NBC-TV Special

Release Date- Dec. 1968

Peak Chart Position- #8 (US), #2 (UK)

Track Listings-  Trouble-Guitar Man / Lawdy, Miss Clawdy/ Baby, What Do You Want Me To Do / Heartbreak Hotel - Hound Dog - All Shook Up / Can't Help Falling In Love / Jailhouse Rock / Don't Be Cruel / Blue Suede Shoes / Love Me Tender / Where Could I Go But To The Lord - Up Above My Head - Saved / Baby, What Do You Want Me To Do / That's All Right / Blue Christmas / One Night / Tiger Man / Trying To Get To You / Memories / Nothingville - Big Boss Man - Let Yourself Go - It Hurts Me - Guitar Man - Little Egypt - Trouble - Guitar Man / If I Can Dream /

Recorded- June 1968 At NBC Studios Burbank California

Musicians (live sections)-  Guitar: Charlie Hodge, Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore
                                                   Vocals: Elvis Presley, Charlie Hodge
                                                   Drums: D.J. Fontana
 

  The NBC TV Special, also known as The Comeback Special was Elvis' first live performance since 1961 and it truly did mark the beginning of his glorious comeback to the top of the music charts after having been lost in Hollywood doing movies and their mediocre soundtracks for most of the 60's. Some critics have dismissed this album as being far overrated as, though it was better than most of his movie material, it was still out of touch with the current music scene and did not match his great 50's recordings.  It deserves neither rap.  This was Elvis' first real live album and one of the first to offer an unplugged performance before unplugged was the trend.  The album is mostly an Elvis greatest hits performance (up to that point at least) and from the opening medley of "Trouble-Guitar Man" we see that Elvis wants to send the message that he still matters and the music he is in touch with is his own.  "Trouble" is done even better here than it was on King Creole and this medley shows up frequently on the album as a reminder of who Elvis is.  On "Lawdy, Miss Clawdy" he's playing along side his old pals Scotty Moore, Charlie Hodge and D.J. Fontana and you can hear that he's having fun. It sets the whole irreverent mood of the album.  Most of the songs are done in a medley, carefree and joyful. My only problem with this is that the tracks aren't broken down individually and it can be a pain, but it doesn't really detract from the listening experience.  Next the medley of all his biggest hits, and it's great. "Heartbreak Hotel", "Love Me Tender" and "Don't Be Cruel" are standouts, with "Can't Help Falling In Love" being the standout. It's so nice to hear a live version that isn't rushed through, as was the case in the 70's.  Elvis follows with some of his great spirituals and he really touches you with his sincerity when he sings them.  "That's All Right Mama" is more great fun as is "Blue Christmas".  Also listening to this early version of "Tiger Man" is very interesting.  "Memories", one of the new songs written just for the special, falls into that category of truly touching Elvis songs. Beautiful and sweet.  The last medley was done to a loose plot, acted out by Elvis on the special.  Even without the visual aspect these songs are still great to listen to.  Sort of a musical journey which fits along side Elvis life.  He's just a Guitar Man.  That's really all that matters.  "If I Can Dream" which ends the show, was the other new song and it is a powerful closer.  A cry for change, a cry for freedom, a cry for peace. Maybe the closest Elvis ever came to a protest song. It is strong and emotionally charged.  This is a great disc and there's a reason it is referred to as The Comeback Special.  This was the turning point. With this Elvis was truly reborn as an artist and he was back where he belonged. On top of the world.
 
****1/2  out of  *****
 
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