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The ultimate site about the king of the analogue age

 

To save tape (there were no ssd cards or cloud storage in these days) the sound engineer didn't record "Also Sprach Zarathustra" and "See See Rider". But since each and every Presley show of 1976 starts that way, I guess we needn't to loose sleep over that matter. Compared to the opening show the second one was a bit shorter, but Elvis varied his set list and performed several tunes he hadn't done the previous day. By the way, this time the king wore his "Indian Chief Suit", combined with the second (wider) belt.

 

I Got A Woman / Amen

The recording starts with "I Got A Woman", as usually enhanced with the gospel "Amen". It's a good performance, quite powerful. Elvis is obviously enjoying himself.

Love Me

After greeting the crowd and talking to a fan the king sings "Love Me", during which he throws one scarf or another into the audience. Once again he toys a bit with the melody.

If You Love Me (Let Me Know)

Charlie Hodge can be heared asking, if Elvis wants to sing "Fairytale" or "If You Love Me (Let Me Know)". His boss opts for the last mentioned tune and delivers it well.

You Gave Me A Mountain

With "mountain" the king kicks off the next tune. For a second or so his voice cracks, but otherwise it's a fine rendition. Afterwards a woman draws Elvis' attention. She's so nervous, that she's crying. The king does his best to calm her down. Then he announces a song, that he supposingly recorded in 1932.

Help Me

Of course the tune is not that old, in fact the king has taped it in December 1973 and included it the following year on the flipside of his top20 hit "If You Talk In Your Sleep". During the first verse Elvis gets lost in the lyrics and Sherrill Nielsen, one of his harmony singers, has to tell him the correct words. "That's your version" the king quips, before they re-start the tune. Just like yesterday Elvis' voice sounds a little shaky, when he has to hold the notes for a longer time. It's still a good performance, but the rendition on the album "Elvis Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis" proves, that he used to do it better in the past.

Jailhouse Rock

Now Elvis returns to yesterday's setlest and performs the "Jailhouse Rock". It's a peppy rendition of the classic.

All Shook Up

The oldie "All Shook Up" is used for handing out scarfs. Otherwise it's nothing to write home about.

Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel

The medley of his 1950s smashers "Teddy Bear" and "Don't Be Cruel" is done better. Of course the king throws scarfs into the audience, too, but this time he doesn't forget to sing.

And I Love You So

As the band plays the intro Elvis answers a lady's love declaration by saying "I love you, too". Just like yesterday a female shrieks during the quiet song and causes the king to laugh.

Steamroller Blues

The second surprise of the evening is "Steamroller Blues". Three years ago Elvis has scored a top20 hit with the song, todays' rendition is just as good as the one on the single, maybe even a tad better.

Introductions

Well, the downside is, that the king omits "Fever" and "Polk Salad Annie" and moves on to the "Introductions" instead. Today Elvis makes fun of The Stamps' personnel problems, (rightfully) calls them a trio and introduces Larry Strickland as the remaining member. Of course the "Introductions" also feature short performances of "Early Morning Rain" and "Love Letters" as well as solos of the band members. Jokingly Elvis claims, that Joe Guercio (his conductor) was from Chicago and called "Chicago Joe".

Hurt

Maybe someone had told Elvis about the release date of "For The Heart" / "Hurt", because today he simply announces the track as "kind o' new record". The first line once again sounds a tad shaky, but everything else is quite impressive and earns the king the biggest applause so far. In contrast to yesterday Mr. Presley doesn't want to repeat the whole song, but just the finale. Somehow his pianist doesn't get it and promtly receives a rebuke. For my taste Elvis could have done without the reproach and the reprise, because the first isn't nice and the second sounds labored.

Hound Dog

Just like yesterday the king doesn't care too much for "Hound Dog". During the last few tours he might have performed it worse, but nevertheless it's a letdown.

It's Now Or Never

Now Elvis strays from the repertoire of his previous show here and presents "It's Now Or Never". According to him it was released about ten years ago, but in fact it was way back in 1960. Ain't it funny, how time slips away. Here and there the king misses a note, but on other parts of the tune he sounds as impressive as ever.

Blue Christmas

As usual Mr. Presley asks for the houselights to be turned up and James Burton plays the first chord of "Funny, How Time Slips Away". But his boss surprises everybody by singing "Blue Christmas" instead! Of course the band is on their toes and quickly jumps into the Xmas tune. Maybe it's a strange time of the year to sing such a song, but the supermarkets are already selling seasonal items, so Elvis cannot really be blamed for doing something similar.

Can't Help Falling In Love

The king bows out by saying "Anytime you want us back, just call us and we come back". Then he segues into "Can't Help Falling In Love". Some last hands are shaken, a few last scarfs are thrown into the audience. Seamlessly the band segues into the "Closing Riff". Elvis poses a bit for a few last minute photos and dashes off stage.

 

 

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