Elvis at the International (CD - FTD, 2002)

Title:

Elvis at the International

Label:

FTD [FTD 020] [74321 97713 2]

Format:

CD

Number of tracks:

20

Running time:

79:00

Type of album:

Concert

Linked to:

FTD discography

Year:

2002

Recording date:

August 23, 1969 MS

Release date:

December 27, 2002

Singles:

---

Elvis at the International is FTD's twentieth album. It contains the complete midnight show of August 23, 1969 in Las Vegas. The CD is currently out of print on the label.

Free from film contracts and feeling motivated, Elvis began 1969 thinking about rebuilding his musical career and focusing on returning to the stage. Lisa was one year old and the singer was very happy, and he wanted to make the most of his time with her and for that reason he asked that his new recordings be made close to home; in order to stay in Memphis, a contract was made with American Sound Studio and generated two albums - "From Elvis in Memphis" and "Back in Memphis" -, several singles and leftovers that were used in works released over the next three years.

His contract with the International Hotel was another positive point. By visiting the construction site and putting his name on the project, Elvis ensured that the hotel would be fully booked when it opened by authorizing advertising that he would be performing there for guests and visitors - it was a true double marketing ploy, in true Colonel style. The press, which had already published extensive articles praising Elvis' new musical style, wasted no time in promoting the singer's return to the stage and promoting his arrival in Vegas.

When Elvis took the stage on July 31, 1969, in a performance for invited guests and journalists only, the event managed to overshadow even the moon landing that had occurred eleven days earlier. The press welcomed the singer's new image with open arms, more modern and in keeping with the 1970s that were already knocking at the door.

Between August 1 and 28 of that year, Elvis performed 56 shows, selling out all 2,200 seats in the International Hotel auditorium, breaking all the records he had achieved in the early years of his career.

Below is a review of the content available on the CD.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- 1. Blue Suede Shoes: As usual in this first season, Ronnie Tutt started the performances with a short drum solo and the other instruments joined in until the orchestra entered and everyone was playing.

Elvis took the stage in his White Herringbone jumpsuit and the audience went wild. The first verses of the 1956 hit echoed through the hall amidst applause, whistles and hysterical screams.

- 2. I Got a Woman: With a slightly different "well, well, well" routine, Elvis begins the song that had been a hit for Ray Charles.

The version is very rhythmic and uptempo, finishing in 2 and a half minutes, completely outside the standard 6 to 9 minute songs that we would hear in the following years.

- 3. All Shook Up: Elvis' legs seem to want to move on their own and he soon says: "Here we go again, man." The version done here is complete, with two minutes of duration, unlike the later ones that would be interpreted in a rush and in less than a minute.

- 4. Welcome: After the performance, Elvis jokes with the audience and produces intense fits of laughter. "Before the evening is over I will have made a complete, total fool of myself, I hope you get a kick out of watching it." As usual, he talks about his Gatorade and how it "supposedly helps my gator."

- 5. Love Me Tender: "One of the first records I ever recorded, ladies and gentlemen... in 1927, I think it was."

The smash hit of 1956 leads Elvis to his kissing session, and judging by the laughs and sounds the singer makes, the women are quite excited. The hysteria is proven by their screams.

- 6. Jailhouse Rock / Don't Be Cruel: "I'd like to do a medley of some of my biggest records for you... They're actually no bigger than the rest of'em, they're all about the same size, you know, it sounds impressive."

Combining a 1956 hit with a 1957 hit, Elvis does one of his rarest medleys. This interesting mix was performed only at a few shows in 1969 and 1970, before being replaced by the more common "Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel".

- 7. Heartbreak Hotel: Elvis gets the crowd going with a bluesy beat. The 1956 hit features James Burton in one of the best solos of all those performed in the different versions of the song over the years.

- 8. Hound Dog: A three-minute monologue full of sexual puns leads into a brief rendition of the song. Elvis' voice shows all its power right from the start and James Burton's solo again stands out.

- 9. Memories: "I'd like to do a song that I just did on my recent TV show", he announces, referring to the "'68 Comeback Special".

Elvis takes advantage of the slow rhythm of the song to distribute more kisses and hugs to fans.

- 10. Mystery Train / Tiger Man: "One of my first records, uh, was terrible... No! I did about five songs before anybody knew who I was. One of my first records went like this..."

