Elvis Presley Blue Hawaii 2LP 45rpm 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl Mobile Fidelity MoFi MFSL RTI USA
Title: Blue Hawaii
Catalog Number: MFSL 2-504
Label: RCA Victor
Reissued by: Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab
Barcode: 821797250412
Original release year: 1961
Reissue year: 2022
Number of discs: 2
Revolutions per minute: 45 rpm
Disc size: 12"
Vinyl Weight Grade: 180gr
Limited Edition: Yes
Numbered Edition: Yes
Total Item Weight: 673gr
Pressing country: USA
For Market Release in: USA
Added to catalog on: January 22, 2023
Collection: MFSL Original Master Recording
Note: Never eligible for any further discounts
Vinyl Gourmet Club: No
The old adage about Elvis Presley is that his soundtrack work never held a candle next to his studio albums. Though true for a majority of his film-related outings, the traditional notion is forever disproved by his Blue Hawaii set. Originally released in 1961 in support of the film in which he starred, the triple-platinum LP spent nearly five months at the top of the Billboard album charts!
- Limited Edition
- Numbered Edition
- 180 Gram 45rpm High Definition Vinyl pressed at RTI USA
- Mastering on MFSL Gain 2 Ultra Analog System
- Mastered by Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab
- Mastered from the Original Analog Master Tapes
- Cut by Krieg Wunderlich
- Special Static Free & Dust Free Inner Sleeves
- Deluxe Gatefold Cover
1/4" / 15 IPS analog master to DSD 256 to analog console to lathe
The old adage about Elvis Presley is that his soundtrack work never held a candle next to his studio albums. Though true for a majority of his film-related outings, the traditional notion is forever disproved by his Blue Hawaii set. Originally released in 1961 in support of the film in which he starred, the triple-platinum LP spent nearly five months at the top of the Billboard album charts; outsold his two prior studio efforts; and ultimately, remains the second-best-selling soundtrack of the musical-dominant 1960s. And now, it has received sonic treatment befitting rock royalty.
Mastered from the original master tapes and pressed at RTI, Mobile Fidelity's numbered-edition 180g 45RPM 2LP set of Blue Hawaii transports listeners to both the carefree innocent escapism of the early '60s and calming, breezy atmospherics of the famous Pacific Islands. If you've ever wondered what it might be like to have Presley inhabit your room, this collectible reissue helps make it happen with superb presence, clarity, immediacy, and transparency.
Recorded before the King started to burn out on soundtracks and go into a creative tailspin, Blue Hawaii presents him in tremendous voice. The newly uncovered layers of detail, body, emotionalism, and tonality on this 2LP set bring that treasured element – as well as the brilliance of the arrangements and accompaniment – to light like never before. Presley's warm crooning alone warrants unmitigated attention. It's not for nothing that this record – replete with panache, whimsy, romance, and seriousness – forever altered the course of his career.
Much like the film itself, the music on Blue Hawaii subscribes to a feel-good aesthetic. Presley plunges into a stylistic deep end with equal parts fearlessness and fun. He delves into early rock 'n' roll ("Rock-A-Hula Baby"); touching balladry ("Hawaiian Wedding Song"); playful rumba ("Beach Boy Blues"); relaxing luaus ("Hawaiian Sunset"); and naturally, island-inspired fare ("Ku-U-I-Po"). It becomes immediately evident that the King is enjoying himself and committed to the mission. Is Blue Hawaii all serious art? No, but it was never intended to be. Rather, it serves as a showcase of Presley's outgoing personality and chameleon-like ability – like that of Frank Sinatra – to inhabit different roles and entertain.
Of course, Blue Hawaii remains timeless for another reason: The inclusion of the timeless, gorgeous, and still-untouchable staple "Can't Help Falling in Love." Penned by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss, the love song quickly transformed into an international standard – with Presley's definitive version hitting No. 2 on the charts and ultimately becoming the closing song to his concerts. Ranked among the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time by Rolling Stone, its conviction, sentiment, and depth testify on behalf of why Presley still reigns as the King.
However subtly, the staple also underscores another reason Blue Hawaii should never be overlooked in Presley's canon: the ace musicians involved in its creation. Guitarists Scotty Moore and Hank Garland; drummer D.J. Fontana; percussionist Hal Blaine; pianist Floyd Cramer; bassist Bob Moore; and iconic gospel backing vocalists the Jordanaires all contribute masterful performances. Hearing them with such expressiveness, openness, and realism on this reissue should forever alter how Presley's 1961 soundtrack – the finest of his career – is viewed. As he sings in the title track, dreams come true, indeed.
Track Listing:
01. Blue Hawaii
02. Almost Always True
03. Aloha Oe
04. No More
05. Can't Help Falling in Love
06. Rock-a-Hula Baby
07. Moonlight Swim
08. Ku-U-I-Po
09. Ito Eats
10. Slicin' Sand
11. Hawaiian Sunset
12. Beach Boy Blues
13. Island of Love
14. Hawaiian Wedding Song
Click here to listen to samples on YouTube.com ♫
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