How would you re-arrange the CBS special?

[EnigmaticSun]

Hey everybody!

I've been thinking about candid Elvis on camera - or, in other words, the CBS television special. Some of you are notorious haters of these shows and you virtually persecute them with extremist fervor.

Others, like me, are hopelessly naive and blind to artistic decay and just won't realize Elvis was willingly cheating on his fans for a quick buck. Such a formulation would approximate questioning Elvis' integrity, but that is how we '77-lovers are being regarded in public.

Anyway.. I just want to contemplate the special that was broadcast on television. Is it me, or was their a hidden agenda to focus attention on his weakness rather than his power? Or were the producers of this special just incapable and not truly familiar with his work?

For instance.. I know the show from Omaha is universally accepted as a bad one, but did anyone notice that the version of "Jailhouse Rock" actually came out better than the one that was chosen for broadcast? It seems Elvis got out all the words the way he wanted to in Omaha, whereas he struggled with the slide trombone two days later.

Where "Jailhouse Rock" rocked the joint, the TeddyCruel medly didn't do as well that day. I wouldn't say his voice had no tonal quality, but the version from Omaha sounds rather tired compared to the more energetic version recorded in Rapid City.

This is the just the phenomenon I'm getting at - the consistent factor concerning the choices of the producers seemed to involve making the opposite selection of what many would deem appropriate or suitable.

Of course omitting "Unchained Melody" prevented the viewers from witnessing one of the very highlights - both vocal and instrumental as we only rarely get to see Elvis playing the piano..?

How do you fans feel about this production and what would you have changed or left out?

[Erhan]

I tried to re-arrange his habits at first.

[EnigmaticSun]

I tried to re-arrange his habits at first.

Too late for that.

[medleyofcostumes]

If I would re-edit the CBS Special, I would have included the complete Rapid City show (I mean complete including band intros and solos) + the songs from Omaha which were not done in Rapid City (How great thou art, Fairytale). BY doing so, the fan would have around 75-90 minutes of live footage. In addition, all interviews with fans,entourage, soundcheck, should be removed. The pre show Elvis footge (arriving at the show, meeting with fans backstage, etc), could be added. As for extra features, we could have more backstage footage, bonus tracks from Omaha, Interviews with musicians whi played those shows, Vernon's message, news coverage of Elvis' death and perhaps even some funeral footage.

This Edit would present us with a concert dvd similar to today's formats. This would in no way camoflage the poor state of Elvis health during filming, but at least it would present us with the king's last filmed work.

[EnigmaticSun]

Thank you for that constructive reply, medleyofcostumes. On top of that it may be said that Malta is a fine island!

Of course my intention wouldn't be to hide Elvis' state of health or else there couldn't be a special in the first place. But if I had my way to make a selection I'd be very careful and precise.

As for Elvis' problems with speech, I'd cut those particular shots as long as it doesn't impair the storyline of the show. An exception could be made with "the ablum" while introducing "And I Love You So", since it was just part of his sense of humor. :)

I'd make a special for a broader audience and offer both complete shows as a collector's item. The idea of this topic was to design a plan that would enable a fair presentation of Elvis' later work without harming his image by making awkward silly choices.

For instance, the version of CHFIL from Rapid City has more power to offer than the one featured in the special. It would have been more suitable, as this one was the most dramatic for a perennial closer to conclude his live appearance with. This is yet another example of an "awkward" choice.

The fan comments fitted the video as I see a lot of people showing their affection for him and they're warm and sincere, but these were better left out on CD.

Of course it would be absolutely adorable and touching to include the scene with the young Indian girl (on video).

All this hasn't got anything to do with wanting to hide anything, it's rather having the intention to create a special that appears to be well thought-out, solid and professional.

The production by CBS leaves a lot of wishes unfulfilled, but I think it is possible to present a program that features Elvis at the top of his vocal game while delivering an inspired show. In other words: such a special wouldn't be desperately secretive but diplomatic.

I'd have to agree to include the songs he didn't perform in Rapid City, as these are entertaining and rare enough - of course there's no way to stumble upon "Fairytale" when watching "That's The Way It Is" or "Elvis On Tour".

A possible argument to cut a lot of songs could be that they weren't perfect, but neither were all from the Aloha special, weren't they?

It would be necessary to re-balance the mix, as the background singers are often too loud and I don't want to hear any overdubs on an ablum.. album - if I remember this correctly some vocals were later added to "And I Love You So", for example. Here I'm pointing at material featured on LP or CD.

