Destination USA (CD - FTD, 2014)

Title:

Destination USA

Label:

FTD [FTD 131] [506020 975066]

Format:

2x CD

Number of tracks:

37

Running time:

102:00

Type of album:

Concert

Linked to:

FTD discography

Year:

2014

Recording date:

September 4, 1972 DS

Release date:

March 2014

Singles:

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Destination USA is FTD's 131st CD. It covers the September 4, 1972 DS concert in Las Vegas, Nevada.

After 8 years of making mediocre films in Hollywood, Elvis had never seen his name so prominent as in the years 1968 to 1972. After the days of his new rhythm explosion in the early 1950s, this was the best productive period of his career.

When news of Elvis' possible return to the stage took over the media in mid-1968, no one could have predicted the resounding success that the '68 Comeback Special would have on American TV. From then on, all of the King of Rock's releases in the next four years would be received with unparalleled success and, despite their ups and downs, only served to prove Elvis' artistic superiority and his ease in transitioning between genres.

In the Vegas sphere, it goes without saying that the flame was getting higher and higher in 1972. Always packed audiences eagerly awaited the King of Rock's shows and Sin City was experiencing the height of its commercial boom. New songs were in Elvis' repertoire, and with all the enthusiasm of his triumphant return that had not wavered after three years and the success of his two previous live albums, both he and the Colonel and RCA came to the conclusion that it was time for a new album with parts of the shows - or even a complete one - and a documentary.

Between March 27 and April 5, 1972, while "Elvis on Tour" was being filmed, Elvis used RCA Studio C in Hollywood and the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium in New York to record some tracks, including "Always On My Mind", "Separate Ways" and "Burning Love", and to rehearse the new arrangements and songs that would become part of the repertoire in the following days.

After a brief tour in June that included four performances at Madison Square Garden, Elvis returned to the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel for his second season that year. The singer performed 65 sold-out concerts between August 4 and September 4, 1972—one of his longest seasons in the city. The Vegas crowd was consistently receptive and easy to please, which made everything much easier but at the same time turned into a challenge for Elvis, whose constant drive to change and improve made this comfort a creative hindrance.

Only a few concerts from this season are available as soundboard or multi-track recordings—the 8:30 pm concert on August 4 being one of them. FTD had previously released the soundboard recordings of the August 11 and 12 concerts, so this was the final release to provide fans with an August/September 1972 soundboard. Since the complete rehearsal from the afternoon of September 4 had already been issued by the label, FTD decided to include a few additional extras from the February season in Vegas, along with several tracks from an August 1972 rehearsal at the Hilton Showroom.

Read the review of the work below.

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CD 1 - LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 4, 1972 DS

- 1. Also Sprach Zarathustra: The standard fanfare is heard.

- 2. See See Rider: Although the label consistently attempted to release high-quality soundboard recordings, the song still suffers from volume issues. Elvis remains enthusiastic, but the fatigue in his voice is unmistakable after 63 consecutive concerts.

- 3. Johnny B. Goode: The song gets a good rendition, despite Elvis' tiredness.

- 4. Until it's Tome For You to Go: The song gets a passionate rendition, with Elvis singing to a silent audience in awe.

- 5. You Don't Have to Say You Love Me: Elvis sounds too tired to perform this song. He does a good job, but it's clear he's pushing his voice to its limits and trying not to "strip his gears", as he used to say. The mix, which privileges the orchestra, is simply amazing.

- 6. Polk Salad Annie: The song opens with a long introduction during which Elvis directs Ronnie's drumming while laughing. When the pace picks up, the performance is fair, though it isn't among 1972's best. The karate chops at the end are particularly impressive.

- 7. What Now My Love: Elvis welcomes the audience and talks for a while. The song is given a below-average rendition, mainly due to the singer's fatigue. He even tries several different approaches to avoid straining his voice.

- 8. Fever: Elvis performs his usual sensual moves, but the audience isn't as excited as usual. Still, it's a nice, quiet moment.

- 9. Love Me: The 1950s hits section starts. Elvis does an average rendition while interacting with fans.

- 10. Blue Suede Shoes: Standard version, but it still feels fresh.

