Album Review

(by Jim VanHollebeke - from Goldmine magazine issue #22, March 1978)

One LP that you won't find in U.S. record stores is "Canada's Own Elvis - Bobby Fisher". It was released before Elvis' death, but has just recently been brought to my attention by fellow fan, Al Bell, of Canada. Bobby Fisher is certainly a talented Elvis imitator and songwriter. At his best he compares favorably with Jimmy Ellis, who has been described as "more Elvis than Elvis!"

Bobby is in his mid-twenties and began singing like Elvis when he was ten. The front cover shows three fine photos of Bobby in traditional jumpsuit, performing on stage. Songs included are "Space Odyssey" (done well, but utterly ruined by a much too long and 'hung over' drum solo), "Burning Love" (a fine version much the way Elvis would do at live concerts), "Runaway" (a different arrangement, but very hard to believe it is NOT Elvis!), "Don't Be Cruel" (does not sound much like Elvis on this one as Bobby apparently sacrifices some echo to sing with himself on 'overdub' but that hand clapping is great!), "Trouble" (quite different but the Presley 'feel' is there), "Can't Help Falling In Love" (this is a CLASSIC. I don't think I've ever heard a more awe-inspiring impression of this number....orchestration, vocal backing, pace, sound engineering....Bobby's measured use of the Presley dynamics!), "That's Alright" (done 70's style, piano is welcome here, but except for a scant rockabilly solo, the guitar is all but absent. Bass guitar is subdued. I don't mean to be too critical but my musical first love is Rock & Roll and I can't help thinking how much better this record would be had the guitars been brought more upfront and if lead guitar was more inspired by Scotty Moore and the great James Burton), "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" (whatever Bobby Fisher and company may [or may not] have lost in the uptempo numbers is more than made up for in the ballads. This one is unbelievable....as close as anyone will ever get to the real quality Presley sound), "Follow" (This is a beautiful meloncholy ballad written by Bobby, obviously with Elvis in mind. The lyrics tell the story of a lost man searching for his wife - the very formula Elvis steadfastly used to the end. I truly wish Elvis had heard this and been able to record it).

Side Two contains "Kentucky Rain" (different enough from the original but still capturing the magnificence....and what better way to make a tribute? Who wants to listen to a carbon copy....the true genius is capturing the prototype beauty and art while improving on it with originality, other influences and personal energy), "See See Rider" (I love the guitar solo and 'Sweet Inspirations' type backup, but there is not enough 'dirt in the rock' as I listen to it. One of the things Elvis' music was famous for was RAUNCH. Raunch? Is that a word? GUTS maybe? Whatever you call it, Elvis used it and even though it was toned down in later years, it was still there. Even toward the end, his rock music conveyed the feeling that there was a savage within waiting .......threatening to bust loose! Just listen to Elvis' final recording of "Trying To Get To You" from last summer. I don't mean to be critical of Bobby Fisher....I realize this is illogical on first glance, but he's just so good that he could be even better!

However, back to the songs...."Lawdy Miss Clawdy", "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck", "My Boy" (one of the most elegant songs Elvis ever recorded - great), "All Shook Up", "Angel" (here is Bobby at his best....another masterpiece! Suddenly, it's 1961 and you'll swear it is really the Jordanaires doing the backup!), and "Promised Land" (as in the original from 1974, it is a bit rushed).

So, that's the album and it is one of my favorites. I sincerely hope there will be many more from Bobby Fisher. I'd like someday to see his name in Billboards 'Top Ten' listing! This LP is distributed by G.C. Records, 25 Merriday St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

c. 1978 by Jim VanHollebeke

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