Finally FTD released a soundboard again! Since it was a pretty while ago we got one, the expectations were high. Does this April 1976 gig live up to them?
Design
As all regular FTD releases we get a small digi-pack (to which I had to get used again). The front carries a picture of Elvis in that awesome Bicentennial Suit. The King has a victory look over his audience.
The inside carries of course the detailed information on the tracks, the band and 3 little pictures, one in the Dark blue Aztec suit can be from the Spokane show of April 27, and the other can be from the Omaha show on April 21st. The third is a snapshot of Elvis entering the plane in Spokane, as is a big one behind the CD. The picture on the back in the Aztec suit again is actually the best picture of them all.
Content
This Presley show opens surprisingly with a classic by Richard Strauss, Also Sprach Zarathustra, this overture is best known for its presence in the movie 2001 A Space Odyssey (and to the Dutch probably because of a TV commercial). Elvis starts with a playfully rockin’ See See Rider before he goes into that Ray Charles classic I Got A Woman, a song based upon a gospel song. Elvis underlines that with a nice touch by making it a medley together with the traditional Amen.
Next The King does his classic Love Me, written by Leiber and Stoller, the song is brought with the honour a hit like this deserves. Obviously Elvis is still conscious of what happens in the pop scene, since he adapted Olivia Newton-John’s If You Love Me for this occasion. Next Elvis bursts out in that beautiful ballad You Gave Me A Mountain which he also brought in his famous Aloha show. That version pales compared to this one!
Elvis’ Sun rocker Trying to Get To You leads to more classics: All Shook Up, a medley of Teddy Bear/ Don’t Be Cruel and Heartbreak Hotel, great to hear them once more in this live setting that adds something to the well known record versions. Because of the US’ bicentennial anniversary Elvis decided to add the beautiful America (also known as America the Beautiful) to his set; it is very moving how his rendition mesmerizes the audience.
After this the King rocks his way through the Tony Joe White classic Polk Salad Annie. This version has much more power than the original. To get his breath back Elvis uses over 10 minutes to introduce his band. The top notch musicians all get their time in the spotlight, often accompanied by very funny remarks by Elvis, like “the background singers are in the front” (which is actually true on this CD). After the intros Elvis bursts out in a convincing version of his recent single Hurt. Elvis brings 4 Hs in a row with the following classic Hound Dog, Help Me and the great gospel tune How Great Thou Art. After this impressing serious performance Elvis enlightens the atmosphere again by fooling around with Little Darlin’. A classy operatic version of one of his biggest hits, It’s Now or Never precedes the Willie Nelson penned Funny How Time Slips Away. Way too early the show ends with Elvis’ theme song Can’t Help Falling in Love.
The show above is almost completely recorded in Spokane on April 27, except the overture and See See Rider, which were recorded in Omaha, nearly a week earlier. As a bonus two more songs of the Omaha show were added: Elvis last big hit (during his life time) Burning Love and the well known My Way.
Well, above a review like a lot of you want them to read. For the more open minded fans: the review is a lie from A to Z. It is really one of the worst shows I have (heard). Elvis sounds completely uninspired. The songs that were mostly acceptable (Mountain, Hurt, How Great Thou Art), even in this pitiful year, are unbearably out of tune, even Hurt sounds like sh*t. Unfortunately the backing vocals were drawn into the misery and since they are indeed very upfront that only makes things worse. The spoken part of Hurt is actually the best part of the show.
While looking up some info I was surprised by a very positive review of the Omaha show and thought it was done by a deaf fan. After sitting through this CD I do have to admit that the two bonus songs are by far the two best tracks of this disc.
Conclusion
Cabinet filler, I really can’t imagine that there is someone on this planet that listen to this for pleasure.
Note: I made a stupid mistake above by switching the dates/ locations. Which makes it even more strange that the Omaha show got a positive review back in '76. If you really can't hear Elvis sang out of tune... I rest my case.
Nice one Lex!! I always love your reviews, I can see this one being another "100+ reactions"! Only your opinion, people seem to forget this. Will watch with interest!
Well, call me an allien then, but i like this cd. New show, decent performance, listened to it twice in a row. Enjoyable stuff.
An unreleased show at last! Due to FTD I can't listen to this show until next week. FTD, You can't please them all. If you don't like it, just don't buy it, just as simple as that.
got mine this morning listerned to it twice its sounds good to me he seams in a good mood some very good proformance of songs keep em coming ftd excellent job
My Lord, I really don't understand one word of the opinions below. I've listened to it twice, against my will btw, and all I can say is this: at one point Elvis says; "the next song is..." and immediately I said: "he meant: "the next 'rape' is..."
The sound iss pretty ok for a soundboard recording (not the "mix"), but the backing singers are very much in the front and therefore pretty annoying. Also the rhythm section is barely audible (incl. Burton's guitar playing) and Elvis sounds really uninspired to me. From the first minute I felt like I've heard the show a hundred times before... Sorry folks, even FTDs "Unchained Melody" is better and more interesting than this one! :(
Loesje, it is clear that you and Lex have 100% iidentical taste for Elvis music, but why to bother to review CD that you know you hate in advance? Also, what you and Lex have with the RAPE?You used it several times in your reviews, just wonder. well at least you have another clock: this time for your WC ;-)
Bad sound , bad show , nice review.
That other clock is nicer, this one's pretty boring ;-). I even begged to review this one, at least it forces me to listen to it at least once before it ends up on a shelf. And I don't hate every 76 beforehand (but I agree that the odds are not in favor :-)).
Well, to each his taste... if you like to listen to songs that are clearly out of tune, both by the lead singer as by the backing vocals this is your CD. Most of the songs are sung out of tune.
I think Lex was brave enough to play this CD. Mine is still sealed and I don't think I will play it.
I do support the FTD label, that's the only reason why I bought this.
Have not got mine yet, but the review and the opinions was not promising. Was actually looking forward to hear it. I´ve heard some shows from the spring of 1976, where he does not sing as well as he used to. If you compare with how he sounded in the end of the year, it´s a big difference.
A question, if it was such a long time since FTD released a soundboard, why did they release shows where Elvis isn´t at his best? That is strange
A review with a twist! It made me smile. Lex, you're stepping on some toes, and I can think of a couple of prolific members that are going to post exhaustive manifestos about why we should praise FTD, be grateful for them, and how criticizing any Elvis performance will secure a place for you in Hell. Then there will be the mean guy that gets his jollies out of accusing people of being mentally ill because they have the audacity to say they don't like a particular CD. Gladly, you didn't add a critique of audience recordings to your essay. The mean guy would've cussed your mum for that! I kept my fingers crossed hoping that FTD would deliver on their next soundboard. Well, now I'm going to pass this one by. I buy Elvis music to listen to it. If it is a boring show that sounds like crap, I'll save my money. "Supporting" FTD will never challenge them to give us something better.
The mix on this soundboard is just horrible..Elvis' performance not good either..
I would never buy a release and keep it sealed just to support a lebel. Thats ridiculous. I buy releases to enjoy them. If FTD ceases to exist tomorrow, so be it. What can there possibly be left to release after 31 years except umpteen similar live shows? Its not like you are going to get a dynamically different live show from Elvis. And while the classic album series is nice, why cant these albums be available like other artists albums? They should all be available with bonus tracks through a buying outlet like Amazon.com. FTD puts out an album, makes it a 7 inch package (which I hate for storage purposes) and throws in a book for a nice marketing ploy to charge you 30.00. These albums have all been released on CD already. Juts upgrade them & sell them normally so all folks could buy them. Enough of my money has been spent on the same songs.
I'm always "happy" when FTD releases a soundboard. The "we haven't had a soundboard in so long" crowd stops whining. Of course all they get for their money is the same songs they already have on goodness knows how many soundboards already. To each his/her own I guess. I must admit I've never understood buying it, but then not playing it. I don't buy music to sit around on my shelf. If I buy it I play it. Yes, I support the FTD label. But I'm not going to support them by throwing my money away.
will never (pre)-order a ftd like this, won't spend my money on releases like this again, just will await the wonderful classic series of good times, promised land and others.. why act like every one of these shows (with similiar line-up of songs) is so unique? why do you think releases like this are named America? Simply because the song itself brings a novelty to a concert that's been basically the same over many years..
This show got a positive newspaper review back in the days. More important, 10K audience members appreciated Elvis effort bigtime. Lex thinks it's awful though. I like the fact that you tried to write a "different" review, but you failed to put things in perspective. 1976 wasn't kind to Elvis, but if you rate this as worst ever, go back and study some other shows & tours. Fact is the offered soundboard mix is pretty horrible. Elvis is completely drown out by upfront & screaming backing vocals. This show is not(!) represented the way it sounded to the audience. FTD did their best to offer us best possible sound.
Question now is, do we want this material to remain unreleased forever or not? Personally, I do thank FTD for sharing this. Gotta admit it won't get much airplay in my home given the unpleasant soundsituation.. Let's put Lex and others in a timemachine and transfer him to Omaha, April'76. I wonder if braveheart Lex would have screamed to Elvis and the audience the show was full of sh*t. Judge Elvis given the circumstances he was in! At age 41, in a difficult personal and physical situation, he did pull off a decent show. The truth hurts I guess.
I'm really looking forward to the opening night August '74 show -- now that one's a little different. I don't own any bootlegs so most of the shows are new to me. I'd love to see: A November tour 1971 show/ a March tour 1972 show/ a November tour 1972 show/ a June or July tour 1973 show released by FTD sometime!
I know Elvis recycled the same songs over & over again, but, to be fair, he released 6 live albums within an 8 year period and there's a lot of variation between them. The "fake" positive review above could actually be applied (though in this case sincerely) to Elvis: As Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis. Cracking show!!
Otis,there wasn't a march '72 Elvis-tour. It was in april.
Firstly Lex its time for YOU to 'retire' if this is the kind of 'joke review' you are writing.Worse than that you have HERE completely incorrect listing as you seem unable to know or care about which tracks come from which show! All you have to do ios actually BOTHER to read the CD liner notes which state that first 2 and last 2 tracks are from Spkkane 27/4/76 and complete rest of the show from Omaha 22/4/76.Now that wasn't too hard to be acurate was it? As for a review,,... well what you have written is some kind of very sick joke and i'm 100% UNIMPRESSED. why bother , after all you automatically ASSUME that because its 1976 its a RUBBISH SHOW! i (THINK) YOU'D BETTER STICK TO NO LATER THAN 1970 FOR ANY FUTURE 'REVIEW' as this reading makes it obvious WHY.
Thank you RJ for putting the show into perspective. Your remarks are very befitting. Personally I think the shows were also a meeting point. Back then we had all on record and I for one would have loved just to see him live (which I unfortunately could never, even not in 1976!). There is always a difference between the listening to tapes and the actual experience. That holds for music as for lectures and so on.
Nowadays I read the reactions to reviews to start with as they contain impressions from listeners. They contain valuable information. It prevents me from reading reviews first, especially now that the reviewer had to urge himself to listen to it. Don't do it next time please. By the way, I do not feel being addressed by the statement 'above a review like a lot of you want them to read'. A refreshing idea would be to ask someone who was actually present at the show to review the CD. This way we get interesting background information. Anyone of you volunteers for a nex review.
This is far the worse review i've ever read. I've received this CD and the show is o.k. It's not outstanding,but it's an acceptable 1976 show in good sound quality. Finally FTD covered a tour which still wasn't covered by anyone on real CD. This is the very first soundboard from this tour and it's essential to buy. I've summed up my opinion in my previous post but that was deleted because i've wrote something about the mental condition of the reviewer. This time i'm trying to be polite,though it's not that easy reading a 'review' like this. Somehow i have the feeling that this reviewer wants to kill the FTD label and the bootleg labels,too,because (s)he almost always bespatters these mostly good and important releases. (S)he is not an Elvis-fan anymore and it shows in his/her reviews. It's about time to search for new hobbies,because (s)he is obviously tired of Elvis.
Thanks Linda Kovalcik! Glad someone else out their feels the same as i do and was equally 'upset' by this terrible 'review'
well said Linda, I too wonder what kind of 'fans' are on this site sometimes. I have no problem listening to any '75-'77 concerts. Like another person here I'd like to hear more oncerts from the '69-'73 period. The bootleggers seem to have no problem producing them.
I always get a guilty pleasure from Lex's reviews. I love Elvis so much and forgive him for far too many sins - Lex is my sneaky outlet. I'm sure I'll find a few highlights as I always do with all his 76-77 shows, a handful of spine-tingling Elvis moments that affect me like no other artist can, but do concur that listening from go to whoa is rarely an option.
Yes, those reviews from Lex are very funny ! He got me wrong footed there in his review this time, lol. He began very positive about an Elvis show in 1976 and I thought hmmm...strange..hahaha...don't forget folks, he is an enormous Elvis fan, but he just thinks that Elvis should have come with other, new songs on stage that time and that he should be in a hospital to get well. I agree with him there. Elvis was all ready to long on the "automatic pilot" for some time. But let me tell you this: When Elvis In Concert 1977 will be released on DVD 5.1 sound he will be the first one to buy it, won't you Lex ? hahahaha...
Indeed, Ton Bruins, retrospectively we would have liked Elvis to come up with some new song list. But he is dead for 31 years! This is known for 31 years. And again after 31 years it is useless to argue this over and over again. We have to deal with the material that is there. If you like it buy it, if you don't like it, spend your money on other things or save it for another release. And yes it would have been better to get well first, but it is easy for us to judge that, then and now.
Natha I agree with you here..We all know the history by now and it's just great to have a label like FTD, no doubt about that. It's also fun/good to be critical though...in former reactions I all ready said that I don't judge Elvis for his unhealthy way of life. His choice, but that doesn't mean that we can't be critical I think. On the other hand every soundboard his his minor highlight..that's why there are forums and chances to give your opinion like here..we all are Elvis fans for sure ! But he delivered also some bad shows and bad songs during his career, so what ? Let's discuss it !
If the reviewer is Dutch then i think i know what's in the background. It's marijuana.
Linda, this whole website is dutch... but that doesn't mean we live in windmills either!
or walk on wooden shoes...lol...
I only smoke tulips! Okay, and Zware Van Nelle...
Sorry Lex, pls read the site's guideline nr 2 : "no other language than English", so you should have written : " heavy Van Nelle"; ( just joking of course.) Alwys El.
You're right Ton Bruins. There is nothing wrong in discussing or communicating our feelings about some shows. I concur. Elvis was only human so he flunked from time to time. However, let's not forget that discussion is a two way things. So if someone only ventilates his or her opinion (time and again) we cannot speak of discussion. I appreciate to know beforehand what I can and cannot expect of a CD. I also have my preferences. So that is useful. And just to make your point: I know we are all Elvis fans dedicated to upkeep his memory and legacy. Thanks.
Hey Lex,...maybe the next time FTD releases a 1976 soundboard (and their WILL be MORE!)you should give it a miss and go back to listening to Max Bygraves singing 'Tuilips from Amsterdam!'.
Nah, I don't give up easily... there must be a good show somewhere, even from '76 :-). And if there is one thing I hate in general, it is a song in Dutch, disregarding a few exceptions. And Tulips from Amsterdam isn't one of the exceptions, wrong flower, wrong city and an extremely irritating tune.
To my ears most of the time this soundboard has an awful mix. Sweet Inspirations and other back vocals way up in front and Elvis somewere lost in that mix..Just listen to for example "If You Love Me Let Me Know", "Heartbreak Hotel", "Polk Salad Annie", "Help Me"..dreadfull..
Rather good versions of "America", "Trying To Get To You", "How Great Thou Art" and "My Way" and "Now Or Never"..(2 great endings on America and Now Or Never) but don't like the mix at all..major letdown is the extremely upfront backingsingers, as they belong in the back...Believe me, the Sweet Inspirations and other vocals are pretty annoying, putting Elvis' vocals way to the back...Listen for yourself.
This review certainly made me smile. Thanks a lot, Lex!
By the way Lex: you don't have to wait for a good 1976 show from Elvis. Just listen to "Burning In Birmingham", "Hot Winternight In Dallas" and the Pitssburgh december, 31 show...what I am waiting for is a really good soundboard from his July 1975 tour...could it excist ?
Tom Bruins.... YOUR comments are 'spot on the money'!
I am really amazed by all the negativity on this site sometimes. Cheer up everybody and be glad we have all these products flowing our way:-) We (the Elvis fans) act very egoistic and spoiled at times, and that does not sute neither us nor Elvis. At the same time we are too blind regarding our idol. Therefore I welcome critical and even funny written reviews. But they have to be rational.
I haven't heard the show yet, but "one of the worst shovs ever..."? Is it wors than Baxters "Bicentennial Experience" from Aug. 76? I think that's the worst show I have ever heard. As said in one of the coments, this release is the first soundboard from this tour and only because of this it is an important release. This is what FTD is about and we should support it. For 1976 shows I am looking forward to releases from the Oct.-Nov. tours. I am in support of an (un-)released soundboard from the Dec. tour as well:-)
No my friend, it's not negativity. It's just being critical..that's a difference...
Lex, if only you had a webcam pointed at me when I read this. I litterary dropped my jaws, and during reading I had to scroll to the top of the page THREE times (no kidding) to re-read who wrote this review. :D While I disagree with your general opinion about the late 70s, not from a technical viewpoint but from a purely emotional one, I find your rational logic behind the irrational expressions simply irresistible.
I wonder what prompted FTD to release this one. Uninspired. I played it once - cant see me reaching for it too often. Unless there is something of interest or different on future soundboard releases i wont bother.
Hi Tom Bruins, according to the book "Elvis Sessions III" (J.Tunzi) some 351 soundboard-recordings, covering 1969/1977, are mainly in RCA's possession. Among these recordings : 8 from the "july 1975"- tour.They are : july 8th-Oklahoma City / july 11th-Charleston / july 12th-Charleston Show 2 / july 14th-Springfield / july 16th-New Haven / july18th-Cleveland / july 21st-Greensboro / july 23rd-Asheville (incomplete). So these recordings exist and RCA owns them. Sooner ot later ( but hopefully not too late ) one or some of these concerts will be released. Always El.
Thanks Bennie Scott. That leaves some hope anyway.
I bought this as I do every FTD release but its so sad that Ernst feels these concerts should be released - they do absolutely nothing positive to Elvis' musical legacy, same old songs, invariably performed in much inferior versions to even a year before. Elvis shouldn't have been on stage at this point in his life, and issuing these at all just smacks of desperation, much like the reason Elvis had to subject himself to these performances. Iwould take out-takes of even the worst film songs eg Fun in Acapulco soundtrack than listen to his - just so very desperately sad in everyway.
There is a very good reason to why FTD released this concert. In fact, this is a sort of milestone regarding live Elvis CD's. All the other Elvis tours, and Las Vegas/Lake Tahoe engagements during 1969-77 have been released on one or more CD's (either official or on bootleg). This is the first time Elvis' April 1976 tour are available. So even if the actual concert is pretty weak, it finally made my live CD collection complete. The guys at FTD is actually wiser than some of you people think... Keep up the good work FTD!
The folks at FTD are indeed wise. They know there is a hard core out there that will buy anything, whatever the quality. Parker had that philosophy. Those crappy movies in the 60's would attract a core fan base who would see the movie at least twice. Did nothing for his artists credibility but that's not the point. Yes i know FTD is for the 'serious' fan but this kind of release is going to turn many off.
The aim of FTD is to cover any tour or L.V./L.T gig....well..this was one of the weaker tours...I am looking forward to stronger tours like 1973 or 1970. So for me ..this release is o.k..in some way it is a milestone..it fills a great gap....a must-have for collectors..and FTD is for collectors..Ernst just did his job.....we must face the fact that Elvis career had ups and downs..this show was from the downs..I have no prob with it..
Just listened to it - Lex is being a bit harsh... the only song Elvis sounds a bit out of tune is 'Mountain' but the whole song is a bit of a mess anyway with the band stuffing it up at the end. I think Elvis sounds a bit more engaged than some of my other 76 concerts. How Great Thou Art has a very solid high note where he jumps an octave just when you think he's peaked and It's Now or Never has a great new ending - completely different to anything he's done before. Overall it IS pretty ordinary but as always, a few special moments make it worthwhile.
Hmmmm, seems like there is something wrong with my car stereo... The CD is stuck, and I can't get it out. Which means that I have been listening to this CD for a week now without the possibility to change CD... So I'm getting very familiar with this show:-) And it is not that bad. Not as good as the March 1976 tour though, but better than some of the 1976 shows I have in my posession. Elvis starts out very nice with an inspired opening and an energic version of I Got A Woman. Love Me is also treated well. Good versions of Trying To Get To You, How Great Thou Art and It's Now Or Never (which I normally dislike in these concert versions). The real annoying thing about this release is the mix (I really do not hope the audince heard it this way...). From If You Love Me and onwards it sometimes sounds like a Sweet Inspirations/Kathy Westmoreland concert wilth Elvis as backup singer. You could look at it as interesting to study the vocal techniques of the backup singers, but after one or two times it is enough! But it makes the concert difefrent. Parts of Polk Salad Annie sounds like a Muppet Show tune (with Miss Piggy taking lead?) Anyway, seems like I have to live with it in my car for some while...;-)
why wouldnt they just release spokane if they have that? the first tracks sound just fine to me
