"It's Still Here"

[Juan Luis]

After all the musicians had left for the regular recording session that ended (for the night) with "A Thing Called Love". Around 2:00 A.M., Elvis Presley sat down at the piano and started with this Ivory Joe Hunter country tune. Producer Felton Jarvis (with tape already rolling) asked Elvis if he wanted to cut it. He did. Recorded on May 20, 1971 at RCA Studio B Nashville with Al Pachucki behind the console.
A beautiful haunting tune with just Elvis accompanying himself on the piano. I love it!

..
..

[Stvimpe]

Thanks, Juan Luis.

In reviewing the (original) Fool album, reviewer Neal Umphred noted:

"Ten tracks, all leftovers from previous projects, appeared in an ugly cover with nothing on the back except ads for other Presley Product. Still, what was left off of Elvis's albums is more revealing than what went on: "It's Still Here" and "I Will Be True" are Elvis at the piano sans backing and they are glorious. Worth the price of the whole damn album. Period."

http://www.allmusic.com/album/elvis-the-fool-album-mw0000110495

I wouldn't go that far. Uneven as it is, there are even some more nice tunes on the Fool album to enjoy Esp. on FTD's expanded edition

[SteamrollerBlues]

It's Still Here is a beautiful song and Elvis does it perfectly. It's a wonderful performance and one I enjoy very, very much.

[Ciscoking]

I always had a soft spot for this song and a few others of the Fool album.Its not that bad. Thanks Juan Luis for reminding me of this one.

Hey..on Sep 10.. I am in Miami.....

[George Smith]

It's a great tune, no doubt about it.

My notes suggest Hunter's take may have been recorded after Elvis' version and not in 1964, although I could be wrong.

[fn2drive]

Thanks, Juan Luis.

In reviewing the (original) Fool album, reviewer Neal Umphred noted:

"Ten tracks, all leftovers from previous projects, appeared in an ugly cover with nothing on the back except ads for other Presley Product. Still, what was left off of Elvis's albums is more revealing than what went on: "It's Still Here" and "I Will Be True" are Elvis at the piano sans backing and they are glorious. Worth the price of the whole damn album. Period."

http://www.allmusic.com/album/elvis-the-fool-album-mw0000110495

I wouldn't go that far. Uneven as it is, there are even some more nice tunes on the Fool album to enjoy Esp. on FTD's expanded edition

The first worst post comeback album which is saying something since it competes with Love Letters and it rivals some of the worst soundtracks. There is little that bests this track in the album-it is a highlight on Fool. Having said that it and the other piano tracks are totally out of place here and it is jarring to swing from bombast to this appealing track. This is the album that ended Elvis' comeback and the ususal suspects are to blame. Had this found a proper home it may have achieved more critical acclaim than an album of rejects and leftovers. Notwithstanding Elvis' great performance this was among the tracks that marshaled in the really really maudlin, depressing ballads. On this one he conveys the lose he was suffering and you feel his pain. Elvis at his best turning feelings into song.

This is a track that should have stayed in the can until after his death. Had that happened it would have been far better recd and appreciated. Of course i rarely listen to this track as it is joyless. Worth spinning only when you need to be reminded of what made him great.

[elvis-fan]

I never really gave this song much thought until I heard the stripped down version on the EAP set sometime in the 80's. It's almost haunting...
That's the first time I've heard the full studio banter before the track so thanks for posting that Juan! Great recording!!

[r&b]

This and the other piano tracks on the LP are very nice indeed, and Felton maybe should have suggested to Elvis a whole album of this stuff as a departure from the norm. A sort of 'mood' album concept. But artist and producer just never had the innovation or the drive for such a project, much less discuss it. it would have gone a long way in gaining respect in the Elvis 70's catalog. Im afraid Neal (whom I admire) is wrong here. Two tracks are never worth the price of a whole album. That is a gross over statement. As good as these piano tracks are, they do not make this even a very good album in my opinion much less a great album, A tremendous misstep in the Presley career , maybe the worst, which was deleted quickly and rightfully so.

[poormadpeter2]

The Fool album gets something of a raw deal - partly because of when it was released, how it was released, and the nature of the songs on it. There was little or no fanfare with regards to the album, and it's ludicrously short - which is bizarre considering at least two tracks were heavily edited. But Padre and Love Me Love the Life I Lead aside, these songs are generally better than those on Elvis Now, for example, which doesn't come in for the same amount of stick on here. Fool itself is, indeed, bland as track in itself, but Where Do I Go From Here (perhaps an appropriate title for the album!) sees Elvis delving into the catalogue of one of the most prolific and successful songwriters of the period, Paul Williams. It's Impossible is nice enough, and perhaps the nearest Elvis got to straightforward Como/Carpenters easy listening (alongside The Wonder of You). I don't like the song much, but it's hard to think that Elvis could have improved his performance. For Lovin' Me is a gem, with Elvis seemingly relishing the rather caustic I-don't-give-a-damn lyrics of the song. Don't Think Twice is one of Jarvis's disasters (and I don't feel one way or the other about him in general) in that it is butchered to less than three minutes, whereas it could have easily gone on for twice that long, with Elvis's wonderful freewheelin' performance showing him trying every variation in those two verses that he remembered.

