Should Elvis have kept the new setlist in August 74?

[ph10579]

I've been listening to some of elvis' songs from aug 74 and I think they were awesome! I think he was wanting to change things up alittle then(perhaps a mini comeback?) and add some new songs, and thought that maybe it would have a positive reaction from the fans. But the reaction wasn't as good as with his older songs, and he ended up going back to pretty much the same set list as before. I think he should have kept the new set list, and do the songs that he wanted to do! What do you all think about this?

[paultish]

Thoughout his life Elvis had the ability to re invent his image and to take his career in different directions relying in part on instinct and it seems a shame when his career could have done with a change of direction to accomadate the changing times and his age that Elvis seemed to lack the confidence to carry out this change . The April tour from 75 shows he again wanted to change to a show more like the mid Aug 74 setlist but again he dropped it . Where Elvis could never deny the past he at the end of his career seemed to rely on the 50s stuff even though he was not the least bit interested in performing them .

[Jungleroom76]

Great question, but a difficult one to answer!!

Do I think Elvis should have kept the new concert lineup...yes!! I think a complete overhaul of his concert lineup would have provided Elvis with a new challenge and it is well documented that when presented with a challenge, Elvis took it on full force!!

HOWEVER...Elvis was always listening to his fans and giving them what THEY wanted!! He always felt that if he didn't give the fans what they wanted, they wouldn't come to see him anymore...so, Elvis put aside whatever feelings he may have had about the new song list to give the fans what they wanted...to keep them happy!!

So yes, I think he should have changed his concert lineups from time to time to keep things fresh, but in the end, Elvis did what he thought the fans wanted...which probably helped lead to his increasing apathy about live performances in the later 70's! :'(

TCB!
Mike

[Lisarose]

So what is on the 74 setlist, please? Then I can vote, thank you.
Please excuse my ignorance!

[Jungleroom76]

Here is the setlist for Elvis' opening night show in Las Vegas on August 19th, 1974:


Big Boss Man
Proud Mary
Down in the Alley
Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues
Never Been to Spain
It's Midnight
If You Talk In Your Sleep
I'm Leavin'
Let Me Be There
Softly As I Leave You
If You Love Me (Let Me Know)
Love Me Tender
Polk Salad Annie
Band introductions
Promised Land
My Baby Left Me
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Fever
Hound Dog
Can't Help Falling In Love


This is an EXCELLENT concert and if you can find a copy of the show on import CD, it's DEFINITELY worth the money!!

TCB!
Mike

[Lisarose]

Great stuff!
We want to hear new songs from Elvis, but we refuse to let go of the 'classics'! Elvis should have gone with his gut feeling and kept introducing new, different songs each time. And maybe reached back for different classic songs as well - Reconsider Baby, Blue Moon of Kentucky, Such A Night, even Girl Next Door Went-A Walking instead of Hound Dog, Love me Tender, or Blue Suede Shoes. How we love these ones now!
I do enjoy Elvis' later version of Hound Dog - much more bluesier, although, he was probably just making fun of himself.

[SeeSeeRider777]

He definatly should have kept that new setlist. Except put in 2001 and See See Rider for the opening. But Elvis must have been tired of singing the same thing for over 6+ years on stage. Its over and over the same songs. I am the fans didnt demand that the song list be changed. Because lets face it the Live albums were mostly the same thing except a different show. Also by this time of his carrer he wasnt doing anything exciting. No touring Europe, no movie roles, and constant touring of the same areas. **** Col WHY DID YOU HAVE TO HOLD HIM BACK! If Elvis would have stuck to it the fans would have accepted it. Elvis was able to reestablish himself when he needed. He did it in the 68 Comeback and in Aloha, showing that he was still the King.

[utmom2008]

I've been thinking on this question off and on all night. :hmm: I would say that looking back, it was the concert fans that seemed to enjoy the 50's stuff. I never had that feeling in Las Vegas however. I remember people jumping around and being silly with the "Teddy Bear" and "Hound Dog" routine in the concert venues. Vegas was different. I remember as well as if it were last night the feeling in that showroom when you would hear the opening chords of "American Trilogy" or "My Way". There was almost an electrical feeling in that room.

