Chicago Double-Strike & Left A Good Job In The City- SA.

These are the 2 latest releases from this QUALITY CD label...that i have known about them for quite a while but couldn't mention until now. Sound is great for both CD's and i'll certainly be adding these to my QUALITY CD audience recordings- good old STRAIGHT ARROW delivers something worthwhile AGAIN!~
would make decent Elvis xmas presents and as they say great compliment to 'prince from another planet' by Sony!~

Spectacular!
Chicago is already available in great sound but hearing the May 2nd show from a brand new source is something to look forward to.
Great show. Not good, not ok. Great. The only one together with Ann Arbor.

The NY tape discovery makes my day however. Period.

Spectacular!
Chicago is already available in great sound but hearing the May 2nd show from a brand new source is something to look forward to.
Great show. Not good, not ok. Great. The only one together with Ann Arbor.

CD 2 / Monday, May 2, 1977, 8:30pm, Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. Fairytale - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain - 07. Jailhouse Rock - 08. O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now Or Never - 09. Little Sister - 10. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 11. My Way - 12. Polk Salad Annie (with false start) - 13. Introduction of vocalists, musicians - 14. Early Mornin' Rain - 15. What'd I Say - 16. Johnny B. Goode - 17. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 18. Bass Solo (Blues theme, Jerry Scheff) - 19. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) - 20. Electric Piano Solo (Bobby Ogdin) - 21. School Day - 22. Hurt (with reprise) - 23. Hound Dog - 24. Can't Help Falling In Love - 25. Closing Vamp / Announcements.

I have not heard this show before but the bulk of the concert to me seems oldies stuff (Elvis treats his 50s/ 60s hits that way) and there are only 3 or 4 demanding songs. When not counting the introductions the quality Elvis time seems to be very short also, so I am curious Robert: why do you rank this so high to call it great? And do you mean great just for 1977 or great from a 1969 -1977 perspective? No negativity intended Robert, just curious.

Last edited by Alexander on Fri Nov 23, 2012 12:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.

the May 2nd show was SO MUCH BETTER than the May 1st show,,...remember Elvis did a VERY rare back flip at the reprise of Hurt that day!~!~

the May 2nd show was SO MUCH BETTER than the May 1st show,,...remember Elvis did a VERY rare back flip at the reprise of Hurt that day!~!~

do you have covers to those cds?

What is a "Chicago Double Strike"? Was there a labor problem at the stadium in 1977?

Dr..I (think) the title 'double strike' may mean Elvis 'hits' Chicago TWICE in 2 days.... i suppose same could be said for 14th +15th Oct 76' shows too. i would presume its difficult thinking of CD titles these days?

are there any sound samples available from the MSG show??

are there any sound samples available from the MSG show??

I'm sure Cisco will soon be able to help out as I guess many of us (myself included) are eager to find out the quality of that MSG tape. Hopefully, it'll be better than the picture used for the cover.

are there any sound samples available from the MSG show??

I'm sure Cisco will soon be able to help out as I guess many of us (myself included) are eager to find out the quality of that MSG tape. Hopefully, it'll be better than the picture used for the cover.

i dont see any cover??

Spectacular!
Chicago is already available in great sound but hearing the May 2nd show from a brand new source is something to look forward to.
Great show. Not good, not ok. Great. The only one together with Ann Arbor.

CD 2 / Monday, May 2, 1977, 8:30pm, Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. Fairytale - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain - 07. Jailhouse Rock - 08. O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now Or Never - 09. Little Sister - 10. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 11. My Way - 12. Polk Salad Annie (with false start) - 13. Introduction of vocalists, musicians - 14. Early Mornin' Rain - 15. What'd I Say - 16. Johnny B. Goode - 17. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 18. Bass Solo (Blues theme, Jerry Scheff) - 19. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) - 20. Electric Piano Solo (Bobby Ogdin) - 21. School Day - 22. Hurt (with reprise) - 23. Hound Dog - 24. Can't Help Falling In Love - 25. Closing Vamp / Announcements.

