Not content with their charge being voted 'Artist Of The Century', Elvis's people have set him head to head against The Beatles again, as this compilation is released at the same time as the Fabs' '1'.
The fact that it's a double set means there will be less controversy surrounding the tracklisting than the debate raging over '1'. There are still omissions but they're less obvious and for a round-up of much of the King's finest material or as an introduction for the Presley novice, it certainly serves its purpose admirably.
Beginning with the early chug of 'That's All Right', 'Mystery Train' and 'Heartbreak Hotel', it's noticeable how much Presley's music sounds like it comes from a foreign century let alone country. Yet it still has a magnetic grip, with his unique voice rising above the stark backing tracks.
The early rock'n'roll tracks still have that primal quality, while the likes of 'Don't Be Cruel' and 'Love Me Tender' proved that his extraordinary voice could also do heartbreaking ballads. 'Too Much' introduces the bigger sound, as the primitive studios are left behind and The Jordanaires installed as his regular backing chorus.
'All Shook Up' and 'Jailhouse Rock' proved he could still rock out and while he may have persued a negligible film career his singles retained their quality most of the time. The schmaltzy 'Don't' is probably the only debatable selection on the first album.
The second set moves through the end of the movie years to his career revival of the late 60s, followed by his flirtation with gospel with the big ballads that characterised his last few years rounding off the collection.
And while the likes of 'Wooden Heart' and 'His Latest Flame' emphasise the dip in the quality of the material he was presented with, coupled with his own lack of enthusiasm, 'Good Luck Charm' and 'Return To Sender' show he could still enhance an average song. The raw 'Guitar Man' heralds the return of form and his re-emergence on the '68 Comeback Special' TV show.
From then on, showstopping ballads dominate, with the notable exceptions of 'Suspicious Minds' and the raucous 'Burning Love'. The closing two tracks, 'Moody Blue' and 'Way Down', show the direction he probably would have gone in had he lived - 70s rock with a funky, slightly disco flavour. However, his voice sounds as if it's failing compared to the powerful force heard a few tracks earlier.
There are always going to be great songs missed off a compilation like this, but on this album the compilers can be applauded for doing a fine job of showing the various stages of Presley's career. If you want a larger introduction, try last year's 'Artist Of The Century' triple set. If not, regardless of the cash-in factor, this comes highly recommended.
by Simon P Ward