[jak]

Elvis picked his setlist for the concerts.The Col didnt have any part of that so you cant point the finger at him on that issue.I believe Elvis kept a familiar setlist because it was comfortable.Dont forget that he gave up on rehearsing for his concerts.New material meant extra work.I know I've said it before but Elvis was in autopilot for the most part during the latter 70's.The motivation for change and creativity was long gone by 74.
Jak

[ksimms2]

Rosanne is right - the fans wanted to hear the 50's stuff. You can tell when he sings it - that is not what he wanted to do. I like the 74 set list that was posted and love each of those songs....I love his gospel music too.

[poormansgold]

Elvis picked his setlist for the concerts.The Col didnt have any part of that so you cant point the finger at him on that issue.I believe Elvis kept a familiar setlist because it was comfortable.Dont forget that he gave up on rehearsing for his concerts.New material meant extra work.I know I've said it before but Elvis was in autopilot for the most part during the latter 70's.The motivation for change and creativity was long gone by 74.
Jak

You Are Right we can't blame Col. The songs setlist, Elvis is one pick them that time. I think that he keep 2001 theme/See See Ryder Or use That's All Right for Opening song be ok and keep Can't Help Falling in Love for closing Song

here my Throughts on Setlist too been


2001 Theme
That's All Right
Big Boss Man
Proud Mary
Down In The Alley
Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues
It's Midnight
Softly , As I Leave You
If You Love Me Let Me Know
Love Me Tender
Polk Salad Annie
Introuctiion
Blue Moon Of Kentucky
Promised Land
Raised On Rock
Hound Dog
Trying To Get To You
Let's Play House baby
Such A Night
Can't Help Falling in Love

That's I think He sure have on next show

[Lonniebealestreet]

Elvis picked his setlist for the concerts.The Col didnt have any part of that so you cant point the finger at him on that issue.I believe Elvis kept a familiar setlist because it was comfortable.Dont forget that he gave up on rehearsing for his concerts.New material meant extra work.I know I've said it before but Elvis was in autopilot for the most part during the latter 70's.The motivation for change and creativity was long gone by 74.
Jak
I would disagree with that, jak, based on this very setlist and the rehearsals that went into it. On these rehearsals he sounded quite dedicated and like he still cared very much. He knew what he wanted and worked to achieve the sound he heard in his mind.

However, he definitely gave up too easily in this case. And though I am pretty sure there was some rehearsing in '75 as well, I do actually agree overall with your main point here. The rehearsals I refer to were admittedly nothing like the marathon ones that he went through in '69/'70. But I wouldn't say he was so unmotivated in this regard by '74.

[Lisarose]

I've been thinking on this question off and on all night. :hmm: I would say that looking back, it was the concert fans that seemed to enjoy the 50's stuff. I never had that feeling in Las Vegas however. I remember people jumping around and being silly with the "Teddy Bear" and "Hound Dog" routine in the concert venues. Vegas was different. I remember as well as if it were last night the feeling in that showroom when you would hear the opening chords of "American Trilogy" or "My Way". There was almost an electrical feeling in that room.

I see what you mean. During the rehearsal for TTWII, he was talking to the interviewer [or was it on stage?] and says how they had to learn over 50 songs for the documentary. I can understand why concert goers want to hear the 50's music, they want what is familiar But if he had been doing new music releases all along, had quality material to choose from during the 60's that is, he wouldn't be relegated to doing the same old songs. So in a small way, we can blame the Col, because of the demands he put on writers in order for Elvis to present their work. But in the end, it should have been Elvis. He always took charge before in the studio. He should have been more demanding in later years.

[jak]

I would disagree with that, jak, based on this very setlist and the rehearsals that went into it. On these rehearsals he sounded quite dedicated and like he still cared very much. He knew what he wanted and worked to achieve the sound he heard in his mind.

However, he definitely gave up too easily in this case. And though I am pretty sure there was some rehearsing in '75 as well, I do actually agree overall with your main point here. The rehearsals I refer to were admittedly nothing like the marathon ones that he went through in '69/'70. But I wouldn't say he was so unmotivated in this regard by '74.

I agree he made a serious attempt in this case to shake things up.It's just this is the only time he tried to get creative with his shows.It's an isolated incident if you will.Elvis would have rehearsed those last few years if he truly was concerned with the content of the shows.If he was motivated in 74 it sure didnt last long.On the heels of Aloha he should have been on fire.He went right back to performing the same show in the same cities night after night.His keeping the same setlist night after night is all the proof you need to know his attitude had changed for the worse.He sold seats know matter what.The fans didnt expect much and Elvis performed at that level becuase it was all that was needed.Even during the dreadfull tours of 76 they came out in droves.He had no need to change what he was doing in his mind probably.Why create when all you have to do is appear?
Jak

[Lonniebealestreet]

Agreed on all counts, sadly.

