"elvis On Tour - The Rehearsals" My New Favorite Ftd Cd!!!

[Jungleroom76]

Well, it took a little over 4 years but I can finally say that I have a BRAND NEW favorite FTD CD!!! Ever since I first heard THE JUNGLE ROOM SESSIONS, that CD has held the title of being my favorite FTD release!! But today, my copy of ELVIS ON TOUR - THE REHEARSALS arrived and I immediately put it into my CD player....all I can say after listening to it 3 times already is...

AWESOME!!!!!

This CD is, hands down, my BRAND NEW FAVORITE FTD release!! I was already anxious to listen to it when it finally arrived today, but now that I've heard it, I just can't get enough of it!! Despite a bit of disappointment that EL PASO didn't turn out to be more than a little goofing around, I have to say that there is not one track on this CD that was a disappointment to me! Some highlights for me:

PROUD MARY - This track ROCKS from start to finish!!! Absolutely FANTASTIC!!!

SEE SEE RIDER - I've always loved the rehearsal of this song that was included on 6363 SUNSET, so I was THRILLED to get another rehearsal version of this one!! Hard-driving rhythm all the way through -- OUTSTANDING STUFF!!!

JOHNNY B. GOODE - It is SO cool to finally have the version of this song that opened the film ELVIS ON TOUR included on an official release! I have always loved this version!!

YOUNG AND BEAUTIFUL - INCREDIBLE!!! I just couldn't imagine how this song would sound, had Elvis ever performed it live....but here on this CD it sounds BEAUTIFUL!!! It really flows well and it sounds like Elvis and the band really put some work into rehearsing this song....it's a shame that Elvis never gave this song serious consideration for inclusion in a live show, aside from the couple of times he toyed with the song in '76!

LAWDY MISS CLAWDY - LOVE that piano playing....stunning version!

FOR THE GOOD TIMES - Although not one of my favorite songs, it quickly became one of my favorite tracks on this CD!!! Just a beautiful performance!

HELP ME MAKE IT THROUGH THE NIGHT - Again, not a real favorite song of mine but Elvis really turns in a sweet performance here!!!

ALWAYS ON MY MIND - PROBABLY MY FAVORITE TRACK ON THIS CD!!! Everything about this version is incredible!! Elvis' vocal performance here is nothing short of gorgeous, and I just LOVE Ronnie Tutt's drumming on this rehearsal!!

NEVER BEEN TO SPAIN - A GREAT performance once again! I've always loved Elvis' performance of this song from the film, but I think this rehearsal is much better in my opinion. There's just something about it.... :cool:

SEPARATE WAYS - I've always loved this song anyway, so I had high expectations going into listening to this rehearsal....a little rough in spots, but another beauty of a performance!!

The sound quality of ELVIS ON TOUR - THE REHEARSALS is simply STUNNING!! Each track sounds fresh and exciting, almost as if Elvis has just finished rehearsing!! Ernst Jorgensen and company have done an outstanding job on mixing and mastering these tracks....they sound INCREDIBLE!!! Elvis attacks each song with an intensity that really makes each song stand out in one way or another...and he is really serious about rehearsing these songs too....very little goofing around can be heard throughout the entire CD! Elvis is really into some serious rehearsing here, and it shows with every track!! A nice bonus with these rehearsals is that we get to hear each song WITHOUT the usual orchestration that Elvis used live on stage....each song on ELVIS ON TOUR - THE REHEARSALS has more of a basic, stripped down sound which works surprisingly well on every track!!

Unfortunately, the artwork on ELVIS ON TOUR - THE REHEARSALS leaves a little to be desired, in my opinion. While I think the photo they chose for the front cover is a fine choice, it would have looked a whole lot better if it weren't so fuzzy. The same goes for the 3 photos on the inside front cover and the photo under the CD tray. For an official CD release, I really think FTD should have done something more creative than just using captured screen images as photos! The 3-color scheme that FTD used for the cover and the text (white, blue and orange) is nicely done and really makes the package more attractive, in my opinion. The back cover simply contains the tracklisting for the CD....a nice picture or two would have helped to prevent the back cover from looking so plain, although again, I like the color scheme so that does help a little in my opinion. The CD itself is plain white with the title of the CD in blue and orange lettering.

As I mentioned at the beginning, ELVIS ON TOUR - THE REHEARSALS is now HANDS DOWN MY FAVORITE FTD CD!!! If you have not picked this one up yet, I STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you quickly add this CD to your Elvis collection....it's one that will remain in your CD player for weeks and months to come!!! :cool:

TCB!
Mike

[Lonniebealestreet]

Very nice overview, Mike!

If I'm not mistaken, aren't Johnny B. Goode and Separate Ways the same versions used in the film, and Always On My Mind the one seen in This Is Elvis/The Great Performances? I'm not at all saying that's a bad thing; I think it's very appropriate that they be on this release, and they're all great versions to boot!

The great thing about SW is that we get to hear much more of the vocalizing at the end. I never would have guessed from the movie that there was that much more to the song.

That take of AOMM has always been my favorite. I think it's got more soul than the master. Though the sound on this CD is fantastic, I must confess--and maybe this is just because I am used to it--I kind of prefer the little extra reverb applied to the track in TIE/TGP. That's not a gripe though.

There's a moment at the end of Burning Love which is kind of like hearing a pre-master alternate take (which most are) in which Elvis is still searching for the right sound or a particular element. The 'hunka hunka' part goes on forever, until it just kinda tapers off to nothin', man ;) , and after that Elvis asks how they are going to end it onstage. It's so neat to be witness to a moment like that all these years later, because hearing the question posed now, you automatically think of how the song was ended in EOT, or Aloha...and it just seems funny to hear Elvis not having figured that out yet. OK, so I'm easily entertained! :D

It's great to hear little nuances in these songs that show Elvis' being dedicated as he was at this time. Even in a song like Hound Dog, he changes the delivery up in a way that I haven't heard him do in the exact same way before. We do miss out on the amount of between-song banter that we are used to hearing on this sort of release, but by all accounts Elvis was all-business (well, with a few exceptions) at these rehearsal sessions.

Young And Beautiful alone definitely makes this CD worth getting, but the rest of it ain't exactly filler! The prevalence of the contemporary material is a great asset, though the older tunes shine as well. Every fan needs to hear this one!

[quinn53]

will u send me one? :king:

[Jungleroom76]

Very nice overview, Mike!

If I'm not mistaken, aren't Johnny B. Goode and Separate Ways the same versions used in the film, and Always On My Mind the one seen in This Is Elvis/The Great Performances? I'm not at all saying that's a bad thing; I think it's very appropriate that they be on this release, and they're all great versions to boot!

The great thing about SW is that we get to hear much more of the vocalizing at the end. I never would have guessed from the movie that there was that much more to the song.

That take of AOMM has always been my favorite. I think it's got more soul than the master. Though the sound on this CD is fantastic, I must confess--and maybe this is just because I am used to it--I kind of prefer the little extra reverb applied to the track in TIE/TGP. That's not a gripe though.

There's a moment at the end of Burning Love which is kind of like hearing a pre-master alternate take (which most are) in which Elvis is still searching for the right sound or a particular element. The 'hunka hunka' part goes on forever, until it just kinda tapers off to nothin', man ;) , and after that Elvis asks how they are going to end it onstage. It's so neat to be witness to a moment like that all these years later, because hearing the question posed now, you automatically think of how the song was ended in EOT, or Aloha...and it just seems funny to hear Elvis not having figured that out yet. OK, so I'm easily entertained! :D

It's great to hear little nuances in these songs that show Elvis' being dedicated as he was at this time. Even in a song like Hound Dog, he changes the delivery up in a way that I haven't heard him do in the exact same way before. We do miss out on the amount of between-song banter that we are used to hearing on this sort of release, but by all accounts Elvis was all-business (well, with a few exceptions) at these rehearsal sessions.

Young And Beautiful alone definitely makes this CD worth getting, but the rest of it ain't exactly filler! The prevalence of the contemporary material is a great asset, though the older tunes shine as well. Every fan needs to hear this one!

THANKS BUDDY!!! (y)

I am so glad you liked the review, and I agree with you 100% on all of your points!! I was very surprised that SEPARATE WAYS went on as long as it did, but hearing him vocalize on the end as you said is definitely a very cool treat!!! :)

The version of ALWAYS ON MY MIND included on this CD is also my favorite version of this song, hands-down!! I was SO thrilled to see that this song would be included on the CD, as I have always loved watching Elvis perform this song in the movie!! As you said, this version has so much energy and soul in it....you can just hear Elvis getting completely lost in the lyrics, and that driving beat that is provided by Ronnie Tutt really helps to move the song along and also really accenuates the song, in my opinion!! I think I might have potentially worn out that track on my CD!!! :P

Yes you are right on JOHNNY B. GOODE and SEPARATE WAYS....these are the same versions included in the film, which is VERY cool as I have been waiting to finally get the film version of JOHNNY B. GOODE on an official release -- and in EXCELLENT sound quality to boot! :cool:

I know what you mean about BURNING LOVE...I loved listening to him ask the band how they were going to fade the song out on stage....PRICELESS for sure!! And the fact that the song also runs on much longer than I anticipated at the end was another added bonus for me!! ;)

I agree that even on the usual standards like LOVE ME and HOUND DOG, Elvis really still seems to be interested in performing these songs. I have a feeling if we had rehearsal material from the later '70's, he probably wouldn't even bother rehearsing these songs!! But here, they still sound fresh and exciting and he still attacks them with the same energy that he did back in the 50's. GREAT STUFF!!! (y)

Finally....I couldn't agree more with you on YOUNG AND BEAUTIFUL!! It is without a doubt the highlight of this set! When I was getting ready to listen to that track, I was expecting a very rough version at best, with Elvis fumbling for the lyrics....I was COMPLETELY surprised at how polished the performance was, both from Elvis and the band....it flowed so smoothly as if they had rehearsed it before....and Elvis' delivery of the lyrics was just as smooth as it was in 1957!!

ELVIS ON TOUR - THE REHEARSALS is indeed a CD that every Elvis fan not only should hear, but should own in their collection!!! This CD has YET to see the light of day from inside my CD player since I got it 3 days ago!!! I seriously think my family is going to hide it on me soon if they have to listen to it much longer!!! ;)

THANKS AGAIN for the kind words for the review buddy....glad you liked it!! :cool:

TCB!
Mike

[Keith F]

I agree this is one of the best FTD's yet, and there's plenty more rehearsals for a volume 2, but it's a shame they used the already released take of "Always On My Mind", as this was released originally on the "Great Performances" CD.


Keith

[FrankieRider2]

I just got this CD today at Graceland, and I really like it a lot too. The review is pretty much spot-on, but I like the slower version of "Polk Salad Annie" a lot too. I've never heard the shortened version sung that slowly... the live tempo was much faster.

But really just a great CD.... any fan should get it.

[P.S. Annie]

Got it in the mail yesterday, gave it a spin in the car today, and I'm hooked :D

[NightRider]

Excellent review(s) of an equally excellent release Mike :cool:

One of the best FTD's to date without a doubt (y)

[Jungleroom76]

THANKS FRANKIERIDER2 AND NIGHT RIDER!!! :blush:

Glad you liked my review...as I was listening to the CD for the first time, the ideas for the review just started coming, so I decided to sit down and write the review so that everyone would know what a FANTASTIC CD this one is!!

