Little Darlin'

[r&b]

When did you first hear the album?

Circa 1988

What was your initial thoughts?

I thought it was a very mixed, unbalanced album. Aside from “Pledging My Love,” I noticed the hits “Way Down” and “Moody Blue” were coupled alongside vastly inferior tracks. I thought “Little Darlin’” was cringe-worthy. The live Olivia Newton-John tracks seemed way beneath an artist of Elvis’ stature (and thought it was odd that the Memphis version of “Let Me Be There” was on the album). I did not find the country-influenced studio tracks overly compelling, although years later I grew to appreciate “She Thinks I Still Care” and “He’ll Have to Go.” I was surprised at how mediocre Elvis’ vocals were on “Unchained Melody.”

Were you aware of the conditions that it was made under when you first heard it?

Circa 1988, I was not aware of the conditions the album was made under during the 1976/1977 period. Once I discovered the album’s history, I understood why it was such an uneven record. Still, it did not change my overall view of what was a very overrated album. I understand why some have sentimental attachment towards Moody Blue, but I do find it surprising that anyone would ever assert that there are "no weak spots" on what is obviously an unbalanced album.

Overrated is an understatement. People must have been blinded by the blue wax gimmick. So lets talk about the music as some here are prone to point out. There were 2 gems on the album, Moody Blue & Way Down, but they were already out as singles (as were the B sides), so for me that left 6 very uninspired performances or songs of little merit for a guy like Elvis. ONJ? -we already had the better song once! As I said a total hodge-podge. Cant blame Jarvis for this mess, as RCA needed product and Elvis couldnt care less about what came out. I used to like Its Easy For You, but now not so much. I really still only like the 2 songs (the A sides) of the single on that album. The B sides were long drawn out mediocre affairs , done much better by others and the less said about the funeral march that is He'll Have To Go, the better. Jim Reeves nailed it, Elvis made it a snooze fest. Little Darlin & Unchained Melody didnt belong at all. Always a bad idea to mix studio and live. It doesnt work for albums. This was Elvis in the 70's An artist without direction.

For most that hadn't purchased the singles.. just heard them on the radio.. was a plus! And the Moody Blue single was a double-sided gem, IMO. And that goes for Way Down as well. For a very sick artist "without direction", Moody Blue is an excellent album! For a regular artist with direction. It is a 3 star album. It's still at the very least, good and enjoyable album by Elvis Presley. It has been for me since 1977!

Over the years, especially since his death, Ive come to realize, when it comes to Elvis, the majority of the fanbase set a pretty low bar of quality for acceptance. It happened in the mid 60's and it happened again after 1970. However you cut it, MB is not even a 3 star album, for any singer. Its all over the map musically, but not in a good way like other Elvis albums. She Still Thinks I Care is done way too slow and long, and there are too many Lord Lords sung in it to the point of saturation. It was not a gospel song. Check out the 1973 Fogerty version or better yet the original. Elvis drags it out. IMO The better Elvis version is the alternate version used on the Guitar Man LP in 1981. Still not a gem, but better. To be honest, Id rather listen to Harum Scarum . At least the songs had a similar theme and sounded as if they were done at the same time for the purpose of putting out an album.

Who are you to judge my taste in music? Corrupter of truth comes to mind.
If my taste in music isn't the same as yours, does that give you the right to ridicule the music I like? I have never ridiculed the music you like.

MB is what it is. Why you have the need to say "set a pretty low bar" is anyones guess.

If you like a certain song...that I don't...I would never talk about "low bar".
It's insulting. Just say you don't like it.

To insult people for what kind of music they like...not cool.

Anyone's guess? Its not rocket science. Yes, the bar was set low as time went on, thats why Roustabout hit #1, thats why Harum Scarum went top 10. These are not great albums. Elvis fans accepted them, bought them because of one reason. The name Elvis Presley appeared on them and Elvis had built a tremendous legacy for what he did in the 50's and for his appeal. By 1966 when other artists set the standard in recorded music to a whole new level beyond where Elvis was at, a lot of fans wised up, and sales started to plummet. Elvis set the bar high again with his TV special and Memphis recordings. Fans responded kindly with good record sales. Now, compare MB to FEIM or even Elvis Country. You are right. Moody Blue is what it is, a hodge-podge album. You like it ? Fine. Where' the insult? But I believe Elvis and his album standards dropped considerably in the 70's. Thats not an insult, thats a fact.

[midnightx]

Over the years, especially since his death, Ive come to realize, when it comes to Elvis, the majority of the fanbase set a pretty low bar of quality for acceptance. It happened in the mid 60's and it happened again after 1970. However you cut it, MB is not even a 3 star album, for any singer.

Quoted for its accuracy.