[jak]

To me it's almost unbelievable that Elvis didnt rely on his amazing back catalogue of material when he put his shows together.He had such an incredible body of work to choose from.The fact he ignored it is utterly amazing to me.I dont think he knew how truly spectacular his work was.Why cover Olivia Newton John when you already have all those masterpieces that are youre own?
Jak

[cameron]

To me it's almost unbelievable that Elvis didnt rely on his amazing back catalogue of material when he put his shows together.He had such an incredible body of work to choose from.The fact he ignored it is utterly amazing to me.I .Why cover Olivia Newton John when you already have all those masterpieces that are youre own?
Jak
I can agree with you on much of this. jak.
Maybe the truest statement is ," dont think he knew how truly spectacular his work was."
How many of us do recocognize how truly spectacular we are? ;)
We want to be the best we can be ,but how many of us don't have doubts?
From what I've heard and read; Elvis doubted himself from the beginning.
He never fully realized what a talent he was.

[boogie]

one thing is too bad and that's ...the songs he once did , never came back...
i mean songs like..

-Let it be me
-just can't help believin'
-Sweet caroline
-In the ghetto
-Runaway
-Patch it up
-It's impossible
he should have done these songs later in the 70's
but that's just my opinion

[utmom2008]

The fact he ignored it is utterly amazing to me.I dont think he knew how truly spectacular his work was.Why cover Olivia Newton John when you already have all those masterpieces that are youre own?
Jak

I have asked myself that same question a million times Jak. I thought that song was silly when she did it...why did he feel the need to cover it? Same thing goes for "Fairytale."

[Lonniebealestreet]

Which - If You Love Me or Let Me Be There?

I think Fairytale's a great song and also like the above two, though not as much.

[utmom2008]

Which - If You Love Me or Let Me Be There?

I think Fairytale's a great song and also like the above two, though not as much.

Actually, BOTH! The songs are almost interchangeable. I agree that "Fairytale" is better than the other 2, but still no comparison to some of Elvis's very own song list.:blink:

[Lonniebealestreet]

I hear ya.

[Diane]

I like Fairytale a lot. As for the other two, I would have to pick Let Me Be There.

Diane

[poormansgold]

We can Go on With this long time, I know I can

Tom

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

To me it's almost unbelievable that Elvis didnt rely on his amazing back catalogue of material when he put his shows together.He had such an incredible body of work to choose from.The fact he ignored it is utterly amazing to me.I dont think he knew how truly spectacular his work was.Why cover Olivia Newton John when you already have all those masterpieces that are youre own?
Jak

I suppose one reason to cover such a track was to be contemporary in some way. I do agree that Elvis should have changed the set list on a regular basis, however what you have already stated is sadly the truth, Elvis simply was robbed of the will to be creative in the same way he was in 1968-71.

Ultimately the poor shows that came after 1973 were the beginning of the end, the fans weren't bothered what Elvis sang or even if he performed well. They were there for the most part to partake in the Elvis experience. Which is a pity because if people talked with their feet, affirmative action in the set list, appearance & performance would have followed IMO.

[jak]

I suppose one reason to cover such a track was to be contemporary in some way. I do agree that Elvis should have changed the set list on a regular basis, however what you have already stated is sadly the truth, Elvis simply was robbed of the will to be creative in the same way he was in 1968-71.

Ultimately the poor shows that came after 1973 were the beginning of the end, the fans weren't bothered what Elvis sang or even if he performed well. They were there for the most part to partake in the Elvis experience. Which is a pity because if people talked with their feet, affirmative action in the set list, appearance & performance would have followed IMO.

I think youre exactly right.Im sure Elvis must have loved those tracks also.They were in the lineup all the way to the end.I have always felt the fans killed him with kindness to a certain degree.You said it perfectly about them not caring even if he performed badly.To this day you have so many that cant even acknowledge he gave some terrible shows.If the fans would have demanded more from him he may have tried to meet the challenge.I believe he felt he had nothing left to prove so what's the point.Elvis just wasnt hungry anymore, and his personal problems obviously were a huge obstacle.
Jak

[hounddog]

I think he liked the beat of the two ONJ songs he covered they were country rock, his roots. Elvis always covered contemporary and slightly older songs look at the set list on TTWII. I think if he liked a song he did it.

