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As Recorded At Greensboro Coliseum: ELVIS ON TOUR – First (or Second) Reactions

/ TY / 5 Comments

I really struggled during my first run-through of CD 3 of Elvis On Tour, as I initially found both the sound and performance disappointing. I decided to give it another try about a week later, so this consolidated review actually represents impressions from both my first and second listens of the show.

I’ve been enjoying the new Elvis On Tour boxed set, so I’m continuing my informal, off-the-cuff reviews. This time, I’ll be listening to CD 3, which captures Elvis Presley’s concert on Friday, April 14, 1972, at the Greensboro Coliseum in North Carolina. Though this show is previously unreleased, it does have 3 songs that appear in the actual movie.

Elvis Presley performing at the Greensboro Coliseum on Friday, April 14, 1972 (MGM)

Also Sprach Zarathustra (Theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey)

See See Rider: Though nothing really distinguishes it, this is a fine 1972 version of “See See Rider.” The audio quality on the Hampton and San Antonio concerts was mostly impressive. I’m not sure about Greensboro yet.

Elvis sounds tired as he says good evening to the audience.

Proud Mary: This should be a drum-heavy song, but Ronnie Tutt is lower in the mix here than I would like. Nevertheless, this is a rockin’ version. However, much like “See See Rider,” nothing really distinguishes this one from other fine performances of this tune in 1972.

Never Been To Spain: This is an okay version of this song on Elvis’ part, with nothing standing out. “We’ll get the ending right one day,” he notes after completing it.

I must admit, I’m disappointed in this concert so far. I’d been looking forward to it. Hopefully things will pick up. I’m also hoping for a surprise or two in terms of the setlist (I have not read the accompanying booklet yet, which includes the track listing).

You Gave Me A Mountain: I’ve mentioned in previous reviews that this is a poor spot in the setlist to downshift to slow songs. “Polk Salad Annie” right here would be so much better. I love slow songs, but this should be a little later in the show. This is not an especially good version of “You Gave Me A Mountain,” either. Elvis again sounds tired.

Until It’s Time For You To Go

Polk Salad Annie: The Greensboro crowd reacts loudly as “Polk Salad Annie” begins. I love the wild Jerry Scheff bass guitar solos on the 1972 versions of the song, and this one is no exception. The bass could be a little louder in the mix, though, and poor Elvis still sounds tired.

Love Me: The crowd is definitely enthusiastic in Greensboro. Way to go, North Carolina!

All Shook Up: Elvis offers up a surprisingly spirited version. At least he doesn’t sound bored like he often does on this song.

Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel: I usually don’t enjoy the “oldies” section of the show in 1972, but Elvis again sounds enthusiastic on this medley.

Hound Dog: Well, that all just went out the window. Elvis really should have retired “Hound Dog” after 1970. This is a rather poor version.

Heartbreak Hotel: I normally like 1972 versions of “Heartbreak Hotel.” This one is good, though he gets distracted.

A Big Hunk O’ Love: Here we go! “A Big Hunk O’ Love” really takes off! Elvis says, “It’s your big chance, man” during Glen Hardin’s piano solo. I love how this song has two instrumental breaks, one for Glen and the other for James Burton on lead guitar. This should have happened more often. I love this song! So awesome!

Bridge Over Troubled Water: This version of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” appeared in the Elvis On Tour movie. I know some fans consider it Elvis’ best version ever, but I can’t grasp how they can think that when 1970 exists. In any event, it’s fun to hear a 1972 version of this song. As a teen, I remember being surprised to see this in Elvis On Tour when I watched it for the first time. I associated the song with 1970, for it was such a climactic moment in Elvis: That’s The Way It Is, and I didn’t realize he continued performing it after that year.

Suspicious Minds: All right, let’s do it right, Elvis! The start is fairly strong, for 1972. Overall, a decent version. It’s probably the best version of the three I’ve heard so far on this set – which isn’t necessarily a huge compliment. Why did Elvis allow his most recent #1 hit to become almost a throwaway?

As the band begins “Comin’ Home Baby” for the introductions portion of the show, Elvis says, “My first movie, ladies and gentlemen, was Love Me Tender. I’d like to sing that for you,” and the band quickly shifts into “Love Me Tender” instead.

Love Me Tender: A short but fine version. Includes the ad-lib, “You have made my suit turn blue, and I love you so.”

Elvis Presley performing at the Greensboro Coliseum on Friday, April 14, 1972 (MGM)

Comin’ Home Baby/Introductions By Elvis

For The Good Times: I really enjoyed the multiple attempts of “For The Good Times” on the Hollywood Studio CDs of this set. While I prefer studio versions of this song, this live version is still good. The female backing vocalists are more prominent in this mix than the usually male-dominated mixes of this particular song. I like it! Possibly my favorite live version of this song.

An American Trilogy: Dixie/Battle Hymn Of The Republic/All My Trials – This appeared in the Elvis On Tour movie. It’s a great version. I like the Hampton Roads version better, but I can see why they went with this one for the movie – it’s visually better than Hampton. This makes me want to watch the movie again. It’s been a few years.

Burning Love: Oh, cool! Elvis debuts his soon to be hit song, recorded only a couple of weeks earlier. You’ve gotta crank the sound up on this one. Go Elvis! Who cares if some of the words are wrong? It’s the feel of the song. That’s always been the case when listening to Elvis. This Greensboro version of “Burning Love” is possibly my second favorite live version, after San Antonio. I love James Burton’s guitar so much on these 1972 versions. I don’t know why he changed that sound for the 1973 Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii version.

Release Me: This one appeared in the excellent Elvis: The Lost Performances VHS video in 1992. It’s a good version of “Release Me,” but certainly anticlimactic after “Burning Love.”

Funny How Time Slips Away: This is a good 1972 version of “Funny How Time Slips Away.” It will probably be my go-to version for that year. This performance appears in Elvis On Tour. I love finally hearing these songs in context of the full shows. When multiple police officers pull a fan away after trying to reach Elvis on the stage, he says “Let her have that, let her have that, man,” to one of them, handing the officer a scarf to give to the overzealous fan. How cool.

Generally, this song indicates the show is almost over (because time is slipping away). I am hoping he squeezes in at least one more song before the “Can’t Help Falling In Love” finale, though. “Let me drink a little Gatorade, and I’ll sing another song for you,” he says. Maybe!

Can’t Help Falling In Love: Well, darn. The show is just about over. 1972 versions of “Can’t Help Falling In Love” are way too fast, but he does sound good here.

I really wish the show was a bit longer. Most Elvis concerts are around 60 minutes. This one clocks in at 62 minutes. For some reason, it feels shorter than that. The overall Greensboro experience feels unsatisfying compared to Hampton and San Antonio.

Well, 51 years later, I guess I shouldn’t complain since at least I get to hear this show at all. The first listen was definitely disappointing, but I enjoyed it more the second time through, including multiple highlights noted above. The sound is not as clear as Hampton or San Antonio, but it’s not horrible by any means.

“May the mountains yield prosperity for all, and may the hills be fruitful.”
Psalm 72:3

As Recorded At RCA Hollywood Studios: ELVIS ON TOUR – First Reactions

/ TY / 1 Comment

Before the 15-city, April 1972 concert series chronicled in MGM’s Elvis On Tour documentary even began, Elvis Presley already had a busy year.

In mid-January, Elvis began rehearsals for his next Las Vegas season – his sixth such month-long engagement since 1969. From January 26 to February 23, he performed 57 concerts at the Las Vegas Hilton. RCA recorded portions of various concerts in mid-February. Most of these recordings would go unreleased during Elvis’ lifetime. “An American Trilogy,” however, was released as a single in April, while “It’s Impossible” would appear the following year on the Elvis (Fool) album.

His wife, Priscilla, had moved out of Graceland in late 1971, and the couple formally separated on February 23. A month later, on March 27, Elvis began a recording session at RCA’s Hollywood Studios. The session lasted through March 29 and yielded the following masters:

  • Separate Ways (Single A-Side)
  • For The Good Times (Studio version unreleased until 1995)
  • Where Do I Go From Here (Album cut)
  • Burning Love (Single A-Side)
  • Fool (Single B-Side)
  • Always On My Mind (Single B-Side)
  • It’s A Matter Of Time (Single B-Side)

Though Elvis was not a songwriter, many of the songs he chose to record during the session reflected his personal life and featured heartbreaking lyrics about love lost:

Separate Ways: “Someday when she’s older, maybe she will understand why her mom and dad are not together. The tears that she will cry when I have to say goodbye will tear at my heart forever” (written by Red West and Richard Mainegra).

For The Good Times: “Hear the whisper of the raindrops flowing soft against the window, make believe you love me one more time” (written by Kris Kristofferson).

Fool: “Fool, you didn’t have to hurt her. Fool, you didn’t have to lose her. Fool, you only had to love her, but now her love is gone” (written by Carl Sigman and James Last).

Always On My Mind: “If I made you feel second-best, girl, I’m so sorry I was blind” (written by Mark James, Wayne Carson, and Johnny Christopher).

Due to its happy lyrics, the singer had to be goaded into recording “Burning Love,” the only rock ‘n’ roll number of the session. It became his last big hit on the pop charts.

