AR: Back in Memphis

Elvis Presley - Back in Memphis (1970)

(I am an devout Elvis-worshipper at heart, so take this review with that in mind. I fully recognize that if you're not as in love with The King as I, you won't dig his lesser known work the way I do, so I will adjust the rating accordingly. But if that *is* the case, and you're not in love with that soulful croon, then you should probably head to the ER and get that stark defect in your soul checked out).

Back in Memphis is the post-comeback collective B-side to the other set of tunes produced at the same recording session, the much better known soul album From Elvis in Memphis. That album contained the super-hit "In the Ghetto," and while BiM doesn't have anything quite so overtly gripping or chart-topping, it is a top to bottom solid collection of soul, gospel and country rock and a lesser known gem. Elvis belts these tunes in top-notch, emotive vocal form throughout and is backed by an impeccable studio band including a standard rock set, swelling strings, full choir, and the very occasional horn touches. It's a gorgeous thirty minutes of boldly soulful music, and finds a great home on the correct side of the dramatic / cheesy divide.

There are only two rockers on the album, and they're both great: "Stranger in My Own Home Town" is a twelve bar borderline funky blues number in signature Elvis vibrato-snarl*, and "From a Jack to a King" is, of course, my grandfather's favorite country song of all time (Elvis throws it down well with the most archetypally "Elvis affect" vocal on the disc). The vast majority of the album, though, is luscious soul ballads and mid-tempo ditties that allow Elvis full room to showcase his pipes - he takes full advantage. "Inherit the Wind," "A Little Bit of Green," and "Without Love (There is Nothing)" all shine. "And the Grass Won't Pay No Mind" is another summer-breezy lovers' highlight (even if it can't entirely shake its Diamond-penning) complete with blaring bridge, and the biting break-up tune "You'll Think of Me" juxtaposes saccharine tuneage and a soothing voice with lines like "Yet in your cold and empty bed, you'll think of me."

* - I'm unsure if this tune was in Jonathan Lethem's Fortress of Solitude as one of the songs that includes the phrase "my so-called friends" - I think the CD compilation put together by one of the protagonists might have involved songs that included the phrase "You and your so-called friends." Regardless, that phrase now jumps off the disc at me - thanks, Jon.

This is a simple review - if you're a fan of quality soul music sung by one of the best singers, not just rock-stars, of the 21st century, this disc is well worthwhile - it's an even-keeled album with a bunch of samples of lesser-known Elvis cover-songs. In a way, I think albums like this are the best way to listen to Elvis - while other songs are more iconic or will you bowl you over, listening to these standards allows you to really concentrate on the greatness of the performance. Spare 30 minutes for ten soul gems from 1970 Elvis, do.

Status: Recommended (solid)
Nyet's Fave: "Inherit the Wind"