"Raised On Rock"!

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Juan Luis

"Raised On Rock"!

Post by Juan Luis »

"Raised On Rock" is a song enjoyed by myself since the mid-70's. At the time, did not give second thought to the lyrics. Quite odd for Elvis Presley in first person. For the next generation after him, were the ones that were truly not only "raised on rock", but on many other genres of music, depending on geographic location. This before the world truly became "small", with the advent of the internet.

Elvis was aware of the lyrics. And he decided to proceed only changing "digging the Stones" to while I was in the back room "rockin' on". Probably the strongest example of him doing what he felt and liked. Had Felton Jarvis (or any other producer) put his foot down and told Elvis not to record this? Would he have listened? An argument can be made about the material such as this should have been screened out and never gotten to him. But hindsight can help us a bit with this question now. Mark James has stated in at least one interview, Elvis sought out this composer's material. "Anything from Mark James?", or words to that effect. Makes sense since "Suspicious Minds" was an important song to Elvis on many levels. In short, Elvis would have heard "Raised On Rock" no matter what, In my opinion.

A significant rewrite is another possibility that was not used, and the answer(s) can go from getting the job done (contractual obligation) to the extra cost involved because of this and more. Also has to be taken into consideration, the fact July 1973 was Not a good time for Elvis Presley...physically or mentally. It can be argued he shouldn't have been in the studio in July, and then of course this thread would not exist. It is what it is.

Despite all these shortcomings including subsequent lack luster sales for the album and single, the title track is well produced, sung, and performed by the band! The recording rocks! It also grooves fine with Ron Tutt & Jerry Carrigan on drums, and the great Tommy Cogbill on bass! The track also has a very creative arrangement/production with Kathy Westmoreland's "high voice singing" in concert with the "classical list" passage of the song. This was completely done live in the studio without post-production overdubbing. The master being the final take ten.

Recorded on July 23, 1973 at Stax Studio, Memphis. Produced by Felton Jarvis with Al Pachucki behind the console.

Enjoy "Raised On Rock"!



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Domino
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Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by Domino »

Another album I first heard while sneaking my brothers LP's upstairs to listen to.I've got a few faves from that record.

"I Miss You","Are You Sincere","For Ol' Times Sake" and of course "Raised On Rock".

It had a cool cover pick too.

Thanks for the new song topic.
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Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by Mike in New Jersey »

Oof, generally I don't prefer to post to a thread to crap on the topic... in this case the song Raised On Rock, but never in my close to 40 years of listening to Elvis was I so looking foward to hearing one of his songs and then being so dissapointed. I first heard this in the late 80s when I (or more specifically my Mom) bought the ROR album at a garage sale. As soon as I got home I couldn't wait to hear this song based soley on the title. I'm no longer sure what I was expecting but this dreary sounding tune wasn't it. It seemed like the furthest thing from rock I'd heard. Unfortunately, that disappointment never left me and colors my view on this song to this day.
Having said all that, thanks for the topic Juan Luis and I'm glad you like the song :-)



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Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by SteamrollerBlues »

"Hound Dog" lyric be damned, I like this song, a lot.




Topic author
Juan Luis

Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by Juan Luis »

Mike in New Jersey wrote:Oof, generally I don't prefer to post to a thread to crap on the topic... in this case the song Raised On Rock, but never in my close to 40 years of listening to Elvis was I so looking foward to hearing one of his songs and then being so dissapointed. I first heard this in the late 80s when I (or more specifically my Mom) bought the ROR album at a garage sale. As soon as I got home I couldn't wait to hear this song based soley on the title. I'm no longer sure what I was expecting but this dreary sounding tune wasn't it. It seemed like the furthest thing from rock I'd heard. Unfortunately, that disappointment never left me and colors my view on this song to this day.
Having said all that, thanks for the topic Juan Luis and I'm glad you like the song :-)
Thank you sincerely for your post. I had a similar situation, but not because of the song. But because of the album. I misread the meaning of the front and back cover. I thought he was going to rock and roll (the whole album) for old times sake! :) Oh well...




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Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by Eggrert »

I hated the song at first - not because of the lyrics, but because I found the tune boring and the arrangement uninteresting. I quite like it now, though I don't think it's a particularly great track. The lyrics have never bothered me. It's Elvis playing a part, just as he did with The Last Farewell.

Amusingly, the Allmusic review of the 70s boxset singles out ROR as one of Elvis' few "outright classics" in the 70s, suggesting that perhaps they just looked at the title and assumed that it was Burning Love Pt. 2.




Topic author
Juan Luis

Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by Juan Luis »

Greystoke wrote:I've never shared your love or enthusiasm for Raised on Rock, Juan. Not that I'm put out in any way by Elvis singing lyrics that don't really apply to him. But the song does nothing for me, although a re-write may have worked had somebody took the initiative or if Elvis was able himself.

