Here in the UK the silver sleeve with the Elvis logo design has been used. The disc was prominently displayed in my local HMV store next to the “ELV1S” CD, and the similarities between the cover art of both compilations really do make the connection between the two sets quite obvious to the casual buyer.

Ernst Jorgenson’s sleeve notes explain the concept behind this release, giving reasons on why some tracks were chosen at the expense of other more obvious choices. Ernst also hints that this isn’t the end of the campaign to introduce Elvis’ music to a new audience, and says that we can expect additional releases to follow this one. Therefore, whilst we all have our ‘ideal’ track listings for releases of this kind, any favourites that have been omitted here will surely be included on future releases.

In addition to this Peter Guralnick gives a nice overview of Elvis’ career whilst name-checking most of the selections included on this release, and a few more besides, and this article makes a nice introduction to the Presley career, for anyone that has recently discovered Elvis’ music. There’s also a fitting dedication to the late Sam Phillips listed in the credits, and I thought this was a very nice touch.

 I’m not going to review the music, as I’m sure we’re all familiar with it, but I will comment on the sound, which to my ears is every bit as good as “ELV1S”, and as the master takes have been used for every track on this release, personally I find this compilation even more satisfying than it’s predecessor. The new mixes may not be true to the original single mixes of each track, but as the sound is improved overall, I really don’t see this as problem. “Promised Land” and “Moody Blue” were noticeably different to me, with Elvis’ vocal being much clearer and more prominent, and it’s this type of sonic improvement that makes these releases worth buying, even if you already own most of these recordings.

Finally, I thought the sound on “I’m A Roustabout” was first rate considering it was taken from an acetate source, and it’s a real treat finally get to hear this song, after speculating for years as to whether the recording had survived. Overall the compilation makes a fine follow up to “ELV1S” for anyone who has just discovered our man, and represents another job well done by Ernst and his team. Special thanks should also go to Mr. Winfield Scott for sharing the “I’m A Roustabout” acetate, and giving us all the chance to hear it.

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