Viva Las Vegas
Label:
FTD [FTD 028] [82876 50412 2]
Format:
CD
Number of tracks:
25
Running time:
79:00
Type of album:
Soundtrack / Recording session
Linked to:
FTD discography; Viva Las Vegas, 1964
Year:
2003
Recording date:
July 9 - September 4, 1963
Release date:
November 2003
Singles:
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Originally, Viva Las Vegas was Elvis' fifteenth film and soundtrack album, and his 27th EP for RCA. Excluding the 1963 singles compilation "Elvis' Golden Records, Volume 3", it was his fourth consecutive soundtrack album. Fifteen songs were recorded for the film, nine of which were used, but only six were released on record.
- TRACKS 7-10: Original Masters not released at the time because their scenes were removed from the plot.
Title:
Viva Las Vegas is the twenty-eighth CD by FTD. It contains the remastered original 1964 album, two singles, nine other original Masters, and 12 alternate takes recorded between July 9 and September 4, 1963 at Radio Recorders Studio B in Hollywood. The CD is currently out of print with the label.
Originally, Viva Las Vegas was Elvis' fifteenth film and soundtrack album, and his 27th EP for RCA. Excluding the 1963 singles compilation "Elvis' Golden Records, Volume 3", it was his fourth consecutive soundtrack album. Fifteen songs were recorded for the film, nine of which were used, but only six were released on record.
The label opted to release a single on April 28, 1964, with "Viva Las Vegas" on the A-side and "What'd I Say" on the B-side, which, although it charted well (21st and 29th, respectively), was seen as a disappointment. Only four more songs would be released on May 8, 1964 in the EP format, which had almost completely fallen out of use at the time.
Songs used in the film but not released, and others that were not even part of the plot, such as "Night Life" and "Do the Vega", would not be released until 1968 on the budget LP "Elvis Sings Flaming Star". "Santa Lucia" had been sold on 1965's "Elvis For Everyone!", but "The Lady Loves Me" would not appear until 1983's "Elvis: A Legendary Performer, Volume 4", and the duet between Elvis and Ann-Margret, "You're the Boss", cut from the film, would not see the light of day until 1991's "Elvis Sings Leiber & Stoller". The duet "Today, Tomorrow and Forever", released on the soundtrack with only Elvis' voice, and "The Climb", were never officially released by RCA until 2014.
In 1993, the album was reissued as part of RCA's Double Features collection, featuring all twelve songs from the original soundtrack remastered. In January 2010, as part of the 75th anniversary of Elvis' birth, Sony Music finally released an official, nearly complete album for the first time on CD, but omitting the film version of "C'mon Everybody", the duet "Today, Tomorrow and Forever" and "The Climb" with Elvis on backing vocals. The album also excludes the songs sung solo by Ann-Margret, "My Rival" and "Appreciation".
In 2003, FTD released their version with new alternate takes and some versions of "The Climb". Below is a review of the contents available on the CD.
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- TRACKS 1-6. SINGLES AND ORIGINAL ALBUM : For more info, click here.
- TRACKS 7-10: Original Masters not released at the time because their scenes were removed from the plot.
- 11. The Lady Loves Me [with Ann-Margret] (Master): Although it is one of the most enjoyable songs in the film in terms of fun and suggestive language, it was left off the original releases because the Colonel did not want Ann-Margret to outshine Elvis' sales by taking part of the royalties.
- 12. You're the Boss [with Ann-Margret] (Master): Left out of the releases for the same reason mentioned above, in addition to not being in the film and having very sexually suggestive lyrics.
- 13. Today, Tomorrow and Forever [with Ann-Margret] (Takes 1 & 2 - Master): Following what was explained above, again it is something that the Colonel would never allow due to royalties, but it would certainly be much more successful than the solo version of the EP.
- 14. Viva Las Vegas (Takes 1 & 2): Although they have been released on other occasions, the first two takes of the title track sound divine and more crystal clear than ever. If you have never heard the unplugged version of take 1, you will be amazed at the sound and how different it is from take 2 and even more so from the Master (Take 7).
- 15. Night Life (Take 1): Erroneously announced as take 3 on the CD, it features Elvis having fun. He doesn't even mind singing the wrong lyrics, but acknowledges that he messed up and stops the take.
- 16. C'mon Everybody (Takes 1, 2 & 3): From this soundtrack, this is the song that caused Elvis the most difficulties. The lack of some finger snaps between verses causes him to lose timing on takes 1 and 2 and abort them. Take 3 is complete and error-free, bringing the classic final blues rhythm and very similar to the Master (Take 5).
