Two leading import labels announced to join forces to re-issue several classic releases from their catalogue. The first outing is "High Voltage - Birmingham '76 Revisited", a strictly limited edition release of the classic December 29th, 1976 concert in Birmingham, Alabama. This concert was previously released as "Burning In Birmingham”, all tracks have been mixed to stereo.
The press-release:
As Recorded live from mixing desk in Birmingham, Alabama, Jefferson Coliseum, on December 29, 1976.
The two leading import labels have now joined forces, and are proud to present the first results of this very special partnership, a strictly limited edition release of the classic December 29th , 1976 concert in Birmingham, Alabama, under the title "High Voltage - Birmingham '76 Revisited". Some of you may recall that this concert was originally released in mono on “Burning In Birmingham” back in ’98, and that it quickly became a firm favorite. In fact, many fans preferred this show over the legendary Pittsburgh concert from two nights later, as Elvis’ performance in Birmingham was far more relaxed and authoritive, and particularly Elvis’ intense reading of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” was a great surprise to many. For this reissue, we worked directly from the first generation DAT, and we were able to make significant audio improvements. After a long and painstaking process of repairing and enhancing the original binaural recording, we were able to mix it down to genuine stereo, thus ensuring a much more satisfying listening experience. Originally, the left channel consisted of all the vocals and nearly all of the instruments, while the right channel featured the (isolated) keyboards. To give you an idea of how the tape originally sounded in binaural, we added two bonustracks “as recorded”.
This release is neatly packaged in a 16-page full color booklet with ultra-cool design, relevant liner notes and a collection of stunning pix taken during Birmingham show.
'Audionics / 2001' hope that this special joint-production will satisfy all those fans who have been clamouring for a reissue of this much sought-after title. A great deal of care and thought went into this release, and we promise you that the improved sound will blow you away. In a time where you constantly see bugball labels ripping off classic titles with cheesy equalizer-jobs, it’s becoming harder to do quality releases, but we will continue as long as you want us to. The original 2001 people want to thank everybody for their loyalty, and add that, “It ain’t over until the fat lady sings!”. And with this little gem of a CD, she finally has a good reason to sing with joy. This CD is scheduled for late December release.
Tracks:
01. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Theme from "2001 A Space Odyssey") - 02. Opening Vamp / C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen (medley) - 04. Love Me - 05. Fairytale - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain - 07. Jailhouse Rock - 08. O Sole Mio (by Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now Or Never (medley) - 09. Tryin' To Get To You - 10. My Way - 11. Polk Salad Annie - 12. Band Introductions - 13. Early Mornin' Rain (complete) - 14. What'd I Say - 15. Johnny B. Goode - 16. Drums Solo (by Ronnie Tutt) - 17. Bass Solo (Blues - by Jerry Scheff) - 18. Piano Solo (by Tony Brown) - 19. Electric Piano Solo (by David Briggs) - 20. Love Letters - 21. School Day - 22. Funny How Time Slips Away - 23. Hurt (with last part reprise) - 24. Hound Dog - 25. For The Good Times (with false start, last live version) - 26. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (last live version) - 27. Unchained Melody (Elvis at the piano) - 28. Mystery Train / Tiger Man (medley) - 29. Can't Help Falling In Love - 30.Closing Vamp.
All tracks mixed to stereo.
High Voltage - Birmingham '76 Revisited
November 25, 2007 | Music
Ciscoking wrote on
November 25, 2007
The original issue is a legend among import discs. Now we have it again..in a fresh sound and up to date layout. Can you go wrong..?? Definitely NO..!! Belongs to the best shows our man ever gave..so not only for newbies..(it is a a must have for those)....also for the ardent collector...a nice upgrade...and the joint forces behind for sure did an excellent job.. Bravo !!
