Let's Be Friends (Reis) [Original recording remastered, Import]

I always liked this LP, because it included some un-released studio and soundtrack recordings that had never been released before this LP first appeared in 1970. However, there have been a few slight changes in the CD version, which were kind of dissapointing. The song "Mama", which is an out-take from Elvis' movie "Girls! Girls! Girls!, is not the 2:12 mono version from the original LP...it is the 58 second, stereo version that was first included on the "Double Features" series. This shorter version was probably included because of the better sound quality and the fact that it is in stereo, although the actual reason is not quite clear. The shorter version is actually the original, the way Elvis actually recorded it. The longer version is spliced from Elvis' version and the Amigios version, which was probably done at the same session. This is the version that was used in the film, and Elvis probably liked it enough to record a version of his own...probably as a tribute to his mother. It is also possible that it was originally intended for the film, but never used. The other change here is with the song "Let's Forget About The Stars". The version included on the CD is the same take as the one on the original LP...however, the LP version included a piano track that is missing from the CD. Again, the CD includes the stereo version that was included on the "Double Features" series, probably because the original LP included the song in mono. It's possible that the master, which included the over-dubbed piano track, has been lost. Still, this CD is not a complete dissapointment, because the versions of these two songs included here are still very good. My only complaint would be that this version of "Mama" is much too short, and this LP only included 9 songs and had a short running time to begin with. These original Camden albums on CD are selling for only about 5.99, so at least they are not over priced, which makes them well worth purchasing. Still, anyone who has waited for this CD to get the versions of these two songs as they were released on the LP will be a bit dissapointed.

As the above reviewer points out the first ever release of this Camden budget album on cd isn't exactly the original. Logical (if speculative) reasons are given for the changes. I, too, am disappointed that these changed happened, but I can live with them. I certainly wouldn't rate the cd 1 star because of them. The music that is here is fine.

As for the short running time: As has been mentioned this was originally a budget release. At the time of release of this album on vinyl in '70 you could buy it for around four dollars. Now more than 35 years later you can buy it on cd for about 6 dollars or less. You can't expect the label to lengthen this release just because the modern cd holds 80 minutes of music.

If you're new to Elvis' music this probably isn't the place to start your collection. But if you do you'll certainly be starting with music that isn't that well known to the "casual" fan such as yourself.

Come to think of it, maybe this and other Camden albums is a good place to start. You'll be hearing these songs with "fresh" ears. You'll hear some "new" music before your ears are bombarded with all the big hits that everybody is familar with.

If you, like me, had this album on vinyl way back when, buy the cd version and relive some great musical memories.

A very entertaining collection - by now, all these originally "unreleased" cuts, mostly from Elvis' last movies, have been released...and re-released...and....

Back in '72, this was one important album for Elvis fans and especially fan/collectors. A chance for some very strong "lost" film songs (some which never made it to the print, like "Let's Forget About the Stars", cut at the "Charro!" session but probably considered for "Live a Little, Love a Little", I would think) to get collected in a nice package.

There's one tune from '62 and the remainder are late '60s, as said above. Songwriter Ben Weisman had all four tunes recorded for the impressive final feature, "Change of Habit". Presley had just completed the legendary return-to-Memphis sessions, yielding monster hits we all can name. He has kept alot of those high spirits and robust voice on the tunes, especially the movie theme song and "Have a Happy", which really grows on you. An unusual mid-tempo, modern, soft rocker, a natural for any Adult-Contemporary playlist - I think it should have made an appearance as a B-side. (As opposed to sent-to-the-shelf for three years).

Have a happy and Let's Be Friends from COH have somehow missed "Inspirational" and "Gospel" collections - really fine tracks.

The l.p. opener is the reportedly released-by-mistake, "Stay Away, Joe", the presumptive original theme song, based upon "Pick a Bale Of Cotton". It appears that the beat-ballad, "Stay Away", based upon "Greensleeves", was selected for the movie (but not originally for this album). I surmise for the same reason "I'm a Roustabout" was rejected in favor of the smoother, friendlier "Roustabout" theme to the '64 flick: guess it was too...rockin' for the mellow(er) mid-'60s. Both fast tunes musically superior, in my humble opinion, as Elvis sings *out*.

"Mama" (0:58) is from the '62 "Girls! Girls! Girls!", though not *sung* by EP in that movie. Still should have made the album cut. (They coulda tossed out "The Walls Have Ears"...wow). Note that a longer version was made available much later.

Another cool entry is by Stan Kesler, a writer who contributed some gems for the Big El as far back as 1955!