Elvis Presley - Memphis, Tennessee - From First Take to the Master

Описание: In musical terms, there is no doubt that Elvis Presley was one of the greatest storytellers in history, as many of his best recordings are when he has taken the role as protagonist. In his interpretation of Chuck Berry’s “Memphis, Tennessee”, here was material with which Elvis could get into full storytelling mode, and into a story with a real genuine twist at the end.
To those hearing the song for the very first time, Elvis seems convincing as he appears to be telling an all too familiar story about a lost love who has attempted to get back in touch. The lyrics further suggest both that they were married and that it was the mother in law who appears to have let her disapproval drive a wedge into the relationship. However, the clever writing keeps the listener under this illusion until the second last line, when it is revealed that it is actually his six year old daughter that has been the focus of his anguish.
From the superb drum roll intro and the constant beat coupled with excellent guitar work and solo, there is a musical hook from the outset. Elvis attacks the song with vigour and the result is remarkable with him revelling in his telling of the story,
It was intended to be the first song recorded on the second of two days of recordings at RCA’s studio B in Nashville on 27 May 1963 but after attempting two complete takes, the master was rejected. This rejected master would become known as the “Jungle Master” due to the nature of the percussion work on the track. This, which completely drowns that version of the song along with some strange guitar work, makes it no surprise that it was rejected.
Subsequently, Elvis then re-recorded the track on 12 January 1964 and after six takes, a RCA master was finally achieved. Elvis also managed to perform the song on stage a handful of times between August 1970 and July 1975. These are represented in this compilation by the first complete live rendition, from Asheville on 3 July 1973

As with all of these videos, to get the most out of the re-edited audio, I highly recommend you use ear /headphones and turn the volume up as much as you dare!