Still the King: Elvis at his best

‘Elvis: ’68 Comeback Special: 50th  Anniversary Edition.’

2018 marks the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic events in the history of rock and pop music. The television event originally titled simply ‘Elvis’ soon became known as the ’68 Comeback Special.’  To mark the anniversary, Legacy Recordings/Sony Music has released ‘Elvis: ’68 Comeback Special: 50th Anniversary Edition.’

A personal note: Those who know me know that I am and always have been a huge fan of Elvis. I’ve been told that my office ‘looks like Graceland has been moved to Nashville’! So this new box set is really good news for me and all of his fans.

This 50th Anniversary Edition is much more than simply a re-release of the original taped TV show. It’s a 7-disc box set that includes the NBC-TV show, ‘Elvis,’ along with enough extra goodies to keep any Presley fan enthralled for days. A total of seven discs includes 2 newly mastered Blu-ray discs with all-known recordings and rehearsals from the RCA vaults and NBC’s videotapes, plus never-before released interviews and out-takes.

Elvis hints at frustration with his movies

It seems hard to believe now, but by early 1968, Elvis was depressed about the way his career seemed have plateaued. Critics and fans felt the same way.  Since January 1967, only two of his eight single releases had charted and didn’t even crack Billboard’s top twenty. He was churning out movie after movie with ever-weaker storylines and largely forgettable soundtracks. (The soundtrack album linked to the 1968 movie Speedway stalled at number 82 on Billboard’s album charts.) Continue reading “Still the King: Elvis at his best”