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Royal Gambit In Richfield

By ElvisNews.com/ Kees, Jun 15, 2008
Royal Gambit In Richfield

Released on the Straight Arrow label is the 1976 concert entitled "Royal Gambit In Richfield". A release for fans or "Elvis historians"?

Design

The design on the cover is very dark again. There are not that many good looking pictures of our man in 1976, but the one chosen for the cover isn't the best looking one when we browse he booklet. Inside the booklet is brighter due to the use of blue and white in a seventies style design, but the design does not work entirely. A few more hours of Photoshop could have resulted in a better result. The liner notes give this concert the proper historical background, song details and tour dates.

Complete coverContent

The disc itself contains an audience-recording from the show at the Richfield Colosseum in Ohio on October 23, 1976. The audio-quality is O.K. especially considering the fact that it was taped in a large stadium, but Elvis is very up-front and there is very little bass or drum so we get a sharp sounding Elvis with lots of guitar and cymbals. This show was previously released in 1994 with the title "Fairy Tales" on the Chips label.

The concert itself is O.K. to listen to, but since we have so many better concerts - in both performance and audio-quality - I tend to start browsing these kinds of releases. Especially because I've listened to so many concerts like this and I have a few lined up for upcoming reviews.

"America The Beautiful" and "Polk Salad Annie" get a great treatment before we go into a ten track introduction of all the folk on stage. These are followed by a recording of Sherrill Nielsen exercising his vocal chords on "Danny Boy" and "Walk With Me". The man can sing, if you like the sound of his voice that is ...
Back to Elvis, after singing his first nationwide hit he delivers a solid "How Great Thou Art". If I would have been in the audience I would think it was about time Elvis showed who was King on that stage after all the introductions and vocal exercises by his vocalists. Because he was a little late for the show we get an extra "Mystery Train / Tiger Man" medley before he wraps up the show with the usual Hawaiian theme.

Conclusion

A nicely documented concert, especially since I missed out on ther original release of this concert, but one that will be shelved to complete the collection for the "Elvis historian" in me. A handful of well performed songs really is too little good content to pick out this concert for an hour of listening pleasure with so many greater concerts to chose from.

Tracklisting

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. All Shook Up - 09. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel (medley) - 10. And I Love You So - 11. Little Darlin' (excerpt / intro only) - 12. Fever - 13. America The Beautiful - 14. Polk Salad Annie - 15. Band Introductions - 16. Early Mornin' Rain - 17. What'd I Say - 18. Johnny B. Goode - 19. Drum Solo (by Ronnie Tutt) - 20. Bass Solo (Blues - by Jerry Scheff) - 21. Piano Solo (by Tony Brown) - 22. Electric Piano Solo (by David Briggs) - 23. Love Letters - 24. School Day - 25. Hurt (with last part reprise) - 26. Hound Dog - 27. Danny Boy (by Sherrill Nielsen) - 28. Walk With Me (by Sherrill Nielsen) - 29. Heartbreak Hotel - 30. How Great Thou Art - 31. Mystery Train / Tiger Man (medley) - 32. Can't Help Falling In Love - 33. Closing Vamp & Announcements.

Give Your Opinion
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Reactions

Linda Kovalcik (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 9, 2008report abuse
Don't fight,guys,please. This is a great CD,enjoy it. I still prefer soundboards and multi track recordings,of course,but there's nothing wrong with a good sounding audience recording. The booklet is beautiful.
Greg Nolan (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 7, 2008report abuse
Espen, I"m finally getting caught up with this discussion but it strikes me that your own comments are rather aggressive in their panning of anyone obsessive enough to want to cherry-pick the best Elvis imports, audience-recordings included. I'm also 39 and I've been a fan since, well, 1976, if I have it right. I've had the pleasure of going in and out of frabid Elvis fandom (I love other music and continue to listen and collect it) but I think the premium labels like Madison, Audionics, Fort Baxter, Southern Comfort, and yes, Straight Arrow, are just*feasts* for fans for hard-core fans.

You may love Elvis as much as the next person but there's a special kind of fan who appreciates the Elvis FTD and boot world. Call them kooky if you like but I think there's room for all kind of fans, so why come here and bash those who, in their mind, are celebrating the *better* releases? After all, even I don't want to collect *EVERY* show, not with so many just on CD-R and with no booklets and likely crappy sound? Life is too short for that -for me, anyway. But I'm sure some want that -and god bless 'em. Fanaticism is the reason why we have a devoted fan/advocate like Ernst Jorgensen as well as the premium import labels. By no sane definition should they be so devoted..but they are, and thank goodness. Let their be separate lines that we all draw but please don't ruin collector sites with your personal "take the ball home" sort of prescriptions. Intelligently describe why you remain unmoved..but move on..That's the fair and friendly thing to do, right?

