For many music fans, as well as Elvis fans (is there a difference?!?), The 1969 four week residency of Elvis Presley at the brand spanking new International Hotel in Viva Las Vegas (where he played 2 shows a night EVERY night for the month of August) signified his “real” comeback. Finally free of making cheesy movies (except the one with Ann “YOWZA” Margret), Elvis is personally and musically inspired, and it’s captured well her on this 11 disc set that includes eleven, count ‘em, eleven full shows.
Yes, the songs and jokes are a bit staged at times, but the band, which included legendary guitarist James Burton, is in a swinging mood, without the kitschy polish of his latter days. The material ranges from his early years of “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Mystery Train” and a hot take of “Johnny B. Goode” to nods to contemporary artists like The Beatles in an impressive “Yesterday/Hey Jude” that reflects his gospel upbringing as well in likewise manner his own “In The Ghetto.” His heart is on his while sleeve on the rich ballads like “Are You Lonesome Tonight” and “Can’t Help Falling In Love” with him sounding like the wandering wayfarer on the dramatic “Suspicious Minds.”
Also included in this essential boxed set is a 52 page book of photos and various memorabilia, and even better, reminiscences by Colonel Tom Parker, Tom Jones, James Burton and Elvis himself among others. The sound itself is fantastically clean, and the previously unreleased complete concert from one of the nights is a treasure in itself. A trip to Graceland in cd form.