EAP Index World: Fun in Acapulco (CD/LP

Title:

Fun in Acapulco

Label:

FTD [FTD 022] [82876 50407 2]

Format:

Number of tracks:

Running time:

69:30

Type of album:

Soundtrack / Recording session

Linked to:

FTD discography; Fun in Acapulco, 1963

Year:

2003

Recording date:

January 22 - May 27, 1963

Release date:

April 10, 2003

Singles:

---

Fun in Acapulco is FTD's twenty-fourth CD. It contains the original 1963 album remastered and 14 alternate takes recorded in January of that year at Radio Recorders Studio B in Hollywood, California, and in late May at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee. The CD is currently out of print with the label.

"Fun in Acapulco" was Elvis's thirteenth soundtrack album and 25th LP for RCA. It featured the score for the 1963 film of the same name, set in Mexico and co-starring Ursula Andress. The third of his "tropical travel movies" for Paramount Pictures, following "Blue Hawaii" and "Girls! Girls! Girls!", it finds Elvis having fun in Mexico.

For its soundtrack, the standard cast of composers provided music to match the tone of the story, with titles such as "Marguerita," "El Toro," "You Can't Say No in Acapulco," and "The Bullfighter Was a Lady," and also included Pepe Guízar's 1937 hit, "Guadalajara." With the change from his usual routine, and the addition of trumpeters Rudolph Loera and Anthony Terran, Elvis took to the material with greater enthusiasm than he had on his recent scores.

"Bossa Nova Baby" hit stores a month before the soundtrack, on a single that featured the non-film track "Witchcraft" on the B-side. The fact that the Bossa Nova craze of the 1960s was a Brazilian rather than Mexican phenomenon hardly mattered, as the single reached #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #20 on the R&B singles chart.

To compensate for the short length of the "It Happened at the World's Fair" soundtrack, which had only 10 songs spread over a mere 20 minutes, Parker insisted on making "Fun in Acapulco" an excellent value for money album. To this end, two bonus tracks, "Love Me Tonight" and "Slowly But Surely," were taken from the aborted May 1963 sessions and added here to bring the album to thirteen tracks and 30 minutes in length.

Elvis's last film soundtrack before Beatlemania arrived in the US, it was a much bigger success than expected and reached #3 on the best-selling albums list of 1963. The album was never officially re-released until 2003, when FTD released an edition that contained the contents of the original LP, along with numerous alternate takes.

Below is a review of the contents available on the CD.

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- 1. Fun in Acapulco (Master): Unlike the edit heard on the original LP, the song extends to its original ending and does not fade like on the 1963 record.

- TRACKS 2-11. ORIGINAL ALBUM: For more info, click here.

- 12. Love Me Tonight (Master): The song has been remastered with fantastic results that bring new clarity to the audio and give a new shine to the guitars.

- 13. Slowly But Surely (Master): It also features noticeably improved audio, with the muffled background noise of the original album removed and clearer drums that produce a more pleasant feel.

- 14. Mexico (Take 7): This is the Alternate Master of the song, previously released on "Out in Hollywood", but here with greater audio clarity that even lets us hear Elvis breathing off the microphone. Why RCA excluded some of the lyrics on the original master (Take 5) remains unexplained.

- 15. The Bullfighter Was a Lady (Remake, Take 17): On January 23rd, Elvis decided to remake the song he had recorded the day before. It was a much stronger, more vibrant version than the one RCA decided to use as the Master (a splice of takes 7 and 9). Fortunately, it was used as the Movie Master.

- 16. I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here (Remake, Takes 18, 19 - Spliced Master): Another remake from the 23rd of a recording from the 22nd, features Elvis improving the feel of the song greatly. An Alternate Master was created with takes 18 and 19, but again RCA decided to use a splice from the previous day, with takes 7 and 10.

- 17. Bossa Nova Baby (Takes 1, 2): Elvis stops the first take in the first few seconds, noticing something wrong with the intro. Take 2 is complete and has a very different beat, warmer and more festive, than what you would hear on the Master (Take 11).

