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Time To Dare

By ElvisNews.com / Kees, October 22, 2007 | Music
Time To Dare

The MXF label re-issued Elvis infamous “Strung Out” performance from September 2, 1974; a reason to throw your copy of “Desert Storm” in the bin?

Design

Like the previous release from this label the booklet is black and dark. It does contain a lot of great pictures of our man in a two piece leather suits and a karate jacket. The booklet contains one page where the image is printed over the text, a nice design, but it makes the liner notes hard to read.

Content

The two discs in this release contain Elvis “Strung Out” performance from September 2, 1974 as recorded in Las Vegas. The concert has seen previous releases on tape vinyl and CD. Fort Baxter’s “Desert Storm” from 1996 is the “classic” release most fans know but not many fans play to enjoy. The recording of this concert show Elvis was using “something”; this is not the material that paints the picture Elvis fans want to see.

This CD contains the “2001” theme and “C.C. Rider” (CD 1) and "Couldn't Live Without You" (CD 2), three songs that were missing from Fort Baxter’s release. This completes the actual concert, but since the source is an audience recording it isn’t the start of an infamous and strange concert that invites you to listen on. The audio quality is about the same as the Fort Baxter escape of this concert.
As for the concert was reviewed in 1996 by Aki Korhonen for the For Elvis CD Collector’s website, that review says it all, so I added that for the complete picture.

Conclusion

Like many more recent releases this re-issue does not really add anything to the material already available except for three additional audience recorded tracks. Great pictures don't make this a great release.
Elvis fans may want to add this concert to their collection because it shows us what happened. If you have the "Desert Storm" discs in your collection, stick to that release, if not and you want to listen to this historical (I have no other word for it) concert, get this 2CD set.

Original review for the Fort Baxter release of this concert:

Elvis' 1974 summer engagement in Las Vegas was a peculiar one. It started out well enough, with an adventurous opening show offering experimental material. By the end of the 4 week stay, things had taken a radical change for the worse. Elvis gave long boring monologues on various subjects and the material was basically the same which it had been for several years. The closing show, which is featured on this CD, was probably one of the strangest in Elvis' career.

The sound quality on this CD is not quite the best, with tape hiss apparent on quieter passages. But it is about average for these soundboard recordings. The opening "C.C.Rider" is missing, and the CD starts with dialogue about microphones. This is an omen of things to come; this talk has a strange, mean edge to it. "I Got a Woman / Amen" follows, as usual. Elvis' doesn't sound really concentrated. Amen in particular sounds quite ragged. It includes a swinging instrumental part, however, which lasts for just over a minute. "What're we doin'?", asks Elvis, and goes into the familiar vocal play with J.D.Sumner. "I want you to take me down to treetop level in a B52, then stall out and start the engines back up, OK?", tells Elvis. I'm sure this instruction wouldn't make much sense to anyone not familiar with Elvis' stage shows! J.D. does what he's told...

Karate dialogue follows, during which Elvis introduces himself as Bill Cosby, and talks about black belt degrees. He himself just got the 8th degree black belt. "Until It's Time for You to Go" is next and again it's not a concentrated version; this version has hardly any charm. In "If You Love Me" we get to hear the first proper performance of the evening and it's a good one, too.

"It's Midnight" continues this vein of good performances; this is a strong version of this wonderful song. Elvis calls out "Listen Cilla" to his ex-wife in the middle of the first verse; thus no doubt causing some embarrassment. The following "Big Boss Man" is a rocking version, although Elvis' weird state of mind is evident even here. Then we get to hear a strange version of "You Gave Me a Mountain". Elvis talks his way through it, sounding very anxious especially on the line "she took my reason for living", which he shouts out in a hoarse voice. A dramatic version just underlining the fact that all is not well with Elvis mentally tonight. The following dialogue confirms this. Elvis tells the audience that this song "has nothing to do with me personally or my ex-wife Priscilla." It gets more and more embarassing as Elvis talks about his divorce settlement and Mike Stone. By now it is clear that Elvis is under influence of some kind of substance. "Excuse me folks, I just mumble things!", he tells after a profanity slips out...

"Softly As I Leave You" follows and it's as beautiful as usual. "I hope you'd quit rattling the glasses till I tell the story, please", asks Elvis during the introduction. With only an "OK" Elvis then launches into another throwaway version of "Hound Dog"; I wonder if he ever performed this song seriously after 1969. On "American Trilogy" one would wish for a more serious approach. Elvis doesn't sound committed enough here, and so the song fails to convince. The following "It's Now Or Never" is an OK version, which actually sounds close the original 1960 version, as the horns are missing this time. The ending of the song is not so great, though.