I don't think he was on great form here, either. There's some brightness amiss in Elvis’s voice, although he's generally fine, if nothing more. However, there's a cool groove in the song's arrangement, which I like. There's some terrific guitar playing and drumming throughout. With a funky bass line into the bargain. Which compensates a great deal for the words and Elvis’s performance.

Thanks, Juan. Nice to read your thoughts on the song.
As always, thanks for your take and insights!




Topic author
Juan Luis

Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by Juan Luis »

Domino wrote:Another album I first heard while sneaking my brothers LP's upstairs to listen to.I've got a few faves from that record.

"I Miss You","Are You Sincere","For Ol' Times Sake" and of course "Raised On Rock".

It had a cool cover pick too.

Thanks for the new song topic.
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Thanks for your story!



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Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by Mike in New Jersey »

Juan Luis wrote:
Mike in New Jersey wrote:Oof, generally I don't prefer to post to a thread to crap on the topic... in this case the song Raised On Rock, but never in my close to 40 years of listening to Elvis was I so looking foward to hearing one of his songs and then being so dissapointed. I first heard this in the late 80s when I (or more specifically my Mom) bought the ROR album at a garage sale. As soon as I got home I couldn't wait to hear this song based soley on the title. I'm no longer sure what I was expecting but this dreary sounding tune wasn't it. It seemed like the furthest thing from rock I'd heard. Unfortunately, that disappointment never left me and colors my view on this song to this day.
Having said all that, thanks for the topic Juan Luis and I'm glad you like the song :-)
Thank you sincerely for your post. I had a similar situation, but not because of the song. But because of the album. I misread the meaning of the front and back cover. I thought he was going to rock and roll (the whole album) for old times sake! :) Oh well...
Lol, I thought roughly the same thing when I bought the album. Actually, even before that. I used to look at the inside sleeves of the Elvis albums my mother owned, noting the albums I hadn't heard yet, and hoping that someday I would. ROR stood out to me as I assumed that it would be a rock oriented album. That's why I begged my mom to fork over the $10 spot to buy it, lol. The Album itself didn't dissapoint me quite as much since it did have a few uptempo numbers on it (Find Out What's Happening being my favorite). It's funny though, I wonder how many others made the same assumption?



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Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by jeanno »

Elvis back in Memphis and recording a Mark James composition with part of the original Memphis Boys: it had to become a classic but never was. Because of Elvis himself.
I perfectly understand your dissapointment, Mike in NJ: I just felt the same. The only saving grace of those sessions was I'VE GOT A THING ABOUT YOU BABY but it was kept away.
I will never understand why Elvis did not ask for a rewrite of the lyrics; I guess he was in no mood for anything at the time, sadly...




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r&b

Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by r&b »

Lyrics aside, the backing is good, but Elvis is not. In fact, he is poor. It all adds up to another mediocre song of the mediocre 70's.
(I too was quite enthused by the title before I got the 45 home in 1973. But another miss for me)



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Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by Ciscoking »

not a bad song...my faves are For Ol Times Sake...especially love the 1980 version with new dubs..and..believe it or not Girl Of Mine....just a catchy song...with a good melody....


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Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by Davelee »

Not a good performance at all. I say this for the whole album it just doesn't get any blander then this. The only track that i like, and its by no means a classic is, Find Out Whats Happening i quite enjoy it. His vocals throughout the album is very poor indeed especially on Three Corn Patches he sounds in pain. Girl Of Mine is a complete waste of time.

Another miss from me.




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Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by poormadpeter2 »

As an album, I think it's better than many make out, and certainly a change in direction considering the amount of upbeat numbers included. Sadly, i think much of what we "hear" on the album is due to much of what we have "read" about the sessions - in other words, the stories of how Elvis was bored and out of it, etc, leak into our assessment of the music. That's not to say it's a great album, because it's not, but I don't find it less enjoyable than any other of the other 70s albums, nor do I find Elvis in worse form for the most part.

The song itself, however, is, I think, one of the weaker tracks. It should all come together and work but, for some reason, it never quite takes off and Elvis doesn't seem to quite "get it." Lyrics aside, there is something rather awkward about the whole affair, and Elvis (and the backing singers) never seem to really find their groove and it all comes across as rather forced.



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Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by Lohmax »

I love the whole arrangement, the heavy rhythm section, the backing vocals and I think Elvis' voice fits right in. I have never lost any sleep over the lyrics either, so I really like this song. Actually, along with If You Don't Come Back, I Got A Feeling In My Body, later versions of Polk Salad Annie etc. it is exactly the sound that I like. I still wonder where the outtakes ended up and if there's a hidden soundboard recording of the one and only time he played it live.


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Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by colonel snow »

Besides the rehearsels in july-august 1973 RoR was only performed live on 6 august 1973 opening show.

colonel snow




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Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by brian »

Marty Lacker should have gave this song to BJ Thomas and then got another song from Mark James for Elvis.

Even though the lyrics did fit Helen Reddy more it was still a mediocre song when she covered it.



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Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by elvisalisellers »

Lulu does a pretty nifty version here.
She may well be pulling from Elvis' recording [a minor U.K. hit] or possibly the Helen Reddy version as she repeats the "diggin' the Stones" line.

