TOP ACTS IN VEGAS VOL. 3 (Stage Ent. EP 5012) (Released 1995)
1. Review by Boris Walfort |
Las Vegas, August 16 1972 (D.S.)
Also Sprach Zarathustra
See See Rider
Johnny B. Goode
Proud Mary
Until It's Time For You To Go
You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
Polk Salad Annie
What Now My Love
Love Me
Blue Suede Shoes
Heartbreak Hotel
All Shook Up
Little Sister/Get Back
Love Me Tender
Hound Dog
I'll Remember You
Suspicious Minds (incomplete)
Band Introductions
My Way
A Big Hunk O' Love
American Trilogy
Can't Help Falling In Love
True Love Travels On A Gravel Road (acetate '69)
In The Ghetto (acetate '69)
Suspicious Minds (acetate '69) |
1. Review by Boris G. Walfort
1972. A double-edged year in Elvis’ career. It started very well, and reached its climax while shooting the “On Tour” documentary. But on the other hand, just in the same year, Elvis’ marriage went on the rocks; only two days after this show his divorce was send in. Although, he wasn’t alone. He got three girlfriends during his second tour in August/September (Sandra Zancom, Cybil Shepherd, and last but not least Linda Thompson). Of course, all at the same time! (J). But the concerts at his second engagement didn’t show many surprises, and even if Elvis was in a good mood from time to time, it was obviously that his personal problems affected the performances.
But what’s about the CD?
This is the third release from the Stage Entertainment series Top Acts in Vegas. It is featuring Elvis’ twenty-third show from his second engagement in Las Vegas in 1972 (August 16, 1972 - dinner show). He wore the swirl suit with a silver cape and a blue macramé belt as shown on the cover.
This average audience recording opens with 'Also Sprach Zarahustra' and an energetic, strong 'See See Rider' with some great drum stuff by Ronnie Tutt. Unfortunately, Elvis’ voice can hardly be heard, because the band is too loud. Poor Mix! The whole CD suffers from that.
Next is a surprisingly, totally unexpected 'Johnny B. Goode'. Elvis changed his set-list only two days before. 'I Got A Woman' was kicked out - nice change! It’s a good version, like the one, which you can hear in the "On Tour" documentary. 'Proud Mary' directly follows. In my opinion, it is a little bit too fast! But it is rockin’. Elvis is focused and the band provides excellent backing. I always liked the way Elvis steps up this song.
Then without saying a single word, he starts 'Until It's Time For You To Go'. It is a solid standard-version for this tour. Next is 'You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'. The night before he performed 'You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me' and so 'You’ve Lost...' is next in line. Always one of my favourite songs in the 70's. A powerful ballad, and Elvis is into it, his voice strong and powerful. The band delivers a great version. It is even close to the performances in 1970.
'Polk Salad AnniE' is next, and it begins with a fantastic, short intro. But Elvis is not as far into it like in the very early 70's. So it's more likely a standout-version for the musicians to show their abilities. Although, this version really rocks.
Before he starts the next song he returns to 'Polk Salad' for a short joke. But then Elvis delivers one of the highlights of this show: an awesome, brilliant version of 'What Now My Love?'. Since his Aloha-Version of this beautiful ballad, this is one of my all-time favourites. A great version, and the audience seem to be very enthusiastic about it.
Then Elvis announces a medley of songs. And he starts 'Love Me' with a very deep note, just like J.D always did. Through this song he’s goofing around which makes the audience laugh. He closes it with a short but high note. Without any break he starts 'Blue Suede Shoes'. And it is awfully fast, but also a normal standard-version; nothing special.
Elvis performs his biggest hit 'Heartbreak Hotel' in a very experienced way, although he laughs a little bit because of the fan’s reactions. He is playing with the audience, like he often did; standard-version.
'All Shook Up' follows, and it is a warp-speed parody to his great song from the 50's. A throwaway-version.
Next is 'Little Sister/Get Back', one of my favourite medley-songs. This combination really rocks. It’s a shame he didn’t spend more seriousness on this song. But it is a good version here.
'Love Me Tender'. Well, what can I say? Really, I don't like this song very much, neither in the 50's nor in the 70's. "My first movie was 'Love me tender'..." he begins and then he starts with his usual jokes. A really throwaway-version, although it is not to last long.
'Hound Dog' closes his big 50's medley, and he usually starts with a few jokes ("son of a bitch..."). The song begins in a mid-tempo and ends a little bit faster. But nothing special, another throwaway-version.
Then he directly jumps into the beautiful, marvellous 'I'll Remember You', best known from his Aloha-Special. Perhaps a little bit to fast, but a great version.
A not to miss cut starts 'Suspicious Minds'. For some unknown reasons, the audience tape misses the first seconds of this song. A standard-version of my favourite Elvis song. A little bit faster than in the Aloha concert. It is obviously he jokes with his fans through this song, because of the laughers. Unfortunately the sound changes on this one a bit. There are many up and downs; not so well for your listening pleasure.
Next are the band introductions. And it is not as incredible boring like some years later. Very short.
'My Way' gets some sound-problems, too (disturbances in the background). It is faster as usual. Always one of my favourite songs, although it is better in the later 70's. Magnificent version.
Next is 'A Big Hunk O'Love', a lively rendition to this 50s song. This is more rocking than every song from the above medley-list. Great piano-play by Glen D. Hardin!! And Elvis sounds like he's enjoying himself. This version really cooks!!
Without any break Elvis launches into 'An American Trilogy'. In my opinion, this wonderful, patriotic hymn of the South states is the absolutely highlight of the concert. His voice is amazingly clear and it is a thrill to listen to. At this time Elvis gives his all to this song. Only one year later he will get tired of singing it.
A short "Thank you very much...you're a good audience.." launches into the closing number 'Can't Help Falling In Love'. A nice standard-version, nothing more, nothing less.
Well, that’s all! The show runs only 53 minutes and it seems really like a few seconds. I think, that Elvis was too experienced in his performance after doing 22 shows of this August - September tour 1972 (August 4 - September 4). He enters the stage, unreels his program, and then he quickly vanish into thin air. Don't misunderstand; this is not a worse concert, but one of the "quicker" ones.
Overall, this CD is unessential. If you got copies of the fabulous soundboard-CD's Blazing Into The Darkness (11.08.72 DS), Elvis At Full Blast (11.08.72 MS) or I'll Remember You (04.9.72 DS), this average audience tape seems NOT to be a MUST-HAVE. Because the song-list is very similar, and there are no surprises. So it’s only for collectors, who want to have every Las Vegas show (like me J). The bonus-songs are nothing special; you can find them on many other bootlegs.
(This concert can also be found on "A hot summer night")
Content: ***+/5
Sound: **+/5
Artwork: ***/5
© Boris G. Walfort, Germany May 2002 |
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