A standard CD, presented in a 7" format cover (like a single or EP) with original back and front cover art, 3 panel Gatefold sleeve, 8 page booklet with photos and memorabilia, original album with original album EQ and with both previously released and previously unreleased outtakes. A must have CD for all fans and collectors.
The audio mix on all the tracks has been spatially opened up to create a wide stereo sound (as much as the MGM basic original tapes allow) and it truly is "Living Stereo" as the logo infers. This allows all the musicians to shine and the overall feel you get it is that this was a great studio band being wasted on uninspiring material. However the new sound is still a treat to listen to and a track like 'Relax' is delicious with a nice clean bass sound.
Elvis' previous LP was another soundtrack, 'Girls! Girls! Girls!', and although 'World's Fair' was also recorded in 1962 it was a real indication that any of that early 60's musical spark was lost. However the updated audio re-mastering is excellent & hearing the musicians properly make even the lightweight songs a far more enjoyable listening pleasure than the muffled sound of the 90's 'Double-Features' issue.
The original LP ran incredibly short, at less than 22 minutes (Side 1 ran under 10 minutes!) and it is probably only the presence of composer Don Robertson that gives the LP any interest. The first delight is the master of 'Relax' where you can now clearly hear some lovely jazz guitar work from Tiny Timbrell, along with the dual pianos of Dudley Brooks & Don Robertson. Adding Ray Seigel's nice walking-bass line and the shiny new percussion makes this a real joy to listen to.
The pictures include some rare candid photos as well as movie stills and also Cinema lobby cards. There are some informative notes including the fascinating fact that
"Elvis wore no underwear during this period"!
Beyond The Bend - Relax* - Take Me To The Fair - They Remind Me Too Much Of You - One Broken Heart For Sale - I'm Falling In Love Tonight - Cotton Candy Land - A World Of Our Own - How Would You Like To Be - Happy Ending* - One Broken Heart For Sale (takes 2,3,1) - They Remind Me Too Much Of You (take 1) - I'm Falling In Love Tonight (take 1-4) - Beyond The Bend (take 1, 2) - Cotton Candy Land (take 1,2,4) - How Would You Like To Be (take 2) - They Remind Me Too Much Of You (take 4) - Beyond The Bend (take 3) Take Me To The Fair (take 6) - I'm Falling In Love Tonight (take 6) - They Remind Me Too Much Of You (take 6,7) - Relax (take 5,6,7*) - Happy Ending (take 4,5,6*) - Take Me To The Fair (August master-from acetate*