- 17. I Need Somebody to Lean On (Take 8): Much more intimate than the Master (Take 20), the song has a perfect harmony between Elvis' voice, the succinct piano, the calmer arrangement and the slower tempo, creating a true smoky nightclub atmosphere.
- 18. The Lady Loves Me [with Ann-Margret] (Take 9): In addition to not having Ann-Margret asking Elvis what to do before the take begins, this FTD edit has a different mix, with Elvis in the center of the audio. It is interesting to note that Ann was extremely close to Elvis during the take, as her voice can also be heard through his microphone in some parts. The version is similar to the Master (Take 10).
- 19. You're the Boss [with Ann-Margret] (Take 3): Without the echo added by FTD itself in "Silver Screen Stereo", this take sounds much sexier and more intimate with just Elvis and Ann's voices intertwining. The way they purr and moan after the more suggestive lines indicates that there was clearly more than a working relationship between the pair.
- 20. Today, Tomorrow and Forever (Takes 3 & 4 - Alternate Master): It's interesting to note that without Ann's voice, the song loses some of its shine. The Master would come on Take 6.
- 21. What'd I Say (Takes 1 & 2): Ray Charles' song begins with good humor on all sides, especially Elvis, who was a fan of the song. He had originally suggested using it to end the film, but had to settle for having it in a mid-scene. The Master (Take 6) captures the same essence of these wonderful takes.
- 22. If You Think I Don't Need You (Takes 5 & 7): Elvis continues in the spirit of Ray Charles with this song, which features contributions from Red West, but the take falls apart after a minute. Take 7 is complete and very similar to the Master (Take 13).
- 23. C'mon Everybody [Movie Version] (Takes 6 & 7 - Master): After having the EP version completed, Elvis returns the next day to record a version for the film. Take 6 falls apart in a mere 5 seconds, but it is noticeable that the timing is much faster. It is notable that Elvis' problem with missing finger snaps was over when he completed take 7 without errors.
- 24. Do the Vega (Take 1): The excellent Latin rhythm was unfortunately wasted by leaving this song out of the film. It is audible that Elvis is having more fun than usual.
- 25. The Climb (Takes 1, 4, 5 & 9 - Master): George McFadden takes over lead vocals on this song, but Elvis is still involved with the production and sings backing vocals with The Jordanaires. Takes 1, 4 and 5 are cut short for one reason or another during the recording process.
- 23. C'mon Everybody [Movie Version] (Takes 6 & 7 - Master): After having the EP version completed, Elvis returns the next day to record a version for the film. Take 6 falls apart in a mere 5 seconds, but it is noticeable that the timing is much faster. It is notable that Elvis' problem with missing finger snaps was over when he completed take 7 without errors.
- 24. Do the Vega (Take 1): The excellent Latin rhythm was unfortunately wasted by leaving this song out of the film. It is audible that Elvis is having more fun than usual.
- 25. The Climb (Takes 1, 4, 5 & 9 - Master): George McFadden takes over lead vocals on this song, but Elvis is still involved with the production and sings backing vocals with The Jordanaires. Takes 1, 4 and 5 are cut short for one reason or another during the recording process.
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Title:
Viva Las Vegas
Label:
FTD [FTD 293] [506020 975032 3]
Format:
Double LP
Number of tracks:
27
Running time:
84:30
Type of album:
Soundtrack / Recording session
Linked to:
FTD discography
Year:
2010
Recording date:
July 9 - September 4, 1963
Release date:
December 2010
Singles:
---
In 2010, FTD released all the Masters on a double LP for vinyl fans, including a selection of the best outtakes from the recording sessions.
