There have been Elvis Greatest Hits collections for decades, but the recent 2006 CDs (six so far) are probably the best thought-out Elvis anthologies in a very long while. Each volume focuses on a different aspect of Elvis' style - this one concentrates exclusively on his r&b roots.

About half this material goes back to the very earliest Elvis recordings on Sun records and it's here that we are treated to vintage performances by Elvis as he establishes himself as one of the most important rock singers of the 1950s and beyond. It's neat listening to this music as it sounds so crisp and clear, which is a surprise considering how awful it sounded in earlier compliations. Of course, even though who don't like Elvis acknowledge that these are his most exciting recordings. That's why the second half of the CD is so surprising. It includes mostly songs recorded by Elvis during the 1960s during the period that is his supposed decline. While I can't argue that most Elvis LPs from the 1960s are worthwhile, all of them contain some great cuts. For me, it was a real treat to hear how vital Elvis still sounded even though he'd been eclipsed by other, younger rock stars.

If you want to understand why Elvis shook up the world of music, this CD is a great place to start. I bought it because I simply wanted to have so many of these great songs in a single place. If you love classic r&b, blues, or rockabilly you really ought to have this CD.

I think this may be the best of the current crop of theme-based, Elvis compilations! Elvis had a grift for R&B and he shines on this collection. While much of it is taken from his early days at Sun Records, it also includes some of his later works. My favorites include Baby, Let's Play House, I Got a Woman, When It Rains, It Really Pours, and the classic Trying to Get to You. A great collection!

This was an excellent CD. It had many of his true R&B recordings all together. This is the sound of early Elvis.

I had the good fortune to rent the '68 special, and purchased this disc as a result. I grew up below the Mason-Dixson line, but have never really warmed to R&B until the tracks on the '68 special. This disc has the gems from the special in all their gritty glory, with plenty more treasures to break your heart to pieces. It's love, Baby.

You may have heard that Elvis was influenced by R&B. Here is proof positive of his talent and love for this genre. Having grown

up in Memphis and frequented the Beale Street area it just had to rub off on him especially with his broad based attraction to music.