Sure, there's a likelihood that like Straight Arrow speak more of historical curiosity pieces meant for serious collectors, but, hey, that's what this site and sites like FECC are all about. Don't be so rational about it: by almost any account, the 4-5 live Elvis albums issued by RCA in the '70s was arguably "over-documenting" our here in action - done out of necessity as he became recording-studio shy.

But this is what is left and what many of us find to be a pleasant respite from our "real" lives of working and raising families. And lots of hard work go into these "select" releases: a "bit torrent" download is nothing like the experience of one of these beauties.

One can hear selected titles even via Jordan's Elvis site but is that the same as owning one of 'em? No. And a few of them I have listened to to and realized that's enough for me. Labels like STRAIGHT ARROW get kudos for making works of art for fans -and most of us appreciate that.

To Steve V.: I appreciate your honesty and also grew up from the '70s into the '80s with lots of cynical jokes about Elvis being fat, on drugs, a waste, too "Vegas" - but in time I realized that this was particularly biased. In my view, Elvis produced some of his most adult, meaningful and terrifically-performed songs during, yes, the '70s! I like live Elvis concerts --- call us crazy but give it a rest with the negativity. So much rock from the' 70s has not aged well and I actually like a good crooner, in fact. Ultimately, there's room for all of us, please.
EspenK (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 29, 2008report abuse
Geert, I doubt you're interested in my preferences anyways so I won't bother you with those details. Roxette is a severe miss though, Elvis is by far the most commercial artist amongst my favorites.
But why so aggressive? Fair enough that you do not find a discussion about sound quality particularly interesting, but it looks like you take the whole discussion as a personal insult. Calm down, dude.
theoldscudder (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 25, 2008report abuse
EspenK..Right on. You nailed it. Many good points made.
GeertFromNl (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 24, 2008report abuse
To Espen: if you don't like most of the Elvis-concerts and you find them boring,then please don't visit this site anymore. Visit the Roxette site. I'm sure you prefer Marie Fredriksson. You'll find her recordings in perfect sound quality.
SnOwMan (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 24, 2008report abuse
I agree.
Linda Kovalcik (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 24, 2008report abuse
This is a very good CD. We should be thankful for CD's like this. So many hasty comments here. He was the King!
Sweetbaby09@aol.com (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 23, 2008report abuse
Hey I think it's great Royal Gambit In Richfield. I was there have great pic's, got a Scarf from the Man Elvis and a kiss. What memories.....
EspenK (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 23, 2008report abuse
Steve V: "I do not really listen to whats on the radio, rather than whats NOT on it", That was the quote of the day! It's the exact same with me, even though we listen to completely different music. The world of music is so amazingly much more and diverse than what's played on the radio. Even though it must be said, with the internet a *lot* of new radio stations are available, playing one specific genre (or even artist) non stop. I assume you all are aware of "EP Express", the Elvis radio station in Canada, broadcasting on the shoutcast network? Easily accessible through for example winamp (free media player).
Natha (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 23, 2008report abuse
Thank You Steve V. I stick to Elvis and my favs like Jerry Lee, Chuck, Eddy, Buddy and the likes. Indeed, these great artists are hardly ever on the radio.
Steve V (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 23, 2008report abuse
All very good posts and discussions. Just want to make clear, I do not really listen to whats on the radio, rather than whats NOT on it. There are many great artists out there not getting played on mainstream radio like James Hunter (a Brit), Raul Malo, Marcia Ball, even the last John Fogerty CD. All great music not getting played. Of course I still also play my Dusty, Darin , Ray Charles, Van Morrison, etc. along with Elvis. I respect an opinion on liking this CD but I guess I cant understand preferrig it to 'real' CDs by those Ive mentioned or some other artist. Give them a try, you may discover there is another music world out there.
Natha (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 23, 2008report abuse
Dear EspenK, thank you for your kind reply. I am fully with you that the official releases are much more representing Elvis' true power. I am mostly a fan of the early years (RnR most of all). I also don't listen to all the outtakes etc. Mostly once or twice, just to witness the development of my favorites. As I listen to Elvis every day I enjoy listening to a mixture and in that framework I enjoy listening to 'lesser' recordings. Those who do not follow me in that I would definitely advise not to listen to soundboard recs and definitely not to audience recs. And yes I am not connected to the current musical trends, as it does not fit my taste. My wife listens to it, so I get my share of input. But as it is not my cup of tea, I often would prefer listening to this type of recordings. Elvisly yours
EspenK (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 23, 2008report abuse
Natha, I not only respect but envy you. However it should be said that I of course still find joy (if not magic) in an occasional Elvis recording of *good* quality now and then. It's less than a year since I was at Graceland, so I'm still a kind of a fan. The feeling is still there, it's just become a bit more picky over the years, I suppose. :) And I've noticed an interesting tendency of returning to the official releases and away from the more obscure bootleg recordings. I've heard my share of endless number of takes early in his career, the unfocused rehearsals, the simple humor (often rather pathetic humor, to be honest), and the noisy, flat sounding recordings with muddy or no bass and the high tones drowning in white noise. *That* magic is gone. And unfortunately now I am describing the typical soundboard recording, soundboards that other fans are praising for its good sound quality ("Its a soundboard! How can it be bad then!?").
Of course, if one *only* listen to these recordings your ears gradually get used to the sound and eventually it start sounding quite alright. But to those of us that's still connected to the current world we live in, that's not an option.
benny scott (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 23, 2008report abuse
Hi Steve V, when I wrote "without being rude or tasteless" I wasn't aiming at you personally, it was a remark in general. About your remark towards Aaron Presley I wrote " a bit unkind ", so "a bit unkind doesn't mean "rude". Keep giving your opinion, I like reading them ! Kind regards !
