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'Arguably the finest recording found in all the Sun sessions, 'Trying To Get To You' (1955), is a song that Presley made his own due to his hugely committed vocal, and the simple carefree abandon with which he performs it; at first, it feels like a classic country song with simple, elegant lyrics; but it is at the bridge - where Elvis really lets fly -, that the song is transformed from a lovely country lament, into deep blues; although the 1955 version is magnificent, Elvis manages to better it on his '1968 Comeback Special', in which he sings the song with so much intensity, it prompted critic Greil Marcus to exclaim 'this is probably the finest rock and roll ever recorded'.

Elvis Presley#160

MusicRockBluesCover

About this quote

What does it mean?
Elvis transformed 'Trying To Get To You' from a simple country song into a deep blues piece with intense vocal delivery, earning high praise as possibly the finest rock recording.
In plain terms
He turned a country tune into an intense blues performance.
What can you take from it?
A powerful vocal interpretation can radically reshape a song's genre and impact.

Where it applies

  • cover performances
  • studio re‑recordings

Putting it to work

  • re‑imagine songs in new styles
  • focus on vocal intensity

Questions to consider

  • What makes a cover superior to the original?
  • How does vocal intensity affect genre perception?

Another view

Subjective praise may not reflect broader audience reception.

More from Elvis Presley

  1. 'During my long career in broadcasting, I've had the chance to interview lots of famous people; it was late summer in 1976 when I was sent out to the Arena to …

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  2. ' He had an incredible, attractive instrument that worked in many registers; he could falsetto like Little Richard, his equipment was outstanding, his ear unca…

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  3. 'We are startled, on the amazing 'Blue Moon,'(1954), by his trick of shifting, in a heartbeat, from saloon baritone to pants-too-tight wailing and by his near …

    Permalink to quote #158

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