This collection reunites, in my opinion, the best songs Elvis recorded in the beginning of 1969. After his comeback special in 1968, it was time to record new songs in Memphis studios, before the shows on Las Vegas will begin in July. It was a long time that Elvis didn't recorded in Memphis (since 1955) and these sessions will be regarded as some of the finest of his career. His friends and associates encouraged him to record at American Sound because Nashville would yield nothing for him at this time. Elvis has excellent material to choose from and pours his heart and soul intro the sessions. He works with a lot of top-notch Memphis musicians, and the sound is fresh and gutsy. On every track one can sense his creative excitement and energy. This is joyful work after years of movie boredom.
In March 5, Elvis returns to Hollywood to film and record the soundtrack music for his 31º and what will turn to be his last acting role in a motion picture. It is "Change Of Habit", co-starring Mary Tyler Moore. The few songs in the movie are good and they're performed in natural, rather than the usual badly contrived situations. Starting July 31, Elvis is booked for a 4-week, fifty-seven show engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, which has just been built and has the largest showroom in the city. A new phase will begin in the King's career. He is 34 years old, and this final period will last until his death, eight years later.
