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
ELV1S 30 #1 Hits,Elvis Presley,RCA,Oldies,Pop,Pop/Rock,Rock,Rock & Roll,Rockabilly,Soft Rock,Vocal Pop
ELV1S 30 #1 Hits [Original recording remastered]
Average customer rating:
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ELV1S 30 #1 Hits
Elvis Presley Manufacturer: Bmg / Elvis ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00006AG5N Release Date: 2002-09-24 |
Tracks:
- Heartbreak Hotel
- Don't Be Cruel
- Hound Dog
- Love Me Tender
- Too Much
- All Shook Up
- (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear
- Jailhouse Rock
- Don't
- Hard Headed Woman
- One Night
- (Now And Then There's) A Fool Such As I
- A Big Hunk O' Love
- Stuck On You
- It's Now Or Never
- Are You Lonesome Tonight?
- Wooden Heart
- Surrender
- (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame
- Can't Help Falling In Love
- Good Luck Charm
- She's Not You
- Return To Sender
- (You're The) Devil In Disguise
- Crying In The Chapel
- In The Ghetto
- Suspicious Minds
- The Wonder Of You
- Burning Love
- Way Down
- A Little Less Conversation (JXL Radio Edit Remix) (Bonus Track)
Amazon.com
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 HoldshipCustomer Reviews:
the elvis beat.......2007-06-15
elvis 30 #1 hits.......2007-06-12
Phenomenal.......2007-05-28
One of the Best !!!.......2007-04-11
Golden treasures from 1956 to 1977.......2007-03-11
I'm not an Elvis Aficionado or expert, so if you want some fanatical Rain Man type repeater of his life or what was on his mind during the recording of a specific song, you will have to look elsewhere. What I will say is that what you see with this album is what you get. Every song is a #1 hit single, and there are 30 of them in all. Considering that you usually are lucky to get 20 songs for a maximum list on any CD, that in itself makes it something of value. 30 songs on a single CD that are also digitally remastered from their original recordings. That said, the remastering I feel is still great because although increasing and improving the sound, the album does not lose any of the raw, beautiful tones that make this music so timeless. The CD booklet has over 18 pages of photographs and commentary and features a nice timeline showing each song and when it was recorded. Some of the hits I'm enjoying right now at a glance are Heartbreak Hotel, All shook up, She's not you, and the pop sensation "Suspicious minds". If you are new to the music of Elvis Presley or someone who grew up with his music, I don't feel you can go wrong with purchasing "30" at all. It's a sunny day outside and hearing these songs gives me that feeling of enjoying the sounds, message and persona that is Elvis Presley.
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