The "accuracy" is irrelevant. Why? Because many people without giving any thought enjoyed the music. Period. Not, Oh my goodness! I know better now. This is not good. Well, I got news for you. Too late! You enjoyed it when it came out! Case closed. Mission accomplished. Elvis entertained you. The NERVE!

You are talking to the wrong guy; I did not "enjoy it" when it came out. I did not acquire the album until over ten years later. And as I clearly stated earlier in the thread, my initial impression of Moody Blue circa 1988 was that it was an uneven and overrated album.

[Juan Luis]

..

[sweetangeline]

why is it so hard to answer this simple question??

certainly you can agree that you would have preferred some more studio cuts from January in place of the "live tracks"

just be honest...I wont think any less of ya

In 1977 as a 13-14 year old kid did not know not even 1/3 of Elvis's recordings. I had a life of other music and things as well. I did NOT think, oh those live recordings should have been studio! All I knew and CARED were that they were recordings that were new to me.. and entertained MOI (what a waste of great talent gone) thinking of this album as good stuff, not that he had gone down hill.. but that this was the end.... all that mattered. PS. Much better for me than the FEBP album I thought mistakenly was his last.

...and in 2017 what do you think with regards to my question??

[Dan_T]

I heard the Moody Blue album on release and enjoyed it...I liked Little Darlin' and still do today !

[sweetangeline]

...it`s a CLASSIC COUNTRY MUSIC ALBUM

[fn2drive]

Over the years, especially since his death, Ive come to realize, when it comes to Elvis, the majority of the fanbase set a pretty low bar of quality for acceptance. It happened in the mid 60's and it happened again after 1970. However you cut it, MB is not even a 3 star album, for any singer.

Quoted for its accuracy.

The "accuracy" is irrelevant. Why? Because many people without giving any thought enjoyed the music. Period. Not, Oh my goodness! I know better now. This is not good. Well, I got news for you. Too late! You enjoyed it when it came out! Case closed. Mission accomplished. Elvis entertained you. The NERVE!

You are talking to the wrong guy; I did not "enjoy it" when it came out. I did not acquire the album until over ten years later. And as I clearly stated earlier in the thread, my initial impression of Moody Blue circa 1988 was that it was an uneven and overrated album.

Overrated right there means many liked it and enjoyed it. So the enjoyment, fun, was fake? No, it means someone is trying to sell you that what you liked wasn't as great as you thought it was! LOL... The great thing about this is that the party poopers do not have any control whatsoever of the fun had in the past! A little late.. And BTW.. who cares if some did not enjoy SGt Peppers in 1987? ...Was the benefit of Mr. Kite overrated?

It wasnt underrated it was garbage. When the album highlight is an ONJ track from 1974 you know youre in trouble. Felton chasing Elvis around with a recorder on tour and hs pajamas at home instead of crisscrossing the country for memorable new songs. But at least is was in overdub heaven.

[Juan Luis]

...it`s a CLASSIC COUNTRY MUSIC ALBUM

And it rocks as well!

[Ciscoking]

But I believe Elvis and his album standards dropped considerably in the 70's. Thats not an insult, thats a fact.

I dont share you believed facts....sorry.

[Rockin_John]

Gotta say that I consider Unchained Melody is probably the best overdub job Felton did. Except the piano in Funny How Time Slips Away, that makes the song completely!

[r&b]

...it`s a CLASSIC COUNTRY MUSIC ALBUM

Sorry but only to an Elvis fan, and mostly to a die-hard one at that. To a music fan, its not a serious attempt at anything other than getting a product out. Here are some all time classic country albums, recorded as true albums.

Willie Nelson - Red Headed Stranger
Garth Brooks -No Fences
Marty Stuart - The Pilgrim
Dixie Chicks - Fly
Hank Jr - Whiskey Bent and Hellbound
The Mavericks - What a Cryin Shame
Alabama - Feels So Right
Jerry Lee Lewis - Another Place, Another Time
Randy Travis - Storms of Life
Waylon & Willie - Waylon & Willie
Roseanne Cash - 7 Year Ache and King's Record Shop
Johnny Cash - American Recordings
Merle Haggard - I Am a Lonesome Fugitive and a good Merle comp.
Waylon - Honky Tonk Heroes
Rodney Crowell - Diamonds & Dirt
Ray Charles - Modern Sounds in Country & Western

and for live albums nothing beats Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison

There are more, but these are what I would consider a good start to classic country albums. And before I hear that I have an agenda and am trying to push my opinions, I just hope some members will try a few. There's a big difference in these albums and Moody Blue as an album.

[Juan Luis]

...it`s a CLASSIC COUNTRY MUSIC ALBUM

Sorry but only to an Elvis fan, and mostly to a die-hard one at that. To a music fan, its not a serious attempt at anything other than getting a product out. Here are some all time classic country albums, recorded as true albums.

