LIVE IN VIRGINIA (Vicky 0214) (Released 1990)
1. Review by Mark Littlejohn |
Hampton Roads, April 9 1972 (E.S.)
Also Sprach Zarathustra
See See Rider
Until It's Time For You To Go
Polk Salad Annie
Love Me
All Shook Up
Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel
Are You Lonesome Tonight
I Can't Stop Loving You
Hound Dog
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Suspicious Minds
For The Good Times
Group introductions
American Trilogy
Love Me Tender
A Big Hunk O' Love
How Great Thou Art
Sweet Sweet Spirit
Lawdy, Miss Clawdy
Can't Help Falling In Love
Closing Vamp
Content: 5 Sound: 4 Artwork: 3- |
Review by Mark Littlejohn
This is a great cd containing most of the evening concert from Hampton Roads, Virginia on April 9, 1972. This was the featured concert from the film ELVIS ON TOUR; and according to the producer and director, was the best show of the tour. Elvis was in high spirits and this is clearly evident from the additional footage released on the Lost Performances video. Elvis had also rearranged his set for this particular show and the unusual format bore fantastic results.
The cd opens with 'Also Sprach Zarathustra (Theme from 2001)' and leads to a very strong 'See See Rider.' Unfortunately the next three songs are missing, which are 'I Got A Woman', 'Never Been To Spain', and 'You Gave Me A Mountain.' Two of these are in the On Tour film so we know how good they were. Next up is Elvis' latest single, 'Until It's Time For You To Go,' and this is a pretty good performance. Elvis changes gears for 'Polk Salad Annie' and delivers a very dedicated effort while punctuating the ending with a "do it to me, come on!"
"I'd like to do some oldies, but goodies for you, ladies and gentlemen" announces a string of early hits featuring good takes on 'Love Me' and 'All Shook Up.' Elvis then has Glenn Hardin start 'Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel' three times so the cameraman can catch "the fastest piano player in the world". Next is what seems like an off the cuff 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?', but it is terrific never the less. 'Release Me' is supposed to be next, but Glenn Hardin drives right into a rowdy 'Can't Stop Loving You'.
The by now mandatory 'Hound Dog' follows and is given the usual start and go performance. 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' is given a good work out, but Elvis will never top his June 5, 1970 studio cut.
'Suspicious Minds' has always been a highlight for Elvis' live concerts and this is a fine effort, but Elvis is off mike during the second verse. 'For The Good Times' is a song that Elvis had recorded in March just prior to this tour, but it was buried after the release of the Madison Square Garden albumn. Although this is a good effort here, the studio cut on the 70's box set is much better. The introductions are short and to the point, followed by a strong 'An American Trilogy.' Next is a standard 'Love Me Tender' and then Elvis rips into a great 'Big Hunk O Love.' 'How Great Thou Art' is wonderfully done and it is beyond comprehension as to why it was not included in the film. J.D. Sumner & The Stamps deliver a very soulful 'Sweet, Sweet Spirit' and Elvis follows with a honky-tonkin 'Lawdy, Miss Clawdy'. I have always liked the way this song was performed in the 70's. 'Can't Help Falling In Love' brings this fantastic show to a close.
A funny rumor about the shows from On Tour is that MGM recorded these shows for release on their own record label and RCA said not in this lifetime, so MGM kept the tapes. Whether true or not, it's still a funny anecdote.
Sound Quality ****1/2
Show Quality *****
Reviewed by Mark Littlejohn, USA (June 14, 2000)
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