I have not heard this show before but the bulk of the concert to me seems oldies stuff (Elvis treats his 50s/ 60s hits that way) and there are only 3 or 4 demanding songs. When not counting the introductions the quality Elvis time seems to be very short also, so I am curious Robert: why do you rank this so high to call it great? And do you mean great just for 1977 or great from a 1969 -1977 perspective? No negativity intended Robert, just curious.

Hi Alex,

Good question, here's my take on the show, clear speech, good vocals.
Elvis approaches most songs with conviction other than leaving the hard parts to his backing vocals.
No setlist surprises but I'm sure you will enjoy this show.
The audience is great and to give an idea on his spirits that evening, he did a backroll right after Hurt. (check youtube)

The May first show is avarage and doesn't stand out imo.

Anyway, the biggest news of course is the discovery of a good NY tape!

Spectacular!
Chicago is already available in great sound but hearing the May 2nd show from a brand new source is something to look forward to.
Great show. Not good, not ok. Great. The only one together with Ann Arbor.

CD 2 / Monday, May 2, 1977, 8:30pm, Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. Fairytale - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain - 07. Jailhouse Rock - 08. O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now Or Never - 09. Little Sister - 10. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 11. My Way - 12. Polk Salad Annie (with false start) - 13. Introduction of vocalists, musicians - 14. Early Mornin' Rain - 15. What'd I Say - 16. Johnny B. Goode - 17. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 18. Bass Solo (Blues theme, Jerry Scheff) - 19. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) - 20. Electric Piano Solo (Bobby Ogdin) - 21. School Day - 22. Hurt (with reprise) - 23. Hound Dog - 24. Can't Help Falling In Love - 25. Closing Vamp / Announcements.

I have not heard this show before but the bulk of the concert to me seems oldies stuff (Elvis treats his 50s/ 60s hits that way) and there are only 3 or 4 demanding songs. When not counting the introductions the quality Elvis time seems to be very short also, so I am curious Robert: why do you rank this so high to call it great? And do you mean great just for 1977 or great from a 1969 -1977 perspective? No negativity intended Robert, just curious.

Hi Alex,

Good question, here's my take on the show, clear speech, good vocals.
Elvis approaches most songs with conviction other than leaving the hard parts to his backing vocals.
No setlist surprises but I'm sure you will enjoy this show.
The audience is great and to give an idea on his spirits that evening, he did a backroll right after Hurt. (check youtube)

The May first show is avarage and doesn't stand out imo.

Anyway, the biggest news of course is the discovery of a good NY tape!

Which show did they Find?? I see no Covers and no Tracklisting of the new found NY Tape here..

are there any sound samples available from the MSG show??

I'm sure Cisco will soon be able to help out as I guess many of us (myself included) are eager to find out the quality of that MSG tape. Hopefully, it'll be better than the picture used for the cover.

i dont see any cover??

Here it is:



And here's the track listing:

01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. That's All Right - 03. Proud Mary - 04. Never Been To Spain - 05. Until It's Time For You To Go - 06. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - 07. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - 08. Polk Salad Annie – 09. Love Me – 10. All Shook Up - 11. Heartbreak Hotel - 12. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 13. Love Me Tender - 14. Blue Suede Shoes - 15. Hound Dog - 16. Bridge Over Troubled Water - 17. Suspicious Minds - 18. Introduction of vocalists, musicians - 19. For The Good Times - 20. An American Trilogy - 21. Funny How Time Slips Away - 22. Can't Help Falling In Love - 23. Closing Vamp / Announcements.

I have no time to post the artwork but the NY cover is dynamite!
SA rules!