asd123 wrote on
November 25, 2007
oh dear... can't wait to get this one!! I expect the sound to blow us away, since the old tape was at least (!) a 3rd or 4th generation copy of the original soundboard tape, incomplete as well. And here we get a direct DAT transfer from the original source. Better than any FTD... sorry folks ;-)
secondrichard wrote on
November 25, 2007
So much for any objective news here on EN.Com. The Audionics/2001 stockholders are the -not surprising- first reactions on this release. "Best release of 2007"..... what a laugh; even if the sound is improved, it's still a re-issue of existing stuff, hardly the best release for 2007. "Better than any FTD"... never heard a crappy remark like that "Belongs To the Best Shows Elvis Ever Did".... mah boy, mah boy, what a stinker. A 1976 show one of the best Elvis ever did ? Man, he was artistic dead after 1973. What this release means to me is that even the 'leading import labels' (another doubtful titel) are scraping the barrell. Sorry guys; nice try to sell your stuff but I stick to the FTD's for 2008 and leave the bootlegs for what they are near worthless (with some minor exceptions).
asd123 wrote on
November 25, 2007
Cover + titel are a nice tribute to ac/dc's "High voltage" album by the way... check out the flash ;)
benny scott wrote on
November 25, 2007
I missed the 1998 release.I checked some other Elvis-websites where reviews of the original import were given.Those websites have nothing to do with the current stockholders.The reviews were ranging from good to very good, as well for the sound-quality ( soundboard), the show itself and the booklet. If i can get hold of this CD i won't hesitate to buy it. Always El.
Jerome wrote on
November 25, 2007
"Man, he was artistic dead after 1973"- you mean live performing secondrichard or recording? 'cause if you mean recording I guess you don't appreciate the later recording (today/jungle room)- too bad (for you).. I hardly no other artists who made that kind of music with such passion and soul in that era.
Greg Nolan wrote on
November 26, 2007
When is Elvisnews.com going to do something about the multiple identities and one-time posters clogging up this forum? "SecondRichard"? One can only gather from your flame-bait comments that you have some kind of sour grapes or are someone with an axe to grind, not that you'll admit it. After all, among hard-core fans, it's well known that Elvis' late December '76 shows were a triumphant return to form -and Birmingham is right up there among them. Even if you can't fathom championing later Elvis (a rather silly, close-minded bias), why be so negative? The small, rare Elvis collector market will clearly reward this release.
Perhaps egged on by the presence of his new girlfriend Ginger Alden, the King did longer sets with some interesting song choices and most of all, seemed to really be *trying* in a way he had not in much of '76. Beyond that, one can say he was hitting on all cylinders at last and using every bit of his still-maturing voice. Sadly, it's been said on some authority that some of his audibly "high energy" was "enhanced." And of course, we know that he'd be dead in some 9 months. But random negativity aside, nearly all hard-core fans will cheer this upgrade of one of his best late period concerts (in many ways as unique and fully-realized as anything done in the decade. I personally have been waiting on this upgrade and the Dallas concert of the same period to get the same treatment.
Besides, fans know now know that labels like Audonics and the staff behind "2001" are among the best at assembling knock-out booklets with full-color photos, memorabilia and astute liner notes, so I know I'll be looking forward to this upgrade. This is no line of bull- this release will be well-received. The sound improvement alone for this historic concert is worth the price of admission.
FLY-TROUBLE! wrote on
November 26, 2007
Secondrichard,don't be afraid,there'll always be a few fans who will buy your 'fantastic' audience recordings ('You Ain't Ain't Ain't Nothing But A Hound Dog','It´s Tahoe Time','Rock And Blues' etc.). The 'Tiger Man Anthology' was also a nice attempt.
secondrichard wrote on
November 26, 2007
I don't have anything to do with bootleg releases, I don't have to plug titles or labels (like some other people here seem to do frequently). I don't give a shit about who releases them at all. And I don't have a personal hate or whatsoever against anyone. I just think the comments on this release are over the edge. And yes, I still think Elvis was artistic dead after 1973, studio and live performances included. "Elvis 1976 December shows a triumphant return". Which planet did you live on the last 30 years ? Only 5 shows a triumphant return ? From what and to what ? Always the same songs, not a single surprising act in 250 shows from 1976 and 1977. Or are we already giving a party when he sings a (weird) 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' ? The 70's always were and will be my favorite Elvis period and I love songs like Moody Blue, Promised Land and many others, but it could have been a lot better. No wonder he didn't have any hits after Burning Love. Face that fact, stop whining. And a second Birmingham release still is a re-issue, even if the "sound will blow you away". Ok, maybe the sound will, but Elvis won't....
