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ELVIS IN BIRMINGHAM UNLEASHED! Recorded Live In Birmingham, AL. - December 29th, 1976 See See Rider I Got A Woman/Amen Love Me Fairytale You Gave Me A Mountain Jailhouse Rock O Sole Mio/It's Now Or Never Trying To Get To You My Way Polk Salad Annie Band Introductions Early Morning Rain What'd I Say Johnny B. Goode Band Solos Love Letters School Days Funny How Time Slips Away Hurt Hound Dog For The Good Times The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face Unchained Melody Mystery Train/Tiger Man Can't Help Falling In Love Closing Vamp Review Of Concert: Whatever reason befitted Elvis to give so much to his new year's tour of 1976 still escapes me, nonetheless nothing can be taken away from the king in this one of his most historic performances ever to be captured on CD. Unlike most of the rest of the year, Elvis seems happy with what he is doing and in himself. His voice seems willing to provide the most spectacular acrobatics, and the crowd cannot help but scream in tandem with the shear adrenalin Elvis gives to the performance and his musicians. One of the maddest performances you have ever heard. A wonderful listening experience with every number! To start off we rocket into this show with a solid version of 'See See Rider', which right from the start, demonstrates the feel of the occasion with a trademark of years past, Elvis' cheeky giggle, that fools us for a few moments into thinking this is 1969. Unlike other 1976 versions, 'I Got A Woman' and its always long introduction, has real substance as if Elvis is genuinely interested in its lyrics and preamble. A parody of an old joke started in 1972, not that it has lost its humor, that its humor is defined by the effort of the performer. As with any comedian, a good joke is best performed when it appears it is being said for the first time. In this case, Elvis pulls it off nicely. After exciting the crowd by mentioning that it's his first performance in the city, Elvis rolls into a richer version of Love Me than seen earlier in the year. With less kisses and more singing adding to a richer listening experience. Of course the usual joke of making the backing singers wait some time at the end of the song, evidently drawing breath for his fantastic endnote. A great punch line. An above average version of Fairytale follows, the first demonstration of the strength of Elvis' voice, and benchmark for things to come. The most vocally acrobatic version to date! Mountain delivers the over top ballad that we are now used to, not to say it's a bad thing! 'Jailhouse Rock' brings a little more effort than usual which on this album is a song you just don't skip due to the effort. The funny thing however is the reminder that Elvis is totally insane in this concert just before 'It's Now Or Never'. A garbled rant preceding this fine version to a fan resembles the affect of too much medication, or possibly too much Gatorade. Nonetheless it all adds to the fun which is the word which best describes this performance. Trying To Get To Yall urrr You is yet again taken in good spirit, and 'My Way', possibly lacking the commitment of 1977 performances, displays the freedom of his vocal range at this venue, adding to the already impressive endnote by pushing it even higher up the scale. Hardly surprising since his health and weight had improved over the Christmas period. Finally to finish off this section an extremely funky version of 'Polk Salad Annie', made all the more enjoyable by David Briggs' Clavinova. A slight hiccup in the drumming due to a drown out by the orchestra is only met by simply inquiry and forgiveness by the man in the Inca Gold leaf (namely Elvis), who in this show is only interested in having a good laugh. You're lucky this isn't Autumn 1974 Ronnie! Unfortunately we're now plunging into the depths of the introductions, by this time taking up at least 10-15 min. of the show! There is not as much need to despair however as Elvis takes an active part in all of the band solos, making for more interesting listening and showing Elvis' commitment to the show as he would usually effectively take a breather throughout the displays of his musicians. 