On March 30, MGM’s camera crews arrived at the studio and began rolling for the Elvis On Tour documentary. For two days, Elvis and his band re-created the recording session they had just completed and then rehearsed for the upcoming tour. The majority of these recordings are captured on Discs 5 and 6 of Sony’s new Elvis On Tour set, the focus of today’s post. As I have done with the live recordings, this will mostly be a stream-of-consciousness approach as I listen to the discs for the first time – so bear with me.

Disc 5 kicks off with a slightly slower, gritty-sounding version of “Burning Love.” The sound is fantastic. Unfortunately, this version of “Burning Love” eventually falls apart. I really liked it!

After some studio chatter, another version of “Burning Love” kicks off. Still sounds great! Maybe Elvis will finish this one. I am really surprised how great this sounds. I honestly wasn’t looking forward to the studio discs on the set. I was more focused on the live concerts. Uh oh, a couple minutes in, and it sounds like it might turn into another long false start. All right, Elvis is back on track, maybe he will finish it. Close enough, anyway. I really enjoyed this version.

A third attempt at “Burning Love.” Sounds awesome! Definitely reminiscent of the master so far. Maybe Elvis will stay focused. The band sounds great! We’re closing on the ending. Maybe a complete version. I love it! Good thing I have my headphones on. I can really crank it up. Of course, this is probably why I have developed hearing problems.

Elvis sings a line of “Sweet, Sweet Spirit,” and then they are off into a rehearsal of “For The Good Times.” This is such a beautiful song.

I’m not sure why they never released Elvis’ studio version of “For The Good Times.” The live version recorded a few months later on As Recorded At Madison Square Garden, which is inferior, beat it to record stores, but surely they could have used it on a subsequent studio album? It seemed they were always trying to fill gaps on albums, so why not use a quality recording like this one that was just sitting in the vault?

Elvis sounds so good on this. His voice is perfect for this song. “For The Good Times” is one of those, like 1970’s “How The Web Was Woven,” where it’s fun even to listen to rehearsal snippets. There’s a lot of laughter and clowning around between takes. I’m glad his fellow performers are seemingly able to keep Elvis in good spirits during such a rough period.

“For The Good Times,” at least that I’ve heard so far, doesn’t work nearly as well in a live concert setting as it does here in the studio. While I do wish Elvis had tried “Always On My Mind” on stage, I suspect the same would have been true of that song.

I could listen to “For The Good Times” all day, which is a good thing, because there are apparently a lot of takes of this song on this set. I just like to close my eyes and listen to his voice.

Elvis sings a few lines of “El Paso” between takes, which I remember hearing before on FTD’s Elvis On Tour: The Rehearsals. Too bad he didn’t attempt a full version.

And suddenly they are rockin’ again with “Johnny B. Goode”! It falls apart quick, though. James Burton sounds so awesome on electric guitar. They launch it again, and it falls apart again just as Elvis begins to sing. I don’t know if this was the first session where Elvis is using headphones, but they seem really to bother him.

A third attempt… will they keep going this time? Oh, yes they will! This is the version which is excerpted at the beginning of the Elvis On Tour documentary and appears in full on the Elvis On Tour: The Rehearsals CD. It sounds great! The mix on this CD is incredible! Credit to Matt Ross-Spang.

Then we pick up in progress on a rehearsal of “Always On My Mind.” This is one of my favorite songs, specifically the version from This Is Elvis – which was recorded during this mock session. Though the term wasn’t in use back then, that version was a bit of a remix in that it had some 1981 overdubs, but the untampered version was later released on The Great Performances and Elvis On Tour: The Rehearsals. Though I still tend to gravitate towards the This Is Elvis version, I’m curious as how it will sound on this disc considering how incredible this session has sounded so far.

Elvis has started a proper version of the song now. It’s not the This Is Elvis take yet, but it sounds beautiful. It turns out to be a long false start, unfortunately. The song begins again, but the band is not together, so it stops.

Take 3, and it’s the one from This Is Elvis. It sounds good. I love James’ guitar part on this, rather than the steel guitar of the master version. This gives it more of a pop and less of a country feel. In the realm of lost Elvis opportunities after his death, one of the biggest is that the This Is Elvis remix version of “Always On My Mind” was not released as a single in 1981. Instead, Willie Nelson got the hit when he recorded and released his version in 1982. Nelson’s version became so popular that many people think the song originated with him.

Now we are on to “Separate Ways.” I was typing about “Always On My Mind” and missed it. I need to back the CD up. Okay, here we go. Track 16. This feels slower than usual. Too slow. This might be one of the takes used in the Elvis On Tour movie. Let’s see if he cuts it for being too slow.

I don’t know how Elvis sang the lines about Lisa Marie, which I excerpted above. I wouldn’t have been able to get through it.

“I think I can do it better,” Elvis says after the song concludes. How many times is he going to torture himself?

Some of the dialogue from Elvis On Tour is here, including Elvis saying, “Ronnie, it seems a little bit slow in the beginning.” It appears he didn’t actually cut the song in progress like the movie makes it appear, though. This next take still seems a bit too slow. It was also used in the movie.

Elvis Presley recording at RCA Hollywood Studios on Thursday, March 30, 1972 (MGM)

On to “Proud Mary” – so presumably the concert rehearsals have begun. It’s an okay version. Lots of microphone feedback at times. This is one where it works better in concert, I guess because Elvis played off the energy of the crowd. Ronnie Tutt is great on drums, of course.

“Never Been To Spain” is next, much like in the live show. Elvis did not do a studio version of a number of these songs, including “Proud Mary” and “Never Been To Spain,” so these rehearsals could have filled that gap – but Elvis is simply not focused enough. This portion of the CD is disappointing – though not unexpected. I’m glad the mock studio session portions were so great, at least.

Hmm…the rest of this disc and then all of another disc with this? Come on Elvis, get on it, man.

“You Gave Me A Mountain” is next. I’ve been enjoying the live versions from this set, even though it’s normally not a standout song for me. The first attempt is a false start due to more microphone feedback. This is another one without a formal studio version. Elvis sounds tired or slightly out of it. He stops the song early on.

And then we’re on to “Until It’s Time For You To Go,” which has been tiring on the live shows and is really no better here. I wish they had finished “You Gave Me A Mountain” instead.

I hope there aren’t ten takes of “Until It’s Time For You To Go” on here. Otherwise, it might be time for me to go!

Yay, “Polk Salad Annie” is next. Hopefully it’ll have some bass. The live discs I’ve played so far (Discs 1 & 4) have had a disappointing mix on this song, which features Jerry Scheff on bass guitar. Elvis doesn’t sound great here, I unfortunately have to say. I guess something happened between the excellent mock session on the 30th and the lackluster rehearsal so far on the 31st.

Well, I guess the rehearsal version doesn’t have the Scheff solo like the live versions do. I have played it back a couple of times, but I keep getting distracted in the middle of it by how Elvis sounds. So, it is actually possible I missed it. I don’t have the heart to play it again.

“Love Me” is next. He sounds a little better here. At least at the beginning. I don’t know. If only Elvis had taken some time off to get his life together instead of making this movie – but he just wasn’t like that. The Elvis Presley Show must go on.

That’s the end of CD 5. A strong start and a poor finish. I can’t say I’m too excited anymore about CD 6, which picks up where this one left off.

All right, I took a little break and put some LEGOs together with my bride. Now, on with the rehearsal.

Up first is “All Shook Up.” At least Elvis has some spunk in him at the beginning of this song. Then, it’s time for “Heartbreak Hotel.” Elvis continues to sound a little better, and James Burton is terrific as always on electric guitar. The “Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel” medley is up next. Elvis seems slightly more engaged with “Teddy Bear” than usual. Elvis then launches into the bluesy “Hound Dog” intro before accelerating into the full-speed version. You can tell he’s holding back here, which I think is fine for a rehearsal, actually. This is a song that thrives on an audience, so doing it with the band and a camera crew, I can see how it’s not that inspiring.

“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is up next. He had recorded the song in Nashville in 1971, and it would soon be the B-Side of “An American Trilogy” in April. I like the arrangement here better than the single version. The Ronnie Tutt drumming adds an extra dimension to it. It’s not one of my favorite songs, but it is better than “Until It’s Time For You To Go” – particularly in this arrangement.

“A Big Hunk O’ Love” picks the pace back up. It sounds good! I love how this arrangement is so respectful of his original 1958 version. After a decent version, Elvis has them run through it again. And it still sounds good! Elvis seems much better now than at the beginning of the rehearsal. I love this song, especially the 1972 and 1973 versions.

The band then tears into a great version of “See See Rider.” Elvis seems quite engaged on the song, even without an audience.

Next in the rehearsals for the live show, they run through “For The Good Times” – the first overlap with the mock session. It’s not as fantastic as the previous day, but it still sounds good. A second attempt sounds better, though it eventually falls apart. They go a third time. Elvis still sounding good. His voice really suits this song. He doesn’t like something, though, and he stops it early on, and they go a fourth time. I still like even these rehearsal versions better than the live versions I’ve heard thus far. That voice. Wow.

Elvis had recorded a studio version of “Funny How Time Slips Away” in 1970, after running through it live the previous year. They rehearse it next. The 1972 versions just don’t compare at all to the stellar 1970 studio version or even the 1969 live version. For 1972, this rehearsal isn’t a bad version, though. I like it better than the live versions I’ve heard of that year, at least.

