Hitstory by Elvis Presley (CD, Oct-2005, 3 Disc Box Set, Sony) New Sealed.

Presenting both ELVIS: 30 #1 HITS and 2ND TO NONE, 2005's HITSTORY also features a previously unreleased third disc, entitled THE STORY CONTINUES. The CD, which bucks the trend of adding an updated remix track, includes 19 of the King's lesser hits from the late 1950s to the mid '70s, focusing mostly on early- to-mid-'60s singles. Many of these songs are oft-overlooked gems recorded as Elvis's film career was kicking into high gear, and reinforces the notion that third-tier Elvis tunes are still better than a lot of performers' finest work.

Highlights of THE STORY CONTINUES include the pleading "I Beg of You" ('58), as well as "Flaming Star" ('61) and "Follow That Dream" ('62), both full of the upbeat swagger that made Presley both dangerous and accessible. There's a charming live take on James Taylor's "Steamroller Blues" ('73) and, on the country-funk burner "If You Talk in Your Sleep" ('74), it's clear that with what little creative fuel Presley still had in the tank at the end, when given the right song to sing, he was like no other. Although casual listeners may be content with just owning 30 #1 HITS and 2ND TO NONE, serious fans of the King will not want to pass up the essential collection of odds and sods on HITSTORY.