Presenting the shows in top-notch video and audio quality would make people reconsider Elvis' state of mind and body, as deterioration of picture quality accentuates (and worsens) this mask of illness.

[rickb]

Certainly the stronger vocal performances of Unchained Melody, Now or Never and Trying to Get to You should have been included. If You Love Me is another, which even has some `moves'. An edited I Got A Woman would be in my list.
The vocals of TB/DBC are better in Rapid City but the crowd reaction better in Omaha, the same with Love Me.
Today I would turn it into a documentary on Elvis' final years, highlighting the demands of constant touring, his still strong voice and the two-way love with his fans

[medleyofcostumes]

Thank you for that constructive reply, medleyofcostumes. On top of that it may be said that Malta is a fine island!

Of course my intention wouldn't be to hide Elvis' state of health or else there couldn't be a special in the first place. But if I had my way to make a selection I'd be very careful and precise.

As for Elvis' problems with speech, I'd cut those particular shots as long as it doesn't impair the storyline of the show. An exception could be made with "the ablum" while introducing "And I Love You So", since it was just part of his sense of humor. :)

I'd make a special for a broader audience and offer both complete shows as a collector's item. The idea of this topic was to design a plan that would enable a fair presentation of Elvis' later work without harming his image by making awkward silly choices.

For instance, the version of CHFIL from Rapid City has more power to offer than the one featured in the special. It would have been more suitable, as this one was the most dramatic for a perennial closer to conclude his live appearance with. This is yet another example of an "awkward" choice.

The fan comments fitted the video as I see a lot of people showing their affection for him and they're warm and sincere, but these were better left out on CD.

Of course it would be absolutely adorable and touching to include the scene with the young Indian girl (on video).

All this hasn't got anything to do with wanting to hide anything, it's rather having the intention to create a special that appears to be well thought-out, solid and professional.

The production by CBS leaves a lot of wishes unfulfilled, but I think it is possible to present a program that features Elvis at the top of his vocal game while delivering an inspired show. In other words: such a special wouldn't be desperately secretive but diplomatic.

I'd have to agree to include the songs he didn't perform in Rapid City, as these are entertaining and rare enough - of course there's no way to stumble upon "Fairytale" when watching "That's The Way It Is" or "Elvis On Tour".

A possible argument to cut a lot of songs could be that they weren't perfect, but neither were all from the Aloha special, weren't they?

It would be necessary to re-balance the mix, as the background singers are often too loud and I don't want to hear any overdubs on an ablum.. album - if I remember this correctly some vocals were later added to "And I Love You So", for example. Here I'm pointing at material featured on LP or CD.

Presenting the shows in top-notch video and audio quality would make people reconsider Elvis' state of mind and body, as deterioration of picture quality accentuates (and worsens) this mask of illness.

Thanks for your kind comments.

Since Elvis and the band wore the same outfits for both shows,it could be easier to "cut and paste" footage. Most concert dvd's of today are edited that way.They film 2 or 3 shows and edit the footage as if it were one show.

Like you said, there were quite a few mistakes in the Aloha and no one even bothere. Many find offensive Elvis reading My Way from a piece of paper. While I don't expect a fulltime performer to read lyrics, no one seemed to bother Elvis pulling out a piece of paper during 'Polk Salad Annie' during TTWII, or reading 'Burning Love' during "On Tour". So the problem is Elvis' appearance in 1977.

I think that the release of 'CBS Special' on dvd is as far fetched as anything you can think of. They are not even consiering the release of a deluxe "Elvis on Tour" since it is not financially viable, let alone this one. But 'If I Can Dream'...

[1100ccRider]

I haven't seen most of the material from this project in ages, some of it since it first aired, and it's been a long time since I even listened to the album (it's in storage...never bought it again on CD) but, from what I DO recall, here's a potential approach:


Elvis’ fans' comments and build-up
2001/See See Rider
I Got A Woman/Amen (shortened a bit)
Are You Lonesome Tonight?
You Gave Me A Mountain
Love Me
Little Sister
Elvis introduces Ginger and his father
Interview with Vernon (similar to that from 1972)
It’s Now Or Never (cut Sherrill’s part)
And I Love You So
If You Love Me
Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel
Fairytale
Hawaiian Wedding Song
Tryin’ To Get To You
Interview with Dave Marsh or Greil Marcus (etc), placing the origin of Elvis in context
How Great Thou Art
Early Morning Rain
My Way
Interviews with Memphis music types (Sam Phillips, BB King, etc) and others (Reverend Herbert W. Brewster, etc) with a brief tour of Memphis (highlights including Sun studio, ending on Graceland’s facade)
That’s All Right
I Really Don't Want To Know
Hurt
Unchained Melody
Can't Help Falling in Love/closing vamp
Message from Vernon Presley


I’d avoid, as much as possible, Omaha material. Doesn’t leave much in the way of choice.


