my boy
10-18-2008, 03:56 AM
Will Sony/BMG ever officially release the famed ON TOUR CONCERTS their known to have in their vaults? Hopefully one day (only San Antonio Texas, CLOSE-UP CD-4) has been released) but until then these fantastic import releases will suffice–the new MADISON import release RED-HOT IN RICHMOND (Standing Room Only Tapes, volume two) is most welcome featuring a mostly unreleased show from the ON TOUR period of the King’s touring legacy and what a corker it is –like a hurricane heading toward New Orleans Elvis storms through a blistering set featuring a wide selection of his biggest hits and concert favourites.
If GREENSBORO REVOLUTION (vol one) was considered 10 / 10 for sound then RICHMOND can be awarded 9 / 10 yes, it really is that good– just adjust your treble & bass settings accordingly. Obviously it’s not DSD but until Sony/BMG get their act together this sound quality is **** near perfect. Elvis in 1972 was a juggernaut, a total powerhouse live performer and the Richmond crowd witnessed the full Presley roller-coaster that night in old Virginny. “See See Rider” opens things up in solid rocking style followed by a rollicking “Proud Mary” and the Creedence Clearwater Classic never sounded better– Elvis really ups the ante on this all-time classic.
“Never Been To Spain” is one of the best versions of the classic THREE DOG NIGHT tune with great clear vocals and superb drum work from Ronnie Tutt. “You Gave Me A Mountain” is a solid version too. The gentle ballad “Until It’s Time For You To Go” is a chance for Elvis to serenade the front row with an added bit of fooling around thrown in for effect and is an OK version. Down to Louisiana where the alligators grow so mean and a stunning version of “Polk Salad Annie” is performed–Elvis sings: “every body said it was a shame, because mama was a working on the chain gang” and he[/I] ends flat on his back after an exhausting karate routine in which an audience member couldn’t believe how he could sing at the same time (see booklet).
“Love Me” is sung with Elvis still flat on his back on stage and then it’s time to kick into high gear with a clutch of 1950s nuggets and first up like a bullet from a gun is ‘All Shook Up” followed by breakneck versions of “Teddy Bear” / “Don’t Be Cruel”,”Heartbreak Hotel,” and “Hound Dog” which includes a blistering, dynamic vocal ending (Big Mama Thornton never rocked this hard)!
“Bridge Of Troubled Water” is performed well after a shaky start and the spiritual song always was a favourite of the King’s in his 1970s concerts.
”it was like Elvis whispered in everyone’s ear and then left”
(Bruce Springsteen)
Next up is a stunning “It’s Over” great vocals and this version beats ALOHA by a mile –listen to the BIG O influence near the end, fantastic! A great version of “Suspicious Minds’ follows easily matching the HAMPTON ROADS version. Intros are next then “For The Good Times”–”lay your head upon my pillow, hold your warm and tender body close to mine, hear the whisper of the rain drops falling soft against the window and make believe you love me, one more time, for the good times,” as Bruce Springsteen said...
An above average “I Can’t Stop Loving You” is next and Elvis is firing on all four cylinders for this beauty. “American Trilogy” an incomplete “Lawdy Miss Clawdy,””Funny How Time Slips Away” and the obligatory “Can’t Help Falling In Love”/Closing Vamp close the show, although the final announcement ‘Elvis has left the building” is missing.However, James Burton’s guitar is low in the mix –emphasising the drums and Elvis’s voice, (that’s not a bad thing).
Finally, I feel compelled to review a CD if the show grabs me and this is a barnstormer! – the King at his absolute best knocking ‘em flat in VIRGINIA and filmed for the ON TOUR MOVIE– great show, great booklet and artwork– this tops, San Antonio Texas (CLOSE - UP CD-4), A. GREENSBORO REVOLUTION and is definitely on par with HAMPTON ROADS (Triangle) – this is the reason he is called the “King” – a SONY official release will blow it out of the water but until then this will keep fans very happy. (y)(y)
If GREENSBORO REVOLUTION (vol one) was considered 10 / 10 for sound then RICHMOND can be awarded 9 / 10 yes, it really is that good– just adjust your treble & bass settings accordingly. Obviously it’s not DSD but until Sony/BMG get their act together this sound quality is **** near perfect. Elvis in 1972 was a juggernaut, a total powerhouse live performer and the Richmond crowd witnessed the full Presley roller-coaster that night in old Virginny. “See See Rider” opens things up in solid rocking style followed by a rollicking “Proud Mary” and the Creedence Clearwater Classic never sounded better– Elvis really ups the ante on this all-time classic.
“Never Been To Spain” is one of the best versions of the classic THREE DOG NIGHT tune with great clear vocals and superb drum work from Ronnie Tutt. “You Gave Me A Mountain” is a solid version too. The gentle ballad “Until It’s Time For You To Go” is a chance for Elvis to serenade the front row with an added bit of fooling around thrown in for effect and is an OK version. Down to Louisiana where the alligators grow so mean and a stunning version of “Polk Salad Annie” is performed–Elvis sings: “every body said it was a shame, because mama was a working on the chain gang” and he[/I] ends flat on his back after an exhausting karate routine in which an audience member couldn’t believe how he could sing at the same time (see booklet).
“Love Me” is sung with Elvis still flat on his back on stage and then it’s time to kick into high gear with a clutch of 1950s nuggets and first up like a bullet from a gun is ‘All Shook Up” followed by breakneck versions of “Teddy Bear” / “Don’t Be Cruel”,”Heartbreak Hotel,” and “Hound Dog” which includes a blistering, dynamic vocal ending (Big Mama Thornton never rocked this hard)!
“Bridge Of Troubled Water” is performed well after a shaky start and the spiritual song always was a favourite of the King’s in his 1970s concerts.
”it was like Elvis whispered in everyone’s ear and then left”
(Bruce Springsteen)
Next up is a stunning “It’s Over” great vocals and this version beats ALOHA by a mile –listen to the BIG O influence near the end, fantastic! A great version of “Suspicious Minds’ follows easily matching the HAMPTON ROADS version. Intros are next then “For The Good Times”–”lay your head upon my pillow, hold your warm and tender body close to mine, hear the whisper of the rain drops falling soft against the window and make believe you love me, one more time, for the good times,” as Bruce Springsteen said...
An above average “I Can’t Stop Loving You” is next and Elvis is firing on all four cylinders for this beauty. “American Trilogy” an incomplete “Lawdy Miss Clawdy,””Funny How Time Slips Away” and the obligatory “Can’t Help Falling In Love”/Closing Vamp close the show, although the final announcement ‘Elvis has left the building” is missing.However, James Burton’s guitar is low in the mix –emphasising the drums and Elvis’s voice, (that’s not a bad thing).
Finally, I feel compelled to review a CD if the show grabs me and this is a barnstormer! – the King at his absolute best knocking ‘em flat in VIRGINIA and filmed for the ON TOUR MOVIE– great show, great booklet and artwork– this tops, San Antonio Texas (CLOSE - UP CD-4), A. GREENSBORO REVOLUTION and is definitely on par with HAMPTON ROADS (Triangle) – this is the reason he is called the “King” – a SONY official release will blow it out of the water but until then this will keep fans very happy. (y)(y)