(C) Memphis Recording Service
The ultimate site about the king of the analogue age
After having performed twice in front of 18,500 people in Los Angeles, Elvis had to be satisfied with a crowd of 7,500 in Fresno. With the exception of the LA Forum the venues in California were comparatively small and therefore it wasn't a piece of art for the king to sell out, even though having appeared here the previous year. Because the Selland Arena already was booked for the evening, Elvis performed there at 2:30 in the afternoon.
Unfortunately the concert wasn't recorded in its entirety. The intro "Also Sprach Zarathustra" as well as the first part of "See See Rider" are missing. Besides that, the final four songs of the show are lost due to a damage of the old magnetic tape. MRS made up for it by adding two home recordings from April 24, 1974. In his Palm Springs house Elvis and Linda Thompson jammed a bit with Tim Baty, Sherrill Nielsen and Donnie Sumner. The king played guitar, Donnie was on piano and Tim and Sherrill added some harmony vocals.
See See Rider
The intro "Also Sprach Zarathustra" is finished, Elvis has entered the stage to the sounds of the "Opening Riff", has received his guitar from Charlie Hodge and now is performing the first song of the show, the old r&b standard "See See Rider". He's wearing his new "Blue Swirl Suit", combined with a matching belt from another one of his many jumpsuits.
I Got A Woman / AmenWhen the king sings the word "well" in different pitches, a woman screams in delight. Accentedly unemotional Elvis answers "Thank you". Then he segues into "I Got A Woman", which is presented with drive. Of course the king also includes the gospel "Amen" and offers JD Sumner an opportunity to show off his bass voice. Afterwards Elvis returns his instrument to Charlie and jokingly welcomes the people of St. Antone.
Love MeThe oldie "Love Me" is sung the usual way. At the end the king once again showcases the deep voice of Mr. Sumner and repeats the ending.
Trying To Get To YouThis is the first highlight of the show. The king uses his voice to its full extent and really blows off the roof. Great stuff!
All Shook UpHis mega seller of 1957 is presented in a fast, business-like fashion.
Teddy Bear / Don't Be CruelThe same applies to this medley. Elvis throws a few scarfs into the audience, which makes the ladies fall all over themselves.
Love Me TenderThe level of pandemonium is raised by kissing several women at the edge of the stage. The king's performance doesn't give the impression, that he likes the song. But he enjoys the contact with the girls and the reaction he's causing.
Steamroller BluesIt's obvious, that Elvis sings stuff like "All Shook Up" and "Teddy Bear" just because the audience expects to hear them. But "Steamroller Blues" is performed, because the king wants to do it. He's completely into the song and delivers an excellent rendition.
Hound DogWith the rock'n'roll classic "Hound Dog" Elvis is switches back to the material he has to do. He just repeats the same lines over and over again and doesn't appear like he has fun doing so. But the ladies have, especially when he shakes his body at the end of the song.
FeverThe procedure is similar, but this time it entertains the audience and the singer. Elvis moves his legs to drive the ladies wild and obviously likes what he does.
Polk Salad AnnieAfter all the oldies the king returns to more recent material. "Polk Salad Annie" isn't as wild and funky as it used to be, but still the king moves well and even includes some karate routines. Afterwards he says "Let me walk around and get my breath back".
Why Me LordElvis extends his break by handing over the lead vocals to JD Sumner and just joining The Stamps during the chorus. Elvis is obviously enjoying to be part of the gospel group. When the performance is finished, he explicitly says so and repeats the finale.
Suspicious MindsThe tempo is raised with "Suspicious Minds". The king alters the lyrics and sings "I'll dry the sweat from your eyes". His moves are tamer than a few years ago, but the toned-down performance is still something to enjoy.
IntroductionsNow the king introduces his crew. He jokes around a bit, but in general he doesn't waste time.
I Can't Stop Loving YouThis is one of the songs, Elvis never gets tired of. He delivers it very well, even better than during the previous years' "Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite" show.
Help MeThe king announces his forthcoming single "Help Me" and performs a very good version of the religious ballad. I don't know, if Elvis mixed something up or if RCA later convinced him to turn the more commercial "If You Talk In Your Sleep" into the a-side. However, the latter one would be performed during the "Elvis Summer Festival 1974" at the Las Vegas Hilton.
An American TrilogyIn 1972 the single turned out to be a flop, but in his concerts "An American Trilogy" instantly became a showstopper. Today it's performed a tad too fast, but otherwise it's a fine performance which also emphasizes the qualities of the orchestra and the choir.
Let Me Be ThereThe country pop is sung with zest, Elvis obviously feels at home singing this kind of music.
Funny, How Time Slips AwayNow Elvis wants to take a look at the fans and has the house lights turned up. During "Funny, How Time Slips Away" he refers to his second concert in San Bernadino and adds "Monday, I think" to the line "Never know, when I'll be back in town". The concert recording fades to the first bars of "Big Boss Man".
Spanish Eyes (Home Recording: Palm Springs, April 24th)It's reported, that Linda liked the song a lot. Since "Spanish Eyes" had been a regular feature of Elvis' Vegas shows in January and February, everyone knows what to do. It's a fine, relaxed performance of the classic.
Let Me Be The One (Home Recording: Palm Springs, April 24th)This is a performance by Voice (Tim Baty, Donnie Sumner and Sherrill Nielsen), but Elvis joins in singing bass and adding salacious jokes. The song itself is nice enough, but Presley, who neither was a bass singer nor a gifted comedian, is an annoyance. Nevertheless the recording is interesting since it reveals a look into the king's private life.
(C) Memphis Recording Service