THANKS AGAIN for the kind words...I appreciate it and once again, I am humbled!! :blush:

TCB!
Mike

[Mike DK]

I haven't heard this cd yet, as my "dealer" (Records & Books in Denmark) is in Memphis at the moment. But from what I have been reading about this cd it sounds awesome :) Can't wait to get it.

[boogie]

Very interesting review Jungleroom, and indeed a wonderful cd
my fav are Young and Beautiful(highlight of this set) and separate ways (what a great ending of this song)
A winner for FTD (y)

[Jungleroom76]

THANKS BOOGIE!!! ;)

Glad you liked my review...it definitely is an OUTSTANDING CD....I STILL haven't taken it out of my CD player yet!!! :blink:

TCB!
Mike

[Captain Elwood David]

"On Tour - The Rehearsals" FTD is destined to be a classic.

This is some of the stuff that hooked me as a kid and this release brings back the ol' memories - reminding me all over again as to how the music "captures" you - then & now.

I have only one complaint, ........... there is definitely so much more UNRELEASED stuff sitting in the vaults .................. and I want more of it - in this same quality.

On that note: The CD could have been a little longer (given us a little more material - of which there is plenty) and / or included some more between song banter (instead of some of the rather abrupt cuts at the ends of songs), ................... but otherwise, .............. A TOP NOTCH RELEASE in terms of sound / content.

"Young & Beautiful" is simply ............... a stunning GEM! Only EP could so effortlessly spin magic such as this.

This is what the FTD label is all about.


- Capt. "EL."

[Davey]

I gotta get this cd! Thanks for the reviews, 1st one I've read of this release.

[Jungleroom76]

MY PLEASURE DAVEY!!! GLAD YOU ENJOYED THE REVIEW!!! (y)

And may I also take this opportunity to welcome you to the TCB-World Forum!! I hope you will enjoy it here, and I hope to see you around here often!! :)

TCB!
Mike

[Davey]

Thanks for the welcome! I've been here every day since I founds this place last week & always find something interesting. I think this cd or 6363 Sunset will be my next FTD buy.

[Jungleroom76]

MY PLEASURE DAVEY!!! (y)

Either ON TOUR or 6363 SUNSET would be a very wise choice....they are both OUTSTANDING CD's!! I'm sure you will be thrilled with either one (although being partial to both of them as I am, I feel you should have BOTH of them in your collection!) ;)

Once again....WELCOME to the board and HAVE FUN!!! :cool:

TCB!
Mike

[Davey]

I hope to get most of them over time except time except the movie ones, which I'm not really a big fan of. I just wish they were't so expensive. Last one I got was Burbank 68 which is awesome! My most played is Spring Tours, closely followed by It's Midnight and Jungle Room Sessions. I've only played Closing Night twice in the last few months, and I really am fond of Tuscon 76 as it was my 1st FTd buy. All the rest I still have to look forward to.

[Captain Elwood David]

My most played is Spring Tours, closely followed by It's Midnight and Jungle Room Sessions.
Shhhhhhhhh .........

(better not say that too loudly ............ you'll get roasted for loving the '76-'77 Elvis - especially his Music ..........)

;)

:lmfao:

That said, .......... I'm with you .......... (TWO of my FAVORITES)!!


- Capt. "EL."

[pacer1965]

The Jungle Room Sessions is still my favourite after listening to Elvis on Tour-the rehearsals. I still think on tour is a great release but 50 minutes (n) is not very long. I think Elvis sings all the songs great :notworthy but I can't stop listening to Johnny B goode :cool:

[Davey]

Shhhhhhhhh .........

(better not say that too loudly ............ you'll get roasted for loving the '76-'77 Elvis - especially his Music ..........)

;)

:lmfao:

That said, .......... I'm with you .......... (TWO of my FAVORITES)!!


- Capt. "EL."


I actually like the last few concert years just as much as any of the earlier years. He may not have rocked quite so hard or so much as the 70's progressed, but his voice really grew into songs like Mountain, My Way etc. Just listen to the resigned sorrow in his voice on the version of Reconsider Baby from Charlotte 1977 on the Moody Blue & Other Great Songs live bootleg for instance. The earlier versions you can tell that the girl will come back. This 1977 version you can tell that he has no chance of convincing her, and more to the point, he knows it as well which makes it all the more powerful.
The CBS album has always been one of my favourite Elvis albums, live or otherwise. The 1977 Spring Tours is like a very welcome volume 2. Every song (at least outside of the often performed hits) is at least as well performed as any earlier version I've heard, and at least half are better. Sure, listening to many complete 1977 shows can be a bit tough, but every show has at least 6-7 transcendent moments and it's not hard to fill up a couple of cd's with some stunning performances taken from 4-5 shows.

[Lonniebealestreet]

Davey, your POV is shared by a lot of folks on here.

Superb comparison of Reconsider Baby '77 and the original--that was a great way of looking at it.

[Jungleroom76]

I hope to get most of them over time except time except the movie ones, which I'm not really a big fan of. I just wish they were't so expensive. Last one I got was Burbank 68 which is awesome! My most played is Spring Tours, closely followed by It's Midnight and Jungle Room Sessions. I've only played Closing Night twice in the last few months, and I really am fond of Tuscon 76 as it was my 1st FTd buy. All the rest I still have to look forward to.

YOU OBVIOUSLY HAVE EXQUISITE TASTE DAVEY!!! (y)

SPRING TOURS '77 is indeed one of the best FTD releases, right up there with JUNGLE ROOM SESSIONS!!! These are, without a doubt, 2 of the MUST HAVE FTD releases in any Elvis fans collection in my opinion!!!

I also enjoy IT'S MIDNIGHT immensely, however the one thing which keeps me from listening to it as often as I could is the excessive amount of between song banter that Elvis engages in! I think his voice sounds OUTSTANDING throughout the entire show, but with all of the between song chatting that Elvis does, it just really detracts from my personal enjoyment of the show. The same goes for DRAGONHEART as well, in my opinion. Again....a GREAT show with Elvis' singing voice in fine form, but all of the chattiness between songs really slows down the tempo and pace of the show....if he would have cut down on the talking, he probably could have done another 2-3 songs easily! As I said though....just my opinion... :hmm:

But I have to tip my hat to you for your obvious enjoyment of Elvis' music in 1976-77!!! It is SO nice to have another Elvis fan here on the board who can truly appreciate the music that Elvis made during the last few years of his life!!! :cool:

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

I actually like the last few concert years just as much as any of the earlier years. He may not have rocked quite so hard or so much as the 70's progressed, but his voice really grew into songs like Mountain, My Way etc. Just listen to the resigned sorrow in his voice on the version of Reconsider Baby from Charlotte 1977 on the Moody Blue & Other Great Songs live bootleg for instance. The earlier versions you can tell that the girl will come back. This 1977 version you can tell that he has no chance of convincing her, and more to the point, he knows it as well which makes it all the more powerful.
The CBS album has always been one of my favourite Elvis albums, live or otherwise. The 1977 Spring Tours is like a very welcome volume 2. Every song (at least outside of the often performed hits) is at least as well performed as any earlier version I've heard, and at least half are better. Sure, listening to many complete 1977 shows can be a bit tough, but every show has at least 6-7 transcendent moments and it's not hard to fill up a couple of cd's with some stunning performances taken from 4-5 shows.

:notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy

BRILLIANTLY STATED DAVEY!!!

And how about that version of FAIRYTALE on SPRING TOURS '77??? Isn't that the BEST version of that song available...it's just a shame his microphone gave out toward the end....the way he was just literally attacking that song, I would have loved to hear how it would have ended had his microphone continued to work without problems! :hmm:

TCB!
Mike

[Captain Elwood David]

And how about that version of FAIRYTALE on SPRING TOURS '77??? Isn't that the BEST version of that song available...it's just a shame his microphone gave out toward the end...
You are reading my mind here JungleRoom.

I will also add that "Help Me" from "Spring Tours" is one of my all-time favorite versions of the song. EP is practically crying & begging for "Help" during portions of this version, literally.

The sheer emotion that EP puts into his songs circa '76-'77 is incomparable to any other time in his life / career. Therein lies the appeal, for me, to the '77 Elvis.

For good & bad, ......... from the pain, ............... comes power.


- Capt. "EL."

[Jungleroom76]

COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER MYSELF CAPPY!!! (y)

I agree with you 100% that version of HELP ME is one of the best!!! The power and emotion he puts into that song.....makes me want to run right upstairs and play it...which I think I will!!! ;)

I truly believe that all of the lessons he learned in life, both good and bad...wonderful and painful, were reflected in his performances during the last few years of his life, both on and off stage! I really think some of the trials that Elvis suffered throughout his life really helped to add that extra dimension of emotion in his songs, especially the ballads of the later 70's!! :hmm:

TCB!
Mike

[charlie rodgers]

hi everybody
ive personly never understood the people who would have liked elvis always to have been the same way either like in the fifties or as 68/69 and never alowed the human/artist elvis to grow and only thinks his great and brilliant when his whering a ducktail or the sit down shows of 68 singing thats all right
their was so much more to the singer and human being of elvis than just the rock singer i really think elvis was the most versetille singer ive ever have heard and that really comes to expres more in all the other types of music that elvis sang than rock&roll .elvis voice under whent some tremendus changes
in the tone and sensibillity of his voice over the 24 years we have of him on record but the overall quality of his voice never did chance i love his voice from the fifties, i love his voice from the early sixties, the change to the mid sixties and then again the change in the late sixties, but elvis voice in the seventies had such a broader appeal to it he had everything pulled all together
the crowl of the rock voice,the bluesy and gospel feeling, the soul and sensibility of the ballad voice(he had allways had all of those qualitys but it just got better and better along the way) and that big ,big full throath (from the gut) voice, i love the rock&roll elvis of the fifties but i really liked the way he expanded his music and singing/voice also, a long the way right to 77 and didnt just get stranded in the rock&roll ways of the fifties and 68 special thats one of the reasons i never got tired of listening to elvis music their are so many kinds and it all is delivered with shere soul and devotion to the music(except the odd sound tracks ).
ofcause you can hear elvis sound tired and a little uninspired in some of the later shows (he also did in 71 vegas in some of the shows,bored?? i think so )
but if he had a good day and was feeling well he could still put on a great show in 76-77 we all now elvis was ?ll and was not feeling well all the time in those later years but to be neglecting those last years of elvis entertaining and singing his heart out on many occasions because he didnt look the way or sing the way he did in 56/57,or 68/69 is a great shame, he didnt sound like 69 in 77 and he didnt sounded like 56 in 69 his voice developed all the time and he had a great voice in 77 if you doubt me just listing to spring tours with a open mind and not the elvis was finish after aloha kind of mind .if elvis had lived on and if he could find the strengt in him to have gotten in shape theirs no doubt in my mind he would have gone on to still grow artisticily you can argue that he was in a little stand still set list wise in his shows (the fans wanted hound dog,teddybear) around 76/77 but all singer ?/musicians have that from time to time i think it was just a hurddle he had to get over(i dont think he was happy with his personal life at the time and that has to efeckt you apperience and performences to) and after the next tour in august i think he would have been getting himself together more and maked some changes(both hes personal life and professional life) (not if you hear the pessimist gang,no it was to late it would never have happened he should have done it along time a go,you would just have postponed his passing a little longer,he had the change,his system could not work proberly anymore with or without the drugs ,he was washedout.i dont agrea )but that we will never now, not because im being naive but i personally think he where heading on to better times life goes up and it goes down, and sometimes you just goes off the track and you have to find the way back to the right track again .but for elvis that sad tuesday afternoon got in the way,but he surely had lots of life in him and many good years ahead of him ,if he had straitend himself up and got himself back in shape not to say he should again be tine as a rake and more handsome than 10 movie stars, he was in his forties and aint it the norm to have alittle punch at that age, but losing a little wiegth he would still look stunning
n?w i did ran off the track alittle bid there back to the music
i love to hear elvis in 77 as much i do hearing him in all the other years
spring tours is a most have their are many great performances on it,polk salad annie is one of my favorite versions,help me is fantastick sung that plege in his voice,lawdy miss clawdy great,unchained melody what can you say to such a performance just listing and be amaced,and yeah to bad a bout the mick problems in the ending of fairytale what a great version that is powerful indeed,but in my opinion their should have exchanged teddybear/dont... and blue suede shoes,with how great how art,you gave me a mouintain,and ofcause hurt,their should be recordings of those songs in the vaults ,but other wise a great and essential release bring on volume 2 if their is enough tracks for a cd more other wise juse the remaining tracks on a 77 ftd package of a book the indy show,rapid city the whole show ,and the best of omaha,i will be bying it for shure.
ps: to have indy in soundboard is a dream come true.
if the box is legit(hmm) and if it is it also does containg the tape that is .

