Elvis Presley: Live!

AMG Review of Elvis Presley: Live!

Stephen Thomas Erlewine
All Music Guide

Elvis Presley: Live! is a rare recording of Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, Bill Black, and D.J. Fontana from 1954-1956, the years that established Elvis as the king of rock & roll. Most of the disc is taken from a 1956 concert in Little Rock; the rest is rounded out by selections from Louisiana Hayride performances from 1954-1956. The group runs through most of his early classics, from "That's Alright Mama" to "Heartbreak Hotel." Although the sound is surprisingly good, the disc is essential for Presley fanatics is the vibrant sound of the band. Throughout the album, the group burns with raw energy and Presley is dynamic, talking with the crowd, cracking jokes, and singing with pure joy. The track list contains many of the