvis’s swan song and was the last single release of his lifetime. Just prior to his death it hit the #1 spot on the US country charts. In the UK, Elvis’s untimely death shortly after its release propelled “Way Down” to the top of the charts in that country.

If Elvis had to check out of this world, then there is no doubt that “Way Down” was a most fitting last single. It is a classic rock number with a fascinating bass vocal accompaniment (performed by J D Sumner) that stands proud along side his many other classic hits including “Heartbreak Hotel”, “Return to Sender” and “Suspicious Minds”. My only criticism is that the 1977 release omitted the wild “honky-tonk” piano solo. Fortunately, the complete version of “Way Down” was recently made available on the Life in Music Box set.

Edge Of Reality

“Edge of Reality” is one of my favorite 60’s Elvis songs. It is a dramatic number about a person who is desperately attempting to keep their sanity. Unfortunately its inclusion in the film “Live a Little, Love a Little” trivialized the subject matter. The film clip of the number, however, is unlike anything done by Elvis before. It is a dream like sequence that is totally weird and even includes a dog that turns half-human.

Elvis’s voice is magnificent throughout the number. There is also excellent use of brass accompaniment. The mood of the performance perfectly suits the subject matter and the move toward an up-tempo beat in the chorus perfectly suits the pleading feel of Elvis’s performance in this part of the song. “Edge of Reality” was released as the B-side to “If I Can Dream” (US only). It did not chart.

Big Boss Man, Guitar Man and US Male

These three numbers were cut in Nashville in September 1967 and January 1968 (US Male). Other than Gospel recordings, the relevant sessions were the first time that Elvis had stepped into a studio to record non-movie material since May 1963. All three are rock numbers with a country tinge. Clearly inspired by the chance to get back into the studio again and cut some genuine rock tracks, Elvis gives an outstanding performance on all of them. So too does legendary guitarist Jerry Reed (who incidentally wrote “Guitar Man” and “US Male”).

Unfortunately, due to Elvis burning off the record buying public for years prior to their release none of the numbers set the charts on fire when presented as A-sides in 1967 and 1968. “Big Boss Man” and “Guitar Man” only reached the outer limits of the US top 50. “US Male” was more successful and at least made the US top 20. Of interest, “Guitar Man” was re-released as a single in 1981 with new music accompaniment (Jerry Reed again played on this new version). This revamped rendition hit the top spot on Billboard’s country chart.

You Don't Have To Say You Love Me

Elvis covered this Dusty Springfield classic about unrequited love in 1970 and surprisingly released it as a single. Although Elvis gives a strong rendition, his performance does not eclipse that of Ms Springfield nor his later live version on the Madison Square Garden Album (1972). The single release did, however, make the top twenty in both the US and UK popular charts. It also made #1 on Billboard’s easy listening chart.

For The Heart

“For the Heart” is without doubt the weakest track on this otherwise excellent collection. It was recorded at Elvis’s home studio in 1976. It is an up-tempo number with a catchy sing-along chorus and some fun backing vocals. Unfortunately, it is let down by poor arrangements and an unappealing sense of strain in Elvis’s vocals in the verse parts of the song. The overall effect is that while Elvis and the band give the number every effort, it is not one of Elvis’s more memorable 70’s rock performances. “For the Heart” was released as a single B-side in 1976.

Memories

“Memories” is a beautiful ballad that is complemented by not only Elvis’s superb singing but also a fine orchestral backing. The recording is live and emanates from Elvis’s 1968 comeback special. In the show he sings it to the audience while sitting on the stage steps. It is an appropriately intimate performance that deals with recollections of past joyous and moving moments with loved ones. When released as single, memories charted at #7 on Billboard’s easy listening chart.

Buying Recommendation

This CD is without doubt a must-purchase for the Elvis fan and will also appeal to the casual Elvis admirer. It is a collection that presents Elvis in his best light and has the potential to redefine the perspective that many people seem to have about Elvis’s work in his final years.

Along with Elvis Gold Records Volumes 1 and 3, this collection is one of the finest examples of Elvis Presley music that I have ever had the privilege to listen to. The advantage of this set over the other mentioned volumes, however, is the insightfulness and maturity of the material. If there was ever a CD that deserves 5 stars it is this one.




Recommended: Yes