The audience has enjoyed the show so far, despite its peculiarities, so Elvis thanks it: "I couldn't have gotten a better audience if I'd paid you 20 dollars to come i here... you're outtasight!" Then it's time for the introductions. James Burton is introduced as "one of the funkiest chicken-pickin' son-of-a-guns you ever met in your life". The band members play their solos for probably one of the first times; from now on it would be a regular fixture. Elvis urges them on with: "We've got nothing but time!"

The group Voice is in the spotlight for 3 songs; personally, I could have lived without these performances. Then Elvis goes on to describe his liver biopsy in more detail than anyone would want to hear. He then introduces Bill Cosby, who is not present. "You mean after that build-up that son-of-a-bitch left? To hell with him, I won't pay him anyway!" All this just makes the listener more and more embarassed for Elvis.

Then it's back to music; Elvis repeats "It's Now Or Never" for Vicki Carr. This version is not quite as good as the earlier one. "Let Me Be There" features a screaming (as opposed to singing) Elvis, especially during the reprise section. Not good. "If You Talk in Your Sleep" is a funky version of this funky song, probably with some karate moves during the instrumental part. Then Elvis has worked himself up into a mood, in which he feels compelled to address drugs in front of the audience.

The following drugs dialogue has become infamous. We all know how it goes. There's no use repeating it here. The term 'guilty conscience' comes to mind... After threatening to pull a certain person's tongue out by the roots, Elvis seeks into "Hawaiian Wedding Song", ("Let me get out of this mood", he says.) of which we hear a sloppy version. This somewhat excruciating show is now nearing its end. Elvis talks about his jewelry and tries to introduce the Colonel, who is not present either. "He's out there playing roulette, don't kid me! Him and Cosby out there talkin' trash and drinking mash..." Finally "Can't Help Falling in Love" is done and both the show and the season are over. Three weeks later Elvis would start a tour, on which his embarassing speeches would continue...

This CD can be recommended for the collector because of its peculiarities. For that same reason, I hope that the so called "general audience" never gets to hear this show. It would only bring about "Elvis was on drugs and nothing else during the 70's" comments. That would not

