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'Way Down In The Jungle Room - Sony Legacy 2016: A Tribute to Presley's Final Recordings'

Introduction

'Way Down In The Jungle Room' is a remarkable release by Sony Legacy in 2016 that encapsulates the final recordings of the legendary Elvis Presley. This two-disc compilation album, recorded in Presley's mansion, Graceland, offers fans a poignant glimpse into the intimate and reflective mood of the artist's later years.

Way Down In The Jungle Room is a posthumous release of Elvis Presley's final recording sessions, which took place at his Graceland home in Memphis, Tennessee in 1976. The album presents the definitive chronicle of these historic sessions and includes every single recording made during that time, totaling 30 songs, 15 of which are previously unreleased.

The Jungle Room was a small recording studio that Elvis had built in the den of his Graceland mansion in 1974. It was a secluded and intimate space, adorned with bamboo furniture, leopard print carpet, and green shag rugs. The relaxed atmosphere of the Jungle Room inspired some of Elvis's most poignant and memorable performances, and the recordings made there have a raw, visceral quality that sets them apart from his other work during the 1970s.

The recordings featured on Way Down In The Jungle Room were made during two separate sessions in February and October of 1976. The first session saw Elvis return to the studio after a year-long hiatus, and the results are a testament to his enduring talent and charisma. The album's opening track, 'Hurt,' is a heart-wrenching performance that still resonates with power and emotion, over 40 years after it was recorded. Another standout track from this session is 'Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall,' a searing rocker that showcases Elvis's swagger and showmanship.

The second session, held in October of 1976, saw Elvis return to the studio with renewed energy and focus. The tracks from this session are more polished and produced, but no less compelling. The title track, 'Way Down,' is a upbeat and energetic number that became a minor hit for Elvis in the months following its release. Another highlight from this session is 'My Way,' a powerful and moving rendition of the classic song, originally recorded by Frank Sinatra.

The production of Way Down In The Jungle Room is top-notch, with meticulous attention paid to the restoration and remastering of the original recordings. The sound is rich and full, with a warmth and depth that brings out the best in the material. The packaging is also impressive, with a deluxe 2-CD set that includes extensive liner notes, rare photos, and detailed track information.

Overall, Way Down In The Jungle Room is a must-have for any Elvis Presley fan or collector. It offers a unique and fascinating glimpse into the final years of the King's career, and serves as a powerful reminder of his enduring talent and legacy. The album is a testimony to the power of music, and the ability of great artists to connect with their fans, even in the face of adversity and personal struggle. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual listener, Way Down In The Jungle Room is an album that will move and inspire you.

CD 1: The Masters

Way Down
She Thinks I Still Care
Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall
Pledging My Love
For The Heart
Love Coming Down
He’ll Have To Go
Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain
Hurt
Never Again
Danny Boy
Solitaire
Moody Blue
It’s Easy For You
I’ll Never Fall In Love Again
The Last Farewell

CD 2: The Outtakes

Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall (take 1
She Thinks I Still Care (take 10)
The Last Farewell (take 2)
Solitaire (take 7)
I’ll Never Fall In Love Again (take 5)
Moody Blue (take1)
For The Heart (take 1)
Hurt (take 3 )
Danny Boy (take 9)
Never Again (take 9)
Love Coming Down (take 3)
Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain (take 4)
She Thinks I Still Care (alternate version, take 2)
It’s Easy For You (take 1)
Way Down (take 2)
Pledging My Love (take 3)
For The Heart (take 4)