Music

Elvis Notes [Elvis reflections]

/ TY

I was 23 when I wrote this item back in 1998. This is part of a series of archival Elvis writings — informal pieces originally written for family, friends, other purposes, or just me. They reflect how I was engaging with Elvis’ music in the years between The Elvis Beat and my blog writing.

Here are some notes on several of the songs:

Stranger In The Crowd / I’ve Lost You / How The Web Was Woven / Just Pretend
I don’t really have anything to say about these songs except that I LOVE them! All of them are from the 1970 album That’s The Way It Is – which is his best, in my opinion.

You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’
This has always been one of my favorite songs, and it took a while for Elvis’ version to grow on me. Now that it has, though, I think it’s the best version I’ve ever heard.

Always On My Mind
Probably my second-favorite Elvis song. This was a musical apology of sorts to Priscilla after their separation. Willie Nelson recorded a popular version in the 80s.

You Don’t Know Me
I first heard this song in the Bill Murray movie Groundhog Day, performed by Ray Charles. At the time, I thought it sounded like something Elvis would have recorded and I wished that he had. Hah, well my wish came true! A couple years later, I discovered this song by Elvis on a boxed set. Ray Charles probably did a better job, because Elvis recorded this in an “off” year. However, I like Elvis’ better anyway, because…well, it’s Elvis! This is probably the saddest song I’ve ever heard.

Can’t Help Falling In Love
I consider this, and not “Love Me Tender,” to be Elvis’ greatest love song. This particular version is an alternate take, shorter than the original release. I like it better for some reason, though. Elvis closed most of his concerts from 1969-77 with this song, as a message to his fans.

Promised Land
Elvis’ version of this Chuck Berry song was recently featured in the movie Men In Black.

Are You Laughing Tonight?
In this live version of “Are You Lonesome Tonight?,” Elvis ad-libs a new line, which supposedly inspires an audience member on the first row to remove his toupee and spin it on his finger – causing Elvis’ initial laughter. Whatever the initial cause, his contagious laughter likely continues because the background singers and band keep performing the song as if nothing is happening. Someone once said the world would be a much happier place if everyone listened to this song each morning. I agree with that.

Separate Ways
This is a companion piece to “Always On My Mind.” Note the verse which refers to Lisa Marie.

You’ll Never Walk Alone
This is an alternate take of this classic song. Elvis is on the piano, which was apparently his favorite instrument – not the guitar.

If I Can Dream
This is a tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr., who was assassinated in Elvis’ hometown of Memphis on April 4, 1968, and Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in Los Angeles a couple months later. It closed Elvis’ ‘68 television special. My favorite song.

June 1977: The Final Concert Tour [The Elvis Beat newsletter]

/ TY

I was 22 when I wrote this review back in 1997 for The Elvis Beat #16, which turned out to be the final issue of my official Elvis Presley Fan Club newsletter. Though I did not formally dissolve the club until 2000, it went on hiatus after I released this issue. A couple of months later, on August 21, 1997, I started my first website – Star Trek: The Film Frontier, devoted to the first six Trek movies. I added a blog element to The Film Frontier in 2006 and, before I knew it, I was writing about Elvis again. In many ways, I have gone full circle for this path eventually led to The Mystery Train.

“We’re here to entertain you and to make you happy. So, just enjoy yourself, and leave the driving to us,” said Elvis to an adoring crowd in Rapid City, South Dakota on June 21, 1977. Elvis had been doing just that for over 20 years – entertaining his fans and making them happy.

What was to be Elvis’ last concert tour began on June 17, 1977, in Springfield, Missouri. The tour was a short one compared to many of his others, with concerts in ten cities in ten days.

The following day, the tour moved to Kansas City. The June 19 appearance in Omaha, Nebraska was taped for a CBS television special set to air that fall. Only three songs were used from the Omaha performance in the Elvis In Concert special, which was broadcast posthumously.

“If you think I’m nervous,” Elvis said quietly on stage, “you’re right.”

