Elvis Presley: Live On Stage In Memphis - 1974

Here we have another of Elvis's seemingly one a year live albums from 1968 onwards (apart from 1971). This is a keeper, though. Firstly it is performed in his home town of Memphis and secondly, it features an energised, enthusiastic Elvis showing that, on those occasions when he really hit the spot, he was pretty damn good live. Unfortunately - there's usually an unfortunately with Elvis albums, both live and in the studio - an enthusiastic Elvis meant one that upped the amount of between song chatter and introduced his often awful "jokes" into his patter. I know this adds to the live atmosphere and gives an insight into his character, but the whole thing is so much better when he simply sings. That's what he did best. He certainly weren't no comedian. He ruins his cover of Fever in this way.

However, the unbridled attack Elvis gives to Long Tall Sally, Whole Lotta Shakin', Mama Don't Dance, Jailhouse Rock and Hound Dog showed that the ageing king could please his subjects after all. The problem for me - there we go again - is that the songs are done in a breakneck "medley" style. Personally, I would prefer them all performed in full but that still doesn't detract from the sheer energy and intrinsic rockingness of the delivery. Queen often did medleys in their live show and they also frustrated me. Maybe they were inspired by Elvis's live shows in that respect - they often covered Jailhouse Rock.

Also notable cuts are I Got A Woman, Steamroller Blues (I like it when Elvis gets bluesy, he should have done so more often), a frantic Suspicious Minds, An American Trilogy, the gospel glory of Let Me Be There, My Baby Left Me (check out the guitar on this one) and a storming, brassy version of an all-time favourite of mine, Tony Joe White's Polk Salad Annie. Elvis always did this song live, it seemed. 

Elvis and the band are on top form throughout the show, interacting as one, to perfection. There are several occasions in this performance that make me realise why Elvis was Elvis. Admittedly they are occasional, but when they hit you they make an impression. Oh, and what a great backing singer Kathy Westmoreland was. 

Also included on the Deluxe Edition is a show from Richmond, Virginia, which was a warm-up for the Memphis show. This one is only in mono. It is still really warm and clear, however, not affecting the enjoyment at all.