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Ciscoking wrote on October 23, 2007
O.k.....strictly for newbies... There`s no reason at all to purchase this c-r-a-p for a long time collector.
Mofoca22 wrote on October 23, 2007
this is pretty much when parker screwed elvis over withthe movie a star s born it was in this engagement not 1975 liek so many claim. it was 1974 you cant tell he was upbeat early in the summer in fact half of 1974 he was excited then by the middle of the summer engagement he went to hell in a hurry and its parkers fault.
Jerome wrote on October 23, 2007
shortly: nice cover, strange cd title, bad sound, stupid strungout remix, bored Elvis from Vegasgigs, much drugs, much emotions.. and from biography-expert baggypants that read all the decent books I'd like to know why he was so emotional..
My boy, my boy wrote on October 23, 2007
I hope I won't sound too drastic but a CD like that one makes me think that maybe Elvis should've died in the summer of 73 instead of living in such a miserable life until 1977. Aloha from Hawaii would have been his ultimate legacy and Elvis would have avoided the hopeless and frustrating last years. I know we can't make history again but I hold on to my point...sorry to those I may have offended !
Steve V wrote on October 23, 2007
My Boy , my boy - no need to feel guilty. I have had those thoughts myself. Imagine no fat drugged out Elvis jokes, no crappy Vegas concerts, unflattering peacock etc. jumpsuits. It would have been this way if Aloha was his last exit. Horrendous thoughts for most Elvis fans, but a valid point.
Harvey Alexander wrote on October 23, 2007
If only he could have gotten his shit together and knocked all the Vegas crap on the head. Elvis in Vegas? What a lot of baloney! Singing MOR songs for the blue rinse brigade while his career turned to mush. Dearie me. And yet some people love this period of his life. When will these fools realize the truth?
Elvisnites wrote on October 24, 2007
I have been reading some of the crap (you know who you are)being posted. Some of you do not need to be posting. This is in answer to all the post, not just this one. Jerome may kid around, but he has never viciously attacked the person this site is dedicated to, or suggested he should not have survived the summer of 73'. Good songs were recorded after 73'. Jesper, Greg Nolan and Lefty have all made very good points on why we are tired of hearing your posion. What really got me to realize that none of you know his fan base was the "blue rinse brigade" remark. 90% of his audience was younger than he was. I was just out of my twenties when he died. Now us older ladies are teaching our children and grandchilden to appreciate Elvis to keep his legacy going. All of you think your experts. I don't need to read a book (even though I do) to know what Elvis was all about. I like this web site because I know I'll get good advise from Ciscoking, Greg Nolan, Jerry Nodak, Kees, Lex and several other member on the quality of new CDs coming out. I was getting tired of buying everthing to find out what was good and what was bad. Continue your little game if it makes you feel like a bigger person, because I just find several of you disgusting. Get past it, it's over and done and let the rest of us enjoy the music.
You Dont Know Me wrote on October 24, 2007
The REAL shame about this worthless CD release is that it COULD have been released as a 100 times better QUALITY sounding release! Now because of this rubbish the better version will most probably NEVER come out- unless FTD releases complete show-and that is very unlikely because when FTD does this they deliberately 'cut out' singers songs other than Elvis-a real 'shame' this was ever made in this very poor shambles way.
wayup wrote on October 24, 2007
Myboy my boy: taken your own logic.... it was even better if Elvis bought the ticket for the same plane as Buddy Holly, Riutchie Valens and Big Booper.... unfortunately he was in army ;-( correct?
wayup wrote on October 24, 2007
Harvey Alexander: s**t, what in the hell is wrong with you and with Elvis playing in Vegas??? Basically every big star that pop up in my head played or play there... Al Jolson, Dino Martin, Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Tom Jones, Johnny Cash, McCartney, Madonna, Jackson..... what is wrong with it? Why Elvis can't play in the same city as other artists ? Tell me please.... and do not try to persuade me that Elvis was so much bigger than others are.
Jerome wrote on October 24, 2007
dear baggypants, my question was just why Elvis acted this different this particular night. Perhaps you know.
Lefty wrote on October 24, 2007
Novelty turns a profit, so junk like this will always have a market. I refuse to buy this release out of respect for Elvis. I for one am glad that my regrets haven't been recorded to be sold on the black market again and again! Let's give the man a break. His legacy has been dragged through the mud enough. There are so many positive ways to enjoy Elvis and his music, all the way through 1977! I think we can skip this one and be better off in the long run. And Kudos to Elvisnites! Great Post.
My boy, my boy wrote on October 24, 2007
Thanks to Steve V for siding with me. Elvisnites, I am "not" viciously attacking Elvis only simply because I happen to face the facts like they were. We all have to admit that Elvis's sort of unstoppable decline started right after January 73. Yes there were good songs until 77 but Elvis himself spent his last 4 years in a very unhealthy self-destructive behavior, so for his own sake, I was just saying that maybe he should have left this world a little earlier in order to avoid the pain he went through that was caused by the whirl he was in, that's all ! Way up, I am glad Elvis was not in Buddy Holly's plane. It crashed in 59, right ? and Elvis had so much to give us after that. If you read my e-mail well, I was refferring to the decline that started after Aloha. Cheers everyone !