Willie Nelson - Red Headed Stranger
Garth Brooks -No Fences
Marty Stuart - The Pilgrim
Dixie Chicks - Fly
Hank Jr - Whiskey Bent and Hellbound
The Mavericks - What a Cryin Shame
Alabama - Feels So Right
Jerry Lee Lewis - Another Place, Another Time
Randy Travis - Storms of Life
Waylon & Willie - Waylon & Willie
Roseanne Cash - 7 Year Ache and King's Record Shop
Johnny Cash - American Recordings
Merle Haggard - I Am a Lonesome Fugitive and a good Merle comp.
Waylon - Honky Tonk Heroes
Rodney Crowell - Diamonds & Dirt
Ray Charles - Modern Sounds in Country & Western

and for live albums nothing beats Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison

There are more, but these are what I would consider a good start to classic country albums. And before I hear that I have an agenda and am trying to push my opinions, I just hope some members will try a few. There's a big difference in these albums and Moody Blue as an album.

You failed to mention "Yesterday's Wine" by Willie Nelson. That includes another classic song as well. "Me And Paul". BTW..produced by Felton Jarvis.

[r&b]

...it`s a CLASSIC COUNTRY MUSIC ALBUM

Sorry but only to an Elvis fan, and mostly to a die-hard one at that. To a music fan, its not a serious attempt at anything other than getting a product out. Here are some all time classic country albums, recorded as true albums.

Willie Nelson - Red Headed Stranger
Garth Brooks -No Fences
Marty Stuart - The Pilgrim
Dixie Chicks - Fly
Hank Jr - Whiskey Bent and Hellbound
The Mavericks - What a Cryin Shame
Alabama - Feels So Right
Jerry Lee Lewis - Another Place, Another Time
Randy Travis - Storms of Life
Waylon & Willie - Waylon & Willie
Roseanne Cash - 7 Year Ache and King's Record Shop
Johnny Cash - American Recordings
Merle Haggard - I Am a Lonesome Fugitive and a good Merle comp.
Waylon - Honky Tonk Heroes
Rodney Crowell - Diamonds & Dirt
Ray Charles - Modern Sounds in Country & Western

and for live albums nothing beats Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison

There are more, but these are what I would consider a good start to classic country albums. And before I hear that I have an agenda and am trying to push my opinions, I just hope some members will try a few. There's a big difference in these albums and Moody Blue as an album.

You failed to mention "Yesterday's Wine" by Willie Nelson. That includes another classic song as well. "Me And Paul". BTW..produced by Felton Jarvis.

Yes and Elvis Country as well. I said there are more. Just thinking off the top of my head. I play the above list of albums every year. To me, they are essential,

[jetblack]

Just thinking off the top of my head. I play the above list of albums every year. To me, they are essential,

What is essential to one listener can mean nothing to another.

It is all down to one's personal taste.

Andy

[sweetangeline]

...it`s a CLASSIC COUNTRY MUSIC ALBUM

Sorry but only to an Elvis fan, and mostly to a die-hard one at that. To a music fan, its not a serious attempt at anything other than getting a product out. Here are some all time classic country albums, recorded as true albums.

Willie Nelson - Red Headed Stranger
Garth Brooks -No Fences
Marty Stuart - The Pilgrim
Dixie Chicks - Fly
Hank Jr - Whiskey Bent and Hellbound
The Mavericks - What a Cryin Shame
Alabama - Feels So Right
Jerry Lee Lewis - Another Place, Another Time
Randy Travis - Storms of Life
Waylon & Willie - Waylon & Willie
Roseanne Cash - 7 Year Ache and King's Record Shop
Johnny Cash - American Recordings
Merle Haggard - I Am a Lonesome Fugitive and a good Merle comp.
Waylon - Honky Tonk Heroes
Rodney Crowell - Diamonds & Dirt
Ray Charles - Modern Sounds in Country & Western

and for live albums nothing beats Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison

There are more, but these are what I would consider a good start to classic country albums. And before I hear that I have an agenda and am trying to push my opinions, I just hope some members will try a few. There's a big difference in these albums and Moody Blue as an album.

I was being sarcastic with my post...in response to this one below by Cisco;

by Ciscoking » Thu Apr 27, 2017 10:45 am

Heres the Moody Blue tracks..its a solid country music album..I detect no weak spot

[r&b]

...it`s a CLASSIC COUNTRY MUSIC ALBUM

Sorry but only to an Elvis fan, and mostly to a die-hard one at that. To a music fan, its not a serious attempt at anything other than getting a product out. Here are some all time classic country albums, recorded as true albums.

