The “STRAIGHT ARROW” label is back with its first release of 2019, titled “STRIKE LIKE LIGHTNING!” (SA/SP 2019- 56-02). We are aware of the fact that we have released 1974-1977 Elvis concerts of late. These releases were appreciated by the hardcore fans, but we strongly felt that the time had come for a change. On the 50th anniversary of Elvis' fantastic comeback in 1969, we are now able to release a tape that captures the electricity of that event. Until now, we had not released any 1969 live shows before, simply because most live tapes from that year are poor quality. Imagine our excitement when we got hold of a good sounding tape of a sensational gig from that magical year!
The August 8th, 1969 M/S is a previously unreleased recording, taken from a newly found audience recorded mastertape. This concert was never available in good sound quality thus far. There is a CDR with a so-called August 5th, 1969 M/S in circulation, which is the same concert, taken from an xxx-generation copy, but wrongly dated and in far inferior audio quality. Original cassette paperwork proves that this concert is definitely the August 8th, 1969 M/S!
As a small bonus, we have decided to add 4 tracks, recorded during the August 27th, 1969 D/S. Two of these tracks were released by the “Victrola” label on their conceptual 3CD album “FLESH, BLOOD AND BONE” but these were never before available in decent sound quality, before now.
As usual, this release is presented in a de-luxe 6-panel digipak, with a collection of photos taken in Las Vegas, NV, August 1969. Most of the photos were taken by Ann Moses, editor of Tiger Beat Magazine. Dig the psychedelic, period perfect artwork! As for the concert itself... wow, just wow! Elvis is groovy, sexy, earthy, charismatic, funny... And singing with real fire in his belly, never really heard again after this. