Blue Hawaii Limited Numbered edition

LTD NUMBERED EDT - GATEFOLD COVER

It was often said about Elvis Presley that his soundtracks could never hold a candle to his studio albums. Although this is true in most cases, this notion is disproved by the music for the film "Blue Hawaii", in which Presley starred. The triple-platinum LP released in 1961 to accompany the film stayed at the top of the Billboard album charts for nearly five months. And now the album has received a sonic treatment worthy of a rock star.

Mobile Fidelity's reissue transports listeners to both the carefree, innocent world of the early '60s and the soothing, breezy atmosphere of the famed Pacific Islands. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to have Presley living in your room, this reissue makes it possible with its lifelike presence, clarity, immediacy and transparency.

"Blue Hawaii" was recorded before the King went into a creative tailspin, and presents him in incredible voice. Presley's warm crooning alone deserves unqualified attention. Not for nothing did this record - packed with verve, whimsy, romance and earnestness - change the course of his career.

Like the film itself, the music on "Blue Hawaii" is committed to a feel-good aesthetic. Presley plunges into stylistic abysses with a mixture of fearlessness and fun. He dives into early rock 'n' roll ("Rock-A-Hula Baby"), touching ballads ("Hawaiian Wedding Song"), playful rumba ("Beach Boy Blues"), relaxing luaus ("Hawaiian Sunset") and, of course, island-inspired fare ("Ku-U-I-Po"). You can tell right away that the King is having fun with this. Is Blue Hawaii exclusively serious art? No, but that was never the intention. Rather, it serves as a showcase for Presley's chameleon-like ability to take on different roles and entertain.