The King of Rock: The Complete 50's Masters [Box] - Presley, Elvis (CD 1992)

"There is no doubt that the 1992 boxed set 'The King Of Rock 'N Roll: The Complete 50's Masters' by Elvis Presley is, without question, the greatest album that has ever been released. The extraordinary collection on 5 cassettes or 5 CDs represents the best and most creative period in American popular music. Elvis was, and always will be, the greatest entertainer in the history of entertainment. The 140 tracks contained within this set include his classic tracks from Sun Records, the 4 Gospel songs, the 8 Christmas songs, all the recordings from his 4 movies released during the 50's, and other outstanding studio recordings. The 5th tape/disc in this set features a wonderful selection of 26 tracks of rare titles, 14 of which were previously unissued, prior to the release of this set. It also features alternate takes of songs from his 4 films, and his live 1956 performance from the New Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to the great musical recordings, there is also a unique and previously unreleased press interview with Elvis that took place on the day he set sail for Germany to begin his 2-year stint in the Army. This set also features a wonderfully assembled book with a great assortment of photographs and terrific liner notes annotated by Colin Escott. As an added bonus, there is also a collector's sheet of stamps that are perfect replicas of Elvis's single, EP and album covers from the 1950's that were provided courtesy of Mr. Paul Dowling. All-in-all, this boxed set is not only the best Elvis album of all time, but is, as far as I am concerned, the greatest album ever released. You can't find a better collection of music than right here. This is one album that you will not be disappointed with. There are no filler tracks; every track in this album is a standout performance from Elvis. This set proves, once and for all, that he always will continue to be the undisputed King of Rock and Roll; bar none!"

Saved a ton and have really enjoyed this product. I enjoy the 50s music, but more especially the music the King produced when I was in High School. My kids and grandchlidren love Elvis too and have been playing the CDs. It is an excellent box set featuring all of his music from the 50s; rock and gospel. It provides the listener with a complete picture of how his music and singing skills progessed during this era. If you are a fan of the King, this is a must buy.

This is a very solid collection of Elvis' early recordings: must for an Elvis fan and perhaps the best option to check out if you are only discovering The King. To listen to all CDs in their entirety, it to follow an amazing journey: from the early, rusty Sun Records ("Maybelline", "Harbor Lights") records to the first huge hits (Heartbreak Hotel, Hound Dog) and on to the King's first movies ("Love me Tender", "Loving You", "King Creole", and "Jailhouse Rock"). The music is amazing; some of his best work is on those records. Some would say it was his absolute peak. Early recordings may not have perfect quality, there is scratching, and the voice clearly belongs to a boy. But those early songs possess incredible charm and freshness that must have been mind-blowing to the listeners at the time. His take on old country standards ("Your Cheatin' Heart") is so novel and exciting that even today, the recordings should be appreciated. There is so much sheer talent in those works that it comes as no surprise when we hear his first RCA recordings that one after another huge hits. He matures, learns, improves his technique, and always manages to sound 100% sincere and authentic, whether he is singing about an old family pet ("Old Shep") or does a cover of Fats Domino "Blueberry Hill". Movie soundtracks deserve their own reviews, but I would like to emphasize the excellent "King Creole" (Title song, "Trouble", "New Orleans", "Danny" and very good "Jailhouse Rock" (title song, "Young and Beautiful", "Baby I don't care"). The collection also features a great lineup of Christmas songs from great standards like "White Christmas" and "Silent Night" to almost naughty "Santa Claus is back in Town".
Fifth disc introduces up to some live performances and an interview given shortly before Presley's departure to the US army. As John Lennon once famously said:"[Elvis] died when he went into the army. That's when they killed him, that's when they castrated him. ..." One may disagree with the harsh words, but they certainly possess a grain of truth. Elvis has made many wonderful recordings upon his return in '60 and continued to work practically until his death in '77, but there is no doubt that the freshness and originality, raw talent, and groundbreaking new sound were all but gone when he resumed his recording career.