Many fans were interviewed on camera for Elvis In Concert, which is not officially available on video. Perhaps the most genuine in his responses was a young black man who said:

I give Elvis a lot of credit for bringing blues into rock and country. He’s the first guy to ever do that, and I admire him for it. He has a lot of courage. He’s my number one singer of all time. I hope to name my kid after him someday. . . .

I just love the guy. I know that sounds kinda weird, but I just love the guy, and I wish him many years of success. . . .

I have about four of his gospel albums, and my favorite is How Great Thou Art. It makes you feel good when he sings it. It brings tears to your eyes.

The next day, Elvis performed in Lincoln, Nebraska. CBS also taped his concert in Rapid City on June 21. It was from this performance that most of the songs in the Elvis In Concert special were drawn.

“If you haven’t guessed by now, you’re on television,” Elvis said with a characteristic grin to the audience. “Don’t let the lights and cameras throw you, and try not to throw the lights and cameras if you can help it.”

Elvis In Concert was Elvis’ first television special in four years after the blockbuster Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii. The contrast in his appearance between the two shows is striking.

“He was obviously way overweight,” said Elvis’ friend Joe Esposito a few years after the singer’s death. “Despite his age, only 42, we knew he was in bad health. It was rough for him, but Elvis accepted his appearance, and so did his fans.”

Although he did look ill, that special Elvis smile was still there. The love and magic was still there. He was Elvis. Through all the ups and downs, the fans always loved him and still do.

With CBS’s taping complete for the special, the concert tour continued through Sioux Falls, Des Moines, Madison, and Cincinnati over the next several days.

The Market Square Arena in Indianapolis hosted Elvis on June 26 for the last stop of the tour. The concert would prove to be his last before dying six weeks later at his home, Graceland.

For the last performance of his life, Elvis sang:

  • See See Rider
  • I Got A Woman/Amen
  • Love Me
  • Fairytale
  • You Gave Me A Mountain
  • Jailhouse Rock
  • It’s Now Or Never
  • Little Sister
  • Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel
  • Release Me
  • I Can’t Stop Loving You
  • Bridge Over Troubled Water
  • Early Morning Rain
  • What’d I Say
  • Johnny B. Goode
  • I Really Don’t Want To Know
  • Hurt
  • Hound Dog
  • Can’t Help Falling In Love

Joe Esposito said it best, “Just six weeks before his death, he still poured his heart out. To the end, Elvis’ greatest gift – his incredible voice – never failed him.”

When all is said and done, after all the books have been written, and when all the tales have been spun, the only question that will be important is, “What did Elvis do?”

He made people happy.

That was his life.

Note: Years later, portions of the above circulated in bootleg promotional material without permission. It is reproduced here in its original context.

Review: Elvis rocks the Garden in new CD from RCA [The Elvis Beat newsletter]

/ TY

I was 22 when I wrote this review back in 1997 for The Elvis Beat #16, which turned out to be the final issue of my official Elvis Presley Fan Club newsletter.

An Afternoon In The Garden (RCA), recorded by Elvis Presley, June 10, 1972, Madison Square Garden (New York). Released: March 1997 (CD).

It’s hard to go wrong when buying an Elvis concert album. The power of Elvis’ stage performances remains unmatched to this day, as demonstrated by An Afternoon In The Garden, a new album from RCA that was recorded live in 1972.

RCA recorded Elvis’ afternoon and evening concerts at Madison Square Garden on June 10 of that year. The evening performance was released only a week after the actual event on the album As Recorded At Madison Square Garden. Although a few tracks have been released from the afternoon show in various compilations over the years, this is the first time the complete concert has been available.

There are not many surprises here, since the song selection and feel of the performance is very similar to the evening show. They were recorded the same day, after all. The most unique track is “Until It’s Time For You To Go,” which has never been released in a live version to my knowledge.

