I was 22 when I wrote this review back in 1997 for The Elvis Beat #16, which turned out to be the final issue of my official Elvis Presley Fan Club newsletter.

An Afternoon In The Garden (RCA), recorded by Elvis Presley, June 10, 1972, Madison Square Garden (New York). Released: March 1997 (CD).

It’s hard to go wrong when buying an Elvis concert album. The power of Elvis’ stage performances remains unmatched to this day, as demonstrated by An Afternoon In The Garden, a new album from RCA that was recorded live in 1972.

RCA recorded Elvis’ afternoon and evening concerts at Madison Square Garden on June 10 of that year. The evening performance was released only a week after the actual event on the album As Recorded At Madison Square Garden. Although a few tracks have been released from the afternoon show in various compilations over the years, this is the first time the complete concert has been available.

There are not many surprises here, since the song selection and feel of the performance is very similar to the evening show. They were recorded the same day, after all. The most unique track is “Until It’s Time For You To Go,” which has never been released in a live version to my knowledge.

An Afternoon In The Garden is an exciting album that transports listeners to a front row seat to hear Elvis in concert. The roar of the crowd is nearly a constant presence, heightening the drama. Overall, I think RCA made the right choice going with the evening concert back in 1972, but I wish I could hear it in a similar sound quality as the afternoon concert on this album.

RCA cannot be praised enough for their work over the last seven years. An Afternoon In The Garden is evidence of their continuing dedication to giving Elvis fans what they want. Elvis performed over a thousand concerts in the last decade of his career, quite a few of which were recorded. Hopefully this album is only the beginning of a string of new live releases.

Until then, sit back, relax, and enjoy an afternoon at the Garden with Elvis.

Songs:

1. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra
2. That’s All Right
3. Proud Mary
4. Never Been To Spain
5. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me
6. Until It’s Time For You To Go
7. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’
8. Polk Salad Annie
9. Love Me
10. All Shook Up
11. Heartbreak Hotel
12. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel
13. Love Me Tender
14. Blue Suede Shoes
15. Reconsider Baby*
16. Hound Dog
17. I’ll Remember You*
18. Suspicious Minds
19. Introductions By Elvis
20. For The Good Times
21. An American Trilogy
22. Funny How Time Slips Away
23. I Can’t Stop Loving You*
24. Can’t Help Falling In Love

All tracks previously unreleased except *

Rating: 8.5 out of 10