Willie Nelson - Red Headed Stranger
Garth Brooks -No Fences
Marty Stuart - The Pilgrim
Dixie Chicks - Fly
Hank Jr - Whiskey Bent and Hellbound
The Mavericks - What a Cryin Shame
Alabama - Feels So Right
Jerry Lee Lewis - Another Place, Another Time
Randy Travis - Storms of Life
Waylon & Willie - Waylon & Willie
Roseanne Cash - 7 Year Ache and King's Record Shop
Johnny Cash - American Recordings
Merle Haggard - I Am a Lonesome Fugitive and a good Merle comp.
Waylon - Honky Tonk Heroes
Rodney Crowell - Diamonds & Dirt
Ray Charles - Modern Sounds in Country & Western

and for live albums nothing beats Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison

There are more, but these are what I would consider a good start to classic country albums. And before I hear that I have an agenda and am trying to push my opinions, I just hope some members will try a few. There's a big difference in these albums and Moody Blue as an album.

I was being sarcastic with my post...in response to this one below by Cisco;

by Ciscoking » Thu Apr 27, 2017 10:45 am

its a solid country music album..I detect no weak spot.

OK I thought so!

[r&b]

Just thinking off the top of my head. I play the above list of albums every year. To me, they are essential,

What is essential to one listener can mean nothing to another.

It is all down to one's personal taste.

Andy

You are right essential was a poor choice of wording. That DOES imply personal taste. I just should have stuck with classic. The albums I listed are considered classic in the country genre by a lot of country fans. To rank MB alongside any of them as classic is ludicrous , as its not even a real album per se. No thought, no preparation going into the making of an album as the ones in that list. Just poor ole Felton scraping what he had to get an album out. How can one consider that classic? I would also add The Everly Bros Roots album from 1968. A total classic.

[sweetangeline]

The albums I listed are considered classic in the country genre by a lot of country fans. To rank MB alongside any of them as classic is ludicrous , as its not even a real album per se. No thought, no preparation going into the making of an album as the ones in that list. Just poor ole Felton scraping what he had to get an album out. How can one consider that classic?

spot on

[Juan Luis]

Just thinking off the top of my head. I play the above list of albums every year. To me, they are essential,

What is essential to one listener can mean nothing to another.

It is all down to one's personal taste.

Andy

You are right essential was a poor choice of wording. That DOES imply personal taste. I just should have stuck with classic. The albums I listed are considered classic in the country genre by a lot of country fans. To rank MB alongside any of them as classic is ludicrous , as its not even a real album per se. No thought, no preparation going into the making of an album as the ones in that list. Just poor ole Felton scraping what he had to get an album out. How can one consider that classic? I would also add The Everly Bros Roots album from 1968. A total classic.

Using both sides of two singles plus the other previously unreleased cuts was not scraping. By the late 70's it was normal to have multiple songs off the albums. This case was in reverse but still most non-fans weren't going to have every single released by Presley. It's an album with "Let Me Be There" as a bonus cut for me. Moody Blue is a great later day Elvis album containing two #1 Country hits. "Way Down" was his last lifetime single release. An up-tempo country rocker!

[sweetangeline]

It's an album

agree...and nothing more...by the way how come you don`t answer my question??

would you have preferred the rumored studio tracks that were suppose to be recorded in January `77 instead of the eventual "live tracks" that were included on the album??

[Juan Luis]

It's an album

agree...and nothing more...by the way how come you don`t answer my question??

would you have preferred the rumored studio tracks that were suppose to be recorded in January `77 instead of the eventual "live tracks" that were included on the album??

I thought I answered the way I felt then. Which was enjoying very much the album. I would have preferred the whole album to be uptempo. And I have never minded having live tracks of previously unreleased songs, starting with "The Wonder Of You" single which I obtained as a kid.

[sweetangeline]

When you look back on it TODAY 2017...would you not agree that the MOODY BLUE album could have potentially been much, much better had Elvis recorded the songs suggested in January 77...??

[Juan Luis]

When you look back on it TODAY 2017...would you not agree that the MOODY BLUE album could have potentially been much, much better had Elvis recorded the songs suggested in January 77...??

If he had recorded those up-tempo demos I've heard. Yes, better.

[sweetangeline]

thank you...seem like a hard time gettin` that outta ya

[fn2drive]

Just thinking off the top of my head. I play the above list of albums every year. To me, they are essential,

What is essential to one listener can mean nothing to another.

It is all down to one's personal taste.

Andy

You are right essential was a poor choice of wording. That DOES imply personal taste. I just should have stuck with classic. The albums I listed are considered classic in the country genre by a lot of country fans. To rank MB alongside any of them as classic is ludicrous , as its not even a real album per se. No thought, no preparation going into the making of an album as the ones in that list. Just poor ole Felton scraping what he had to get an album out. How can one consider that classic? I would also add The Everly Bros Roots album from 1968. A total classic.

Of course, Little Darlin is the first song that comes to mind when you start work on creating a classic country album. Felton spent so many years scraping the bottom he forgot what sunlight was like. Felton just get an album done-dont care what's on it-fans will buy anything. You bet Colonel-i'm the man for that job.