Go to main content

In Person At The International Hotel

By ElvisNews.com/ Lex, December 17, 2008 | Music

Earlier this week I reviewed I’ll Remember You, now it’s time for the other release in the latest FTD-bunch, the classic In Person at the International Hotel.

Design

As with all releases in the classic album series the design is well done. We have original cover art, a nice booklet with great shots of the man (mainly live), but no novelties. The background information is as it should be with every collector’s release.

 

Content

The first disc is an obvious choice… the original album in top notch quality and the bonus songs were easy choices too… the two songs that originally ended up on On Stage: Runaway and Yesterday and the other rarities from this engagement, released on the fake show on Collector’s Gold back in 1991.

The second CD carries the complete August 22 Dinner Show. Since we have quite some shows of this engagement in this quality now, probably everyone knows what to expect. And you won’t be disappointed if you like that. It’s the same frantic Elvis, with the same stories and jokes and about the same song list.

Since I am one of those that enjoy these shows, I am happy with it, but I can understand that some people think “more of the same”. Sound wise this show isn’t my favourite, I happen to like the mix of the show included in Viva Las Vegas (August 21 D.S.) more, but that is just a minor remark, since there is nothing wrong with the sound of this one.

Conclusion

I loved the original album, enjoy the other shows… so I did enjoy this one too.
 