Natha (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 22, 2008report abuse
I wonder, EspenK, why you have lost that feeling. Whenever something is bad in our lives, we tend to talk about it trillions of times and never seem to get bored with it. For years and years man tends to be able to keep nagging that up. But when something is good one gets accustomed to it and gets bored much sooner. I have made it a point im my life to do it the other way around. Hence I enjoy listening to Elvis just as I did in those days. For me the magic is still there. Of coure there is a difference in recording quality and yes some recordings are not for 'the general public'. Moreover these recordings are 'mere' recording the event with all its charms and cannot be compared to studio or intentional live recordings. In those days technology was nothing compared to today. And yes, I am one of those fans who enjoy these recordings not as mentioned before for one or two differences, but for the magic of the live show. I rather hear that than remixes. And Steve V, I rather stick to this cd than 'suffer my ears' with the music on the radio. I hope you all can respect my view as I do yours.
Steve V (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 22, 2008report abuse
Actually Benny - I was trying to help out with the correct English word and not being rude. I realize it is not a first language for many on this site. He said he was living in another world, so I was just agreeing with him. Ive been known to misspell plenty! The point I was trying to make is maybe it is I who live in another world for not liking this type of CD. Id rather listen to 100 other artists than play this and suffer my ears.
benny scott (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 22, 2008report abuse
I like this CD ! Would be nice if we all could be happy and thankful with the fact that so many of Elvis' musical heritage exists. And if it has been or is released on vinyl, audio-cassettes, CDs (import or legal), video-cassettes Beta,VHS, DVDs ( in any format, you name it !) : what the heck ! We have the possibility to look and listen, to make a choise for ourselves about the quality of a released product , without being rude or tasteless in our comments when it comes to discuss a new release.
Steve V, i'm a little disappointed about your remark towards Aaron Presley.Writing he's living in another world because he wrote " except" instead of "accept" is a bit unkind. I don't know where you live, in the USA or the UK , but don't forget English is not the original language in our countries ( The Netherlands and Belgium).We do our best ! I wonder how many Americans or British do speak a second or third language . This being said, I must admit that your comments give prove of common sence in general ! Wish ( and I mean that ) there were more like you on this site !So no hard feelings ? Always El.
Steve V (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 22, 2008report abuse
Aaron Presley - you certainly are living in another world. The word is accept , not except. I suspect with a name like that you listen to no other artist and prefer playing these cds as opposed to maybe hearing another piece of music thats been made by someone else since 1977.
EspenK (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 22, 2008report abuse
I don't think it's as much a question about age (I'm 39) as it is about how much you've heard before. After a while it becomes too apparent that Elvis pretty much was on auto pilot pretty much all the time, with a few well rehearsed "improvised moments". I envy those who still look forward to hearing an unreleased live recording of Elvis (I really do!), in many ways I wish I could jump back to late 80s/early 90s when the Elvis territory were pretty much unexplored to me. I still remember the magical moment when I first heard "Adios Amigos", the audience recording of Elvis' very last concert. It brought tears to my eyes. It it was released today I would probably buy it (because of it's undeniable historical content) but probably not listen to it, at least not with the same enthusiasm as I did back then.
Sad, yes, but such is life. Life goes on, and with the vaste number of really good artists today, releasing *new*, unheard material in excellent sound quality, I stand by my opinion that these kind of recordings are only for those with a very special interest in the material (to put it diplomatic) and you can never talk about "good sound", just rate how bad it is compared to similar recordings, really.
SnOwMan (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 22, 2008report abuse
No problem,Espen. About soundboard recordings: though BMG have about 250,they will never release them all. They try to choose the better and/or more interesting shows. There are still hidden reserves i'm sure. In july they will release a soundboard from april 1976. This is a relatively unknown tour. Only a few terrible sounding bootleg audience recordings were issued in the past,all of them on crappy CD-R's. This will be the very first soundboard from that tour. This is something that i'll definitely buy. There are unreleased professional recordings from august 1969,february and august 1970 and from february 1972. There are still so many things to look for. Unreleased studio outtakes and things like that. I don't know how old you are. I'm still a younger fan and i'm looking forward the upcoming FTD's. Maybe in 2015 i'll be cloyed with these releases but at the moment i still enjoy them.
EspenK (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 22, 2008report abuse
Hmm... Or maybe my mail address is only visible for myself? Dunno... Anyhow, my point was that it could look like you were discussing drug dealers and not record dealers. Not that I know what I'm talking about... Omg how a joke gets destroyed by explaining it.
EspenK (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 22, 2008report abuse
Well, mine is. Just click on my nick and see for yourself. Other than that, I'm not sure if you're being serious or not but my comment were intended to be a funny remark, nothing else. Hence the smiley.
SnOwMan (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 22, 2008report abuse
Espen,you're wrong again. Our e-mail adresses are not even public. It would be hard to make contact with somebody without any accessibility. Your comments show that you absolutely don't know what you're talking about.
EspenK (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 22, 2008report abuse
Regarding all the talk about getting ripped off and finding good private dealers an outsider could very well suspect y'all of discussing something completely different than Elvis-bootlegs :D
Lefty (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 22, 2008report abuse
SnOwMan, Is it really too much to ask that Elvis fans not tear each other apart? I'm not asking for sainthood. Just plain, common decency. That's not too much to ask, no matter where you're from. Or maybe it is (?), since you called me "a very naive person" in your reply.

