When Follow That Dream (FTD) announced two volumes for the Jailhouse Rock release in their Classic Album (Movie Soundtrack) series, some fans might have wondered how four discs could be filled from a movie featuring relatively few songs. Having listened to both discs of Volume 2, it’s clear that FTD successfully crafted a compelling set.
The soundtrack for Elvis Presley’s third film, Jailhouse Rock, is widely regarded as one of his finest. Four of the six songs featured were penned by the legendary songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who collaborated closely with Elvis during the recording sessions. The audio on these discs is presented in binaural, or primitive stereo, sound. While some binaural recordings can be distracting, the sound quality on this compilation is superb and remarkably clear, offering a rich listening experience for fans interested in the jailhouse rock young and beautiful era.
Exploring the Sessions: Disc 1 Highlights
Disc 1 opens with takes 1-5 of the iconic title track, “Jailhouse Rock.” With breakdowns, these effectively offer takes 4 and 5, both excellent performances. A standout track for many listeners, including this reviewer, is “Treat Me Nice.” Takes 1-3 of the first movie version were initially released on the CD accompanying the FTD Flashback book in 2004. This volume provides takes 1 to 3 (track 3), takes 4 and 5 (track 4), and later takes 6, 7, 8, and 9 – pure magic for enthusiasts of Elvis’s studio work. The difference between these early attempts and the final masters highlights the artistic process.
The compilation structure on Disc 1, and Disc 2, feels well-sorted compared to Volume 1, which sometimes presented extensive sequences of the same song. This varied sequencing allows listeners to appreciate the depth of the sessions without fatigue. Another significant highlight on Disc 1 is found in the final two tracks, takes 1 and 2-4 of “(You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care.” These takes showcase Elvis experimenting with song styles, a fascinating glimpse into his creative approach.
Jailhouse Rock Volume 2 FTD Special Edition 2 CD Set Cover Art featuring Elvis Presley
In between these highlights, the disc features multiple takes of classics such as “Young And Beautiful,” “Don’t Leave Me Now,” and “I Want To Be Free.” Hearing Elvis pursue that flawless take allows the listener to truly appreciate the fun and creative atmosphere present during these sessions in 1957. On “I Want To Be Free” (record version), Elvis can be heard asking pianist Mike Stoller for a Ray Charles-inspired introduction. After several amusing false starts, one band member humorously suggests releasing all these takes on an album – fortunately for fans, FTD has done just that decades later. This set is a great resource for understanding [elvis presley 1957 songs].
Continuing the Journey: Disc 2 Takes and Insights
Like Disc 1, Disc 2 begins with “Jailhouse Rock” takes (takes 6, 7, and 8), demonstrating the vocal demands of the song. After take 8, Elvis notes, “I don’t think I’m gonna make it all way through,” leading them to focus on recording just the ending (takes 1 and 2). Throughout these sessions, you hear Elvis enjoying himself and joking with his bandmates, offering a genuine insight into how comfortable and at ease he was in the studio – the mark of a gifted artist at work.
Track 14, takes 16-19 of “Treat Me Nice” (first movie version), reveals that the sessions weren’t entirely fun and laughter, as Elvis gets understandably annoyed by someone talking in the studio during a take. The inclusion of the ‘Original EP Revisited’ at the end of Disc 2 is a thoughtful addition. By including the master takes, FTD provides listeners who might not own Volume 1 with a complete listening experience of the original Jailhouse Rock soundtrack EP, a cornerstone alongside the full-length releases that include songs featured in the movie like “Jailhouse Rock Young And Beautiful.” This revisit highlights the polished versions fans know while the previous tracks reveal the journey to get there, similar to exploring different cuts in [burning love movies].
The Complete Picture
The cover of this 2CD set features the iconic photo that appeared on the original “Jailhouse Rock” 45 picture sleeve. It’s arguably a contender for one of the best FTD album covers, perhaps even one of the best Elvis album covers ever released. Combined with [Jailhouse Rock Volume 1], fans now have the opportunity to listen to virtually every take recorded for this classic movie soundtrack. Hearing Elvis at his peak, working and perfecting these well-known songs, is a true joy and privilege. This release reinforces the historical significance of the [jailhouse rock ep] and the full recording sessions.
