I've listened to my Elvis concerts from 1977 again: Spring Tours 77 FTD Unchained Melody FTD Elvis in Concert IMO the SQ on "Unchained M." is worst than the "In Concert" remaster from 1992.
Absolutely agree. I live in the UK and I have had a belly full of Mr Grey Area. I have loads of boots and there were/are some great bootleg labels and some great Elvis stuff, Bilko, Fort Baxter some good Godfather titles. I can't believe any effort goes into these grey area releases. I did buy a Little Feat title and it is a copy of a boot cd I already had. Could have made my own. Likewise the Bruce Springsteen titles -just a copy of a boot cd. Apologies to Hodgo and hope people are not offended. A friend served time for selling boots some of which would now be classed as grey area.
Curious if there's anything new on the Songs of Praise Vol. 2. I read that everything on Vol. 1 was available elsewhere, mostly on other official releases but IIRC one or two tracks were sourced from unofficial sources. Likewise a few tracks had incorrect info making them appear more rare than they were. And it would be nice to know what the source was for the Christmas Radio Special.
It appears that some of the "1956-1977 Elvis Impromptu (Live and Rare)" audio from April 1972 is unreleased. One wonders of FTD will correct the digital noise on the live soundboard version of "Where No One Stands Alone" or if it is going to be a directly lifted from FTD's "Unchained Melody" release?
I don't think that the first one looks too bad. There's not a whole lot that can be done with some of those mid-70s shots.
If I have my dates right... these shows (8/20/74) are sandwiched between the two shows on found on the Nevada Nights FTD -- 8/19 & 8/21. The 19th is the show that has Elvis' attempt at a refreshingly altered set list. Playing Nevada Nights, Disc 1 as I type!
I don't usually play the "what-if" game but one wonders what Elvis himself would say today when asked about this period. What convinced him to go back to the old set again so quickly after working hard to design the new show with the new songs? Was he 'spooked' by the new set or did he see that it hardly made a difference to the crowd what songs he sang?
IIRC, Guralnick argues that Elvis didn't get the audience reaction he'd hoped for, that the crowd didn't respond too enthusiastically that opening night. That's why he changed his set list again, reintroducing CC Rider as opening song, dropping some new songs in favour of crowd favorites, and opting for a more 'familiar' build up of the show. It's a myth, though, that he dropped all the new songs.
The altered set list (found on Disc 1 of Nevada Nights) is such a nice alternative listen. I know I've asked this before, but is it the only one -- is this the only night he did this? That said, I do admit, the classic CC rider set opening is just soooo good, so iconic.... almost a "Heeeeeeere's Johnny!" calling card/theme song. So with out it, it seems a little "off" in some way. And your right, a few new songs did find their way in there, now and then. But of course his "a la carte" menu of optional songs shrank to a pretty select few as his singles dried up and the shows became more of 1-2-3, get in-and-get out affair.
I'm sure, looking back, Elvis would appreciate it, as do we. I suspect the set list changes were the result of one of his brief "wake-up!" moments. Those increasingly rare moments where he creatively cared again about performing. Like how earlier in March of 74 where his Richmond and Memphis gigs have that sparkle. He did change back quickly though. So he must have decided that his program was pretty tight as is. It shows some engagement though -- and challenges the idea that he was just being a robot. As well, we have to remember, that "Elvis in the 70s" is really just a handful of years from someone who wasn't terribly active in the studio, cranking out new material.
I'm not sure if it's the only night he did it, I'd have to screen all the set lists, but I do think Opening Night Vegas August 1974 was quite unique in that respect - the last time Elvis radically changed his set list. Of course, he'd still alter his set list, adding and dropping songs, but not as drastically / suddenly as that night. Database with set lists from all engagements -> Elvis Presley In Concert
These titles have been deleted: Summer Festival Unchained Melody Dixieland Delight From Hawaii To Vegas ElvisMatters - uit eerbied en respect voor the King
It is interesting to say the least because he put more work into preparing for this particular casino engagement than he had in years, and then he deviated from the set-list alteration only after one show. Anyone listening to the soundboard will hear that the audience is not any less enthusiastic than normal, although in fairness Elvis' perception would have certainly been different being on stage, versus fans listening to a old soundboard 40 years later. Nevertheless, he received his best reviews in years. Still, it is unclear why he largely went back to his stale and tired concert formula so quickly. It is important to remember that Elvis' pharmaceutical abuse was spiraling out of control during the period and that it was influencing his emotional state. His own paranoia and fragile confidence likely contributed to why he ended up dropping the new formula after one concert.
Summer Festival is a good one. From Hawaii To Vegas is an essential release containing a rare rehearsal. Unchained Melody does not contain a particularly good cycle of concert performances, but it does provide a glimpse into Elvis' final year of touring and therefore has value as an academic piece. Dixieland Delight is a terrible concert release, largely consisting of flat, uninspired concert performances.
I also like the 1969 big band intro at the early Vegas concerts segueing into Elvis's band plowing into Blue Suede Shoes instrumentally. Very exciting.
I own 4 soundboards from 1976: NYE, Spirit of J., Showtime!2shows. I would like to order another FTD. Question: Which one shall I order? Alabama, West coast Tour or West Texas????
Minnesota Moment is probably the second best show after the Sprit of Jackson show. West Texas probably comes in third.