FLY-TROUBLE! wrote on
November 26, 2007
We also don't make/sell bootlegs,but unlike you,we see the importance of this new reissue. A great,historic concert in slightly more complete form,in much better sound quality,with nice 16 page-booklet. Isn't it enough? Otherwise it's not fair to say that he didn't vary his set-list in '76. He sang several rare songs during this short tour (Unchained Melody,The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, For The Good Times, Such A Night, Reconsider Baby, Auld Lang Syne,Rags To Riches). On other tours/engagements in this year he also sang other rare songs, like Return To Sender, Crying In The Chapel, Shake A Hand, I Just Can't Help Believin', Sweet Caroline, Loving You etc.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on
November 26, 2007
Greg if your going to clean things up that would also mean people understanding that everyone doesnt agree with everyone else,its gotten rather old fast,every time your not postative over every detail of every release,your told your a whiner,not a fan,or told to not buy what u dont like,if we all buy and support releases,why the hect cant people just read each others comments and move on and maybe just maybe give there view without tearing into others,i find those people to be the ones who are the whiners,its pretty close to childish behavior,i dont understand how not liking a certain product make you a whiner etc,as for this show,it ok,but not one of my faves,i know now i must give everyone my top 5 imports right? lol have fun all!
secondrichard wrote on
November 26, 2007
And Greg Nolan; please give me the definitive description of a 'hardcore fan' you sometimes like to talk about. When reading your notes here I can make from them that you're one of the 'hardcore' fans. What did you do to become one ? Whiping Elvis' ass ? Giving him the uppers and downers he needed to complete your fantastic december 1976 shows ? What's the arrogant phrase 'hardcore fans' ? People like you who seem to have almost an orgasm over a 16-page booklet with pics of a too fat Elvis in 1976 ?? "Great liner notes". Which great liner notes ?? The people responsible for releases like this never saw Elvis in Birmingham 1976, everything they write (as with all other bootleg releases) are second hand opinions which you call great liner notes. You're an easy person to satisfy it seems. What are you guys talking about ? Fly-Trouble listing about 15 "rare" songs from 1975-1976-1977. Listen to your own words "15 Rare Songs in 350 live concerts" ! Which percentage is that ? Almost zip,nada,nothing. And 85% of those rare items are sung without Elvis even knowing the words to them ...... Again, face the facts; after Aloha it went downhill and it ended on august 16th 1977 at the bottom of the barrel, without a dime in the pocket........and not a single hit record in 5 years. August 16th 1977 is his biggest 'hit' from the 70's. Sadly enough. But I'm not a hardcore fan....so what am I talking about. I only collect Elvis from 1972 onwards with over 2000 CD's (inclusing 95% off all bootlegs) in my room.....I don't put Elvis always on top, which all hardcore fans do. Sleep tights guys......."Five Sleepyheads", another major Presley hit comes to mind...
I Saw the Light wrote on
November 26, 2007
Man, you sound like a really angry and bitter Elvis fan :) Elvis wasn't on his peak from 1973 to 1977, we all know that, he was ill, tired and stoned, but his concerts were sold out, he still had his voice and some really good albums. Birmingham is one of a few magic nights after '72 where Elvis still had a power and his voice was damn strong. Damn it, he sounded happy that night! It will be really interesting to hear a new sound in stereo, cleaned and remastered + nice booklet as a bonus. Ultimate editions of classic concerts are always welcomed. One Night Only is at nr. 1 on Import top 40, isnt it?