- 18. The Bullfighter Was a Lady (Takes 4, 5, 6): Elvis is clearly having fun in this session, as evidenced by his friendly chat with the Mexican group The Amigos and his finger snapping during takes. The overall feel is better than the Master's, but it's still funny and strange that someone could sing so seriously about a bull falling in love with a woman.

- 19. Marguerita (Take 6): As with all Don Robertson songs, Elvis works meticulously to achieve the desired result. The take is very close to the Master (Take 8), but with fewer Latin guitars in the mix.

- 20. I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here (Takes 1, 2): Elvis' first attempts at a song are always a real treat for our ears. His voice is so relaxed and the mix is so much better than the final Master that we almost wish take 1 had at least been present in the film, if it weren't for the fact that Elvis was still unsure of the lyrics and forgot a part.

- 21. Mexico (Takes 1, 2): Elvis gets the lyrics wrong and starts playing with the song whenever he finds a part where the reading is still not clear to him.

- 22. You Can't Say No in Acapulco (Takes 1-4): Another song that got Elvis into trouble, this time in the countdown. At one point he is so frustrated that he shouts: "Cut it off! cut it off, damn it!" Take 4 is complete, but Elvis is still unsure of the lyrics.

- 23. Guadalajara (Take 2): Elvis' version of this Mexican classic is recorded as a Vocal Overdub (voice placed over a previously recorded instrumental track). Elvis' Spanish may not be pleasant, but he at least tries.

- 24. Bossa Nova Baby (Take 3): The only previously unreleased take on this FTD, it has a very pleasant jazz feel and is very different from the single (take 11, Master, with edits in the mix).

- 25. Mexico (Take 6): Elvis continues to play with the lyrics and Dudley Brooks' piano sounds louder in the mix, giving the take a different feel.

- 26. I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here (Remake, Takes 11, 12, 13): Elvis is unsure of where to start singing and takes 11 and 12 quickly fall apart.

- 27. Guadalajara (Takes 3, 4): When the tape with the instrumentals is started at twice the original speed, Elvis's sense of humor kicks in: "Never happen! It'll never happen!" Apart from that, the take proceeds normally.

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Title:

The Fun in Acapulco Sessions

Label:

FTD [FTD 180] [506020 975135]

Format:

Triple CD

Number of tracks:

Running time:

222:00

Type of album:

Soundtrack / Recording session

Linked to:

FTD discography

Year:

2019

Recording date:

January 22 - February 27, 1963

Release date:

March 2019

Singles:

---

After extensive work to recover the original tapes, FTD has finally released the complete soundtrack recording sessions, excluding the May 1963 extras, accompanied by a 28-page booklet with rare photos and detailed information about the original album and film.

The album features the following tracks:

CD 1

ORIGINAL ALBUM

1. Fun in Acapulco

2. Vino, Dinero y Amor

3. Mexico

4. El Toro

5. Marguerita

6. The Bullfighter Was a Lady

7. No Room to Rhumba in a Sports Car

8. I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here

9. Bossa Nova Baby

10. You Can't Say No in Acapulco

11. Guadalajara

ORIGINAL BONUS

12. Love Me Tonight

13. Slowly But Surely

JANUARY 22, 1963 SESSIONS

14. Bossa Nova Baby (Takes 1-2)

15. Bossa Nova Baby (Take 3)

16. Bossa Nova Baby (Takes 4-5)

17. Bossa Nova Baby (Take 6)

18. Bossa Nova Baby (Takes 7-8)

19. Bossa Nova Baby (Take 9)

20. Bossa Nova Baby (Takes 10 & 11 [Master])

21. I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here (Take 1 - Record version)

22. I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here (Takes 2-5 - Record version)

23. I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here (Takes 6-7 - Record version)

24. I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here (Takes 8-9 - Record version)

25. I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here (Splice takes 10 & 7 [Master] - Record version)

26. Mexico (Takes 1-2 - Record version)

27. Mexico (Takes 3-4 - Record version)

28. Mexico (Take 5 [Master] - Record version)

CD 2

JANUARY 22, 1963 SESSIONS (CONTINUED)

