From the Beginning to the End (CD - SRR, 2018)

Title:

From the Beginning to the End

Label:

SR Records [---]

Format:

2x CD

Number of tracks:

41

Running time:

111:00

Type of album:

Concert

Linked to:

Unofficial discography

Year:

2018

Recording date:

September 9 & 14, 1970

Release date:

2018

Singles:

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From the Beginning to the End is a bootleg CD by SR Records. It covers the first and last concerts of Elvis’ September 1970 tour—one in Phoenix, Arizona, on September 9 and the other in Mobile, Alabama, on September 14.

When Elvis returned to the stage on July 31, 1969, the success was so great that it overshadowed the celebrations of man's landing on the Moon eleven days earlier. Euphoria took over Las Vegas in a way that hadn't been seen since the city's beginnings, with overcrowded hotels, people from all over the world on the Sunset Strip and the International Hotel breaking records for reservations and ticket sales for a newly opened establishment. Elvis' reception was more positive than he expected and nervousness over the "failure of 1956" in the city soon turned into enthusiasm for more shows on his part and recordings by RCA that would result in the LP "Elvis in Person at the International Hotel".

Elvis would return to the International showroom five months after his first season, on January 26, 1970, with solid plans to record another live LP. But his triumphant return to the stage after 9 years of hiatus and many mediocre films required something big to celebrate the achievement, which the Colonel arranged with MGM. Contract signed, Elvis was tasked with giving his best in front of the movie cameras in the August/September 1970 season, resulting in the incredible "That's the Way it is".

Although MGM tried to show everything about that season, a lot of material was left out. At that time, RCA had no interest in releasing complete Elvis shows, meaning that tapes of unused performances were set aside. Furthermore, Elvis—who sounded very tired both physically and emotionally from his two-shows-a-day, 28-day performance routine in the arid air of Las Vegas—also influenced that decision. Parker might have prioritized quality over quantity during that season (which ran from August 10 to September 8, 1970), but it remained something special and a significant challenge for Elvis.

On September 9, 1970, in Phoenix, Arizona, Elvis kicked off what would be a memorable chapter in his touring career. The concert showcased his iconic blend of classic rock 'n' roll energy and a mature, evolving stage presence. Despite the pressures of an intense schedule and the relentless pace that had been wearing him down, Elvis still delivered a performance that sparkled with originality and raw emotion. His setlist—ranging from time-honored hits to fresh, experimental renditions—captured the enthusiasm of fans and underscored his unique ability to transform every performance into an electrifying experience.

By September 14, in Mobile, Alabama, Elvis rounded out his tour with an energy that belied the physical and emotional toll of his grueling regimen. Even as the challenges of back-to-back shows and long touring days had left their mark, he managed to infuse the final concert with a sense of determination and artistry. The culmination of the tour, this performance not only marked the end of a demanding period but also celebrated the resilience and enduring magic of his live shows. This closing performance resonated deeply with the audience, encapsulating the spirit of an artist who continued to shape the landscape of live performance, regardless of the hurdles he faced.

Both concerts had been released on countless bootlegs before, but SR Records managed to improve them. The sound quality has been enhanced to be a little cleaner, allowing us to enjoy the performances—a tremendously welcome change for bootlegs sourced from fan recordings. Although the audio isn’t perfect and still needs considerable work, at least, compared to previous releases, we can clearly hear Elvis and his band. This could not actually be necessary, since we know RCA—or someone else—holds the soundboards for both concerts and won't release them.

Below is our review of this work.

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CD 1 - SEPTEMBER 9, 1970 - PHOENIX, AZ

- 1. That's All Right: The "Opening Vamp" is missing, so we begin the show as Elvis takes the stage. Compared to the Vegas versions from August and early September, this version is above average.

- 2. I Got a Woman: The song receives a good rendition as well, and the ending is notably different in a positive way.

- 3. By the Time I Get to Phoenix: As he's visiting the city for the first time in the '70s, Elvis sings a line from Johnny Rivers' 1965 hit.

- 4. Love Me Tender: To get the "kisses and scarves" rolling, Elvis performs a well-paced rendition of his 1956 hit while attending to his fans.

- 5. I've Lost You: Elvis had been promoting his single at nearly every show since August 10. While this version is good, it doesn't overshadow the one we later heard on the "That's the Way it is" album, released two months afterward.

- 6. Sweet Caroline: Elvis begins the song but quickly loses interest right from the start. He then stops and chooses another song to perform.

- 7. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin': The Righteous Brothers' hit comes next. Overall, it's a passionate and well-crafted rendition.

- 8. Polk Salad Annie: This version is undoubtedly one of the best ever. The intro features an extended exchange between Elvis and Ronnie Tutt, whose drumming is exceptionally prominent throughout the song, creating a spectacle in its own right. The ending is equally wild.

- 9. Band Introductions: Elvis introduces The Sweet Inspirations, The Imperials, Kathy Westmoreland and James Burton.

