Girls! Girls! Girls!
An exploration of Elvis Presley's 1962 soundtrack album, delving into its creation, musical content, and enduring place in his discography.
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Album Overview
Release & Context
Girls! Girls! Girls! is the fifth soundtrack album by Elvis Presley, released by RCA Victor Records on November 9, 1962. It served as the musical accompaniment to the 1962 film of the same name, which starred Presley himself. The album was issued in both monaural (LPM 2426) and stereophonic (LSP 2426) formats.
Chart Performance & Certification
The album achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number three on the Billboard Top LPs chart. It was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on August 13, 1963, signifying sales of over 500,000 units in the United States.
Musical Style
The soundtrack predominantly features songs aligned with the light-entertainment formula characteristic of Presley's film music during this era. The genre encompasses elements of pop and rock and roll, reflecting the popular music trends of the early 1960s.
Track Listing & Singles
Original Album Tracks
The album comprises thirteen tracks, divided across two sides, featuring songs recorded during sessions in March and May 1962. Sixteen songs were recorded in total, with thirteen selected for the final release.
Key Singles
Two primary singles were released from the album prior to or concurrent with its release:
- "Return to Sender", backed with "Where Do You Come From", was released in October 1962. "Return to Sender" achieved significant chart success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100.
- "Girls! Girls! Girls!" was released as a single in 1963.
- "Because of Love" was also released as a single in Greece in June 1963.
Notably, songs performed by Stella Stevens in the film, such as "Never Let Me Go," "The Nearness of You," and "Baby, Baby, Baby," were not included on the album and have not been commercially released.
Recording Sessions
Location and Dates
The recording sessions for the Girls! Girls! Girls! soundtrack took place at the renowned Radio Recorders studio in Hollywood, California. The primary sessions occurred over three days: March 26, 27, and 28, 1962. Additional sessions were held on May 2 and May 23, 1962.
Creative Process
The album's musical direction was overseen by producer Joseph J. Lilley. The sessions utilized a pool of talented musicians and vocalists, including Presley's long-time backing group, The Jordanaires. The title track, "Girls! Girls! Girls!", was originally a hit for The Coasters in 1961 before being adapted for Presley's film and recording.
Key Personnel
Vocalists
The album features the distinctive vocals of Elvis Presley, supported by The Jordanaires (Gordon Stoker, Hoyt Hawkins, Neal Matthews Jr., Ray Walker). The Amigos provided backing vocals on the track "We'll Be Together."
Musicians
A notable ensemble of musicians contributed to the album's sound:
- Saxophone/Clarinet: Boots Randolph
- Guitars: Scotty Moore (electric rhythm), Barney Kessel (electric lead), Tiny Timbrell (acoustic rhythm), Robert Bain, Alton Hendrickson
- Keyboards: Dudley Brooks (piano), Harold Brown (organ on "Thanks to the Rolling Sea")
- Bass: Ray Seigel (double bass)
- Drums/Percussion: D.J. Fontana, Hal Blaine, Bernie Mattinson
Production Team
The production was helmed by Joseph J. Lilley, with Thorne Nogar serving as the engineer for the recording sessions.
Reissues & Expansions
Expanded Editions
The album has seen several reissues and expansions over the years. The fan-club label "Follow That Dream" released a comprehensive version in 2007. This edition included alternate takes of songs and additional tracks recorded for the soundtrack but not originally included on the LP.
Notable Compilations
Tracks from Girls! Girls! Girls!, including the title track, "Return to Sender," and "Because of Love," have appeared on various compilation albums, such as the 1995 soundtrack compilation Command Performances: The Essential 60's Masters II.
Cultural Footprint
Film Connection
The soundtrack is intrinsically linked to the film Girls! Girls! Girls!, a lighthearted romantic comedy set against scenic Hawaiian backdrops. The music was crafted to complement the film's narrative and visual aesthetic, contributing to its overall entertainment value.
Enduring Recognition
While some critics noted that the formulaic nature of soundtrack music could be detrimental to Presley's artistic development, the album's commercial success and the enduring popularity of singles like "Return to Sender" underscore its significance in his 1960s output. The outtake "Plantation Rock" gained a unique mention when actor Rob Schneider performed it on Late Night with Conan O'Brien in 1996.
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References
References
- Allmusic review
- Jorgensen, Ernst. Elvis Presley A Life in Music: The Complete Recording Sessions. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1998; pp. 164รขยย165, 172.
- Kid Galahad / Girls! Girls! Girls! BMG Music 1993 CD Liner notes by Ernst Mikael Jorgensen & Roger Semon.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional musicological advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding music history, recording production, or artist discographies. Always refer to official documentation and consult with experts for specific analyses or research needs.
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