------------------------------------------

Chicago Double-Strike (2-CD Set)
Out next week is the new Straight Arrow release “Chicago Double-Strike”, which contains both Chicago 1977 concerts from a newly uncovered audience recordings which have not been in distribution previously (completely different tapes from previous Chicago ’77 release). The sound-quality is surprisingly good and you will feel that you are right in the middle of the crowd, cheering Elvis on as he delivers two solid, no-nonsense shows with plenty of highlights. His voice was strong and he was particularly impressive on songs like ‘Fairytale’, ‘Trying To Get To You’, ‘My Way’ and ‘Hurt’, with his voice really soaring on the high notes. Whatever the reason may have been for Elvis ‘upping his game’ on those two nights – some have suggested that it may have been due to the presence of several CBS execs – the Chicago ’77 concerts now stand out as genuine highlights from those final, sad months in the life and career of Elvis Aaron Presley. Both recordings have a tremendous ‘you are there’ feel to them. Presented with the professionalism that you have come to expect from us, don’t miss this terrific release that will bring you back to those final glimpses of greatness of the greatest entertainer ever.
CD 1 / Sunday, May 1, 1977, 8:30pm, Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider / When The Saints Go Marching In (excerpt) - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. Fairytale - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain - 07. Jailhouse Rock - 08. O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now Or Never - 09. Tryin' To Get To You - 10. Little Sister - 11. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 12. And I Love You So - 13. My Way - 14. Introduction of vocalists, musicians - 15. Early Mornin' Rain - 16. What'd I Say - 17. Johnny B. Goode - 18. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 19. Bass Solo (Battle Of New Orleans theme, Jerry Scheff) - 20. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) - 21. Electric Piano Solo (Bobby Ogdin) - 22. School Day - 23. Hurt (with reprise) - 24. Introduction of Joe Esposito - 25. Hound Dog - 26. Can't Help Falling In Love - 27. Closing Vamp / Announcements.
CD 2 / Monday, May 2, 1977, 8:30pm, Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. Fairytale - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain - 07. Jailhouse Rock - 08. O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now Or Never - 09. Little Sister - 10. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 11. My Way - 12. Polk Salad Annie (with false start) - 13. Introduction of vocalists, musicians - 14. Early Mornin' Rain - 15. What'd I Say - 16. Johnny B. Goode - 17. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 18. Bass Solo (Blues theme, Jerry Scheff) - 19. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) - 20. Electric Piano Solo (Bobby Ogdin) - 21. School Day - 22. Hurt (with reprise) - 23. Hound Dog - 24. Can't Help Falling In Love - 25. Closing Vamp / Announcements.


LEFT A GOOD JOB IN THE CITY
Straight Arrow is very proud to present LEFT A GOOD JOB IN THE CITY – Elvis’ First Show In New York, June 9, 1972. We couldn’t believe our luck when we were offered an original tape as recorded by a member of the audience that special night. For many years there was a recording in circulation that was basically unlistenable. With great anticipation we purchased this new tape, and imagine our excitement when we could hear for ourselves that this tape is indeed much better and clearer, and with a good bass definition. This must be the most historically important audience tape to have turned up in recent years from the concert years. The MSG Garden shows were a true career highlight for Elvis, and opening night on June 9, 1972 was The Night. Moments before this recording started, Jackie Kahane was booed off the stage, but all that was forgotten once Elvis stepped on stage. He gave New York a night to remember. In fact, this may well be the best of the four MSG shows. Elvis’ performance is super-tight and his voice is just incredible. THIS is the show that the New York media all attended; and now, after 40 years, you can finally hear the actual performance that got him so many glowing reviews.
This new Straight Arrow release is the perfect companion to the recent Sony set ‘Prince From Another Planet’, and one that you simply must own. This is one of Elvis’ best and most critically acclaimed shows, and we consider it a sensation that this tape has turned up after all these years. The recording was carefully enhanced by some of the best audio people in the business (don’t worry, no ‘No Noise’ or other forms of audio squashing were used… A historical recording like this deserves respect, so we went the full nine yards to present this show in the best and most natural audio possible). By the way, the show includes a stunning ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ – the only time he sang it in New York. Presented in the usual Straight Arrow fashion with topnotch 16-page booklet with photos from all four NYC shows as well as a terrific essay, this new release is a beauty that you can’t afford to miss.
Tracks:
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. That's All Right - 03. Proud Mary - 04. Never Been To Spain - 05. Until It's Time For You To Go - 06. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - 07. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - 08. Polk Salad Annie – 09. Love Me – 10. All Shook Up - 11. Heartbreak Hotel - 12. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 13. Love Me Tender - 14. Blue Suede Shoes - 15. Hound Dog - 16. Bridge Over Troubled Water - 17. Suspicious Minds - 18. Introduction of vocalists, musicians - 19. For The Good Times - 20. An American Trilogy - 21. Funny How Time Slips Away - 22. Can't Help Falling In Love - 23. Closing Vamp / Announcements.