The piano songs are also gems, of course, and It's Still Here is probably the best - especially in its unedited form, which reminds me of the Platinum version of You'll Never Walk Alone where he sits at the piano and doesn't want to let go of the song, so he repeats the ending after if would normally have finished. The overdubs on these songs were certainly unnecessary, although they don't detract from the performances overall.

Fool might win the prize for Elvis's most under-stated album of his career, but that doesn't mean it's particularly bad. With a few track switches (take out Padre and Love Me Love the Life and replace them with I'm Leavin' and Early Morning Rain, for example) this could have demonstrated quite a different, reflective side of Elvis. Even so, the timing was all wrong coming straight after Aloha, and a low-key album, no matter how good, was not what Elvis needed at that time. With nothing else in the vaults though, it was either this or Gold Records 5. The latter didn't happen, but I'm glad we have Fool and I find it a more enjoyable listen than Elvis Now or Good Times, for example. It just could have been better with some different decisions made regarding editing and the occasional song choice.

[Stvimpe]

Thanks, Juan Luis.

In reviewing the (original) Fool album, reviewer Neal Umphred noted:

"Ten tracks, all leftovers from previous projects, appeared in an ugly cover with nothing on the back except ads for other Presley Product. Still, what was left off of Elvis's albums is more revealing than what went on: "It's Still Here" and "I Will Be True" are Elvis at the piano sans backing and they are glorious. Worth the price of the whole damn album. Period."

http://www.allmusic.com/album/elvis-the-fool-album-mw0000110495

I wouldn't go that far. Uneven as it is, there are even some more nice tunes on the Fool album to enjoy Esp. on FTD's expanded edition

The first worst post comeback album which is saying something since it competes with Love Letters and it rivals some of the worst soundtracks. There is little that bests this track in the album-it is a highlight on Fool. Having said that it and the other piano tracks are totally out of place here and it is jarring to swing from bombast to this appealing track. This is the album that ended Elvis' comeback and the ususal suspects are to blame. Had this found a proper home it may have achieved more critical acclaim than an album of rejects and leftovers. Notwithstanding Elvis' great performance this was among the tracks that marshaled in the really really maudlin, depressing ballads. On this one he conveys the lose he was suffering and you feel his pain. Elvis at his best turning feelings into song.

This is a track that should have stayed in the can until after his death. Had that happened it would have been far better recd and appreciated. Of course i rarely listen to this track as it is joyless. Worth spinning only when you need to be reminded of what made him great.

No worries, fn2drive, I'd never call the Fool album a great album. It's a bit hit and miss to me. Just saying that it has some tunes I enjoy. Not that they're my favorites, but ocasionally the album gets a spin. And, yes, I enjoy to greater or lesser extent - but not that I'm crazy or raving about them - 'Fool', 'Where do I go from here?', 'I will be true', 'It's impossible', 'For loving me', 'Don't think twice', 'I'll take you home again, Kathleen', 'I will be true', and even that cursed 'Love me, love the life I live'. That's all. And if you don't like the album and say it's Elvis worst post-comeback album, that's fine by me.

[Juan Luis]

I never really gave this song much thought until I heard the stripped down version on the EAP set sometime in the 80's. It's almost haunting...
That's the first time I've heard the full studio banter before the track so thanks for posting that Juan! Great recording!!

Thanks. This and "I Will Be True" were released stripped down. No overdubbing except on "I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen", and tastefully I might add.

[fn2drive]

The Fool album gets something of a raw deal - partly because of when it was released, how it was released, and the nature of the songs on it. There was little or no fanfare with regards to the album, and it's ludicrously short - which is bizarre considering at least two tracks were heavily edited. But Padre and Love Me Love the Life I Lead aside, these songs are generally better than those on Elvis Now, for example, which doesn't come in for the same amount of stick on here. Fool itself is, indeed, bland as track in itself, but Where Do I Go From Here (perhaps an appropriate title for the album!) sees Elvis delving into the catalogue of one of the most prolific and successful songwriters of the period, Paul Williams. It's Impossible is nice enough, and perhaps the nearest Elvis got to straightforward Como/Carpenters easy listening (alongside The Wonder of You). I don't like the song much, but it's hard to think that Elvis could have improved his performance. For Lovin' Me is a gem, with Elvis seemingly relishing the rather caustic I-don't-give-a-damn lyrics of the song. Don't Think Twice is one of Jarvis's disasters (and I don't feel one way or the other about him in general) in that it is butchered to less than three minutes, whereas it could have easily gone on for twice that long, with Elvis's wonderful freewheelin' performance showing him trying every variation in those two verses that he remembered.

