Search - Elvis Presley :: At Madison Square Garden

Madison Square Marvel

M. A. Justice | United States | 12/31/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have enjoyed this original Madison Square Garden release for over 15 years. Rest assured, Elvis does not sound "bored" in this recording. Instead, I think every song sounds supercharged. Many of the original band members have said that this concert showcased Elvis at his best. Elvis tears into That's All Right for the opener and barely takes a breath before he rips into Proud Mary. James Burton, Elvis lead guitarist, shines on this CD. There are plenty of guitar solos and interesting twists to enjoy. I recently purchased Elvis: Afternoon In The Garden after years of being sure this was the better concert of the two. So, is this original performance better? Well, I would have to give them equal marks. There are subtle differences to enjoy in both performances. The Afternoon In The Garden CD does have better sound quality. Still, I will always enjoy listening to this concert."

If You're Looking "Live" Elvis, This is It

Mitch Horowitz (mitchalli@aol.com) | New York | 12/11/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although he's compelled to give the usual lackluster redititions of old 1950s favorites, on this album Elvis absolutely *rocks* in sync with the 1970s. He gives outstanding performances of "Proud Mary" and of the old Three Dog Night hit, "Never Been to Spain." (If you think Elvis was indifferent to his choice of music in the 1970s, how do you think he found his way to Three Dog Night?) Also strong are his redititions of Suspicious Minds, You've Lost That Loving Feeling, Polk Salad Annie and other on-stage classics. This is Elvis at his height in the 1970s, giving a show that was considered to have blown away audiences at the time. It's not to be missed."

We can't stop loving you, Elvis !!!

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 04/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Elvis Presley enjoyed great success with his four standing room only concerts at Madison Square Garden in June of 1972; and this CD shows us why. Elvis is in excellent form for this concert; and his rapport with the crowd runs very strong; almost instantly the audience rests in the palm of Elvis' hand as they whoop and shout for joy as he sings to them.



The concert recording, so well remastered by BMG Recording Studios, begins with "Also Sprach Zarathustra (Theme From 2001: A Space Odyssey.)" This brief yet auspicious theme gets the audience all worked up for Elvis to come onstage. Elvis launches into rousing renditions of "That's All Right" and "Proud Mary" as the crowd loves every second of it. Elvis then switches gears to a slower paced "Never Been To Spain;" and by this time the audience is in total ecstasy. "That's All Right" also features great drums and horns; and the guitars work wonders for the musical arrangement for "Proud Mary," too.



Throughout the rest of the concert Elvis alternates between songs with faster and slower tempos; but they all work well and Elvis bats them all straight out of the ball park! Some incredible numbers Elvis performs include the gorgeous love ballad "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me;" a sublime cover of "The Impossible Dream" with its great use of the piano and "For The Good Times." Elvis sings them all with great sensitivity. Excellent!



Of course, it couldn't be a proper Elvis concert without some of his signature songs. We get classic Elvis numbers including "Heartbreak Hotel;" the beautiful "Love Me Tender" from Elvis' first movie; a slower than usual paced "Hound Dog" that breaks out into a rousing, rapid fire red hot number and "Suspicious Minds," one of Elvis' most beautiful numbers.



Elvis also receives terrific backup from J. D. Sumner & The Stamps, The Sweet Inspirations and Kathy Westmoreland. The orchestra is conducted by Joe Guercio.



The concert ends with two wonderful, full of punch numbers: "I Can't Stop Loving You" and "Can't Help Falling In Love." These two songs provide a strong ending for this concert.



The quality of the sound is good considering that this is a recording of a live concert; and the liner notes include the song credits, too. The art work reflects good judgment.



One mystery exists, for me at least: the CD clocks in at roughly 53 minutes. I find it hard to believe that Elvis' complete and unedited concert lasted a mere 53 minutes. I must wonder if this recording includes all the songs Elvis sang at this particular concert. In any event, this CD is so good I will choose to overlook this possible flaw and give it five stars anyway! It deserves it.



Overall, I highly recommend this CD for Elvis fans. Elvis obviously loved every minute of this concert. Elvis' voice displays his strength and yes, he WAS at the top of his game for this concert. Fans of rock and pop will also enjoy this live concert CD.

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