Go to main content

Amarillo '77

By ElvisNews.com/ Lex, July 10, 2011 | Music

It took me a few deep breaths to force myself to listen to FTD’s Amarillo ’77. After I made that, I had to promise my CD-player that I would play something good right after it. Is our prejudice rightful?

Design

What can you do with pictures of Elvis in 1977? At least the contrast between text and background is high , enough said about the design!

Content

The main part of this disc is filled with the show in Amarillo on March 24, 1977. The introductions and bonus tracks are from different March ’77 shows.

The show starts halfway That’s All Right, so I guess we miss See See Rider and I Got a Woman/ Amen, no big loss I would say. Are You Lonesome Tonight is broken up after a few lines and then started again. The usual joking is done during the full version. Reconsider Baby is one of the few songs that I was looking forward to, but it was against better knowing…. only talking and a few chords on guitar. During Love Me I was ensuring myself it was the CD-player and not the record-player making sound… it sounds like it runs too slow. If You Love Me is totally ruined by Shaun “Singing Saw” Nielsen. You Gave Me A Mountain is not as bad as some other versions, but it clearly misses the power and volume it used to have. Some screams can’t make up for that, especially the finish was weak. The rock’n’roll police should have done something against the rape of Jailhouse Rock. SKIP, I refuse to listen to O Sole Mio. Little Sister is acceptable and Teddy Bear/ Don’t Be Cruel gets also a false start and the usual throwaway treatment. I’ve heard worse versions of My Way, but it’s far from strong. The introductions (from March 29) are boring as ever, even a decent version of Early Morning Rain can’t help that. I know now why Hurt is called so, my ears were really hurt… probably the most out of tune version! Hound Dog and Can’t Help Falling In Love close this painful show.

The sound is not really good for a soundboard, Elvis is very upfront, which is certainly with a 1977 show a shame. Also the backing vocals (JD Sumner) are very loud compared to the mucisians.

The bonus songs bring And I Love You So – the soundquality obviously better than the show before, disregarding the fact that Elvis was complaining about it in the lyrics. At least this one and Fever show that Elvis’ voice was much better 6 days later. I don’t know who thinks that Love Me Tender is worth adding as bonus track, but what the heck… it’s by far not the worst performance on this disc.
Steamroller Blues from March 28 is a little gem among the debris on this disc, but that says nothing about this version, well… it has some shine in it. Help Me is okay, like Why Me Lord. Bosom of Abraham an You Better Run are fun to have in this quality. An okay – including an extra damn - version of How Great Thou Art closes the gospel segment on this CD. A messy version of Tryin’ To Get To You closes this survival trek through March 1977.

Conclusion

The bonus part makes up a bit for the poor main performance. Unfortunately my prejudice is confirmed once more... up to the Bang Years!

