Rip It Up

Just listening to it. St. Paul April 30 1977. Probably the most boring and uninspired show I have ever heard.

Other than that, what did you think of it?

It is an interesting concert to own in a collection, but not a very enjoyable listening experience.

Interesting because Elvis breaks out of his usual routine and does a few rare songs. Among them "The Wonder Of You", "Hawaiian Wedding Song" and a few lines of "Rip It Up". James Burton fans might wanna hear their idol playing Joe Cockers "Delta Lady" as his solo that night.

Other than that, this show is below average, even for 1977. Elvis is uninspired and bored and seems to have completely lost his interest in a strong performance. During "See See Rider" he misses his cue to the second verse and just stops singing. The band then continues on their own. Strangely, the audience reaction still seems to be good.

The sound quality is good. One can hear no trace of editing, however the CD misses two songs of the original show. It has a simple cover with some typing mistakes on it ("Clossin Riff" and so on). Printed on the backside is a flag of Chile with the inscription "Este CD esta Dedicado A Todos Los Fans De Elvis En Sudamerica".

Buy this only if you already own so much 1977 records that you can't go back anymore (or if you are interested in the bonus tracks).

Well, if this is an uninspired show.. other than St Paul, I consider most of the April'77 tour pretty strong!

I don't have this show yet.. but I remember Elvis made this comment:
"It's hard to sing a love ballad with your nose running"
Typical Elvis humor

He probably cought a cold that night, so have mercy, folks..

Which 2 songs are missing on this release?

Haven't heard this yet, but my attitude is to go into any '77 show (or most of '76) with low expectations (be pleasantly surprised when brightspots emerge) and just listen with sympathy and not a little bit of sadness.

Being entertained by '77 shows is something I allow to happen but mostly expect to be struck by his decline...

Hey, don't be unfair to Elvis! There were a few very good 1976 and 1977 shows!

Robert: "Little Sister" and the Orchestra Solo ("School Days") are missing. Here's the original set list: http://www.elvisconcerts.com/concerts/Concert_expand.php?id=1118

Oh, I know there were plenty of great '76 and '77 shows. But I prefer to focus on the highlights. We shouldn't expect there to be no "lowlights."

Just my perspective on it...

Oh, I know there were plenty of great '76 and '77 shows. But I prefer to focus on the highlights. We shouldn't expect there to be no "lowlights."

Just my perspective on it...

I like that glass half full approach Greg. Given EP's physical condition at the time, I think it's pretty fair.

Now thats exactly my point with the "Rip It Up" show: Elvis seems to be awake and pretty aware of himself, but is less eager than in Omaha when he was stoned. That's why I don't like this show.

i don't rate this show as too bad-actually. i thought his voice was quite strong and he looked reasonably good for this show!

Well - listen to it

To me it's a very good and entertaining show. The rare songs and the
good sound quality (for an audience recording) make it more special.
The crowd's reaction speaks for itself!!!

http://jordans-elvis-world.com/audio/paul/paul.htm

I guess it depends on the listener's mood to. I for myself have listened to MANY 1977 audience recordings, and you'd be surprised how many good show you can find. But "Rip It Up" is definately not one of them.

No surprise there, really.

Yes, I know he did some great shows in '77, but it's hardly news that he bombed a few times...