I need somebody .....

I know this song is well loved by all in the Elvis online community - as it is by me. I also know that you guys have probably done this song to death however for me it is almost my favourite " non mainstream" Elvis song. He sings so well and to me as a listener so effortlessly. But tonight whilst on my balcony after a few life changing events ( I won't bore you - we all have lives!) , a glass of red and a cigar in hand, FTD Viva Las Vegas on CD, it really hit me how great Elvis could nail this. I would love to know how he felt when he first heard the demo. Did he relate? Was it another "movie song" he had to endure? I know he was asked by the guy who witnessed the opening '69 show about this song at the media conference - and from reported accounts he remembered it. I know it would never have worked live so Elvis never came back to it, but for me tonight on my balcony I am so glad Elvis recorded this.

I guess my point is that Elvis recorded some incredible songs that depending on where you are on life's journey, you can relate. He never wrote them but for me on some songs he sang them like he did. He did for me tonight!

Bye for now....

A good song Paul007,welcome to the forum!!

A great song and performance. Even in the movie the performance he gives mimicking the lyrics is great.

Its a great powerful song, always loved it and play it also alot latley...

I can't imagine what this would sound like from a 1970's Elvis. This recording is great and EP is in great form on the whole soundtrack. Been listening to it this week, coincidentally. Love his exceptional vocal.

I can't imagine what this would sound like from a 1970's Elvis. This recording is great and EP is in great form on the whole soundtrack. Been listening to it this week, coincidentally. Love his exceptional vocal.

It wouldn't sound half as good in the 70's...

Hi there!! .

It´s about time Mr. Ernst Jorgensen for an updated 2 cd set FTD release of "Viva Las Vegas" and please include if possible the complete 20 takes of the song; "I Need Somebody To Lean On" . So far we only had 1 outtake of the song . Bye for now .

Hi there!! .

It´s about time Mr. Ernst Jorgensen for an updated 2 cd set FTD release of "Viva Las Vegas" and please include if possible the complete 20 takes of the song; "I Need Somebody To Lean On" . So far we only had 1 outtake of the song . Bye for now .

Nah that would become boring. A FTD package of Elvis' deleted and unreleased film songs (also known as production numbers) is what's needed.

I know this song is well loved by all in the Elvis online community - as it is by me. I also know that you guys have probably done this song to death however for me it is almost my favourite " non mainstream" Elvis song. He sings so well and to me as a listener so effortlessly. But tonight whilst on my balcony after a few life changing events ( I won't bore you - we all have lives!) , a glass of red and a cigar in hand, FTD Viva Las Vegas on CD, it really hit me how great Elvis could nail this. I would love to know how he felt when he first heard the demo. Did he relate? Was it another "movie song" he had to endure? I know he was asked by the guy who witnessed the opening '69 show about this song at the media conference - and from reported accounts he remembered it. I know it would never have worked live so Elvis never came back to it, but for me tonight on my balcony I am so glad Elvis recorded this.

I guess my point is that Elvis recorded some incredible songs that depending on where you are on life's journey, you can relate. He never wrote them but for me on some songs he sang them like he did. He did for me tonight!

Bye for now....

I agree. But it's no different to Do You Know Who I Am ? Try playing the songs one after the other starting with DYKWIA.

I know this song is well loved by all in the Elvis online community - as it is by me. I also know that you guys have probably done this song to death however for me it is almost my favourite " non mainstream" Elvis song. He sings so well and to me as a listener so effortlessly. But tonight whilst on my balcony after a few life changing events ( I won't bore you - we all have lives!) , a glass of red and a cigar in hand, FTD Viva Las Vegas on CD, it really hit me how great Elvis could nail this. I would love to know how he felt when he first heard the demo. Did he relate? Was it another "movie song" he had to endure? I know he was asked by the guy who witnessed the opening '69 show about this song at the media conference - and from reported accounts he remembered it. I know it would never have worked live so Elvis never came back to it, but for me tonight on my balcony I am so glad Elvis recorded this.

I guess my point is that Elvis recorded some incredible songs that depending on where you are on life's journey, you can relate. He never wrote them but for me on some songs he sang them like he did. He did for me tonight!

Bye for now....

Nice post!

"I Need Somebody To Lean On" is far and away one of the best tunes Elvis ever cut for one of his films.

It was the first track he worked on during the second day of sessions for "Viva Las Vegas," July 10, 1963, and the master was take 20. One wonders if he was pining for anyone while recording this.

640000_Ann-Margret.JPG

There are 4 complete alternate takes in the vaults -- a fifth (take 8) was released on FTD's Out In Hollywood, then again on FTD's Viva Las Vegas.

I'd enjoy hearing the rest of 'em, offered in an intelligent fashion, as per the Follow That Dream style.

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Last edited by drjohncarpenter on Mon Mar 18, 2013 8:17 am, edited 1 time in total.

I thought the one alternate we've had was from an acetate and that was all we have. If they have three more takes of this song, I would love to hear them. The FTD of this is particularly incomplete.