Related links


Buy at OEPFC
Ton Bruins wrote on July 10, 2011
Agree, a complete drama what Elvis performed that night in Amarillo !
I am Buffalo-Horn! wrote on July 10, 2011
Actually I think it's a rather good song selection!
You Dont Know Me wrote on July 11, 2011
Glad you enjoyed this FTD CD so much Lex!~....well at least you did enjoy some of the 'bonus tracks'! and that's good to hear!~
Adams wrote on July 11, 2011
Truly, very poor performance. Anyway, I'm really glad to have - at last in very good quality - '77 style Ronnie's drum solo. Bonus songs are much better with one real gem - Steamroller blues!. Great rendition with stunning guitar work from James "Wild man of Telecaster" Burton. I wonder why Elvis hated this song back then as he stated during one of the Vegas '76 concerts. Why on earth he didn't expressed the same feelings concerning Teddy bear/Don't be cruel and at least twenty other extremely poor/boring songs (I mean their version from 76/77) performed almost every time on tour.
Jerome wrote on July 11, 2011
you must be a real die-hard fan, to buy these concert's time after time. It ain't worth my money, that's for sure..
Polk Salad Robert wrote on July 11, 2011
This is the first time I regret buying new FTD releases (also Stage Rehearsal) Anyone willing to exchange it for another one (or buy them from me for a good price ?) Please contact me via email...
Pedro Nuno wrote on July 11, 2011
Lex, in these moments you have such a painful job that I don't envy you, not for just one second... Just go listen to anything from 1954 to 1962, from 1968 to 1972, the Stax 1973 sessions, or if you are in a Concert mood, stick to concerts prior to 1974, with few 1975 and December 1976 exceptions. Not only you deserve it but you must be needing it seriously!
Cruiser621 wrote on July 11, 2011
The rape and pillaging of the Elvis Fan is in full bore again. Who buys this crap, except the supremely rich in the pocketbook? ...and the collector of all things, both good and bad as to Elvis? This is bad.
Ton Bruins wrote on July 11, 2011
Allthough I think this is a horrible show, don't forget that's the policy of FTD to release at least one show from every tour (including Vegas) he ever gave. So, please don't blame FTD for those bad shows. It's Elvis to blame. not the FTD label. well, that's my opinion anyway. This release isn't worth the money, as someone here wrote but what can you expect from our man in 1977 ?? Nothing, because we all knew in what condition he was. Buying releases like this can be for collectors sake only...not to expect a good show !! From at least 1976 on Elvis was in troubles as his medicine/drugs abuse concerns. We all know that, so don't expect a good in 1977. And, by the way, this is a soundboard, not a professional recording..
Rob Wanders wrote on July 11, 2011
i fully agree with Ton Bruins. FTD wants to bring at least 1 cd from every tour, we should be thankful to them for doing so. I bought this cd; the show is bad, our man sounds bad, but some bonus songs are nice to have in this soundquality (bosom and you'd better run). I fully understand people that dont want to buy this cd, i wont probably play it very often. i put the highlights (i know there are just a few) on my ipod and the cd is going on the shelf
Harvey Alexander wrote on July 11, 2011
This is a dreadful CD. It should never have been released, and Elvis for one would be spinning in his grave if he knew it was out there. It does no-one any favours. Hearing him in such poor shape is just plain sad. I don't give a toss about covering every tour / Vegas season etc. A bad show is a bad show, and this one sucks. The only people to gain anything from this are FTD. The Colonel would be proud of them. Seems like their quality control has gone right down the pan.
Ton Bruins wrote on July 11, 2011
We agree Rob Wanders...just be thankfull that FTD release this kind of shows..and that't it..just pick up your own "highlights" and enjoy...nothing more...we all know that...I just listen to this CD once and put it in my collection and have my own thoughts about such a 1977 show...
Ciscoking wrote on July 11, 2011
I think most of you forgot that FTD is a label for COLLECTORS. Therfore this show has its entitlement to be released by this label. For a collector it is exactly the item to get. It fills out a gap. Right so, Ernst !!
Dazman wrote on July 11, 2011
Ton: Don't have my copy yet (being from Down Under). While I do agree with you, the only reason why FTD used this show is because it's completely unknown to the collector and not on the Amarillo shows merit (technically or artistically) going by Lex's review and the posts. My point here is that they should've gone with the Abilene concert, where Elvis was not on auto-pilot and gave some gusto on some songs as well as an interesting set list.