[Captain Elwood David]

hi everybody
ive personly never understood the people who would have liked elvis always to have been the same way either like in the fifties or as 68/69 and never alowed the human/artist elvis to grow and only thinks his great and brilliant when his whering a ducktail or the sit down shows of 68 singing thats all right
their was so much more to the singer and human being of elvis than just the rock singer
Charlie -

You have succintly hit the nail on the head - a bull's eye - and echoed exactly my sentiments as to the appeal of the '76-'77 EP.

My thanks. :cool:

BTW, ....... IMO, one reason for the above perception (only the 50's / '68 Elvis is worthy) ................ is because EPE also perpetuates this self-serving (money-wise) point of view. As many are coming to realize, however, ........ it doesn't make it "true."


- Capt. "EL."

[rockinrebel]

Shhhhhhhhh .........

(better not say that too loudly ............ you'll get roasted for loving the '76-'77 Elvis - especially his Music ..........)

I have to say that the popularity of the “Spring Tours” CD does surprise me. The sound quality was excellent but for me most of the tracks included on that disc are just inferior versions of songs that Elvis had performed so much better in the past. I realise that many fans think differently, but personally I just don’t hear it.

I thought the “Jungle Room Sessions” was great though. I had read so much about Elvis being depressed during these sessions, and the overall mood of the “Boulevard” album did little to change this. “Boulevard” was never a favourite of mine as I thought there were far too many overdubs, and much of the material wasn’t really to my taste.

However, hearing Elvis and the band as they were in the studio, and finding out that the old humour was still very much I evidence made the “Jungle Room Sessions” a very interesting and entertaining release, and really gave me a fresh perspective on Elvis’ final studio recordings.

The “On Tour” FTD was also a pleasant surprise. Whilst I like the 1972 concerts, I’ve always thought that the rehearsal tapes sounded flat in comparison to TTWII, but after hearing the latest FTD, I would now say that this must have been down to the mono mixes that have appeared on bootlegs, and not Elvis’ performances. There are some great versions of songs and Elvis is fully in control and singing really well. I bought “Closing Night” at the same time, and I wasn’t looking forward to this one after having had the audience tape for a number of years, and hearing this show from the soundboard did nothing to improve it for me. The fact that the “On Tour” rehearsals and “Closing Night” are a little over twelve months apart really illustrates how Elvis performance level, and attitude towards performing slipped in the months that followed the satellite broadcast. It’s almost like listening to a different person.

[charlie rodgers]

quote rockinrebel "The fact that the ?On Tour? rehearsals and ?Closing Night? are a little over twelve months apart really illustrates how Elvis performance level, and attitude towards performing slipped in the months that followed the satellite broadcast. It?s almost like listening to a different person."

but then again listening to mach 74 eight months later,theirs and upswing again .he sounds fabulos in memphis.
bye the way i really like closing night i think its a quite entertaining show and I think he did some slendid shows in august 73.

[Captain Elwood David]

I have to say that the popularity of the “Spring Tours” CD does surprise me. The sound quality was excellent but for me most of the tracks included on that disc are just inferior versions of songs that Elvis had performed so much better in the past. I realise that many fans think differently, but personally I just don’t hear it.
Fascinating. I feel exactly the opposite. I don't view some performances as "inferior" at all & the popularity of this FTD comes as little surprise to me as well. I also think the same applies to EIC - if properly redone & officially released (but I digress ;) ).


I thought the “Jungle Room Sessions” was great though. I had read so much about Elvis being depressed during these sessions, and the overall mood of the “Boulevard” album did little to change this.

However, hearing Elvis and the band as they were in the studio, and finding out that the old humour was still very much I evidence made the “Jungle Room Sessions” a very interesting and entertaining release, and really gave me a fresh perspective on Elvis’ final studio recordings.
This FTD does indeed dispel some erroneously negative MYTH. A most welcome addition and step in the right direction, IMO. An excellent example of the FTD Label ............. serving the fans & history in the way it was intended / hoped (I will also add that JRS was an immensely popular / well bought FTD release; again, not surprising to me).


The fact that the “On Tour” rehearsals and “Closing Night” are a little over twelve months apart really illustrates how Elvis performance level, and attitude towards performing slipped in the months that followed the satellite broadcast. It’s almost like listening to a different person.
My take on it -------> it was common for EP to have some very dramatic roller-coaster ups-n-downs - especially from circa '72-'73 & thereafter. This was also a reflection of the turmoil of his personal life / difficulties ............ emotionally & physically.


- Capt. "EL."

[Captain Elwood David]

........ but then again listening to mach 74 eight months later,theirs and upswing again .he sounds fabulos in memphis.

