Payin' the Dues in Tahoe (CD - Touchdown Productions, 2012)

Title:

Payin' the Dues in Tahoe

Label:

Touchdown Productions [TDP-CD13-2012]

Format:

CD

Number of tracks:

23

Running time:

54:40

Type of album:

Concert

Linked to:

Unofficial discography

Year:

2012

Recording date:

October 13, 1974 DS

Release date:

2012

Singles:

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Payin' the Dues in Tahoe is a CD by the bootleg label Touchdown Productions. It features the complete DINNER show of October 13, 1974 in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, erroneously dated as the midnight performance of that same day. The CD is currently out of print.

Although Elvis performed some memorable shows in early 1974, the September/October tour of that year was not one of his best. The Las Vegas summer season had ended on September 2nd with the infamous concert now known as "Desert Storm" and the fall national tour had kicked off with the famous - and also infamous - performance known as "Chaos in College Park" on  September 27th, often cited as the lowest point of Elvis' career.

Fortunately, the King of Rock had improved his mood and health a lot for October, which would mark the last month of tours that year. Elvis' South Bend show on October 1 (released by FTD in 2003 as "Dragonheart") went better than expected, although it was notable that Elvis struggled a bit, as his voice still wavered at times.

Things got a lot better from then on, with Elvis really kicking ass everywhere he went until October 9th. As with "Dragonheart", the shows in St. Paul, Minnesota on October 2nd and 3rd, Detroit on the 4th, the two Dayton shows on October 6th that were sold on a massive scale on bootlegs, and the great show in Wichita on the 7th were proof that Elvis could do much better than the last few months if he had the right support. Apart from Dayton, all other shows were released in full or as bonus tracks by FTD in 2019 as "St. Paul to Wichita - October '74".

The last shows of 1974 took place in a short season in Lake Tahoe, from October 11th to 14th. Elvis was still in good shape after the terrible month of September, and he really made a point of showing it, but all his problems were already starting to loom on the horizon again. He sang from his soul as he always did, but part of him worried too much about what might come next.

But more than the fantastic concerts themselves, perhaps the most important thing to note about this short season is that it was here that Elvis first wore his now-famous Mexican Sundial jumpsuit. The CD cover shows Elvis wearing it, but only because Touchdown got the date wrong for the show in the first place.

Elvis wearing the Mexican Sundial suit on October 12, 1974 MS

The King of Rock first wore it on the midnight show on October 12, 1974 and then repeated it on the 10 pm show on the 13th, mistakenly labeled as the midnight's here by Touchdown Records. In fact, this audio is from that day's dinner show.

As for the Mexican Sundial, the singer last wore it in 1974 at the closing show on October 14, as he felt that gabardine was too heavy and not breathable. It would return to the stage almost two and a half years later, as its elasticity helped smooth out Elvis' physical changes.

Below is our review of this work.

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- 1. Also Sprach Zarathustra: The fanfare announces the beginning of the show. The tape sound is so good that it almost sounds like a weathered soundboard.

- 2. See See Rider: Elvis starts the concert sounding fantastic. He interprets the music with mastery and doesn't miss or drag any words. After the song, Elvis asks why there's something humming on stage, to what Charlie Hodge answers, "It doesn't know the words".

- 3. I Got a Woman / Amen: The "well, well, well..." routine has a participation from JD. Elvis' interpretation is much faster than what we are used to hearing and very well done. The "striptease" routine is exceptionally good and it all ends with the incredible dive bombs by JD Summer.

- 4. Greeting the Audience: "Good evening. My name is Glen Campbell." Elvis tells everybody to enjoy themselves and interacts with the fans for a while.

- 5. Love Me: Elvis uses this for the now familiar "kiss and scarf" moment, but he actually sings.

- 6. All Shook Up: It's a throwaway version, but very well executed.

- 7. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel: Elvis really rushes this set, starting one song after another without even pausing for a moment. As he sings, more kisses and scarves are given to the audience.

8. Heartbreak Hotel: This great version sounds really good.

- 9. If You Love Me (Let Me Know): Elvis really liked the song and has fun with it.

- 10. Fever: Elvis laughs and makes puns as he sings and interacts with his fans.

- 11. Big Boss Man: An excellent, vibrant version, and certainly one of the best for the period.

- 12. It's Midnight: "This next song, you'll be able to get it around this week, ladies and gentlemen. I hope you like it." This version sounds just incredible. Elvis sings his heart out.

- 13. Hound Dog: Just a show-filler so Elvis can do more of his "kiss-and-scarf", and yet a very good version.

- 14. Joking With the Auduence: Elvis interacts with the audience.

- 15.Introductions, Pt. 1: Elvis introduces Voice, The Sweet Inspirations, JD Sumner and The Stamps (individually), Kathy Westmoreland, John Wilkinson, and solos by "Funky" James Burton, "Hard Working" Ronnie Tutt and Duke Bardwell.

- 16. Lawdy Miss Clawdy: As usual in this period, Glen Hardin is introduced with a nice, bluesy version of Elvis' 1956 recording.

- 17. Introductions, Pt. 2: Elvis introduces Charlie Hodge, Joe Guercio and his orchestra.

- 18. Why Me Lord: JD and Elvis use all of their vocal power to deliver a very solid performance, even when the singer tries to make his bass laugh. Kathy Westmoreland's parts are almost totally drowned out, however.

- 19. I'm Leavin': Elvis had fallen in love with this song when he recorded it in the studio in 1971, and it was taken to the stage several times afterward, especially in 1974. The pace is magnificent, as is Elvis' rendition. Unfortunately, the tape cuts out at the end of the song, likely due to some damage.

- 20. Johnny B. Goode: Part of the song’s intro is also missing, but overall it’s a solid, rocking version typical for the time.

- 21. Hawaiian Wedding Song:  "How many of you know that movie that I did about twenty years ago, 'Blue Hawaii'? The most popular song on that show was the 'Hawaiian Wedding Song'." Elvis does a lovely rendition while interacting with his fans, then ends the song with a very heartfelt duo with Kathy Westmoreland.

- 22. Let Me Be There: Elvis uses his high notes on this beautiful rendition. He does a reprise at the end to make it sound even more outstanding.

- 23. Can't Help Falling in Love: The show ends with a nice version of the 1961 hit and a very small snippet of the "Closing Vamp".