"sessions III" vs "life in music"
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"sessions III" vs "life in music"
I´ve decided to get one of those two books. What is the difference between them and which one do you consider the best? Which one is more focused on music? Any thoughts.
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Jeanno, your going to have a problem choosing ;-
A Life In Music:-
Details only with the FACTS not speculation
Obviously does not contain any bootleg information
Has many detailed writings about the recording sessions, giving you a more 'fly on the wall' view to a lot of recording sessions.
Tunzi's Sessions 3:-
Presents the recording sessions in a different format, after the session info it details where these songs can be found (official releases only).
Has information about unreleased recordings that "exists" without giving how this information is obtained (so you have no idea if it's just speculation)
Has soundboard listing (also available over the internet)...detailing those soundboards that have not yet seen the light of day....but again we don't know if these are in BMG's vaults or private hands.
There is no detailed dialogue about the recording sessions...this is only available in Ernst's A Life In Music.
Happy picking, although I feel you'll have to spring for both
A Life In Music:-
Details only with the FACTS not speculation
Obviously does not contain any bootleg information
Has many detailed writings about the recording sessions, giving you a more 'fly on the wall' view to a lot of recording sessions.
Tunzi's Sessions 3:-
Presents the recording sessions in a different format, after the session info it details where these songs can be found (official releases only).
Has information about unreleased recordings that "exists" without giving how this information is obtained (so you have no idea if it's just speculation)
Has soundboard listing (also available over the internet)...detailing those soundboards that have not yet seen the light of day....but again we don't know if these are in BMG's vaults or private hands.
There is no detailed dialogue about the recording sessions...this is only available in Ernst's A Life In Music.
Happy picking, although I feel you'll have to spring for both
Ray
" Do you know anything about him ?
Do I know anything about him ?
I was raised in his home town
Are you going to be saying something to him, are you going to talk to him ?
Well that just all do depends
Are you looking forward to seeing him ?
Sure
Why don't you show us where he comes in here
He's coming through this door here, there's two doors in this entrance
he comes through this door here in this entrance and then open it back like this
then this one the other door comes back like this."
" Do you know anything about him ?
Do I know anything about him ?
I was raised in his home town
Are you going to be saying something to him, are you going to talk to him ?
Well that just all do depends
Are you looking forward to seeing him ?
Sure
Why don't you show us where he comes in here
He's coming through this door here, there's two doors in this entrance
he comes through this door here in this entrance and then open it back like this
then this one the other door comes back like this."
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Sessions III doesn't really have much text. It's just listing of the sessions with very detailed information and a lot of info about unreleased recordings. It also has info about import releases, charts, discograpy and detailed analysis of the content of documentry movies, tv-specials and dvd releases. It a very thick book and a very good source (of course there are few mistakes too) but not really a book you read for fun. Life In Music has the session information and a narrative text which tells a lot about what went on at the sessions, record releases and business deals. It's very interesting to read but it's not as detailed as Sessions III.
"I've learned very early in life, without a song, the day would never end. Without a song, a man ain't got a friend. Without a song, the road would never bend, without a song. So I'll keep on singing the song."
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for me they complement each other. Sessions is of course more updated, it features "new"information. For example, The eyes of texas was recorded separately from the rest of the VLV soundtrack, and using 2 sinatra related musicians, Ralph Peña (bass on the sinatra world tour, 1962) and the drummer Irv Cottler.
It is well known that Irv Cottler detested rock songs and rock singers, much more than sinatra. He hated playing some rock-pop oriented songs for sinatra, such as let me try again or you will be my music, and his genius was legendary, as the episode with bobby darin. Any info about this session with elvis, when he provided drums and backing vocals could be useful. Maybe our elvis charmed him as he did with so many people before and after.
A life in music is better in a sense that it tells the story of each session in a masterful way, and it features the session hours, not only the session dates.