Related links


Buy at OEPFC

Buy at Amazon.co.uk
elvistruth wrote on December 17, 2008
What a pity!! With my name "Elvistruth" only I can say something: Art Cover: 3'5 of 10 ; Sound: 6'5 of 10. Final: 5 of 10.
tigerman2001 wrote on December 17, 2008
elvistruth is a pity!you wouldnt know a good cd if it hit you in the face my friend,although i agree with the artwork,they should have made a better choice.. back then,but thats the way it is elvistruth what a joke for a name.atleast mine is corny your's is just a a joke and that the TRUTH!!
tigerman2001 wrote on December 17, 2008
this is a good cd besides what some people think,i agree with lex i perfer the sound on the viva las vegas concert cd,but nontheless the sound is still very good,with larry's piano in mix and james and john seperated nicely,you cant go wrong with Elvis especailly 69-70,his 69 performances are great although almost all the same song list with little changes here and there but,no matter how many people complain about the song list their the same people who are first in line to buy the cd,so with that i end little blurb great cd,great sound! ps:buy the way i do respect your opinion Elvistruth,but i think your a little off when it comes to rating this cd.
elvistruth wrote on December 17, 2008
One thing is the Elvis show, absolutely brilliant Elvis in 1969 and another is the POOR sound that FTD bring us!!! This is my "Elvistruth".
Herman wrote on December 17, 2008
Great cd release, I love the '69 concerts. Now I am waiting for the FTD Elvis in Concert with the complete Omaha or Rapoid City concert.
Bob Finkel wrote on December 17, 2008
Dear so called 'elvistruth': I really can not understand, what you've said about this 2 CD-set. The cover artwork including the booklet is great. The sound is perfect and it makes really fun to listen. Vic Anesini has done a very good job. Thank you Vic. You can hear every single instrument in a very good sound. Fantastic. So this is -only- my truth: cover artwork 10 of 10, mixed and remastered sound 10 of 10. This is one of the better FTD's releases. Vic, do it again and again. One last word for HERMAN. You are right! But one word is absolutely wrong. Not Omaha'or' Rapid City. It must be Omaha 'AND' Rapid City, complete, uncut, as a 2-CD FTD-set. Mixed and mastered by VIC ANESINI :-) and not by Lene Reidel :-(
elvistruth wrote on December 17, 2008
Bob FInkel: Art COver: 10!!! You're kidding!!!!????
JerryNodak wrote on December 18, 2008
Omaha and Rapid City complete? Rapid City I can understand. At least he was coherent. Omaha? He's almost completely out of it. Why do you suppose most of EIC comes from Rapid City. If they release it, fine. Will I buy it? No.
Bob Finkel wrote on December 18, 2008
elvistruth, I don't know what you expect? So please remember, it is an classic album release. And only therefore the cover artwork with the nice booklet is well done. 10 of 10. Yes Jerry Nodak, Omaha and Rapid City complete. Why? I am collecting live concerts from 1969 to 1977. If they release it, fine. Will I buy it? YES!!! I wonder why you won't. I am an Elvis collector and fan. But you are right, the Omaha show was very poor. But I don't care, I want every single concert if they release it. So maybe one time I can say: I GOT 'EM ALL. That is my opinion, sorry.
Natha wrote on December 18, 2008
I vividly remember this original album being released and this FTD prompts me again to relive that moment supreme. Hence I am thrilled about this fantastic release. Happy that the artwork remained the same. Here one witnesses the King in full drive and giving everything he's got. And in that timeframe it was quite a lot! This is one of those releases I was hoping for. Heard it already many times in the car and ... tomorrow I will have to drive 6 hrs. What a joy.
Martin DJ wrote on December 18, 2008
Some people seem to have been too busy deciding whether they like the artwork or not to read the booklet. How about this curious piece of information included: "August 21, 1969. Felton Jarvis makes some test recordings during the afternoon rehearsal ..." That should make an interesting realease...
FJE wrote on December 18, 2008
As I have not yet received my copy (From Amazon UK with it's mistaken cheap price!) I cannot comment on the sound quality but I would like to add something about the artwork. Ideally the best picture for this, when originally released, should have been one from the actual 69 shows and not from the 68 Comeback Special. That said it still is a magnificent cover and the black & white photography makes it more classy. Of course FTD had to keep their tradition of producing the ORIGINAL artwork and that's the way it should be. Elvistruth: Have you bought "Seperate Ways" (Camden) and/or "Elvis Sings For Children..." to name just two? Now THAT's what I call awful artwork!
Wiebe wrote on December 18, 2008
Cover art is a very subjective thing. As for the Elvis In Concert thing. They should use the sound from the CBS master tapes, since Felton Jarvis really messed up the recording by RCA. Didn't record backing vocals etc. I don't think Omaha is that bad, it's just a little slower. Fairytale and And I Love You So are wonderful tracks.
Adams wrote on December 18, 2008
Hey, Bob Finkel! This is not just your opinion. It's mine too. Thank you!
Ton Bruins wrote on December 18, 2008
All fans like those Live shows from our man in 1969 ! But Lex is right when he says that it is "more of the same". I agree. Nevertheless this is a fine release but the tracklist of those 1969 shows are indeed "more of the same". Too bad that Elvis did not trow in some surprises in the tracklist, but we can't change history, can we ? But right now I can enjoy the 1969 Live shows enough for my taste..The only show from 1969 that I would welcome now is of course the real Opening Night show in 1969 from July 31...maybe that show will show up sometime.
sitdown68 wrote on December 18, 2008
So then, FTD bring on the "the Aug 21 test recordings during afternoon reharsals" in 2009 if the tapes were not burned also after Felton's passing (as I once read) and the rehearsals to the shows as listed on keith flynn's site. oh and by the way: as it makes 40years why not the july 31 opening night?
Tony C wrote on December 19, 2008
The test recordings made at the soundcheck are just snippets of various songs lasting only a few seconds each according to the most recent "Elvis Sessions" book. It would be nice to hear them. As for the release on the opening show, BMG have always stated that they do not have a recording of it. They did not start taping until three weeks later, if a tape does exist that was recorded by another source, it has never surfaced. I know it is very hard to believe that the opening show was not filmed or recorded, but in all probability, that was the case.
JerryNodak wrote on December 19, 2008
It's possible (even quite likely) that the reason the opening show wasn't recorded by RCA was because Elvis didn't wanted it recorded. Due to his expected nervousness. Aprehension about how the show would be received. Worries about technical glitches etc. Of course with 40 years of hindsight we know how things turned out. But at the time....
Ronaldv wrote on December 19, 2008
Don't worry, they have the opening vegas show from 69 for sure. It was found back in 89/90 together with the rare live songs funny how.. reconsider baby etc. That's not a secret. I've read it a few times over the years. But it's unbelievable they did not decide to release this historic show already. Maybe in 2069.
lray wrote on December 22, 2008