I'm with you on being ripped off. I've been taken to the cleaners by sellers in the US and UK. Gratefully, I found an honest private dealer, and all of that turmoil has been laid to rest.

Still, after being ripped off, called names, and having my view put down in an open forum, I hope that someday we will get back to common decency and kindness. If we can't our world is in serious trouble.
GeertFromNl (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 22, 2008report abuse
Well-written post,Aaron Presley. This site is for Elvis-fans and not for old moaners.
Jesse Garon Presley (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 22, 2008report abuse
for me it's the music that counts..it's elvis..audience recording or not..it's what he left behind..his legacy..I LOVE this cd..if some people don't like these recordings and stuff..that's your world
i'm living in another world..except that
EspenK (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 21, 2008report abuse
While I agree that the wrapping is of some importance, what's inside still count the most. And I seriously don't think these recordings should be sold (or resold) at all - it should be spread as torrents via excellent services like Pirate Bay (where I've found quite a few audience recordings of Elvis btw) and no-one should charge any money from them.
Regarding the "vault"... If there indeed is two hundred soundboard recordings there, what will they contain that we've not already heard a hundred times (quite literary)? Sorry to sound depressive here, but we already know how Elvis sounded on almost every month he was on tour ever since the comeback. We already got the concerts that differ from the rest (where the "Desert Storm" concert is the most obvious example), and no matter what year those 200 represent it will still be just another recording of what we've already heard oh so many times.
Yeah, I know, new fans and all that, but seriously: You need to be way more than just a fan to appreciate these audience recordings. In my opinion it goes beyond appreciation of good music or an excellent performer.
At best it is collector fodder, like stamps or postcards, or other stuff you store into a collection, never to see the light of day again. At worst it is a really sad example of fanaticism.
SnOwMan (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 21, 2008report abuse
Espen,if you don't like your audience recordings,then sell them for $15-20/CD,there are fans who'll be happy with them,believe me! I know what you're talking about. There are audience recordings which don't worth their price. Terrible sound quality,no booklet or only 4 pages (2 of them are white),no effort to improve anything etc. But there are a few labels (and i don't want to mention them here) which put effort into their releases and this is so rare nowadays that we have to appreciate it. I also don't buy most of the audience recordings,i choose only a few of them,the best ones. Even these releases are not perfect in sound quality but if you compare the sound and the booklet of let's say "Go Cat Go" and "Royal Gambit" then you'll have to admit that these are not in the same category. Most of the fans are agree that there are enjoyable audience recordings. Not that many,but there are a few. You wrote that the beginning of the end has started. Well,i wouldn't write such things knowing that there are more than 200 unreleased soundboards in the BMG vaults... And don't forget that there are new fans,too. While many of the concerts are boring to you,the same concerts should be exciting for them!
EspenK (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 21, 2008report abuse
I think some of the reason for the aggression is due to the fact that some (most?) of us are starting to realize that the beginning of the end has started; that we soon are at the bottom of the barrel. After the bombardment of bootlegs in the 90s, then the bombardment from FTD there simply isnt that much more material left for us to look forward to. There was a time I too found some sort of enjoyment in audience recording. But after the initial curiosity, and a ton of poor reecordings later, I look back and realize that the average number of times I've listened through an audience recording without skipping is less than one. I regret I even paid for most of them: I should have just downloaded them and shared them like fans *should* have done with these recordings instead of trying to make profit out of them.
SnOwMan (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 21, 2008report abuse
Steve,i've been ripped off by many Elvis-fans in the past,too. Then i've managed to find a good dealer and i buy my imports always from him since 2004 (including "Royal Gambit"). So i don't have to visit rip-off sites like e-bay. Maybe i'm in the minority but i like these beautiful releases with nice booklet and with improved sound,no matter which label releases them. Only the final result counts. So it's quite depressing to read some of the comments here. Sure Elvis wasn't in the best shape in 1976 but he gave several good concerts even in this year. And as i'm a fan i like these concerts,even the average and the bad ones. I appreciate the work the producers did here. The booklet is beautiful,the sound is much better than on "Fairy Tales". Even the show is one of the better ones from 1976. I enjoy this CD but people are different and some of them won't like it. That's fine. Life is good.