linda_433234 wrote on July 11, 2011
Maybe covering every tour isnt a great idea if they dont have better shows to choose from. They have overlooked many great shows that the bootleggers didnt. From my view there is not much passion when it comes to many ftd releases.
Ton Bruins wrote on July 11, 2011
Ciscoking, we agree, it's a COLLECTORS label. Again: The policy of the FTD label is to release a show of every tour he ever did, I have no problem with that of course...Nevertheless It's not bad to have a opinion about Elvis' performances during 1977 and especially on this Amarillo show...as a journalist wrote once after seeing him in April 1977 (Detroit): Elvis "stunk the joint out"... In Knoxville, Tennessee, on May 20, "there was no longer any pretense of keeping up appearances," Guralnick writes in his book "Careless Love"... "The idea was simply to get Elvis out onstage and keep him upright for the hour he was scheduled to perform." So it went for the rest of that spring, with Presley stumbling and lurching through show after show.....Let's face it folks, that was the truth....
You Dont Know Me wrote on July 11, 2011
Pedro Nuno (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 11, 2011report abuse Lex, in these moments you have such a painful job that I don't envy you, not for just one second... Just go listen to anything from 1954 to 1962, from 1968 to 1972, the Stax 1973 sessions, or if you are in a Concert mood, stick to concerts prior to 1974, with few 1975 and December 1976 exceptions. Not only you deserve it but you must be needing it seriously! still wouldn't i be a glad FTD collector if the June tour 1977 was suddenly represented by a sioux Falls soundboard + bonus soundboard tracks from June 1977 on FTD- of course YES i would buy it and believe in Ernst for representing every tour on FTD!~
Polk Salad Robert wrote on July 12, 2011
Is there anyone wantig to exchange my "Amarillo CD" for another FTD ?
Herman wrote on July 12, 2011
I am very happy that FTD also release '77 concerts, it's part of his life and we have to accept that. To be honest: I like the '77 concerts a lot. OK, maybe this release is not his best but there are also a lot of '74 shows that are not that good also. Like Ton Buins said, FTD will release a show from every tour. And we are lucky that there are a lot of soundboards but maybe not from this tour so Ernst does not have much choice than release this one. Elvis gave a lot of great versions of songs in '77, I listen and watch very often to these shows. Many years ago we were dreaming to have Bosom of Abraham/ You better run in soundboard. So don't complain people, if you don't like the '77 shows, dont buy it. I will have and keep mine. Some people here wants to exchange this Amarillo CD. Very funny, buying without knowing what's on it. It is better that these people should wait for the reactions here on this site or listen to samples from this cd. So Ernst, give me more of these '77 shows, I love them and I am waiting for the FTD release of Elvis In Concert !
drjohncarpenter0117 wrote on July 12, 2011
While i may not be always happy with the way FTD have done things over the years as a collector i am only to happy to have a another concert complete or not in my collection and i can tick this one of my list. As a footnote surely by now we all know what is worth buying or not and the fans who buy things, then moan, then want to swap for another FTD the blame lies with you for buying this before you have had reviews, next time wait for feedback good or bad and then buy the cd, not buy it first then moan your bollocks off because you don't like it, do some homework as i always say and then you will make the right choices.
Johnny2523 wrote on July 12, 2011
I Totally agree with DrJohncarpenter and Herman! I liked this ftd even if elvis wasnt at his best this night. I Love the bonus songs but also the ''To Fans (ever boring) Solo's'' Whats up with those people, if it wasnt for Ernst and other labels we would have never get shows like this and we would be complaining about that we never get anything new and now we get something new and people complain about it. have a bit of respect to the FTD workers and other labels because if it wasnt for them we wouldnt even know such concerts & others existed. Elvis tryd to do his best on every concert he did. and i thought are you lonesome tonight was pretty good on this same follows for my way,early morning rain and the others. Show some repect for god sakes.
mak5201965 wrote on July 12, 2011