I think he should have been always trying new things covering other songs , reworking some of his own can you imagine a live show of his memphis sessions in 69 and his Stax sessions.

i think as a lot of others have said it right, he wanted to give the fans what they wanted.

[Diane]

I agree with Jak. I sure wish the fans at that time hadn't been so immature and clueless musically. I think some never could accept Elvis out of the 50's and all grown up and just kept coming for the sake of the 50's image they still had in their heads. I'm not saying this was the majority, but they seemed to have been the loudest.

Diane

[cameron]

i think as a lot of others have said it right, he wanted to give the fans what they wanted.\


I thnk you're right. I can remember when he tried to change and the fans wanted the ones they were used to hearing.

I guess if you only had the money to see him once or twice; you'd want to hear the songs you wanted instead of anything different.

[utmom2008]

I think he should have been always trying new things covering other songs , reworking some of his own can you imagine a live show of his memphis sessions in 69 and his Stax sessions.


OMG!!!!!! Would that have been a show? He should have hired you Hounddog to prepare his set list. That show would have been awesome.(y)(y)

[Diane]

I agree Hounddog....that would have been fantastic! (y)

Diane

[SeeSeeRider777]

He definatly should have kept that new setlist. Except put in 2001 and See See Rider for the opening. But Elvis must have been tired of singing the same thing for over 6+ years on stage. Its over and over the same songs. I am the fans didnt demand that the song list be changed. Because lets face it the Live albums were mostly the same thing except a different show. Also by this time of his carrer he wasnt doing anything exciting. No touring Europe, no movie roles, and constant touring of the same areas. **** Col WHY DID YOU HAVE TO HOLD HIM BACK! If Elvis would have stuck to it the fans would have accepted it. Elvis was able to reestablish himself when he needed. He did it in the 68 Comeback and in Aloha, showing that he was still the King.

I am not blaming the Col for the setlist but I am blaming him for nothing exciting being in Elvis' carrer at the time. He held Elvis back from doing great songs because he always had to have that 50% and it was only Elvis on the billing. Imagine how many more songs Elvis could have had if he allowed him to do songs that songwriters and other artist wanted him to do, for example Dolly Parton "I will always love you". The Col was needed at the begining but by the mid 60's Elvis should have gave the Col the boot. I cant understand why Elvis kept with him. Elvis had to know he was robbing him, I cant understand how Elvis kept with him. The last straw with the Col should have been the 68 Comeback at the latest, he should have went with Binder, because look how he produced the Comeback and he made Elvis show the people that he still had it. Binder did a excellent job with the Comeback Special. He would have done the right things with Elvis. Would have booked him in Europe and maybe just maybe Elvis would have been very happy and excited and he might not have died on Aug 16 1977. But we cant change history, we can only wished for that to happen.

[utmom2008]

Elvis should have gone with his gut feeling and kept introducing new, different songs each time. And maybe reached back for different classic songs as well - Reconsider Baby, Blue Moon of Kentucky, Such A Night, even Girl Next Door Went-A Walking instead of Hound Dog, Love me Tender, or Blue Suede Shoes.

On opening night of Aug. 1973 he put "Raised On Rock" into the set list. It was great to hear him do a live version of some of his newer music. He also did "Trouble" and "Memphis Tennessee" which were not usually in the standard set list. Check out Fire In Vegas, it's one of the better set lists from all the shows that I saw. "Love Me Tender" was great in Vegas...that was when alot of the kissing was done. (y) Every time I read and hear about the Aug. opening in 74 it gets to me. We were supposed to be there that night, but my dad had emergency surgery just a few days before we were due to leave. I wish I could have seen and heard that show firsthand.:blush::blink:

[Diane]

You and me both Rosanne! (y)

Diane

[Lisarose]

On opening night of Aug. 1973 he put "Raised On Rock" into the set list. It was great to hear him do a live version of some of his newer music. He also did "Trouble" and "Memphis Tennessee" which were not usually in the standard set list. Check out Fire In Vegas, it's one of the better set lists from all the shows that I saw. "Love Me Tender" was great in Vegas...that was when alot of the kissing was done. (y) Every time I read and hear about the Aug. opening in 74 it gets to me. We were supposed to be there that night, but my dad had emergency surgery just a few days before we were due to leave. I wish I could have seen and heard that show firsthand.:blush::blink:

Okay, Roseanne, you get to keep Love Me Tender, 'cause I know you got kissed, too, right? (y) But honestly, Elvis could have doled out kisses to any song - including Fever! :blush: :)
And I will be checking out Fire in Vegas!!!

