Elvis slows the pace down with a superb version of Three Dog Night hit, 'Never Been To Spain'. Elvis places the right vocal emphasis on each stanza as the song builds to its conclusion. His hit, 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me,' is another ballad that builds and is a good vehicle for Elvis to show off his vocal range. 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling' finishes off this trilogy of slow songs. 'Polk Salad Annie' is always a highlight of any Elvis performance. Elvis would always seem invested when performing this song. His deep vocal interpretation would enable him to appear sincere when singing this song of his southern roots.
The middle part of the concert was given over to a number of his early hits. There is both good and bad here as by this time Elvis would be more alive and energetic when performing newer songs. These were the songs that were important to the fans and as such Elvis would always include them. 'Love Me,' 'Heartbreak Hotel' and a medley of 'Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel' are performed merely to satisfy the audience.
'Love Me Tender' is a little better but he really uses this song to set up an impressive version of 'The Impossible Dream'. His vocals key off a subtle piano in the background to create an intimate effect.
'Hound Dog' is given an interesting treatment as it is slowed down from the norm. I'm not sure if I really like this interpretation but at least it was creative. His big hit, 'Suspicious Minds,' brings back Elvis' energy level and sets up the last third of the show.
Elvis goes country for the Ray Price hit, 'For The Good Times'. Another nice deep vocal brings this ballad to life. Elvis would most always include 'American Trilogy' in his '70's shows. It was a patriotic medley which was originally a hit for Mickey Newbury. Elvis would literally adopt the song and make it his own. He gives it a gospel feel which is always a good thing for Elvis. 'Funny How Time Slips Away' is a light pop presentation that is poignant today given Elvis' subsequent history. A fine 'I Can't Stop Loving You' leads to the normal concert closer 'Can't Help Falling In Love'. The band, led by guitarist James Burton, is at the top of its game. All in all, Elvis As Recorded At Madison Square Garden, finds a healthy and vocally strong Elvis giving a very representative 1970's performance. It is still an enjoyable listen.
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Elvis As Recorded At Madision Square Garden - Elvis Presley CD
1. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra [Theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey] 2. That's All Right, 3. Proud Mary, 4. Never Been to Spain, 5. You Don't Have to Say You Love Me, 6. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin', 7. Polk Salad Annie, 8. Love Me, 9. All Shook Up, 10. Heartbreak Hotel, 11. Medley: (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, 12. Love Me Tender, 13. Impossible Dream (The Quest), 14. Introductions by Elvis, 15. Hound Dog, 16. Suspicious Minds, 17. For the Good Times, 18. American Trilogy, 19. Funny How Time Slips Away, 20. I Can't Stop Loving You, 21. Can't Help Falling in Love, 22. End Theme -- Reissue producer: Chick Crumpacker.
Personnel: Elvis Presley (vocals); James Burton, John Wilkinson (guitar); Charlie Hodge (guitar, vocals); Glen Hardin (piano); Jerry Scheff (bass); Ronnie Tutt (drums); J.D. Sumner & The Stamps, The Sweet Inspiriations, Kathy Westmoreland (background vocals).
Elvis - An Afternoon In The Garden - Elvis Presley CD
2001: Also sprach Zarathustra - That's All Right - Proud Mary - Never Been To Spain - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - Until It's Time For You To Go - You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - Polk Salad Annie - Love Me - All Shook Up - Heartbreak Hotel - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - Love Me Tender - Blue Suede Shoes - Reconsider Baby - Hound Dog - I'll Remember You - Suspicious Minds - Introductions by Elvis - For The Good Times - An American Trilogy - Funny How Time Slips Away - I Can't Stop Loving You - Can't Help Falling In Love
Personnel includes: Elvis Presley, Kathy Westmoreland, The Sweet Inspirations, J.D. Sumner & The Stamps (vocals); Charlie Hodge (guitar, vocals); James Burton, John Wilkinson (guitar); Glen D. Hardin (piano); Jerry Scheff (bass). Producers: Ernst Mikael Jorgensen, Roger Semon. Recorded live at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York on June 10, 1972. Includes liner notes by Colin Escott.
Recorded live at Madison Square Garden, New York on June 10, 1972.
Digitally remastered by Dick Baxter (November, 1991, BMG Recording Studios, New York).