'Early Morning Rain' is taken at a good pace, 'What'd I Say' is a little rushed and 'Johnny B. Goode' is only one verse so there, I did it, I told you about the band intros now lets get on with the review. Moving into the final section we are first greeted by a lovely version of 'Love Letters', which, unlike earlier versions, lacks the depression in its performance that could make the performer burst out crying at any moment. This is fortunate for us, as it DOESN'T lack the emotion that makes the song work. On the side, the tail end of introductions is still with us in this version of 'School Days', which only stands out for its endnote. 'Strained a gut' Elvis remarks (as it was a top B). 'Funny How Time Slips Away' is slightly spoilt by the Birmingham guys not quite knowing Elvis' routine, as the house lights go down about as soon as they go up. Elvis deals with it by telling them about it for around 15 seconds before they finally catch on, nothing major and it's still a fuller version than usual for this period. 'Hurt' is in my opinion, one of the best versions you'll hear. The song appears to have hit a climax around this time, and with Elvis' voice being in such good form the benchmark is rocketed skyward with some of the most amazing high notes ever to grace the arena. He just never ceases to amaze doesn't he? 'Hound Dog' is the standard throw away to justify a large portion of the ticket price. Not to say it's the worst version ever, just a constant in every show that isn't worth listening too unless it's the original. I couldn't tell you what year most of them were from. 'For The Good Times' is a little more unusual and is worth listening too to compare to 1972 versions, where I believe it was first introduced. On the scale of 1 to 10, I would give it an 8 for effort and atmosphere. The best part is the strange noise that makes Elvis shout out 'what the hell was that' and start over, it almost seems as if it was planted there to keep up the comedy feel. 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' is simply beautiful. Ginger Alden was in the audience at this show, and Elvis makes it clear he is singing it especially for her. The influence she had certainly seemed to lift Elvis' performances when they first met. In fact, he seems so determined to impress that he jokingly tells a fan to shut up during the quietest part as they wont 'stop yelling at me'. In the closing numbers we are treated to one of the finest performances of the night, 'Unchained Melody'. Unlike 1977 versions, Elvis seems more comfortable with his technique and breathing, equaling all the greater of say Elvis In Concert, with one slight exception, which is his falsetto endnote. He just didn't seem to be able to hit them quite right at this point. Oh Well. Giggles still ablaze we enter 'Mystery Train/Tiger Man' which brings no surprises, and still contains those stupid scooping trumpets. God knows who added that. It may have even been Elvis for a joke! Whatever the case the show is now drawing to an end and it is time for the customary 'Can't Help Falling In Love'. A nice version that again represents Elvis' mood nicely in what has been an enjoyable listening experience. A few thrown scarves, a big end note and a short karate demonstration (if you've seen the video!) end this marvelous exhibition of immortality by the ONLY King of music. This is by far one of the best concert CDs that I have. If youre interested, I also have this concert on DVD. Below is a list of all of the Elvis Concerts that I have available on CD. If any