It is well known that Irv Cottler detested rock songs and rock singers, much more than sinatra. He hated playing some rock-pop oriented songs for sinatra, such as let me try again or you will be my music, and his genius was legendary, as the episode with bobby darin. Any info about this session with elvis, when he provided drums and backing vocals could be useful. Maybe our elvis charmed him as he did with so many people before and after.
A life in music is better in a sense that it tells the story of each session in a masterful way, and it features the session hours, not only the session dates.
Iván
La voz del Rey
La voz del Rey
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No he ain't!Ray wrote:Jeanno, your going to have a problem choosing ;-
In my opinion, you can't even compare these books. "A Life In Music" is so much better. Tunzi's book is just a list of recordings. Ernst takes you behind the scenes and describes the sessions, how Elvis picked his songs, what he was listening to, what he felt about his recordings, Colonel Parker's influence... there are quotes from the various musicians, he tells you all you need to know about the situaiton at RCA... he shares his own, intelligent opinion on the songs recorded... it's easily the best Elvis book I have ever read. And the most important, too. It made me a diehard Elvis fan. Buy it today!
By the way, I heard "A Life In Music" is available in paperback format too. Can this be true? If it is, avoid it and get the original version. There are many beautiful photos in that book.
(I should probably add that I appreciate Joe's efforts too.)
Keith Richards, Jr.
Last edited by Keith Richards, Jr. on Wed Jan 10, 2007 11:56 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Get both books
Ernst express' his opinion on Elvis' vocal performance - obviously very imformed but ultimately his opinion.
For example I think SPINOUT is one of Elvis' top 10 Rockers - I think the studio version of T-R-O-U-B-L-E is badly arranged and an average performance by Elvis.
For the record I am an Ernst fan though
Ernst express' his opinion on Elvis' vocal performance - obviously very imformed but ultimately his opinion.
For example I think SPINOUT is one of Elvis' top 10 Rockers - I think the studio version of T-R-O-U-B-L-E is badly arranged and an average performance by Elvis.
For the record I am an Ernst fan though
JUST FOR TODAY
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I'll take that "opinion" any day of the year.LesterB wrote:Ernst express' his opinion on Elvis' vocal performance - obviously very imformed but ultimately his opinion.
Please spare us the other nine ...LesterB wrote:For example I think SPINOUT is one of Elvis' top 10 Rockers ...
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Jeanno, FWIW, a serious fan owns both books. But Ernst's "A Life In Music" will tell you things about Elvis you did not know, and make you love his artistry even more than you do already.
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Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
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I totally agree!!drjohncarpenter wrote:I'll take that "opinion" any day of the year.LesterB wrote:Ernst express' his opinion on Elvis' vocal performance - obviously very imformed but ultimately his opinion.
Please spare us the other nine ...LesterB wrote:For example I think SPINOUT is one of Elvis' top 10 Rockers ...
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Jeanno, FWIW, a serious fan owns both books. But Ernst's "A Life In Music" will tell you things about Elvis you did not know, and make you love his artistry even more than you do already.
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I had feeling that would provoke a reaction ... it was meant to as an extreme example ... but I still stand by my opinion in the face of ridiculedrjohncarpenter wrote:I'll take that "opinion" any day of the year.LesterB wrote:Ernst express' his opinion on Elvis' vocal performance - obviously very informed but ultimately his opinion.
Please spare us the other nine ...LesterB wrote:For example I think SPINOUT is one of Elvis' top 10 Rockers ...
I strongly suspect the other 9 would be the same as yours Doc except for, perhaps, the track 5 version from the double features CD of - ALLC
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ELVIS-SESSIONS 3 is a MUST for scholars of the musical legacy of Elvis Presley.
This book stands as a monument of facts,dates and information pertaining to every known recording,professional or semi-pofessional, of Elvis Presley. Dates,locations,studio personnel,master takes vs. alternate versions,live recordings,soundboard tapes and home recordings are all documented in chronological order-session by session,song by song.
