In the series of re-releases of (extended) albums that were withdrawn from BMG’s main catalogue, FTD released the first non soundtrack album, "Elvis Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis".
Design
The sleeve is great, as with the previous soundtrack releases. Unfortunately the pictures are not all too great regarding quality, but they fit the show and together with a newsmagazine article from 1974 in the booklet they form a welcome addition to this release. We wouldn’t mind if Ernst and Co decide to release every original release in this format.
Content
Most fans are familiar with most of the show, since it is a re-release of an original album. More lucky fans also know the almost complete outing on “Steamroller Blues”, Fort Baxter’s release of the complete show. We have a very enthusiastic review in our import database, that we fully agree with, so for a review of the content we point you in that direction.
Here is a fragment from the "Steamroller" review:
"The title says it all, "I'm a steamroller baby, I'm gonna roll all over you!". March of 1974 saw Elvis on the road from the 1st to the 20th, giving 110% at each show. This is one of a handfull of shows that standout from Elvis' live performance period of 1969 to 1977. It is a damn shame that no one at BMG has given this recording it's proper credit." Well until now that is, with the release of this collectors label edition.
We saw quite some complaints about the sound quality on several forums. Those fans might be right, and maybe it could have been better, but we do certainly not agree with the tone as if it is rubbish what FTD released. In our simple ears the quality is pretty good and it is a joy to actually hear the different voices during e.g. “Steamroller”, instead of a wall of voices.
We do agree on the other hand with those complaining about the show not being completely complete, like the omission of the false start of “Help Me”. It might have been done for listening pleasure, but FTD is a collector’s label, and fans want Elvis like he was. Restarts are a main portion (okay, at least a part) of Elvis shows, and only a few might be distracted by it, we guess.
Conclusion
A very good show in a more than just audible quality is a worthy addition to our collection. A pity it is not really complete, but the beautiful package makes partly up for that.
Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis
April 07, 2004 | Music
Related links
Lex wrote on
April 09, 2004
Come on Ton, do not exaggerate. I agree The Impossible Dream wasn't the greatest release so far... but preferring 1977??? :-)
Lex wrote on
April 11, 2004
Ton, no way I'll watch it more than once... probably indeed in tears... of shame that my hero ridicules himself so much.
I like both the recent releases, this one more, because it is more listenable... and it was a damn fine show, one of my favs in the vinyl times.
I guess I'm amongst the spoiled ones, about 10 years ago I would have jumped a hole in the air :-) for something like "The Impossible Dream", but know I play it once or twice and put it away for a pretty long while, I'm afraid. At least that is more than what happens with most recent boots... they are put away after being played for less than half most of the time and only serve as cabinet fillers.
Lex wrote on
April 11, 2004
I fully agree. If it is to be released, then it should be on a fan's label, and not for the general public. The media will jump on it right away and start to ridicule Elvis even more than he did himself. I know it is part of the legacy, and I know how to value it as a fan, like others (who do enjoy it) will... but for the mass he would be a ridicule target once more. It is better if the majority remembers him for the good he did, not for the bad.
Jim Semple wrote on
April 07, 2004
Question in relation to the above review - I have absolutely no idea about sound technology, so could somebody please explain to me why this new release is of ''pretty good'' standard ?. As it was recorded professionally in 1974, I thought it would have been straight forward to enhance the sound as per other recent releases 2nd to None etc etc. Forgive me for my ignorance !!
ep3577 wrote on
April 10, 2004
Hands down best show and sound, Far better than the original and the sound is better than platinum! Way to go FTD. Lets get E.O.T. out now all shows and DVDs! Thanks
Rock On
tcb2001 wrote on
April 08, 2004
I am AMAZED that anyone can say that the sound quality is less than STELLAR! I have the original album,the Steamroller Blues import,and several other live concerts on the FTD label so I can say with experience that this is as pristine a sound quality as I have EVER heard on an Elvis release,be it RCA or Import or whatever.This album was never a favorite of mine,but since listening to this version,it now DEFINITELY is!
You can hear every instrument and voice separately now,the mix and sound rivals the quality of "That's The Way It Is".I for one am EXTREMELY pleased that it was released and I hope other such high quality material,if it exists,will be released. Excellent work Ernst!