Steve V (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 21, 2008report abuse
Snowman - yes thats true - but Ive been ripped off by Elvis dealers in the UK and France, so I think when it comes to Elvis 'sellers' they all took a page out from The Colonel, offer as liitle as possible and make the most you can.
SnOwMan (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 21, 2008report abuse
Lefty,Elvis-fans are no worse and no better than people in general. If you hope that we're are saints then you're a very naive person. See how many fans rip off each others in these days on e-bay,especially in the U.S. People are people,that's all.
Lefty (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 21, 2008report abuse
I've been fascinated with the import market since I bought Rockin' With Elvis New Years' Eve back in 1977. Back then, I could've never imagined what the import market would be today! We're fortunate to have continuing top quality releases, many of which surpass what we had in the glory days of the 90's. I would've never known that fans from all over the world share my interest in unique Elvis shows, outtakes, and unreleased material if it weren't for sites like ElvisNews. It's great to have a forum where our opinions can be shared. However, it saddens me that some fans are so hateful toward one another. Even worse, in times past I have found myself caught in the trap of negativity; placed there as a reaction a meanspirited comment. Is all of this hatred really necessary? I'm seriously considering giving up on this site just to escape it. I welcome all points of view on Elvis and the products associated with him. I see validity in the reason not to like Elvis after 1972 and the reasons to love him. However, I see no valid reason to jab at one another. Telling another fan that they suffer from alcoholism, mental illness, child abuse, amateur knowledge, or whatever, is just abject hatred. Is that how we want to be viewed? I want to think of Elvis fans as the best people in the world.
theoldscudder (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 20, 2008report abuse
GeertFromN. I guess you did not follow my advice. You must of been hitting the Vodka again. Well there goes that final brain cell. Ah, you may get better but you'll never get well.
theoldscudder (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 20, 2008report abuse
GeertFromN Actually I was not praising A Legendary Performer-Talking More Vol 1. The comments was said tounge in cheek. The point I was trying to make is there a number of suckers who will buy this piece of crap. I thought that was obvious.
Steve V (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 20, 2008report abuse
Greg - we all have our opinions and if I cant be honest with myself on this site I will no longer post. The site will just turn into one lovefest for Elvis fans with everything he did as perfect. I dont think we want that. And yes, maybe I am a bit biased because I saw Elvis in his prime in 1972, but damn the shows from 1974 onwards really show how much he had fallen since then, and lets not even compare them to TTWII. When you see that film you cant believe its even the same guy on stage in 1976. Perhaps you are too young to remember but in 1976 Elvis was a laughing stock to most of the music world, being branded a Vegas sellout (much like the Hollywood years). Id go into a record store, buy the latest LP and hear the snickers. So in many ways 1976 is a bad memory. As for Gert - you should re-read scudders remarks on Legendary performer. Id say it was done 100% toungue -in-cheek.
GeertFromNl (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 20, 2008report abuse
Extremely well-written post again,Greg. However,it's surprising to see that while our beloved "theoldf.rter" praises CD's like "A Legendary Performer - Talking And More Volume 1" (which contains horrible things like the "Strung Out" remix) at the same time he decrys all the releases which were made with love and offer something new and/or better to the fans. It speaks volumes about him.
Greg Nolan (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 20, 2008report abuse
Espen, in a literal sense, of course, by most definitions, *all* definitions, really, AR tapes can never be confused with professionally recorded tapes. It think, however, we are all past that (that is,wishing each and every Elvis show was professionally recorded) and willing to admit that we are lucky that there are surprisingly listenable AR tapes of his better shows. By most accounts, this is indeed one of the most listenable AR's around and it captures a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for the usually past-his-prime '76 El.