I have no time to post the artwork but the NY cover is dynamite!

Is it? Elvis looks more like the photo was taken in 1976 not '72. It seems the suit isn't the one worn on June 9. Take a look:

http://www.elvisconcerts.com/pictures/s72060901.jpg

I have no time to post the artwork but the NY cover is dynamite!

Is it? To me Elvis looks more like the photo was taken in 1976 not '72. It seems the suit isn't the one worn on June 9. Take a look:

http://www.elvisconcerts.com/pictures/s72060901.jpg

thats because the picture is taken during suspicious minds during the afternoon show of June 10 1972

Whatever the reason may have been for Elvis ‘upping his game’ on those two nights – some have suggested that it may have been due to the presence of several CBS execs – the Chicago ’77 concerts now stand out as genuine highlights from those final, sad months in the life and career of Elvis Aaron Presley.

I will not go as far as to say these Chicago '77 shows were great. They were very good when compared to what Elvis had been doing up to this point. As mentioned, the reason more than likely, was the presence of the CBS folks in the audience. They came to check him out in Chicago and then saw him again in Omaha. On June 19th, they had to have been thinking "WTF?".

LEFT A GOOD JOB IN THE CITY
Straight Arrow is very proud to present LEFT A GOOD JOB IN THE CITY – Elvis’ First Show In New York, June 9, 1972. We couldn’t believe our luck when we were offered an original tape as recorded by a member of the audience that special night. For many years there was a recording in circulation that was basically unlistenable. With great anticipation we purchased this new tape, and imagine our excitement when we could hear for ourselves that this tape is indeed much better and clearer, and with a good bass definition. This must be the most historically important audience tape to have turned up in recent years from the concert years. The MSG Garden shows were a true career highlight for Elvis, and opening night on June 9, 1972 was The Night. Moments before this recording started, Jackie Kahane was booed off the stage, but all that was forgotten once Elvis stepped on stage. He gave New York a night to remember. In fact, this may well be the best of the four MSG shows. Elvis’ performance is super-tight and his voice is just incredible. THIS is the show that the New York media all attended; and now, after 40 years, you can finally hear the actual performance that got him so many glowing reviews.
This new Straight Arrow release is the perfect companion to the recent Sony set ‘Prince From Another Planet’, and one that you simply must own. This is one of Elvis’ best and most critically acclaimed shows, and we consider it a sensation that this tape has turned up after all these years. The recording was carefully enhanced by some of the best audio people in the business (don’t worry, no ‘No Noise’ or other forms of audio squashing were used… A historical recording like this deserves respect, so we went the full nine yards to present this show in the best and most natural audio possible). By the way, the show includes a stunning ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ – the only time he sang it in New York. Presented in the usual Straight Arrow fashion with topnotch 16-page booklet with photos from all four NYC shows as well as a terrific essay, this new release is a beauty that you can’t afford to miss.
Tracks:
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. That's All Right - 03. Proud Mary - 04. Never Been To Spain - 05. Until It's Time For You To Go - 06. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - 07. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - 08. Polk Salad Annie – 09. Love Me – 10. All Shook Up - 11. Heartbreak Hotel - 12. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 13. Love Me Tender - 14. Blue Suede Shoes - 15. Hound Dog - 16. Bridge Over Troubled Water - 17. Suspicious Minds - 18. Introduction of vocalists, musicians - 19. For The Good Times - 20. An American Trilogy - 21. Funny How Time Slips Away - 22. Can't Help Falling In Love - 23. Closing Vamp / Announcements.

This one should definitely not be missed!

Nice -- very nice!

the Chicago concerts were both recorded on soundboard, some songs already released on Spring Tours FTD....it's a matter of time we'll get them on FTD.
What I don't know is if they were recorded complete or starting from "Love me"...