This, of course, presumes that we have only the material known to exist now, in this reality, not some more ideal arrangement such as shooting the special later in the '70s either as a prelude to or as a document of Elvis' world tour, or at the very least shooting more from the tour ("One Night" from Madison and the improved final two shows of the tour), or even shooting it back in the summer of 1975 or late '76. There's only so much that can be done with Elvis in the condition he was in June, 1977.


EDIT: forgot to add "Fairytale" and I decided to put "And I Love You So" in there (I didn't think it really fit, pacing-wise, but I seem to recall it being a decent stab at the song and it was a well-known tune)

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Hey everybody!

I've been thinking about candid Elvis on camera - or, in other words, the CBS television special. Some of you are notorious haters of these shows and you virtually persecute them with extremist fervor.

Others, like me, are hopelessly naive and blind to artistic decay and just won't realize Elvis was willingly cheating on his fans for a quick buck. Such a formulation would approximate questioning Elvis' integrity, but that is how we '77-lovers are being regarded in public.


I find your above comments argumentative, what you are effectively saying is any open minded criticism of these shows is unwelcome.

To say that Elvis was ill and exclaiming a preference for earlier material shouldn't provoke such actions :hmm:

[EnigmaticSun]

Blimey! There are some replies to be addressed here. I'll try to answer them all.

It's cool you would have included Unchained Melody, RickB. I don't see how anyone could miss it - it isn't the best version he ever did, but his voice was strong that day and it worked out all right; the passion he put in this performance is obvious to both eye and ear.

The decisive factor in making a selection for a documentary or movie showing him on stage would be to opt for the more powerful performances rather than those with a more enthusiast reaction from the crowd, since the goal would be to present the viewing audience the best quality available from an artistic point of view.

This would be the most practical method to market this product without doing his image too much harm. The audience would be aware of his state of health, but "at least he could still sing". The original CBS-special was more threatening to his image due to the choices mentioned before.

I wouldn't even mind if a new special would mention his declining health, turning the show into a "swan song" - and who else could sing and play so well while having to bear that much pain and sickness?

The principle of "cut-and-paste" could be used, medleyofcostumes. Some attention would be necessary to prevent illogical sequences though (e.g. he shouldn't stand at some corner of the stage and magically jump over to the opposite or lose all of his sweat while progressing if the illusion of "one show" is to be kept intact).

The question is whether just a show would be enough, or are there documentary-like elements to be added, such as interviews? My opinion is that it would be a good idea, as to gain some insight into the world of his fans, friends and family.

"Elvis On Tour" showcased something similar to that concept, why on earth wouldn't they release it? It had enough to offer (both Elvis the person and Elvis the musician), they could at least consider a release for the collectors..? But I do not intend to give up hope, as Billy Gilman once said: "dare to dream because no dream is too extreme.. I'm living proof!"

I guess that, in this context, they won't let Elvis get away with having to read the lyrics or making minor errors just because it's more noticeable he's suffering and they explain it by him supposedly not being mentally coherent.

I take it you don't like the Omaha show as much, 1100CCRider. It's obvious he was slower and a bit wider than he would be just two days later. Lonnie B. once said that Elvis was singing not using all of his cylinders - like 8 out of 10 (you probably ride a bike?).. One thing is for sure: it didn't affect the depth or range of his voice and I would include the songs not performed in Rapid City.

Of course one would have to face certain limitations trying to create a movie of his last tour. I do think some of these renditions are outstanding though. "The Hawaiian Wedding Song" is just perfect, for instance. I'd rate it above earlier versions from the 70's. In general he had even gained some "gravitational" vocal power.. This is how I'd describe it: his voice was both dark and light, soft and hard, surprisingly deep and amazingly high.. Very expressive to say the least.

As a fan I feel let down not being able to buy an official deluxe DVD.

[EnigmaticSun]

I find your above comments argumentative, what you are effectively saying is any open minded criticism of these shows is unwelcome.