Speaking of which, the negativity of this forum of late knows few boundaries and I used to think FECC was particularly prone to tangents and agendas. Steve V.- if you're going to launch broadsides against '76 Elvis, perhaps you need to find another place to haunt as many of us here find that his better performances in each and every year are worthy of being captured for posterity. Maybe it's because you were lucky to see him live in the '70s prior to then, but for those of us who essentially comes off arrogantly to slam the scraps that Elvis left behind to his many fans who missed any and all shows. I think if I saw him life, too, I too might be less inclinded to collect so many shows, but for the rest of us, it's a fun hobby and a worthy historical project to support.

I suggest learning to listen with fresh ears and you might actually hear what caused the excitement. If not, maybe Elvis wasn't all that he was cracked up to be - and I"m not about to sign on to that proposition.

LIkewise, Lex, your comments seem beneath Elvis' great legacy. Yes it was a sub-par year, but your dismissive descriptions of his performances (even notably better ones like this one) seem designed only to provoke and entertain yourself, not enlighten. Love it or hate it, most of us hear think Elvis Presley was a one of a kind legendary performer who deserves more respect than that. Bash "Queenie Waheenie" or "Yoga Is as Yoga Does" (and so would he) but here he is pouring his heart out on a better show before thousands of adoring fans and here you are in 2008 acting as if it's a KISS or Britney Spears concert. I don't know why you bother.

Kees, I'm sorry if I took you literally: Lex has previously crowed about only sampling some albums he reviews so I assume you were following that path based only on your language and admitting that you had other stuff to get on with.

With all due respect, as I said earlier, it's a false construct to receive criticism of your critisicm with a "well, you should review it then." The point is that a reviewer has to show good faith in reviewing a set , not to turn around and give the audience (in this case, your faithful readers) tasks to do. But given your response and that you did apparently hear it in full, I will accept that the your lukewarm review stands as it is.

Well, if it means anything to the fart-obsessed "Oldscudder," you and handful of fans here too often ride the "carp patrol" of negativity while others here and elsewhere recognize that ROYAL GAMBIT IN RICHFIELD is yet another premium, thoughtully-produced package from "Straight Arrow." Is it the best show of '76? No, of course not. But is it distinct and uniquely-performed with extra gusto still to be appreciated some 30-plus years later? Definitely. Has the sound been improved? Yes and what a unique and complete sound, ironically. Packaged with care and "added-value"? You betcha. Reviewed by the too-often jaded and myopic Elvis fans at ELVISNEWS? Check. :)
theoldscudder (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 18, 2008report abuse
SteveV You must be a mind reader because you echoed my thoughts to the T. You really hit the nail on the head with this one. Was JD musically passing gas?
Steve V (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 17, 2008report abuse
If I never heard another 1976 show for the rest of my life, I wouldnt care. Ive heard all I ever wanted to hear. Yes, the long intros, the ridiculous Amen with JD's foghorn, Olivia cover songs, Sherril Nielsen solos, the throw away 50's numbers and Little Darlin, slurring & dropping lyrics, etc, etc. How can any true fan of what Elvis Presley meant to the music world & popular culture find this stuff to be worthy of his talent and want it even to be released? Did I mention the silly jumpsuits? Sorry, but one Hurt here and another good performance there do not make for a great concert and thats all I ever found the 76-77 shows to be.
EspenK (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 17, 2008report abuse
I am not judging if a recording is better or worse than another. I am talking about the basic definition of "good sound". And it is impossible to make a *good* recording of a performing artist, Elvis included, if the technique used to record the performance is limited to one/two microphones X meters away from the speakers and surrounded by a crowd of people who chat, cheer, laugh and stomp. You may get a decent impression of the experience of being part of the audience at that particular spot at that particular point in time, yes. But "good sound"? No way.
Lex (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 17, 2008report abuse
I'm glad I didn't have to review this one, since the bottom line is that even thou it is a good show compared to many other 1976 shows, it still stinks. It is boring as hell with those endless introductions, Elvis is giving a far below par show.