If only the June 9th MSG show was a soundboard, I would definitely buy the release, otherwise the new source tape find is certainly welcome.

The MSG show from June 9..1972 in good sound will be a blockbuster..

Spectacular!
Chicago is already available in great sound but hearing the May 2nd show from a brand new source is something to look forward to.
Great show. Not good, not ok. Great. The only one together with Ann Arbor.

CD 2 / Monday, May 2, 1977, 8:30pm, Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. Fairytale - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain - 07. Jailhouse Rock - 08. O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now Or Never - 09. Little Sister - 10. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 11. My Way - 12. Polk Salad Annie (with false start) - 13. Introduction of vocalists, musicians - 14. Early Mornin' Rain - 15. What'd I Say - 16. Johnny B. Goode - 17. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 18. Bass Solo (Blues theme, Jerry Scheff) - 19. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) - 20. Electric Piano Solo (Bobby Ogdin) - 21. School Day - 22. Hurt (with reprise) - 23. Hound Dog - 24. Can't Help Falling In Love - 25. Closing Vamp / Announcements.

I have not heard this show before but the bulk of the concert to me seems oldies stuff (Elvis treats his 50s/ 60s hits that way) and there are only 3 or 4 demanding songs. When not counting the introductions the quality Elvis time seems to be very short also, so I am curious Robert: why do you rank this so high to call it great? And do you mean great just for 1977 or great from a 1969 -1977 perspective? No negativity intended Robert, just curious.

Hi Alex,

Good question, here's my take on the show, clear speech, good vocals.
Elvis approaches most songs with conviction other than leaving the hard parts to his backing vocals.
No setlist surprises but I'm sure you will enjoy this show.
The audience is great and to give an idea on his spirits that evening, he did a backroll right after Hurt. (check youtube)

The May first show is avarage and doesn't stand out imo.

Anyway, the biggest news of course is the discovery of a good NY tape!

So really it's not a great show, it's simply Elvis putting on a professional show for once. Surely anyone attending any show by anybody should EXPECT clear speech, good vocals and some conviction? I fail to see where this makes it great. It's Elvis doing what he's supposed to.

EDIT: Having just seen the video of Hurt on Youtube, I don't see that as an artist committed to performing the song. Any credibility the performance might have is blown out of the park by Elvis singing the ending flat on his back with one leg up in the air. While one might be slightly surprised by such agility at this stage in his career, one is also shocked by his shocking judgement calls when performing. Once again it seems like Elvis is doing everything possible to distract the audience from the shocking truth that is staring them in the face.

the Chicago concerts were both recorded on soundboard, some songs already released on Spring Tours FTD....it's a matter of time we'll get them on FTD.

It isn't, Feltone only recorded selections with his multitrack track recorder, plugged into the soundboard.
Few songs have been released: Fairytale & My Way.

Maybe there are regular soundboards, those will sound like the other ones released from this show.
Not that great if you ask me.

Spectacular!
Chicago is already available in great sound but hearing the May 2nd show from a brand new source is something to look forward to.
Great show. Not good, not ok. Great. The only one together with Ann Arbor.

CD 2 / Monday, May 2, 1977, 8:30pm, Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. Fairytale - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain - 07. Jailhouse Rock - 08. O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now Or Never - 09. Little Sister - 10. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 11. My Way - 12. Polk Salad Annie (with false start) - 13. Introduction of vocalists, musicians - 14. Early Mornin' Rain - 15. What'd I Say - 16. Johnny B. Goode - 17. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 18. Bass Solo (Blues theme, Jerry Scheff) - 19. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) - 20. Electric Piano Solo (Bobby Ogdin) - 21. School Day - 22. Hurt (with reprise) - 23. Hound Dog - 24. Can't Help Falling In Love - 25. Closing Vamp / Announcements.

I have not heard this show before but the bulk of the concert to me seems oldies stuff (Elvis treats his 50s/ 60s hits that way) and there are only 3 or 4 demanding songs. When not counting the introductions the quality Elvis time seems to be very short also, so I am curious Robert: why do you rank this so high to call it great? And do you mean great just for 1977 or great from a 1969 -1977 perspective? No negativity intended Robert, just curious.