secondrichard wrote on
November 26, 2007
Talking about bitter; it's bitter to hear that a concert like Birmingham 1976 is one of the few outstanding ones. I know we're all Elvis fans here, but some of you should sometimes think a bit more about what exactly is written by yourself: you talk about "some good albums" between 1973 and 1977...please name one as I can't think of a single one ! His last good album was the Memphis one in 1969, 7 years before this Birmingham show. Being an Elvis fan doesn't mean always putting Elvis on top. He made some stinkers in the 70's. I can't name another album which is straight good like the Memphis 1969 one. Raised On Rock ? He should be ashamed for putting out some of that crap. The King Of Rock 'n Roll not being able to find a single hit ROCK record ? Promised Land is the only title which comes close to being a rock hit. Memphis 1974 was a pleasant release, but a pretty normal live concert, From EP Boulevard is plain crap, there are songs on that one that shouldn't have been sung by Elvis in the first place (The Last Farewell, a Whittaker tear jerker sung by 'The King'..... to name just one). Moody Blue is a scraping of the barrell release with 2-3 good songs (did I read it well that somebody wrote here that no other artist made this kind of music in that era..if so, why wasn't Elvis on top of the charts when he made those 'good' recordings ??). Please be realistic sometimes, at least try to.Again, being an Elvis means seeing the bad things also and there were loads of them. Have you ever seen another artist making a false start on his opening song when a TV special is recorded (referring to See See Rider in the Omaha or Rapid City June 1977 show). I think 99% off all artists are 500% prepared for a TV special recording. And what does our man: looking like a balloon, cutting off the opening song during a recording, talk blurried during Lonesome Tonight, still forgetting the words to My Way which he performed hundreds of times etc. That's bitter !! As said, I'm a Elvis fan for over 30 years now and always will be, but don't talk about the 1974-1977 period too much; that's not the time-span I like the remember Elvis for....and that includes the -pretty poor- Birmingham performance also. Aarghh, those annoying band solo's, terrible !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steve V wrote on
November 26, 2007
secondrichard (or is it little richard?). I feel Elvis' last great studio album (and Rolling Stone gave it a good review) was 1971's Elvis Country. There are some great performances on this LP and he was still singing with full authority. Why they chose the single they did from this LP still baffles. I still think Its Your Baby, You Rock It could be a hit. Great lyrics on that one. As for Raised On Rock, I agree. Very bad LP. There was some good songs cut after 1972 most notably Promised Land, For The Heart, Hurt, and TROUBLE. I had the Burning In Birmingham CD and sold it. I didnt think the show was any big deal and was really overrated.
I Saw the Light wrote on
November 26, 2007
Sure Elvis had some stinkers in 70's, but that doesnt mean that everything he's done in that period is bad. Btw 'Today' was one fine album. His live versions of 'My Way' in '77 were breathtaking. You never knew what your gonna get on his concerts in 70's - one day is great, other is not, one day he's real professional, other day he performs like an amateur. But even in Omaha, at the sad end of his career, he could make me laugh (talking about J.D. - ..he's the lowest bass singer in the world...At least he told me so.. ). I found late 70's one damn interesting period in Elvis life. Troubled? Sure. Annoying sometimes? Sure. He could do so much more? Sure. Boring sometimes? Oh, yep. But he'll stay in people's mind as a greatest entertainer and performer in music history. You can listen the 50's Elvis when all was kool. I dont mind. Oh, yeah, he looks damn ugly on that High Voltage cover. Reminds me on El Goes El Paso inside booklet.. Man, that was bad.
John4126 wrote on
November 26, 2007
I think secondrichard makes some valid points. In comparison with other major artists at the time Elvis' post 1972 recording output was at times pretty dire. Too often content with lazy renditions of covers shows a man who had lost interst completely. 'Today' is a fine album? By who's standards. Not in terms of sales and chart placings. Packed with cover versions by an artist no longer considered to be contempory or relevant at that time. It's true no matter how much you want to protest. Yet, despite this, some 30 years after his death we still argue the merits or otherwise of his recordings. I think that's fantastic.
Andy_Fish wrote on
November 26, 2007
Just like to say that everyone is entiltled to their own opinion and life would be boring if we all liked the same thing but does anybody seriously mean it when they say the 70's is their favourite era?. 1954 -58, 1960 -63 & 1968 - 70 were the 3 periods in Elvis's career when he was untouchable. Compare these with 1971 - 77 and can anybody please tell what Elvis did that comes anywhere near?. Listening to the recordings from these years makes you realise just how much Elvis had come detached from the real world.. Rock had gone to be replaced with morbid cover versions and gospel. just my opinion on this but on this site the 50's seem to get glossed over.
I Saw the Light wrote on
November 26, 2007
I never said that 70's Elvis is my favourit era, I said it's an INTERESTING period for me, with lots of ups and downs. And please, take a look on FTD top 40: at nr. 1 is for years the 'JUNGLE ROOM SESSIONS'. 'TODAY' is at nr. 13, before Something for Everybody, Loving You or Let Yourself Go (Burbank '68), just to name a few. Thats a F.A.C.T. gentelmen ;)
My boy, my boy wrote on
November 26, 2007
We all have one point in common. We all love Elvis !...That's the beauty of reading each and everyone of you. Please remember the saying..."You never walked in that man` shoes..."
