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Forty Eight Hours To Memphis

By ElvisNews.com/ Lex, October 30, 2011 | Music

FTD just released another live show, this time on 7”(!). It is the Richmond gig from March 18, 1974.

Design

Quite surprisingly FTD decided to release this show on 7” instead of the regular 5”. I guess they did it since it is probably one of the best live outings so far on the label.

It is nice to read about the passion someone (Robert Frieser in this case) develops for a “particular Elvis-thing”. This dedication brings us one of the better FTD-designs, with an informative booklet. Next to Robert’s story on the tapes it gives an in depth view of the complete tour.

I only wonder who that mystery musician is…

Content

Without any doubt Luxor’s Guaranteed To Blow Your Mind was one of the better live-bootlegs, both show and sound wise. FTD brings the same great show in an even better sound quality. Out of laziness I picked Christopher Hassel’s view on the bootleg, since it underlines my opinion perfectly, so thanks Christopher!

The 1974 bootlegs are abundant and most are excellent.. including Steamroller Blues in Memphis, Spanish Eyes in Lake Tahoe as well as other highlights from 1974 including this CD....Let's start by saying..You definitely need to hear this CD to appreciate the quality of this concert !! The sound of this CD is superb....One of the best, if not THE best quality bootlegs out there. The mix is perfect.. On top of the great sound, the concert is fantastic.. with Elvis in a very good mood and his voice is strong and powerful.. an excellent night for the fans in Richmond indeed.. Anyway..the concert..
The CD starts off with some cool stuff.. Including the opening big band version of Love Me Tender as well as opening act Voice singing two tunes, Keep It Going and Going Back To Memphis Tomorrow.. Also included is announcer Al Devorin doing his best salesman job pushing Elvis souvenirs..These were actually recorded in Memphis in 1975... After a few listens to the CD and this all becomes boring.. but, it gives you the " whole " Elvis concert experience.. besides, you can just scan past them and go on to the real deal... Elvis..

As always..Also Sprach Zarathustra's ominous sounds begin the performance.. and Elvis appears with a good solid version of C.C. Rider. A shortened version of the usual " Well well well " goes right into a cool version of I've Got A Woman/ Amen in which Elvis makes JD Sumner do his thing twice !!!

Elvis greets the audience with a funny bit when he says, " It's nice to be back in Hampton Roa.. I mean Richmond !! " and then goes right into Love Me which is nothing special. An intense, powerful version of Trying To Get To You follows. Elvis pounds this one out..Fantastic.. A short version of All Shook Up is next, nothing new, but it's still a cool grooving tune to hear...

Next up is one of the most funkiest versions of Steamroller Blues you will ever hear..The horn section powers through this tune and Elvis is right there with them..Pumping out his heart into this one...This version buries the well known Aloha recording...Fantastic. Teddy Bear/ Don't Be Cruel and Love Me Tender follow one another... Nothing exciting here, but the great sound quality makes up for it !!!!

The very cool and rocking medley Long tall sally/ whole lotta shakin' goin' on/ mama don't dance/ flip flop & fly/ jailhouse rock/ hound dog follows and is tight and exciting... The well known version from the Memphis concert pales in comparison..It would have been nice if Elvis did more medleys like this one...

A very funny version of Fever is up next.. Elvis plays with the words and has a blast with this one.. He even comments at the end, " That's a fun song to do.. " Fun to listen to as well...Forget the Aloha version !!! Polk Salad Annie is next and its funky grooves are as wild as ever... To take a little breather, Elvis has JD Sumner and the Stamps sing Why Me Lord ?... JD's low tones grace this gospel tune beautifully..In this concert, Elvis doesn't give the audience a chance to breathe as he pumps out song after song with hardly any break in between.. Such is the case of Suspicious Minds... This is such a great song, I've never heard a bad version, and this one doesn't change that..

The introductions are up next and they are short and to the point. The extended solos have not yet become part of the intros as they will later in the year at the Vegas closing in September. A powerhouse version of I Can't Stop Loving You kicks right in after the intros.. Elvis' strong voice is evident here as he barrels through this one..A great version.

