FTD just released a 2CD set with shows from the March 1974 tour. A tour that is not new to us. Does it meet the expectations?
Design
Standard FTD release on a 5” 3 panel cardboard. The pictures are all from this tour, on stage and candids. The usual credits are included and of course the complete track listings. It took a while, but the artwork finally gets to the average modern (this century) ‘bootleg’ level.
Content
As said, we had quite some shows of this tour before, of course the ‘Memphis-album’, but also another FTD (48 hours) and bootlegs. Not one of those was bad, as a matter of fact it is probably one of the better tours Elvis ever did.
These two Murfreesboro shows (March 14 and March 19) fit in this row. Both are entertaining and of high level. Tight, but not too tight; especially during the first one Elvis is fooling around a lot (Singing a line of ‘Take These Chains from my Heart’ during Suspicious Minds, Disneyland instead of Dixieland in Trilogy to name a couple), but not on a level that makes it annoying. The seconds show is a bit more serious (but still the Disney joke), but still Elvis is good humoured and sounds relaxed.
Song-wise both shows are (of course) pretty much the same, but the first doesn’t have the rock ’n’ roll medley, but Johnny B. Goode and Hound Dog instead. And the second shows has Mystery Train near the end (at the end, because the tape ran out).
Sound wise especially the first show is not in my favourite list of this tour: it is a bit sharp, even shrill sometimes. The March 19 show is better sounding, but that one is not complete. One of my personal favourites, Steamroller, wins hands down on the second show – if only because of the sound that does it more justice.
Conclusion
Two good shows in a nice package, a must for completists and die-hard collectors. Others might stick to one of the shows from this tour they already have.
I'm not too excited about this release, nothing that we haven't heard in better quality before, and in the correct speed also. Both shows are running to slow, it's most annoying on the first disc. I know a lot of people are going to say that they could not hear it, but i can, and it shows that no one at ftd caresl
The layout isn't a desaster, we all know what to expect from an ftd, but that doesn't makes it better. We get what we expect, not what we are paying for.
The first show is, in my opinion, the weakest we have heard from this tour so far, sound,- and performancewise. The second show is better, but nothing special in my opinion.
Overall this release is another lazy ftd product, no one cared for it, and it's showing in the lack of quality control (speed control should be a routine) and the uninspired layout.
The over-the-top announcements (one of the best FTDs etc.) seems to be even more embarrassing after listening to this CDs.
I'm glad I didn't waste my money on this poor-quality set.
This is one of the finest 2 cd live packs FTD ever released taken from one of the best tours from the 70s.
I am very happy to add them to my collection. A true highlight !
I do have a question for you TheMemphisFan; if you did'nt waist you money on this how can you tell this is a porr quality set?
I did spent my money on it and think it is well spent. As a matter of fact it's a fine set that doesn't dissapoint. Don't like the design very much, but that's a more personal thind but the shows are just fine!
About lazy product and waste money. Both shows are really good and powerful. As a die hard live collector a must have. I am very happy with this package.
I'm not complaining about the material, no suprises, but decent concerts (okay, the first one is relatively weak but the second one is good), but the lack of quality control and general effort that ftd is showing here - again.
If you don't understand the difference between a quality product and a product that is based on something that has quality, but is delivered in a "we don't give a f××k" way, hey, good that you are happy. I'm tired if lazy grab the money and run products like this from ftd.
Got mine this week. there seems to be a more loose havin' fun element to these shows. More so for Disc 1. My highlights for CD 1 are All Shook Up, Johnny B and Steamroller. I really like Elvis' use of falsetto during both versions. And Trying to get to you, Steamroller and Polk Salad for the 19th. I like the stronger bass used here on the latter giving it a funkier feel. Also Help Me is nice and strong too. I prefer Charlie Hodges harmony better, rather than Sherrill Neilsons shrill vocal. Probably the Rock medley is the only disappointment where it never hits top gear. I think the set lists are a bit too standard and missing some rarities but overall the shows still give off good high energy, which is pretty standard for the whole tour.
To Dazman, Bob Finkel, Elzo --- Did you notice the concerts playing too slowly (even if ever so slightly) on either CD? That's been the main complaint by several fans. I find it very strange that some have noticed an issue with the speed and others haven't.
MemphisFan: Yes it is a touch, While it doesn't bother me too much, I did notice that problem from the March 17 gig from the Hometown Shows FTD. Probably more so than the Murfreesboro set.
Just received mine... pretty happy with what I've heard so far. Elvis is as straight as an arrow, and his Johnny B (a song I don't usually care that much for) is the best I've heard... much better than the On Tour version over the opening credits.
