Elvis Presley :: Stranger In My Own Town (1970 Rehearsal)

1971-cool

One on my favorite Elvis records is a bootleg — Cut Me & I Bleed released on Double G Records in 1999. The album is a collection of alternate studio, home, and live rehearsal recordings that present “another side” of Elvis. Pedestal removed, Cut Me & I Bleed presents “The King” in a raw, more human, and often explicit manner — one that eschews the family friendly image constructed by the Elvis foundation.

Twenty-two tracks total, the real gem of the bunch, and a personal favorite, is Presley’s stripped down rendition of Percy Mayfield’s “Stranger in My Own Home Town” (studio rehearsal version, July 24, 1970). I can’t think of a more appropriate song for Elvis to cover at this time in his life. Set amongst friends in a rehearsal jam session, Elvis gives one of the rawest, grittiest, yet honest and soulful performances of his career Riffing on the blues, we hear, “I came home with good intentions about five or six years ago, but my hometown won’t accept me just don’t feel welcome here no more.”

What makes the song so powerful is Presley’s voice, attitude, and his interaction with the other musicians. Here, the rehearsal version is presented after Presley performs a more traditional rendition of “Stranger in My Own Home Town” — he then continues the jam with a few more verses, adding a few choice words and a personal touch all his own. I won’t spoil it for you, but Elvis fans will want to listen to this track with urgency.

Only the good shit. Aquarium Drunkard is powered by our patrons. Keep the servers humming and help us continue doing it by pledging your support via our Patreon page. 

13 thoughts on “Elvis Presley :: Stranger In My Own Town (1970 Rehearsal)

  1. Thank you, as always, for unearthing gems like these. Just when I thought I knew all the Elvis there was to know, you go and prove me wrong. FANTASTIC.

  2. Guitar playing is remarkable. Was this his regular (Las Vegas) band? If so, it’s J Burton.

Comments are closed.