Such a Night: The Essential Elvis 6
RCA has often been criticized for repetitive and poorly annotated Elvis reissues. Things have gotten much more interesting, thanks to imaginative projects such as the ongoing Essential Elvis series;Such a Nightis the sixth title in the string. Between 1960 (when he left the army) and '64, Presley spent 11 nights cutting 81 masters in Nashville. Those tracks were later spread out across albums, singles, and compilations. The original masters of 50 of those tunes (some of which are heard here in alternate takes) ended up on the Top 100 charts. Fifteen went gold and six made it to platinum. ForSuch a Night, producers Ernst Michael Jorgensen and Roger Semon assembled 19 alternate takes and the master take of the title cut into whatcouldhave been a Presley album from the period. The result is an astonishing glimpse into one of the artist's legendary all-night recording marathons. While Presley fans will swoon, this is no collectors-only disc. He literally nails every tune here. Snatches of studio patter add atmosphere. And while some of the material is dated, the rockin' "Little Sister" and a killer version of theLittle Willie Johnhit "Fever" are as fresh today as when they were recorded. Actually, taking into account the improved mix heard here, they're probably fresher.--Robert Baird