In the history of popular music as we know it, the truth is that you simply can’t beat Elvis Presley’s material from the 1950s. The fact also remains that even though he was later forced to record atrocities like “Snowbird,” “Don’t Cry Daddy” and “Do the Clam,” there was absolutely nothing that could tarnish the majesty of his five Sun singles and the early RCA releases. These 19 tracks, recorded live at the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport between 1954 and 1956, only add more luster to the that majesty.

The earliest tracks here are stripped-down (Scotty Moore on guitar and Bill Black on doghouse bass provide the only support for Presley) versions of his Sun repertoire: “That’s All Right” (four versions), “Blue Moon of Kentucky” (two versions), “I’m Left, Your Right, She’s Gone,” “Baby Let’s Play House” and of course, “Good Rockin’ Tonight.” There’s also some interesting R&B covers the Hillbilly Cat never tried in the studio like “Hearts of Stone” (with Floyd Cramer on piano), “Tweedle Dee” and “Maybellene.” The 1956 tracks (which included the Jordanaires) showcase RCA hits “Hound Dog” and “Love Me Tender.” If you need to be told how absolutely cool these recordings are forget it; go back to your Kenny G or the Born-In-The-USA guy’s CDs.

Some of the recordings here are low-fi but Presley’s energy (not mention Scotty’s, who absolutely eats up his Gibson guitar) explodes out of the speakers. Frank Page, who emceed the original Hayride shows, narrates this two-CD package, but while he means well and he’s wealth of information, he tends to be long-winded and overly dramatic. Packaging is of Presley-like proportions with numerous rare and killer photographs and Page contributing some fine liner notes. Elvis, Scotty and Bill, we still kneel at your throne.