Hi Alex,

Good question, here's my take on the show, clear speech, good vocals.
Elvis approaches most songs with conviction other than leaving the hard parts to his backing vocals.
No setlist surprises but I'm sure you will enjoy this show.
The audience is great and to give an idea on his spirits that evening, he did a backroll right after Hurt. (check youtube)

The May first show is avarage and doesn't stand out imo.

Anyway, the biggest news of course is the discovery of a good NY tape!

So really it's not a great show, it's simply Elvis putting on a professional show for once. Surely anyone attending any show by anybody should EXPECT clear speech, good vocals and some conviction? I fail to see where this makes it great. It's Elvis doing what he's supposed to.

EDIT: Having just seen the video of Hurt on Youtube, I don't see that as an artist committed to performing the song. Any credibility the performance might have is blown out of the park by Elvis singing the ending flat on his back with one leg up in the air. While one might be slightly surprised by such agility at this stage in his career, one is also shocked by his shocking judgement calls when performing. Once again it seems like Elvis is doing everything possible to distract the audience from the shocking truth that is staring them in the face.

Are you the guy that if your wife is standing in front of you wearing lingerie, all you can say is:
"nice try but you looked better 10 years ago"

You refer to the wrong vid by the way.
Elvis didn't sing the last note on his back with one leg in the air.
That was another show, another date, another place..

After all these years of only hearing the first Madison Square Garden show in poor sound- a big improvement in sound will be marvelous.

Spectacular!
Chicago is already available in great sound but hearing the May 2nd show from a brand new source is something to look forward to.
Great show. Not good, not ok. Great. The only one together with Ann Arbor.

CD 2 / Monday, May 2, 1977, 8:30pm, Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. Fairytale - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain - 07. Jailhouse Rock - 08. O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now Or Never - 09. Little Sister - 10. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 11. My Way - 12. Polk Salad Annie (with false start) - 13. Introduction of vocalists, musicians - 14. Early Mornin' Rain - 15. What'd I Say - 16. Johnny B. Goode - 17. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 18. Bass Solo (Blues theme, Jerry Scheff) - 19. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) - 20. Electric Piano Solo (Bobby Ogdin) - 21. School Day - 22. Hurt (with reprise) - 23. Hound Dog - 24. Can't Help Falling In Love - 25. Closing Vamp / Announcements.

I have not heard this show before but the bulk of the concert to me seems oldies stuff (Elvis treats his 50s/ 60s hits that way) and there are only 3 or 4 demanding songs. When not counting the introductions the quality Elvis time seems to be very short also, so I am curious Robert: why do you rank this so high to call it great? And do you mean great just for 1977 or great from a 1969 -1977 perspective? No negativity intended Robert, just curious.

Hi Alex,

Good question, here's my take on the show, clear speech, good vocals.
Elvis approaches most songs with conviction other than leaving the hard parts to his backing vocals.
No setlist surprises but I'm sure you will enjoy this show.
The audience is great and to give an idea on his spirits that evening, he did a backroll right after Hurt. (check youtube)

The May first show is avarage and doesn't stand out imo.

Anyway, the biggest news of course is the discovery of a good NY tape!

So really it's not a great show, it's simply Elvis putting on a professional show for once. Surely anyone attending any show by anybody should EXPECT clear speech, good vocals and some conviction? I fail to see where this makes it great. It's Elvis doing what he's supposed to.

EDIT: Having just seen the video of Hurt on Youtube, I don't see that as an artist committed to performing the song. Any credibility the performance might have is blown out of the park by Elvis singing the ending flat on his back with one leg up in the air. While one might be slightly surprised by such agility at this stage in his career, one is also shocked by his shocking judgement calls when performing. Once again it seems like Elvis is doing everything possible to distract the audience from the shocking truth that is staring them in the face.

Are you the guy that if your wife is standing in front of you wearing lingerie, all you can say is:
"nice try but you looked better 10 years ago"

I would be more concerned as to how I found myself with a wife.