Elvis rocks into “Burning Love” next, another overlap with the mock session of the previous day. And again, he doesn’t sound as good here. However, it’s still a fun version. This feels faster than the previous day as well. The first rehearsal attempt falls apart near the end, so they go a second time. Elvis sounds good. I love this mix.

I wish they would keep going with “Burning Love,” but instead they move to “Help Me Make It Through The Night,” which Elvis had recorded in 1971. It appeared the previous month on the album Elvis Now. It’s not a bad song, and Elvis is engaged on it.

“Can’t Help Falling In Love” is next. Too fast for my taste. An unremarkable version.

Elvis dips way back into his past with “Young And Beautiful,” a song from the movie Jailhouse Rock (1957). I would love to know how this one came about as a contender for his 1972 setlist. It has a decent arrangement and everything. Unfortunately, he did not put the song in the live show. This would have been far better than “Until It’s Time For You To Go,” for instance. I first heard this “Young And Beautiful” rehearsal on Elvis On Tour: The Rehearsals, and I have loved it ever since.

“Lawdy Miss Clawdy” sounds good. Elvis could still rock ‘n’ roll when he wanted. “Release Me” is next and sounds good as well. Elvis first recorded the song live during his early 1970 Las Vegas engagement. He sings slightly different lyrics in 1972, though. In 1970 he sings, “To live a lie would be a sin,” whereas in 1972 he sings, “To live a lie would bring us pain.” They run through “See See Rider” again for some reason. It sounds as good as earlier in the rehearsal. “See See Rider” is another song that made its debut in the early 1970 Vegas season. “Proud Mary,” again from the early 1970 Vegas season, is rehearsed a second time as well. This is much better than the version from the beginning of the rehearsal. Fantastic mix, too.

They run through “Never Been To Spain” again, too. Again, he sounds better than earlier in the rehearsal. I’m glad he hit these songs again so that we can have decent versions in this sound quality. If only they had done “Polk Salad Annie” again.

The rehearsals, which took place on Good Friday, close out with a number of inspirational songs. Up first is “I, John,” which Elvis had recorded in 1971 and would release on the He Touched Me album in April, which would earn Elvis his second Grammy award. It’s a fun version of the song. Next is a brief rendition of “Bosom of Abraham,” which has a similar feel and also appears on He Touched Me. This performance appears in the Elvis On Tour movie.

The group then sings “You Better Run.” There is real joy in this music, and I’m glad this aspect of Elvis was captured.

A great version of “Lead Me, Guide Me,” also from He Touched Me, is next. This performance appears in the Elvis On Tour movie as well.

The group closes out the rehearsal and the CD with a medley of additional inspirational songs: “Must Jesus Bear The Cross Alone/Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus/Nearer My God To Thee.” This is the kind of music Elvis sang when he was unwinding with friends, and it’s the perfect way to end the rehearsals.

These rehearsals had a rocky start, but finished strong. Overall, CDs 5 and 6 end up being winners.

Selected Sources

  • Elvis Presley: A Life In Music – The Complete Recording Sessions by Ernst Jorgensen, St. Martin’s Press, New York, 1998.
  • Elvis Day By Day: The Definitive Record Of His Life And Music by Peter Guralnick and Ernst Jorgensen, Ballantine Books, New York, 1999.
  • Elvis Presley In Concert, accessed February 12, 2023.
  • Keith Flynn’s Elvis Presley Pages, accessed February 12, 2023.
  • ELVIS: His Life From A To Z by Fred Worth and Steve Tamerius, Wings Books, New York, 1992.

“Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; Make thy way straight before my face.”
Psalm 5:8

As Recorded At San Antonio Convention Center: ELVIS ON TOUR – First Reactions

/ TY / 1 Comment

My last Elvis On Tour post was so off-the-cuff that I failed to give much background. MGM in 1972 filmed portions of Elvis Presley’s April concert tour for a documentary. Multitrack recorders captured audio from four of the concerts, which make up four of the six CDs of Sony’s Elvis On Tour set released last month (also released digitally in late 2022). Elvis’ record label released none of the audio recordings during his lifetime, and, until this release, only one of the four concerts had been officially available in audio form.

Here is the itinerary for the April 1972 concert tour, sourced from the 2010 Elvis On Tour Blu-ray book (Warner Home Video):

April 5: Buffalo, NY
April 6: Detroit, MI
April 7: Dayton, OH
April 8: Knoxville, TN (Afternoon Show)
April 8: Knoxville, TN (Evening Show)
April 9: Hampton Roads, VA (Afternoon Show)
April 9: Hampton Roads, VA (Evening Show) [Elvis On Tour CD 1]
April 10: Richmond, VA [Elvis On Tour CD 2]
April 11: Roanoke, VA
April 12: Indianapolis, IN
April 13: Charlotte, NC
April 14: Greensboro, NC [Elvis On Tour CD 3]
April 15: Macon, GA (Afternoon Show)
April 15: Macon, GA (Evening Show)
April 16: Jacksonville, FL (Afternoon Show)
April 16: Jacksonville, FL (Evening Show)
April 17: Little Rock, AR
April 18: San Antonio, TX [Elvis On Tour CD 4 | Close Up CD 4]
April 19: Albuquerque, NM

Elvis and his band played 19 shows for 15 straight days in 15 different cities. This must have been grueling. Last time I covered the previously unreleased Hampton Roads concert from the evening of Sunday, April 9, 1972. For today’s post, I’m going to jump ahead to Disc 4, which has a new mix of the San Antonio Convention Center concert from Tuesday, April 18, 1972. BMG released the first mix of this show way back in 2003. The reason I’m jumping ahead to this one is to “save” the remaining two previously unreleased concerts.

Elvis Presley performing at the San Antonio Convention Center on Tuesday, April 18, 1972 (MGM)

Though I stopped playing it once I heard this new set was coming, I already know this concert from Close Up, so there shouldn’t be any surprises here. I am curious to hear the new mix, however.

Also Sprach Zarathustra (Theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey) –  I just love this opening. So perfect for an Elvis concert. If I recall correctly, it was conductor Joe Guercio’s wife who came up with the idea for this piece to introduce Elvis.

See See Rider: People might find listening to four shows recorded within nine days to be boring, but I enjoy it. I think of it as if I was fortunate enough to follow Elvis on part of his tour. Of course you’d hear mostly the same songs, but there would always be a little something different in there, too. It does make reviewing a little difficult, though, because my thoughts are as similar as the song versions. Anyway, this is a strong “See See Rider,” and Elvis sounds better than he does at the beginning of Hampton.

Proud Mary: I first heard “Proud Mary” on the As Recorded At Madison Square Garden (June 10, 1972, Evening Show) album. While his 1970 versions of “Proud Mary” might be better (e.g., On Stage), the 1972 versions remain compelling, and this is one of the best from that year. This version also appears in the film.

Never Been To Spain: All-in-all, San Antonio has a better start than Hampton. Elvis seems more focused. This is a great version of “Never Been To Spain,” another song that I first heard on the Madison Square Garden album. This version is better, and it appears in the movie. I am enjoying this mix. Very clear. James Burton sounds terrific on lead guitar.

You Gave Me A Mountain: Introduced during his February 1972 Las Vegas engagement, “You Gave Me A Mountain” became a mainstay of Elvis’ setlist. The song appears in Elvis On Tour (1972) [Hampton Roads version], Aloha From Hawaii (1973), and Elvis In Concert (1977). The version here is solid.

Until It’s Time For You To Go: This song just doesn’t work well live. Even the studio version of “Until It’s Time For You To Go” should have simply been an album track rather than becoming a single. Elvis begins to lose some focus here. Hopefully, “Polk Salad” will get things back on track.

Polk Salad Annie: As with Hampton, Jerry Scheff on bass is way too low in the mix on what should be a highlight song for him. His solo does seem a tad louder here than Hampton, at least. A good version, but disappointing mix. When I am done, I will go back to Close Up and compare the mix for this song in particular.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the show,” Elvis says. This is probably the latest in a show I’ve heard Elvis welcome the audience. “I’d like to do some of my first records for you,” he continues, before jokingly singing a half-line of “Carry Me Back To Old Virginia.”

Wait, we are still in Texas, right? I guess Elvis wanted to go back to Virginia.

I don’t blame him.

Love Me: The only real interest here is the mix featuring James Burton.

All Shook Up

Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel

Heartbreak Hotel: Elvis first introduced this bluesy arrangement in his 1969 Las Vegas shows. A decent version for 1972.

Hound Dog: The bluesy “Heartbreak Hotel” nicely sets up the bluesy “Hound Dog” intro before Elvis launches into the song full bore. Madison Square Garden has a better take on the slow-to-fast “Hound Dog,” though.

How Great Thou Art: Oh, to have been there to see Elvis perform “How Great Thou Art” live. This is another stellar version of the song he first recorded in 1966. Glen Hardin features on piano.

I Can’t Stop Loving You: This was one of my favorite songs on the Madison Square Garden album (it is hard to talk about Elvis live in 1972 without mentioning that classic album). This is a great version. This is one of the very rare occasions where 1972 versions of a song equal or exceed Elvis’ 1969 and 1970 versions.

Love Me Tender

Suspicious Minds: James Burton’s guitar intro sounds fantastic on this. The more I repeatedly listened to Hampton after writing my review, the less I liked the “Suspicious Minds” on there. This one seems much better so far. Well, not so fast, Elvis sounds distracted again. I like when he has fun, but “Suspicious Minds” is one of his best songs and is a highlight of concerts from this era, so it is disappointing when a version is subpar. Madison Square Garden has it beat by a mile.