Elvis' latest record " Help Me " follows and this a touching rendition of this beautiful song... A moving, stirring version of American Trilogy immediately follows and as usual, Elvis and the TCB band hit it right on the head. Magnificent. Let Me Be There is up next and the band really shines on this tight country song..Which will become a staple of Elvis' concerts in the following years..

Time for the houselights to come up on Richmond...which means Funny How Time Slips Away is up...Nothing new on this one, but again, the sound quality gives new depth to these songs.. " And until we're back in Richmond , we bid you an affectionate adios" and we hear the finale Can't Help Falling In Love complete with screams from girls no doubt catching those scarves...Elvis has left the Building.....

If you are faced with the challenge of grabbing hold of only one CD from the 1974 tours, do your best to grab this one.. The sound is superb and the concert itself is one of Elvis' best.. Not to mention the beautiful close up shots of Elvis in the sleeve. As the title says, this is guaranteed to blow your mind.


Conclusion

One of the best (sounding) live shows on the label so far, it deserves the 7”-format!

Related links


Buy at OEPFC
Lefty wrote on October 30, 2011
Lex, I don't think you're lazy! Quite the contrary. As you implied, why reinvent the wheel regarding the show content? Christopher's review is top-notch. I pre-ordered this CD, and after reading your review of the job FTD did with the material, I'm glad that I did. Thanks!
Ciscoking wrote on October 30, 2011
Ernst did an excellent job..! Thank you, Sir !
ttwiise wrote on October 30, 2011
A sure winner, brilliant
KINGE wrote on October 30, 2011
Good release but nothing special.......I like the memphis show 2 days later much more. Also this is in mono sound and little too much ecko.... IMO
You Dont Know Me wrote on October 31, 2011
Well done Lex.. another 'review' you couldn't be bothered with so you just used Christopher Hassel’s 'review' instead! nice! still it does seem you actually enjoyed this release-assuming you did listen to the complete FTD show + bonus tracks(which i note in 'amazement' recieve absolutely no comment!)
Elzo wrote on October 31, 2011
Lex, don't you have the right cover.? I guess you do because you know about the 'mystery miscician'.......
EJF wrote on October 31, 2011
I agree with KINGE 100%. When this was announced they said it was a multi-track recording so I was disappointed to hear a rather tinny MONO audio. I do like the 7" format and the nice booklet though!
Lex wrote on October 31, 2011
Elzo, guess I have... note the list of musicians on the inside... it ends with 'and'.
Ton Bruins wrote on October 31, 2011
Just a normal Elvis show during that period in 1974, nothing special for me. I stick to the bootleg "GUARANTEED TO BLOW YOUR MIND", good enough for me and I'll keep to my principle that I seldom buy the same concert twice...
You Dont Know Me wrote on October 31, 2011
so interesting complete zero comments about the performance and sound quality of the 3 'bonus songs' does everyone stop playing the CD once the main Richmond show has finished?
Lefty wrote on November 01, 2011
The bonus tracks are soundboard recordings: Sweet Caroline [Tulsa, March 1, 1974], Johnny B. Goode [Memphis, March 17, 1974], That’s All Right [Memphis, March 17, 1974].
Dan wrote on November 01, 2011
Yep, totally misleading. It was hailed as a "Multi-Track" recording....NOT! It is from a mixed down, over-saturated MONO tape. No better or worse than a dozen other soundboards...really dissapointed...Oh well!!! The FTD live in Memphis is much better...save your money folks!
harriemuskee wrote on November 01, 2011
This is one of the Best FTD cd ever!!!The soundquality is awesome in contrast to the old boot who was one of best bootlegs ever, who now sounding pretty bad.My dealer told me that this is the best selling album from FTD Jungle Room Sessions was the best selling
Orion wrote on November 01, 2011
Mine is on its way across the pond in a row boat (as usual). So, I can't give my opinion about the sound, but I am amazed in the diffences in opinions so far: "The soundquality is awesome" to "mono sound and little too much ecko" even "over-saturated MONO" or (my favorite description) "rather tinny MONO audio." I wonder how audio can be such a subjective thing that it renders such a variety of comments. As I said, mine is on its way, but if I were to believe these opinions I would have never placed an order for this one. Lex says, "one of the best (sounding) live shows on the label", and I hope he's right. Only time will tell what my ears have in store....