- 10. Johnny B. Goode: A quick, rockin' version of Chuck Berry's hit follows. Elvis then introduces John Wilkinson, Ronnie Tutt, Jerry Scheff, Glen Hardin, Charlie Hodge, Joe Guercio and his orchestra.

- 11. The Wonder of You: This version is distinct and very refreshing. Elvis skips the introduction and starts singing immediately—a practice that would become routine in his performances from 1974 onward.

- 12. In the Ghetto: This minor showstopper begins with a powerful rendition, but when Elvis starts laughing at the crowd, it loses some of its luster in the midsection. The ending, however, is fantastic.

- 13. Heartbreak Hotel: An uptempo, bluesy rendition of his first hit for RCA in 1956 that it's a must-hear.

- 14. Blue Suede Shoes / All Shook Up: Another one of his 1956 hits, "Blue Suede…" also receives an uptempo rendition followed by a medley that incorporates the 1957 recording in a similar style.

- 15. Bridge Over Troubled Water: Unfortunately, the tape was too damaged at the beginning of this Elvis showstopper, so the rendition starts at the second stanza. This might be the finest rendition from September 1970.

- 16. Suspicious Minds: Elvis is completely enthusiastic about the song throughout this rendition. It's a fast-paced version packed with energy and culminates in an impressive display of extra-large karate chops at the end.

- 17. Can't Help Falling in Love: The show concludes with the standard rendition of the 1961 classic.

BONUS

The following tracks are from the same concert, but they come from a different, clearer source.

18. I've Lost You

19. The Wonder of You

20.  In the Ghetto

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CD 2 - SEPTEMBER 14, 1970 - MOBILE, AL

- 1. Intro: We hear part of the "Opening Vamp".

- 2. That's All Right: The source tape is a little clearer than that of CD 1. While the rendition is standard, it is executed very well.

- 3. I Walk the Line: "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash!" Elvis jokingly sings a line from Cash's hit.

- 4. I Got a Woman / Amen: This is an excellent rendition, made even more memorable by the heartfelt "Amen" at its conclusion.

- 5. Love Me Tender: This is a fair rendition that sets the stage for direct interaction with fans.

- 6. I've Lost You: Although there are no "bad versions" of this single, the September 1970 tour performances are the best, and this one is no exception. This is the last live rendition ever.

- 7. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin': "You're a beautiful audience. Thank you very much." A nice version of The Righteous Brothers' hit follows.

- 8. Polk Salad Annie: Elvis really enjoys himself during this version. He laughs, screams, and hollers, performs complex rhythmic and key changes, and concludes with a fiery karate chop exhibition—just to restart and do it all again! The audience goes absolutely berserk.

- 9. Band Introductions: Elvis introduces The Sweet Inspirations, The Hugh Jarrett Singers and Kathy Westmoreland.

- 10. Johnny B. Goode: "On lead guitar, my favorite guitar player, Mr. James Burton." At this point, Elvis gives an unusual solo introduction, clearly excited, while James plays Chuck Berry’s hit.

- 11. Band Introduction: Elvis continues the introductions with John Wilkinson, Ronnie Tutt, Jerry Scheff, Glen Hardin and Charlie Hodge. Elvis acknowledges singer Jane Morgan in the audience and then introduces Joe Guercio and his orchestra.

- 12. The Wonder of You: As usual, by this point, the song starts without the orchestral intro. It's a nice, well-coordinated version.

- 13. In the Ghetto: Elvis performs a masterful rendition during which he stops in the middle of the song to engage with the audience and laugh a little. The ending is simply phenomenal.

- 14. Heartbreak Hotel: "I did a song called 'Heartbreak Hotel'. I was just a baby." The medley of 1950s hits kicks off with style as Elvis performs several varied vocalizations, making the rendition excellent.

- 15. Blue Suede Shoes / All Shook Up: This unusual medley is surprisingly good. Elvis sings in an energetic, uptempo manner, and the audience loves it.

- 16. Don't Be Cruel: Rarely performed outside a medley, the song gets a solid rendition, featuring the jocular phrase, "Please, let's forget the past / before I kick your ass."

- 17. Hound Dog: "Around the time that I recorded 'Don't Be Cruel', I recorded 'Hound Dog' straight up. '56." Elvis then adds: "Hey, I was four years old when I recorded that song, my voice was much higher." He teases the audience by pretending he can't start the song, then bursts into an amazing rendition featuring a beautiful solo by James Burton.

- 18. Bridge Over Troubled Water: Although Elvis sounds a little subdued, this version is quite nice.

- 19. Suspicious Minds: The show is reaching its end, and now is the perfect time for this showstopper. Elvis sings quite well and performs an extended, vibrant version lasting 5 minutes.

- 20. Funny How Time Slips Away: Skipping the typical 'house lights up' announcement, the song starts and the audience erupts in excitement. Elvis sings softly, offering a solid rendition, and the fans try every trick to get a kiss.

- 21. Can't Help Falling in Love: Following a brief thank you to the audience, Elvis performs his 1961 hit and interacts with the crowd one last time.