As if a couple of songs and a drummer weren’t enough Madison made Elvis and Neil Diamond having an album with the same title too. Is this August 12, 1972 M.S. really hot?
Design
Madison and design are almost synonyms by now. This time they completely live up to their image (once again), so it doesn’t seem as hard as Elvis told 2 months before the show on this CD. A bit short – but to the point - liner notes are decorated with many shots from this Vegas summer festival. It’s very clear that some professionals are behind this product, something that can’t be said of many labels (including the official).
Content
Lately I skipped most of the concert releases, since they became boring to me, but for this season I made an exception. Blazing Into The Darkness, Elvis At Full Blast and No Fooling Around proved that Elvis still delivered something in August 1972.
During the opening I was a bit afraid of the sound quality, there was a bit too much “high” for my poor ears. Fortunately the quality turned out to be pretty good and only during some crescendos I suffered a little.
After the standard 2001, See See Rider and I Got a Woman/ Amen ritual Elvis does a breathtaking performance of Proud Mary, like we know from other 1972 shows, but for some reason it doesn’t sound “as in a hurry” as e.g. on Madison Square Garden. One of my favourites, Never Been To Spain, is as good as always; I can’t get enough of it! The lullaby Until It’s Time For You To Go (sorry, but I just don’t dig this one) precedes another highlight on this disc: You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ on which Elvis showed he could really live a song like no other can. Polk Salad Annie doesn’t have the swamp feel it had in 1970, unfortunately. What Now My Love – new in this engagement – gets a beautiful treatment and is followed by another “newbie”, Fever. After these top performances we get the usual treatment of the 50s hits, I wonder why he did them at all… For the Good Times makes up a lot for the uninspired precedents, once again I become aware why I am still a fan. Suspicious Minds is not the showstopper that it used to be anymore, but still it is among my favourites. Gladly the introductions are pretty short and to the point and then it’s time for another newbie: My Way. Although it isn’t among my top favourites, I love the version on this disc, it is not yet “over the top” as it became later – and there is no irritating horn disturbing it. An American Trilogy is one of the best versions of the song I’ve heard; especially Ronnie Tutt shines on it. Wow, what a power both singer and drummer have! A Big Hunk o’ Love is about the only 50s song that gets a decent treatment – and the song deserves it well. The acme of cruelty is reached when after a great rough opening of Tiger Man the song fades out in only a few seconds. All that’s left is Can’t Help Falling In Love and the closing vamp.
Conclusion
Madison did it once again! A good show in a beautiful package is exactly what makes this kid happy.
Tracklisting
1- Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra / 2- C.C. Rider / 3- I Got A Woman / Amen / 4- Proud Mary / 5- Never Been To Spain / 6- Until It's Time For You To Go ;/ 7- You've Lost That Loving Feeling / 8- Polk Salad Annie / 9- What Now My Love / 10- Fever / 11- Love Me / 12 - Blue Suede Shoes / 13- One Night / 14- All Shook Up / 15- Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel / 16- Heartbreak Hotel / 17- Hound Dog / 18- For The Good Times / 19- Suspicious Minds / 20- Band introductions / 21- My Way / 22- An American Trilogy / 23- A Big Hunk 'O Love / 24- Tiger Man (opening only) / 25- Can't Help Falling In Love / 26- Closing Vamp
i agree about his 50's songs and for the good times why did he even bother singing them songs at all? as for suspicious minds we knew he was tired of the song after his january 71 performance lol. as for tiger man being cut off it really blows that they do that i always love his performances of it its prolly the same one from the summer festival rlease on ftd
Well, I don't entirely agree about the '50s songs Although I haven't heard this disc yet, I think the fans demanded the '50s hits and some of them, really all of them were quite good as trifling as they may be to adult tastes in 2007. I personally enjoy his later version of "Heartbreak Hotel," which is a blues any way you cut it and just doesn't age like some of the others, and even "Hound Dog" at this time, especially when it had the funky segment, has appeal.
Yes, a throwaway quality began by this point, but it's *only* relative - let's not act like we wouldn't be wowed to be at this show. Other than that, it's nice to see Lex be reasonably positive for a change! I agree that Madison is always a must-buy label - to be spoken of only in the breath of Audionics, Southern Comfort and the like. It's a great time to be a fan. For the record, that tantalizing glimpse of "Tiger Man" was first on FTD's "Summer Festival" as a bonus track - the final one of the CD. The rest of that fine release is strictly from the August 11 shows.
Well some people's discussions about the 50s songs is well known. Yet, Greg Nolan is ever so right. We wanted to hear these songs and the stunning feel of these recordings is the rapport ELVIS had with those present. Again, we have to judge these concerts from the angle of the uniqueness for those present. Still a fan, Lex? For me every bit of ELVIS inspires me more to enjoyment than any other. Even when he messes up parts of the show, the intrinsic interaction with the audience is 'a joy forever'. As I stated before, we wanted to see and witness his presence. Otherwise listen to the studio recordings. Overall, I rejoice in the fact that Lex appreciates this release.
Perhaps Elvis wasn´t very talkative these days in Vegas,..therefore the shows seem a bit rushed..but he focused on the music ..and the shows were good and especially the newer songs were sung with great passion.
I agree 100 % - good show in a beautiful package it is. Sound quality = 4
One of the best releases to date! The sound quality is superior to Blazing Into The Darkness by far. There is some minor distortion here and there, but not bad for a soundboard. Best of all, the overall sound remains clear and level throughout. I can't say enough about the packaging. It's absolutely incredible!! One of the best Elvis CD's I've ever bought. Get it while you can.
I just recieved this CD and it's 'great!' only drawback is i now have 5 CD's from this season on soundboard and basically although ALL performances are of a consistant high standard- you CAN get too much of a good thing. well worth adding to your collection though! pity tiger man ran out it starts fantastically!
Have received it today: IT'S FANTASTIC! The best release from Madison.
It is indeed a top notch release! I received it recently via swap and was not really surprised that Madison outdid themselves again. "YouDon'tKnowMe": well, it's a nice problem to have that we have so many releases from this time but as they say "no one is holding a gun to your head" to buy these releases! And I agree that this one may be the best yet, with premium notes and packaging giving it a particular edge.
he is in great voice,gives a great performance, and is enjoying singing there that night in vegas. this one is a winner!