The piano songs are also gems, of course, and It's Still Here is probably the best - especially in its unedited form, which reminds me of the Platinum version of You'll Never Walk Alone where he sits at the piano and doesn't want to let go of the song, so he repeats the ending after if would normally have finished. The overdubs on these songs were certainly unnecessary, although they don't detract from the performances overall.

Fool might win the prize for Elvis's most under-stated album of his career, but that doesn't mean it's particularly bad. With a few track switches (take out Padre and Love Me Love the Life and replace them with I'm Leavin' and Early Morning Rain, for example) this could have demonstrated quite a different, reflective side of Elvis. Even so, the timing was all wrong coming straight after Aloha, and a low-key album, no matter how good, was not what Elvis needed at that time. With nothing else in the vaults though, it was either this or Gold Records 5. The latter didn't happen, but I'm glad we have Fool and I find it a more enjoyable listen than Elvis Now or Good Times, for example. It just could have been better with some different decisions made regarding editing and the occasional song choice.

Good Times with all its infirmaties is superior to Now or Fool. Fool is nothing but tracks that should never have been released. Little more than odd curiosities cobbled together by master producer Jarvis. Raw deal? I think not. This was culled from the catalog faster than some of the movie soundtracks. The public rejected it and for good reason. Fool-the album that ended the comeback.

[Ciscoking]

I also dig Ill take You Home Again Kathleen.

[Davelee]

A very nice song indeed. As for the rest of the album its mediocre.

[Davelee]

A very nice song indeed. As for the rest of the album its mediocre.

[keninlincs]

A master at rest

[Rob]

And to think, I actually got to sit down and touch the actual piano that Elvis played to record this song. It's still right there in Studio B.

I get a little misty just thinking about it.

[jetblack]

I just love those piano tracks. It should never have been edited for release.

I'm also in agreement with PMP on the unedited version of 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. That is some great singing.

There should have been a full album of Elvis with just the piano. Many non-fans aren't even aware he played it.

Good song to highlight Juan.

Andy

[egilj]

I really like this one, and the other two as well. Always thought the Raised on Rock-album was worse than The Fool Album. The reason I thinks a lot of fans prefered Raised on Rock in 1973, was that "Fool" came with high expectations, and people were highly disappointed. When "Rock" came people were really expecting the worst, and would be willing to settle for far less.

[poormadpeter2]

I really like this one, and the other two as well. Always thought the Raised on Rock-album was worse than The Fool Album. The reason I thinks a lot of fans prefered Raised on Rock in 1973, was that "Fool" came with high expectations, and people were highly disappointed. When "Rock" came people were really expecting the worst, and would be willing to settle for far less.

While Fool is a bumpy ride, there is, I think, more good here than bad - six of the ten songs add something positive to the Elvis legacy, whether they be the two folk tunes, the piano songs or even the classy performance of the syrupy It's Impossible - sung with care, attention, and none of the bombast of the previous year. I'll take the album over both Raised on Rock (although that album includes a new direction for Elvis with the funkier sound) and Elvis Now as well as Good Times. All three have their good or very good moments, of course, but Fool is ultimately stronger, albeit low key.

[Ciscoking]

I think besides Padre, For Lovin Me and Love Me. Love The Life I lead its quite an enjoyable album...I also like Fool..

[Pete Dube]

Had RCA not wanted an album to sell in June '73 then the best of the Elvis (AKA Fool) tracks could've been combined with the best of the July '73 tracks for a reasonably strong album for a late '73 release.

[Stvimpe]

While Fool is a bumpy ride, there is, I think, more good here than bad - six of the ten songs add something positive to the Elvis legacy, whether they be the two folk tunes, the piano songs or even the classy performance of the syrupy It's Impossible - sung with care, attention, and none of the bombast of the previous year. I'll take the album over both Raised on Rock (although that album includes a new direction for Elvis with the funkier sound) and Elvis Now as well as Good Times. All three have their good or very good moments, of course, but Fool is ultimately stronger, albeit low key.

Yes, bumpy ride, but more good than bad to me as well.

[jeanno]

My favorite track with Elvis at the piano. I discovered it thanks to "Elvis in Nashville", an awesome compilation from the 80s. By the way, i felt disappointed when I figured out that the track was butchered in the Fool album.

[SteamrollerBlues]

I quite like the Fool album. I don't particularly care for It's Impossible, but I enjoy Fool, Where Do I Go From Here, Love Me Love The Life I Lead, It's Still Here, For Lovin' Me, and Don't Think Twice. The matter if when and how these recordings were released gives the record a lot of flack.