Elvisin Print

This looks like a great read, but I can't read it as it's in Japanese! Nicely printed, well illustrated (B&W) study of Elvis's 50's recordings by a leading Japanese rockabilly artist.

A look at every commercially recorded performance by Elvis (although "Where Do You Come From" is missing!), as well as a brief but intelligent review of his life and influence, which must rank as one of the best essays about Elvis ever written. Good stuff.

As below, but USA edition.

Some poor general research and careless setting errors mar an otherwise well-illustrated and excellent discussion of the 31 songs that make up the worldwide number 1 hit compilation, "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits." Indeed, the book includes and extra song, "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You," to make the numerical jiggery-pokery even more confusing! Should have been a compulsory purchase with the CD, as it places each number into historical context and includes interesting background information.

Lavishly illustrated, including, per year (up to 1982), a brief biography, a photo of each record cover, reviews of each LP (up to 1982) and film. LP format.

Explores the making of Elvis's music in an intelligent and interesting fashion, using first-hand accounts from the musicians who were in the studio with him. Covers all the recordings he made. Contains some good b/w illustrations, too.

Not to be confused with the similarly titled, "The Essential Elvis," Silverton's book highlights 50 of Elvis's recordings taken from throughout his career, in more or less detail. Comments range from fairly in-depth to almost throw-away. Also includes ten "essential" Elvis LPs and a few books. Excellently printed and illustrated, but such a pity about the careless and oh so avoidable errors -- a little more basic research and decent proof-reading would have added a lot to the quality. Make a double CD of the fifty tracks and you'll have a good collection.

Contains, amongst others, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Always On My Mind, Yesterday, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, Fever, You'll Never Walk Alone, all recorded by Elvis.

Attempt to catalogue unreleased Elvis recordings as of March 1992.

Be honest, I can hardly review my own book! Nevertheless, a great reference for Elvis fans who are interested in the origins of the man's music. Who recorded more than of Elvis's 450 titles originally and when? You'll be surprised at the stories behind some of the numbers, too. More information and the chance to buy!

"The Life and Legacy of the King as Revealed Through Personal History and 112 of His Most Significant Songs" is what the subtitle says, and that's just about right. Excellent look at some of Elvis's music with brief biography interspersed. To-the-point comments about the way Elvis is underrated and derided. Good stuff.

Excellent look at 34 Elvis songs that reached the top of the charts (a variety of charts is used for the purpose), ranging from "I Forgot To Remember To Forget" in 1955 to "A Little Less Conversation" in 2002. Some errors mar this otherwise wonderful book, but don't be put off by them. Good stuff.