In 2023 the Reel Trax import record label released the ‘Elvis ’68 Unleashed’ CD featuring newly created Stereo Mixes of the legendary Standup Shows, and now they are back with a vinyl edition.
Design
They say “size matters” and here it really does as I have never seen these great photographs in this razor-sharp quality. Hey Steve Binder, what have you been holding back for us all that time! The glossy finish makes the picture come even more alive, compared to the matte finish of the CD.
Design
Some import label advertise that the artwork of their release is suitable for framing, but here it is true! Personally I would have placed the picture from the inside of the gatefold cover on the front as that is one of my personal favorites.
The vinyl itself comes on Classic Red, Translucent Red and Yellow colored vinyl. The latter is a Limited Edition from the Dutch retro-shop Bennis Fifties. That is the version I’m playing, and damn, what does that yellow vinyl look good next to that red themed cover! And although it the discs are not 180 Gr. vinyl, they are as flat as they should be and spin nicely at 45 RPM for optimal sound-quality.
The vinyl itself comes on Classic Red, Translucent Red and Yellow colored vinyl. The latter is a Limited Edition from the Dutch retro-shop Bennis Fifties. That is the version I’m playing, and damn, what does that yellow vinyl look good next to that red themed cover! And although it the discs are not 180 Gr. vinyl, they are as flat as they should be and spin nicely at 45 RPM for optimal sound-quality.
Content
The content of the vinyl edition is nearly the same as the CD edition, only the pre-recorded June 23, 1968 ‘Trouble / Guitar Man’ and ‘If I Can Dream’ performances are omitted.
For the CD edition I wrote: The Stand-up shows mark the return of the rocker for me. These performances capture the raw and unrestrained energy of Elvis when he was finally “unleashed” from the Hollywood restrains. If you have to present Elvis to friends, family or collogues these images are my “go to” followed by some performances from ‘That’s The Way It Is’ for the Vegas years.
And listening to Elvis belting out his early hits I can only conclude that you really feel the energy of those fifties rockers. This is probably as close to a 1950's concert as we're ever gonna get ... you can't sit still listening to these performances!
Making this release special are the previously unreleased pre-recorded tracks Takes 2 and 3 of the ‘Trouble / Guitar Man’ medley and Take 5 of ‘If I Can Dream’. Little gems the publicity blurb kept from us! On the first one you can hear that Elvis really has to work on these fast songs after a few years of singing easy going movie material.
The latter song clearly shows he hasn’t lost his magic touch as a singer and performer after hanging around movie lots way too long. On these two tracks you really hear the quality of the new mix.
The producers mixed in some talking bits adding to the feel of joining in at the intimate live setting of the little square podium. The label remixed these shows to present the best audio possible. The result is a very open and bright stereo-mix which makes the Sony mix sound more as “one massive block”. Here we get Elvis’ voice taking center stage.
Back to the LP version. The audio itself is very rich with much detail and it must have been mastered with Elvis fans in mind, as this LP can be played very loud and it still sounds good. Sitting in front of my speakers and closing my eyes I almost believe I’m sitting in the audience! My compliments to Petrushka who did her magic on this release.
Both Elvis’ uncertainty being back on stage after 7 years without live performing in front of an audience, but also that he still knows how to entertain a crowd, even one sitting so up-close are audible. Just listen to those guitars on the jam ‘Baby, What You Want Me To Do’ and Elvis joining in all down and dirty, the same goes for the other rockers like ‘Jailhouse Rock’ and of course ‘Trouble’ and ‘Guitar Man’. These performances showed that the King was back where he belonged!
Listening to these new mixes your pick up some elements you may never have heard before as they were buried in the mix, and therefore not (clearly) audible.
Unfortunately still present are the “digital artifacts” noises I also heard on the CD version. These are especially audible when the audience applauds. This is an unavoidable side-effect caused by the combination of using DES-technology combined with the quality of the source material. It is difficult to mix these elements out. You have to remember that these original mono broadcast tapes were not made to be released.
Conclusion
With Record Store Day 2024 coming up, this would have made a great RSD-release. Should you buy it again after you have already bought the CD? The answer is yes, and you will realize that immediately when hold this brilliant cover in your hands. The same goes for the audio, despite the audible artifacts, you can play this LP very loud and, with your eyes closed, you get the feeling you’re sitting there around the red and white boxing arena. This disc will get a few more spins the next few days.
Conclusion
With Record Store Day 2024 coming up, this would have made a great RSD-release. Should you buy it again after you have already bought the CD? The answer is yes, and you will realize that immediately when hold this brilliant cover in your hands. The same goes for the audio, despite the audible artifacts, you can play this LP very loud and, with your eyes closed, you get the feeling you’re sitting there around the red and white boxing arena. This disc will get a few more spins the next few days.
Available from >>> Bennies Fifties.