Introduction
"Elvis Country: I'm 10,000 Years Old" is the 19th studio album by the famous American musician Elvis Presley. Launched on January 2, 1971, by RCA Records, the album represented a departure from Elvis' previous works, focusing exclusively on c and w. This shift in style came as a surprise to both critics and fans, as he was mostly understood for his rock 'n' roll and pop-oriented music. Nevertheless, it showcased his flexibility as an artist and received prevalent acclaim for its distinct production and Elvis' effective vocal performances.
Background and Recording
Elvis Presley had actually always been an excellent admirer of c and w, which had an immense impact on his early career. In 1970, he decided to tape a totally country-themed album to pay homage to his impacts and the genre itself. The sessions for "Elvis Country" happened in June and September 1970 at the RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee - the very same studio where Elvis had actually taped some of his most well-known hits.
Manufacturer Felton Jarvis was at the helm of the job and generated a remarkable lineup of prominent artists, consisting of James Burton on guitar, David Briggs on piano, and Charlie McCoy on harmonica, to assist Elvis in accomplishing the authentic sound that he desired. The sessions were also marked by an unwinded and innovative environment, which permitted Elvis to totally check out the nation category.
Principle and Theme
The album's title, "Elvis Country: I'm 10,000 Years Old", was motivated by a phrase from the song "Snowbird", which was a popular hit for Anne Murray in 1970. This line would become an important aspect in producing the general theme and idea of the album.
Besides standard nation tunes, "Elvis Country" also included some blues and gospel tracks, demonstrating the artist's extensive influences and gratitude for various designs of music. The album's unique production consisted of a repeating bit of the tune "I Was Born About 10,000 Years Ago" as a sonic thread that connected the tracks together. This progressive idea was innovative for its time and additional identified the album from other c and w records.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Elvis Country: I'm 10,000 Years Old" received critical praise for its creative production and Elvis' passionate singing performances. It became one of his best-reviewed and highest-selling albums, peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard 200 chart and No. 6 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The album was ultimately certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Songs such as "Tomorrow Never Comes", "I Really Don't Want to Know", and "There Goes My Everything" became standout tracks and fan favorites. The album's unorthodox structure and mixing of genres also made it a significant impact on future country artists and contributed to the development of the so-called "countrypolitan" noise that emerged in the 1970s.
In retrospect, "Elvis Country: I'm 10,000 Years Old" stays a testimony to Elvis Presley's artistic variety and his sincere love and regard for country music. His choice to immerse himself in the genre showcased his capability to push boundaries, and the album stays a highlight in his substantial discography.
Artist: Elvis Presley
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