Shoppin' Around
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Topic author
Shoppin' Around
On my way to work this morning, I checked out the Elvis Channel on Sirius and this song was playing. That is one catchy little tune. Forget the corny movie that this song was featured in for a moment. By itself, this is a pretty decent little number. To me, it's every bit as good as some of the songs he did in the years prior.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
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Re: Shoppin' Around
The song is a cut above the movie soundtrack material to come. And, of course, Elvis sings like a dream. He was master of this type of pop material. He really attacks the bridge, too.
Did you hear the shelved April 1960 recording, with Elvis on rhythm guitar, or the released version done in early May? The former is better, more edgy. Also, did you know it's a cover?
The original recording was by Joel Grey, followed by a cover by Rusty Draper.

Joel Grey, "Shoppin' Around" (Capitol 3866, January 1958)
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Joel Grey, "Shoppin' Around" (Capitol 3866, January 1958)

Billboard - January 13, 1958
Grey's arrangement is right out of the Brill Building production book. It's not unlike what Neil Sedaka was doing at the time, a la "The Diary."
On the other hand, Rusty Draper's rendition is a template of what Elvis taped for "G.I. Blues," especially the vocal.
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Rusty Draper, "Shoppin' Around" (Mercury 71388, November 1958)
Billboard liked Draper's version, too.

Billboard - November 17, 1958
Draper's "Shoppin' Around" was further buried by Mercury's desire to push the ballad side of the 45:

Billboard - November 10, 1958
"With This Ring" didn't do much for poor ol' Rusty. Oops. In any case, we all owe a debt of gratitude to Rusty Draper.
About 18 months later, Elvis turned "Shoppin' Around" into gold, on his very successful G.I. Blues soundtrack LP.
The April 1960 outtake, where Elvis plays a mean rhythm guitar, is wonderful. It first appeared twenty years after the fact, on the Elvis Aron Presley box set.
Did you hear the shelved April 1960 recording, with Elvis on rhythm guitar, or the released version done in early May? The former is better, more edgy. Also, did you know it's a cover?
The original recording was by Joel Grey, followed by a cover by Rusty Draper.

Joel Grey, "Shoppin' Around" (Capitol 3866, January 1958)
..
Joel Grey, "Shoppin' Around" (Capitol 3866, January 1958)

Billboard - January 13, 1958
Grey's arrangement is right out of the Brill Building production book. It's not unlike what Neil Sedaka was doing at the time, a la "The Diary."
On the other hand, Rusty Draper's rendition is a template of what Elvis taped for "G.I. Blues," especially the vocal.
..
Rusty Draper, "Shoppin' Around" (Mercury 71388, November 1958)
Billboard liked Draper's version, too.

Billboard - November 17, 1958
Draper's "Shoppin' Around" was further buried by Mercury's desire to push the ballad side of the 45:

