Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

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Best MEMPHIS TENNESEE

Chuck Berry's original
2
8%
Elvis' 1963 studio outtake
5
21%
Elvis' 1964 Master take
12
50%
The Animal's version
0
No votes
Johnny "Friend" River's cover
3
13%
Other covers
2
8%
I don't like MEMPHIS TENNESSEE
0
No votes
 
Total votes: 24


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jeanno
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Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Post by jeanno »

What is the best version of that Rock'n'Roll song?



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midnightx
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Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Post by midnightx »

I'd probably give the nod to Berry's original master. A more recent reading that was pretty cool was Izzy Stradlin's rendition back in '98 with the Ju Ju Hounds.



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drjohncarpenter
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Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Post by drjohncarpenter »

Lonnie Mack did a terrific guitar instrumental of it in 1963, under the title "Memphis."

http://www.ilike.com/artist/Lonnie+Mack/track/Memphis

That year, "Memphis" went to #5 on Billboard's Pop chart and #4 on the R&B chart.

Johnny Rivers incorporated some of what Mack did -- guitar lines, uptempo arrangement -- for his hit single a year later. Yes, "Inspired" by Elvis' January 1964 acetate of a revved-up vocal version, Lonnie Mack's musicality also played a part as well in the creation and release of the Rivers single.

This collection is a cool place to hear more of Lonnie Mack's incredible guitar playing (and some soulful vocals):

Image

Lonnie Mack - The Wham of That Memphis Man (Fraternity, 1963)

Side 1
Wham
Where There's A Will
The Bounce
I'll Keep You Happy
Memphis

Side 2
Baby, What's Wrong
Down And Out
Satisfied
Suzie-Q
Why
Down In The Dumps

---

You can hear Elvis playing a bit of "Baby, What's Wrong" during his June 24, 1968 dressing room rehearsal.
Last edited by drjohncarpenter on Tue Mar 02, 2010 12:46 am, edited 1 time in total.


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midnightx
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Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Post by midnightx »

Doc, I LOVE Mack's version!

This is a nice little collection on ACE:
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jeanno
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Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Post by jeanno »

What do you think about the 1963 version. IIRC, Guralnick said that it was much "earthier" than the 1964 Master. Do you agree with that?

PS: Thanks for the info, Doc!




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Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Post by tcb4 »

many J Lee Lewis' versions are outstanding :!:

:smt006




JerryNodak

Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Post by JerryNodak »

Of Elvis' versions I prefer '63. "64 master is too "polished."



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Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Post by Swingin-Little-Guitar-Man »

Johnny rivers.


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ColinB
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Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Post by ColinB »

Swingin-Little-Guitar-Man wrote:Johnny rivers.
Traitor !


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Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Post by Swingin-Little-Guitar-Man »

LOL Colin. Ity IS though! :P


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JerryNodak

Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Post by JerryNodak »

Of all the versions listed I prefer the Johnny Rivers version also. Would have been interesting to hear Elvis take the song a little slower pace (way too fast). Maybe even in a different (lower key). So add my name to the list of traitors.



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Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Post by Swingin-Little-Guitar-Man »

Yeah Jerry, I'm with ya there. The Elvis master is too tight. The rejected master is looser and better. But the drums are too much. Sounds kinda like a 1970 opening vamp for a show! Maybe could have made a nice show opener?

But Johnny's version is terrific and the guitar intro is so cool. Even James replicates it on the rare 6th Aug 1973 vegas version with Elvis!


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Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Post by brian »

I don't know what Elvis' problem was with this song because he could never get it right.

If he completed a satisfactory take on the song in 1963 then Rivers never would have been able to scoop him.

Elvis did a fantastic job on ''Too much monkey business'' and ''Promised land'' but ''Memphis'' is average.

I gotta admit Johnny Rivers did the song better.



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Re: Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

Post by Mitch »

I'll take Elvis' 63 outtake.


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