of them interest you, please email me and let me know which ones you want. I will Gladly give you a Discount if you want more than one. Also, I have many other Rare ELVIS music CD's that include alternate takes & outtakes. I have a total of 47 Elvis Concerts on CD, 34 Rare Elvis Concerts on DVD and many other Elvis items. Please email me if you would like me to email you a list of everything that I have. Dont Forget! You Can Listen To Any Of My Elvis Concert CDs Before You Buy Them On My Website. If you want me to email you my complete Elvis item inventory list with the prices, please make sure that you include your email address with your request. Or you can just visit my website to browse or purchase any of my Elvis items. Its called Presley Products. Dont forget to add the dotcom at the end of the name. Also, if you want me too, I can send you a link. Just email me and ask. WERE YOU AT ANY OF THESE CONCERTS? ELVIS CONCERTS AVAILIBLE ON CD! 1971 Boston, MA 11-10-1971 (8:30 pm Show) Las Vegas, NV 1-27-1971 (Midnight Show) Las Vegas, NV 1-29-1971 (Dinner Show) 1972 Greensboro, NC 4-14-1972 Las Vegas, NV 1-26-1972 (Opening Night) Las Vegas, NV 8-12-1972 (Dinner Show) Richmond, VA 4-10-1972 1973 Las Vegas, NV 8-20-1973 (Midnight Show) 1974 College Park, MD 9-28-1974 Dayton, OH 10-6-1974 (Matinee Show) Houston, TX 3-3-1974 Kansas City, MO 6-29-1974 (Evening Show) Lake Charles, LA 5-4-1974 (Evening Show) Lake Tahoe, NV 5-26-1974 Lake Tahoe, NV 9-2-1974 (Closing Show) Las Vegas, NV 8-19-1974 (Opening Show) Memphis, TN 3-16-1974 (First Live Concert Since 1961) Richmond, VA 3-18-1974 Sahara Tahoe Hotel, NV 5-27-1974 (Closing Show) 1975 Dallas, TX 6-6-1975 (8:30 pm Show) Houston, TX 6-4-1975 Jackson, MS 6-8-1975 (2:30 pm Show) Las Vegas, NV 3-22-1975 (Midnight Show) Las Vegas, NV 12-13-1975 (Midnight Show) Mobile, AL 6-2-1975 (8:30 pm Show) 1976 Birmingham, AL 12-29-1976 Charleston, WV 7-24-1976 Charlotte, NC 3-20-1976 (Afternoon Show) Chicago, IL 10-14-1976 Chicago, IL 10-15-1976 Cincinnati, OH 3-21-1976 Dallas, TX 12-28-1976 Greensboro, NC 6-30-1976 Hampton Roads, VA 8-1-1976 (2:30 pm Show) Huntsville, AL 6-9-1976 Las Vegas, NV 12-7-1976 (Midnight Show) Macon, GA 8-31-1976 (8 pm Show) San Francisco, CA 11-28-1976 South Bend, IN 10-20-1976 1977 Ann Arbor, MI 4-24-1977 Charlotte, NC 2-21-1977 Kalamazoo, MI 4-26-1977 Montgomery, AL 2-16-1977 Omaha, NE 6-19-1977 Rapid City, SD 6-21-1977 St. Petersburg, FL 2-14-1977 West Palm Beach, FL 2-13-1977 I Have Them All! Just Let Me Know Which Ones You Want. The Complete CBS TV Special As Originally Aired In 1977 (Running Time: 51 minutes) Elvis "Live in Rapid City" June 21st, 1977 (Never before seen concert footage! This is the Complete Rapid City Concert! Part of this concert was used for the CBS TV Special. Running time: 65 minutes.) Elvis "Live in Omaha, NE" June 19th, 1977 (Never before seen concert footage! This is the Complete Uncut Omaha Concert! Part of this concert was used for the CBS TV Special. Running time: 69 minutes) New Year's Eve 1976, Pittsburgh, PA (Elvis "New Year's Eve Concert" Pittsburgh, PA December 31st, 1976. Never before seen footage! Filmed with different cameras and from different angles. Great close-ups of Elvis.) THE FINAL PERFORMANCE! Recorded At The Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, IN. June 26th, 1977 (52 minutes of Elvis final live performance captured on video and now Digitally Enhanced and pieced together to bring you the ultimate documentation of this historic event. Full function interactive menu and Bonus footage of Elvis at the Indianapolis Airport on June 26th, 1977) ELVIS - Sold Out 72 Elvis in 7 astounding shows recording in Las Vegas August 1972 during his 7th season at the Las Vegas Hilton, August 4th September 4th. The Last Tour 1977 (Elvis -"The Last Tour" Contains material of Elvis' last tour performances April thru June in Kansas City