Review : Destination USA FTD 2 CD


By: David Tinson
Source: Elvis Australia
March 19, 2016

Review

On September 4,1972 the UK Elvis Presley fan club flocked to Las Vegas to catch a glimpse of their hero -- and were NOT disappointed! 'Destination USA' FTD 2-CD documents Elvis' Las Vegas 1972 summer season - and for many fans it was a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see the King ...

'See See Rider', opens followed by a superb version of Chuck Berry's 'Johnny B.Good'. More highlights -->> a storming 'Polk Salad Annie' with an earth shaking bass solo; an enjoyable romp through his 1950s classics; and nearing home -- a barnstorming 'A Big Hunk O' Love'. An AMAZING experience for fans!

Note: The 1972 touchstones - 'Elvis On Tour' (the movie), and the revered 'Prince From Another Planet' (2-CD/DVD) capture a performer in stunning form -- and Follow That Dream's 'Destination USA' 2-CD soundboard recording rocks in likewise fashion.

Hot-on-the heels of previous releases, the excellent '3000 Paradise Road' and 'Sold Out' FTDs, the 1972 September 4 Las Vegas dinner show at the Hilton Hotel includes Elvis' mention of the British fan club contingent during the introductions - Elvis says: 'I'd just like to acknowledge the UK Fan club are in the audience. About 200, 250 UK fans are here'.

Reading through the excellent booklet you get a real sense of how amazed they must have felt watching their hero in concert for the first time. Many had never flown on a plane before! A first time experience on many levels' Moreover there's great anecdotes from Radio Luxembourg DJ Tony Prince about how he hoodwinked Colonel Tom Parker into letting him meet Elvis and introduce him on stage. Also of note: Robert Frieser's work on the release and notes. Additionally, Todd Slaughter head of the UK fan club and organiser of the trip, simply called - 'Destination USA', contributes paragraphs which are insightful and poignant.

More highlights: 'Little Sister/Get Back' rocks including a superb bluesy, countryfied solo by James Burton, and tight drums by Ronnie Tutt to finish. Elvis' 1970s versions of 'Hound Dog' moved closer to Big Mama Thornton's original with a slow/fast stax-funk arrangement and the Sept 4 version is no exception - Elvis sings on the intro after his Ed Sullivan routine: 'You ain't nothing but an aardvark, bushhog, warthog, cricket, frog, bushbaby' - before launching into the song - fueled by James Burton's full-throttle wah-wah guitar. Also the rare gospel song 'Walk That Lonesome Road' performed by the Stamps adds interest for gospel completists.

Disc two features a pool of A-grade LIVE RCA recordings from February 1972 in simply DELICIOUS sound. In great voice, Elvis is more animated than the Sept 4 show. Highlights: 'Big Hunk' rocks - 'play it, play it, play it!' He shouts before the piano solo. Also 'Never Been To Spain' sparkles. Elvis sings part of the Stamps part on a SUPERB 'American Trilogy', and Ronnie Tutt's dynamic drum roll is a fine example of the hot TCB band, which concludes the selections on a superb 'I Can't Help Falling In Love'.

Note: Ronnie Tutt's drum work is superb throughout. In particular, his tom tom fills adding drama and tension to 'Fever' - and the aforementioned DYNAMIC 'Little Sister' finale (CD-1).

The alternate cover art

The alternate cover art. Supplied by Robert Frieser. Destination USA FTD 2 CD.
The alternate cover art. Supplied by Robert Frieser.

The Rehearsals : Work-in-progress rehearsal selections in sub standard audio captivate, with perhaps The 'Wonder Of You', 'Faded Love' (with reprise) - and the cool blues groove of 'Steamroller Blues' the standouts. Elvis sings - 'Carry me back' on the false start of 'Wonder of You' ('Carry Me Back To Old Virginia' was a song dating back to the 1800s - and was covered by numerous artists, including Elvis favourites - Ray Charles & Frankie Laine.) The classic 'My Way' includes amusing wordplay - I'll say it clear, that you're queer, of this I'm certain'. Before Elvis chastises the band in his own laid back style: 'That was terrible! That was the worst chord change you guys have ever played, the whole time since we've been together. You make it sound like, rinky dink city!' Elvis doesn't lose his cool but there's no doubt who's in charge. 'In addition, Elvis' early add libs on the aforementioned 'Faded Love' indicate the relaxed vibe of these fascinating August 2, 3 1972 rehearsals.

The final cover art

Destination USA FTD 2 CD : The final cover art.
Destination USA FTD 2 CD : The final cover art.

More: opening the release reveals two pale green CDs against a collage of Elvis photos from the era. The booklet has a thoughtful cover shot of the UK fans arriving on a passenger plane at Nashville Airport. There's also stunning photos of Elvis on stage from the September shows including a majestic Elvis wearing his white porthole hole suit with gold cape (4. Sept 8.15pm) - and meeting with Tony Prince and Todd Slaughter. Besides fans from all over the world tell their compelling stories of meeting the King

Note: A bootleg copy of the Sept. 4 show was sourced for review due to Follow That Dream's song error ('See See Rider') - Corrected copies will duly be sent out with the April/ May FTD releases.