Lex wrote on October 24, 2007
It's noticable there ain't much happening at this moment, otherwise a shitty product like this wouldn't have had that much attention. My boy, I agree with you... I even supposed a date before Aloha, late 1970 or so, but a plane crash on the way back from Hawaii would have been great too. :-) On the other hand I would have missed some of my favourites like "Burning Love" (if it was 1970), "For Ol' Times Sake" and "Loving Arms", what the heck... I can perfectly live with the decline and just skip those final years.
My boy, my boy wrote on October 24, 2007
Lex, I see your point but please let's not be too sarcastic...Overall, I just find it sad that Elvis's dark side ends up being exposed way too often on CD's like those.
Jerome wrote on October 24, 2007
NO NO, I can't believe (especially a reviewer- as Lex) hearing such things!! Lex says:" I can perfectly live with the decline".. yeah sure, what about songs as Love song of the year, thinking about you, It's midnight, My Boy, Good Time's Charlie's, take good care, my way, solitaire, hurt, never again, bitter they are, love coming down, easy for you, etc. My gosh you people really haven't got the feeling for music and what it seems to be all about. Perhaps it's better, there's gotta to be a lesson learned in this life and emotional progress can be done by the means of music also (not only) Personally I'm happy sometimes ( at the same time frustrated) that some people don't understand some of Elvis music at all. That makes me feel 'inliving' and not just a commentator on things he could have done. Feel the music (especially the recordings of his final years) and there some real gems among them I personnaly treasure..
Jerome wrote on October 24, 2007
and baggy, I'm realy begging for a serious answer on my previous question. Perhaps you know or can help me..
Andreas77 wrote on October 25, 2007
I'll have to agree with Jerome on this one. Also, what about songs such as Uncahined Melody (recently held by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of E's top 5 songs), If You Talk in Your Sleep and I Got a Feelin' in My Body...? These are all fan favorites! I agree with most of E's concerts post 74 being not that interesting (with some notable exemptions such as August 19, 1974), but one cannot say that he didn't cut good songs after 1974.
My boy, my boy wrote on October 25, 2007
Jerome, if you look at it as a fan, I agree that Elvis cut several great songs in the last few years. For the heart and She thinks I still care are among my favorites. My point was not made from a fan perspective but rather from a historical one. You'll have to admit that Elvis's songs were having a hard time to even make it to the Top 20 from 1974 to his death. And all the bad press he had with his numerous and mysterious visits at the hospital, not to mention all the bad reviews of his shows after 74 that pictured him as a performer who was not what he used to be. Concerts were sold out because of die hard fans but for the public in general, it was a different story. In my book, unfortunately the CBS TV Special 6 weeks before his death was the last straw. Make no mistake, I do love Elvis so I can put up with it, but for all the other persons who are not fans, they don't see things like we do !
Elvisnites wrote on October 26, 2007
My boy, my boy, just a friendly discussion. I don't understand why you are so concerned about non-Elvis fans. He has more fans now then when he was alive. The good press he's been getting lately proves that. Mysterious trips to the hospital? He was suffering from Glacuoma, an impacted bowel (he was born with in laymen's terms a twisted bowel). Had biopsys of the liver for hepatitis, because of his mother suffering from the same condition and can be hereditary. No one at that time knew what kind of music they wanted to listen to. Except me, which is why I stayed with Elvis. Do you remember or still want to listen to any singers from that time period? I don't. As Jerome said "feel the music". :-)
My boy, my boy wrote on October 26, 2007
Elvisnites, I do appreciate your friendly discussion...Stay sweet...TCB
efan4ever wrote on October 26, 2007
Some of you should be ashamed of yourselves. Negative Creeps
Rob Wanders wrote on October 26, 2007
imagine, Elvis would have died in 1973. Than everybody was saying: 'what a shame what he could have recorded if he would have lived longer.' I think it's beautiful to see an artist coming up, have his best years and going down. Yes Elvis was too young with his going down. But everything went fast with him and he went to an extremely high top. More artist were still going on after their top-years. Frank Sinatra, Maria Callas, Luciano Pavarotti to name just a few. It's beautiful to see the human being coming to shine through the star at the top. And I love the 1974-1977 period.
Jerome wrote on October 26, 2007
Elvis recorded some great material since the Aloha special, although I must say his shows got rusty in the later years. I don't know if it was desinterest, drugs or depression etc. His shows deserved new material. (I know elvis tried some on opening nights but didn't get the reception..) But that doesn't make him less of an artist in the afteryears. Anyone who hears songs like It's midnight, Take good care, Pieces of my Life, Solitaire and I can go on. These are not songs that are uplifting and happy but still beautiful (and probably reflections of his state of mind- but I'm not an author or an expert (like baggypants) I say, enjoy this material as well regarding vocals and emotions. If I can make one big guess, I think Elvis was just tired of being a public figure, performed for entertainment-which was his calling- and income. And for the rare studio materials in his later years, he sometimes really poured his heart out. But hey, just a gamble..