[utmom2008]

Okay, Roseanne, you get to keep Love Me Tender, 'cause I know you got kissed, too, right? (y) But honestly, Elvis could have doled out kisses to any song - including Fever! :blush: :)
And I will be checking out Fire in Vegas!!!
:lol::lol: Actually...I got kissed during "Help Me Make It Through The Night", another one that wasn't always on the standard list. I got the scarf during "Can't Help Falling In Love", so we will have to leave that one in the future sets as well. :D:D

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

I guess if you only had the money to see him once or twice; you'd want to hear the songs you wanted instead of anything different.

This is a great point, but Elvis could have and should have been stronger, yes he could have done the medley set with all the favourites but he could still have been contemporary and mixed it up a little.

[Erhan]

Too Many Songs Could be in The set list

Blue Moon of Kentucky
Good Rockin' Tonight
I'm Left, You're Right, My Baby's Gone
Milkcow Blues Boogie
Baby, Let's Play House
I Forgot to Remember to Forget
When It Rains, It Really Pours
Money Honey
I Was the One
One-Sided Love Affair
So Glad You're Mine
Tutti Frutti
Shake Rattle and Roll
I Want You, I Need You, I Love You
Any Way You Want Me
Paralyzed
Rip It Up
Ready Teddy
Too Much
Mean Woman Blues
That's When Your Heartaches Begin
Party
Loving You
Got a Lot o' Livin' to Do
Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
Treat Me Nice
Young and Beautiful
Baby, I Don't Care
Don't
Hard Headed Woman
King Creole
Trouble
Wear My Ring Around Your Neck
I Need Your Love Tonight
Ain't That Loving You, Baby?
A Fool Such as I
I Got Stung
Cindy, Cindy
Faded Love
The Fool
How the Web Was Woven
Stranger in the Crowd
Mary in the Morning
I Washed My Hand in Muddy Water
Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On
Separate Ways
Always on My Mind
It's a Matter of Time
I've Got a Thing About You Baby
I Got a Feeling in My Body
Loving Arms
I Can Help
Pieces of My Life
Shake a Hand
She Thinks I Still Care (Fast Version)
Moody Blue
For the Heart
Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain
Way Down
Pledging My Love
He'll Have to Go
Trouble
Guitar Man
You'll Never Walk Alone
A Little Less Conversation
Let Yourself Go
It Hurts Me
If I Can Dream
Long Black Limousine
You'll Think of Me
Inherit the Wind
In the Ghetto
This Is the Story
Wearin' That Loved On Look
Stranger in My Own Home Town
Power of My Love
Only the Strong Survive
Any Day Now
Change of Habit
Devil in Disguise
Memphis, Tennessee
C'mon Everybody
Viva Las Vegas
If You Think I Don't Need You
Stuck on You
The Girl of My Best Friend
Such a Night
Pocketful of Rainbows
Surrender
I'm Coming Home
In Your Arms
I Want You with Me
There's Always Me
Put the Blame on Me
Kiss Me Quick
His Latest Flame
Good Luck Charm
Anything That's Part of You
Night Rider
King of the Whole Wide World
Riding the Rainbow
Suspicion
Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello
She's Not You
Return to Sender

but I can't understand one thing Why was He still throw away Hound Dog in new set list? He had to chance of his habits first I guess...

[toffe]

I think Elvis should tried a new setlist, because i think he got very tired of the same songs, maybe he could done "The new tour" with new songs ? :)

[cameron]

This is a great point, but Elvis could have and should have been stronger, yes he could have done the medley set with all the favourites but he could still have been contemporary and mixed it up a little.

I'm "bad" about trying to see it from all sides.
I should have and could have been stronger many times in my life. ;)

[Lisarose]

I know that he sang snippets of Turn Around and Aubrey and songs like that. I would have loved for him to have done the entire song, not just a line or two. What a tease he could be. Did he ever perform Rainy Night in Georgia in its entirety?
I would have like to have heard:
Paperback Writer
Me & Bobby McGee
Good Day Sunshine
China Grove
My Eyes Adored You (yeah this one is pure goop, but I liked it!)
and a thousand others that I can't think of right now. I can say, I'm
so glad he chose to stay away from Disco music!