All the hassle about being a good audience recording... well, it is, even the original was listenable regarding sound. Too bad the show was that poor. And I have nothing against good audience recordings, I prefer "Double Dynamite" above any 1976/77 soundboard or even multitrack recording. If you record sh*t with high equipment... at the end it will still stink!
GeertFromNl (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 17, 2008report abuse
Your comments certify that you haven't read (or at least haven't understood) what some of us (including Ciscoking) wrote earlier. Fact 1: As far as sound quality goes,this is one of the best Elvis audience recordings. Fact 2: This new release sounds much better than "Fairy Tales" so there was a notable improvement. You may tell that you don't like audience recordings,but the facts are facts. If you still haven't heard a good sounding audience recording then please try the august 20th M/S on the Profile box set. That sounds better than some of the soundboards. Nobody claimed that this is the best sounding Elvis concert recording! We just claimed that between audience recordings this is one of the best sounding ones. And this is what you haven't managed to understand due to unknown reasons.
EspenK (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 17, 2008report abuse
I didn't refer to any of your comments at all, Geert. I was quoting (notice: *quoting*) Ciscoking further down the page. Suggestion: Look up the word "quote" and read what it means. I'm sure you can find a english dictionary somewhere on your mental institute. Ask your nurse. Do you find my quote amongst your comments? Nope. Could I possibly refer to your comments then? Nope.
GeertFromNl (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 17, 2008report abuse
Espen,please reread my comments. I wrote this: "The sound quality is great, considering that it is an audience recording." and this: "You won't find too many better ones." and this: "Yes,there are better sounding concerts but it's not fair to compare an audience recording with soundboards and multi track recordings!" If you are a mentally healthy adult person,then i suppose you'll be able to understand these,won't you?
EspenK (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 17, 2008report abuse
Quote from a comment: "It is one of the best sounding audience recordings ever. Remember it was recorded with a cassette recorder in the audience" - oh, so this is the logic: Poor recording equipment + bad location of microphone = best sound? You can't excuse a sound quality based on the equipment or recording method - you can only explain it. Bad sound is bad sound, period. I have not yet heard any audience recording with *good* sound, simply because is not theoretically possible to obtain a good sound of a bands performance using poor quality microphones placed amongst the audience.
ElvisDayByDay (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 17, 2008report abuse
Hi Greg, good point on the "browsing". That remark may very well start a life on it's own, thanks for pointing that out to the other critics here :-) I actually played the CD two times, once in my car, once at home on the background and I browsed the CD while writing the review to relisten to the sound and highlights I heard earlier so I could put them in words for a review.

The real meaning of the "browsing"remark is that with so many releases coming out, and we only cover about 80% ere I guess, it gets harder and harder to write something original about every new release. I usually try to stick to the facts and add a personal note on songs or performances that were highlights or real bad but with Elvis who did so many concerts that were pretty much alike you kinda know what to expect and you tent to start browsing to look for that highlight that makes a specific concert interesting. By now most readers know what to expect in a review when they read the name of the author. If you and other readers want to read something completely different, feel free to write your own review, we'll gladly post it here. And I must say, that discussing a review here like this one makes it interesting too.

To me that last sentence is the sad part of the reviewjob; finding highlights in mediocre or standard concerts. I want all performances of this man to be great!
Greg Nolan (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 17, 2008report abuse
Kees, I'm usually a fan of your reviews as they are quite level-headed (no axe-grinding agenda against this or that decade, respectful tone and dismissive tone when needed, etc. but on this one,with all due respect, you've missed the mark. What people didn't mention here also is that you freely admit to just "browsing" through the tracks and then later dismissively say it has just a few good songs or thereabout. That's not giving it a fair hearing, literally.

It's not about "us" writing the reviews: you've taken it upon yourself to posit yourself as a reviewer of an album, so follow-through with the minimum prequisite. I recall that someone else here did that here a few times and it also served to annoy the very fans who look to this site for guidance and yes, some informed commentary. Any number of us can and may yet write reviews elsewhere or even here but it's insincere and a total short-cut not to give this (or any) release a *full* listen, preferably in one-sitting, even.

I agree with those who point out that an audience-recording ("AR") can often rival soundboards and official recordings for capturing the essence of the King playing live. There is a marked improvement in the audio from the prior "Fairy Tales" release, which also cannot compete in terms of matching Straight Arrow's excellent booklet , which to my eyes is a beaut.