WOW I cannot believe I am reading a bad comment on this cd. If you have any musical talent you can hear what he was doing here, And the sound is like Elvis is in your home! Great Sound quality. I cannot imagine the comment on Hurt?? OMG I mean the voice was incredible and Hearing JD in the songs very loud and powerful is great WORTH EVERY PENNY. Anyway I see nowadays people liking Viva Elvis and fake stuff with Elvis And Jay Z Yeah That is some real talent there I see, Call me what you like,, You have no idea.. I mean I played Elvis music all my life and See all These Dress Up Idiots with NO Talent and being a musician, Mediocre at best, I can easily say His Musicianship was at its best here as always and no one since, can hold a candle to that talent,, The image is one thig but the Talent! He was The KING!
-Valerie- wrote on July 14, 2011
You're sooo prejudiced Lex !!!! :-)
RobIreland wrote on July 14, 2011
When I started reading this I knew right away who wrote it Without looking at the name first! I do find it very insulting the things you have said about Elvis 77 for instance "What can you do with pictures of Elvis in 1977?". There are loads of great pictures of Elvis in this period and I just can not believe what you have said about Elvis" performance in 77! This is not a review ! this is just someone standing on s platform and spilling what he thinks on to the rest of us. Dosnt matter if we wanna listen or not. Some of Elvis" purist and grittyist performance comes from 76 / 77. I agree with mak5201965 and valerie ! Elvis amazed me in 1977. His vocal performances are so interesting to listen to especially that now we know how ill he was ! hey we all cant be 21 forever you know. to all the people who put Elvis" apperance down in 77. I would love to see a photograph of you !! haha!ELVIS 77 KICKS ASS !
Orion wrote on July 15, 2011
This set hasn't reached me, yet I feel compelled to offer my thoughts. It seems everyone has their favorite era of Elvis and his music. Some feel he and his music were never the same after the army. Others feel that the movie years were a waste, while some think that his career ended after the '68 special, or there are others feel that 1970 was the end of his great recordings. Some feel that EOT was the last gig hurrah - or was it Aloha that ended it for you ? Whatever you think, I really don't care. I'm glad that Elvis thrilled me as a young man in the third row in 1977. Had his career ended before then I would've never experienced the thrill I did. So, I find thrill and excitement in any year from 1954 to 2011 thanks to releases like this one. Who'd have thought it nearly 40 years since his passing that I'd still be digging the King. Keep 'em coming Ernst - I don't buy 'em all, but I'm more than happy with what I do buy - even 1977 shows.
Volker Stockel wrote on July 19, 2011
Who are You to put down Elvis music. You never walked in his shoes and never climbed that mountains he did. This CD is another historic recording of the greatest performer of all time. If You don`t lik than You don`t deserve it. It´s a great cd!
Natha wrote on July 21, 2011
Orion, that's what it is all about: the thrill he gave you in 1977. Obviously he did and that is what counts. If one does not like this show/period, please do refrain from spilling your dislike over others. Next time take a deep breath and leave it.
Tony C wrote on July 21, 2011
Natha said it all, I agree completely. I know people who only like certain Elvis eras and stick very strictly to the lines they draw. I just love the whole of it, from "My Happiness" to the last musical notes in Indianapolis. Obviously, I like some tracks more than others, but taken as a whole, Elvis' ever-growing body of work is an amazing musical legacy.
Dazman wrote on August 07, 2011
Just got my copy last week. To me the best tracks were a fun albeit incomplete 'That's Alright', 'Mountain', 'Little Sister' 'My Way' and 'Steamroller' where Elvis really rises to the occasion. Also 'Love Me' (a track I normally pass over from the latter period) isn't totally trashed either. 'Bosom of Abraham - You Better Run' medley holds some novelty value, sounds very similar to the On Tour '72 rehearsals but hardly an ideal choice for a live show. The only unlistenable tracks to me are 'Lonesome' with a botched start and too many dropped lines and a way of key 'Why Me Lord?' with JD jumbling up the lyrics and Elvis' upfront vocals really spoil the listening pleasure on 'Hurt'. Even though I would look for better versions elsewhere doesn't make it unbearable. Personally I would have used the more entertaining and complete SB from Abilene on the 27th, but any how I'd prefer 'Amarillo '77 to Unchained Melody.
1 BILLION SOLD wrote on August 16, 2011
3 cheers for Orion, I completely agree!!