JerryNodak wrote on
April 10, 2004
The overall sound has a little to much reverb for my taste and I wish the horns weren't so far back in the mix but these to "faults" haven't kept me from enjoying this fine concert. It doesn't bother me that the concert isn't completely complete. I find false starts, dive bomber reprises, endless between song rambling etc. very annoying. It makes me long for the good old days of vinyl when RCA woyld edit out most of that crap because of time constraints.
JerryNodak wrote on
May 01, 2004
Glad to have this release. I've played it many times. I'm not going to get into the whole sound/ remastering/ remixing thing because that's subjective. What's sounds great to one person sounds lousy to the next. Thanks Ernst & Co.
JerryNodak wrote on
May 11, 2004
Great release. I have no complaints. It's been in my cd player non-stop.
E.J.F... wrote on
May 02, 2004
Some info (taken from the inner booklet accompanying the CD) for mrstats. Mixed by: Chris Theis at Sony Studios, N.Y. Digitally remastered by: Lene Reidel at Tocano
BTW, if you still have doubts about the sound I can assure you it is superb. Go ahead and buy. You would not regret it. Great job and well done once again Ernst and Roger. And unlike FanofEl I think the sleeve size is just right. Pictures do look better than on a conventional CD booklet.
JeroenNL wrote on
April 08, 2004
UNbelievable that people are ´bad-mouthing´ this release.
The sound is absolutley amazing. You can hear ALL instruments and voices MUCH better. Elvis´ voice is so clear and warm it makes you shiver, just listen to ´Trying To Get To You´. The Guercio Orchestra is fantastic in ´Steamroller´ and ´Lawdy Miss Clawdy´. The sound is cristal clear, wider and richer. As if it was recorded yesterday.
Any fan who has the original album will hear the amazing difference. It clearly shows that all the fake applause dubbing did much dammage to the overal feel of the show. Any fan who has the bootleg will hear that all songs are here, minus some details that for me should have been left in the show.
But what stands out here is this amazing sound that makes this show 100% better then ever. Sadly, we have to put up with ´fans´ who claim they can do miracles on their Home PC and are always negative of all FTD/BMG does. Funny enough those people never make their claims true or produce anything worthwhile. Let it be known that Memphis ´74 is the new Number 1 release from FTD. Thanks Ernst!.
JeroenNL wrote on
April 08, 2004
E.T.: To mix the show the way one song has been done on ´Platinum´ would be to costly. Simple as that.
I think I can tell the difference and I like the sound better now then on Platinum. Much more lively and more concert athmosphere. So it is a matter of personal taste too. What stands out though is the FACT that this is better then the bootleg and way better then the original album.
I am sad if you fall in the category ´fans who will never be pleased with anything´. Easy for you to say that BMG should put more money in their projects. Well, E.T., you better start reading papers instead of ´phoning home´. You might have read that the record industry is going down very fast and we should be happy that BMG and FTD are still releasing stuff on Elvis. Who knows in the near future it might all become to costly and we will have nothing. So for now, enjoy it as it comes.
dismas wrote on
April 11, 2004
I received my copy today, and I have to agree with Nashnet: the package, the artwork, the sound -- all first rate. I just was this was on BMG Heritage rather than FTD so that the more casual Elvis fan and general music buyer would have a better shot at discovering it. But I'm not complaining here, I'm thrilled to have it in my collection.
lray wrote on
April 15, 2004
I just received my copy yesterday. Yes Mark S. it should sound better by today's standards. I am happy to report to you that it does, by miles. I can't imagine that this could have been done any better. This has been on my wish list for years. For those of you that have The Close-Up box, this is every bit as good, sound wise, as the Texas concert. I have always liked this show better than the Aloha shows. More lively, more fun, and just more Elvis. My favorite shows are from 68, 69 & 70. But this this comes close to those and will be one of my most played CD's. Play this one with the headphones. You won't believe how much detail you can hear. During J.D.'s low bass at the end of Amen you can hear some women having a private conversation (Inspirations, Kathy Westmoreland?) Next on my wish list is a complete, in order, stereo June 77 show. They have 2 to pick from. As far as this one goes, a dream come true. Go buy it, love it, and keep rockin'.
Ton Bruins wrote on
April 09, 2004
As many fans I have the record, the CD and the bootleg "Steamroller Blues" from this show. What we have here is a fantastic release; great sound, beautiful package. Elvis in 1974 was good anyway. But why not give us the completely complete show ? For listening pleasure..come on this a collector's label. But stop complaining, this is a perfect release..thanks Ernst. How about a show from July 1975 now or a re-release from Elvis In Concert 1977 (June 1977).