[AHM1977]

I would have loved it, if Elvis had made a new setlist back then, he could have kept the rock medley he did in '74, but doing the same songs over and over again must have been boring for him. When you listen to Elvis singing HOUND DOG, LOVE ME and ALL SHOOK UP during the last years, it's not to impressive.... Imagine he had began to use KING CREOLE, TREAT ME NICE, I WANT YOU I NEED YOU I LOVE YOU etc. when he should take oldtimers... I know I would have loved it.... and maybe Elvis had got some out of it too... So yes, he should have kept the new setlist for a while and then change it again... maybe a new one for each Vegas engagement or something...(y)

[dicke.katze]

The setlist in 74 was great. New songs, new old songs with a new spirit. In june '75 Elvis had a great setlist, too with a great number of different songs in each concert.
The best idea for a cool and contemporary setlist would be to keep the 2001 opening then vary between C.C.Rider and That's All Right. Keep the '74 singles and add all the 70s singles by and by. First to extend the variety of songs and 2nd to promote his singles and albums.
Despite the publishing troubles which emerged with each session there were jewels in each of them (e.g. pieces of my life, promised land, my boy, i got a feelin' in my body, bringin' it back and many more). Rather singing hits from the 70s than doing a 10+ min band introduction. Besides of that the classics should have been kept as part of the show but considering the great number of songs Elvis could have selected these should have been more, varied as well.
Still the question why didn't he change? Maybe he was lazy or a bit bored at the end but as one of you said, when he faced a musical challenge he took it. IMO there were several reasons: The Colonel, C.Hodge (as a kind of "stage director" he was among the many "Yes-Sayer"), RCA/Management for not accepting material they couldn't get the publishing rights. Remenber Elvis was asked to starr in A Star Is Born but the ******* colonel refused.
Elvis could have done it if he had been encouraged much more by the people - and the fans - around him. Very often he returned to songs he had done ealier (burning love, bridge, blue suede shoes etc) and experimented with those one-liners coming from his mind where he had thousands of songs he'd like to sing.
But he is and always will be the king and I'm very thankful to be an Elvis fan.

Thomas

[Unchained Melody]

The setlist was good. Something different. Wish he'd stuck with it. But of course he didn't.

But many of the songs performed that night like It's Midnight, If You Love Me, I'm Leavin', etc were still in the lineup alot during that Las Vegas Engagment. See Rider/I Got A Women just come back to the setlist.

In March of '75, we see some fresh material added to the shows aswell.

[Unchained Melody]

We just had this discussed not 1 or 2 pages back btw.

http://www.tcb-world.com/showthread.php?t=15138

;)

[SleepyJack]

Love the songs from the `74 set list.....It was good to see Elvis trying to breathe some new life into the shows.Maybe the problem at the time was that there too many songs introduced all at once and the audience weren`t sure how to react to it having probably been expecting the tried and tested formula shows...maybe he should have just put in two or three songs at a time and let the audiences get used to them.I guess it is hard to know why they are said to have been greeted with such a poor response,to my ear they are very good,solid versions of the songs.

[Diane]

We went to see a Tribute artist the other night and he asked the audience if they had any requests and all we heard from them was "All Shook Up" and Hound Dog". Some people are still stuck with the 50's Elvis and have not learned to appreciate how much he evolved and improved. They actually miss the best of Elvis!

Diane

[utmom2008]

Some people are still stuck with the 50's Elvis and have not learned to appreciate how much he evolved and improved. They actually miss the best of Elvis!



What a shame...it's their loss. You wonder just how big a fan they are when those are the first songs that come to mind.:hmm:

[Diane]

Well they obviously didn't follow him along through the years so they probably aren't lifetime fans.

Diane

[Unchained Melody]

Love the songs from the `74 set list....

Those March 1974 shows weren't all that bad either people;);)

[U.S. Male]

For those of you that "needed some coffee", here you are.

Enjoy! :D


http://www.elviscoffee.com/store/images/products/Signature%20Blends/large_allShookup.jpg

[Unchained Melody]

For those of you that "needed some coffee", here you are.

Enjoy! :D


http://www.elviscoffee.com/store/images/products/Signature%20Blends/large_allShookup.jpg

Umm...thanks for that Steve :hmm:(y):lol:

[rhythmknights]

:lmfao::lmfao: Big Boss Man, can't drink coffee unless it's in my special mug!