efan4ever wrote on October 27, 2007
Well Stated Jerome and Rob.
Harvey Alexander wrote on October 28, 2007
This show is just plain embarrassing. Elvis off his tits and talking garbage. Who needs to listen to this? And to the clown who wondered why I said Elvis shouldn't have been playing Vegas it's because Vegas is, was and always will be a plastic city for "showbiz" slush. Not real ROCK music, but MOR drivel. Why do you think Elton John, Celion Dion and Barry Manilow are so popular there. Vegas has no credibility. Think Wayne Newton. Think them two **** with the tigers. Think men in tuxedos singing nice "safe" songs. If that's your idea of Elvis, then I feel sorry for you. That's not my Elvis, thank the Lord.
Elvisnites wrote on October 28, 2007
Harvey, when was the last time you were in Vegas? You need to take a road trip. Or better yet, take a hike.
wayup wrote on October 28, 2007
Harvey, you called me clown without knowing 1% who I am. OK, your way. I feel sorry for you. Wayne Newton aside - I see absolutely no problem with Elton John, Celine Dion and Barry Manilow. They all are creative artists of ENORMOUS TALENT. I do not like them too much but their talent is evident and I respect it. Also I have no problem with gays. And no problem with neon sin city either. It is probably impossible to explain it to you, but ROCK MUSIC = SHOWBUSINESS. ANY popular music = SHOWBUSINESS. It is not deadly serious thing, it is just music, it is singing, it is FUN. No matter if it's rock, jazz, blues, country, metal etc.... it is all SHOWBUSINESS. Elvis was part of it between 1954-77 and .... he is part of it till now. Take it or reject it... but it is true.
Mr Jones wrote on October 29, 2007
Harvey Alexander will you mind your words. You are very insulting towards gay-people. And I am one of them. If you have problems with gay-people let it be your problem and don't bother us with it.
My boy, my boy wrote on October 29, 2007
What I think Harley Alexander is "politely" trying to say is that Elvis's Vegas years contributed to both his fame and boredom. Could it be true Harley that you feel probably like Paul MacCartney and happen to like the pre-army Elvis only ? I'm not saying it in a negative way cause it's obvious that Elvis's greatest impact over the musical world was made in the fifties. So Harvey probably loves the raw Elvis, the one we first say in black and white at the Ed Sullivan show...and I don't blame him whatsoever. I must say though that I personnaly like the Vegas years in the 70ties. Although, a CD like "Time to dare" feeds unfortunately a lot more negativity about Elvis into the public eye, quite obviously !
Harvey Alexander wrote on October 29, 2007
Dear Elvisnites, I was in Vegas on business for ten days in July. When were you last there?
Harvey Alexander wrote on October 29, 2007
Dear Wayup, you don't have a clue.
Harvey Alexander wrote on October 29, 2007
Dear Mr. Jones, "gay" means "happy". And when was I insulting? Just because I couldn't remember the name of those two **** with the lions in Vegas?
wayup wrote on October 29, 2007
Harvey, please do not call me "dear" I am not dear to you, OK?. Yes I have no clue who you are (aren't you ole Wayne Newton? :-) and this is the reason why am trying to be polite and I am not using words like 'clown' for you. Simple as that. You have some opinion, that's OK. But it does not mean that your opinion is like Bible...
Harvey Alexander wrote on October 29, 2007
I opened my note to you with "Dear Wayup" because that's how people who speak English start correspondence. I wasn't referring to you not knowing who I am, I meant that you have no clue about what you're talking about! However, going by what you wrote I now know that you're a heap big Indian brave - "but it does not mean that your opinion like Bible". No, it not like Bible, but at least Harvey Alexander not talk with fork tongue. He speak like Joe Lightcloud. And before any PC-like twat has a go at me for taking the mickey out of Red Indians - go and crap in your hat, pull it down over your head and call it curls.
My boy, my boy wrote on October 29, 2007
Cool it down guys ! Your e-mails are getting obnoxious...Elvis woudn't be proud of you !
Elvisnites wrote on October 29, 2007
Well, well, well, now I get Harvey, your trying your Vegas act out on us. You had me going there for a minute. If you weren't so obnoxious (sorry My boy My boy), it would actually be funny. Try working on it. Your getting there.
wayup wrote on October 29, 2007
Harvey, speaking about English ... you forgot the word "is" in the citation. >>> I meant that you have no clue about what you're talking about! - then it is even worse, Harvey. The only one who have no clue what he's talking about is you. You must be terribly retarded, if you respect only early Elvis. >>> that you're a heap big Indian brave - you are on ganja or what, Lightcloud? I really have no clue about what you are talking about now. Anyway, I do not want to fight with you. Ok, alright, you won. Applause, fireworks, please. Dom Pérignon. But again - don't smoke it too much.
Jerome wrote on October 30, 2007
merry christmas everybody!!
Elvisnites wrote on October 30, 2007
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too Jerome. I'm shutting up.
Harvey Alexander wrote on November 02, 2007
Heap big Merry Christmas, everyone. Even if it is only November.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on November 04, 2007
They mixed audiance recorded material with soundboard material? why? THhis is a show i can do without,but im not of the feeling Elvis didnt do anything good past the mighty mighty aloha show,oh the drama!