It's Midnight
Label:
FTD [FTD 015] [74321 91141 2]
Format:
CD
Number of tracks:
26
Running time:
79:30
Type of album:
Concert
Linked to:
FTD discography
Year:
2001
Recording date:
August 24, 1974 MS / August 29, 1974 DS
Release date:
November 12, 2001
Singles:
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- 3. Love Me [August 24, 1974 MS]: "Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen, my name is Fats Domino!" After fans ask him to go to the balcony, Elvis says he is prohibited from going there: "I'll make the rounds - except for the balcony, they won't let me go up there. No, they won't! I'd put a vine and I'd start [Tarzan yell] every time I'd go up there, they won't let me." The version of the song is standard and features Elvis, as usual, distributing scarves and kisses.
- 4. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) [August 24, 1974 MS]: Added to the repertoire five days earlier, Olivia Newton-John's hit excited the audience and would become a permanent part of the performances until 1977. There is still a certain formality in the rendition, a certain harshness, but soon it would be interpreted as we have become accustomed to hear.
- 5. It's Midnight [August 24, 1974 MS]: "This next song is a new one that we have coming out in about two or three weeks... I hope you like it." Also added to the repertoire just five days earlier, the song gets a solid version, with Elvis' voice taking over in all the right places. Of course, no rendition would compare to what would come at the midnight show on September 2nd.
- 6. Big Boss Man [August 24, 1974 MS]: Present in performances since February 1973, the song was used as the opening act on the August 19, 1974 concert, but ended up being removed from the position for reasons not yet known. One of Elvis' favorites, it began to be used to show his frustration on some occasions or to send messages to his enemies and, more often, to show who was still in charge of everything.
- 7. Fever [August 24, 1974 MS]: Present since August 5, 1972, it was the song in which Elvis was most sensual. The pelvic movements hypnotize an audience that barely makes any sounds, such is the excitement and the audience only notices it when the singer laughs, probably signaling some inappropriate comment or gesture from some eager girl.
- 8. Love Me Tender [August 24, 1974 MS]: Although Elvis expressed displeasure with the song on several occasions, it is one of the ones that remained in his repertoire the longest, appearing 496 times between 1956 and 1977. Starting the 1950s medley, it begins to warm up the audience for the successes that would come and the women are encouraged by the sequence of kisses and scarves.
- 9. All Shook Up [August 24, 1974 MS]: Another success from the beginning of Elvis' career, it was present since 1957 and even opened shows in 1970. As usual, the kissing and scarf giving session continues and the audience reacts accordingly.
- 10. The Wonder of You [August 24, 1974 MS]: Before continuing, Elvis calms the audience: "If you didn't get a kiss or whatever, just give me time, honey, I'll be over there." Rare since 1970, the song would be widely used in 1974 and 1975. The version heard here is below average, but this can be forgiven as it is one of the first renditions in almost two years.
- 11. I'm Leavin' [August 24, 1974 MS]: Recorded in 1971, the song was present at shows sporadically that year and more frequently in 1973 and 1974. Elvis liked the song and the rendition heard here is very similar to that of the released Master.
- 12. Softly As I Leave You [August 24, 1974 MS]: New to the repertoire, it was recited by Elvis while Sherrill Nielsen sang in the background. The song created a moment of silence and introspection in the performances in which it was performed, the most notable being that of the December 13, 1975 DS concert which would become a single in 1978.
- 13. Spanish Eyes [August 24, 1974 MS]: Present from January to May 1974, it was another moment used to demonstrate the technique of Sherrill Nielsen, who here performs the now famous duet with Elvis for the last time. The Latin beat cheers up Elvis, who shouts "arriba!" during the trumpet solo in the middle of the song. "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. It's been a long time that we almost forget the words of that."
- 14. Hound Dog [August 24, 1974 MS]: "Okay, I'd like to ger serious for just a moment. That's it...." Elvis starts this version like the 1972 ones, using his "well, well, well" routine to get the crowd going before launching into a pure rock rendition with hints of funk and psychedelia at the end.
- 15. You Gave Me a Mountain [August 24, 1974 MS]: A classic since 1972, the song was always well performed by Elvis.