Natha wrote on November 01, 2011
Orion, please do add your comments on the sound too. I have not ordered one either. Luckily with FTD you have some time to consider en read the comments, unlike unofficial releases (one has to decide on the short run). It is indeed remarkeable how different the responses are on this site.
EJF wrote on November 01, 2011
Orion, let me make this clear. When compared to soundboards or those awful audience recordings, which I rarely buy these days, be it on bootlegs or FTD, the sound on this release is way way much better. What I was disappointed about, as I said in my earlier post, was the fact that I was expecting a multi-track recording (as advertised) with audio on par with the Memphis show recorded two days later which it's not. The fact is this is a 2nd generation, perhaps even a 3rd generation, mono mix-down of the original tape, presumably lost. By the 'tinny' sound I meant it sounds with too much treble and low on bass, to my ears anyway and subject to a matter of opinion. That said, I'm sure in the end you won't be disappointed with the release. Elvis does a good show and he is in good voice, although I insist the Memphis show was better. Judge for yourself when you finally receive your copy, and happy listening.
Orion wrote on November 01, 2011
EJF - there was no harm meant in using your words in my recent post. I was just trying to wrap my head around why there was such varying degrees of opinions on the same CD. Without even listening to the CD, I, too, was/am disappointed that the multi-track discovery soon become a "mono mix-down" release AFTER my order was placed. It wasn't too long ago this board lit up when an advertised "complete show" from Aug. 1970 was missing a reprise of a Righteous Brothers' classic. I don't recall seeing that much made of the change in sound from what was originally advertised. Oh well, I will post my thoughts on the sound after it arrives.
harriemuskee wrote on November 01, 2011
Of course the Memphis show is better, with great songs like "Lawdy Miss Clawdy”, “My Baby Left Me”, and a “" How Great Thou Art " which is also won a" Grammy Award” . If the Richmond show was better, than they had in 1974 released the Richmond show instead of the Memphis show. But what am happy with this cd, great artwork, nice booklet with beautiful pictures i have never seen
Lefty wrote on November 02, 2011
Orion, I love your comment on the varying sound quality opinions. I guess excellence is in the ear of the beholder. If memory serves, there were a lot of negative comments about FTD's handling of the sound for the Memphis show. FTD tried an unusual sound mix for that release. I liked it, for the most part, and others flat out hated it. You'll have to be your own judge on how the Richmond show sounds. I haven't heard the Richmond show as of yet, but if it is multi-track mono recording, it will still sound better than a single track soundboard cassette recording. Lex isn't one to praise a release unless it's good, so I trust that his opinion is on the mark.
Jerome wrote on November 02, 2011
This release is certainly not on my priority list (anymore) as many listeners seem not overwhelmed by the sound. I' ll stick with the Memphis show for now. Only negative aspect of that release is the overmixed audience which sounds kind of fake to me..
Herman wrote on November 04, 2011
I had very high expectations from this release. Unfortunately it was way to high. It is a very good release but for me not more than that. Why is it in a 7” ? They should have done it with the perfect stereo "69 shows, they deserve it more than this one. This is just another mono soundboard with good sound. You can release a lot of 7” if they want like the 1995 Diamond release "Holding Back The Years", Cincinatti, 21/03/1976. But anyway, FTD thanks for this good release !
harriemuskee wrote on November 05, 2011
Hello Herman: The booklet said is a copy from a multitrack not a soundboard. A soundbouard was taken from the mixingconsole, are you a soundengineer too?
Herman wrote on November 05, 2011
Harriemuskee, do you have dogears ? Can you hear the difference ? I don't care where this recording came from but it SOUNDS like an ordinary soundboard. I know one thing for sure: you are not an soundengineer because you believe that it is an multitrack recording !
