Elvis Presley – Stereo’ 57 – Essential Elvis Vol. 2 (1989/2013) [AcousticSounds DSF DSD64/2.82MHz]

“Subtitled ‘The Essential Elvis Volume 2,’ and dating from 1989, this set contains 20 tracks that range from gospel to rock ‘n’ roll, astonishing stereo takes that were supposed to have been erased or discarded. As luck would have it, they were saved. The resultant versions of what is otherwise absurdly familiar material will leave you breathless (provided you’re an Elvis fan — and shame on you if you’re not). Thanks to a studio chat, this is glimpse of the past you never expected to share: true stereo, as good as it gets, from a time when mono still ruled. The mono bonus tracks are dandy, too.” — Sound Quality: 92% – Ken Kessler, Hi Fi News, November 2013

The second volume of Essential Elvis offers Elvis in binaural stereo from the January 1957 sessions that produced several hits. (RCA Victor generously filled the disc out with mono masters of the remaining songs to give the consumer a complete version of the sessions.) This is a lot of fun; the gaffes are numerous, obvious, and hilarious, and for ears raised on multi-track recording, it must be amazing to hear an entire record recorded live in the studio! ~~AllMusic Review by Neal Umphred

Tracklist:
1 I Beg Of You (Take 1) 2:09
2 Is It So Strange (Take 2) 2:30
3 Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (Take 2) 1:57
4 It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) (Takes 1,2,3) 6:14
5 Blueberry Hill (Take 2) 2:59
6 Mean Woman Blues (Take 14) 2:10
7 (There’ll Be) Peace In The Valley (Take 2,3) 3:50
8 Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (Take 6) 1:52
9 Blueberry Hill (Take 7) 2:46
10 That’s When Your Heartaches Begin (Take 4,5,6) 4:00
11 Is It So Strange (Take 7,11) 4:12
12 I Beg Of You (Take 6,8) 2:47
13 (There’ll Be) Peace In The Valley (Take 7) 3:41
14 Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (Take 12,13) 3:26
15 I Beg Of You (Take 12) 1:55
16 I Believe (Take 4) 2:04
17 Tell me why (Take 5) 2:09
18 Got A Lot O’Livin’ To Do (Take 9) 2:31
19 All Shook Up (Take 10) 1:56
20 Take My Hand, Precious Lord (Take 14) 3:18