Elvis Presley The Jungle Room Sessions 1976 FTD 004

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1. Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall - Take (3, 4) 5 [Master = Take 7]
This is of the better deliveries from Elvis on this album. We get the complete take 5, and I find this take just as good as the master take (7). First we have some false starts, including an abrupt take 3 caused by a ringing telephone! Elvis the professional at work...
2. She Thinks I Still Care - Take 1A and 2A [Master = Take 17]
Only take 2A are listed on the cover, but included too is a false start (take 1). This version is a mixture between the master (take 17) and the released 2B take. The song starts with something reminding of a college fraternity 'thing' (by both female and male backup vocalist), before Elvis starts a shaky version. It sounds like Elvis is unable to decide what path the song should take. You can feel his uncertainty all the way through the song, although it gets better along the way.
3. The Last Farewell - Take 2 [Master = Take 5/3]
A bloody relief to have this song without the severe overdubs that appear on the released master. This version is somewhat lazy, however. In fact it reminds a bit of a try-out version, more than a real attempt to create a final master. Due to this, the song gets a bit tedious. Not among my favorite Elvis song anyway.
4. Solitaire - Take 3 [Master = Take 11]
This is really an insecure version. Elvis almost whisper the lyrics in parts.
The master take definitely has more guts to it.
5. I'll Never Fall In Love Again - Take 5 [Master = Take 9]
Starts with a false start (take 4). Also this take lacks the 'punch' that the master take 9 has. Elvis is insecure on several occasions during this take, but the ending is splendid. Two splendid endings, in fact! I get a bit tired of the 'boogie woogie' piano in the background, though!
6. Moody Blue Take 3 [Master = Take 10]
Starts with a long false start (take 2). Right along you can hear that this will not be on par with the magnificent master take. Luckily, Elvis forgets the lyrics and ends the attempt with the words 'mattafucker'. Italian for 'motherfucker'...:-) Take 3 is better right from the start, and also lasts several minutes. Again, far from the high standard take 10 (master) has, but enjoying to hear all the same. This is one of the best examples on how short time Elvis needed from an insecure run-through take to a full-blooded master!
7. For The Heart Take 3 [Master = Take n/a]
I really wondered what this version would be like. Take 1 was released on Platinum, and was a positive surprise. The master take is one of my all time favorites, even though this must be one of the poorest mixed Elvis songs... Take 3 (take 2 is just one *stroke* on the guitar) is, however a big disappointment. Elvis' voice is not on touch with the song at all. While take 1 is good to be a first take, take 3 is really lousy. Listening to this, you might wonder how many more takes it took Elvis to create the faultless master (unknown take)...?
8. Hurt Take 3 [Master = Take 7]
Start with an attempt to sing 'I'm so hurt', but Elvis needs to clear his throat. Take 3 is very similar to take 2 released on Platinum. This is a good version, but far from a master take.
9. Danny Boy Take 8 [Master = Take 10)
Is this the best version of Danny Boy? Not far from it! Listen out for Elvis' gentle 'plea' before this take, as he express he would like to sing the song in C. 'That's what I like to do better'. Elvis starts singing the song from 'scratch', then the piano tag along just after. This is really a good version. Now we have three good 'C' - versions. I would like to hear this song in another key too! (Elvis sings 'Danny Boy' in D in Tucson on June 1 1976. This show is released on the CD Tucson'76.
10. Never Again - Take 11 [Master = Take 14]
A good version! Start with a somewhat irritated Elvis saying 'Lamar just walked in and disrupted the whole room'. Elvis is stronger in his voice than on the master take on this one. Except from that, this song does not leave any everlasting impression, put it that way...
11. Love Coming Down Take 2 [Master = Take 5]
This take is similar to the final master (take 5).
Elvis is a bit insecure in parts, but except from that a good attempt!
12. Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain Take 2 [Master = Take 5]
A classic early take, this is. A good version, but it lacks the smoothness needed for a master. Some 'strange' guitar playing in parts, and even some 'stupid' piano playing ruins every hope for 'master in the can'.
13. It's Easy For You Take 1 [Master = Take 2]
Again, what a relief to have a 'clean' version! This is one of those overlooked gems recorded by Elvis. The master was heavily overdubbed, but this take appears pure as maiden's water. Elvis is much stronger in his voice on this session than in February the same year. Written by Lloyd Webber and Rice with Elvis in their mind, Elvis finds the melody right on first take. Impressive all the way!