Unpacking the Songs from It Happened at the World’s Fair: An FTD Soundtrack Deep Dive

Elvis Presley’s 12th film, It Happened At The World’s Fair, released in 1963, represents a specific point in his cinematic and musical journey. While filmed for MGM in 1962, its soundtrack captures a moment where genuine songwriting talent still contributed, yet the overall output leaned towards lightweight, plot-driven material. For fans and collectors, the Follow That Dream (FTD) label’s extended soundtrack release offers a chance to revisit the songs from It Happened at the World’s Fair with fresh ears, thanks to significant remastering and the inclusion of numerous alternate takes. This review delves into that FTD release, examining its sonic improvements and the insights offered by the outtakes.

The Original Soundtrack Context

The recording sessions for It Happened At The World’s Fair took place at Radio Recorders in September 1962. To manage costs, only key musicians Scotty Moore, D.J. Fontana, and The Jordanaires joined Elvis from his usual ensemble. MGM’s insistence on a specific recording technique, separating the band onto one track and vocals onto another, often resulted in a flat, basic final mix common to soundtracks of this era.

Despite featuring contributions from respected songwriters like Otis Blackwell and Don Robertson, much of the material was considered fluff tied directly to the movie’s plot. The resulting LP was notably short, with Side 1 running under ten minutes and the total playtime less than 22 minutes. Despite this, it reached #4 on the charts, matching the performance of Elvis’s last studio album, ‘Pot Luck’. However, the lead single, “One Broken Heart For Sale,” stalled at #11, becoming Elvis’s first single since 1956 to miss the Top Ten. Its brevity (just over 1.5 minutes on the single release, compared to the longer movie version) perhaps didn’t help. This period marked a perceived decline in the vibrancy of Elvis’s musical output compared to his earlier work, coinciding with the rise of acts like The Beatles.

FTD Release: A Sonic Upgrade

The FTD release presents the soundtrack in deluxe gatefold packaging, reminiscent of the original LP but sized like a 45rpm single. The accompanying booklet features rare photos, movie stills, lobby cards, and informative notes.

Crucially, the audio across all tracks has been remastered and spatially enhanced to create a wide stereo sound, marketed as “Living Stereo.” While limited by the basic nature of the original MGM tapes, this remastering significantly improves the listening experience compared to previous releases like the 90s ‘Double-Features’ CD. The clearer separation allows individual instruments and musicianship to shine, revealing a capable studio band somewhat constrained by the material. Even the lighter songs benefit, becoming more enjoyable listens.

Highlights: Key Songs from It Happened at the World’s Fair (FTD Edition)

The FTD edition includes the original 10 master tracks followed by 14 tracks of alternate takes and studio chatter, offering a deeper look into the recording process.

“Relax”: A Jazzy Standout

The remastered master of “Relax” is a prime example of the audio improvement. Tiny Timbrell’s lovely jazz guitar work, the dual pianos of Dudley Brooks and Don Robertson, Ray Seigel’s walking bassline, and cleaner percussion create a rich, enjoyable soundscape. The alternate takes (5, 6, 7) are presented in binaural stereo (vocals left, instrumentation right) and reveal Elvis guiding the band (“It was a little slow on the finger-snapping”). These takes possess a cool, jazzy, late-night vibe, showcasing Elvis’s laid-back vocal delivery effectively.

“One Broken Heart For Sale”: The Underperforming Single

Hearing the band work through this Otis Blackwell number provides context. The takes confirm that the extra verse (“Hey Cupid, where are you”) heard in the movie was dropped during the recording session, not merely edited out for the single. Take 3 breaks down, with Elvis requesting playback. Take 1, the longer ‘movie version’ previously available on ‘Collector’s Gold’, sounds superior here.

“They Remind Me Too Much Of You”: Don Robertson’s Gem

This exquisite Don Robertson composition features the composer himself on piano. Take 1 sounds near-perfect, though the remaster reveals a background rumble more clearly. Take 4 offers a different mix, omitting the Hammond organ prominent on the master and highlighting the guitars and a light piano touch. Studio banter captures Elvis laughing (“The bass singer is corrupting me!”). Take 7 is particularly stunning, showcasing Elvis’s vocal presence with remarkable clarity, capturing every breath, alongside the Mello Men’s perfect backing vocals.

Other Notable Tracks & Alternate Takes

• “I’m Falling In Love Tonight”: Takes 1-4 (previously on the EAP box-set, but better quality here) feature amusing struggles with the count-in. Take 1 presents a lighter arrangement without the master’s dominating Hammond organ.
• “Beyond The Bend”: Surprisingly engaging for a lighter track. Take 2, at a slightly slower tempo, has a pleasant groove. Studio chatter includes Elvis joking about a lyrical mistake (“Hop the grass is greener. Sure, sure!”).
• “Cotton Candy Land”: Elvis works diligently even on this simple song. Banter reveals him commenting on the tempo (“Tempo’s too slow fellows”).
• “How Would You Like To Be”: Demonstrates Elvis’s professionalism in tackling even weak material without complaint. The alternate take is very close to the master.
• “Happy Ending”: The binaural alternate takes capture Elvis messing up lyrics and getting momentarily exasperated, yet still putting full effort into the performance.
• “Take Me To the Fair”: Studio chatter includes Elvis singing a guitar part for the musicians (“Stay on it, so I can match it”) and laughing (“And then starts the rhythm, hot diggity!”). Take 6 dissolves into laughter. The final track is a rough acetate of the movie version featuring added ukulele.

Back cover detail of the FTD ‘It Happened at the World’s Fair’ CD showing tracklist and credits.

Conclusion

While the FTD release of It Happened At The World’s Fair significantly elevates the listening experience through excellent remastering and fascinating alternate takes, it remains anchored by the inherent limitations of the original 1962 soundtrack material. The improved “Living Stereo” sound brings out the best in the musicianship, making even filler tracks more palatable. Highlights like “Relax” and “They Remind Me Too Much Of You” truly benefit from the sonic upgrade and the insight provided by the outtakes. However, compared to other FTD soundtrack releases featuring stronger original songs, this one is perhaps less essential for the casual listener. For dedicated fans of this specific Elvis film or completist collectors of the FTD series, the sonic improvements and behind-the-scenes glimpses offered by the songs from It Happened at the World’s Fair FTD edition provide enough value to warrant consideration.