The album features the following tracks:
LP 1
SIDE A
ORIGINAL MASTERS
1. Viva Las Vegas
2. Yellow Rose of Texas/The Eyes of Texas
3. Night Life
4. The Lady Loves Me (Duet with Ann-Margret)
5. C'mon Everybody
6. Today, Tomorrow and Forever
7. The Climb (George McFadden - Take 9, Master)
SIDE B
MORE ORIGINAL MASTERS
8. What'd I Say
9. Santa Lucia
10. If You Think I Don't Need You
11. I Need Somebody to Lean On
12. You're the Boss (Duet with Ann-Margret)
13. Do the Vega
14. Today, Tomorrow and Forever (Duet with Ann-Margret)
LP 2
SIDE A
BEST OUTTAKES
1. Viva Las Vegas (Takes 1, 2)
2. You're The Boss (Duet with Ann-Margret, Take 3)
3. C'mon Everybody (Takes 1-3)
4. The Lady Loves Me (Duet with Ann-Margret, Take 9)
5. I Need Somebody To Lean On (Take 8)
6. If You Think I Don't Need You (Take 2)
SIDE B
MORE OUTTAKES
7. C'mon Everybody (Takes 6, 7)
8. Today, Tomorrow and Forever (Duet with Ann-Margret, takes 3 & 4)
9. If You Think I Don't Need You (Takes 5, 7)
10. Do The Vega (Take 1)
11. What'd I Say (Takes 1, 2)
12. The Lady Loves Me (Duet with Ann-Margret, take 2)
13. Night Life (Take 3)
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Title:
The Viva Las Vegas Sessions
Label:
FTD [FTD 174] [506020 975122]
Format:
3x CD
Number of tracks:
69
Running time:
235:00
Type of album:
Soundtrack / Recording session
Linked to:
FTD discography
Year:
2018
Recording date:
July 9 - September 4, 1963
Release date:
August 2018
Singles:
---
In 2018, FTD finally completed extensive tape recovery work to bring to the public the complete soundtrack sessions, including the songs in which Ann-Margret sings lead. The box set came with a 28-page booklet with various details and rarities.
The work includes the following tracks:
CD 1
ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK
1. Viva Las Vegas
2. Yellow Rose of Texas/The Eyes of Texas
3. The Lady Loves Me (Duet with Ann-Margret)
4. C’mon Everybody
5. Today, Tomorrow and Forever
6. The Climb (Planned Record Version Master - Take 3)
7. What’d I Say
8. Santa Lucia
9. If You Think I Don’t Need You
10. I Need Somebody to Lean On
BONUS MASTERS
11. Night Life
12. Do the Vega
13. You’re the Boss (Duet with Ann-Margret)
FIRST TAKES
14. Viva Las Vegas (Take 1)
15. Yellow Rose of Texas/The Eyes of Texas (Take 7)
16. The Lady Loves Me (Takes 1-2)
17. C’mon Everybody (Take 3)
18. Today, Tomorrow and Forever (Takes 1-3, 5 & 4)
19. What’d I Say (Takes 1-2)
20. Santa Lucia (V.O. take 1)
21. If You Think I Don’t Need You (Takes 1-2)
22. I Need Somebody to Lean On (Takes 1-2)
23. Night Life (Take 2)
24. Do the Vega (Take 1)
25. You’re the Boss (Duet with Ann-Margret, takes 1-3)
26. Today, Tomorrow and Forever (Duet with Ann-Margret, 2012 takes 1-2)
CD 2
OUTTAKES
1. Night Life (Takes 1 & 3)
2. Night Life (Takes 4-8)
3. C’mon Everybody (Takes 1-2 & 4-5 [Master])
4. If You Think I Don’t Need You (Takes 3-7)
5. I Need Somebody to Lean On (Takes 3-5)
6. I Need Somebody to Lean On (Takes 6-8)
7. Do the Vega (Take 2)
8. Santa Lucia (Track, takes 1-2)
9. Viva Las Vegas (Take 2)
10. The Climb (Takes 1-2 & 4-7)
11. Yellow Rose of Texas/The Eyes of Texas (Takes 1-4)
12. Yellow Rose of Texas/The Eyes of Texas (Takes 5-6 & 8-9 [Master])
13. The Lady Loves Me (Takes 3-6)
14. You’re the Boss (Takes 4-8)
15. You’re the Boss (Takes 9-10)
16. Today, Tomorrow and Forever (2012 take 6, instrumental)
17. Santa Lucia (Vocal overdub, take 2)
18. Santa Lucia (Vocal overdub, take 3)
19. Today, Tomorrow and Forever (Movie version, vocal overdub 2016, take 8)
20. What’d I Say (takes 3-4 [Master])
CD3
MOVIE VERSIONS
1. C’mon Everybody (Movie version, take 7 with overdubs)
2. Today, Tomorrow and Forever(Movie version, V.O. take 10, edited)
3. The Climb (Movie version - take 9, edited)