Comin’ Home, Baby/Introductions By Elvis: This version of the introductions appears in the Elvis On Tour movie.

For The Good Times: Elvis’ voice is so beautiful. At times, “For The Good Times” sounds like a lullaby. I love his phrasing on “Don’t say a word about to-mor-row or forever. There’ll be time enough for sadness when you leave me.”

Burning Love: Featured in the movie, this is a killer version of “Burning Love.” Much better than Aloha From Hawaii several months later. The James Burton heavy mix is perfect for this song, of course.

An American Trilogy: Dixie/Battle Hymn Of The Republic/All My Trials – Elvis substitutes “Disneyland” for “Dixieland” in the opening song of “An American Trilogy” before proceeding to perform an okay version. The orchestra is sloppy at times. Hampton remains his best version ever of “An American Trilogy.”

Funny How Time Slips Away: The 1970 studio version is so much better than any live version I’ve heard so far. This version of “Funny How Time Slips Away” is nothing special.

Can’t Help Falling In Love: Wow, the show seems short. I forgot to check the run time before starting the CD. Before “Funny How Time Slips Away,” Elvis said they weren’t leaving yet, and joked they still had 30 songs to go. I guess he really meant 2 songs to go. While San Antonio started stronger, Hampton is by far the better Elvis On Tour show of the two I’ve played so far.

So, it turns out the Texas show is just under 56 minutes long! About ten minutes shorter than Hampton.

I went back and played “Polk Salad Annie” from the 2003 Close Up set, and the bass is not very prominent on that mix, either. I’ve seen other fans theorize that it was a recording issue, so perhaps they’re on to something. (I’m reminded of Elvis shouting, “Bring that bass up!” during “Proud Mary” of this very concert.) With that in mind, I prefer the 2023 Elvis On Tour mix – at least based on a first listen. Incidentally, a few of these songs are in the actual movie, which has its own mix and, if I’m not mistaken, more prominent bass. The recording source could have been different, however. I’m no expert on the recording intricacies of Elvis’ films.

Not a bad show, and it was definitely a welcome highlight of the Close Up box back in the day, but it is not all that memorable compared to other shows of 1972. Arguably, the two showstoppers of a 1972 Elvis concert are “Suspicious Minds” and “An American Trilogy,” and both versions here are subpar.

“How Great Thou Art” is certainly a stand-out here, though, as are some others, including “Never Been To Spain” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” It may not be his best show, but Elvis still delivers.

“All the nations You made will come and bow before You, Lord; they will praise Your holy name.”
Psalm 86:9

As Recorded At Hampton Coliseum: ELVIS ON TOUR – First Reactions

/ TY / 2 Comments

Some Elvis Presley fans have been waiting over 50 years for his record label to release an extensive collection of audio from MGM’s 1972 concert documentary Elvis On Tour. Though there have been some scattered releases over the years, a comprehensive, six-volume set for Elvis On Tour audio finally appeared last month on digital and this week on CD. It’s been only about 30 years of waiting for me, though, as I wasn’t aware of the amount of Elvis On Tour recordings until the early 1990s.

While much of this material has been bootlegged in varying degrees of quality, the vast majority of it has not been officially released. As I tend to avoid bootleg releases, it appears my patience is finally being rewarded.

I don’t really feel like doing a formal review as I did for 2014’s similar That’s The Way It Is: Deluxe Edition, which covered MGM’s 1970 documentary of the same name. While there is less material here, I also have far less time and energy than I did back then. Instead, I am going to write in a “live” stream-of-consciousness type way. I hope you don’t mind. I plan to cover one CD in this first post.

I am cutting the packing tape off the outer shipping box now. I am really not into unboxing videos, but I’m sure you can find one from someone else out there. The packaging wasn’t the best. The outer case of the actual CD set is slightly bulged out on the top. However, it’s acceptable to me. I am liable to mar it myself at some point anyway. So, I’m proceeding to remove the shrink wrap. Otherwise, this would have been the shortest post ever as I arranged a return and exchange.

ELVIS ON TOUR (Sony, 2023) | Credit: Sony

The box art isn’t bad. I like the vintage style logos. Elvis has always looked a little “off” in Elvis On Tour to me, and that is reflected in many of the related photos.

It’s the music I care about, though, so on with Disc 1. I don’t even know which show is up first! Let’s see…

Well, the disc doesn’t even bother to say. Let me check the booklet.

Disc 1 is the Hampton Coliseum in Virginia, April 9, 1972. This concert formed the bulk of the Elvis On Tour movie, for which the four concerts included in this set were recorded and filmed. Outside of the film footage itself, only “An American Trilogy” from this Hampton show has been officially released on audio until now.

Let me hook up my headphones. I don’t want to blast the family out of the house.

The show is over 66 minutes – pretty long for an Elvis concert. He usually kept them at about an hour, probably due to the influence of his Las Vegas stints on his tour shows. The hotel’s priority in Vegas was to get the audience back out into the casino to gamble, so management did not like when his show lasted over an hour. While that wouldn’t have been a consideration as he criss-crossed the country on multiple tours throughout the 1970s, Elvis was definitely a creature of habit.

Also Sprach Zarathustra: Best known as the theme to MGM’s 1968 movie 2001: A Space Odyssey, “Also Sprach Zarathustra” is an exciting way to begin a concert – perfect for Elvis, despite having been written in 1896! It’s unfortunate that a “sound-alike” piece was used in the film itself in lieu of “Also Sprach Zarathustra” due to rights issues with the composition. The inferior piece, called “2001 Alternate,” was re-used in 1981’s This Is Elvis as well. As proven here, Elvis concerts used the real version, not the one you hear in the Elvis On Tour and This Is Elvis movies.

See See Rider: Right off the bat, Elvis sounds a little off. I know this is a good show, though, based on the movie, so I’m not too concerned. James Burton’s guitar sounds awesome! Matt Ross-Spang, who has a proven track record with Elvis releases, mixed this set, and the sound is exciting. This song was used in the 1972 film.

I Got A Woman: This track has audio issues on Elvis’ vocals. He is in the background only. A disappointing way to start the set, I have to say. This song is used in the movie without these kinds of issues. Okay, about a minute or so in, Elvis is now fully audible. Why wouldn’t they fix this? Some fans have done so, taking minutes. Why not a company with the resources of Sony? I will never understand these kinds of missteps on Elvis releases. Well, no matter, it’s just a minute, and on a lesser song at that.

“I’d like to tell you it’s a pleasure to be here in West Virginia,” Elvis jokes. And then we’re on to the next song.

Never Been To Spain: In the realm of useless trivia, former racecar driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s favorite song is Elvis’ version of “Never Been To Spain” (presumably from the As Recorded At Madison Square Garden album). Here in Hampton, this is a decent version. Again, James Burton on electric guitar is a highlight. This show sounds great!

You Gave Me A Mountain: Oh, Elvis, it’s too early in the set for such a downer song. But here we go. Just a few weeks into his separation from his wife Priscilla, this is where Elvis was at this time in his life, and I respect that he was attempting to heal through his music. “You Gave Me A Mountain” has never been a huge favorite of mine, but this is certainly a decent and committed version. You can hear the pain in his voice as he sings, “My woman got tired of the heartaches.” This rendition appears in the film.

Okay, I got bored during “You Gave Me A Mountain” and looked up what day of the week this concert was held. It was a Sunday.

Until It’s Time For You To Go: Elvis keeps the pace slow. This was one of his singles in 1972, and it wasn’t a good choice. His voice sure is pretty on it, though. I wasn’t even born when Elvis performed this show, but how I wish I could have somehow been there. I was only two when Elvis died, so never had the chance to see him in concert. In some ways, you could say my intense fandom of Elvis Presley is due to him being ripped away from the world too soon… and this has all been my quest to experience what it would have been like to witness Elvis first-hand.

Polk Salad Annie: Here we go! Elvis picks the pace back up. My first complaint as far as the mix on this CD, though, is that Jerry Scheff is way too buried in the mix on this song. This song is a showcase for Jerry on bass, but you can barely hear him. James dominates in the mix. Now, I love some James Burton, but this is Jerry’s song. Anyway, you’ll recognize this performance from the movie, too. It is great to hear the Sweet Inspirations at least – as this is a showcase song at times for them as well.

“I’d like to do a few oldies but goodies for you, ladies and gentlemen,” Elvis says before launching into “Love Me.” I believe this is the first time I’ve heard Elvis use that phrase – and about his own classic songs at that.

Love Me: It’s a typical 1972 version. In the recent past, he did it much better in 1970.

All Shook Up: The video of this one made its debut on Elvis: The Lost Performances VHS in 1992. This is its first official audio release. It’s really not that notable, however.

Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel: Also from Elvis: The Lost Performances, Elvis has fun with Glen D. Hardin by making him begin the song on piano multiple times before finally singing. This medley isn’t a favorite, but it’s a decent version. Unfortunately, the audio of the “Don’t Be Cruel” part of this performance was later used in the 2010 DVD & Blu-ray release of Elvis On Tour to replace “Johnny B. Goode” over the opening credits due to rights issues. New old stock of that release was included in the physical version of this Elvis On Tour set – i.e., the Blu-ray included in this 2023 set has the butchered opening from 2010. The real selling points of this release are the CDs. I see the Blu-ray as a free bonus disc. Best used as a drink coaster. For the proper opening, I recommend watching the movie by buying/renting a digital version or streaming it. Or catch it during a TV broadcast, of course (how quaint!).

