I was 23 when I wrote this item back in 1999. This is part of a series of archival Elvis writings — informal pieces originally written for family, friends, other purposes, or just me. They reflect how I was engaging with Elvis’ music in the years between The Elvis Beat and my blog writing.

What are your 10 favorite Elvis albums and why?

1. That’s The Way It Is
   Elvis at his musical best. Songs such as “Just Pretend” and “I’ve Lost You” could easily be hits today if RCA took the proper marketing steps.
2. The Memphis Record
   The best compilation of Elvis’ incredible 1969 Memphis Sessions, and many tracks are mixed better than their counterparts on ELVIS: From Nashville to Memphis – The Essential 60’s Masters I.
3. Elvis In Person At The International Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada
   This is his best live album, containing definitive versions of some of his classic hits as well as some terrific new songs.
4. Elvis On Stage – February 1970
   Another impressive live album. Unfortunately, only a handful of Elvis’ live recordings from this year have been released by RCA so far.
5. ELVIS – NBC TV Special
   Most notable for containing his finest song, “If I Can Dream”, and also includes some stirring live performances.
6. Elvis Country – I’m 10,000 Years Old
   Although the “I Was Born About 10,000 Years Ago” interludes between each song are somewhat annoying, this one has some great recordings such as “Tomorrow Never Comes” – one of the best songs of his career that is unfortunately often overlooked.
7. From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee
   This album is certainly one of his finest when considered as a whole. It has a definite theme to it, unlike many of his other albums. Gems such as “Solitaire” and “Never Again” can only be found here.
8. Today
   A remarkable album that is notable for being 15 years ahead of its time, since many of the songs sound like 90s country music. “Bringing It Back” and “Fairytale” are not to be missed.
9. ELVIS: Walk A Mile In My Shoes – The Essential 70’s Masters
   Overall, the 1970s is a severely underrated musical era for Elvis, so I felt this compilation should be included to represent that. Unfortunately, the collection was assembled in an uneven fashion. A 10 or 15 disc “Complete 70s Masters” would have been much better, even if split across multiple releases.
10. Elvis’ Golden Records
    A good overview of his 1950’s hits with RCA.

10 favorite Elvis songs

1. “If I Can Dream” (1968)
2. “Mystery Train” (1955)
3. “Always On My Mind” (1972)
4. “Baby, What You Want Me To Do” (1968)
5. “One Night” (1957)
6. “Baby, Let’s Play House” (1955)
7. “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” (1960)
8. “Jailhouse Rock” (1957)
9. “Trying To Get To You” (1955)
10. “Just Pretend” (1970)