Ton Bruins wrote on
April 09, 2004
Hey, Lex how are you doing ? You know that Elvis in 1977 is my "weakest" point. When they give the fans "The Impossible Dream" why not give them Elvis In Concert 1977 ? Maybe on DVD 5.1 sound ? Ha, Ha.....I mean it...it't part of the legacy !
Ton Bruins wrote on
April 09, 2004
Lex, I know you 'll buy it and you would watch it with tears in your eyes... Now, let's hear your opinion about the latest FTD releases. You got something in mind for the near future also ?
Ton Bruins wrote on
April 11, 2004
I guess you're right Lex, we are getting spoiled indeed. I know that Elvis had to be in a hospital in 1977, but I think that the fans have the right to have the '77 special on DVD 5.1 just because it's part of the legacy; it's the last time we can see him in front of a camera; Elvis himself did chose to be there, so... if you don't want to buy it than don't buy it; it's that simple. Just my opinion. It's something for the FTD label to release, don't you think ?
stu wrote on
April 28, 2004
I had my copy on order at Amazon UK and recently got an e-mail from them saying it won't be available until May 11th! Whats going on? I just can't wait to hear this fabulous show!! Its not even at HMV! Where can I get it from?
Mark S. wrote on
April 14, 2004
FanofEl, Remastering is the creative process that gives a polished and balanced sonic quality to a previously released recording. Even though the individual songs within a project can vary greatly - when it's completed, the overall project should have a feeling of unity and cohesiveness - as if all of the material naturally belongs together. Remastering cannot "fix" a poorly recorded or poorly mixed project. However, it can have a fairly dramatic effect on the final outcome of such a project. There are two distinct questions to consider when it comes to the restoration and remastering process: 1) do we strive to make the finished recording sound "as good as the original," or 2) do we strive to make it sound "better than the original?"
Old recordings like Elvis' were put to analog tape. In order to put them on a CD one has create a new "master" (and therefore "remaster") of the old source. One has to make a new digital master in order to press CD's.
The fact that old recordings have been "digitally remastered" gives you no clue whatsoever whether an attempt has been made to improve the sound over those old vinyl records. They were simply transferred into digital format.
The 1994-release is such a release. The current release had been remixed and remastered, using modern technology & equipment. By today's standards it should sound better.
This concludes todays lesson! CHEERS!
elvishimselvis wrote on
April 28, 2004
This is a superb sounding show and we have film footage. why not take the sound and make a real life looking cartoon of the entire concert and put the soundboard in as the sound. it would be life like.. Does this sound good to anyone else??
E.T. wrote on
April 08, 2004
Well, the discussion should be easy to settle:
1) Compare the sound quality of "Steamroller" on the Platinum box with the new FTD release. This is the same recording - but the quality difference is huge ! It clearly proves how good the FTD release could/should have been. Actually I think it would have deserved a regurlar BME release !
2) If people (fans) can't tell the difference - well then there is no reason for BMG/FTD to waste money on remastering, digital enhancement etc. - because they can earn more money putting budget projects at top dollar.
I am sad if 2) is right answer...
FanofEl wrote on
April 08, 2004
Surely the sound quality of this CD can't be any better than the 1994 BMG digitally remastered release, can it? I thought once it had been remastered that was it, technology had done as much as it could. I do find however that USA produced CD's are usually of better sound quality than there EU counterparts. Perhaps the source/mastering are of superior quality which has an overall effect on the finished article. Anyone got the difinitive answer please?
FanofEl wrote on
April 16, 2004
Mark S, That's cleared that up then, thanks. Looks like I'll have to purchase yet another copy, it's a great album. I was always lead to believe that if CD's have the 'Digitally Remastered' logo it was something more than just a straight copy from the source, it certainly implies it. Happy listening.
FanofEl wrote on
May 02, 2004
stu My copy has just arrived from Amazon UK about a week after ordering it. Maybe demand has been that good that they are now simply out of stock untill May. Steamroller Blues is playing as I write. I can assure you it will be worth the wait. Not sure about the awkward sleeve size though.
FanofEl wrote on
May 03, 2004
EJF I agree the pictures look better, but it's the sound quailty that matters more than anything else. The larger package case just doesn't fit in any of the standard CD storage units. Happy listening.