Elvis Presley - Silver Bells - From First Take to the Master

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There is a stark contrast between Elvis first and second seasonal albums, both in type and quality of material. The first album has by far the greatest material and has almost no weak points. Conversely, the second album has some wonderful performances but in some cases that is Elvis making the best of weak material.
“Silver Bells” is one such examples and what becomes apparent as we listen through the takes is that even a consummate professional such as Elvis cannot hide his contempt. This becomes obvious that Elvis effectively gave up after take three citing that “he can’t get into it” and therefore take two became the RCA master. It surely would not have helped that they were recording a Christmas album during a balmy Nashville spring!!
The song was recorded on 15 May 1971 at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville and it was the final song of seven recorded that evening.

As with all of these videos, to get the most out of the audio, I highly recommend you use ear /headphones and turn the volume up as much as you dare!