Here’s the fifth installment of the Elvis Presley Outtakes. We’re now halfway through the second disc of the collection…
This selection includes one of my favorite Elvis songs, “Promised Land.” Originally written and recorded by Chuck Berry in 1965, Elvis’ version appeared on his 1975 album, Promised Land. There are a LOT of lyrics in this song as it tells the story of a man’s journey from Norfolk, VA to “The Promised Land” of California.
Here’s an interesting bit of trivia on the song’s origins (thanks to Songfacts.com):
I’ll admit that I have not actually looked at a map to see if the cities all line up, but if you have some time on your hands, here are the cities and states mentioned: Norfolk (Virginia), Raleigh (North Carolina), Birmingham (Alabama), Mississippi, New Orleans, Louisiana, Houston (Texas), Albuquerque (New Mexico), and finally Los Angeles (California).
It all works out in my head…
The very next song, “Rip It Up” has one of the funniest false starts of the entire collection. “Rip It Up” starts off nice and well with the hi-hat, piano, and Elvis’ vocals, but then something happens and everything stops. “What’s happenin’?” asks Elvis… I love those moments in these outtakes! Without missing a beat, the band then immediately starts it up again and they run through what sounds like a solid take. Very cool to hear how professional these musicians were.
I’m going to be sad when I get through the entire collection, as it has been great fun revisiting these recordings. I’ve been looking for any DVD collections that have video of these early sessions, but I’ve come up with nothing. I did find, though, a cool video on YouTube that shows studio Elvis… this was recorded sometime in the 70′s, I think…
TOTALLY dig the mutton chops… the towel added a nice touch as well. You HAVE TO see Elvis’ expression at 0:35… GO, ELVIS!
Enjoy the music!
Buy Elvis Presley on Amazon
Buy Elvis Presley on iTunes
Your Dig-It Downloads:
Download: Stuck On You (take 1)
Download: Got A Lot of Livin To Do (soundtrack finale)
Download: Little Sister (take 9)
Download: We’re Gonna Move (soundtrack master stereo)
Download: Poor Boy (soundtrack master stereo)
Download: I Got A Woman (take 5)
Download: Burnin’ Love (take 1)
Download: Promised Land (take 5)
Download: Rip It Up (take 4)
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…. that video is from the “that’s the way it is” film originally released in the mid 70′s and re-released much recently…. thanks for these outtakes… my wife and i really enjoy listening to them; then we begin to reminise those days of elvis after the 68 comeback… and on and on… =:)
LOL. Love the face at 35 sec! These outtakes are fun…and I really enjoy passing them on to my dad :) He’s so very proud of his 50′s-70′s music collection, so it’s fun to give him a little something extra like this to add to it :) Thank you!
I just stumbled upon your blog and all these Elvis outtakes. This is some fantastic stuff. I’m sure that the material is common knowledge to BIG Elvis fans/lovers, but I haven’t heard it before. You deserve an award! Thanks from a medium/big fan.
Without missing a beat, the band then immediately starts it up again and they run through what sounds like a solid take. Very cool to hear how professional these musicians were.
this is why he is the king..he can sing live, in rehearsals and in stage.
'Without a song, the day would never end; without a song, a man ain't got a friend; without a song, the road would never bend – without a song.' Payday Cash Loan
'Without a song, the day would never end; without a song, a man ain't got a friend; without a song, the road would never bend – without a song.' Payday Cash Loan
With the advantage of hindsight, we all know what the future would hold for Elvis Presley. Circumstances would catapult Elvis into a stardom unknown before or since by any single artist. And, the road would wind into a sad and tragic end. Beyond the Fifties we would never again have the intimate, close feeling that Elvis evoked. It would be the last time that we felt we could touch The King.
The album was #1 in 26 countries, as was the JXL remix of A LITTLE CONVERSATION – one of the biggest single records of the year. It all goes to prove that 26 years after his death he remains one of the most influential figures in American music and culture. Moreover, recognized by multiple generations, as well as a cross-section of society, Elvis Presley holds a permanent place in American, world and music history.