and Chicago. Running time: 60 minutes) *NEW* An Evening In Hampton Roads *NEW* FOR THE FIRST TIME! The Complete Hampton Roads Evening Show April 9th, 1972. Parts of this concert were used for the MGM Documentary Elvis On Tour. Excellent picture & sound quality. (Running time: 40 minutes) "Live In Omaha", NE 1974 (Elvis "Live in Omaha, NE" July 1st, 1974. Never before seen footage, the first 6 minutes are in black & white, the rest in color. Great close-ups of Elvis. Running time: 46 minutes) "Macon Magic" 1976 (Elvis Live in Macon, GA, August 31st, 1976. Running time: 32 minutes) "Awesome In Abilene" 1977 (Elvis - Live in Abilene, TX March 3rd, 1977. Running time: 41 minutes) Elvis In Atlanta, GA 1976 (Elvis in Atlanta, GA. December 30th 1976. Running time: 42 minutes) Elvis In Birmingham 1976 (Elvis In Birmingham, AL. 12-29-1976. Running time: 44 minutes) "Sensational In Cincinnati" 1976 (Elvis - Sensational in Cincinnati, OH. March 21st, 1976. Running time: 32 minutes) Elvis - Live In Johnson City, TN 1976 (Elvis - Live in concert, Johnson City, TN. March 17th, 1976. Wearing the Blue Suit with White Phoenix. Running time: 46 minutes) Elvis - Live In Las Vegas Hilton 1976 Vol. 1 & 2 (This DVD contains both Volumes of Elvis' performance's in the Las Vegas Hilton, 1st, Dec 3rd, 1976. Elvis was wearing the 'Indian Suit'. 2nd, was Dec 4th, 1976. Elvis was wearing the 'Inca Gold Leaf Suit'. Running time: 82 minutes) Elvis - "Peacock Pandemonium" (Las Vegas 1974)(Elvis Live in concert in Las Vegas, August 31st, 1974 wearing his Peacock suit. Running time: 44 minutes) SOLD OUT 1974: Elvis "SOLD OUT" - On Tour 1974 (Contains material from different Elvis concerts 1974, transferred from original Super 8 material. Great close-ups of Elvis on stage. Running time: 45 minutes) Elvis - Live At Madison Square Garden, NY 1972 (Elvis - Live at Madison Square Garden, NY June 1972. Also included are some very rare recordings of the New York press conference. Some great close-ups of Elvis on stage. The picture quality is not perfect but it's some very rare footage. Running time: 45 minutes) Elvis - Live in Michigan, New Year's Eve 1975 (The concert from the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan, New Year's Eve 1975. Running time: 54 minutes) Elvis - Early Vegas Volumes 1 & 2 (Early Vegas Volumes 1 & 2. A new 2 disc set, contains lots of footage of Elvis live on stage in Las Vegas 1970-1972, wearing lots of different suits. Running time: 75 minutes) Elvis - Touring The States! Packed with Elvis live concert footage from 1972-1977. Original sound, not dubbed. (Running time: 52 minutes) Opening Nights! 1974 This is the Peacock Phenomenon (Running time: 75 minutes) Las Vegas, assorted 1972 Vegas Shows. (Running time: 42 minutes) Elvis in Cleveland, 7-18-75 & Summer Festival '75. Elvis - Live In Cleveland, OH. July 18th, 1975. Plus more. He is wearing his Blue Gypsy Suit. (Running time: 57 minutes) Touring The Nation! (Running time: 52 minutes) New York 1977! Good close-ups of Elvis shaking the hands of the fans. Original sound, not dubbed. (Running time: 13 minutes) Chicago 10-15-76! Original sound, not dubbed. (Running time: 25 minutes) St. Louis 3-22-76! Great close-ups of Elvis. Original sound, not dubbed. (Running time: 30 minutes) Philadelphia 6-23-76! (Running time: 10 minutes) Return To Splendor! Jumpsuit Footage This documentary shows rare video footage of Elvis different jumpsuits & concerts. It also features very rare video footage of Elvis arriving & leaving concerts & airports. (Running time: 53 minutes) Charlotte, NC. & Hilton 1976. Very low sound. Good Picture! (Running time 60 minutes) BONUS VIDEO! Rare Video Footage of Elvis at the Hobby Airport, Houston, TX. June 7th, 1975 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! FEEDBACK POLICY: NEGATIVE FEEDBACK DOES NOT SOLVE ANYTHING!!! Thank you, thank you very much.