Gravel Road Music released the show that was included in Fashion For A King by FTD for the first time.
Design
The design is what we expect from GRM by now. Good booklet with background information and a lot of pictures from the engagement and mostly from the actual show. Unfortunately not all pictures are in great quality. All together GRM presented another attractive package.
Content
The show is in different sound-quality than the FTD version. The tape errors are "covered" more nicely, but furthermore I can't say which one I prefer. You have to listen to both for a while to get used to the sound (in other words both are not really great). GRM seem to have pumped up the bass and highs a bit. I guess it is all a matter of taste.
Show wise this might well be one of the last really convincing shows by Elvis, where he is really present and not going on automatic pilot (or on something else). Although not as good as earlier shows from the engagement, like the classic "Just Pretend" from the day before (redone by GRM as Good To Be Back), the show is still very entertaining. Overall the performances are pretty strong, with most highlights after the introductions. Also earlier in the show there are some nice performances like And I Love You So and Polk Salad Annie (until the closing instrumental part gets VERY annoying). Highlights are (again) Just Pretend, How Great Thou Art, Burning Love and Little Sister. Most of all I am happy that the Singing Saw didn't do the Italian part of It's Now Or Never, but Elvis himself.
Conclusion
A entertaining show brought in a nice package. For those that didn't get it with "Fashion" recommended, for others... it's up to you.
