Publicity stated: Straight Arrow has released quite a few of Elvis Summer '73 headline shows, however, the Opening and Closing show performances were always remarkable events and this one is no exception!
'Also Sprach Zarathustra" was played in famous Eumir Deodato arrangement. Elvis performed the 'Trouble' from the 'King Creole' movie for the first time since his 1968 Comeback and blended it with his forthcoming single record 'Raised On Rock'. He surprised his audience with another rarity, 'Memphis Tennessee' and the premiere of 'My Boy', which was recorded later in December 1973 and released on another hit single in January 1975. He often performed this song during this season, but only seldom after that.
When the 'American Trilogy' began, a round projection screen has descended and Elvis was turning and seeing it but obviously not expecting it, saying "Good God, the moon is falling. Wish they'd tell me these things". They showed slides of Abraham Lincoln, the declaration of independence and the American eagle. Elvis was obviously not comfortable with it and that was the only night the "moon" was used.
The Las Vegas, August 6th, 1973 Opening Night was previously released in 1993 by the Peaf label as 'Fire In Vegas' and later in a clearer, but flat sound by Memory Records 'Raised On Vegas' (2008). The sound, nevertheless, was still far from the best.
Straight Arrow was fortunate enough to obtain two independent tapes of this concert which are not in circulation (one of them from Rex Martin's personal collection). For this ultimate release both tapes were combined to get the best possible result. Every second was enhanced to achieve the optimal listening experience. The sound was remastered to the correct speed.
If you have enjoyed our previous Summer of '73 season CDs, we believe that you will love this one as well. Presented in the usual Straight Arrow fashion with the top notch digipak including the photos of Elvis in Summer of '73, excerpts from "World-Wide Elvis News Service" magazine and reprint of souvenir menu, this new release is the beauty that you must not miss! The Straight Arrow team is always looking for new, New from Straight Arrow, unreleased audience-taped shows and for improved versions of the previously released recordings.
Tracks: 01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra (Eumir Deodato arrangement) - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. Trouble (1st live version) - 04. Raised On Rock (only live version) - 05. Love Me - 06. Steamroller Blues - 07. What Now My Love - 08. Blue Suede Shoes - 09. Memphis Tennessee - 10. Long Tall Sally/Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On/Mama Can't Dance/Flip, Flop And Fly/Jailhouse Rock/Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On (medley) - 11. Love Me Tender - 12. Hound Dog - 13. Fever - 14. My Boy (1st live version) - 15. Suspicious Minds - 16. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 17. Introduction of Petula Clark, Guy March, Phillis McGuire, Liza Minelli - 18. I Can't Stop Loving You - 19. An American Trilogy - 20. Bridge Over Troubled Water - 21. How Great Thou Art - 22. A Big Hunk O' Love - 23. Help Me Make It Through The Night - 24. Can't Help Falling In Love - 25. Closing Vamp / Announcements. All tracks recorded live from audience on August 6th, 1973 Opening Show.
The Straight Arrow import release '(Seemingly) Non-Stop Summer' was released. It features the August 25th, 1974 Midnight Show performance, as recorded from the audience.