(C) Sony Music Entertainment / Follow That Dream Records
The ultimate site about the king of the analogue age
On May 10th Elvis had opened his blitz-tour in San Bernadino. Three days later he returned to the Swing Auditorium, once again the venue was sold out with 7,200 people. The album cover was shot during this concert. Elvis wore the new "Turquise Phoenix Suit" in combination with the belt of the "Lucky Suit". The IC Costume Company hadn't finalized the belts yet, but the king wanted to wear the new outfits and simply added belts from other suits.
The show itself is exactly the same as the one on the first disc, but it's a nice bonus nevertheless, especially because Follow That Dream Records doesn't charge more for set of two cds. Once again the engineer didn't record "Also Sprach Zarathustra", but this time "See See Rider" is complete. However, "Can't Help Falling In Love" was not recorded in its entirety. In several newsgroups fans wrote, that the recording was running 1.5 percent too slow. Maybe because of the mediocre audio quality of soundboard recordings I couldn't detect any problem. It's certainly not as bad as "Elvis Presley Live In LA".
See See Rider
The usual opener is presented with zest. It's a good start of the show.
I Got A Woman / AmenCompared to his performance in Fresno Elvis toys around with the word "well" a little longer. Therefore "I Got A Woman" sounds more vital. I guess this show fits his biorythm better, because the king uses to sleep until well into the afternoon. Of course JD Sumner presents his deep voice and Elvis ads the usual "Amen" tag. Afterwards he repeats his joke from the previous day and welcomes the audience of the wrong city. Unintentionally he says "Good afternoon", but corrects himself.
Love MeThe ballad is presented in the usual way, this time Elvis doesn't repeat the ending.
Trying To Get To YouHere the king uses his voice to its full extent, his performance is even better than the one in Fresno.
All Shook UpIt's still a rushed and shortened presentation, but here in San Bernadino Elvis sounds a bit more lively.
Teddy Bear / Don't Be CruelThe medley is used to communicate with the fans and to hand out a few of his scarfs. Elvis jokes with the audience and his band, but sings quite fast. Of course the band is able to adjust themselves and keep up with the king.
Love Me TenderFrom the singer's side this is a very routine performance. Of course the ladies go bananas anyway, because Elvis kisses a few of them.
Steamroller BluesHere Elvis sounds as involved as in "Trying To Get To You". One really can hear if the king likes a song or not. The "Steamroller Blues" is obviously one of his favorites and he delivers a great rendition.
Hound DogThe man from Memphis sings "you ain't". These two words are enough to drive the fans wild. Elvis himself doesn't make an effort, he simply mumbles through the same four lines over and over again. His escape from boredom is to irritate the band by adding a few bars.
FeverDuring "Fever" Elvis makes them scream simply by moving his legs. At one point he makes fun of the ladies and screams "Elviiiiis" after having sung the line "I light up when you call my name".
Polk Salad AnnieNow the king returns to more recent stuff. "Polk Salad Annie" is used to present some toned-down body action and several karate inspired moves.
Why Me Lord"I'd like to ask JD Sumner & The Stamps to sing one of my favorite songs, WHY ME LORD" says Elvis. He joins The Stamps during the chorus, afterwards he says "Let's do it again" and repeates the finale. It's easy to notice, that this is the kind of music, he loves.
Suspicious MindsElvis' last number one hit isn't performed as wild as back in 1969/70, but it's still done well.
IntroductionsBefore he starts to introduce the crew, Elvis explains that the scarf around his neck is the last one he has and therefore he has to keep it. When begins the introductions, he suddenly flunders and jokingly claims, that his jabbering was Russian.
I Can't Stop Loving YouThe king asks "You know, what I can't do?" and answers the question himself by singing "I Can't Stop Loving You". Once again his performance is more peppy than in Fresno.
Help MeElvis announces the song by claiming, it would be released sometime next week. Despite his nonchalant introduction, the king sings "Help Me" very well.
An American TrilogyThis song gives the orchestra and the choire their time to shine. Elvis himself also shows off his voice by belting out several lines in impressive style. However, compared to 1972/73 the song is played somewhat faster, which takes away a bit of the flair.
Let Me Be ThereElvis answers a fan by saying "I love you, too, over there" and continues the show with "Let Me Be There". The country pop is performed with zest, this time the king even repeats the last part of the tune.
Funny, How Time Slips AwayWhen the house lights go up Elvis, in simulated astonishment, says "There you are". The ballad is sung in the usual way, at the end JD Sumner get two opportunities to demonstrate his deep voice. The fans are completely in awe, because the venue is completely lit and the king is able to see them. At least in theory.
Big Boss ManBecause "Big Boss Man" was added for this tour, the presentation is still in progress. Compared to the rendition on May 10th the intro is shorter and the song is played faster. Elvis somewhat irritates the band by repeating the "Gonna get me a boss man"-part. They cannot follow him and the whole thing sounds a bit off.
Can't Help Falling In LoveNow it's time for the king to say goodbye, which he does in the usual, short way. As written before, "Can't Help Falling In Love" wasn't recorded in its entirety, but it's no loss at all.
(C) Sony Music Entertainment / Follow That Dream Records