....... and I think he did some slendid shows in august 73.
The positive "ups" are definitely there, but ......... unfortunately, ........ the negative "downs" usually get more attention / focus.

Once again, ................. it comes back to fighting the "MYTH."


- Capt. "EL."

[Davey]

My personal favourite show that came after Aloha is the legendary opening night Vegas 1974, the one where he shook up the setlist & brought in many more contemporary songs for the 1st (and sometimes only) time. That whole residency (including the legendary 'Drug Story' show) is one of my favourite eras of live Elvis and I think a big part of this is because he had a whole new set of songs to get his teeth into. How cool would it be if he did that on a yearly basis? Just listening to the rehearsals for that show, you can tell that he is fully engaged, far from bored & totally dedicated to getting each small aspect of the songs down right.
I'm a huge Bob Dylan fan, and he is someone of similar stature to Elvis that is always touring, playing over 100 dates every year. He changes the setlist every night by 45-50%, sometimes only 2 or 3 songs are repeated from one night to the next. While we could never expect that kind of variety in setlists from Elvis, I really think that if he changed the set by 65-70% for every new Vegas season for instance, and then took that show on the road until the next Vegas season where he'd introduce some other songs, he maybe wouldn't have become so bored with the same old same old routine every night. Many of the songs he was known for singing live were ones that the audience only knew from live perfoemances (Mountain. My Way, American Trilogy, See See Rider etc) and they were't the greatest hits of his early years. Introducing a few more 'live only' songs as well as 3 or 4 from each studio album into the general pool of songs would have made a huge difference to his enthusiasm for performing while still giving the audience plenty of the hits that they came for.

[Captain Elwood David]

Also, it is best to remember,

We have the convenience of 20 / 20 hindsight to evaluate a situation and view thru the prism of today's standards ............ things that happened over 30 years ago.

When EP was here, ............. those "old throwaway" 50's hits (Jailhouse, Teddy Bear, Don't Be Cruel, etc.) were precisely what the fans demanded & wanted to hear. EP complied. He did try to change his set-list, but the fans wouldn't have any of it. This, IMO, is another part of the miscontsrued notion that EP didn't progress in the 70's. (Then again, if one doesn't view "Burning Love" / "Promised Land" / & lots of the ballads ("Unchained", "Hurt") that EP had taken to sinking his teeth into by '76 ............... as "progressing" .............. the argument is mute. I however, disagree).

EP couldn't getaway with today, what he was doing 30 years ago (50 - 60 minutes shows with the same set-list) ......................... but, back then, ................ it was sufficient & served its purpose on multiple levels.


- Capt. "EL."

[rockinrebel]

Fascinating. I feel exactly the opposite. I don't view some performances as "inferior" at all & the popularity of this FTD comes as little surprise to me as well. I also think the same applies to EIC - if properly redone & officially released (but I digress ;) )..

It’s been a while since I played the disc, but my overall impression was that most of the performances were poor. The likes of “Unchained Melody” and “Help Me” were well performed as usual, but listening to “Bridge” I don’t think it comes close to live versions from 1970 – 1972, and I thought same thing about “Polk Salad Annie”. It was nice to get an official live version of “Big Boss Man”, but again I think Elvis performed this song so much better in the past; the Pittsburgh version for example is much stronger in my opinion.

I thought Elvis’ version of “Bridge” during the Indianapolis concert was excellent, and I have heard more energetic versions of “Polk Salad” from the final year (Toledo - if my memory is correct here) so I’m not totally down on everything from 1977. Personally, I thought the February tour was stronger, and I think Elvis was also in better voice during the Rapid City concert and the final two shows.

Still I wouldn’t be without the CD as it gives me the opportunity to form my own perspective on this period of Elvis’ career, and I think all the FTD releases are valid in that respect.



This FTD does indeed dispel some erroneously negative MYTH. A most welcome addition and step in the right direction, IMO. An excellent example of the FTD Label ............. serving the fans & history in the way it was intended / hoped (I will also add that JRS was an immensely popular / well bought FTD release; again, not surprising to me).

Agreed. Elvis’ choice of material was introspective and reflected what was going on in personal life, and for that reason it is easy to get carried away with the doom and gloom stories. However, whilst this may not have been the happiest period of his life, what comes across quite clearly from the “Jungle Room Sessions” is that he was still enjoying making music.



My take on it -------> it was common for EP to have some very dramatic roller-coaster ups-n-downs - especially from circa '72-'73 & thereafter. This was also a reflection of the turmoil of his personal life / difficulties ............ emotionally & physically.

The closing show from 1973 is one of those that would have been referred to as ‘crazy’ in days gone by when we only had access to this type of material through audience tapes. However, hearing performances like this from the soundboard, I don’t get the impression that Elvis was having fun at all, and for me he actually comes across as completely bored with his situation, and somewhat irritated at having to play Las Vegas twice per year.

Of course he came back again with much better performances, but post Aloha I think he really needed a fresh challenge, as touring and playing Vegas had become routine, rather like making movies did in the 60‘s. Again though, whatever your take on it is, it’s always interesting to hear the shows and form opinions on them.

[Captain Elwood David]

It’s been a while since I played the disc, but my overall impression was that most of the performances were poor.
Just wanted to clarify that I don't think all of the tracks on "Spring Tours" are outstanding, ......... nor do I view all as "inferior", either. Some, definitely, are superior performances.

This is also how I view 1977 - there were definite moments of transcendence that year.


