My Music Collection #12: Moody Blue by Elvis Presley

 Moody Blue by Elvis Presley 

Moody Blue - Elvis Presley (2000 CD Reissue album cover)

Original album released July 19, 1977

CD version released in 1993

My CD is the 2000 Reissue with bonus tracks.

24th studio album and the last before Elvis passed away shortly after.

Song tracks:

1. Unchained Melody
2. If You Love Me(Let Me Know)
3. Little Darlin'
4. He'll Have To Go
5. Way Down
6. Pledging My Love
7. Moody Blue
8. She Thinks I Still Care 
9. It's Easy For You
10. Hurt*
11. Never Again*
12. Blue Eyes Cryin' in The Rain*
13. Danny Boy*
14. The Last Farewell*
15. For The Heart*
16. Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall*
17. Solitare*
18. Love Coming Down*
19. I'll Never Fall in Love Again*

Producer: Felton Jarvis

Format: Compact Disc

*CD Bonus Tracks (2000). Originally Released on From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee(1976)

Note: The song "Let Me Be There" was on the original album but was omitted from CD reissue due to being released on another CD album.

I think it's easy for many of my generation(Gen X) and later to know or realize that Elvis was still putting out albums long after the 50s (and his comeback in the late 60s). The recent Elvis biopic has in a way spurred my renewed interest in him and his work. This album was released just a short time before he passed away(He was the first major celebrity death I remember as a kid.). The CD reissue I have here is a compilation of Moody Blue(1-9)  and From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee(10-19) which was released in 1976. Both studio and live performances are used. Much of the studio work was done in a home-built studio in Graceland. The album hit #1 on the Billboard Country Charts shortly after his death and would go on to sell over 2 million copies. 

The album is typical Elvis of the period which is a mix of country, pop, and rock.  It's all those elements passed the filter of Elvis's voice and larger-than-life persona. At the time he may have been battling health problems with prescription drugs, weight, and personal issues it didn't seem to have much negative effect on his voice. He could still go from an almost whispering tenor to a booming baritone with ease. I bought this on a whim recently and has been in my rotation frequently as of late. If you're a fan of Elvis or are curious about him this would be a very good choice. 

Trivia: 

• When originally released the vinyl was a translucent blue which was unusual in those days for a major artist release. It switched to black vinyl but after he passed away it was switched back to blue again. It is said the black vinyl version is the rare version. 
• The album cover was changed for CD released with a larger picture of Elvis used. If you flip over the booklet the original cover is seen. 
  
  

  

  Original album cover (1977)