- 16. Polk Salad Annie [August 24, 1974 MS]: Completing 5 years in the fixed repertoire, the song was no longer similar to the initial versions and began to present beats that would be heard in renditions from then on. In fact, the faster beat benefited Elvis and his karate moves, which is why this change in tempo was necessary.
- 17. Introductions [August 24, 1974 MS]: As usual, Elvis introduces his band members - The Sweet Inspirations (calling them The Crew Cuts), JD Sumner, The Stamps Quartet (individually), Kathy Westmoreland, James Burton, John Wilkinson, Ronnie Tutt, Duke Bardwell, Charlie Hodge, the Voice group, conductor Joe Guercio and his orchestra; the band and orchestra do not perform solos.
- 25. Hawaiian Wedding Song [August 29, 1974 DS]: "But anyway... The most requested song of that movie is probably the 'Hawaiian Wedding Song'." What follows is a standard version, but more melodic and close to the 1961 Master - although without the 'Ōlelo Hawai'i parts.
- 26. Can't Help Falling in Love [August 29, 1974 DS]: "We've been up for too long, but I'm going to tell you something. The other night I came down with - almost all of us got sick - so I have missed a couple of shows. But in my whole 19 years of show businness, I've only missed about six shows for being sick, you know." After a while Elvis introduces Bill Cosby, who had replaced him while he was sick.
It's Midnight is the fifteenth work from the record label Follow That Dream (FTD). It contains the partial show from August 24, 1974 MS in Las Vegas, added with tracks from August 29, 1974 DS, also in Vegas, for a complete experience. The CD is currently out of print at the record company.
Elvis' personal situation in 1974, especially after March, was somewhat delicate. Without recording throughout the year, he saw his career dwindle while the old classics were no longer able to hold him in the charts, despite still being quite solid. His sudden changes in mood left everyone walking on eggshells and his presentations were inconsistent, and could be dynamic and happy or slow and angry.
Whatever was going through Elvis' head at that moment was affecting him in a profound way, especially from July of that year onwards. His performances became the stage for long speeches about jewelry and karate that only made sense and had importance for him; fans who insisted on asking for old songs that he no longer wanted to sing or who screamed too much were insulted, although Elvis always said it was a joke.
Everything would get worse in September, when he would perform the most controversial shows of his career (like the performances on the 2nd, 27th and 28th of that month), but August would still have very usable performances.
Below is a review of the content available on the CD.
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- 1. See See Rider [August 24, 1974 MS]: As usual at the time, "Also Sprach Zarathustra" had stopped being recorded some time ago and here we enter the performance with Elvis already on stage and preparing to take over the microphone. The version has some different touches and you can see an Elvis who had definitely come to please.
- 2 . I Got a Woman / Amen [August 24, 1974 MS]: "Thank you very much. What do we get? Evening... Evening? Evening!" After his well-known "well, well, well" routine, Elvis jokes: "You came here to see a show, you know, and you get 'well, well, well, well...." He then launches into a quick and delicious version that ends straight into the striptease routine and leads to JD's dive bombs. The completion of the song comes after the then new routine of jokingly slamming JD and his voice.
- 1. See See Rider [August 24, 1974 MS]: As usual at the time, "Also Sprach Zarathustra" had stopped being recorded some time ago and here we enter the performance with Elvis already on stage and preparing to take over the microphone. The version has some different touches and you can see an Elvis who had definitely come to please.
- 2 . I Got a Woman / Amen [August 24, 1974 MS]: "Thank you very much. What do we get? Evening... Evening? Evening!" After his well-known "well, well, well" routine, Elvis jokes: "You came here to see a show, you know, and you get 'well, well, well, well...." He then launches into a quick and delicious version that ends straight into the striptease routine and leads to JD's dive bombs. The completion of the song comes after the then new routine of jokingly slamming JD and his voice.
- 3. Love Me [August 24, 1974 MS]: "Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen, my name is Fats Domino!" After fans ask him to go to the balcony, Elvis says he is prohibited from going there: "I'll make the rounds - except for the balcony, they won't let me go up there. No, they won't! I'd put a vine and I'd start [Tarzan yell] every time I'd go up there, they won't let me." The version of the song is standard and features Elvis, as usual, distributing scarves and kisses.
- 4. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) [August 24, 1974 MS]: Added to the repertoire five days earlier, Olivia Newton-John's hit excited the audience and would become a permanent part of the performances until 1977. There is still a certain formality in the rendition, a certain harshness, but soon it would be interpreted as we have become accustomed to hear.