An Afternoon In The Garden is an exciting album that transports listeners to a front row seat to hear Elvis in concert. The roar of the crowd is nearly a constant presence, heightening the drama. Overall, I think RCA made the right choice going with the evening concert back in 1972, but I wish I could hear it in a similar sound quality as the afternoon concert on this album.

RCA cannot be praised enough for their work over the last seven years. An Afternoon In The Garden is evidence of their continuing dedication to giving Elvis fans what they want. Elvis performed over a thousand concerts in the last decade of his career, quite a few of which were recorded. Hopefully this album is only the beginning of a string of new live releases.

Until then, sit back, relax, and enjoy an afternoon at the Garden with Elvis.

Songs:

  1. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra
  2. That’s All Right
  3. Proud Mary
  4. Never Been To Spain
  5. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me
  6. Until It’s Time For You To Go
  7. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’
  8. Polk Salad Annie
  9. Love Me
  10. All Shook Up
  11. Heartbreak Hotel
  12. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel
  13. Love Me Tender
  14. Blue Suede Shoes
  15. Reconsider Baby*
  16. Hound Dog
  17. I’ll Remember You*
  18. Suspicious Minds
  19. Introductions By Elvis
  20. For The Good Times
  21. An American Trilogy
  22. Funny How Time Slips Away
  23. I Can’t Stop Loving You*
  24. Can’t Help Falling In Love

All tracks previously unreleased except *

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Elvis releases show no signs of slowing [The Elvis Beat newsletter]

/ TY

I was 22 when I wrote this article back in 1997 for The Elvis Beat #16, which turned out to be the final issue of my official Elvis Presley Fan Club newsletter.

This year, which marks the 20th anniversary of Elvis’ death, may prove to be one of RCA’s busiest yet, with several new Elvis releases and re-issues planned.

Scheduled for release in June is the new 4-CD boxed set Platinum: A Life In Music, which will include over 70 previously unreleased tracks. Elvis recorded six of the new tracks on a home tape recorder in the 1960s at Graceland. Also included will be some rehearsals for his 1968 television special ELVIS and for his August 1970 Las Vegas shows, captured for the Elvis: That’s The Way It Is documentary. Newly released alternate takes and live performances will also be featured.

A new live concert album from 1972, An Afternoon In The Garden, was released on CD in March and is reviewed on page 3.

In April, the movie soundtracks not covered in the Elvis Double Features series were issued on CD, along with bonus tracks. These albums are:

  • Loving You
  • Jailhouse Rock/Love Me Tender
  • King Creole
  • GI Blues
  • Blue Hawaii

The five-volume Elvis’ Golden Records series will be re-issued on CD in July.

Currently expected for re-release by the end of 1997 are CD re-issues of the boxed sets Elvis Aron Presley (1981) and A Golden Celebration (1985). However, sources indicate they may be delayed until 1998.

Review: A HUNDRED YEARS FROM NOW CD [The Elvis Beat newsletter]

/ TY

I was 21 when I wrote this review back in 1996 for The Elvis Beat #15, my official Elvis Presley Fan Club newsletter.

A Hundred Years From Now (RCA), recorded by Elvis Presley, 1970 and 1971, RCA Studios (Nashville). Released: July 1996 (CD).

A Hundred Years From Now is volume 4 of the Essential Elvis series. It contains 22 tracks recorded in 1970 and 1971, including 17 previously unreleased performances.

1970 is one of my favorite Elvis years, but A Hundred Years From Now is rather disappointing. Quite often alternate takes of Elvis songs are as good or better than the master releases. Or at least they are notable for the variations from the released versions. Unfortunately, most of the alternates on this album either are not significantly different from the originals or are surpassed by the originals.

“I Didn’t Make It On Playing Guitar” is an informal instrumental jam and a song never released before in any form. Although Elvis and the band sound great, unfortunately the track itself is boring and hard to listen to more than once or twice.

The other song never released before by Elvis on A Hundred Years From Now is “The Lord’s Prayer,” which is also disappointing and an informal recording.

