Fourty years after the "Elvis Summer Festival 1974" an import label called Verve released a soundboard recording of the midnight show from August 21st. The compact disc is accompanied by a booklet of 16 pages, which includes liner notes, a contemporary text about meeting the Colonel and the king as well as a lot of photos. In the pictures Elvis is wearing one of his leather outfits. For the midnight show on August 21st he also wore one of these two-piece suits.

The sound engineer didn't start the equipment until Elvis was on stage, so the recording begins with the "Opening Riff" and not with the preceding "Also Sprach Zarathustra". As usual Charlie Hodge hands the king his guitar before he walks over to the microphone. "See See Rider" is performed with zest, Mr. Presley obviously likes the tune.

The Ray Charles classic is on the set list for two decades and just as long Elvis toys with the word "well" to introduce the tune. After a few jokes the king sings a solid version of "I Got A Woman" and also includes some lines of the gospel "Amen". JD Sumner get an opportunity to show off his bass voice twice and facetiously is named "the original deep throat" by his boss. Afterwards Elvis quickly returns to "I Got A Woman", throws his guitar to Mr. Hodge and introduces himself as "the ice cream man". He also tells the crowd, that his outfit was a gift from his cousin Bobby Jane and adds a funny story from their youth in which Bobby got them into trouble due to her big mouth.

Up next is the ballad "Love Me", once again used as a tool to interact with the fans and to bestow them with a few scarfs.

Thankfully the well known and slightly worn-out opening is followed by something new. The cover version of Olivia Newton-John's "If You Love Me (Let Me Know)" is one of the recent additions and fits Elvis very well. Today's version sounds a bit different since the king has added a Moog synthesizer.

The next song is another new one, the ballad soon will be released on a single. "It's Midnight" offers a fine opportunity for Elvis to show off his great voice.

Two days ago the king opened his show with "Big Boss Man". It's a good decision to keep the rockin' tune in the show. Elvis obviously likes it and presents it very well.

Now it's time for the oldies again. Just like two days before Elvis drives the ladies over the edge by simply moving his legs to the beat. It's certainly a funny thing to watch.

The next classic also is closer to a circus act than to a musical presentation. The king works his way through various ladies, who are standing at the edge of the stage and waiting to get kissed. However, it's an entertaining affair.

Unfortunately "All Shook Up" is also back on the program. Why? Elvis mumbles through the thing in high speed fashion and obviously isn't willing to invest any more energy than absolutely necessary. One might get the impression, that Mr. Presley's goal isn't to present himself as the very able singer he is, but simply to be adored without having to try too hard. After the performance is over, it barely lasts for 60 seconds, Elvis tells a funny story about his daughter.

The humbug is followed by "I'm Leavin'", another survivor of the opening show. The complex ballad is performed with skill and care. Unfortunately the fans always react somewhat subdued to real music and prefer cheap circus tricks to art.

Thankfully Elvis continues with high class material and presents "Softly, As I Leave You". Just like two days earlier he recites the lyrics while Sherrill Nielsen does the singing. But today the king made sure, that Mr. Nielsen is in the spotlight, too.

After two great performances "Hound Dog" is a punch in the stomach. For 50 seconds Elvis mumbles through the song and finishes by shaking his rear to the brass sounds of the orchestra. The fans love it, but maybe Mr. Presley should withhold stuff like this for the sake of his own dignity.

Up next is a song from the "Aloha" soundtrack. As far as I know Elvis just sang it a few times in Stateline this year, but otherwise kept it off his setlist. It's a welcome return and a fine performance.

Elvis continues with "Polk Salad Annie" and uses the song as a tool to display a selection of his patented moves. While his jumpsuits are made for these antics, the casual leather outfit is not. Unsure about the robustness of his clothes, he asks his assistant if the seams are still intact before he continues.

Peppered with jokes and funny stories Elvis now introduces his band and harmony singers. During the process he also intones "Take These Chains From My Heart". Of course the king also greets the singer Lovelace Watkins, who is in the audience tonight.

Elvis' current single "If You Talk In Your Sleep" has survived the return to the old format. It's played a tad slower now, which is a good decision. The king uses the funky tune to demonstrate some karate figures.

Now it's time for one of the new tracks from his recent concert album "Elvis Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis". Just like on the record, he hands the lead vocals over to JD Sumner and joins the choir for the chorus. But while the spotlight is on Mr. Sumner and he is focused on his performance, Charlie Hodge sneaks up to his boss and obviously is preparing something. Suddenly Elvis is illuminated by one of the spotlights and starts to waddle around with huge rubber feet! The members of The Stamps Quartet are laughing so hard, they barely get to sing. Everyone in the showroom has a ball.

The audience continues to have fun, but it's quite obvious that Elvis isn't all that keen to sing "Teddy Bear" and "Don't Be Cruel". He includes his old joke about kickin' the girl's ass, but that's as substantial as it gets. Mr. Presley has so many hits, there's no need to bore himself through the same worn-out stuff over and over again.

As if he's able to read my thoughts the king suddenly introduces a new oldie! The lovely ballad from his movie "Blue Hawaii" is presented very well and even includes a funny joke.

The next song is dedicated to Linda Thompson, Elvis' steady girlfriend since 1972. The king delivers a heartfelt and vocally impressive rendition of the power ballad. Due to tape damage one verse was cut, but that's almost inaudible.

Now Elvis returns to the new material from his current live album and presents his interpretation of Olivia Newton-John's country pop "Let Me Be There". Just like on the album he adds a reprise, but today his voice cracks for a second or so.

The king bows out with a few words and segues into his usual closer "Can't Help Falling In Love". To the sounds of the "Closing Riff" he shakes hands with some lucky ones and disappears behind the golden curtain.