A NEW LIVE EXPERIENCE (MAC 24.158) (Released 1993)
1. Review by Mike Sanders
Content: 4 Sound: 2 Artwork: 4 |
Long Beach Arena, November 15 1972
Announcer/ introductions
Also Sprach Zarathustra
See See Rider
I Got A Woman
Until It's Time For You To Go
You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
Polk Salad Annie
Love Me
All Shook Up
Heartbreak Hotel
Blue Suede Shoes
The Wonder Of You
Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel
Love Me Tender
Little Sister/Get Back
Hound Dog
I'll Remember You
How Great Thou Art
Suspicious Minds
Band Introductions
Burning Love
Fever
You Gave Me A Mountain
Can't Help Falling In Love
Closing Riff
Announcer/Fans Comments |
1. Review by Mike Sanders
This CD contains an audience recording of Elvis' show at Long Beach California on the 15th November 1972. It was his second appearance at this venue and from the fans recorded comments after the show, we learn that this evening's show was a better performance, possibly because his daughter Lisa was present in the audience.
The CD commences with an artificial announcement for Elvis' imminent appearance and a 1980' studio recorded song purporting to be the musical interlude before his show. I suppose the idea was to put Elvis' appearance in context after the supporting act but in my opinion, it doesn't quite work as there is a difference in feel and sound quality. However, it is insignificant and the actual show begins at track 2 with the 2001 opening theme.
The first thing to mention is that it is very clear for an audience recording. Although a little lacking in bass, the sound is good and most dialogue can be easily heard. The concert opens with the usual 'See See Rider' which is followed by a low key, 'I Got A Woman' without the Amen medley which was performed on shows earlier on this tour. Until 'It's Time For You To Go' is sung with feeling and great backing vocals by Kathy Westmoreland. After a powerful 'Polk Salad Annie', he announces "I'd like to do a medley of Greek folk songs for you" and then follows with a romp through his 50's hits which are all performed well enough. On 'The Wonder Of You', he miscues his intro and starts with the second verse "And when you smile the world is brighter..." However he sings it well, although it is obviously a shortened version. 'Love Me Tender' is performed next although it has been missed from the track listing on the artwork. There is a fadeout after the 'Little Sister/Get Back' medley which could indicate the original tape being turned over. 'Hound Dog' is featured in two speeds as was common this year and 'I'll Remember You' is very similar to the Aloha arrangement recorded two months later. 'How Great Thou Art' is more restrained than it would become in later years and 'Suspicious Minds', following this, is a fair version. 'Burning Love' however, is a committed performance, with Elvis' voice sounding raw in places, in contrast to the polished version from the Aloha show. After 'Fever', Elvis announces "My little daughter's in the audience; I dedicate this show to her. This is the first time she's seen her Daddy make a fool of himself in front of 14,000 people" He then follows with a good version of 'You Gave Me A Mountain', before the usual concert closer 'Can't Help Falling In Love'.
We then hear several minutes of announcements as the audience leaves the venue during which Al Dvorin [who became famous for announcing "Elvis has left the building"] is heard hawking Elvis souvenirs, as well as advertising the film Elvis On Tour and promoting his latest record [Separate Ways]. Positive proof the Colonel never missed a chance to make a dollar! Following this we hear some fans discussing Elvis' performance this evening which is a nice bonus in rounding off the show.
In conclusion, this is a good and typical show for this November tour, with Elvis delivering a focused and professional performance. As was common for shows at this time, he says very little, with the result that there is not much rapport with the audience. However, the sound quality is above average for an audience recording and the addition of the complete closing announcements, with fans comments from the time, provides further insight and interest to this show and as such can be recommended.
Show rating: 4
Sound: 2+
Artwork: 3
© (UK), January 2006
 Other reviews by Mike Sanders |
|