Elvis Presley - Please Don't Drag That String Around - From First Take to the Master

The second track recorded at the two day session of 26 and 27 May at RCA’s studio B in Nashville, and the first up tempo song recorded. It is a very bouncy tune with wonderful saxophone accompaniment by Homer “Boots” Randolph right from the offset.
The vocal by Elvis is also excellent, a constant throughout the session, and you can almost see Elvis’ smile as he worked his way through the takes to the master. The master was achieved in the sixth and final take and on this take Elvis and the Jordanaires finally cut loose. You can sense in the first five takes just a hint of reserve, as if they were waiting until they were confident that they had it all locked down.
The most unfortunate aspect of this song is that it’s lyrics were of not of the kind that Elvis could return to in the seventies during his live shows. This is not for any reasons of political correctness but that the lyrics are pure adolescent teen pop and not attractive to the more mature mid-thirties Elvis. This is a pity as it is a very good and catchy song and is likely to be on most fans’ playlists.
It is about as pure 1960’s pop music as you are ever likely to hear making it perfect radio material. It was however, relegated to the ‘b’ side of a single which had “(You’re The) Devil in Disguise” as the ‘a’ side. This track itself, ironically the next track to be recorded is cut very much from the same cloth as it’s ‘b’ side companion.

As with all of these videos, to get the most out of the audio, I highly recommend you use ear /headphones and turn the volume up as much as you dare!

[helenludlow]

I absolutely adore the 60s Elvis songs - his voice was so smooth and rich and he could sing just about any type of song but songs like this are great pop songs - just love them💗

[hotroddave]

I enjoyed everything about this. Thank you !!! 🙏🏻😻⚡️⚡️

[karentranter]

Hi Leon,
I love this song, what's not to like, it has a great up beat feeling. Elvis's voice is amazing from start to finish.
Thank you Leon, I hope you are feeling much better now xxx 💝

[ludevinadefreitas]

WONDERFUL song. I LOVE it. Thanks, Leon. 💚😄🤗

[j.j.]

Pretenders and contenders no one comes close to Elvis. Just my opinion.

[jariheikkila]

Great 60's pop song. Very enjoyable outtakes 🎤🇫🇮

[helgeevensen]

fantastic song, no one could do it better... it seems Elvis got the version nailed already at the first take, since it does not change throughout the takes...

[berniecioffoletti]

It's like you're actually right there in the studio during the recording!