Elvis Presley - Artist Of The Century (RCA) With more than half an eye on the turn-of-millennium gift market, the Elvis industry has come up with this lovingly (and comprehensively) compiled and illustrated, three-CD boxed set of the king's hits - and a few misses.
And it is the more unexpected tracks (Polk Salad Annie, or Don't, anybody?) which mark this out as a well-researched project, and not just another lazy cash-in comprising all the 'big' songs and little else. The explanation lies in the fact that it was put together following suggestions from fans, critics and musicians. (That said, just try to avoid wriggling your hips and warbling along to Jailhouse Rock, Blue Suede Shoes, Return To Sender and Hound Dog.) While the album's title does not go in for much understatement, the claim is not so outrageous: Presley remains the biggest-selling recording artist ever, and he is arguably the voice of the century, Frank Sinatra included. All of which makes this set a winner. The only real problem comes with its comprehensiveness: although it is not a collection of every Elvis track ever recorded, it does tip the scales at an intimidating 75 songs and almost 3.5 hours. That would spell Elvis overkill if tackled at one sitting - and the king deserves more considered appreciation.