Jerome wrote on
November 26, 2007
Phhhh, I do like later seventies material, although they hardly were performed live. But I do love his vocals, even in the later period- despite the lack of much new material being introduced in the later 70 concerts. But secondrichard, first I hope there aren't any first, third or fourt richards, and stop the essays about your opinion of the last few years of E's career. Simply put, that's part of the legend and also he made sooooo much recordings during his lifetime that we don't have the right to put this entertainer down. There's so much music to enjoy that still any artist have been able to replace. If you don't agree 2ndrichard I recommend you bringing us the joy of musical talent. I guess you won't be able to reach 1% of the level of Elvis his last years...
benny scott wrote on
November 26, 2007
23 or 24 reactions (this one included ) untill now. In my humble opinion : my boy my boy 's comment is the best so far : we,indeed, all love Our Man and it would be boring if we all had the same opinion or taste, but " Let's Be (Stay) Friends ". Always El.
Andy_Fish wrote on
November 26, 2007
i wasn't refering to you in particular see the light it was just everyone on here in general. You did make me smile though when you mentioned the jungle room sessions and Loving You in the same sentence. Only joking. As we all agree on here it's still Elvis so what does it matter.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on
November 26, 2007
I dont think this show is really worth all the bickering,i agree with steve that its overrated,i really wonder about some of these comments, some of them are disturbing to me!
circleG wrote on
November 26, 2007
sorry folks ( especially secondrichard ) but I like the Elvis in the 70's. He cut some cool tracks, too many for me to list. At this point he was searching the depths of emotion in tracks like 'pieces of my life' 'unchained melody' 'she thinks i still care'. The flattering thing for him is that many other artists tried to find that same 'sadness' in their songs eg the carpenters etc. E didn't set the charts aflame post 73 but the impression I get from various books was that he wasn't trying to. he just cut most, and I say most, tracks cos he liked 'em.
RonBaker wrote on
November 26, 2007
I haven't heard this particular bootleg album, but I had to say that I enjoy some (not all) of Elvis' later recordings: T-R-O-U-B-L-E, Promised Land, For the Heart, Moody Blue, Way Down, Pledging My Love, It's Easy for You...and more. I wish the songs he recorded were all of the same high caliber, but he sang what he wanted to sing. Someone should have slipped some John Fogerty and Springsteen in with the Perry Como, Statler Brothers, and Roger Whittaker albums that Elvis obviously loved. Or even reminded him that Roy Hamilton also recorded "Don't Let Go" and that might be a good song for him to record. In any case, to call Elvis' recordings after 1969 dead is insulting.
Monster wrote on
November 26, 2007
Like many fans I've never been able to track down the original Burning In Burning album so I'm delighted to have a second chance to hear this show and to have it in apparently improved sound is a real bonus for me. I'm a massive fan of Elvis in the seventies but I love the fifties and sixties Elvis too for different reasons (60-61 anybody? Wow! What a voice!). It's great to be a part of a community where we can express our enjoyment of Elvis' music so freely and talk about it in such detail. But sometimes reading these forums it almost feels like if we were all in a room together some of you guys end up punching each other out. And for what? Cos one guy thinks Elvis had nothing substantial to offer after 1969 and some other guys overreact to the personal view he's entitled to... even if he IS clearly nuts - just kidding man!!!! It's hard to fathom the level of intolerance seen here sometimes simply because somebody is moved so much by Elvis' creative output that he or she holds a particularly strong view on the matter. Disagree if that's how you feel but don't throw your toys out of the pram. By the way, I quite like Clambake. Wanna fight about it? LOL.
Andy_Fish wrote on
November 26, 2007
never thought i'd see the names Roger Whittaker and Perry Como on this site. You've just made a strong case for the anti 70's camp there ........
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on
November 26, 2007
Monster,how could you like that dreadful clambake album? and yes i do wanna fight about it(sarcasim)things are of course taken wayyy too serios,this is why people think Elvis and his fans are at times nuts,its proven here everyday,not naming name!