Now the setlist - i like that list, but i don't know a lot about his concerts - on the road or in Vegas. did Elvis ever do an all Rock or all Blues concert - and then sing an occasional ballad just to relax?
if he was ging to do old songs he should have done more than just Love Me Tender, One Night and Don't be Cruel, he should have done Such a NIght, Paralyzed, Money Honey, I want yOU I Need You, I lOve YOU, etc.
Just my Opinion!

[elvis himselvis]

I think if Elvis had great songs he recorded, he could have done a complete new setlist and then the fans would have loved that...but not all his songs he recorded in the late 70's were great enough to perform live,though I like them.

[utmom2008]

For those of you that "needed some coffee", here you are.

Enjoy! :D


http://www.elviscoffee.com/store/images/products/Signature%20Blends/large_allShookup.jpg
I would buy this coffee in big bulk amounts! (y)(y)

[The King's Queen]

I would buy this coffee in big bulk amounts! (y)(y)

:lmfao::lmfao: I don't even drink the stuff, but I'd buy it too!! :blush::blush:

[Unchained Melody]

Elvis picked his setlist for the concerts.The Col didnt have any part of that so you cant point the finger at him on that issue.I believe Elvis kept a familiar setlist because it was comfortable.Dont forget that he gave up on rehearsing for his concerts.New material meant extra work.I know I've said it before but Elvis was in autopilot for the most part during the latter 70's.The motivation for change and creativity was long gone by 74.
Jak
Don't know if i agree with that Jak. For example, the march april las vegas engagment certainly showed a creative and motivated elvis singing songs like Your the reason im living and more.

[KPM]

I think youre exactly right.Im sure Elvis must have loved those tracks also.They were in the lineup all the way to the end.I have always felt the fans killed him with kindness to a certain degree.You said it perfectly about them not caring even if he performed badly.To this day you have so many that cant even acknowledge he gave some terrible shows.If the fans would have demanded more from him he may have tried to meet the challenge.I believe he felt he had nothing left to prove so what's the point.Elvis just wasnt hungry anymore, and his personal problems obviously were a huge obstacle. Jak
Total agreement-he could just flick a shoulder and people went nuts-why do anything more. It was too easy to produce the effect of hysteria-anything which is easy to do-becomes boring. Same with the songs, if everyone seems to love songs in the show you give-why change it.

[tony70]

yes plus someothers like Sound of your cry, other songs he never really sang on stage

[tony70]

but a lot of that had to do with the good ol Col , Elvis singing the same ol songs and saying the same thing word for word dang near

[Diane]

My feeling is that he should have kept the setlist and slowly introduced new songs into future ones little by little. It might have helped his boredom.

Diane

[tony70]

yes that to is a great idea i agree

[Unchained Melody]

By this time in elvis' life what he needed was alot more than just a new setlist. He didn't step in the studio a-tall in 1974.:doh:

[monk37]

I think Elvis should have mixed up the songs a lot more

While I don't think it would have necessarily kept him more interested in the shows, at least there'd be a lot of variety of soundboards and songs we had live versions of.

I think it was the playing sets in Vegas and touring that wasn't challenging for him anymore

and I don't think a Europe or Asia tour would have been any different after a short while either for him


I just don't know where you go to the next career high after hit movies, hit tc specials, hit records and hit concert tours

what do you do to top the Aloha historic event?


Pehaps more challenging studio work with Chips or other unfamiliar and safe territory would have kept Elvis challenged

whenever he got into a rut - even a successful rut - he got bored

Perhaps he shoulda done a broadway musical play? or beat Dolly to having a personal theme park?

[epmoodyblue]

:hmm: 74 set list was okay...http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e160/selenauno/th_6hh.gif had he lived.. i wonder what song list elvis had lined up for the august 77 tour...heard he was going to do some new songs for that tour:'(...http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e160/selenauno/smiley-gen101.gifhttp://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s52/joe1cooldude/th_icon2.gif

[elvispresleytheking]

With a few minor tweaks, definitely

[EnigmaticSun]

It would have been good for him - as an artist. Perhaps it was the wrong environment to try such a thing? Prior to this he had admitted wanting to do more relaxed shows as well, but you know how much of a 50's rock 'n roll act they reckoned him to be..

[debtdbruno]

We went to see a Tribute artist the other night and he asked the audience if they had any requests and all we heard from them was "All Shook Up" and Hound Dog". Some people are still stuck with the 50's Elvis and have not learned to appreciate how much he evolved and improved. They actually miss the best of Elvis!Diane

Oh how they miss so much...........his voice matured into something so much more than the 50's stuff. Iconic it may well be.