- 5. It's Midnight [August 24, 1974 MS]: "This next song is a new one that we have coming out in about two or three weeks... I hope you like it." Also added to the repertoire just five days earlier, the song gets a solid version, with Elvis' voice taking over in all the right places. Of course, no rendition would compare to what would come at the midnight show on September 2nd.
- 6. Big Boss Man [August 24, 1974 MS]: Present in performances since February 1973, the song was used as the opening act on the August 19, 1974 concert, but ended up being removed from the position for reasons not yet known. One of Elvis' favorites, it began to be used to show his frustration on some occasions or to send messages to his enemies and, more often, to show who was still in charge of everything.
- 7. Fever [August 24, 1974 MS]: Present since August 5, 1972, it was the song in which Elvis was most sensual. The pelvic movements hypnotize an audience that barely makes any sounds, such is the excitement and the audience only notices it when the singer laughs, probably signaling some inappropriate comment or gesture from some eager girl.
- 8. Love Me Tender [August 24, 1974 MS]: Although Elvis expressed displeasure with the song on several occasions, it is one of the ones that remained in his repertoire the longest, appearing 496 times between 1956 and 1977. Starting the 1950s medley, it begins to warm up the audience for the successes that would come and the women are encouraged by the sequence of kisses and scarves.
- 9. All Shook Up [August 24, 1974 MS]: Another success from the beginning of Elvis' career, it was present since 1957 and even opened shows in 1970. As usual, the kissing and scarf giving session continues and the audience reacts accordingly.
- 10. The Wonder of You [August 24, 1974 MS]: Before continuing, Elvis calms the audience: "If you didn't get a kiss or whatever, just give me time, honey, I'll be over there." Rare since 1970, the song would be widely used in 1974 and 1975. The version heard here is below average, but this can be forgiven as it is one of the first renditions in almost two years.
- 11. I'm Leavin' [August 24, 1974 MS]: Recorded in 1971, the song was present at shows sporadically that year and more frequently in 1973 and 1974. Elvis liked the song and the rendition heard here is very similar to that of the released Master.
- 12. Softly As I Leave You [August 24, 1974 MS]: New to the repertoire, it was recited by Elvis while Sherrill Nielsen sang in the background. The song created a moment of silence and introspection in the performances in which it was performed, the most notable being that of the December 13, 1975 DS concert which would become a single in 1978.
- 13. Spanish Eyes [August 24, 1974 MS]: Present from January to May 1974, it was another moment used to demonstrate the technique of Sherrill Nielsen, who here performs the now famous duet with Elvis for the last time. The Latin beat cheers up Elvis, who shouts "arriba!" during the trumpet solo in the middle of the song. "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. It's been a long time that we almost forget the words of that."
- 14. Hound Dog [August 24, 1974 MS]: "Okay, I'd like to ger serious for just a moment. That's it...." Elvis starts this version like the 1972 ones, using his "well, well, well" routine to get the crowd going before launching into a pure rock rendition with hints of funk and psychedelia at the end.
- 15. You Gave Me a Mountain [August 24, 1974 MS]: A classic since 1972, the song was always well performed by Elvis.
- 16. Polk Salad Annie [August 24, 1974 MS]: Completing 5 years in the fixed repertoire, the song was no longer similar to the initial versions and began to present beats that would be heard in renditions from then on. In fact, the faster beat benefited Elvis and his karate moves, which is why this change in tempo was necessary.
- 17. Introductions [August 24, 1974 MS]: As usual, Elvis introduces his band members - The Sweet Inspirations (calling them The Crew Cuts), JD Sumner, The Stamps Quartet (individually), Kathy Westmoreland, James Burton, John Wilkinson, Ronnie Tutt, Duke Bardwell, Charlie Hodge, the Voice group, conductor Joe Guercio and his orchestra; the band and orchestra do not perform solos.
He also takes some time to introduce the audience to "the big, fat angels" in the Hilton showroom, saying that two nights before he had come with his friends and painted them black. Finally, Elvis introduces actress and singer Vikki Carr to the audience.
