The compilation begins with the core of Elvis' performance in Ann Arbor on April 24th. The Crisler Arena was sold out with 12,000 fans, who roughly paid 170,000 USD to see the star. Felton Jarvis was also there, hoping to catch something for the overdue album. Finally "Little Darlin'" and "Unchained Melody" made it on the longplayer, three decades later FTD also released "Little Sister" and the medley of "Teddy Bear" and "Don't Be Cruel" on the compilation "Spring Tours '77".

It's safe to say, that the concert in Ann Arbor is one of the best live performances Elvis gave in 1977. He didn't look fit and healthy, but he also didn't show any effects of his "medication" and appeared to be motivated and rested. One of the signes, that he felt good that day was the fact, that he didn't use the regular "Sundial Suit", but chose the "Embroidered Arabian Suit" instead. As written before, the introduction "Also Sprach Zarathustra" as well as the opening songs "See See Rider" and "I Got A Woman" / "Amen" were not recorded. The introduction of the band was also omitted.

The engineer starts the equipment while Elvis sings the first word of "Love Me". It's one of his better performances of this period, as a joke the king lets his harmony singers holding the finale note longer than usual.

Up next is the country-pop "If You Love Me (Let Me Know)", which isn't performed as zesty as in 1975, but certainly better than on his forthcoming "Moody Blue" album.

By saying "Mountain, son!" the singer cues the band for the next song. The soap opera is sung in typical 1977 style, but Elvis sounds more vital and powerful than on most other occasions.

In the background we can hear Charlie Hodge suggesting "Jailhouse Rock", but his boss wants to do "Trying To Get To You" instead. He adds "by special request", but doesn't reveal who had asked him to sing the SUN classic. However, he performs the song very well and sounds an astonishing lot like his 1974 self on the album "Elvis Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis".

Now Elvis asks Sherrill Nielsen to sing "O Sole Mio". As usual he yelps in the highest pitches and amuses the king as well as the audience. Then Elvis takes over with "It's Now Or Never", but stumbles upon the lyrics. Audibly amused he says "Wait a minute, I got heart and soul mixed up" and starts over again. His second try works very well and sounds quite impressive.

While he's announcing a medley of old hits, Elvis is interrupted by a fan, who wants to hear "Blue Hawaii". The king picks up the request, but soon finds out, that his band doesn't know the song. "Watch the musicians panic" he laughs and continues with the regular "Little Sister". He performs it in a relaxed and groovy way, much better than on the album "Elvis In Concert", which was taped just two months later.

The same applies to this medley. The king presents his oldies well and even jokes in-between. James Burton seems to be affected by his boss' great mood and improvises a bit on the guitar.

Now Elvis strays from his usual program and sings "Help Me". This time the king messes up the final note, but this glitch aside it's an enjoyable performance.

Today the king doesn't apologize for having to read the lyrics. I don't know if he just didn't comment on using an idiot sheet or if he really sings it from memory. However, today he doesn't sound worn out and tired but delivers the dramatic tune very well. Especially the finale is impressive.

The performance of "Polk Salad Annie" is another proof of Elvis' wellbeing. Even though his moves are limited and a travesty of what he's done six or seven years ago, he doesn't appear sluggish or helpless. He still likes the song and once again James Burton uses the opportunity to jam a bit. Afterwards Elvis introduces his musicians and singers, but this part of the show was not recorded.

With "One of our latest records is called HURT" the king announces the next song. Elvis sings the power-ballad well and even repeats the finale, because "a frog jumped on my throat".

During his rendition of "Hound Dog" something seems to tickle Elvis, because he's laughing so much, that he barely gets to sing. He finishes the rock'n'roll song by shaking to the brass sounds of the orchestra, but it looks more cringy than sexy.

Usually Elvis bows out after "Hound Dog", but today he announces "If you don't mind I'd like to play the piano and do a song called UNCHAINED MELODY". The king isn't the best piano player on this stage, but it's great to see him doing something different and his vocals are quite impressive. The final note doesn't work the way he wanted and he apologizes by saying "I have done it better". Of course this may be the case, but today's rendition certainly is good enough to impress me. 

Once again proving his good mood the king launches into "Little Darlin'". He'd sung it quite a lot in the summer of 1975 and a few times in 1976, but since the last fall he had combed it out for good. But today he gives it another try and has as much fun with it as two years ago. Basically it's an opportunity for him to use his falsetto voice and watching his male harmony singers yelping "lalalala" in the highest pitch possible. It's not a piece of art, but very entertaining. 

But now it's time to say goodbye and Elvis finishes the concert with the usual "Can't Help Falling In Love". He shakes a few hands, bows in every direction and leaves the stage to the sounds of the "Closing Riff".