- 11. Heartbreak Hotel: Elvis sounds tired, which actually enhances the bluesy tone of the song.

- 12. All Shook Up: Standard version, no news.

- 13. Love Me Tender: Elvis does a short rendition of his 1956 hit while handing out scarfs and kisses.

- 14. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel: Kisses and scarfs, but with a good kick.

- 15. Little Sister / Get Back: This is a relatively rare medley that first appeared in August 1970 but gained significant popularity in 1972—especially during the August/September season in Las Vegas. Elvis enjoys a fresh song after a series of the same old material.

- 16. Hound Dog: After his customary quips about his first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1956, Elvis begins the song's standard slow section. Although the explosive final section is present, his voice does little to elevate it.

- 17. I'll Remember You: Although introduced to the setlist in January 1972, the song was performed sporadically until June and then sung at nearly every concert from August onward as a rehearsal for the "Aloha From Hawaii" concert. This is a nice, subdued version.

- 18.  Walk That Lonesome Road: Elvis invites JD and The Stamps to perform one of his favorite Gospel songs. Then, he playfully throws water at JD in an attempt to unsettle him—but his efforts prove unsuccessful.

- 19. Suspicious Minds: Due to the tape's condition, this showstopper sounds notably dry; when combined with Elvis's tired vocals, it becomes a below-average rendition. Elvis had been conserving his voice for the midnight show—a more than comprehensive move—but this restraint ultimately downgrades the song.

- 20. Introductions: Elvis introduces JD Sumner and The Stamps Quartet, The Sweet Inspirations, Kathy Westmoreland, James Burton, John Wilkinson, Ronnie Tutt, Jerry Scheff, Glen Hardin, Charlie Hodge, and Joe Guercio and his orchestra. Afterwards, he presents the British Fan Club to the audience.

- 21. For the Good Times: Elvis delivers a soulful rendition of Kris Kristofferson’s 1970 hit while playfully engaging with his fans and the band.

- 22. A Big Hunk O' Love: This version is quite good, and it might be the first time Elvis truly sings this evening.

- 23. You Gave Me a Mountain: As Elvis performs a subdued rendition of the song—introduced to the setlist in January 1972—the audience listens intently, striving to capture a bit more of his attention.

- 24. Can't Help Falling in Love: "There's a song in 'Blue Hawaii' that we'd like to do for you." The show concludes in typical fashion, with Elvis handing out scarves and kisses while singing his 1961 classic. He then disappears backstage amid the final fanfare and the ecstatic screams of his fans.

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CD 2 - BONUS TRACKS & REHEARSALS

FEBRUARY 1972 - LAS VEGAS, NV

The first section of CD 2 features previously unreleased tracks. FTD worked on the January/February 1972 season in Vegas for "An American Trilogy" (2007) and "Standing Room Only" (2009); however, not all songs were included in those releases—these are some of them.

- 1. A Big Hunk O'Love (February 15, 1972 DS)

- 2. Never Been to Spain (February 16, 1972 DS)

- 3. You Gave Me a Mountain (February 16, 1972 DS)

- 4. An American Trilogy (February 16, 1972 DS)

- 5. Can't Help Falling in Love (February 16, 1972 DS)

AUGUST 2 & 3, 1972 - REHEARSALS

The second and final section of CD 2 highlights rehearsals for the August/September 1972 season in Vegas. Parts of these rehearsals were previously released on FTD's "Stage Rehearsal" (2011); however, all the songs featured in this collection were previously unreleased. They are presented in mono, sourced from a cassette tape in poor condition. These tracks, along with the complete rehearsals, were later released by MRS in digitally extracted stereo on "Las Vegas Summer Festival 1972" (2023).

 

6. Something (August 2, 1972)

7. I'm Leavin' (August 2, 1972)

8. Faded Love (August 3, 1972)

9. The Wonder of You (August 3, 1972)

10. My Way (August 3, 1972)

11. I'll Remember You (August 3, 1972)

12. It's Over (August 3, 1972)

13. Steamroller Blues (August 3, 1972)

 

(VIDEO UNAVAILABLE - replaced by audio of the complete rehearsals)