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See See Rider

Just like the first recording, this one also omits "Also Sprach Zarathustra" and the "Opening Riff". However, this time the first part of "See See Rider" was taken from a soundboard recording of the king's evening show on June 30, 1974 in Omaha/Nebraska. After the guitar solo we jump into the dinner show, the king gave on December 6, 1975. 

I Got A Woman / Amen

The usual fooling around with the word "well" is kept to a minimum and the rendition of "I Got A Woman" is zesty. After a few bars of "Amen" Elvis demonstrates a selection of his infamous moves from the 1950s, but soon ends the procedure by admitting "That's enough, it's ridiculous". Of course JD Sumner gets his opportunity to show off his bass voice, afterwards Elvis reprises "I Got A Woman" and throws his guitar to Charlie Hodge. Now the king takes some time to have fun with his stage crew and intones "Ready Teddy" by singing "Well, it's Saturday night...and we just got paid". Obviously he's in great mood!

Love Me

As usual "Love Me" is used to get in contact with the audience. At one point somebody hands him a gift and we hear a bewildered Elvis asking "What's that? A damn hamburger?". After having finished his performance the king continues to flirt with the ladies.

Fairytale

Jokingly Elvis asks his drummer what's up next. Ronnie answers him by singing the first line of "Fairytale". His boss thanks him and sings this very song. It's a fine performance, full of emotion and presented in great voice. Afterwards he explains "That's from our latest album, ELVIS TODAY". Somewhat salaciously he adds "It has PIECES ON MY LIFE on it...and CORN BETWEEN MY LEGS". The audience is amused, but I don't like this kind of moronic humor. Elvis now fools around with the audience and Charlie Hodge fetches some scarfs. The orchester reacts to all that drivel by playing an instrumental.

And I Love You So

Elvis stays with the tracks of his current longplayer and presents the ballad "And I Love You So". He does it very well, it's a fine rendition by any means.

Trying To Get To You

Before continuing with the next song, Presley accepts a gift from a fan. He can be heared asking "Did you make it? Your husband made it?". Then he segues into a nice performance of "Trying To Get To You". It's not as great as the one on his previous years' album "Elvis Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis", but it certainly comes close.

All Shook Up

His 1957 mega seller "All Shook Up" is done in rather workmen-like fashion. Not very enthusiastic workmen, to be honest.

Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel

The medley of "Teddy Bear" and "Don't Be Cruel" is used to entertain the ladies, but once again the vocal performance is nothing to write home about.

One Night

Now someone yells out a request for "Jailhouse Rock", but Elvis doesn't feel like singing it. In fact, he rarely has done so since 1969. However, he settles for "One Night", which is a song he doesn't sing all that much. Maybe that's the reason, why he sounds so much more engaged than during the previous oldies. Something seems to happen on stage during the performance, because Elvis suddenly changes the lyrics to "Some' wrong with John".

Polk Salad Annie

This is another track, which is doctored up by FTD. The majority of it was taped during the matinee performance in Omaha/Nebraska on June 30, 1974.

Introductions

Now we switch to the midnight show, Elvis gave on December 6, 1975. Before he introduces his band and singers, he busies himself with a lady in front of the stage. He asks her "What do you want?" and she confidently replies "The ring". Elvis is obviously amused and offers his plectrum instead. The introductions are padded out with various solos, which is rather time consuming. Afterwards the king introduces Marie Parker (the wife of his manager), Lisa Marie (his daughter) and Vernon (his father).

Just Pretend

The introductions are followed by "Just Pretend", which is sung better than five years ago on the album "That's The Way It Is".

How Great Thou Art

Up next is the gospel hymn "How Great Thou Art". Elvis makes full use of his voice and also the orchestra and the harmony singers give their all. The result is nothing but stunning! As a bonus the king repeates the finale. Today he changes the lyrics a bit and sings "I've seen the skies" instead of "I've seen the stars".

Burning Love

His hit single from 1972 is presented with a lot of drive, once again even better than on the record.

Softly, As I Leave You

After a bombastic hymn and a rocker Elvis now proves, that he also can master the quiet songs. The lead vocals are handed over to Sherrill Nielsen while the king recites the words. The result is very emotional.

America (The Beautiful)

In 1972/73 Elvis used to place the patriotic "An American Trilogy" at this spot of his show, now he's switched to "America (The Beautiful)". The new song is not as complex as "Trilogy", but no less impressive. For a second or so the king appears to have trouble remembering the next line, but otherwise it's a fine performance.

Can't Help Falling In Love

Without saying goodbye Elvis sings "Can't Help Falling In Love", the regular closer of his concerts. He's giving away a few more of his scarfs, in-between he can be heared saying "You got one!" and "Don't fall off!". However, none of these things were taped in Las Vegas or even in 1975. Once again FTD used the recordings from June 30th of the previous year.

 (C) Sony Music Entertainment / Follow That Dream Records.