Elvis Presley

August 16, 1977. Elvis Presley is found on the bathroom floor in his Memphis home. It was an unromantic end for an American hero and it started the legend too soon. As did the jokes about his weight, about his clothes, about how the mighty had fallen. Some parts of these jokes were true. Some of it was more likely an ill expressed way of the loss of one of the greatest artists the world has known. Elvis was (and is) so huge that some people simply don’t know how to approach him. They get intimated by his persona, his body of work and the legend surrounding him. Instead of celebrating him they would rather put him down. Try to narrow him down to a comical figure. Something that they can grasp.

But let’s be honest. During his lifetime and still today, so many Elvis Presley records have been released that it’s impossible for it to all be top drawer material. Numerous Christmas records, live albums, discs filled with alternate takes and second rate material have flooded the market leaving the consumer up to his knees with, well, crap. Crap released simply to cash in on a beautiful talent. One problem with this obviously is that it can be hard to make your way to the good stuff. The stuff whose quality is enough to match the legend of the performer.

Most people will tell you to search for the early recordings he made on the Sun Records label. And while it is true that this material probably is his most exciting and natural, it should not prevent you from exploring his Las Vegas period. Contrary to popular belief, this period has some of his finest and most passionate performances. But similar to his entire career, there’s plenty of recordings and some material of lesser quality is bound to slip through.

Elvis Presley not only lived the rock and roll myth, he helped laying the very foundation. His gospel and blues influences mixed with his love for traditional standards made him dangerous and at the same time more accessible. He reached across generations and was very much loved by a generation who did not necessarily appreciate the music of other, younger artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin who all shared his tragic fate. Artists that most likely never would have been given a chance had it not been because of Elvis’ early struggles and success. The king is dead, long live the king.

ELVIS PRESLEY
Released 1956
Chart position: #1
Key tracks: Blue Suede Shoes, Blue Moon, Tutti Frutti

The debut album. Sun Records recorded several successful singles and had the #1 artist in America at the moment. Being a small label, there was no way they could hang on to him and sold his contract to RCA which quickly released this album. Youthful, maybe even naïve, but oh how joyful and playful these recordings are. Recorded with his classic backing band DJ Fontana, Scotty Moore and Bill Black. Also featuring a guest appearance from legendary guitarist Chet Atkins.

FROM ELVIS IN MEMPHIS
Released 1969
Chart position: #13
Key tracks: In The Ghetto, Wearin’ That Loved On Look, Long Black Limousine

After 14 years away from Memphis, Elvis returns and gives us arguably his finest album. Blending blues and gospel with country and soul, he comes up with something truly special. The passion can’t be denied and the arrangements are very tasteful. Kick ass horns and exciting backing vocals provides the basics leaving the King himself free to shine on top of it all. Re-released and remastered on CD with several bonus tracks, including the classic single "Suspicious Minds".

FROM MEMPHIS TO VEGAS/FROM VEGAS TO MEMPHIS
Released 1970
Chart position: #12
Key tracks: All Shook Up, Suspicious Minds, Inherit The Wind

The comeback to the stage captured here. Early rock and roll numbers such as "Hound Dog" and "Blue Suede Shoes" found next to his recent hits, including "In The Ghetto" and "From A Jack To A King". It is focused, brilliant and the beginning of the end. Originally released as two seperate albums, but later re-issued as a double album.

THE SUN SESSIONS
Released: 1976 (Recorded 1954-1955)
Chart position: #76
Key tracks: Mystery Train, Just Because, Trying To Get To You

This nice compilation gathers the very first recordings Elvis did. Some would even say that these tracks are the only ones that show the real Presley. They may not be right, but they certainly have a point. Reissued numerous times with various bonus tracks, you really can't go wrong with any of the versions out there.

ELV1S: 30 #1 HITS
Released: 2002
Chart position: #1
Key tracks: Jailhouse Rock, One Night, Burning Love, You’re The Devil In Disguise

There are hundreds and hundreds of compilations out there and perhaps this is a boring and obvious pick. Yet, there’s no denying that pretty much every essential single is found here. Sure, there is some cheesy and less engaging material ("It’s Now Or Never", "Are You Lonesome Tonight") here, but the quality and the classic status of the company is so high that it really doesn’t matter.