- 18. If You Talk in Your Sleep [August 24, 1974 MS]: One of the neglected gems of the 1970s, it fits well with the current moment in Elvis' life and is excellent for live rendition. Elvis is loose, enjoying the moment and singing what he always wanted to do - his new recordings. The tape from August 24th ends here.
- 19. Why Me Lord [August 29, 1974 DS]: We can notice an already more acidic Elvis, as the events of September 2nd approach. While JD tries to look good, the singer does everything to make his strong man laugh - and he succeeds at it.
- 20. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel [August 29, 1974 DS]: It's time for the famous medley and everyone knows what's coming - kisses and scarves.
- 21. How Great Thou Art [August 29, 1974 DS]: If there was a moment when Elvis never laughed, joked or seemed angry, it was during his rendition of this Gospel classic that won him a Grammy in 1967. His voice is heard strong and clear throughout the version and becomes a delight to the ears and the soul.
- 22. Let Me Be There [August 29, 1974 DS]: Another success from Olivia Newton-John, it seems to cheer Elvis up a lot. His vocal notes fit the song perfectly and he even tries some new vocals near the end and during the reprise of the last verse.
- 23. Elvis Talk [August 29, 1974 DS]: "I'm going to do something a little bit different right here, folks. I'd like to do this for my father, he's in the audience and have asked me to do this." After introducing Vernon, the tape is cut, but it turns out Elvis spoke of his father's adoration for a song.
- 24. Early Morning Rain [August 29, 1974 DS]: And the song is one of those that appears in the TV edition of "Aloha From Hawaii", the famous satellite concert from 1973. The version here begins with a cut that omits the entire first verse and has a much faster tempo than we would get used to hearing.
- 18. If You Talk in Your Sleep [August 24, 1974 MS]: One of the neglected gems of the 1970s, it fits well with the current moment in Elvis' life and is excellent for live rendition. Elvis is loose, enjoying the moment and singing what he always wanted to do - his new recordings. The tape from August 24th ends here.
- 19. Why Me Lord [August 29, 1974 DS]: We can notice an already more acidic Elvis, as the events of September 2nd approach. While JD tries to look good, the singer does everything to make his strong man laugh - and he succeeds at it.
- 20. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel [August 29, 1974 DS]: It's time for the famous medley and everyone knows what's coming - kisses and scarves.
- 21. How Great Thou Art [August 29, 1974 DS]: If there was a moment when Elvis never laughed, joked or seemed angry, it was during his rendition of this Gospel classic that won him a Grammy in 1967. His voice is heard strong and clear throughout the version and becomes a delight to the ears and the soul.
- 22. Let Me Be There [August 29, 1974 DS]: Another success from Olivia Newton-John, it seems to cheer Elvis up a lot. His vocal notes fit the song perfectly and he even tries some new vocals near the end and during the reprise of the last verse.
- 23. Elvis Talk [August 29, 1974 DS]: "I'm going to do something a little bit different right here, folks. I'd like to do this for my father, he's in the audience and have asked me to do this." After introducing Vernon, the tape is cut, but it turns out Elvis spoke of his father's adoration for a song.
- 24. Early Morning Rain [August 29, 1974 DS]: And the song is one of those that appears in the TV edition of "Aloha From Hawaii", the famous satellite concert from 1973. The version here begins with a cut that omits the entire first verse and has a much faster tempo than we would get used to hearing.
"How long have we been on?"; Charlie responds "one hour twenty." "An hour twenty? They [the Hiltons] don't like me to be on longer than 55 to 58 minutes."
- 25. Hawaiian Wedding Song [August 29, 1974 DS]: "But anyway... The most requested song of that movie is probably the 'Hawaiian Wedding Song'." What follows is a standard version, but more melodic and close to the 1961 Master - although without the 'Ōlelo Hawai'i parts.
- 26. Can't Help Falling in Love [August 29, 1974 DS]: "We've been up for too long, but I'm going to tell you something. The other night I came down with - almost all of us got sick - so I have missed a couple of shows. But in my whole 19 years of show businness, I've only missed about six shows for being sick, you know." After a while Elvis introduces Bill Cosby, who had replaced him while he was sick.
After a brief explanation about his jumpsuit and the rings he is wearing, Elvis thanks the audience saying "the reason I'm telling you this, is you have paid for 'em."
The now famous song announced the obvious - Elvis had finished his performance.
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