The title song, “A Hundred Years From Now,” is great and was first released last year in the ELVIS: Walk A Mile In My Shoes – The Essential 70s Masters boxed set, though it sounds a bit different here.

The alternates of “I’ve Lost You” and “Just Pretend,” two of my favorite songs, are disappointing. The original master releases of these two incredible songs are far superior. The same could be said for nearly all the other songs presented here.

Two highlights are a beautiful performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and an extended version of “The Fool.” It should also be noted that this album, like most RCA releases in the last six or seven years, is beautifully packaged despite the poor quality cover art.

For collectors of Elvis’ 1970s songs, this album is a requirement in order to be complete. Others would be better advised to purchase the original source material, such as the album That’s The Way It Is.

Songs:

  1. I Didn’t Make It On Playing Guitar
  2. I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water
  3. Little Cabin On The Hill
  4. A Hundred Years From Now
  5. I’ve Lost You
  6. Got My Mojo Working/Keep Your Hands Off Of It
  7. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me
  8. It Ain’t No Big Thing
  9. Cindy, Cindy
  10. Faded Love
  11. The Fool
  12. Rags To Riches
  13. Just Pretend
  14. If I Were You
  15. Faded Love
  16. Where Did They Go, Lord
  17. It’s Only Love
  18. Until It’s Time For You To Go
  19. Patch It Up
  20. Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On
  21. Bridge Over Troubled Water
  22. The Lord’s Prayer

Rating: 7 out of 10

New releases highlight Elvis in the 1970s [The Elvis Beat newsletter]

/ TY

I was 21 when I wrote this article back in 1996 for The Elvis Beat #15, my official Elvis Presley Fan Club newsletter.

“It don’t take much to spark you guys off,” proclaims Elvis to the studio band in A Hundred Years From Now, a new CD of alternate takes from RCA.

The disc features 17 previously unreleased tracks, including new versions of “I’ve Lost You” and “Just Pretend.” Nearly all of the songs were recorded in 1970, one of Elvis’ most productive years, while the remainder are from 1971. The album represents the fourth volume in the Essential Elvis series. Previous entries focused on the 1950s.

New from Lightyear Entertainment is the home video release of Elvis: The Alternate Aloha Concert. This dress rehearsal concert was taped as a backup before an audience two days prior to 1973’s legendary Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii television special. Elvis is much more relaxed and seems more into the songs than the formal version. Elvis’ hair is also longer in the rehearsal, as he had it cut before the actual show two days later.

Twenty songs are performed, including “Suspicious Minds” and “What Now My Love.” The song selection is nearly identical to the official Aloha From Hawaii show, for which three songs were added. Audio for this one was first released in 1988 by RCA on The Alternate Aloha.

ELVIS 56 CD out now; LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS movie coming soon [The Elvis Beat newsletter]

/ TY

I was 21 when I wrote this article back in 1996 for The Elvis Beat #14, my official Elvis Presley Fan Club newsletter.

In March, RCA released a new compilation album, Elvis 56. As the title indicates, the CD features Elvis songs from the year 1956, including a previously unreleased alternate take of “Heartbreak Hotel.” [. . . .]

A movie version of Peter Guralnick’s book Last Train To Memphis: The Rise Of Elvis Presley is in pre-production stages, according to Elvis World magazine. Last Train To Memphis is the definitive book about Elvis’ early life and career, spanning 1935-1958. Guralnick is now at work on the second volume, covering 1959-1977.

The movie will be released in theaters, with filming to begin in Memphis as early as 1997. [. . . .] Jerry Schilling, long-time Elvis friend and associate of Elvis Presley Enterprises, has been hired as a consultant to the film. Schilling was co-producer of the excellent 1990 ABC television series Elvis, which also covered his early years. [. . . .]

Elvis World also reports that the movie will include the first release of “I’ll Never Stand In Your Way.” This is one of two songs performed by Elvis in 1954 on his second amateur record, which he paid to record at the Memphis Recording Service prior to being discovered.