4. Santa Lucia (V.O. take 6 [Master], movie version)
5. Appreciation (Ann-Margret, take 3 & pickup take 2)
6. My Rival (Ann-Margret)
MORE OUTTAKES
7. Night Life (Takes 9-10)
8. Night Life (Take 11)
9. Night Life (Takes 12-13)
10. If You Think I Don’t Need You (Takes 8-10)
11. If You Think I Don’t Need You (Takes 11-13 [Master])
12. I Need Somebody to Lean On (Takes 9-15)
13. I Need Somebody to Lean On (Takes 16-19)
14. Do The Vega (Takes 3-7 [Master])
15. Viva Las Vegas (Takes 3-7 [Master])
16. The Climb (Take 8)
17. The Climb (Take 9)
18. C’mon Everybody (Takes 6-7 [Master], movie version)
19. The Lady Loves Me (Takes 7-9)
20. You’re the Boss (Takes 11-12)
21. You’re the Boss (Takes 13, 15 & 14)
22. Santa Lucia (Vocal overdub, take 5)
23. Today, Tomorrow and Forever (Movie version, 2016 vocal overdub take 10 [Master])
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The Making of Viva Las Vegas
Label:
FTD [FTD 222] [506020 975141]
Format:
Book + 3x CD
Number of tracks:
47
Running time:
106:00
Type of album:
Soundtrack / Recording session
Linked to:
FTD discography
Year:
2019
Recording date:
May 26, 1963 - January 12, 1964
Release date:
November 2019
Singles:
---
In 2019, FTD innovated by releasing a 400-page book with all possible information about the film and its soundtrack, along with three CDs. On these, you can listen to the Masters in original mono sound, as well as most of the demo versions recorded as a guide by the composers, some of which were never worked on in the studio. The unique feature of this box, although unnecessary, is the presence of the songs that would be used for the album "Elvis Sings Memphis, Tennessee", an idea that was canceled after the May 1963 sessions, as a bonus.
The album features the following tracks:
CD 1
ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK IN MONO
1. Viva Las Vegas
2. What'd I Say
3. If You Think I Don't Need You
4. I Need Somebody to Lean On
5. C'mon Everybody
6. Today Tomorrow and Forever
7. You're the Boss
8. Night Life
9. Do The Vega
10. The Lady Loves Me (Duet with Ann-Margret)
11. The Yellow Rose of Texas/The Eyes of Texa
12. Santa Lucia (Extended Version)
13. The Climb (George McFadden - Master)
CD 2
ELVIS SINGS MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE (1963 CANCELLED ALBUM)
1. Memphis Tennesee (Alternate Master)
2. Ask Me (Alternate Master)
3. Slowly But Surely
4. Witchcraft
5. Never Ending
6. Finders Keepers Losers Weepers
7. Long Lonely Highway
8. Western Union
9. Love Me Tonight
10. What Now, What Next, Where to
11. Blue River
12. Memphis Tennessee
BONUS MASTERS
13. (You're the) Devil in Disguise
14. Please Don't Drag That String Around
15. It Hurts Me (January 1964 Remake)
16. Memphis Tennessee (January 1964 Remake)
17. Ask Me (January 1964 Remake)
CD 3
BONUS MASTERS
1. Appreciation (Ann-Margret - Master)
2. Night Life (Full Version, Long Fade)
3. What'd I Say (Take 4, Extended Version)
DEMOS
4. The Lady Loves Me (Version 1)
5. Today Tomorrow and Forever
6. Jealous Fool (Jimmy Breedlove)
7. My Rival
8. Just Like Me
9. Viva Las Vegas (Mort Shuman)
10. You're the Boss
11. I'd Only Love You More
12. The Climb (The Coasters)
13. The Big Wheel
14. Appreciation
15. The Lady Loves Me (Version 2)
16. Do the Vega
17. C'mon Everybody (Bob Johnston)
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RECORDING SESSIONS
Dates:
July 9 - September 4, 1963
Studio:
Radio Recorders
MGM Sound Stage
Location:
Hollywood, California
Musicians:
Musicians:
Voice: Elvis Presley, George McFadden (The Climb), Ann-Margret (The Lady Loves Me, You're The Boss, Today, Tomorrow & Forever, My Appreciation, My Rival)
Electric guitar: Scotty Moore, Billy Strange, Hilmer J 'Tiny' Timbrell, Alton Hendrickson, Glenn Campbell