As was stated, this is one of the better shows of '76 - not quite late December-quality but certainly with that extra "oomph" too often missing that year. Top it off with the high reputation of "Straight Arrow" for repeatedly putting out little gems on par with the best import labels and you can guarentee that this is a keeper for nearly all fans who would come to this site and make the plunge to purchase another bullseye...
circleG (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 16, 2008report abuse
Have to agree with you on some points Ciscoking. I remember hearing 'sweet caroline' on AR and thinking - wow it was never like this on 'on stage'. I think both have their merits, of course I'm not talking about the AR's where you can barely hear anything :)
Ciscoking (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 16, 2008report abuse
Comparing a soundboard with an audience recording makes no sense. If you are a fan of top notch sound in mono and a sterile sounding show take a SB. If you are a fan of the atmosphere of a live recording with screaming audience and other "live" noise.. take a AR. I prefer a good sounding AR over sterile SB at any time.
GeertFromNl (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 16, 2008report abuse
Kees,i agree with you in that fact that Elvis' voice is upfront. I also prefer multi-track recordings and soundboards. Unfortunately these are very often not available so the best thing we may get is a good audience recording. And this is a good one.
ElvisDayByDay (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 16, 2008report abuse
Thanks for the 2 cents Geert, but basically you agree with me? :-) The remark in the review that Elvis is very up-front simply is a fact, I didn't write that to put the release down. The conseqence of this fact is that we have many releases that are more enjoyable sound-wise with Elvis and his entire band more in b alance, and that I tent to enjoy those over well-restored audience-recordings.
GeertFromNl (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 16, 2008report abuse
If he's too upfront in the mix,it's not their failure. It's impossible to mix a mono audience recording. It was recorded on this way and nobody can change that. The booklet looks good. Most bootleg releases come without booklet so i'm very satisfied with this one. All photos are from the actual concert. The review was written by a person who attended the show. A well-put together booklet i.m.o. Just my 2 cents...
ElvisDayByDay (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 16, 2008report abuse
Thanks for the commends, but not everyone really read what I wrote. Of course it is hard to discuss taste since it is personal. My opinion is that the design could have been worked out a bit better, just look at the image. there is room for improvement.

As for the audio-quality, I don't think I put that down, but I miss part of the band in the mix presented here. In the end an audience recording, especially one recorded in a big venue, how well restored it may be, still is an audience recording. This may be a top 5 audience recording, but even those will never win in a comparisson with a soundboard or professional recording. And I happen to enjoy the latter more when I want to enjoy Elvis in concert.

A few good songs or a good sounding Elvis for "1976 standards" is not enough for me to qualify this or any other release like it as a good release. My standards are not that "low". If I can listen to a better sounding Elvis in better audioquality the fan in me puts on another CD. If the "historian" in me wants to listen to a specific concert, I'll pick a release like this from the shelve.

For those who don't agree with my personal opinion, feel free to write your own review of this release in stead of just a reaction that you don't agree.
GeertFromNl (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 16, 2008report abuse
What a bad and sloppy review,OMG... It's really a low-point in the history of this site. The sound quality is not only O.K.,it's great,considering that it's an audience recording. It's one of the 5 best sounding Elvis-audience recordings. You won't find too many better ones... And yes,there are better sounding concerts but it's not fair to compare an audience recording with soundboards and multi track recordings!!!
Natha (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 16, 2008report abuse
For a week this cd is in my car and I enjoy to listen to it every day. Lately I read the reviews only for the specific data like: where and when, studio, soundboard, audience, complete or not. I am not interested in the rest as I found out that my way of listening is not theirs. Some reactions are more valuable, and I don't mean all these bad languange remarks like 'c-*-*-p'.
Jesse Garon Presley (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 16, 2008report abuse
well ciscoking...nice comment!! i agree with you totally!! a great cd!! fantastic artwork and a bad review.. shame on you KEES!!!
Ciscoking (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 16, 2008report abuse
I cannot agree with this review. It is one of the best sounding audience recordings ever. Remember it was recorded with a cassette recorder in the audience !!!! The booklet is excellent with great liner notes and tour dates. Very well researched. The colors..well...it`s a matter of point of view. For me it`s o.k....I am no painter thou.. As for the quality for the show...I am no 1976 fan besides L.V. and the last tour. But if a show from 1976 matches the quality of these than it`s definitely this show..by far the best till December and definitely better than most of the L.V. shows where he was oftenly medicated and slurring the words. JMO....
Shaky (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 15, 2008report abuse
Surprised how unimpressed this review is? I thoroughly enjoyed this CD from a sound quality and presentation point of view, it deserves a more balanced opinion.
SnOwMan (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 15, 2008report abuse
It was funny to read this so called review. Not because it's good...in fact it's one one the worst and most amateurish reviews i've ever read. But at least it made me laugh:) First of all the audio quality is fantastic for an audience recording. It's one of the best sounding audience recordings i've ever listened to. Now about the show...though he wasn't as good here as 2 months later,he was 10 times better than 2 months earlier! This is obviously the best concert from the october tour. As for the booklet... Kees,i'm sure you prefer those fantastic FTD digipacks:)
wayup (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 15, 2008report abuse
Elvisguitarman: differences - let's say:
1. original tape used for new release, with proper sound restoration
2. = sound far superior to 14 years old outing
3. more complete recording (5 minutes longer)
ElvisBR (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 15, 2008report abuse
The audio-quality is more than just "ok".
Elvisguitarman (profile/ contact) wrote on Jun 15, 2008report abuse
OK -- So what is the difference between this CD and "FAIRY TALES" - CLEVELAND, OH 10-23-76? Same show.

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