In this volume,the third revision of this perennial masterwork,even studio overdub sessions are meticulously noted. In addition,all the outtake footage from the 70's film documentarys 'ELVIS-THATS THE WAY IT IS' and 'ELVIS ON TOUR',is described in copious listings. Master lists for both films, detailing the dates and locales of virtually every scene, prove fascinating and invaluable.
Tunzi is a master at unearthing previously unseen photos. Having published nearly 20 volumes of Elvis photo books, the session info is accompanied by more than a few rare recording studio-related images,among many other candids.
This book stands as a monument of facts,dates and information pertaining to every known recording,professional or semi-pofessional, of Elvis Presley. Dates,locations,studio personnel,master takes vs. alternate versions,live recordings,soundboard tapes and home recordings are all documented in chronological order-session by session,song by song.
In this volume,the third revision of this perennial masterwork,even studio overdub sessions are meticulously noted. In addition,all the outtake footage from the 70's film documentarys 'ELVIS-THATS THE WAY IT IS' and 'ELVIS ON TOUR',is described in copious listings. Master lists for both films, detailing the dates and locales of virtually every scene, prove fascinating and invaluable.
Tunzi is a master at unearthing previously unseen photos. Having published nearly 20 volumes of Elvis photo books, the session info is accompanied by more than a few rare recording studio-related images,among many other candids.
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Actually, not so meticulous -- some of the 1969 American Sound session overdubs were omitted.Lennon/McCartney wrote:In this volume,the third revision of this perennial masterwork,even studio overdub sessions are meticulously noted.
Joe, welcome to the MB!!Lennon/McCartney wrote:Tunzi is a master at unearthing previously unseen photos. Having published nearly 20 volumes of Elvis photo books ...
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Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
The Tunzi book is the best as its fact based and packed with information including unreleased material.
Ernst book is okay but is ruined by him giving his own account and feelings on songs and sessions (which is everyman to his own). It has no information on whats left in the vaults and stays well clear of alternate recordings or unreleased bootleg material.
Another good bet is the Writing for the King as it contains how the songs got to elvis in the first place .
Check em all out.....
Ernst book is okay but is ruined by him giving his own account and feelings on songs and sessions (which is everyman to his own). It has no information on whats left in the vaults and stays well clear of alternate recordings or unreleased bootleg material.
Another good bet is the Writing for the King as it contains how the songs got to elvis in the first place .
Check em all out.....
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Actually, many of the unissued details in "Sessions III" are speculative, based on things read, but not necessarily heard.Richard Grant wrote:The Tunzi book is the best as its [sic] fact based [sic] and packed with information [sic] including unreleased material.
"Ruined"? My goodness, you're so off-base.Richard Grant wrote:Ernst book is okay but is ruined by him giving his own account and feelings on songs and sessions ...
"A Life In Music" is distinguished and made all the more valuable by its informed critical perspective -- try it sometime, you might learn something.
Where do you people come from? "No information"? I don't think so.Richard Grant wrote:It has no information on whats [sic] left in the vaults and stays well clear of alternate recordings or unreleased bootleg material.
A six-page section -- cleverly titled "Outtakes" -- is found beginning on page 438. As Ernst writes:
And that's the way it is.This reference list is meant as a guide to alternate takes of Elvis recordings released by RCA Records. It's not meant to be a complete list of all abnormalities released by RCA worldwide over the years ... likewise the many outtakes released on bootlegs are omitted.
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Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
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I think that what you've said about "T-R-O-U-B-L-E" applies to BOTH songs.LesterB wrote:For example I think SPINOUT is one of Elvis' top 10 Rockers - I think the studio version of T-R-O-U-B-L-E is badly arranged and an average performance by Elvis.
I think I'd choose "T-R-O-U-B-L-E" over "Spinout", though. It's got more life to it. Elvis sounds either fed up or embarrassed (take your pick) singing most of "Spinout".
Aside from possibly "Stuck On You", "Such A Night", "King Of The Whole Wide World", "C'Mon Everybody" and "Hard Knocks", Elvis' real rockers are in the 50's -- with the 1968 Burbank performances being some of those same songs ... on acid.