Elvis Online Issue 1 | Page 30

DIG THOSE CAMDEN CLASSICS!

PICTURES © SONY/BMG

I am sure if you were an Elvis fan in the early 70’s, you’ll have a soft spot for those dusty old Camden LPs. I bet most households in the UK had at least one or two tucked away in the back of the old side-board record player that was the centre piece of every living room up and down the land back then. Some might say they were cheap and cheerful; for your £2.50 you could nip to your local Woolworths and pick up a brand new shiny Elvis LP. Happy days!

These albums gave us many hidden gems from the later 60’s movies that didn’t have a soundtrack release. Even songs from the legendary 1969 Memphis sessions were premiered here.

The first Camden LP, “Elvis Sings Flaming Star” from April 1969 featured “Flaming Star”, debuting here for the first time on wax. As well as two songs that were cut from the movie “Viva Las Vegas” - “Night Life” and “Do The Vega”. Also included is “Wonderful World” from “Live A Little, Love A Little” and “All I Needed Was The Rain” from the movie “Stay Away Joe”.

movies that didn’t have a soundtrack release. Even songs from the legendary 1969 Memphis sessions were premiered here. The first Camden LP, “Elvis Sings Flaming Star” from April 1969 featured “Flaming Star”, debuting here for the first time on wax. As well as two songs that were cut from the movie “Viva Las Vegas” - “Night Life” and “Do The Vega”. Also included is “Wonderful World” from “Live A Little, Love A Little” and “All I Needed Was The Rain” from the movie “Stay Away Joe”.

The second Camden LP “Let’s Be Friends” from April 1970 has the songs “Change Of Habit” and “Have A Happy” from Elvis’ last film, as well as “If I’m A Fool For Lovin’ You” and “I’ll Be There” from the Memphis sessions.

Also released in December 1970 was Elvis’ Christmas album. This included the festive favourites “Blue Christmas”, “Silent Night” and “Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me”. This record has sold an incredible 9 million copies worldwide.

In December 1970 “Almost In Love” was released. This may be very first album to feature an outtake, as RCA accidently included an unreleased version of “Stay Away Joe” on the first print. This album has a strong track listing with songs like “Edge Of Reality”, “A Little Less Conversation”, “Rubberneckin” and “US Male”.