Billboard - November 10, 1958
"With This Ring" didn't do much for poor ol' Rusty. Oops. In any case, we all owe a debt of gratitude to Rusty Draper.
About 18 months later, Elvis turned "Shoppin' Around" into gold, on his very successful G.I. Blues soundtrack LP.
The April 1960 outtake, where Elvis plays a mean rhythm guitar, is wonderful. It first appeared twenty years after the fact, on the Elvis Aron Presley box set.
.
Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
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Topic author
Re: Shoppin' Around
Yes, I believe I have every take released (officially and otherwise). I have heard Joel Grey's version (have you posted it before?), but no others.drjohncarpenter wrote:The song is a cut above the movie soundtrack material to come. Did you hear the shelved April 1960 recording, with Elvis on guitar, or the released version done in early May?
I can't get this song out of my head now.
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Re: Shoppin' Around
Which version did you hear this AM?Rob wrote:Yes, I believe I have every take released (officially and otherwise).drjohncarpenter wrote:The song is a cut above the movie soundtrack material to come. Did you hear the shelved April 1960 recording, with Elvis on guitar, or the released version done in early May?
.
Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
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Re: Shoppin' Around
Damn Sirius! You should let them know about the far more exciting April recording.
How do you like rockin' Rusty Draper's Mercury single?
How do you like rockin' Rusty Draper's Mercury single?
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Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
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Re: Shoppin' Around
Funny.
This came up on a CDr I found earlier in the week that I must have made for work or something.
I'd forgotten how catchy this number is.
This came up on a CDr I found earlier in the week that I must have made for work or something.
I'd forgotten how catchy this number is.
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Re: Shoppin' Around
Totally agree, it's a catchy song.Rob wrote:On my way to work this morning, I checked out the Elvis Channel on Sirius and this song was playing. That is one catchy little tune. Forget the corny movie that this song was featured in for a moment. By itself, this is a pretty decent little number. To me, it's every bit as good as some of the songs he did in the years prior.
Thoughts?
I do think a lot of these catchy songs (excluding some) played in movies aren't that bad at all. If you indeed forget the corny movies they are in, you will see that are more songs wich are enjoyable to listen. Most of them are wasted
together with the movie.
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Re: Shoppin' Around
Great, the first time I have ever heard those two versions, I do have the Elvis April version however, as well as, of course, the official master.
It is always very interesting to hear the originals of what Elvis recorded. I have a CD 'Roots or Rock'n'Roll' which includes originals of 'So Glad Your Mine' by Arthur Crudup, 'Mystery Train' Little Junior Parker, Money Honey' Drifters, 'When it Rains, It Really Pours' Billy Emerson, 'Shake A Hand', Faye Adams also I have this by Lttle Richard, plus several more.
Chris.
It is always very interesting to hear the originals of what Elvis recorded. I have a CD 'Roots or Rock'n'Roll' which includes originals of 'So Glad Your Mine' by Arthur Crudup, 'Mystery Train' Little Junior Parker, Money Honey' Drifters, 'When it Rains, It Really Pours' Billy Emerson, 'Shake A Hand', Faye Adams also I have this by Lttle Richard, plus several more.
Chris.
Last edited by Chris Roberts on Sun Mar 20, 2011 1:25 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Shoppin' Around
Yeah, I like those catchy moviesongs. Who cares if the lyrics aren't groundbreaking. As long as the melody is there I will enjoy a song. All songs can't have the lyrics and drama of in The Ghetto.
I miss you, Elvis!
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Re: Shoppin' Around
I agree Rob - it's a great tune and Elvis sings it very well.
Really enjoyed listening to it last week, when I played Disc 5 of the Complete Masters box set. G.I. Blues was a good album.
Really enjoyed listening to it last week, when I played Disc 5 of the Complete Masters box set. G.I. Blues was a good album.




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Re: Shoppin' Around
Other than Shopping Around there are a couple of catchy tunes on GI Blues that stay in the brain and get the foot tapping,even although you could hardly call them classics~Frankfort Special & Didja Ever,the latter being one of those that never fails to raise a smile and a singalong.
norrie
norrie
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Re: Shoppin' Around
Rob, Shoppin' Around has long been one of my favorite 60's movie tunes. I even rate it higher than most of the pop-rockers on Something For Everybody.
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Re: Shoppin' Around
stevelecher wrote:i Love the master of Tonight's So Right For Love. What a voice!
Steve Lecher
You are correct Steve. What a voice!
When Elvis was right there was no one better!
Before or after!!

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Re: Shoppin' Around
Not a huge fan of this one. As already pointed out, it is superior to much of what would come shortly thereafter. The great vocals, however, cannot be ignored.
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Re: Shoppin' Around
Which versions came out of the water? Weren't they all recorded on dry land?
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Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
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Re: Shoppin' Around
Dan_T wrote:Oh God, stop it....You're too funny....

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Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
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Re: Shoppin' Around
Yeah I know !!!!drjohncarpenter wrote:Dan_T wrote:Oh God, stop it....You're too funny....

Re: Shoppin' Around
Doc's post also includes a future Elvis recording....Are You Sincere.
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Re: Shoppin' Around
Shoppin' around is one of my fav movie tunes for sure! I believe it was considered as a single release at one stage?
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