The album "The Impossible Dream" saw the light of the day in 2004. It was released by Follow That Dream Records and features a soundboard recording of the midnight show on January 28, 1971. The compact disc is housed in a 5" digipak, that was designed with photos made throughout this very Vegas season. Compared to other soundboard recordings the audio sounds somewhat thin and there are several distortions. Due to the bad condition of the old magnetic tape parts of the concert were replaced with a recording of the opening show on January 26th. Because the concerts were quite short this season, FTD included several bonus tracks.

Here we witness the first time, Elvis opened his show with the "Einleitung, Oder Sonnenaufgang" from Richard Strauss' famous "Also Sprach Zarathustra". After the classical piece the band takes over with the "Opening Riff" and the king appears on stage.

In 1969 Elvis has opened his show with "Blue Suede Shoes", in early 1970 he switched to "All Shook Up" and the concerts of the "Elvis Summer Festival 1970" started with "That's All Right". This time he sticks to the tried and tested one. But hey, it's a great song and the performance is powerful and dynamic.

Two or three months ago Elvis has scored a top20 hit with "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me", so it's a logical step to include the track in the show. It's a solid rendition.

The title song of the king's first movie is used for kissing the ladies and handing out a scarf or two. It's interesting to see people in their mid-thirties behaving like teenagers and falling all over themselves to get a kiss from their idol.

Jokingly Elvis halts "Sweet Caroline" after a few bars and says "That's the way we do things up here, we just stop. Sorry, James.". I guess Mr. Burton forgives his boss. The song itself is played faster than the previous year and therfore sounds somewhat rushed.

This is another song from the current movie "That's The Way It Is". It's a competent performance, but after two and a half minutes Elvis suddenly decides to finish it off.

As expected Elvis puts a lot of energy in his presentation. He moves quite a bit and drives the ladies over the edge. "Polk Salad Annie" is a highlight for sure, but once again todays' performance doesn't last long. Maybe the king is in a hurry?

To catch his breath Elvis introduces his band and harmony singers. After the introduction of James Burton, the king's lead guitarist fires off "Johnny B. Goode". His boss joins in and rocks the house in unique style. Great stuff!

Elvis continues with a cover version of The Beatles' smash hit "Something". In mid-song he suddenly has to laugh, so it's not a serious rendition. But it's entertaining and the ballad fits Mr. Presley very well.

At first the king wants to sing "I Can't Stop Loving You". Then he makes up his mind and presents "Release Me" instead. The performance is very good, quite comparable to the one on the album "On Stage - February 1970".

Appearantly Elvis strays from the prepared set list. "Love Me" seems to be on the agenda, but the singer is opting for "Blue Suede Shoes". Just like during the prevous season, the performance is energetic, but short. 

The same can be said about "Hound Dog". Maybe Elvis is getting tired of his old rock'n'roll songs.

His best selling record so far has not been included in many of his recent concerts. He obviously likes the song much better and presents it very well. 

Now Elvis raises the tempo. He rocks the house with "Suspicious Minds", moves all over the stage and jokes with the audience. To make it short: He delivers the ultimate EP-experience!

The king bows out with a short "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen" and sings "The Impossible Dream". It's a very good performance, which also showcases the abilities of The Imperials' bass singer. Suddenly the band segues into the "Closing Riff" and Elvis is gone.

Elvis and his crew deliver the medley at full throttle. Afterwards the king introduces himself as Johnny Cash and welcomes the audience to The New Frontier Hotel!

This lovely ballad was just released on the king's new album "Elvis Country - I'm 10,000 Years Old". It's a very good rendition, in mid-song something seems to bother the singer and he says to his drummer "Watch me, Tutt!".

Here we have another tune from Elvis' latest longplayer. Once again his performance is great, at one point he jokingly imitates James Burton's guitar lick.

While Elvis omitted "Love Me" on January 28th, he perfomed the oldie the night before. Compared to the truckload of later versions this one is much better. The king still sticks to the original tempo and obviously enjoys to sing this ironic love song.

As far as I know, Elvis sang "Only Believe" just once. So we get a real rarity here! Previously the king had sung "Polk Salad Annie", so he's a bit out of breath during the first part of his rendition. It's a very good performance and it's a pity, that he didn't keep "Only Believe" in the show.

Elvis is joking with the audience and also disavows the abuse of medication. He does it in a somewhat hedged way, but obviously he feels the need to state, that his behavior is nothing but his natural crazyness. The king denies, methinks! However, it's entertaining stuff and his presentation of the gospel hymn is very good.

The album closes with a rare performace of "Snowbird", another track from his latest album. Elvis has the band starting over again, because to him the tempo is too slow. The second try works well.