I Saw the Light wrote on
November 26, 2007
I wouldn't say that things are taken too serious at the moment, that was pretty tolerant discussion in my point of view. We're still holding our start positions, though, waiting for other side to make a move :)
Andy_Fish wrote on
November 26, 2007
Agree there, i think it shows that the 70's era divides a lot of people but i think that at least with the people on this site we can all air our own views without pretending that everything our man did was without criticism.
Elvisnites wrote on
November 27, 2007
Hardcore fan-unswervingly commited, uncompromising, dedicated. Not the first time someone asked for that definition. I'm sure everyone has a dictionary. Elvis sang The Last Farewell at the request of his, at the time, current girlfriend. I doubt he owned the album. John Fogerty, who do you think wrote Proud Mary. Perry Como, you got me there. What song? Elvis Presley Boulevard gave us Hurt, Never Again, I'll Never Fall In Love Again and several other beautiful songs. Some of you seem to forget, or are too young to remember that in 1977 it was not fashionable for a 42 year old man to be singing songs he sang in his 20s. What other artist has put himself out there with so many tour and shows. No wonder he sound bored and worn out. He should have done what they do today. Only tour once a year and charge you your mortgage payment. He gave the whole country a chance to see him and at a very low price. I happen to like the music course he took. It changed over the years to change with his age and audience who were for the most part slightly younger than he was. Everyone has their favorite period, but let us hardcore fans enjoy every step in his musical career. On good advise, the first posting, I will buy this cd and enjoy it.
Elvisnites wrote on
November 27, 2007
Thanks Ron. After hearing Elvis do it, I forget Como did it too. What does that tell you? Once Elvis sang it, it was his.
Ton Bruins wrote on
November 27, 2007
I have the bootleg "Burning In Birmingham" of course. It's a great show but the sound is disappointing. For me counts only one thing: When the sound has improved I will buy this one for sure. It's mixed to stereo so maybe...I'll wait for the first reviews...
Andy_Fish wrote on
November 27, 2007
And the reason why i personally find 90% of Elvis's 70's output irrelavent is because he sang middle of the road rubbish like this. If i had been old enough in the 70's to go out and buy records i would have took one look at the song choices and said no thanks and judging by sales in the 70's that is what most people thought. Perry Como and Roger Whittakar being sung by the king of rock n roll. Not for me thanks but as ever each to his own.
Steve V wrote on
November 27, 2007
You also forgot Its Impossible another monster hit for Perry Como and another song I asked myself why is Elvis singing this when so many rock writers are trying to get their songs to him. Bottom line - Elvis was no longer interested in rock n roll. These songs took over the 70's Elvis much more than the Buring Love type songs (which he had to be forced into recording by all accounts)
FLY-TROUBLE! wrote on
November 27, 2007
"If i had been old enough in the 70's to go out and buy records i would have took one look at the song choices and said no thanks and judging by sales in the 70's that is what most people thought." --- Well,it seems that people in the 70's were more interested in David Cassidy (he had a huge fan-base and sold a huge amount of LP's). But where's David Cassidy now? He's under the the frog's ass,while Elvis is an ICON.
Steve V wrote on
November 27, 2007
yes FLY-TROUBLE, Elvis is an icon. But he's an icon because of what he did in the 50's, not the 70's. Most on this site are not old enough but in the 50's, his impact was beyond measure. Every new release was ground-breaking, all the movies were great. Show biz had never seen anything like this before. This even continued into the early 60's. If he had just come out 'new' in the 70's Im afraid he'd be not revered as much.
My boy, my boy wrote on
November 27, 2007
Steve V, I'm not so sure that so many Rock songwriters were trying to get their songs to Elvis after 1970. To begin with, the 70ties were a different era compared to the 50ties where the rights for songwriters were hardly acknowledged in the mid-fifties. Elvis got lucky to have for instance Leiber and Stoler to write for him some of his biggest hits all together in such a short period of time. It's true though that Elvis himself lost interest in Rock'n'roll as the years went by. He was a lot more into ballads and Gospel stuff in the 70ties, and that's fine for me. I love all his ballads. No one sings a love song like Elvis...
elviskid80 wrote on
November 27, 2007
I Really Would Like To Get This One It Looks Like A Good Release
Rev. Gerhard wrote on
November 28, 2007
Of course each man can have his own taste. Elvis in the 70s was the real King on stage, and no singer will ever reach that natural greatness. His voice and his movings are unreachable, and last but not least his love and generousity. And not to forget his power to play the blinding healthy sunnyboy in spite of his sicknesses and mortality. How boring life would be, if history hadn't had that man. Thank God!