..




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Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by Eggrert »

poormadpeter2 wrote:As an album, I think it's better than many make out, and certainly a change in direction considering the amount of upbeat numbers included.
I agree. Actually, I'd go so far as to say it's more cohesive than the other Stax albums, in that it flows better and works well as an album.




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Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by fn2drive »

That this was the chosen single screams just how weak the commercial material from Stax 1 was. This was clearly no Suspicious Minds. I recall the first time i played the single thinking Elvis voice sounded different and the album surely confirmed that. Despite the upbeat nature of the somg he sounds decidedly downbeat. Setting aside the lyrics issue, it simply okay. Hardly the worst track he recorded and it is Mystery Train compared to Three Corn Patches. The track simply had no commercial appeal and would get little pop airplay and didnt chart well. Not one i return to often. The B side has always been a session highlight. His voice and the lyrics line up perfectly. Second to take good care of her, we were about to enter 4 years of maudlin ballads.

Also highlights just how bad the deal was in selling Elvis Master Recordings. Nothing he produced would ever sell as well as his backlist.


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Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by fn2drive »

That this was the chosen single screams just how weak the commercial material from Stax 1 was. This was clearly no Suspicious Minds. I recall the first time i played the single thinking Elvis voice sounded different and the album surely confirmed that. Despite the upbeat nature of the somg he sounds decidedly downbeat. Setting aside the lyrics issue, it simply okay. Hardly the worst track he recorded and it is Mystery Train compared to Three Corn Patches. The track simply had no commercial appeal and would get little pop airplay and didnt chart well. Not one i return to often. The B side has always been a session highlight. His voice and the lyrics line up perfectly. Second to take good care of her, we were about to enter 4 years of maudlin ballads.

Also highlights just how bad the deal was in selling Elvis Master Recordings. Nothing he produced would ever sell as well as his backlist.


Hack n. 1. a person, esp. a professional, who surrenders individual independence, integrity, belief, etc., in return for money or other reward


Topic author
Hard Rocker

Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by Hard Rocker »

Always liked this song a lot. Reminds me of original Lynyrd Skynyrd type material. Elvis should've recorded more of this stuff.




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Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by brian »

Hard Rocker wrote:Always liked this song a lot. Reminds me of original Lynyrd Skynyrd type material. Elvis should've recorded more of this stuff.
How's that?




Topic author
Juan Luis

Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by Juan Luis »

Mike in New Jersey wrote:
Juan Luis wrote:
Mike in New Jersey wrote:Oof, generally I don't prefer to post to a thread to crap on the topic... in this case the song Raised On Rock, but never in my close to 40 years of listening to Elvis was I so looking foward to hearing one of his songs and then being so dissapointed. I first heard this in the late 80s when I (or more specifically my Mom) bought the ROR album at a garage sale. As soon as I got home I couldn't wait to hear this song based soley on the title. I'm no longer sure what I was expecting but this dreary sounding tune wasn't it. It seemed like the furthest thing from rock I'd heard. Unfortunately, that disappointment never left me and colors my view on this song to this day.
Having said all that, thanks for the topic Juan Luis and I'm glad you like the song :-)
Thank you sincerely for your post. I had a similar situation, but not because of the song. But because of the album. I misread the meaning of the front and back cover. I thought he was going to rock and roll (the whole album) for old times sake! :) Oh well...
Lol, I thought roughly the same thing when I bought the album. Actually, even before that. I used to look at the inside sleeves of the Elvis albums my mother owned, noting the albums I hadn't heard yet, and hoping that someday I would. ROR stood out to me as I assumed that it would be a rock oriented album. That's why I begged my mom to fork over the $10 spot to buy it, lol. The Album itself didn't dissapoint me quite as much since it did have a few uptempo numbers on it (Find Out What's Happening being my favorite). It's funny though, I wonder how many others made the same assumption?
Those inner sleeves ignited the collector in me. For better or for worse. As a kid, it was the ultimate goal someday to obtain every single record pictured. Little did I know... The marketing did a number on me for sure! LOL...




Topic author
Hard Rocker

Re: "Raised On Rock"!

Post by Hard Rocker »

Juan Luis wrote:
Mike in New Jersey wrote: Lol, I thought roughly the same thing when I bought the album. Actually, even before that. I used to look at the inside sleeves of the Elvis albums my mother owned, noting the albums I hadn't heard yet, and hoping that someday I would. ROR stood out to me as I assumed that it would be a rock oriented album. That's why I begged my mom to fork over the $10 spot to buy it, lol. The Album itself didn't dissapoint me quite as much since it did have a few uptempo numbers on it (Find Out What's Happening being my favorite). It's funny though, I wonder how many others made the same assumption?
Those inner sleeves ignited the collector in me. For better or for worse. As a kid, it was the ultimate goal someday to obtain every single record pictured. Little did I know... The marketing did a number on me for sure! LOL...
:) Never underestimate the charisma of The King, guys!