Bass: Bob Moore, Keith Mitchell, Ray Siegal
Drums: DJ Fontana, Murray 'Buddy' Harman, Frank Carlson, Charles Flores
Percussion: Hal Rees, Roy Hart, Larry Bunker, Frank Flynn, Michael Sylva
Piano: Floyd Cramer, Dudley Brooks, Calvin Jackson, Artie Kane
Organ: Homer 'Boots' Randolph, Calvin Jackson
Saxophone: William Green, Gus Bivona, Ronald Laninger, Don Lodice, Gene Cipriano, Steve Douglas
Trumpet: Oliver Mitchell, James Zito, Uan Rasey, George Werth, Manuel Stevens
Trombone: Herb Taylor, Randall Miller, Richard Noel, Karl De Karshe, Elmer Schneider
Harp: Dorothy Ramsen
Backing Vocals: The Jordanaires, Elvis Presley (The Climb)
Sound engineer / Recording engineer
Electric guitar: Scotty Moore, Billy Strange, Hilmer J 'Tiny' Timbrell, Alton Hendrickson, Glenn Campbell
Bass: Bob Moore, Keith Mitchell, Ray Siegal
Drums: DJ Fontana, Murray 'Buddy' Harman, Frank Carlson, Charles Flores
Percussion: Hal Rees, Roy Hart, Larry Bunker, Frank Flynn, Michael Sylva
Piano: Floyd Cramer, Dudley Brooks, Calvin Jackson, Artie Kane
Organ: Homer 'Boots' Randolph, Calvin Jackson
Saxophone: William Green, Gus Bivona, Ronald Laninger, Don Lodice, Gene Cipriano, Steve Douglas
Trumpet: Oliver Mitchell, James Zito, Uan Rasey, George Werth, Manuel Stevens
Trombone: Herb Taylor, Randall Miller, Richard Noel, Karl De Karshe, Elmer Schneider
Harp: Dorothy Ramsen
Backing Vocals: The Jordanaires, Elvis Presley (The Climb)
Sound engineer / Recording engineer
Dave Wiechman, Fred Mulculpin
JULY 9, 1963
Night Life WPA1 8023-14
C'mon Everybody (Record Version) RPA3 0389-05
If You Think I Don't Need You RPA3 0387-13
Viva Las Vegas (Tryout)
JULY 10, 1963
I Need Somebody To Lean On RPA3 0386-20
Do The Vega WPA1 8025-07
Santa Lucia (Track)
Viva Las Vegas RPA3 0234-07
The Climb (George McFadden) HRA1 8687-09
Yellow Rose Of Texas / The Eyes Of Texas WPA1 8024-09
C'mon Everybody (Movie Version)
JULY 11, 1963
The Lady Loves Me (Duet with Ann-Margret) NPA5 5825-10
You're The Boss (Duet with Ann-Margret) WPA5 2511-16
Today, Tomorrow & Forever (Duet with Ann-Margret) OPA5 8215-02
Today, Tomorrow & Forever (Track)
Today, Tomorrow & Forever (Record Version) RPA3 0388-06
Today, Tomorrow & Forever (Track Dubdown)
Santa Lucia (Vocal Overdub)
Today, Tomorrow & Forever (Movie Version - Vocal overdub)
Bongos (Instrumental)
AUGUST 28, 1963
Appreciation (Ann-Margret - #1 Short Version)
Appreciation (Ann-Margret - #2)
Appreciation (Ann-Margret - #3)
My Rival (Ann-Margret)
AUGUST 30, 1963
What'd I Say RPA3 0235-04
SEPTEMBER 4, 1963
I Need Somebody To Lean On (Movie Version)
JULY 9, 1963
Night Life WPA1 8023-14
C'mon Everybody (Record Version) RPA3 0389-05
If You Think I Don't Need You RPA3 0387-13
Viva Las Vegas (Tryout)
JULY 10, 1963
I Need Somebody To Lean On RPA3 0386-20
Do The Vega WPA1 8025-07
Santa Lucia (Track)
Viva Las Vegas RPA3 0234-07
The Climb (George McFadden) HRA1 8687-09
Yellow Rose Of Texas / The Eyes Of Texas WPA1 8024-09
C'mon Everybody (Movie Version)
JULY 11, 1963
The Lady Loves Me (Duet with Ann-Margret) NPA5 5825-10
You're The Boss (Duet with Ann-Margret) WPA5 2511-16
Today, Tomorrow & Forever (Duet with Ann-Margret) OPA5 8215-02
Today, Tomorrow & Forever (Track)
Today, Tomorrow & Forever (Record Version) RPA3 0388-06
Today, Tomorrow & Forever (Track Dubdown)
Santa Lucia (Vocal Overdub)
Today, Tomorrow & Forever (Movie Version - Vocal overdub)
Bongos (Instrumental)
AUGUST 28, 1963
Appreciation (Ann-Margret - #1 Short Version)
Appreciation (Ann-Margret - #2)
Appreciation (Ann-Margret - #3)
My Rival (Ann-Margret)
AUGUST 30, 1963
What'd I Say RPA3 0235-04
SEPTEMBER 4, 1963
I Need Somebody To Lean On (Movie Version)
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SESSION LOGS
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