Andreas77 wrote on
November 28, 2007
I think it is safe to say that Elvis' historical impact was confined to his efforts in the 50s. As for his status as an icon I think the 70s period is equally if not more important. There is no doubt that this period is the most popular amongst fans (especially the younger ones). Also, the music he recorded between 70-73/74 has stood the test of time well. Besides, can anyone imagine Elvis without Elvis On Tour, TTWII or songs like Always on My Mind, My Boy, American Trilogy, I GOT a Feelin' In My Body, Unchained Melody, Bridge, What Now My Love, Mojo Workin' , The Wonder of You, Polk Salad etc etc. For many of us, THIS is Elvis. However, post 74 (except for a couple of highlights) nothing much good happened. This, however, probably contributed to the legend. It's like Titanic.
My boy, my boy wrote on
November 28, 2007
Very, very, very nice comment Andreas77. I totally agree with U
benny scott wrote on
November 28, 2007
Rev.Gerhard and Andreas : ten times "amen" to that ! Always El.
SuziB wrote on
November 28, 2007
If Elvis cultural and historical impact is limited to the 50's (which is utter nonsense), how come you have thousands of buffoons wandering around in jumpsits?
SuziB wrote on
November 28, 2007
If Elvis cultural and historical impact is limited to the 50's (which is utter nonsense), how come you have thousands of buffoons wandering around in jumpsuits?
FLY-TROUBLE! wrote on
November 28, 2007
Good post,Andreas77. Mostly i agree with you,but i think '75 was still a relatively good year. In march he recorded the great 'Today' album which is one of my favorites. And he gave 107 good (not great,but good) concerts in that year. Best of them were the ones he gave in july,but i also like the Vegas shows (in march,august and december) and the tour shows,too. His voice was still strong and clear in '75 and he looked relatively good.
My boy, my boy wrote on
November 28, 2007
SuzieB, we never said Elvis's impact was limited to the 50ties. We only mentionned that his very "biggest" impact, the one who took the world by storm like no one before occured back in that era when he first started out and became the greatest act ever in the mid-fifties. Of course that the movie years of the 60ties, the Comeback special and the jumpsuits of the 70ties are important parts of the culture too. My own favorite period of Elvis's career happens to be the 70ties by far, but I do acknowledge that the essence of what Elvis was all about on a historical point of view has never been stronger than when he appeared on the 3 Ed Sullivan show performances.
SuziB wrote on
November 29, 2007
My Boy, My Boy, I suggest you read the comments from Andreas77! Confined = Limited!
My boy, my boy wrote on
November 29, 2007
SuzieB, Andreas also added that as an icon, Elvis's 70ties period is as important if not more than the fifties themselves, and I have no problem with this. What we mean is that Elvis's career is a whole, but we must face the fact that Elvis drastically changed the face of pop culture at one particular time in music history...and it was in 1956 !
Andreas77 wrote on
November 29, 2007
My comment about Elvis historical impact being limited/confined to the 50s might be a bit exaggerated; one can argue that his cultural and musical influence in later years amounts to some historical significance. My point, however, is this: Elvis in the 50s was one of the pioneers in terms of breaking down racial barriers and enhancing individual freedom. Even if I personally think he made better music in the 60s and the 70s, his was less avant-garde in terms of pushing the norms of society during this period. As opposed to the 60s or 70s, you cannot write an historical account of the US, or the world for that matter, in the 50s without mentioning Elvis.
theoldscudder wrote on
November 29, 2007
Couldn't agree more with Andreas 77 & the always insightful Steve V.(From my home state of NJ). Bene, bene.
Greg Nolan wrote on
December 13, 2007
I'm just finally looking at the pure nastiness and sour grapes of "SecondRichard" and his proclamations of what is and isn't good Elvis material. You're not worth the time of day with your nasty attitude. To each his own but this will be a revealing document of one of Elvis' better late-period concerts. His '70s legacy (warts and all) is very much part of his tremendous diversity of material that he sang so well and what made "Aloha" such a triumph worldwide. Bravo, again, to the Elvis import world!