harriemuskee wrote on November 05, 2011
I believe what the booklet said,I do not think they are lying
Herman wrote on November 05, 2011
Maybe you have a point there.....
Orion wrote on November 08, 2011
My boat finally arrived today with package in tow. I couldn't wait to give this one a listen. My Boy, My Boy ! Am I shocked at what my old ears discovered. This release used the same source tape that was used on Luxor’s "Guaranteed To Blow Your Mind." If you don't believe me, all you have to do is compare the first 5 (count 'em) seconds of each. You'll hear a distinct belly laugh from someone as the 2001 theme begins. Unless this laugh came from a singer on mic, I cannot undestand why a sounboard and a supposed 16 track recording would pick up the same laugh... In a thirty minute comparison of the two recordings, all I can detect is a little echo added on the FTD release (for the live feel ?) that isn't present on the Luxor release. My advice - if you have the Luxor release. Save your money for the upcoming "Promised Land." If you don't have the old import, I say pick this one up. It a very good show in very, very good quality. Hard to believe this was Elvis' 23rd show in a row. His voice is strong and clear and he's committed to a quality show. By the way - who the hell is Robert Freiser ? Did he make money off of both Luxor and FTD for his "holy grail" discovery ?
bajo wrote on November 08, 2011
I stay well clear off all moaning about source or other ditties about this release. I have never heard this concert before. But, compared to the load of soundboards I have been served through FTD, this is the icing of the cake. The sound, the music and Elvis' voice in this wonderful mix, mono or whatever makes this one of my favourite live albums ever to float my way. The Memphis concert has always been high on my fav lists of live albums. This one is close and I'll keep them both as great favourites. Even above Aloha! Another great delivery by the FTD team! Thanks a lot!
Ton Bruins wrote on November 08, 2011
On an Elvis forum I did read this reaction about this release: "When it was first announced that 48 Hours was a newly found multitrack many fans presumed multitrack meant stereo. A lot of hype was then generated over it and many of us who had the Luxor product and really liked the Richmond show (IMHO it's superior to either of the two Memphis ones) was absolutely excited and enthused. One had the impression that soundwise that it would be on par with AFTERNOON AT THE GARDEN, But alas when it was stated that it was a mono mixdown , it became a Huuuuuuuuuuge letdown. I think that in retrospect EJ should have been more specific about the multitrack mixdown to mono (with excess reverb) back when it was first announced. Let's hope he will do in the future. Otherwise fans are going to get plenty pissed off with him and the FTD. BTW I agree with the decision to release Richmond as there are many fans out there missed out on the boot. But I won't be getting it. I just can't hack the excess reverb sound".
Lefty wrote on November 22, 2011
Finally received my copy from FTD. The first copy arrived mangled by the US postal service, so it had to be replaced. Well, what can I say? For all the talk about 16-track recording and so forth, the sound quality is that of a decent soundboard. No worse, no better. The show is just fine, but pales in comparison to the overall quality of the Memphis show. I'm seriously thinking of putting this up for sale on eBay. The only thing holding me back is the cool booklet and previously unpublished pictures.
You Dont Know Me wrote on December 01, 2011
Just played Guarranteed to Blow Your Mind yesterday and fell into complete SHOCK as to how much BETTER it sounded than the very recent FTD! Crikey save your money and keep playing the much more 'intimate sounding' Guarranteed To Blow Your Mind release!~
Steve V wrote on December 02, 2011
I dont buy any live shows anymore (sorry they bore me) but what is with an FTD release not sounding better than a bootleg? That is quite disgraceful if you ask me.
OtisBlue22 wrote on January 21, 2012
Regarding the bonus tracks, does Elvis play guitar on That's All Right? Is Johnny B. Goode on par with the Event Number Eight version? As for the bickering over the lack of stereo, get a grip! A professionally recorded show has been discovered with Elvis in top form, and you guys still have a problem. FTD is wasted on you.