To say that Elvis was ill and exclaiming a preference for earlier material shouldn't provoke such actions :hmm:

I hope you don't mind me answering your post after just having posted my previous reply.

A lot of criticism regarding these shows didn't appear to be open-minded, as the bad seems to outweigh the good and anything else is unrealistic. Of course there's the possibility that I am wrong.

In fact the goal of those argumentative comments was to provoke open-minded criticism, though it's no secret I am pointing at things more positive.

The impression that any open-minded criticism is unwelcome is just what I got while reading some of the negative comments and it's what inspired me to post this.

I can go as far to say that many don't really hate this material, but that they rather really, really dislike it.

Of course I didn't want to hurt any feelings and I just wanted to spark the imagination of the fans. :)

[Erhan]

I've been trying to re-arrange it. but I have to say that when I watched raw concert tapes of omaha and rapid city I realized some fake audience edits maliciously, they are humiliate his image and I don't understand Why did they do that that edits were unnecessary.
Watch that videos it looks better when I edited out fans comments
I try to remastered sound of special with my Japanise 24bit CD but strangely it doesn't fit with footage That improved audio can awake the show little bit.
CBS videos and EIC Album were both very heavyly edited. which one have correct speeed I don't know but speeds chances continuously.

This Videos my CBS Remastered re-edited out videos :)
1-Stage Preparation & C.C. Rider (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jz4QHKD6LZk)
2-THAT'S ALRIGHT (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-A-e81P42U)
3-MY WAY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFeJr0KHDyc)
4-EARLY MORNING RAIN (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGgs5i2ENnU)

[EnigmaticSun]

That is interesting, Erhan. I see we both noticed that a lot of editing didn't do the special and CD much good. It's a strange world production-wise.

Thanks for sharing that!

I guess that both video and audio could be improved, especially if the original tapes were to be professionally remastered.

Another thing is that Elvis' skin appears more yellowish in other video clips. I wonder how that is to be explained..?

[Erhan]

Another thing is that Elvis' skin appears more yellowish in other video clips. I wonder how that is to be explained..?

yes yellowish and even green face may be it' s happened because of same tapes circulats and their format's chances throu the years BETAMAX, VHS, (NTSC, PAL colour formats)
This is clip from close to first generation video tape.

[epmoodyblue]

:hmm:If I would re-edit the 77 CBS Special, by lets see:doh:.............:blink:forget it it will never ever be released http://www.freewebs.com/elvisnowyoulightupthesky/PICS1/victory.gif

[utmom2008]

Many find offensive Elvis reading My Way from a piece of paper. While I don't expect a fulltime performer to read lyrics, no one seemed to bother Elvis pulling out a piece of paper during 'Polk Salad Annie' during TTWII, or reading 'Burning Love' during "On Tour". So the problem is Elvis' appearance in 1977.


Yes, Elvis read the lyrics to "Burning Love" in 1972...it was a brand new song for him at that time. Those are not lyrics to "Polk Salad Annie" that he pulls out during TTWII. If you have seen the outtakes then you know that it's a note that a woman gave him while he was kissing women stage-side. I don't know what it said, but I am willing to bet it had nothing to do with being "down in Louisiana.":lol:
On the other hand...."My Way" had always been a highlight of any show from 1972 on. To see him have to ask for the lyrics is indeed very very sad to me.:sad::sad:

[medleyofcostumes]

Yes, Elvis read the lyrics to "Burning Love" in 1972...it was a brand new song for him at that time. Those are not lyrics to "Polk Salad Annie" that he pulls out during TTWII. If you have seen the outtakes then you know that it's a note that a woman gave him while he was kissing women stage-side. I don't know what it said, but I am willing to bet it had nothing to do with being "down in Louisiana.":lol:
On the other hand...."My Way" had always been a highlight of any show from 1972 on. To see him have to ask for the lyrics is indeed very very sad to me.:sad::sad:

I didn't know that (about Polk Salad). Thanks for the info.

[lvs2day]

Certainly the stronger vocal performances of Unchained Melody, Now or Never and Trying to Get to You should have been included. If You Love Me is another, which even has some `moves'. An edited I Got A Woman would be in my list.
The vocals of TB/DBC are better in Rapid City but the crowd reaction better in Omaha, the same with Love Me.
Today I would turn it into a documentary on Elvis' final years, highlighting the demands of constant touring, his still strong voice and the two-way love with his fans

i sure agree with your selections here , some great performances from rapid city that ere edited out why???