The closing show from 1973 is one of those that would have been referred to as ‘crazy’ in days gone by when we only had access to this type of material through audience tapes. However, hearing performances like this from the soundboard, I don’t get the impression that Elvis was having fun at all, and for me he actually comes across as completely bored with his situation, and somewhat irritated at having to play Las Vegas twice per year.
I like "Closing Night" a lot. If one gives it a listen while perusing "Caught In A Trap" (an essential book to accompany) ........... I think the photos that accompany do not portray a "bored" Elvis by any means during this engagement. Yes, EP is being excessively silly at times - even more so given the fact that it was, afterall, - "closing night." Honestly not really a big deal to me ............... because EP had always been apt to get like this from time to time (the "Laughing version" of AYLT is an excellent earlier example).

- When it ceases to be fun, we will cease doing it.

EP

The part with EP speaking out against the policies of The Hilton - are utterly FASCINATING for hardcore EP historians; it is even more FANTASTIC to have it documented on an "Official" SB release.

EP was human, and "Closing Night" is welcome evidence of this. Anything that makes the man more human, only increases his appeal.


Of course he came back again with much better performances, but post Aloha I think he really needed a fresh challenge, as touring and playing Vegas had become routine, rather like making movies did in the 60‘s.
There are many "Superior" performances to be found post 1973. I became a fan in the early 70's as a kid and even more so by EP's last years. So, it's quite natural that I speak / view positively this time period of EP's career.


- Capt. "EL."

[Jungleroom76]

BTW, ....... IMO, one reason for the above perception (only the 50's / '68 Elvis is worthy) ................ is because EPE also perpetuates this self-serving (money-wise) point of view. As many are coming to realize, however, ........ it doesn't make it "true."

PRECISELY CAPPY!!! (y)

I've said from day one that in my opinion, as far as EPE is concerned, Elvis died after the Aloha Special. And the ONLY reason that us fans are lucky enough to have CD's like JUNGLE ROOM SESSIONS and SPRING TOURS '77 in our collections is because RCA owns the rights to the music and can release these CD's without having to get approval from EPE. I am sure RCA does ask for EPE's input on what they choose to release, but basically since RCA owns the rights to the music, they have more freedom in what they do/do not release!

EPE needs to wake up and realize that, despite his obvious flaws, Elvis was still capable of creating GREAT music after the Aloha special!!! (y)

TCB!
Mike

[Captain Elwood David]

Yep, I hear ya JR76 .............

I'm waiting for them to revoke EP's 1974 Best Inspirational Performance for "How Great Thou Art" GRAMMY AWARD - that was performed live at yet another of his lackluster, mediocre, has-been, washed-up, boring, un-challenging post-'73 concert venues ..... where EP was just going thru the motions so to speak.

:lmfao:

(EP also went on to give some - IMO - definitive versions of a number of other songs well after 1973. Some are even some of my favorite titles by the man).

The 70's E-L-V-I-S ROCKS just as much .............. in my book !!

( ......... sorry for yelling ................... )


- Capt. "EL."

[Lonniebealestreet]

I also enjoy IT'S MIDNIGHT immensely, however the one thing which keeps me from listening to it as often as I could is the excessive amount of between song banter that Elvis engages in! I think his voice sounds OUTSTANDING throughout the entire show, but with all of the between song chatting that Elvis does, it just really detracts from my personal enjoyment of the show. The same goes for DRAGONHEART as well, in my opinion. Again....a GREAT show with Elvis' singing voice in fine form, but all of the chattiness between songs really slows down the tempo and pace of the show....if he would have cut down on the talking, he probably could have done another 2-3 songs easily! As I said though....just my opinion...Personally I never group It's Midnight and Dragonheart together in my mind in any way, except for the proximity of their performance dates.

It's Midnight to me is a great representation of that Vegas engagement which was on the whole a lot chattier than the show(s) presented on that CD. (What am I doing telling you this?:lmfao:) The monologues are a lot less rambling than they could have been, and he was in fine form vocally, as you said.

Dragonheart is a show that I see as being for documentation purposes only. I am someone who finds positive things to enjoy in most everything the man did, but this show IMO is very lacking in that department. I truly hate to say that, but That's The Way It Is to me. From his singing to the overall vibe he projected...not good. It's very interesting to listen to, but not in a positive way.

Jeff, if you see this...see, Mike and I are not twins! ;) Heck, he's too old to even be my brother! :P

Revoke the Grammy...LOL, Cappy!

[Jungleroom76]

Yep, I hear ya JR76 .............

I'm waiting for them to revoke EP's 1974 Best Inspirational Performance for "How Great Thou Art" GRAMMY AWARD - that was performed live at yet another of his lackluster, mediocre, has-been, washed-up, boring, un-challenging post-'73 concert venues ..... where EP was just going thru the motions so to speak.

:lmfao:

(EP also went on to give some - IMO - definitive versions of a number of other songs well after 1973. Some are even some of my favorite titles by the man).

The 70's E-L-V-I-S ROCKS just as much .............. in my book !!

( ......... sorry for yelling ................... )


- Capt. "EL."

WOW CAPPY....I never even thought about that!!! We'd better not say anymore about revoking Elvis' Grammy, or EPE might just look into that considering it is a post-Aloha accolade!! :blink:

As for your assessment of the 70's Elvis, all I can say Cappy is...

ROCK ON!!!!! :cool:

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

Jeff, if you see this...see, Mike and I are not twins! ;) Heck, he's too old to even be my brother!

WHO ARE YOU CALLING OLD????? :'( ;)

I agree with you completely that, considering the other shows from the Aug. '74 engagement, IT'S MIDNIGHT could have been a whole lot worse in terms of the long monologues!! But still....he's just too chatty for me to sit and listen to the entire CD very often....but that is just the humble opinion of an OLD person!!! :P

I knew DRAGONHEART wasn't a favorite FTD CD of yours, but I guess I really didn't realize how little you enjoyed it. Again, as I said, he really chats too much for my taste, but I thought his voice was decent throughout the show....maybe not as strong as IT'S MIDNIGHT, but still solid through most of the show. I feel horrible that we disagree on this one.... :'(

TCB!
Mike

[Lonniebealestreet]

I hate to go on about not liking an Elvis performance, but I do wish to elaborate some on that.

