On my recent visit to Canada in July – August this year, besides bringing back a few Canadian souvenirs of the country, I brought the best souvenir of all, a 1978 pressing of an Elvis Presley yellow LP, a timeless piece of music, made more memorable by inclusion of songs the King sung at his three concerts in Canada in 1957. I got this piece of history at an attractive price in a sealed condition.

I just couldn’t wait to put the record on the turntable when I returned home. Listening to it, one could almost feel the pandemonium Elvis created back then in 1957 in Canada.

Originally released in 1978 as a limited, numbered, gold vinyl edition as well as the standard black vinyl version, this LP has the unique twist of only being released in Canada and featuring Elvis performing songs written by Canadian songwriters Gordon Lightfoot, Gene MacLellan, Buffy Sainte - Marie, Hank Snow and Paul Anka. It also includes a few hits from 1957, the year he toured Canada. While the music on this album can be found on previously released packages, the unique Canadian slant makes it a must for any collector.

A fan of Elvis would surely say that these are not his best known songs, but they're all very good. It's a nostalgic album for me, as it also has an Intro By Red Robinson, songs like Jailhouse Rock, Intro followed by (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear, Loving You, to the mushy Until it’s time for you to go (Buffy Sainte - Marie), that has beautiful lyrics "........even though I'll never in my life see you again here I'll stay till it's time for you to go." It is simply the most beautiful love song that expresses dedication to the one your love. Elvis’s deep voice gives you goosebumps and brings out the meaning of the song wonderfully. Side one ends with the breezy Early Morning Rain (Gordon Lightfoot).

Flipping over we have a few of Elvis’ lesser known pieces, C.E. Snow’s I’m Movin On, to Gene MacLellan’s angelic Snowbird, remember the words "… If I only could... I would fly away with you....." Beautiful, melancholic, touching rendition. You could also switch to Canadian singer – songwriter Anne Murray’s version giving a more motherly touch to it. This is followed by the swinging That’s what you get for Lovin me ((Gordon Lightfoot) and once again Gene MacLellan’s gospel tinged Put your hand in the Hand, to the peppy Little Darlin’ and finally Anka’s masterpiece My Way.

The inner sleeve has 10 black and white photos of the Elvis concert and the people who spent time with Elvis during the short period when he toured Canada, namely 2nd April Toronto, 2rd April Ottawa and 31st Vancouver.  

Don’t miss out the interviews with the reporters at the end the LP, The Vancouver Press Conference, all captured in high fidelity.

This surely is a very special album for me, by a very special man.

Rating: *****

- Reviewed by Verus Ferreira