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This release of the Girl Happy movie soundtrack by FTD in the FTD Special Edition Movie Soundtrack series features improved re-mastering of both the original LP and the bonus alternate takes. The CD itself contains both previously released and previously unreleased outtakes. It is a standard CD but housed in a deluxe 7' (17.5 cm) (like a single or EP) triple-fold-out package. It includes a 12 page booklet with information, including photos and images that include some rare movie stills and Cinema lobby cards, related memorabilia and 'Behind the Scenes' facts, 'In And Outtake' and 'Off Camera' pages.
Girl Happy was an excellent outing for Elvis. The movie actually made sense as Elvis was a singer who was sent to Florida to look after his boss daughter who was there for spring break. Shelley Fabares played the daughter and while the chemistry between her and Elvis may not have been of the Ann-Margret caliber, I do consider her to be number two on my list of Elvis romantic movie interests. Shelley could act, she could sing and she looked fabulous. The soundtrack from the movie was issued March 1, 1965 and reached Number 8 on the national charts and earned Elvis another Gold Record. The music is strong and works well within the context of the film and on its own as a stand alone album.
''Off Camera' page - Click image to view larger size.Girl Happy' is a fine up-tempo pop number that still makes a person smile 40-plus years later. Elvis is in fine vocal form as he belts out what could have been a successful single release. It is vocals that like this one by which Elvis should be remembered. 'Spring Fever', in the movie, was a duet between Shelley Fabares and Elvis.
The album release contained just an Elvis vocal. The duet was superior and did not surface as an official release until it was added as a CD bonus song decades later. Four more songs conclude the first side of the original LP release. 'Startin Tonight' 'Wolf Call' and even 'Fort Lauderdale Chamber Of Commerce' are acceptable pop. Elvis seems to be inspired and really trying as the vocals are crisp and the tracks well produced. 'Do Not Disturb' is an excellent ballad in the Presley tradition. All in all this six song set remains one of the best of any contained on his movie soundtracks. There were two singles released from the album and both probably deserved better than the re-action they received from the record buying public. 'Do The Clam' only reached the top twenty for Elvis.
The song is not as bad as the title implies. It was a bongo (yes bongo) driven up-tempo song that worked. It even came with a picture sleeve that is quite rare today. 'Puppet On A String' may not have been as strong but was certainly better than many of the mid-sixties songs that graced Elvis soundtrack albums. Elvis slows the tempo down and just allows his smooth baritone voice to carry the song along. Girl Happy remains one of the better Elvis Presley movies ranking just below Viva Las Vegas. The soundtrack is also excellent throughout and holds up well. So for an enjoyable evening, grab some popcorn and watch Girl Happy.
'Do The Clam' reached No. 21 in the charts in February 1965. 'Puppet On A String' No. 14 in October '65 and the soundtrack LP No. 8.
This release of the Girl Happy movie soundtrack by FTD in their Special Edition Movie Soundtrack series features improved re-mastering of both the original LP and the bonus alternate takes.
The CD itself contains both previously released and previously unreleased outtakes. It is a standard CD but housed in a deluxe 7" (17.5 cm) (like a single or EP) triple-fold-out package. It includes a 12 page booklet with information, including photos and images that include some rare movie stills and Cinema lobby cards, related memorabilia and 'Behind the Scenes' facts, 'In And Outtake' and 'Off Camera' pages. (You can view samples of these from this release via the links below).
This review refers to the 2010 updated release. The audio mix on all the tracks is truly is 'Living Stereo' as the logo above infers.
'In And Outtakes' page - Click image to view larger size.
Elvis Presley Photos In And Outtakes Page - From the Booklet Elvis Presley Photos Off Camera Page - From the Booklet Elvis Presley Photos The Back Cover
Girl Happy - Elvis Presley FTD Soundtrack CD 01. Girl Happy 02. Spring Fever 03. Fort Lauderdale Chamber Of Commerce 04. Startin' Tonight 05. Wolf Call 06. Do Not Disturb 07. Cross My Heart And Hope To Die 08. The Meanest Girl In Town 09. Do The Clam 10. Puppet On A String 11. I've Got To Find My Baby 12. You'll Be Gone
Plus the alternate takes Puppet On A String (takes 5,6,7) The Meanest Girl In Town (takes 7,8,9) Spring Fever (take 4) Do Not Disturb (takes 24,25,26,27) Cross My Heart And Hope To Die (take 4) Girl Happy (takes 1,2,3,4) Puppet On A String (take 10) Spring Fever (takes 18,19,21) The Meanest Girl In Town (take 11) - Do Not Disturb (take 35) Cross My Heart And Hope To Die (take 9,10,11) Girl Happy (take 13 and take 4 of ending).