The rare live songs were not found. They were always there as part of the 12 concerts that were recorded by RCA starting on Aug. 21. That is the date that RCA started the recordings. Opening night was not recorded.
Ronaldv wrote on December 22, 2008
No matter what you say Lyle, believe it or not, but I'm convinced this show will see the daylight someday. Maybe the bootleggers will release it instead of Sony /BMG, but it exists. A well known person in the Elvis world has seen it with his own eyes. I believe that, so I keep hoping for the future.
sitdown68 wrote on December 22, 2008
When did the soundboard recordings really start ? Was it a typical process in those days for any other artist and group? Was it a routine in the music business or was it on the verge to become one? If it was common to do so, we'll have at least a soundboard from July 31. And I sure guess we have one from every show down the road to Indy 77. Well, proof me wrong, would be intresting to read your opinions! Thanks and Merry Christmas everyone.
lray wrote on December 23, 2008
Many years ago I talked to Joan Deary about it. I said to her wouldn't the opening night make a great double LP. She agreed that it would but they were not recording that night and they did not get it. We had the same stupid rumours back then also. If any bootlegger had something else they would put it out. There is always some mysterious person that we can't name that has this secret information. How silly.
Monster wrote on December 30, 2008
I've always loved this album. Even though the photo isn't accurate it's still a great image from around the right time and the first time we got to hear the new mature Elvis live sound. And on the subject of his new sound - of course RCA weren't recording on the opening night in 1969. Why would they want to record Elvis' show on the first night when he could hone it and get it right over the next three weeks before they spent all that money bringing in recording equipment in to make a professionally recorded album. RCA weren't interested in preserving history. They were interested in making money which is their right as a business. However, you can't seriously tell me that after nine years away from the stage , with a new show and new songs, Elvis didn't have somebody tape the show on soundboard or even a tape machine so he could listen to it afterwards and review his performance. He taped himself in Germany. He taped himself at home in the 60's. He taped himself in the dressing room in 1968. He taped himself at home in Palm Springs in 1973. He taped rehearsals in August 1974 when he wanted to try out some new songs for Vegas. There is just no way that after having been away for so long and being as nervous as he was about his return that Elvis didn't make a recording of some description so he could do a little post show analysis on the songs and the pacing of the show. For me that's just inconceivable. It's out there somewhere guys (unless it's been lost). Somebody just hasn't got the price they want for it yet. Hopefully they will someday.
Steve V wrote on December 30, 2008
Monster - good point! You make a lot of sense. It would seem likely wouldnt it?
sitdown68 wrote on December 30, 2008
Agree, Monster. You answered and supported my former post on the subject. According to the cover: They always did things like that with Elvis. So even the 77 EIC doublealbum did not come out with a cover in relation to Presley's real visual appearance. They shouldn't have done that in 77, but sorry, that's off topic.
dukebrando76 wrote on January 02, 2009
parker owned the rights to all photos used on presley albums; he told them which photo would be used for covers, and they paid at least $10,000 per photo! whether that money was split with Elvis i can't say! as far as why parker put photos not showing the correct period; is somewhat puzzling but they sold none the less! in person is still as electric if not more so with digital improvement! i've been told by ernst once that no tape of 7-31-69 show has surfaced; personally i'm certain that someone did record the show; but if they hold that tape they want a price for it!who knows maybe one day!
sitdown68 wrote on January 02, 2009
dukebrando76: you seem to have reliable sources...so do you have any information about the moment in time they started with the soundboard tapes? are there any 69 soundboards, or did they start later?
dukebrando76 wrote on January 12, 2009
the 69 soundboards as per r.ca started at the midnight show august 21, 1969 and by record they should have 650 soundboards in the vaults somewhere; now thats not to say that there are unofficial soundboard recordings of his shows but if an rca rep was not present it is deemed as unofficial or bootleg! he did 1131 shows from july 69 to june 77 and a great portion were recorded; more so by fans in the audience (THANK GOD) but there are 650 known soundboards to be in the rca vaults!
Rev. Gerhard wrote on January 19, 2009
I love having CDs with which I can convince the youth of Elvis' kingdom. Great that I can do it with this latest FTD-bunch too.
ImmerElvis wrote on January 20, 2009
Must say that the quality is OK but I am dissappointed with the selektion of bonus songs; they should have put onto this I walk the line, Trouble, Tiger man, and a great Oh happy days live version other labels have grabbed away in front of FTDs nose I am afraid. Not a waste of money but somehow Sony pushes us even further into the arms of other labels that do bring out better Q and better significant shows/concerts...no wonder they will eventually take over the market and Elvis fans will be thankful to have those CDs in their collection. By the way, BMG could have successfully re-released this enhanced CD with bonus songs from 69 not 08/70 or 02/70 Also someone made a remark about the good piano work on LmT and HHotel (that you can hear on bootlegs carrying the same shows) but it's not put in evidence there by FTD
sitdown68 wrote on January 25, 2009
Duke, Hotdog: Thank you so much for your kind information. So, a 16page booklet added to the new release of In Person with photographs from the opening night and newspaper articles would have been great. Too bad, that eventually existing tape material is hold back due to $ as it seems. Looking forward to purchase it for my 90th birthday then ;-) Got 45 to go. Best wishes
kink56 wrote on January 08, 2010
So why do many of the cuts from this August 22nd DS sound EXACTLY like the release of the August 21st show on the second CD of "Viva Las Vegas"? Which one is the true complete show, the FTD 22nd DS or the Viva Las Vegas 21st? Because SOME of the tracks are the same exact recording.
kink56 wrote on January 08, 2010
Blue Suede Shoes is the exact same take, (on Viva Las Vegas they cleverly edit out the horns intro) and the "My side of the story" monologue is the same. I do not have further patience to seek ou other selections that may be the same, maybe others here already have?
Sandman wrote on February 01, 2010
Rock'n'roll! His first live album is also his best. Just listen to his seven-minute run at "Suspicious Minds", frantic, funky and polished by the legendary TCB Band.
kink56 wrote on January 15, 2011
Some of these tracks are EXACTLY the same as the Elvis Viva Las Vegas Aug 21. Even thought the introduction is truncated, Blue Suede Shoes is the same performance, as is the monologue. There may be more, but it gets a bit tiresome tracking down all the various recordings from this period, between the various FTD releases of complete shows (thank you) and the Silver box, Platinum box, Today Tomorrow and Forever box, Live in Las Vegas box, and Collector's Gold.