...When RCA releases something by Elvis, whether it be a box set, single CD or whatever, if they release a compilation of already-released songs, people say, "C'mon, guys! Quit rehashing all the same stuff! We've heard it all before! You know you have more unreleased stuff in those vaults to release but you're just holding out on us!" But then when RCA releases something like this, which contains all previously unreleased stuff(which supposedly is what people have been asking for), more complaints arise. They say that the master versions of these songs were better and that RCA is just capitalizing on a bunch of trash that Elvis never meant to be released anyway, which is true, but, hey, you asked for it! The content of this CD, in any context, released, rehashed, or whatever, is very good. After hearing Elvis' last concert and various low sound quality jam sessions, this is a refreshing change of pace. If you compare it to the master finished recordings, it is not as good, but it is good, don't get me wrong. "Promised Land" and "If You Don't Come Back" are rockin' good songs, and some good country songs are present, "Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues" and "For Ol' Times Sake" are excellent. The version of "If That Isn't Love" is really an inspiring gospel song, even if it's not the final take. The goofing around and talking is limited almost exclusively to the beginning of each song, which is bearable. These songs may not be the final cuts, but they are of good sound quality, and overall, of good voice quality on Elvis' part.

It's true, you can hear Elvis just as he was singing in the studio with only the rhythm section behind him, and it is absolutely great on songs as "lovin' arms" or the outstanding "talk about the good times". However I cannot help but notice his slurred performance and bad timing on some of the songs, especially on the faster ones: Obviously he was under the influence of some kind of medication while recording that stuff. Moreover he seems to have been unprepaired and not overly focused, which shows in the choice of material: it is a collection of songs as directionless as his career/life has been at that time. Elvis was obviously not in the mood and shape for a recording session, and since this was his permanent condition through most of the seventies, RCA will not have anything of value to offer in the future, just the 23rd live-version of "Hound Dog" (the one when he burps in the middle of the second verse and a must for every hardcore fan)- or perhaps "Having fun with Elvis on stage"!! I am definitely not looking forward to further releases of leftovers and hangovers from the KING. If there is nothing left in the archives, then reorganize your catalogue, supply great liner notes and booklets and do the man justice.

...or a wonderful blend of soul and country is the way to describe this collection of alternate takes of Elvis recordings from the mid 1970's. The sound quality is usually better than that of the original versions. Some of the versions are much better produced as well as arranged, for instance I Got A Feeling In My Body which totally beats the original version from the Good Times album. I've Got A Thing About You Baby, which is the best song on this album, is here sung charmingly backbeat throughout the first verse. A little bit of soul and a little bit of country presented by Elvis in a rather informal manner + great pictures and recording details cannot result in anything else than five stars.

This album beautifully showcases Elvis' eclectic taste in music, as evidenced in the broad cross-section of genres displayed here. This collection of alternate takes from his two Stax sessions that year is one of the best compilations of recent years. Favourite cuts include the meandering, bluesy track "If You Don't Come Back", the achingly romantic "She Wears My Ring" and country rockers such as "Promised Land", "Talk About the Good Times" and Tony Joe White's "I've Got a Thing About You Baby".

Highly recommended for all Elvis fans.

There are so many good songs on this collection that have seldom been heard, at least in recent years, it's almost kind of sad. There's everything here, from great country like "Goodtime Charlie's Got the Blues" and "Loving Arms", to funky 70's pop like "Find Out What's Happening" and "If You Don't Come Back", to great gospel songs like "I've Got a Feeling In My Body". More people should hear these songs! I think if RCA had, back in 1974, just released the Stax sessions as one 14 or 15 song album, instead of trying to make 3 10-song albums out of them, it would have been one of the absolute greatest albums of Elvis' career.