Elvis Presley (1935–1977)

A collection of singles, most of which hadn't been on an album before, including "Hound Dog" and "Jailhouse Rock."

4/4 (Great).

It's one of those early-days-of-LPs releases that defies being categorized by my modern idea of what an album (vs. compilation) is. It would easily be one of my favorite albums if I wasn't frustrated by the question of whether or not it's an album.

Acting: 4.0; Theme: 4.5; Content: 4.5; Language: 5.0; Overall: 4.0

Jess Wade (Elvis Presley) is double-crossed by his former gang members and taken as hostage before being left for dead without any means of support. He recovers and travels to the town of a friend who happens to be the sheriff. Vince Hackett (Victor French), his former gang leader, tells the Mexican band seeking a cannon that has been stolen, that Wade is the one that stole it. Wade must defend the town where the Hackett gang show more have taken over after the sheriff is shot. Recommend.

Western violence, but nothing else that is objectionable.

***Februrary 1, 2026*** show less

We finally watched this after many years, and liked it very much. Elvis Presley was a talented actor as well as a singer, and he gives an excellent performance in this film, which was made in 1957.

There's a good story involving a hard-nosed press officer and a band that's struggling to be recognised. Elvis as Deke is quite a shy, private young man whose climb to fame is somewhat reluctant. Plenty of music, and images of America in the 1950s as the rock and roll revolution got going. show more

Recommended.

Longer review here: https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2024/05/loving-you-elvis-presley.html show less

Elvis has a new sound with this record, drawing heavily on the Coasters. The tunes aren't particularly memorable, but the performances are - with the sax and drums often stealing the show.

Writing technique: C
Writing musicality: B
Performance technique: B
Performance musicality: A
Arrangements: A
Coherence/concept: B
Pacing/listenability: A
Recording/mastering: B
Cover art: C

Enjoyment: A

GPA: 3.2/4