Disc 1 Tracklist:
- Jailhouse Rock (2001) takes 1,2,3,4
- Jailhouse Rock (2001) take 5
- Treat Me Nice (2003) (first movie version) takes 1,2,3
- Treat Me Nice (2003) (first movie version) takes 4,5
- Young And Beautiful (2005) (jail version) take 1
- Young And Beautiful (2005) (jail version) take 2
- Young And Beautiful (2005) (jail version) take 3
- Don’t Leave Me Now (2016) (unused movie version) take 1
- Don’t Leave Me Now (2017) (hit record version) takes 1,2,3,4,5,6
- Don’t Leave Me Now (2017) (hit record version takes 7,8
- Treat Me Nice (2003) (first movie version) takes 6,7
- Treat Me Nice (2003) (first movie version) takes 8,9
- I Want To Be Free (2010) (record version) takes 1-8
- I Want To Be Free (2010) (record version) take 9
- I Want To Be Free (2011) (first ending) takes1,2
- Young And Beautiful (2006) (Florita club version) take 1
- Young And Beautiful (2006) (Florita club version) take 2
- Don’t Leave Me Now (2017) (hit record version) takes 9,10
- (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care (2015) takes 1,2,3,4
Disc 2 Tracklist:
- Jailhouse Rock (2001) take 6
- Jailhouse Rock (2001) (takes 7,8)
- Jailhouse Rock (2002) (ending) takes 1,2
- Don’t Leave Me Now (2016) (unused movie version) take 2
- Young And Beautiful (2006) (Florita club version) takes 3,4
- Young And Beautiful (2006) (Florita club version) takes 5,6
- Treat Me Nice (2003) (first movie version) takes 10,11,12,13
- Don’t Leave Me Now (2017) (hit record version) takes 11,12,13
- Treat Me Nice (2003) (first movie version) takes 14,15
- I Want To Be Free (2010) (record version) takes 10,11
- I Want To Be Free (2012) (second ending) takes 1,2,3,4,5
- Don’t Leave Me Now (2017) (hit record version) takes 14,15,16,17,18
- Young And Beautiful (2006) (Florita club version) take 7
- Treat Me Nice (2003) (first movie version) takes,16,17,18,19
- Don’t Leave Me Now (2017) (hit record version) takes 19,20, 21
Original EP – Revisited
- Jailhouse Rock
- Young And Beautiful
- I Want To Be Free
- Don’t Leave Me Now
- (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care
- Treat Me Nice – (record version)
All songs written by Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller except ‘Young And Beautiful’ written by Abner Silver/Aaron Schroeder and ‘Don’t Leave Me Now’ written by Aaron Schroeder/Ben Weisman.
Album produced and art directed by Ernst Mikael Jorgensen & Roger Semon. Thanks to Vic Anesini, Sebastian Jeansson, Erik Rasmussen, Claude Braün and Kevan Budd.
Recorded April 30, May 1, 3, 8, and 9, 1957 at Radio Recorders and M.G.M. Soundstage for the motion picture Jailhouse Rock. No recordings finalized on May 1, but they worked on ‘I Want To Be Free’.
Musicians:
Guitar: Scotty Moore
Guitar: Elvis Presley
Bass: Bill Black
Bass: Elvis Presley (2013)
Drums: D.J.Fontana
Piano: Dudley Brooks
Piano: Mike Stoller (2010)
Piano: Elvis Presley (2016 and 2023)
Vocals: The Jordanaires
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller assisted Elvis with arrangements and production on these recordings. Original engineer at Radio Recorders: Thorne Nogar.
Conclusion
Jailhouse Rock Volume 2 FTD Special Edition 2 CD Set, alongside its predecessor, offers an unparalleled deep dive into the 1957 recording sessions for one of Elvis’s most memorable films and soundtracks. From the energetic takes of “Jailhouse Rock” to the multiple versions of [young and beautiful], this set is a treasure trove for fans, providing incredible insight into Elvis’s recording process and his vibrant personality in the studio. It’s a highly recommended release that celebrates a pivotal moment in his career, making the listening experience as compelling as watching [viva las vegas movie elvis presley].
More on FTD releases and Classic Albums can be found here. You can also explore various Elvis Presley movies and their impact on his career, including those beyond the initial shock of his rise, much like Pnau’s modern take [don t fly away pnau remix].