Recorded in 1955 at Sun Studio, the song that starts the medley was one of Elvis's favorites. "Tiger Man" was an important part of the "'68 Comeback Special" and fit perfectly with its accompaniment.

According to Sun Studio archives, Elvis recorded "Tiger Man" in June 1954, but the tape was lost.

- 11. Monologue: For almost eight and a half minutes, Elvis tells his version of the facts of his life with many jokes and sexual puns. Speaking seriously between one thing and another, he tells of his rise to absolute success, the fights with Ed Sullivan, stories from the army, his worst and best films, and his return to the stage.

- 12. Baby, What You Want Me to Do: Elvis picks up his guitar to play the next part. "I can play this mother...", he jokes. The song is presented in a bluesy version, unlike what we heard on the "'68 Comeback Special", and has brilliant responses from The Sweet Inspirations to each verse sung by Elvis.

The song was performed only in this 1969 season.

- 13. Runaway: "A few years ago a guy by the name of Del Shannon put out a record. I hope you'll like."

One of the greatest rarities of the show, also performed only in 1969, it is done well and also has great responses from the Sweets, as well as a delicious solo by James Burton.

- 14. Reconsider Baby: Before launching into the song, Elvis recites a few lines of "Loving You" that are well-received by the audience. "I ain't gonna do that song, I'm just putting you on."

The blues take over this rendition of another rarity, performed only 9 times in his career - this being the only one from 1969. Elvis gets excited and responds vocally to James Burton's solo before bringing the song to a sensational close.

- 15. Are You Lonesome Tonight: Despite being an undisputed success, the song was performed only 65 times between 1961 and 1977.

This version is serious and therefore differs greatly from the one that would be heard three days later and would become known as the "Laughing Version". The work of soprano Millie Kirkham is exceptional.

- 16. Yesterday / Hey Jude: Although it is still said that Elvis hated The Beatles, what is known for sure is that it was exactly the opposite. This was demonstrated in interviews, recording sessions and concerts, with the King of Rock having performed several of the British group's songs over the years (Yesterday, Hey Jude, Something, Lady Madonna, Get Back).

This medley has two distinct parts: "Yesterday" is performed in a serious and sober way, while "Hey Jude" serves as another moment for Elvis to give kisses and hugs to the audience.

- 17. Introductions: Elvis continues walking around the stage and distributing kisses while he rests a little from his performance and drinks water. He then introduces The Sweet Inspirations, The Imperials, James Burton on lead guitar, John Wilkinson on rhythm guitar, Ronnie Tutt on drums, Jerry Scheff on bass, Larry Muhoberac on piano (Glen Hardin would only arrive in 1970), Charlie Hodge, conductor Bob Morris (Joe Guercio would replace him in 1970) and his orchestra.

- 18. In the Ghetto: One of the most successful singles of 1969 and the closing track of the LP "From Elvis in Memphis", it is performed in much the same way as on the Master. The song brings a moment of introspection to the show.

- 19. Suspicious Minds: "A new song that I just recorded, it should be out in a week or two, ladies and gentlemen. I hope you like it, it's called 'Suspicious Minds'."

All of the early versions of Mark James' classic were electrifying and had a very long running time that made them even more exciting. This is one of the longest, at 7 minutes and 46 seconds, and Elvis gives it his all with his voice and pelvic movements that drive his fans crazy.

The band, enchanted and wondering how much longer Elvis could keep up his explosive performance, misses the song's ending (perhaps that's why it wasn't chosen to make the "In Person at the International" LP), but this is still the best version of 1969.

- 20. What'd I Say: Still recovering and catching his breath, Elvis launches into yet another song that requires physical and vocal effort.

The Ray Charles classic gets a new look and a more uptempo rhythm that forces the band, backing vocals and orchestra to keep up without blinking. James Burton's solo sounds crystal clear and the mix of instruments is phenomenal. Elvis stops singing for 3 minutes to kiss and hug his fans, but the song goes on for an incredible five and a half minutes.

- 21. Can't Help Falling in Love: "You're a beautiful audience, thank you very, very much. I really loved it. I'm gonna do this song especially for you." That was the signal that the show was ending and that it was time for the fans to try anything to get another kiss or hug from Elvis.

The version heard here is still slow and very similar to the one from the "'68 Comeback Special", but it still lasts the same two minutes as the later, more uptempo versions.

Since the "Closing Vamp" did not exist at the time, the show ends with the band falling silent after the rendition.