1. Mexico (Take 6)

2. Mexico (Take 7 [Alternate Master])

3. Mexico (Instrumental takes 1-2 & 3 [Master])

4. The Bullfighter Was a Lady (Takes 1-3 - Record version)

5. The Bullfighter Was a Lady (Takes 4-6 - Record version)

6. The Bullfighter Was a Lady (Take 7 - Record version)

7. The Bullfighter Was a Lady (Takes 8-9 - Record version)

8. The Bullfighter Was a Lady (Splice of takes 9 & 7 [Master] - Record version)

9. Marguerita (Take 1)

10. Marguerita (Takes 2-6)

11. Marguerita (Takes 7 & 8 [Master])

12. Vino, Dinero y Amor (Take 1)

13. Vino, Dinero y Amor (Takes 2-3)

14. Vino, Dinero y Amor (Take 4)

15. Vino, Dinero y Amor (Take 5 [Master])

16. Vino, Dinero y Amor (The Amigos, cafe version take 1)

17. Vino, Dinero y Amor (The Amigos, cafe version take 2)

18. Vino, Dinero y Amor (The Amigos, cafe version take 3)

19. Vino, Dinero y Amor (The Amigos, cafe version take 4 [Master])

20. Vino, Dinero y Amor (The Amigos, boat version takes 1-2 & 3 [Master])

JANUARY 23, 1963 SESSIONS

21. No Room to Rhumba in a Sports Car (Take 1 [Master])

22. Fun in Acapulco (Take 1 [Master])

23. El Toro (Take 1)

24. El Toro (Take 2)

25. El Toro (Splice of takes 2 & 1 [Master])

26. I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here (Takes 11-13 - Movie version)

27. I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here (Takes 14-15 - Movie version)

28. I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here (Takes 16-18 - Movie version)

29. I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here (Take 19 - Movie version)

CD 3

JANUARY 23, 1963 SESSIONS (CONTINUED)

1. I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here (Splice of takes 19 & 18 [Master] - Movie version)

2. The Bullfighter Was a Lady (Take 10 - Movie version)

3. The Bullfighter Was a Lady (Takes 11-14 - Movie version)

4. The Bullfighter Was a Lady (Takes 15-16 - Movie version)

5. The Bullfighter Was a Lady (Take 17 [Master] - Movie version)

6. Malaguena (Track, take 1)

7. Malaguena (Track, takes 2-10)

8. Malaguena (Track, splice of takes 6 & 10 [Master])

9. You Can't Say No in Acapulco (Takes 1-4)

10. You Can't Say No in Acapulco (Take 5 [Master])

11. Guadalajara (Track, takes 1-2)

12. Guadalajara (Track, takes 3-4)

13. Guadalajara (Track, take 5)

14. Guadalajara (Track, takes 6-7)

15. Guadalajara (Track, splice of takes 1, 5 & 7 [Master])

FEBRUARY 27, 1963 SESSIONS

16. Guadalajara (V.O. takes 1-2)

17. Guadalajara (V.O. takes 3-4)

18. Guadalajara (V.O. takes 5-6)

19. Guadalajara (V.O. takes 7-10)

20. Guadalajara (V.O. splice of takes 6 & 2 [Master])

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Title:

Fun in Acapulco

Label:

FTD [FTD 503] [506020 975175]

Format:

Double LP

Number of tracks:

Running time:

83:00

Type of album:

Soundtrack / Recording session

Linked to:

FTD discography

Year:

2023

Recording date:

January 22 - February 27, 1963

Release date:

June 26, 2023

Singles:

---

Four years after releasing the complete soundtrack recordings, FTD dedicates a double LP to vinyl fans.