Are You Lonesome Tonight: A beautiful rendition of one of my favorite songs. Featured in The Lost Performances, I’m thrilled finally to have this rendition in my collection at this sound quality.

“Please ‘Release Me,’ baby,” Elvis says, but Glen instead launches into “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” Getting Elvis back for that “Teddy Bear” fun?

I Can’t Stop Loving You: Okay, so I guess the whole segment from “All Shook Up” to “I Can’t Stop Loving You” was in The Lost Performances. Between that release and Elvis On Tour itself, we have most of this concert available in video form. I never thought it would take over 30 years for this audio from The Lost Performances to be released – much less 50 for the audio from the film proper.

Hound Dog: This has the “bluesy” intro, as later featured on the As Recorded At Madison Square Garden album (June 10, 1972). I practically grew up on that album, so I like it. This Hampton version has a little too much “scatting” from Elvis for my taste, though.

Bridge Over Trouble Water: Elvis absolutely conquered this song in 1970. By 1972, it just wasn’t the same, though. His voice sounds thin here. Elvis also had an unfortunate tendency to speed up a song over time. I guess to fit as much into those 60 minutes as possible.

Suspicious Minds: Wow, this feels way too early in the show for this song. This is a fast version, but he sounds good. His best versions are from 1969 and 1970, but if you can put that aside, the 1972 and 1973 versions are good on their own terms. Oh, to have been there! “Suspicious Minds” is one of those songs I always look forward to on a new-to-me concert. This one was a slight let-down due to Elvis playing around a bit with the audience, but still good. This was my Mom’s favorite song (specifically the Alternate Aloha version).

For The Good Times: Better than the sleepy version later recorded at Madison Square Garden.

Comin’ Home, Baby/Introductions By Elvis

An American Trilogy: Dixie/Battle Hymn Of The Republic/All My Trials – The video and audio from this first appeared in 1981’s This Is Elvis movie and album, albeit with additional instrumental overdubs added after Elvis’ 1977 death. That version is by far my favorite of “An American Trilogy.” The more authentic version here is unfortunately disappointing by comparison. The prominent scream from an audience member prior to the reprise of “Battle Hymn Of The Republic” is still there, at least (I used to wonder if that was overdubbed as well).

I mean, it’s still a great version, but it loses something in this mix. Or maybe due to not having the overdubs. Anyway, it’s wonderful finally to have it in the context of the full show. A version of this song recorded during a February Las Vegas show was another 1972 single for Elvis. While a powerful and dramatic song in concert, this didn’t make for a great single choice, either.

Love Me Tender: Not a bad version until ruined by Elvis joking near the end of the song.

A Big Hunk O’ Love: By 1972, Elvis wasn’t treating many of his “oldies but goodies” with very much respect. This one is an exception. Fantastic version. This appears in the movie.

How Great Thou Art: Stunning. Probably his best live version. The highlight of this show so far. This can also be viewed on The Lost Performances.

Sweet, Sweet Spirit (J.D. Sumner And The Stamps): I didn’t really “get” this song and thought it was a waste of time in Elvis On Tour until I finally saw the movie on the big screen in 2010. Watching Elvis become lost in the moment while hearing his backing vocalists perform this gospel song at his request was really something special, particularly while being part of the theater audience – and I wasn’t even saved yet at that point of my life.

Lawdy, Miss Clawdy: Oh no, based on what I remember from the movie, the show is nearing its end. No, Elvis, we want more! This is a great version for the 1970s. Probably the best one from that decade, at least of the ones I’ve heard, of course. This one appears in the movie.

Can’t Help Falling In Love: Noooo, the show is indeed ending! This rendition appears in the movie. What a terrific concert. Songs from throughout his career. Different styles. A strong voice.

All in all, a wonderful start to exploring the Elvis On Tour set.

Elvis Presley performing at the Hampton Coliseum on Sunday, April 9, 1972 (MGM)

“After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him.”
Matthew 3:16

THAT’S THE WAY IT IS: Six in the Summer of ’70 (Playlist Recipes #9)

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Elvis Presley performs “Polk Salad Annie” at the August 12, 1970, Midnight Show, in Las Vegas, Nevada, captured for the ELVIS: THAT’S THE WAY IT IS documentary film (MGM)

About seven years ago, I wrote a review of That’s The Way It Is: Deluxe Edition. The 2014 Elvis Presley boxed set included 8 CDs and 2 DVDs, and my review rambled on about them for nearly 10,000 words.

Despite the length of that review, there are some loose ends that I would finally like to begin tying up regarding my all-time favorite Elvis event. I don’t know how many posts this will actually take, and they won’t necessarily run sequential to one another, either. Such is the way of things when you ride The Mystery Train.

By the time of the That’s The Way It Is project, Elvis had already performed two month-long engagements at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. From July 31 to August 28, 1969, he performed 57 concerts, 11 of which RCA recorded in full near the end of the series and compiled into the Elvis In Person half of the From Memphis To Vegas/From Vegas To Memphis double album.

Elvis performed another 57-show engagement from January 26 through February 23, 1970. RCA recorded portions of nine shows from the middle of this engagement, which resulted in the core of the album On Stage.

MGM’s camera crews were rolling for the Elvis: That’s The Way It Is documentary as he began his 3rd engagement on August 10, 1970. Marketed as the “Elvis Summer Festival,” this one ran through September 8 and included 59 shows. RCA recorded the first 6 concerts in full–concluding with the August 13 Dinner Show. Only four of the live songs found their way onto the That’s The Way It Is album, which acted as a tie-in to the film but otherwise featured studio songs Elvis had recorded in June.

These first three engagements at the International Hotel include some of the greatest live performances of Elvis’ career, but the vast majority of the recordings languished away in RCA’s vaults until long after his death. While performances of individual songs were often superior in the two previous engagements, to the extent there was overlap, the overall shows in the third engagement, as captured for That’s The Way It Is, are better than any that preceded or followed them.

All right, if I’m not careful, I’ll be on the way to another unreadable 10,000 word post. I love this topic, but let’s get on with it.

To assist with today’s post, I created the following infochart covering the six concerts RCA recorded for That’s The Way It Is. The numbers in the concert columns represent the sequence he performed those songs in that particular show.

Elvis Presley Summer 1970 Setlists Infochart | Compiled by Tygrrius

Focusing on the 6 shows that RCA recorded in the course of 4 days, Elvis performed only 6 of the songs at every single concert:

  • That’s All Right
  • Love Me Tender
  • You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’
  • Polk Salad Annie
  • Bridge Over Troubled Water
  • Can’t Help Falling In Love

All of these are strong highlights, with only a couple of exceptions in individual shows.

The following songs appeared in 5 of the 6 concerts:

  • Hound Dog
  • I Just Can’t Help Believin’
  • Heartbreak Hotel
  • Suspicious Minds

Of these, the highlights are tremendous versions of “Suspicious Minds” and “I Just Can’t Help Believin'”. While the “Suspicious Minds” live performances are not quite as good as his August 1969 renditions, the August 1970 versions are still stellar and far better than the ones captured in February 1970. Though again inferior to 1969, “Hound Dog” and “Heartbreak Hotel” remain entertaining at this point and are not yet the throwaways they would unfortunately soon become – particularly “Hound Dog.”

Not including snippets, the following songs appeared in only 1 of the 6 concerts:

  • The Next Step Is Love
  • Don’t Cry Daddy/In The Ghetto
  • Stranger In The Crowd
  • Make The World Go Away
  • Twenty Days And Twenty Nights
  • The Wonder Of You
  • Don’t Be Cruel
  • Little Sister/Get Back
  • I Was The One
  • Are You Lonesome Tonight

All of the one-off songs have something to offer. One of the great “misses” of the time period, in my opinion, is “Stranger In The Crowd” not being chosen and promoted as a single for That’s The Way It Is, in lieu of “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me.” The “Stranger In The Crowd” studio track is amazing, and his subsequent rehearsals with his core rhythm group for the live show prove it could have been dynamite. Unfortunately, the sole live version is marred by featuring too much of the Imperials vocal group and the orchestra’s horns. If only the Elvis team had worked out a simpler arrangement that was closer to those early rehearsals.

As it was his most recent hit at the time of these concerts, it is interesting that Elvis performed “The Wonder Of You” only once during the six shows.

Featuring Elvis on electric guitar, “Little Sister/Get Back,” “I Was The One,” “Love Me” (August 12 version only), and “Are You Lonesome Tonight” are all top-notch. Even the non-guitar version of “Love Me” (August 11) is a stand-out and far better than any post-1970 version.

With revised arrangements, “Words” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You” are two songs Elvis improves in Summer 1970 over his Summer 1969 performances.

Other highlights of the overall six-concert span include “Mystery Train/Tiger Man” (of course) and “Just Pretend.”