[KPM]

Yes, Elvis read the lyrics to "Burning Love" in 1972...it was a brand new song for him at that time. Those are not lyrics to "Polk Salad Annie" that he pulls out during TTWII. If you have seen the outtakes then you know that it's a note that a woman gave him while he was kissing women stage-side. I don't know what it said, but I am willing to bet it had nothing to do with being "down in Louisiana.":lol:
On the other hand...."My Way" had always been a highlight of any show from 1972 on. To see him have to ask for the lyrics is indeed very very sad to me.:sad::sad:
I have always thought perhaps there were certain songs which Elvis had a mental block about for some reason.
My Way would certainly be one I'd put on that list.
If you watch the Aloha special (not sure if its the rehearsal or actual show) I have noticed he seems to be reading the lyrics of My Way from a stand nearby him-at least to me.

[utmom2008]

I didn't know that (about Polk Salad). Thanks for the info.

You're welcome!:D

[EnigmaticSun]

If you watch the Aloha special (not sure if its the rehearsal or actual show) I have noticed he seems to be reading the lyrics of My Way from a stand nearby him-at least to me.

Yes, I do remember something like that. I also recall such a stand showing him the lyrics to "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry".

It's really something for a man to remember that many songs. I know hundreds of songs by heart, but one would have to pull out a memory or two when doing so. In other words, there's margin for error and sometimes you need some help.

[renapap05]

:hmm:If I would re-edit the 77 CBS Special, by lets see:doh:.............:blink:forget it it will never ever be released http://www.freewebs.com/elvisnowyoulightupthesky/PICS1/victory.gif

:lmfao:That's not a good idea though...:nono: There's no way for me to re-arrange the CBS Special...If Elvis' habits were better,the Special would be also much better IMO.(y):newyear:

[elvispresleytheking]

I'd edit out Charlie Hodge's voice, cut "I Got A Woman/Amen" shorter, take out the fan comments, and add "Unchained Melody."

[renapap05]

I'd edit out Charlie Hodge's voice, cut "I Got A Woman/Amen" shorter, take out the fan comments, and add "Unchained Melody."

But...I think there's already this song at the CBS Special:blink::blink:

[Tony Trout]

Yes, I do remember something like that. I also recall such a stand showing him the lyrics to "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry".

The only time that he read from a lyric sheet onstage during the Aloha show was during "My Way"




But...I think there's already this song at the CBS Special:blink::blink:


No. "Unchained Melody" was never shown in the CBS Special. You may be getting it mixed up with seeing it in the Star DVD, "Love Coming Down".

[renapap05]

The only time that he read from a lyric sheet onstage during the Aloha show was during "My Way"






No. "Unchained Melody" was never shown in the CBS Special. You may be getting it mixed up with seeing it in the Star DVD, "Love Coming Down".

Oh,ok...Thank you very much,Tony!:notworthy

[EnigmaticSun]

The only time that he read from a lyric sheet on stage during the Aloha show was during "My Way"

I don't know whether it has actually been put to use, but I do recall some banner showing the words "when leaves begin to die". I'm not bluffing - I may be completely wrong though.

Anyway.. I'd like to offer some songs from Omaha for consideration:

- That's Allright Mama (it's up-tempo and uninterrupted, whereas he had to start AYLT over again that day)
-Jailhouse Rock (better articulation of the words)
-Little Sister (it actually rocks - though he seems to sing "and then you're blunt" at the beginning :lol:)
-Fairytale (as part of a country theme. His voice had enough power to come through and it seems like he really meant it.)
-And I Love You So (a ballad with warm vocals)
-How Great Thou Art (no explanation necessary)
-It's Now Or Never (I like the ending, even more than the one from Rapid City)
-Hurt (a bit slower does the song well; and what a powerful high note to finish it)

Even though not all of the recorded songs were perfect, they do work, like "Unchained Melody". With some editing one could witness a hard-working Elvis fully engaged in the emotionality of his songs.

It's pointless to wish for his change of habit as I don't think it's going to do much good. The psychological impact on the crowd changes with improved technology - I obviously don't mean pitch-corrected vocals or something, rather diplomatic rendering and remastering of original video and sound.

I agree about Charlie Hodge. He shouldn't be way up front like that and so shouldn't the female singers.

All in all there are some gems to be sure.