The album features the following tracks:

LP 1

SIDE A

1. Bossa Nova Baby (Take 10 & 11 - Master)

2. The Bullfighter Was a Lady (Takes 4-6)

3. You Can't Say No in Acapulco (Take 4)

4. Mexico (takes 1, 2)

5. El Toro (Take 1)

6. Vino, Dinero y Amor (Take 1 2.16

7. Marguerita (Take 1)

SIDE B

8. Fun in Acapulco (Take 1 - Master)

9. Bossa Nova Baby (Takes 1, 2)

10. I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here (Take 1)

11. (There's) No Room to Rhumba in a Sports Car (Take 1 - Master)

12. Mexico (Take 6)

13. The Bullfighter Was a Lady (Takes 11-14 - Movie Version)

14. Guadalajara (Vocal Overdub, Takes 3, 4)

LP 2

SIDE A

1. You Can't Say No in Acapulco (Take 5 - Master)

2. Vino, Dinero y Amor (The Amigos - Café Version, Take 1)

3. I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here (Takes 8, 9)

4. Marguerita (Takes 5, 6)

5. Bossa Nova Baby (Take 3)

6. Bossa Nova Baby (Takes 4, 5)

7. Bossa Nova Baby (Take 6)

SIDE B

8. Mexico (Take 7)

9. The Bullfighter Was a Lady (take 17 - Movie Version)

10. Vino, Dinero y Amor (Takes 2, 3)

11. I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here (Spliced Takes 18, 19 - Movie Version)

12 Bossa Nova Baby (Takes 7, 8)

BONUS

13. Witchcraft (Takes 3 Master)

14 Love Me Tonight (Takes 6-8 - Master)

15. Slowly But Surely (Take 5 - Master)

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RECORDING SESSIONS

Date:

January 22 - May 27, 1963

Studio:

Radio Recorders

RCA Studio B

Location:

Hollywood, California
Nashville, Tennessee

Musicians:

Voice: Elvis Presley
Electric guitar: Scotty Moore, Bernie Kessel, Hilmer J 'Tiny' Timbrell, Harold Bradley
Bass: Ray Siegal, Bob Moore
Drums: DJ Fontana, Hal Baline, Murray 'Buddy' Harman
Percussion: Emil Raddocchia
Piano: Dudley Brooks, Floyd Cramer
Mandolin: Hilmer J 'Tiny' Timbrell
Trumpet: Anthony Terran, Rudolph Loera
Saxophone: Homer 'Boots' Randolph
Maracas: Homer 'Boots' Randolph
Matraca: Homer 'Boots' Randolph
Backing Vocals: The Jordanaires, The Amigo's, Millie Kirkham

Sound engineer / Recording engineer:

Bill Porter, Dave Wiechman

JANUARY 22, 1963
Bossa Nova Baby PPA3 4431-11
I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here PPA3 4430-SP
Mexico PPA3 4425-05
Mexico (Track) (1:58) (Movie Version?)
Mexico (Movie Version - Vocal Overdub)
The Bullfighter Was A Lady PPA3 4428-SP
Marguerita PPA3 4427-08
Vino, Dinero Y Amor PPA3 4424-05
Vino, Dinero Y Amor (The Amigos - Club Version)
Vino, Dinero Y Amor (The Amigos - Boat Version)

JANUARY 23, 1963
(There's No) Room To Rhumba In A Sports Car PPA3 4429-01
Fun In Acapulco PPA3 4423-01
El Toro PPA3 4426-SP
I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here (Remake) WPA5 2540-SP
The Bullfighter Was A Lady (Remake) WPA5 2541-17
You Can't Say No In Acapulco PPA3 4432-05
Malaguena (Track)
Guadalajara (Track)

FEBRUARY 27, 1963
Guadalajara (Vocal Overdub) PPA3 4433-SP

MAY 26, 1963
Echoes Of Love PPA4 0290-10
Please Don't Drag That String Around PPA4 0291-06
(You're The) Devil In Disguise PPA4 0292-06
Never Ending PPA4 0293-03
What Now, What Next, Where To PPA4 0294-01
Witchcraft PPA4 0295-03
Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers PPA4 0296-03
Love Me Tonight PPA4 0297-08

MAY 27, 1963
Memphis, Tennessee PPA4 0302-02
(It's A) Long Lonely Highway (Single Version) PPA4 0303-01
(It's A) Long Lonely Highway (Album Version) PPA4 0303-02
Ask Me PPA4 0304-02
Western Union PPA4 0305-04
Slowly But Surely PPA4 0306-05
Blue River SPA4 6768-02
Blue River SPA4 7357-SP
Ask Me (Alternate Master) PPA4 0304-06

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SESSION LOGS