dgirl wrote on September 07, 2011
Just read the review on this release in the M&HM latest issue. It is the worst review I have ever read. I am so glad I stayed away.
theoldscudder wrote on September 08, 2011
The problem was he did not give his all for the fans. Unless you consider less than a minute rushed Hound Dog giving his all. He was on autopilot for most of 77. Lesser artists gave better performances than The King during this period.
theoldscudder wrote on September 09, 2011
On Stage. I see you're point to a degree. However he had no business giving concerts in the last few years. He should have been in rehab. Had that happened we may have been going to his 80th. birthday retirement tour in 2015.
Steve V wrote on September 09, 2011
Elvis stopped being Elvis after Aloha. There were no more challanges, no world tour, no Chips Moman studio moments, & a very poor handling of his catalog by his label & manager. He didnt care. How ill he was is questionable. A lot of his illness could have been brought about by many years of pill usage, poor eating habits, etc. You dont get a twisted colon from living cleanly. The change in him was drastic from 1972 onward. The bottom of the barrell are the 1977 concerts. Very heartbreaking if you were a fan of Elvis from the 50's on up.
dgirl wrote on September 10, 2011
He was serious about a world tour after the 1969 Vegas comeback also. Then again in 1972. Nothing ever came of it as we know. So the question is, just how serious was he? I must give you overseas fans a lot of credit for your loyalty. No other major entertainer would have gotten away with it , especially in places where he was so popular.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on September 12, 2011
To ernst,please stop the bad soundboard releases,stick to multi track shows and the classic series. Release Elvis in concert both shows,Elvis last show,those are the only releases from 77 that should be released from ftd. Please stop milking this,you have some worthwhile material,but to release junk is not helping. The only reason most fans buy these dry soundboards are because they are released and think they must have everything even if it become a instant dust collector. As for Elvis,he should not been on stage,no matter how much you love him you cant deney the truth. He was sick yes,he also had mental issues in my view. But this doesnt make listening to throw away songs anymore fun,he also had a streak a lazyness and yes men. I dont blame others for his demise,i use to have on blinders but come on 30 second throw away version of your classics says alot,he didnt wanna be there,he was paying bills and getting money to blow on junk he didnt need. yes he loved his fans,but if you think he up on stage in 77 for you then please remove those blinders. Dont we all want to remember the 68.69.70 Elvis or the 50's Elvis,again please stop the bad releases,many fans dont even bother with ftd. Please better releases,and no more books with cd's. Thank you!
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on September 12, 2011
To Onstage,with due respect,Elvis was a grown man,id he wanted to tour overseas then tour overseas,i mean you say he loved his fans,yet he stuck with parker. Elvis also chose to be in those movies,he wasnt concerned about what people thought. He was malking good money and that was enough for him,his female fans loved them and that was good enough for him. I truely believe his mothers death did more to him than most think. I am a fan but at 36 see thinks differt than when i was 20.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on September 18, 2011
Just the truth!
Johnny2523 wrote on September 18, 2011
no mature_elvis_fan75. you not talking for the fans. and thats just whats wrong with people like u thinking they speak for others! Well let me tell you my friend. I Don't wanna remember elvis only for his 50s period,68,69 or 1970!. Why? Because i love elvis in the later period! Elvis was elvis even after aloha he didnt die after aloha. The concerts of Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis is top notch and even better then aloha (I don't listen to aloha much, because it wasnt the best concert ever!) Also in march 1975 elvis gave alot of good shows that where better then aloha. in 1976 the lake tahoe seasons, and the Atlanta shows they rocked! Another concert better then aloha. And in 1977 i dunno but u all think of the cbs special period only!. Elvis gave good shows in february, he gave good shows in april (on of them being on April 30 where he performed the last version of The Wonder Of You which sounded as good as 2 years earlier! Elvis was having fun, Elvis performed for his fans, not for the money! Elvis Loved performing! Even until his last stage appearance. So dont try to talk for the fans will you because your death wrong. I not goin to remember elvis for his 50s until his aloha show! Any true fan wouldnt consider even thinking of stop listening to elvis after the aloha special. OnStage. Im totally with you with anything you sayd here,and can understand u dont wanna debate on this. Oh yeah ps. Amarillo '77 i love this cd! Some performances werent the best but enough where. It's not the best 77 show i heard but certainly not the worst either! The bonus songs where great also and elvis his final version of steamroller rocked! so Mature_Elvis_fan75. Don't talk for elvis fans since u simply cant!
