4. Elvis Presley Debut Album.
My father used to do some programming for radio. Once, I accompanied him into work while he tied up some loose ends. We headed into the record library, as he was looking for the perfect sound bites to go along with his piece. What a place. I've often wished I could go back and wander through those stacks; there were thousands of albums from every genre. Of course it was all vinyl back in those days, with the large, eye catching album covers and the record sleeves that were filled with lyrics to pore over and consider as you listened to the bump and warm crackle of the needle finding its groove before you were treated to your musical selection.
Obviously, the selection of the perfect sound bite requires a bit of concentration, especially when you have such a vast pool of material to draw from. I was situated at a turntable with a set of headphones, and was told to pick something to listen to. I had just begun my musical education, and had no idea what to listen to. But I did know one name. Elvis Presley. So that's what we put on. I can't tell you which album it was, but I quite enjoyed the experience.
I enjoy Elvis the icon, but the music has generally escaped my attention. I know all the songs that everybody knows, but I've never dug deeply into the Elvis catalog to satisfy my curiosity. I put on his 1956 debut album, and started to realize what the fuss was about. Right from the "Well itsa one for the money" of Blue Suede Shoes, this one grabs you. The songs are short and varied, and range from rockabilly classics to smoldering love songs. The musicianship is excellent, with country style picking, bluesy piano and you just know that some cat is pounding away on an upright bass. Elvis croons, shouts, and generally exudes energy in a style that was quite different from the music that had been produced up to that point.
Even the album cover suggests this is a party in a record sleeve. Elvis is obviously singing his heart out and is about to bring the pick down across the strings of that guitar with purpose. It has been suggested that that picture cemented the role of the guitar as the mainstay in rock music. The songs remind me of a hotel out in the country, complete with beer soaked carpets and a house band. A place where you might debate the merits of a Ford over a Chevy (or vice versa), while never paying a moments attention to the band, but enjoying the music all the same. Elvis would have grabbed your attention. And probably your girlfriend's attention too.
I am amazed at how tight Blue Suede Shoes is. It's a song that I've heard a thousand times, but never really listened to, and I love that rockabilly sound. You can't help but get the toes tapping. I think my favourite track is "I'm Counting On You". It's just a good solid song, with piano and backup vocals. Elvis sounds sincere, and seems to put the bravado aside for a second and tells you how it is. Doubtless the young ladies of the day listened to that and swooned.
Our friends at Rolling Stone say this is number 56 in the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. And it was the first rock and roll album to top the charts. You don't just become the King.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
Obviously, the selection of the perfect sound bite requires a bit of concentration, especially when you have such a vast pool of material to draw from. I was situated at a turntable with a set of headphones, and was told to pick something to listen to. I had just begun my musical education, and had no idea what to listen to. But I did know one name. Elvis Presley. So that's what we put on. I can't tell you which album it was, but I quite enjoyed the experience.
I enjoy Elvis the icon, but the music has generally escaped my attention. I know all the songs that everybody knows, but I've never dug deeply into the Elvis catalog to satisfy my curiosity. I put on his 1956 debut album, and started to realize what the fuss was about. Right from the "Well itsa one for the money" of Blue Suede Shoes, this one grabs you. The songs are short and varied, and range from rockabilly classics to smoldering love songs. The musicianship is excellent, with country style picking, bluesy piano and you just know that some cat is pounding away on an upright bass. Elvis croons, shouts, and generally exudes energy in a style that was quite different from the music that had been produced up to that point.
Even the album cover suggests this is a party in a record sleeve. Elvis is obviously singing his heart out and is about to bring the pick down across the strings of that guitar with purpose. It has been suggested that that picture cemented the role of the guitar as the mainstay in rock music. The songs remind me of a hotel out in the country, complete with beer soaked carpets and a house band. A place where you might debate the merits of a Ford over a Chevy (or vice versa), while never paying a moments attention to the band, but enjoying the music all the same. Elvis would have grabbed your attention. And probably your girlfriend's attention too.
I am amazed at how tight Blue Suede Shoes is. It's a song that I've heard a thousand times, but never really listened to, and I love that rockabilly sound. You can't help but get the toes tapping. I think my favourite track is "I'm Counting On You". It's just a good solid song, with piano and backup vocals. Elvis sounds sincere, and seems to put the bravado aside for a second and tells you how it is. Doubtless the young ladies of the day listened to that and swooned.
Our friends at Rolling Stone say this is number 56 in the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. And it was the first rock and roll album to top the charts. You don't just become the King.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
Buy it here.
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