Someone once remarked to Phil Spector that they could scarcely believe how good Elvis was, to which the producer replied, in effect, that as good as you think Elvis is, he’s even better.
...The eight CDs in the Deluxe Edition of That’s the Way It Is comprise the originally released LP — a mix of Nashville studio cuts and Vegas live material, expanded here with single edits and outtakes — plus six complete shows and rehearsal excerpts. Two DVDs offer the 1970 documentary film “That’s the Way It Is” in both its original theatrical cut and a 2000 extended version.
...Should you require a victory song, something to dance to after a windfall comes your way, or something to get you going at 6 in the morning, trot out “Muddy Water” some time. Elvis gets so worked up that he sings his own backing lines; no way anyone is going to poach any portion of the allotted vocal. Own it? Dude bought the whole store.
Read the complete review at The Boston Globe.