The "Straight Arrow" label will release a CD at the end of this year titled "Rock Back The Clock" (SA 2007-8-02). It will be a special release of Elvis’ infamous first New Year's Eve show in Pontiac, Michigan.
From the press release:
The producers are aware that this concert was previously released from another source but in the case of this release, they were able to obtain an original tape recorded by the same person that taped the College Park, MD, 27.09.1974 using the same recorder and microphone. That concert has been released on Straight Arrow's 2006 CD "Chaos In College Park". The main reason for this new and ultimate Pontiac '75 release is that the sound quality is excellent for an off-line recording. Since no soundboard recording of this show exists, only audience taped documentation of this historic event is available. Over the last 15 years, three independent audience recordings were collected and on each source there was a major problem: excessive echo caused by the large stadium space. This new source is very clear and most importantly, almost echo-free because the person with recorder was sitting very close to the sound system.
The content of the show is well known, with the playlist based on Elvis' previous Las Vegas engagement. Among the Pontiac highlights are powerful performances of "Trying To Get To You", "One Night" and "Heartbreak Hotel" and also the ballads "You Gave Me A Mountain" and "And I Love You So", which were sung with passion. Finally, a thundering performance of "How Great Thou Art" brought the stadium down. The one and only real drawback is an unrehearsed "My Way"; Elvis had problems with the lyrics and he paused the song in the middle for a few seconds.
We live in the days when almost every obscure CD label is hyping that their product was "taken directly from the original tape"…is, what else - "professionally remastered" and of course – with "fantastic results". Every new CD seems to contain some "deluxe 16-page full color booklet" with many "unpublished photos" in a "very professional layout". The “Straight Arrow” label does not want to exaggerate. If you have any of the previous “Straight Arrow” CD releases, then you know what to expect in design and sound quality. This new CD will contain a 20 page booklet with approx. 60 photos. Some of them are unpublished, some not, but they all were carefully hand-picked from the almost 150 available shots to give the listener a visual overview of The Event. You will see Elvis before and after the show as well as in both jumpsuits on stage. An unusual photo of the Silverdome stage before the concert is included as well as the review from the local newspaper, original ticket stub and show poster. To make the release even more authentic, sleeve notes were written by a fan that was so happy to be there... The “Straight Arrow” team wishes you a Happy New Year 2008 and hopes that you will enjoy this special New Years Eve release!
Tracks:
Also Sprach Zarathustra (Theme from "2001 A Space Odyssey") - C. C. Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen (medley) - Monologue (Elvis split his pants) - Love Me - Tryin' To Get To You - And I Love You So - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel (medley) - Heartbreak Hotel - One Night - You Gave Me A Mountain - Polk Salad Annie - Elvis left the stage to change the jumpsuit - Sweet Sweet Spirit (by J. D Sumner & The Stamps) - Band Introductions - What'd I Say - Drums Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - Bass Solo (Blues - Jerry Scheff) - Piano Solo (Glen D. Hardin - for the last time with Elvis on stage) - Electric Piano Solo (David Briggs) - School Day (Hail Hail Rock'n'Roll) - My Way (with break) - Love Me Tender - Monologue / New Year Countdown - Auld Lang Syne - How Great Thou Art (with last part reprise) - It's Now Or Never - America (The Beautiful) - Elvis thanks / Introduction of Lisa Marie and Vernon Presley - Hound Dog - Wooden Heart (part only) - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp.
Rock Back The Clock
October 28, 2007 | Music Source:For CD Collectors OnlyEspenK wrote on
October 28, 2007
I *really* like the way they wrote this press release. A bit humbleness and straight facts without over-hyping it never hurt. As a matter of fact, if I ever would buy an audience recording it would be this one.
Ronaldv wrote on
October 28, 2007
I will skip this one. The already released version is good enough for me. I refuse to buy audience recorded concerts twice. Bring on dec 27 Wichita or dec 30 1976 Atlanta in reasonable sound instead!
You Dont Know Me wrote on
October 28, 2007
I will certainly be getting this release.In fact i collect ALL the 'straight arrow' releases because of the package of best available QUALITY.I too had this concert in 2 poor sources before...so its certainly WORTH getting from a much, MUCH better source- i heard a sample and i'm NOT dissapointed so buy with confidence and have the untimate New Years Eve 1975 'Experience'
Elvisnites wrote on
October 28, 2007
I don't usually get audience tapes. Burned too many times. This one however looks interesting. Alot going on in the show. I do have one Straight Arrow and was not disappointed. I'll be getting this one.
Ciscoking wrote on
October 30, 2007
Yes, if you already have the show you might be satisfied with what you have. What makes me think about this release being worthwhile anyway is the fact that it is definitely the ultimate edition of this show. Best sound availible and top notch layout... like all products from the Straight Arrow label.