Yes Doc, I think EP was inspired in his work on this whole project by his leading lady. He sang great and he and Ann absolutely sparkled on the screen.

I thought the one alternate we've had was from an acetate and that was all we have. If they have three more takes of this song, I would love to hear them. The FTD of this is particularly incomplete.

Yes Doc, I think EP was inspired in his work on this whole project by his leading lady. He sang great and he and Ann absolutely sparkled on the screen.

The acetate you refer to contains the film soundtrack version, which includes a prominent saxophone overdub. But the session proper still has four full alternate takes in the vault.

Great opening post Paul. Made me wish I had a balcony

This is indeed an excellent ballad which wouldn't have been out of place at a regular non-soundtrack session.

Its a great song. His voice had changed so much in the 70's from the smooth effortless ballad delivery of the 60's, I don't this song or any similar ones would have worked so well by then. Its amazing how Elvis' voice changed in each decade, and as a still young man. Some singers never do until they really get well up in years.

I know this song is well loved by all in the Elvis online community - as it is by me. I also know that you guys have probably done this song to death however for me it is almost my favourite " non mainstream" Elvis song. He sings so well and to me as a listener so effortlessly. But tonight whilst on my balcony after a few life changing events ( I won't bore you - we all have lives!) , a glass of red and a cigar in hand, FTD Viva Las Vegas on CD, it really hit me how great Elvis could nail this. I would love to know how he felt when he first heard the demo. Did he relate? Was it another "movie song" he had to endure? I know he was asked by the guy who witnessed the opening '69 show about this song at the media conference - and from reported accounts he remembered it. I know it would never have worked live so Elvis never came back to it, but for me tonight on my balcony I am so glad Elvis recorded this.

I guess my point is that Elvis recorded some incredible songs that depending on where you are on life's journey, you can relate. He never wrote them but for me on some songs he sang them like he did. He did for me tonight!

Bye for now....

Nice post!

"I Need Somebody To Lean On" is far and away one of the best tunes Elvis ever cut for one of his films.

It was the first track he worked on during the second day of sessions for "Viva Las Vegas," July 10, 1963, and the master was take 20. One wonders if he was pining for anyone while recording this.

640000_Ann-Margret.JPG

There are 4 complete alternate takes in the vaults -- a fifth (take was released on FTD's Out In Hollywood, then again on FTD's Viva Las Vegas.

I'd enjoy hearing the rest of 'em, offered in an intelligent fashion, as per the Follow That Dream style.

Thanks Doc. I would like to hear them all too. By the wy that is a stunning picture of Ann-Margret!

Great opening post Paul. Made me wish I had a balcony

This is indeed an excellent ballad which wouldn't have been out of place at a regular non-soundtrack session.

Thanks TJ. I reckon everyone needs a balcony!

I know this song is well loved by all in the Elvis online community - as it is by me. I also know that you guys have probably done this song to death however for me it is almost my favourite " non mainstream" Elvis song. He sings so well and to me as a listener so effortlessly. But tonight whilst on my balcony after a few life changing events ( I won't bore you - we all have lives!) , a glass of red and a cigar in hand, FTD Viva Las Vegas on CD, it really hit me how great Elvis could nail this. I would love to know how he felt when he first heard the demo. Did he relate? Was it another "movie song" he had to endure? I know he was asked by the guy who witnessed the opening '69 show about this song at the media conference - and from reported accounts he remembered it. I know it would never have worked live so Elvis never came back to it, but for me tonight on my balcony I am so glad Elvis recorded this.

I guess my point is that Elvis recorded some incredible songs that depending on where you are on life's journey, you can relate. He never wrote them but for me on some songs he sang them like he did. He did for me tonight!

Bye for now....

I agree. But it's no different to Do You Know Who I Am ? Try playing the songs one after the other starting with DYKWIA.

Ok thanks Robt. I'll do as you suggest but I think I still know which I will prefer!

Nice post!

"I Need Somebody To Lean On" is far and away one of the best tunes Elvis ever cut for one of his films.

It was the first track he worked on during the second day of sessions for "Viva Las Vegas," July 10, 1963, and the master was take 20. One wonders if he was pining for anyone while recording this.

640000_Ann-Margret.JPG

There are 4 complete alternate takes in the vaults -- a fifth (take 8) was released on FTD's Out In Hollywood, then again on FTD's Viva Las Vegas.

I'd enjoy hearing the rest of 'em, offered in an intelligent fashion, as per the Follow That Dream style.

Thanks Doc. I would like to hear them all too. By the way that is a stunning picture of Ann-Margret!

I know! It may the one of the most beautiful images of her I have ever seen.

Ann-Margret rules!

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One of the best movie ballad of Elvis put on film. I always dug that song. It's just has that magic lounged jazzed dark atmosphere that weaves it's stings around your soul. Too bad we never got the movie saxophone overdubbed on cd. Elvis should have done more of that type. But being the only one, it's making it more precious.