Johnny2523 wrote on September 18, 2011
My reaction to Mature_Elvis_fan75 was also meant For Steve_V
Johnny2523 wrote on September 18, 2011
Oh yeah with the comment on the design ''What can you do with elvis in 77?'' That's insulting since that picture was trying to show how elvis looked during that period! Why would u pick a pic from the june tour if the cd contains elvis on march 77? All those recordings are for Historical Reasons! and for collectors nobody makes u buy this album do they? If u dont like 77 elvis then just dont listen to it and keep ur mouth shut. For people like me who actually like those shows we can comment about it! since we listened to it and give our opinion on it! But dont talk about this cd if u havent listen to it done. and also the line on this review ''After I made that, I had to promise my CD-player that I would play something good right after it.'' Is very insulting. Play something good right after it? Come on! u mean like a 50s cd right coz elvis didnt live after that? Come on. This cd is good and i dont need another cd to spoil the feel that i have when i just listened to a concert! Just shows people will always judge in 1977. well let me tell you elvis body died on august 16 77 He didnt die after the aloha special! Elvis still lives in our hearts! Although his body aint here anymore his spirits always will be.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on October 11, 2011
I speak for myself,buy all the 77 shows u can,its your money not mine. Many fans know why elvis was in a big ole rut,in my view he had fans who were very easy to please. He went from the king of rock to a joke in no time, Yes im a fan but geesh what was he thinking? Its just music!!!!!!!
Johnny2523 wrote on October 11, 2011
ur probably either beatles fan then a elvis fan! Elvis didnt turn into a joke! And thats just whats wrong with people like u! His fans were the best fans in the world! Elvis sounded good in 1977 sometimes a bit less but doesnt take away he didnt gave everything for the ppl who where THERE! that night. Elvis joked (Coz he was having fun not coz of his drug abuse) Elvis was being just Elvis u cant expect a 42 year old to rock to songs like mystery train tiger man anymore. he rock and rolled on the solo's in hound dog (Even though that was dangerous!) Stop whining and try to have some respect for the man coz u clearly have second to none atleast u not showing it! Me (A REAL elvis fan) Will buy what i can of elvis and wanna know why? Because its part of him and part of his legacy! I Got deep respect to the king of rock and roll (EVEN in 1977 he still was) And u need to wash ur mouth out now
dgirl wrote on October 12, 2011
Why is everyone who doesnt like a particular period or show a Beatles fan? I've never seen such absurdity on a fan forum before. How about honesty in assessing product? Elvis fans need to get past the blinders. This show is bad and does not show Elvis in a good light. In 1977, he had a career hanging on just for his loyal fan base. Who else do you know that was buying Elvis records then? You dont think he did shows just for the money? Apparently you didnt read about how dire his finances were in 1976-77. And why did the Col sign the deal for the CBS Special when he knew Elvis was in such bad shape? Money! Oh, if you read the review on this in A Man & His Music (one of the worst ever), I guess you can say they are Beatles fans also.
Natha wrote on October 16, 2011
I am more interested in the reaction of Orion then this endless discussion at the end of the thread. The twain will never meet as they have stand points (points on which they STAND and are not willing to MOVE as to understand the others view). On the other hand obviously both camps of fans do feel the need of an opinion which means they care about the King. I think it is hard for us to judge (be sure of) the decisions taken.
TCB1974 wrote on October 24, 2011
There is an annoying background noise on quite a number of songs on this CD or do I have a misprint?