Verdict - A mere five years before the throne toppled, 'Destination USA' offers a wonderful snapshot of the King's career. Elvis is in fine voice, if a tad weary sounding on the Sept 4 show, maybe in part to performing extra shows (see booklet), but seemingly happy thrilling the adoring Las Vegas crowd. The soundboard is warm sounding with just a little background hiss. The additional disc is a gold mine of sparkling Feb '72 multi-track recordings, and the captivating August '72 rehearsals' All things considered, this is a fine release dedicated to the hordes of Elvis fans who traveled to sin city in 1972, and the late Elvis Presley fan Rex Martin. 8/10.

Imagine... You're an Elvis Presley fan...
Imagine... It's 1972
Imagine... You have the chance to see Elvis perform Live On Stage...

What would be your next destination?

Re-live the experience when many Elvis fans from around the world saw Elvis for the first time in Las Vegas, September 1972. The 16-page booklet includes 'eye-witness' accounts from fans who actually met Elvis back stage. It features stories from fans who were there in the front-row seats including 200 member of the British Elvis Presley Fan Club. All of these great personal memories are packed together in the 7-inch 2-cd release with numerous excellent and never before seen pictures.

Disc 1 : Recorded live at The Las Vegas Hilton, September 4, 1972 : Dinner show

Disc 2 contains RCA Live Recordings. February 1972 and 'Sub-standard' audio from cassette tape, recorded at rehearsals August 2 and 3, 1972 at The Las Vegas Hilton.

Buy Elvis, Destination USA
Buy Elvis [1956] 2 CD FTD Classic Album

Artwork and Design by Robert Frieser and Tanja Westendorp with the help from Paul Bevoir from Peackock design.

Track listing

Disc 1 - Recorded live at The Las Vegas Hilton, September 4, 1972 – Dinner show.

01. Also Sprach Zarathustra 1:19
02. See See Rider 3:16
03. Johnny B. Goode 1:44
04. Until It's Time For You To Go 2:28
05. You don't Have To Say You Love Me 2:04
06. Polk Salad Annie 3:30
07. What Now My Love 4:21
08. Fever 3:29
09. Love Me 1:33
10 Blue Suede Shoes 1:05
11. Heartbreak Hotel 1:42
12. All Shook Up 1:04
13. Love Me Tender 1:51
14. Teddy Bear/don't Be Cruel 1:51
15. Little Sister/Get Back 2:34
16. Hound Dog 2:37
17. I'll Remember You 2:32
18) Walk That Lonesome Road - J D Sumner & The Stamps 3:24
19. Suspicious Minds 4:34
20. Introductions: Presentation of: The British fan club 1:44
21. For The Good Times 3:12
22) A Big Hunk O' Love 2:03
23. You Gave Me A Mountain 3:25
24. Can't Help Falling In Love 2:13

Disc 2

01. A Big Hunk O' Love (02-15 Dinner) 2:01
02. Never Been To Spain (02-16 Dinner) 3:35
03. You Gave Me A Mountain (02-16 Dinner) 3:15
04. An American Trilogy (02-16 Dinner) 4:45
05. Can't Help Falling In Love (02-16 Dinner) 2:06

From RCA Live Recordings. February 1972.

06. Something 3:30
07. I'm Leaving 3:21
08. Faded Love 3:47
09. The Wonder Of You 2:25
10. My Way 5:01
11. I'll Remember You 2:45
12. It's Over 2:11
13. Steamroller Blues

Sub-standard audio from cassette tape, recorded at rehearsals August 2 and 3, 1972 at The Las Vegas Hilton.

Credits

Compilation produced by Ernst Mikael Jorgensen & Roger Semon. Concept by Robert Frieser.
Disc 1 is Mastered by Sebastian Jeansson. Disc 2 is Mastered by Jan Eliasson at Audio Planet.
A&R on the RCA recordings: Felton Jarvis.
Engineer on the original RCA recordings: Al Pachucki.

Artwork and Design by Robert Frieser and Tanja Westendorp with the help from Paul Bevoir from Peackock design.

Destination USA : FTD 2 CD Special Edition [7" Classic Album Presentation]

Elvis Shop > Elvis Presley CD's > Elvis Presley FTD CD's > Elvis Soundboard Concerts

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Never before have we seen an Elvis Presley concert from the 1950's with sound. Until Now! The DVD Contains recently discovered unreleased film of Elvis performing 6 songs, including Heartbreak Hotel and Don't Be Cruel, live in Tupelo Mississippi 1956. Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. + Plus Bonus DVD Audio.

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The 'parade' footage is good to see as it puts you in the right context with color and b&w footage. The interviews of Elvis' Parents are well worth hearing too. The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying : Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. Highly recommended.

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