These are darn-near perfect shows. The only major Elvis categories they are lacking are gospel and the blues. It is unfortunate that Elvis did not perform “Oh Happy Day” at any of these concerts, despite having rehearsed it at the last minute, as he surely would have recorded a superlative version at this time in his career. However, the gospel sound is certainly present on a few of the secular recordings, including showstoppers “I Just Can’t Help Believin'” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” As for the blues, some of that influence can certainly be heard in the aforementioned electric guitar segment from the August 12 Midnight Show.

Here is my “August 1970 Ultimate Show” playlist recipe for this concert engagement. As noted, Elvis’ setlist varied widely each night, so no single show actually contained all of these songs. In fact, such a concert would have been longer than any show Elvis actually gave in his entire life, to my knowledge.

  1. Opening Riff/That’s All Right (August 10, 1970, Opening Show [OS])
  2. Mystery Train/Tiger Man (August 12, 1970, Midnight Show [MS])
  3. I Got A Woman (August 13, 1970, Dinner Show [DS]
  4. Hound Dog (August 11, 1970, MS)
  5. Love Me Tender (August 11, 1970, MS)
  6. The Next Step Is Love (August 10, 1970, OS)
  7. Just Pretend (August 11, 1970, MS)
  8. Don’t Cry Daddy/In The Ghetto (August 13, 1970, DS)
  9. Men With Broken Hearts/Walk A Mile In My Shoes (August 11, 1970, MS)
  10. I’ve Lost You (August 11, 1970, DS)
  11. There Goes My Everything (August 11, 1970, MS)
  12. I Just Can’t Help Believin’ (August 12, 1970, DS)
  13. Stranger In The Crowd (August 13, 1970, DS)
  14. Words (August 12, 1970, MS)
  15. Something (August 11, 1970, MS)
  16. Make The World Go Away (August 13, 1970, DS)
  17. Patch It Up (August 10, 1970, OS)
  18. Sweet Caroline (August 12, 1970, MS)
  19. I Can’t Stop Loving You (August 11, 1970, DS)
  20. Twenty Days And Twenty Nights (August 12, 1970, DS)
  21. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ (August 12, 1970, MS)
  22. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me (August 10, 1970, OS)
  23. Polk Salad Annie (August 12, 1970, MS)
  24. The Wonder Of You (August 13, 1970, DS)
  25. Heartbreak Hotel (August 12, 1970, MS)
  26. One Night (August 12, 1970, MS)
  27. Don’t Be Cruel (August 11, 1970, MS)
  28. Blue Suede Shoes (August 12, 1970, MS)
  29. All Shook Up (August 12, 1970, MS)
  30. US Male (August 11, 1970, MS)
  31. Little Sister/Get Back (August 12, 1970, MS)
  32. I Was The One (August 12, 1970, MS)
  33. Love Me (August 12, 1970, MS)
  34. Are You Lonesome Tonight (August 12, 1970, MS)
  35. Bridge Over Troubled Water (August 11, 1970, DS)
  36. Suspicious Minds (August 12, 1970, MS)
  37. Can’t Help Falling In Love (August 12, 1970, MS)

Though I did not structure it this way on purpose, all 6 shows are represented in this “best of” playlist. If you want an even fuller compilation, you could even include “Introductions By Elvis” from the August 12 Midnight Show after “Polk Salad Annie” and before “The Wonder Of You.”

As you can probably predict from the above playlist, my favorite show of the Summer 1970 engagement is the August 12 Midnight Show (disc 6 of 2014’s That’s The Way It Is: Deluxe Edition and disc 2 of 2000’s That’s The Way It Is: Special Edition). In fact, this is my favorite Elvis concert ever. It features an impeccable setlist, Elvis in top form, and the fun electric guitar segment.

Though he still had many stellar recordings and accomplishments ahead of him, Elvis was never quite as awesome again as he was in Summer 1970. I am grateful we have so much material from that time period to enjoy. I wouldn’t be as strong an Elvis fan without the magic of That’s The Way It Is.

Blessings,
TY

“We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.”
Psalm 33:20-22

REVIEW: Elvis – The Complete Masters Collection (Part 7)

/ TY / 6 Comments

This is Part 7 of an occasional series reviewing Elvis: The Complete Masters Collection.

[Read Part 6]

ELVIS: THE COMPLETE MASTERS COLLECTION – VOLUME 9 CD sleeve (2009, from Tygrrius’ collection) | Click image for full-color version

CD Vol. 9: Rhythm & Blues

One of the fun parts about bringing back The Mystery Train Blog is the potential to continue old series, such as Elvis Trivialities, and to revisit other loose ends from the first iteration of this blog.

One of those loose ends was my ongoing review of Elvis: The Complete Masters Collection. At first, however, I hesitated to continue reviewing a 36-CD set that came out 11 years ago and is now long out-of-print. Then, I realized, if I were to apply a “newness” rule to potential topics here on The Mystery Train Blog, we’d have little left to discuss. After all, Elvis Presley created his most recent recordings over 43 years ago now. With that in mind, on with the review!

Since it has been over 7 years since I wrote Part 6 of this review, I first want to reset the stage. Back in 2007, Sony digitally remastered for optimum sound quality all 711 of the recordings Elvis released during his lifetime. With various exceptions, the mixes matched the original vinyl releases. Vic Anesini performed the mastering work. These upgraded digital masters slowly began popping up on various compilations and re-releases.

In 2009, the Franklin Mint licensed the upgraded digital masters from Sony to release Elvis: The Complete Masters Collection on CD. At the time, there were two ways to buy the set – as a monthly subscription (3 discs a month for a year, “cancel anytime!”) or as an outright purchase of the entire set (36 discs) at a lower price than the combined total of all the monthly subscription fees. Each CD represented a theme, so the majority of the discs featured new sequencing and combinations compared to previous releases of this material. Unfortunately, within each individual disc, Franklin Mint generally sequenced the songs in recording order. I do appreciate the creativity behind dividing Elvis’ vast catalog into themes, but I wish they had taken this a step further and applied such creativity to more of the track sequencing as well. The Franklin Mint set also included a 24-page booklet, a record-player style display case, and a reproduction of Elvis’ first record, “That’s All Right” b/w “Blue Moon of Kentucky” on the Sun label.

In 2010, Sony released a high-end boxed set called The Complete Elvis Presley Masters. It featured the same 711 upgraded digital masters as the Franklin Mint set, but in 27 CDs – due to using more space per CD than Franklin Mint (for which, obviously, the higher disc count benefited them for their subscription program). The Sony set included three additional discs of “bonus material” in lesser sound quality, featuring various previously released tracks that came out after Elvis’ death. For the most part, the 711 masters were presented in “recording order” on the Sony set, which also included a 240-page book covering all of Elvis’ recording sessions. The first run of the Sony set was limited to 1,000 copies, numbered. It rapidly sold out, so a second, unnumbered run of 1,000 was produced in 2011 and eventually sold out as well. The luxurious Sony set cost about twice as much as the comparatively low-budget approach of the Franklin Mint set. Yet, I could never get out of my head that the underlying “complete masters” on both sets were exactly the same. The massive difference in price was solely due to the Sony set’s premium presentation and book, not the music itself.

As I already had nearly all of Elvis’ lifetime masters in varying sound quality on a myriad of CDs dating back to the late 1980s, I passed on both the Franklin Mint and Sony sets at the time of release. They were both out of my price range, anyway. In 2012, Franklin Mint began offering their entire set at a substantially reduced price. Wanting the opportunity to own all of Elvis’ lifetime masters in consistent and upgraded sound quality, I jumped on it and, naturally, started reviewing it here. At first, I would only allow myself to listen to a CD from the set for the first time when I wrote a review about it. Fortunately, my impatient side won out over my procrastination side, and I dropped that concept, or I suppose I would only now be listening to disc 9 for the first time! Not to mention the other 27 discs that would have been waiting behind it.

In 2016, Sony re-released the upgraded masters in yet another boxed set. The 60 CD Elvis Presley: The Album Collection featured essentially the same masters spread over even more discs than Franklin Mint did, but this time, for the most part, in sequence of their original album releases. As I backed up the Franklin Mint set to iTunes, I can sequence the songs in any way I please, so I passed on this Sony release, too. Of the three sets, this is the one that is the easiest to obtain in 2020, however, and is relatively affordable given the contents. Be sure to read reviews by Elvis fans before investing, though, as Elvis Presley: The Album Collection has its own eccentricities you should know about – much like Elvis: The Complete Masters Collection and The Complete Elvis Presley Masters do as well. Bottom line is, unless you are simply an obsessive collector that wants to own every single Elvis CD release, there is really no reason to obtain more than one of these three sets. Were I in the market for these masters today, I would go for Elvis Presley: The Album Collection, simply because it is the easiest to find at a reasonable price.

With that out of the way, the theme and title of the ninth volume of Franklin Mint’s Elvis: The Complete Masters Collection is Rhythm & Blues. This should be a treat!

