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See See Rider

The sound engineer didn't record "Also Sprach Zarathustra", so we enter the show right at the first song. Elvis, dressed in his "Inca Gold Leaf Suit", presents a dynamic version of his opener. Because it's father's day, the king jokingly greets the crowd with "Good evening, all you fathers".

I Got A Woman / Amen

Elvis toys with the word "well" and responds to an especially loud yelling lady by saying "after the show, honey". The final "well" sounds surprisingly low, because it was sung by JD Sumner. The Ray Charles classic is sung well, of course Elvis also adds a few bars of "Amen" and presents some of his moves from the 1950s. After a reprise of "I Got A Woman" the king throws his guitar to Charlie Hodge and welcomes the audience with "Good afternoon".

Love Me

Elvis uses the ballad to throw a scarf or another into the audience. Musically it's nothing to write home about.

Trying To Get To You

The song from his early days (which, according to him, were two or three years ago) is a demonstration of power. For the first time Elvis shows, what he can do with his voice. It's nothing but impressive.

All Shook Up

For a minute or so Elvis sings "All Shook Up". It's a short reminder of the good ole' days.

Love Me Tender

The title song of his first movie is used to kiss the ladies at the edge of the stage and give away a few more scarfs.

Hound Dog

Unfortunately the king sings just four lines from this rock'n'roll classic, which he repeates over and over again. The fans are going bananas, but in fact Elvis doesn't do anything to hide his boredom.

Fever

In contrast to the previous oldie, the king still seems to like this one. He uses his legs to drive the ladies over the edge and has as much fun as the audience.

Polk Salad Annie

After the oldies are processed, Elvis returns to more recent material. He doesn't move as much and as wild as in 1970, but he includes some karate routines. Afterwards he talks with the fans and admits, that he needs to get his breath back.

Why Me, Lord

To give his boss some time to recuperate, JD Sumner takes over the lead vocals and sings "Why Me, Lord". Elvis and The Stamps join in during the chorus. At the end the king says "I like that" and repeats the last part of the tune.

Suspicious Minds

This is another song, Elvis used to move to quite a lot. He doesn't do so nowadays, but it's still a good performance.

Introductions

Now it's time to introduce the band and backup singers. Elvis even names their hometowns, of course the wrong ones.

I Can't Stop Loving You

The country song is on the program since the king returned to live performances half a decade ago. However, he still seems to like it a lot and offers an impressive performance. At the end he fools around a bit with the word "yesterday".

Heartbreak Hotel

Somewhat surprisingly Elvis returns to the oldies and sings his first number one hit. In contrast to "Hound Dog" he really seems to care for the tune and delivers it well.

Help Me

Now the king mentiones his current single "If You Talk In Your Sleep", but says, that he likes to present the b-side. "Help Me" is a beautiful country ballad with somewhat religious lyrics. It fits Elvis well and his rendition is quite emotional.

An American Trilogy

This one is a showstopper ever since the king included it in early 1972. Today he performs it a tad too fast and doesn't sing as accurately as he used to do. But when he belts out the chorus, it's still impressive.

Let Me Be There

A few months before Olivia Newton-John had a hit with "Let Me Be There". The king sings it with more zest, I like his version better.

Funny, How Time Slips Away

Elvis wants to take a look at the audience and has the house lights turned on. He asks, how the people in the back of the arena even can see what's happening on stage. Remember, back in 1974 there were no huge screens or anything like that. When he sings "Funny, How Time Slips Away" he comments the line "never know when I'll be back in town" with "at 8:30 tonight".

Big Boss Man

The tempo is raised with a rockin' rendition of "Big Boss Man". It's another good performance, much different to the single from 1967.

Can't Help Falling In Love

Elvis wishes a happy father's day and mentions his evening show. Then he sings his typical closing song "Can't Help Falling In Love". The band moves on to the "Closing Riff", to which Elvis shakes a few hands and leaves the building.

 (C) Follow That Dream Records / Sony Music Entertainment