Though his voice could have been in better shape for the South Bend show, it's not so much his voice as it is his singing that I don't care for as much as usual, if you know what I mean by that--i.e. not his voice but the way he used it.

But above and beyond that, the main thing that turns me off about that show is his state of mind...or just the overall spirit that he seemed to project. I know that sounds a little out there, but there was just something very dark and negative and un-Elvis about the way he seemed that night.

Let's face it: Elvis gave some not so great concerts, but for lots of fans like me, we can appreciate them and see them in a more positive light than someone who, for example, has only heard shows of the TTWII variety. Even in the case of what people consider to be his poorest performances in, say his final 18 months or so, I see past whatever things might have been hindering him and appreciate them to a great extent. The 'Elvis spirit' seemed intact.

But in this period in the Fall of '74, I don't sense that too much. His condition on various levels seemed about as low as it could be. He didn't seem as giving, as selfless, as considerate as he did before and would again later. There seemed to be a harder edge to him that didn't normally come across onstage.

What a downer of a post. I'm not suggesting that others should share this point of view; I'm just giving mine. And this isn't a complaint about FTD (or the availability of that show) in the least.

Speaking of FTD and this show, I like Tucson '76 exponentially better.

[Captain Elwood David]

The FTD's - especially those being discussed in this thread, ..... are serving the role as "Official" bootlegs.

Just as all boots are not for everyone, all FTD's are not for every kind of "fan." Some fans can accept the dark / human side of EP The Man, .............. while others are more comfortable with the facade. The latter group, will have more problems with some of this rather mild stuff from "the other side of EP." Also, fortunately, for this latter group, ........... FTD releases barely scratch an inch below the surface to the "real" man. For going much deeper, boots still do / have serve there original purpose ............. and the first rule above applies even more so at this level ---------> even then, it still may not be for "everyone." (eg: "Desert Storm", "Among Friends", Baxter "Profile" Sets, "Finding The Way Home", etc.).

I don't mind any of the FTD stuff, because I've already learned more from boots. Generally speaking, for many fans, ........... the FTD's are serving as their first introduction to "unofficial" material; like I said, it is merely a "glimpse" though.

-----------------------------

"Closing Night" is a great show!! Had it been released as a boot when I was a kid, ...... it would have blown me away showing me a completely different side to EP that I didn't know existed then.

In essense, a "maturing" process is taking place in some; it just takes time, but many eventually come around. Ironically, ............ I think that it will also inevitably wet their appetite for more "hardcore" (boot) material as some continue their quest to understanding all there is about EP The Man.


- Capt. "EL."

[Lonniebealestreet]

I hear ya, Captain. I know you weren't just speaking to me, but...

Having heard College Park and the Dayton shows and...I can't think right now of what other shows have been released from this tour (not to mention hundreds of others), I basically knew what I was in for. Dragonheart wasn't really a shock to me, but not a very enjoyable listen either.

Not really sure why I had such a strong response to that one...but I did.

But I agree that listening to as much of this stuff as possible is invaluable in terms of understanding the man as well as we possibly can from fans' perspectives. Every show that he gave in Smalltown, USA, every flubbed outtake, every snapshot, every snippet of whatever that we can experience is like another page in his unpublished autobiography. With each of those things that I take in, I feel like I'm one step closer to knowing him as best as someone from a completely detached perspective such as myself possibly can.

And for the record, I can't get enough of the off-color stuff. :lol:

[Captain Elwood David]

Lonnie, you are correct, on all counts.

Furthermore, .......... generally speaking, ......... new fans / novice collectors would be served well to always remember EP's own words pertaining to himself:

"I ain't no Saint, .... "

Also, despite how disappointed or shocked some material may be for new fans (or those more comfortable with the facade) ---------> in reality, the things that EP did, are really "nothing" compared to today's standards .......... even darn right "innocent." (That's my honest take on things, anyway).

----------------------------

This has been an enjoyable thread, JR76, ......... my thanks for it. :cool:


- Capt. "EL."

[Jungleroom76]

Having heard College Park and the Dayton shows and...I can't think right now of what other shows have been released from this tour (not to mention hundreds of others), I basically knew what I was in for. Dragonheart wasn't really a shock to me, but not a very enjoyable listen either.

Oh my gosh....did Elvis ever hit a lower point in his concert career than the College Park show??? :'(

So am I to understand that you didn't care for the Dayton shows either, buddy? I thought those 2 Dayton shows were probably the best shows from that Fall '74 tour....head and shoulders above Dragonheart for sure!!! (y)

But College Park.....oh man.....I get a headache just thinking about that one.... :blink:

TCB!
Mike

[Lonniebealestreet]

No, I totally agree with you there. They are the best of the tour, and overall quite good, but still a little bit of that darker side was in evidence here and there. I didn't mean to convey that they were on the same level as College Park and South Bend though--just as I wasn't implying that the hundreds of others were as well.

I haven't played either Dayton show in quite a while, but I seem to recall a really cool version of See See Rider on one of the two shows. For lack of a better term, he gave the line 'Girl, you made me love you...' the "stutter" treatment like he did with I Got A Woman on Elvis On Tour (I hope you all know what I mean), and it was really cool. Seems like both shows had powerful versions of Big Boss Man, and was it not one of those two shows in which he and Kathy couldn't get over the giggles at the end of Hawaiian Wedding Song--"You blew it sideways!" There were definitely some great moments...

Hey, which show was this: "I can't help falling in $h!t with you"?

[Jungleroom76]

THANKS FOR THE CLARIFICATION PAL!!! :cool:

I thought you had told me before that you enjoyed the Dayton shows, which is why your previous post confused me a little bit...

But....as you well know, I am already VERY confused!!! :blink: ;)

TCB!
Mike