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Where to begin? The 140-track Complete 50s Masters box set (1992) is both comprehensive and awe-inspiring, a record of that first decade, which, for some fans, is the only one that matters. It isn't fair to say (though plenty do) that, postarmy, Elvis never quite reclaimed his crown. But this snapshot of those early recordings shows just what he was competing against. Sony BMG releases the new Elvis the King collection on August 13.
1 That's All Right July 5, 1954, Sun Studio. "Hell, that's different," said Sam Phillips.
2 Good Rockin' Tonight His scorching second Sun single. Bring on the rockabilly revolution.
3 Hound Dog July 1956: the Pelvis makes waves. "I can't stand still. I've tried it, and I can't do it."
4 Jailhouse Rock A Leiber & Stoller humdinger from his third movie; arguably his greatest vocal.
5 Heartbreak Hotel His first national hit. The fraught economy of it still takes the breath away.
6 Ain't That Loving You Baby On army leave, Elvis recorded this firecracker. Bafflingly, it was rejected, emerging as a B-side six years later.
7 Blue Moon of Kentucky He put a rocket up this Bill Monroe slowie, and the music world on notice; another keening vocal.
8 Mystery Train The final Sun single: Elvis in all his lean, unfettered, hot-headed glory.
9 Mean Woman Blues A red-hot 1957 cut, from his hotchpotch of a third album.
10 Love Me A classic early ballad performance, dripping with catch-in-the-voice emotion. DC