In 2006 the Czech label Memory Records released an album named "Better Than Ever - Touring Florida Volume 1". It was the first time, that anyone had issued a record with a concert from Elvis' comeback tour. The show had been taped by a fan in the audience and the audio quality is quite mediocre. It cannot be compared with FTD's "New Years Eve" or JR's "The Thrill Goes On". But it's certainly better than nothing. Because the concert runs for less than 50 minutes, the producers added some bonus tracks, taped in Vegas in February and September 1970. The artwork is simple, but appealing.

But what's on the album? On September 12, 1970 Elvis appeared twice at the Convention Center in Miami Beach/Florida. The concerts took place at 3 pm and 8 pm and were sold out with 12,000 fans each. We get to hear a recording of the evening show, during which Elvis wore the "Chain Suit" in combination with a brown macrame' belt and a red scarf.

The band plays a short intro, then Elvis appears, graps his guitar and performes a forceful version of "That's All Right", his debut single from 1954.

The second song is also presented with a lot of drive. Because Ray Charles based "I Got A Woman" on a gospel song, Elvis includes a few lines of "Amen". Afterwards he gives his guitar back to Charlie Hodge, introduces himself as Johnny Cash and jokingly intones "I Walk The Line".

Now it's time for the title song of his first movie, which leaves the ladies in awe. Referring to his fear of not being accepted on the road, he changes the lyrics to "love us tender".

After three oldies in a row it's time for something new. His current single "I've Lost You" is performed well, but noticably faster than in the studio and also faster than live on stage in Vegas. 

Elvis stays with the current material, but doesn't mention, that "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" will soon be released on the album "That's The Way It Is". However, his rendition is very emotional.

While the audience is still applauding, Jerry Scheff starts to play the bass-intro of "Polk Salad Annie". In contrast to the version on his current live album "On Stage - February 1970", the king jokes around a bit and imitates Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck and Glen Campbell. Elvis moves a lot and shakes his body even more than way back in the 1950s.

The introductions of the band include a hard rockin' version of "Johnny B. Goode". Once again the king shows some humor and introduces Charlie Hodge as Big Mama Thornton and Joe Guercio as Leonard Bernstein.

Elvis continues the show with "The Wonder Of You", the top ten hit he enjoyed this spring. It's another emotional and powerful rendition.

Of course the king knows, that his fans want to hear the hits of the past. His first number one is performed with as much power and dedication as his recent tunes.

Spontaneously Elvis makes up a medley of "Blue Suede Shoes", "Whole Lotta' Shakin' Goin' On", "All Shook Up" and "Don't Be Cruel". His band has a hard time following him, but somehow they manage to do so. It's fun to see and hear the guys jamming along and challenging each other.

The king stays with the rock'n'roll songs and delivers a powerful, fast-paced "Hound Dog".

Suddenly Elvis switches gears and becomes a balladeer. His performance of the Simon & Garfunkel hit is outstanding and the final proof, that he can do much more than to fool around and shake his body. He's a mighty fine singer! Again the king doesn't promote his forthcoming album by telling the crowd, that this song will be included.

Elvis raises the tempo and presents his previous year's number one hit "Suspicious Minds". It's another opportunity to display some Body English and to drive the ladies wild with his moves.

While the audience still cheers Elvis suddenly starts to sing "Funny, How Time Slips Away". It's a very good rendition of the ballad, but by now you already guessed, that he fails to mention, that it will be featured on his next but one album "Elvis Country - I'm 10,000 Years Old".  Obviously the king has decided to leave all the promotional work to his manager.

Now Elvis jokes with the fans, thanks them for comming to see the show and bows out with the movie ballad "Can't Help Falling In Love". After a short break the band plays the "Closing Riff", Elvis walks off and a speaker announces "Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building".

The first five bonus songs were recorded during the midnight show on February 22, 1970 at the International Hotel in Las Vegas/Nevada

The final two tracks were taped at the same location, but this time during the midnight show on September 4, 1970.