Revised with 2 significant tracks and artwork not previously included. When Elvis was growing up, the Presley family attended the First Assembly Of God church in Tupelo and subsequently in Memphis. Elvis's music was greatly influenced by attending these churches, but reglious music came to Elvis in many shapes and forms. Religious songs were often part of the repertoire for country stars on the Grand Ol' Opry - a syndicated radio Nashville broadcast that the Presley's almost always tuned into on Saturdays. As a teen, Elvis and his friends would sneak into churches in the black neighborhoods to catch the lively music of a different musical heritage. The welcoming congregation and uplifting sound opened up Elvis's understanding of the multiple facets of reglious music. ULTIMATE GOSPEL provides testament to Elvis's musical excellence and acknowledges the priceless contribution of the talented songwriters, musicians and producers involved.
In 1987, RCA released a one-disc Elvis compilation called The Number One Hits that featured 18 tracks. So how did the label come up with 12 additional number ones (13 if you count the sensational "A Little Less Conversation" remix that brings the King into the 21st century as a bona fide dance/electronica star)? Well, the '87 compilation featured only Billboard number ones. "In the Ghetto" and "Burning Love" never reached the top there, nor did "Way Down," despite every copy of that 45 selling out on both sides of the Atlantic following Presley's 1977 death. Instead, the new compilers have used the major pop charts in both the U.S. (including Cashbox) and U.K. to determine inclusions. The tracks have all been remixed from original masters, which proves awesome at best (some of the songs have never sounded crisper if, at times, slightly antiseptic) and problematic at worst. Purists will definitely quibble. "A Fool Such As I," for instance, sounds like Elvis rerecorded his vocals. Hank Garland's great guitar solo also sounds different. It might be an alternate take. That's definitely the case with "The Wonder of You." A few lyrics are even different, meaning this isn't the same version as the original 45. Of course, none of that should matter to the youngsters who've been singing along to "Hound Dog" on the Lilo & Stitch soundtrack, or to any other newcomers. Despite the complaints, this is arguably the best single disc Elvis primer to date. Real fans will want to explore much deeper for treasures to be found, but albums like this guarantee that this is one king who will deservedly live very long, if not forever. --Bill Holdship
Elvis Presley "Peace in the Valley: The Complete Gospel Recordings"
$19.24