There is something so powerful, soulful and rich that isn't there when he was younger

[EnigmaticSun]

There is something so powerful, soulful and rich that isn't there when he was younger

Perhaps due to - or rather thanks to - his life experiences? It's not just technical ability you point at?

Yes, it would have been something had he kept a song such as good time charlie's got the blues in the setlist!

[debtdbruno]

I think it's a combination of life experience, and that his vocals matured

[KPM]

Oh how they miss so much...........his voice matured into something so much more than the 50's stuff. Iconic it may well be.


There is something so powerful, soulful and rich that isn't there when he was younger
The vocal cords are like any muscle in the body-they need to be exercised regularly and with each exercise they stretch and develope.
In the 50s Elvis vocals were very raw "primal" IMO -but each year they stretched more as he sang and worked at differing styles of music.
I think the fact that he loved all types of music helped because he tried to sing all types and this educated his vocal chords.
I think of Elvis as a Renaissance Man of Music-he explored it all and gave new birth to each style when he sang it.

[debtdbruno]

agree Ken, hasn't it been said Charlie helped with his vocals in the army?

[Diane]

In his book Charlie does mention that he helped Elvis exercise his vocal chords. Elvis would do those exercises sometimes while driving around...would have loved to have seen that.:lol:

Diane

[EnigmaticSun]

In his book Charlie does mention that he helped Elvis exercise his vocal chords. Elvis would do those exercises sometimes while driving around...

Was he lonesome tonight while doing it? if I recall this correctly Charlie introduced the sort of exercise that aids one to phrase or in other words to work on articulation: how to make use of your lips and tongue to improve the overall sound.

Before his army period Elvis had plenty of power, but did have more difficulty to reach the higher notes correctly. Not only did this aspect improve, it's obvious Elvis developed control of more subtle notes and his dynamic range seemed to have improved significantly which also showed on less-operatic ballads.

In the 70's Elvis lost some flexibility compared to the early 60's, which he did make up for with a broad range and expression which cannnot be explained if his life experiences are to be left out of consideration.

[monk37]

agree Ken, hasn't it been said Charlie helped with his vocals in the army?

yeah, said by Charlie

I didn't believe him.

[monk37]

Perhaps due to - or rather thanks to - his life experiences? It's not just technical ability you point at?

Yes, it would have been something had he kept a song such as good time charlie's got the blues in the setlist!

I agree

life experiences do give you the emotion to put into the song


the Patsy Cline Faded Love - that little gasp breath she does to the end - it rips your heart out - she packed more emotion and meaning into that breath than most singers can pack into an entire album.

Elvis was the same

[EnigmaticSun]

..she packed more emotion and meaning into that breath than most singers can pack into an entire album.

Technique without that life experience is cold and hollow. Life experience without the technique isn't perfect - from a rational point of view - but it's what made artists (among others) such as Hank Williams sr. and the Sun generation survive the decades.

Yes, I do believe Charlie helped Elvis to perfect his vocals. Although his voice wasn't too special - purely concernig the sound - his advice is supposed to have done Elvis a lot of good and the interaction between the two was fun-all-the-way!

[dicke.katze]

Elvis shouldn't have kept the August '74 setlist as such but rather should have sung some of the songs more often, i.e. he should have sung all the songs from his gigantic repertoire more randomly.
The 2001/ C.C. Rider opening was perfect, but instead of I Got A Woman he could have used Burning Love (like in Aloha) and also done some of the old ones more randomly. One Night instead of All Shook Up, Heartbreak Hotel instead of Teddy Bear etc. Just offering a bigger variation.
On the other hand it was good that he didn't keep In The Ghetto, cos neither lyrics nor "message" fit the glamorous star he had become in the later years. But Kentucky Rain or Don't Cry Daddy, Memories would have been great.
Apart from the '74 setlist he also should have introduced For The Heart - a cool rocker... Just "Something old, something new and something that you like".
C.Hodge - well - they surely sang a lot during their army-time and sometimes pretty well (listen to some of the homerecordings and the 68 comeback) but over the years Charlie's singing became worse and worse, I'm afraid. Listen to some of the bootlegs on which his voice is more in the foreground and it sounds aweful - and least not like a proper second voice!!!!

But nevertheless, like J.Joplin once said: "Elvis is my man!" :king:

TCB,

Thomas

[BBB]

IMO he should have kept it. that list was full great songs and songs that touched people in many ways. isn't that what makes the songs great?