ELVIS: THE COMPLETE MASTERS COLLECTION – VOLUME 9 CD (2009, from Tygrrius’ collection) | Click image for full-color version

01. My Baby Left Me: Now, this is how you kick off an Elvis CD! Due to its similarity to “That’s All Right” (both written by Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup), I think “My Baby Left Me” gets lost in the shuffle sometimes. This is unfortunate, as it is an incredible recording – one of my favorites from Elvis’ breakout year. (Recorded: 1956)

02. So Glad You’re Mine: “So Glad You’re Mine” is another Crudup number, but this one is not nearly as effective as “That’s All Right” or “My Baby Left Me.” Elvis sounds bored. I am thankful Elvis happened to record “My Baby Left Me” prior to “So Glad You’re Mine” or Franklin Mint certainly would have started the CD with this song instead of the superior “My Baby Left Me.” (Recorded: 1956)

03. Anyplace Is Paradise: While Elvis’ performance is sometimes lacking on “Anyplace Is Paradise,” I love the lyrics, including: “Whether we’re standing on your doorstep or sitting in a park or strolling down a shady lane or dancing in the dark, where I can take you in my arms and look into your pretty eyes, anyplace is paradise when I’m with you.” If only this song had a better arrangement and approach, it could have been a classic love song. (Recorded: 1956)

04. Tell Me Why: Recorded at the same session as “All Shook Up,” “I Believe,” and others, “Tell Me Why” is hardly a standout with a sleepy performance by Elvis – similar to “So Glad You’re Mine.” (Recorded: 1957)

05. When It Rains, It Really Pours: Things get back on track here in a big way with “When It Rains, It Really Pours.” This is Elvis at his raw, powerful best. (Recorded: 1957)

06. Ain’t That Loving You Baby: When I visited Graceland in 1990, “Ain’t That Loving You, Baby” was one of the three songs that seemed to play on a constant loop at the various facilities and souvenir shops. This was long before the days of SiriusXM’s Elvis Radio channel broadcasting from Graceland, so I guess all they had was this little loop of three songs (the other two were “Playing For Keeps” [1956] and “For The Heart” [1976]). Anyway, for that reason, “Ain’t That Loving You, Baby” is memorable to me. Otherwise, it is just an okay performance. (Recorded: 1958)

07. A Mess Of Blues: The CD kicks into stereo mode with the awesome “A Mess Of Blues.” I love hearing all of the claps, finger snaps, and other noises. Just a fun song. No surprise, since it was written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman. (Recorded: 1960)

08. It Feels So Right: “It Feels So Right” is another good one. The CD is plugging along just fine now. (Recorded: 1960)

09. Like A Baby: “Like A Baby” is another often overlooked Elvis track. This is another of my favorites, and it fits perfectly on this CD. Not only is the Elvis vocal perfect, I love the saxophone accompaniment by Boots Randolph. (Recorded: 1960)

10. Fever: I have to say, “Fever” feels completely out of place here. I suspect it was deposited here by the compiler after not finding a suitable spot for it on another disc. It is also the one song on this CD that is not in recording order, as “Reconsider Baby” preceded it. In any event, I am not a big fan of Elvis’ studio recording of this song. (Recorded: 1960)

11. Reconsider Baby: Here it is, friends, Elvis’ best blues performance – his 1960 studio version of Lowell Fulson’s “Reconsider Baby,” and again accompanied by the incredible Boots Randolph on sax. One of Elvis’ greatest recordings and certainly the highlight of this CD. Not to be missed. (Recorded: 1960)

12. I Feel So Bad: After his release from the US Army, Elvis was on fire in the early 1960s. “I Feel So Bad” is another stellar blues number from this period, written by Chuck Willis. More great sax work from Boots. Be sure to listen for the sax switching from the left to the center channel during his solo. According to legend, Elvis walked up to Boots to enjoy the moment, accidentally picking up the sound of the sax with his handheld vocal microphone. Elvis knew what he was after, and the feel of the take was perfect, so the sound oddity was left in. (Recorded: 1961)

13. Witchcraft: What I love about “Witchcraft” is how it starts off as this unassuming little song with cutesy rhymes, and then kicks into a rockin’ chorus. Each time Elvis goes into “my head is spinning,” he gets a little more forceful. More Boots on sax. This is a killer song. (Recorded: 1963)

14. Down In The Alley: “Down In The Alley” was a bit of an acquired taste for me, but it is a decent blues number and fits well on this CD. (Recorded: 1966)

15. Big Boss Man: Thanks to Jerry Reed on guitar, “Big Boss Man” seems a hybrid of blues and country. Elvis sounds committed, but this is not a huge favorite of mine. (Recorded: 1967)

16. Hi-Heel Sneakers: I love the raw sound of Elvis’ voice on “High Heel Sneakers,” a fun blues number – which sounds like a contradiction in terms! But how can you not love lyrics like, “Put on your red dress, baby, ’cause we’re going out tonight. Well, wear some boxing gloves, in case some fool might start a fight.” (Recorded: 1967)

17. U.S. Male: What is “US Male” doing on a rhythm and blues compilation? This belongs on one of the country compilations instead. Anyway, this is a fun, if dated, song, featuring songwriter Jerry Reed on guitar. Completely out of place here, though. (Recorded: 1968)

18. Stranger In My Own Home Town: Elvis recorded Percy Mayfield’s “Stranger In My Own Home Town” at his first Memphis sessions in 14 years. I first discovered this song when it served as the power opener to The Memphis Record (1987). I have loved it ever since. I am partial to The Memphis Record mix, but this original mix is decent, especially in improved sound quality over previous CD releases. I’m with Elvis, who says, “Play it again, play it again” during one of the instrumental breaks. This is another one where I really love the lyrics: “My so-called friends stopped being friendly, but you can’t keep a good man down.” (Recorded: 1969)

19. Got My Mojo Working/Keep Your Hands Off Of It: This is an off-the cuff jam that was captured during Elvis’ “marathon” session in Nashville in June 1970. A heavily edited and overdubbed version of “Got My Mojo Working/Keep Your Hands Off Of It” was used on the ill-advised Love Letters From Elvis album, which essentially gathered scraps left over by two of the very best albums of his career, That’s The Way It Is and Elvis Country. Among left-overs, this song is a standout. As for this CD, it drags down the quality after “Stranger In My Own Home Town.” (Recorded: 1970)

20. If You Don’t Come Back: Though written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who penned many of Elvis’ best songs in the 1950s, “If You Don’t Come Back” is a bit of a departure for Elvis. It is an interesting listen, and I particularly enjoy the vintage 1970s wakka-chukka guitar licks. (Recorded: 1973)

21. Just A Little Bit: Continuing the groove of “If You Don’t Come Back,” “Just A Little Bit” is another fun song. Both were recorded at Stax Studio in Memphis. (Recorded: 1973)

22. Shake A Hand: I have to say, Franklin Mint really lucked out on the sequencing of this one. Since they are intent on recording order, “Shake A Hand” just happened to fall last, yet is actually the perfect song to close this CD. I love this performance by Elvis, and the sound is crystal clear. This is a bass-heavy song in terms of sound, and the drums really drive it. (Recorded: 1975)

What a great CD! Of Franklin Mint’s unique, themed compilations (I am excluding Volume 4: Christmas With Elvis, Volume 5: Complete Aloha From Hawaii Concert and Volume 7: Complete 1968 Comeback Special from that label), this is my favorite so far. This is actually a CD or playlist that I would routinely enjoy. Sony should put this compilation out as a single CD, maybe as a budget release.

Let’s see, up next would be Volume 10: Live In Las Vegas. It compiles the albums Elvis In Person and On Stage, which we already know are among the best albums of his career. Seeing as how I recently devoted four posts to Elvis’ 1969 Las Vegas shows, I will either skip to another CD for the next review in this occasional series or wait another seven years to write Part 8. You just never know with me.

Blessings,
TY

“The rich and poor have this in common: The LORD made them both.”
Proverb 22:2

A Squirrel Loose at the Big, Freaky International Hotel (Part 4: The Epic Conclusion) [Playlist Recipes #7]

/ TY / 4 Comments

This is the finale of a 4-part look at Sony’s 2019 Elvis Live 1969 boxed set, which contains all 11 concerts RCA recorded during Elvis Presley’s August 1969 engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas.

[Read Part 1 | Read Part 2 | Read Part 3]

To paraphrase Elvis, there ain’t no end to this post, baby! I have committed not to push this review to five parts, however, as to move on to other topics next week.

That said, I still want to delve into some song and show specifics for the 1969 engagement, so today’s post is going to run long, amounting to a double ride. No extra charge. To help with this portion of the discussion, my analytical side provided the following infochart.

Elvis Presley Summer 1969 Setlists Infochart | Click image for larger version | Compiled by Tygrrius

Though not part of the 11-CD Elvis Live 1969 boxed set, which focuses on RCA’s multitrack recordings, I included the informal soundboard recording from the early days of the engagement for reference as well. To date, its only official CD release as a more-or-less “full” show remains FTD’s The Return To Vegas. It would have made a great bonus disc on the Elvis Live 1969 set, as the overall feel of this show is slightly different than a few weeks later, and it even features an extended version of “Mystery Train” and a couple of alternate arrangements. Perhaps it was a cost-saving measure.

Anyway, focusing on the 11 shows that RCA recorded, Elvis performed 13 of the songs every single night – most of which formed the beginning and end of the shows. Of these, the strongest are “Suspicious Minds,” “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” “Runaway,” “In The Ghetto,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and “All Shook Up.” With the studio version released as a single during this engagement and destined to become Elvis’ last number one hit, “Suspicious Minds” is particularly stunning. The 1969 live version stands as an incredible example of how Elvis reinvented his sound for these shows.

