Design
When Elvis returned to record non-soundtrack material it seems like he also stopped making promotional photos. With the exception of the first Camden releases and the ‘Elvis Country’ LP, nearly all of his albums feature a live shot on the cover. But more than the similar covers for ‘In Person’ or ‘On Stage’, this very simple design is a very recognizable. It is strong in its simplicity.
The glossy cover contributes to a deluxe feel, and the fact that this is a numbered release, emphasizes the exclusivity. The red-colored vinyl adds a visual element and is a fitting choice that matches the bold red “Elvis” of the cover.
And as we’re used to from the Music on Vinyl record label, the quality of the vinyl is great, it plays smoothly with a sharp reproduction of the midrange, bass, orchestra and background singers.
Content
Elvis Presley's ‘Back in Memphis’ LP was the split-up of the 1969 double-album ‘From Vegas To Memphis / From Memphis To Vegas’. And while many consider this 1970 release a ‘left-over’ album containing 10 tracks from the 1969 sessions at the American Sound Studios under producer Chips Moman and backed by the Memphis Boys that yielded the classic ‘From Elvis in Memphis’ LP, the album is much more than that. Looking at the tracklist and listening to the performances, it is a very fine LP, with more than a few Presley masterpieces . And while not all tracks are as strong as those on ‘From Elvis in Memphis’, the album can stand on its own and deserves a place in Presley's LP chronology as a stand-alone album.
While the latter LP has many intensely performed soul songs, this album adds a touch of country with songs like ‘The Fair's Moving On’ and ‘And The Grass Won’t Pay No Mind’ to the more soulful ballads, ‘Inherit the Wind’ and ‘Stranger in My Hometown’.
The album kicks off with a powerful ballad ‘Inherit the Wind’ where Elvis delivers a soulful performance, showcasing his emotive vocal range. The song's melancholic lyrics and the depth in Elvis' voice set the tone for the album. ‘This Is the Story’ is a slow track with a gospel-inspired feel. Elvis doesn’t sing it badly, but for me it “drags along” too much.
The highlight of the album is without a doubt Percy Mayfield's, ‘Stranger in My Own Hometown’. This song oozes with that “dirty blues” feel, I love it! Elvis's raw and gritty delivery, supported by those horns, captures the essence of the blues genre, a surging performance that stands with his greatest work, making it the standout track on the album.
‘A Little Bit of Green’ is a touching country-style ballad that showcases Elvis's ability to evoke emotion through his vocals. The song's tender lyrics and Presley's heartfelt performance make it a poignant and memorable performance.
With Neil Diamond's 'And the Grass Won't Pay No Mind’ Elvis moves towards the then popular pop and folk-genre, blending it with elements of country and rock. Just listen how Elvis's smooth vocals carry the gentle melody.
‘Do You Know Who I Am?’ is a soulful, introspective song where Elvis showcases his vocal control and emotional depth. Not as strong as the other recordings, but still a heartfelt performance.
The album closes with three country-flavored songs; ‘From a Jack to a King’ is a strong country song with a touch of blues, very fitting in the mix of songs on this LP. Apparently, this Ned Miller song was one of Vernon's favorites. ‘The Fair's Moving On’ is a sweet song that builds up very nicely to the climax, you feel his pain, even with the echo, which is a bit too much for me. I like the metaphor of the packing and vanishing carnival for the fading love affair.
Elvis’ rendition of Mort Shuman's ‘You'll Think of Me’ is another highlight, Elvis sings it so passionately with the dobro guitar supporting his performance so well.
With Clyde McPhatter’s ‘Without Love (There Is Nothing)’ Elvis closes the album on a high note with his soulful and impassioned performance of this the drama-themed song. There is very little to add to this performance, it’s simply great.
Conclusion
It seems that every great artist has at least one album in their catalogue that is universally ignored due to the greatness of the album that preceded it, for Elvis that may very well be ‘Elvis Back in Memphis’. Perhaps this album should have been a double LP, instead of coupling it to the ‘In Person’ LP.
And that is a pity as this is a strong album that showcases Elvis’ remarkable vocal talent and his ability to make you really feel the emotion of a song, something only a few performers are able to do. Add to that the various genres he touches with the ten tracks on this album, showcasing the all-round singer he was.
When originally released, the LP was almost hidden in the back sleeve of the ‘From Vegas To Memphis / From Memphis To Vegas’ double LP. That doesn't do the album the justice it deserves, as these ten performances are in fact one of the more cohesive compilations of Elvis’ strong and emotional songs and performances. For me it a timeless addition to Presley's discography.
Thanks to the Music on Vinyl record label, this album is back where it belongs, in the record store.
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