Most disappointing among the core songs are “Jailhouse Rock/Don’t Be Cruel” and “Baby, What You Want Me To Do.” “Jailhouse Rock” pales in comparison to the 1957 studio master as well as the 1968 live master. Both it and “Baby, What You Want Me To Do” notably lack the raw power and punch of the ELVIS television special performances from the previous summer. Understandably, there is a difference between performing 4 shows in 2 nights for a television special versus 57 shows in 29 nights for this Vegas engagement. Elvis no doubt needed to save his voice, but these performances in particular come up short.

Though many others are nearly as good, the one song Elvis improves in 1969 over his 1968 rendition is the “Tiger Man” portion of “Mystery Train/Tiger Man,” fueled by James Burton on lead guitar and Ronnie Tutt on drums. Like “Suspicious Minds,” the powerhouse “Mystery Train/Tiger Man” is a true highlight of this engagement. Unfortunately, Elvis drops it in favor of “Johnny B. Goode” for a couple of the shows. Now, one of those “Johnny B. Goode” performances was quite incredible and made it onto Elvis In Person, but I wish Elvis had dropped something else on those two occasions to make room for it, such as “Runaway.” That is no slam on “Runaway,” which I absolutely love and is among the highlights of the engagement for me.

A better substitution that Elvis provides on four nights is replacing the weak “Memories” with “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” I enjoy the studio versions of “Memories,” as recorded for the 1968 ELVIS special, but it just never worked live.

Additional highlights of the overall 11-concert span include three performances of “My Babe” and several of “Are You Lonesome Tonight.”

Of the one-off songs, the only one that really stands out from a performance perspective is “Reconsider Baby,” the blues song that Elvis returned to time and again over the years. “Rubberneckin’,” “Inherit The Wind,” and the abysmal “This Is The Story” are notable solely because these are the only live versions available. “Rubberneckin'” would have worked better with an arrangement closer to the funky studio master.

Though released as a limited edition 2-record set earlier in 2019, the August 23 Dinner Show makes its CD debut here. Not a single performance had previously been released on CD from this show – the only such concert on the set. The show is also unusual in that the Imperials backing group is not present, leaving full duties to the Sweet Inspirations – my preference, anyway. The show features exceptional versions of “Mystery Train/Tiger Man,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight,” “I Got A Woman,” and “What’d I Say” – the last of which benefits from a shorter rendition than the other shows.

“I had sideburns. Long hair. Fourteen years ago, it was weird. You think it’s weird now? Fourteen years ago, I couldn’t walk around the street: ‘Get him! Get him! […] He’s a squirrel.’ So I was […] shaking. In fact, that’s how I got in this business was shaking. It may be how I get out of it, too.”
–Elvis Presley, 1969

Four weeks ago now, I decided to write a post where I would share what I consider the best version of every song that RCA recorded during the Summer 1969 engagement. “I will kick it off by mentioning the Elvis Live 1969 boxed set from last year,” I thought – not intending to write a review. It would be a couple paragraphs and then the song list. Done. An easy post to warm up the engine of The Mystery Train Blog again.

Well, here we are, 4 weeks, 4 posts, and over 4,500 words later, and I am finally coming to the original intent of that very first post (after, of course, having written a rather haphazard review after all).

Before I backed up these shows to iTunes, I separated out the majority of the talking portions as their own tracks (oh, if only Sony would do this, it would save me so much time). This allows me to create playlists more focused on the music – which improves the 1969 experience to a huge degree. To an extent, you can replicate this by pressing skip at the end of most tracks, as Sony normally places all of the talking at the end of a track (even if that talking introduces the next song, another pet peeve of mine — but that’s why I just save them the way I want them).

Here is my “August 1969 Ultimate Show” playlist recipe for this concert engagement. As we just discussed, Elvis’ setlist varied to some extent each night, so no single show actually contained all of these songs.

Disc references are to the Elvis Live 1969 set, but of course, you could use any available previous release as well. This playlist clocks in at about 71 minutes, keeping in mind my iTunes versions of the tracks have most of the talking trimmed out to separate tracks.

  1. Opening Riff/Blue Suede Shoes (8/25/1969 Dinner Show [DS]) 2:36 (Disc 8)
  2. I Got A Woman (8/23/1969 DS) 3:05 (Disc 4)
  3. All Shook Up (8/26/1969 Midnight Show [MS]) 1:32 (Disc 11)
  4. Love Me Tender (8/26/1969 MS) 2:21 (Disc 11)
  5. Jailhouse Rock/Don’t Be Cruel (8/24/1969 DS) 2:12 (Disc 6)
  6. Heartbreak Hotel (8/24/1969 DS) 1:56 (Disc 6)
  7. Hound Dog (8/22/1969 DS) 1:48 (Disc 2)
  8. Memories (8/25/1969 DS) 2:50 (Disc 8)
  9. I Can’t Stop Loving You (8/25/1969 MS) 2:36 (Disc 9)
  10. My Babe (8/22/1969 MS) 2:00 (Disc 3)
  11. Mystery Train/Tiger Man (8/22/1969 MS) 3:21 (Disc 3)
  12. Johnny B. Goode (8/24/1969 MS) 2:10 (Disc 7)
  13. Baby, What You Want Me To Do (8/25/1969 MS) 1:52 (Disc 9)
  14. Funny How Time Slips Away (8/22/1969 MS) 2:21 (Disc 3)
  15. Surrender (8/21/1969 MS) 0:29 (Disc 1)
  16. Runaway (8/23/1969 MS) 2:16 (Disc 5)
  17. Loving You (8/23/1969 DS) 0:21 (Disc 4)
  18. Are You Laughing Tonight (8/26/1969 MS) 2:53 (Disc 11)
  19. Reconsider Baby (8/23/1969 MS) 3:28 (Disc 5)
  20. Words (8/24/1969 MS) 2:31 (Disc 7)
  21. Yesterday/Hey Jude (8/25/1969 DS) 4:15 (Disc 8)
  22. Inherit The Wind (8/26/1969 DS) 2:52 (Disc 10)
  23. Rubberneckin’ (8/26/1969 MS) 2:21 (Disc 11)
  24. This Is The Story (8/26/1969 MS) 2:46 (Disc 11)
  25. In The Ghetto (8/25/1969 DS) 2:47 (Disc 8)
  26. Suspicious Minds (8/25/1969 MS) 7:14 (Disc 9)
  27. What’d I Say (8/23/1969 DS) 1:57 (Disc 4)
  28. Can’t Help Falling In Love (8/26/1969 DS) 2:10 (Disc 10)

While it was not my intent, nor even a consideration in crafting this list, it turns out that all 11 shows are represented – an indication of Elvis’ strength and consistency during this Vegas engagement (though the August 21 Midnight Show barely squeaks in with a short version of “Surrender”).

For those of you who want to include them (you know who you are), you could slot in the “Monologue” career retrospective from the August 24 Dinner Show before “Baby, What You Want Me To Do” and add “Introductions By Elvis” from the August 21 Midnight Show prior to “In The Ghetto.” This adds less than nine minutes, resulting in a total length of just under 80 minutes for the August 1969 Ultimate Show. That’s right in line with the length of the August 23 Midnight Show, but with nine more songs due to less talking throughout.

After careful analysis, my favorite show of the 1969 engagement is the August 25 Midnight Show, disc 9 of Elvis Live 1969 and previously released on FTD’s excellent Hot August Night. It features top-notch versions of “Mystery Train/Tiger Man,” “Suspicious Minds,” “Runaway,” “My Babe,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight,” “Hound Dog,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “All Shook Up,” “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” among others. In fact, 7 of the 12 masters that RCA chose for Elvis In Person came from this show. That is probably the only reason it is not better represented in my August 1969 Ultimate Show playlist above, as I was tending to avoid master versions in the event of a tie with another version. Elvis may have put a little extra into this particular show due to the celebrities in attendance, including Tom Jones, Nancy Sinatra, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Buddy Hackett, and Shelley Fabares.

ELVIS LIVE 1969 (Sony, 2019) | Click image for larger, full-color version | Original image credit: Sony

“If I take time out to drink water, just look at me and say, ‘Is that him? I thought he was bigger than that. Squirrelly-looking guy.'”
–Elvis Presley, 1969

If you’re not in for the whole Elvis Live 1969 boxed set, 2010’s On Stage: Legacy Edition (Sony) is probably sufficient for casual or budget-minded fans, as it neatly highlights Elvis’ Summer 1969 and Winter 1970 Vegas engagements on 2 CDs and can still be found for about $12 US. CD 2 features Elvis In Person as well as additional songs recorded live in 1969. Keep in mind that both “Runaway” and “Yesterday” on the On Stage album, featured on CD 1, are from August 1969 as well.

If you are more on the obsessive side like me, but don’t already have most of these shows, I can definitely recommend Elvis Live 1969. Just be sure to shop around, as Elvis Live 1969 can often be found quite reasonably priced – considering the number of included shows. For example, Graceland is charging full list price as of this writing, but you can find it elsewhere for less than 60% of that price.

Among Elvis’ Las Vegas engagements at the International/Hilton Hotel, Summer 1969 ranks second only to Summer 1970 for me. I place Winter 1970 third. While the number of available shows in official releases is significantly less and disallows detailed comparisons, subsequent Vegas seasons in 1971-1976 are nowhere close to the 3 of 1969 & 1970.

To see one of these 1969 shows must have been something really special.

Blessings,
TY

“You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.”
Proverb 19:21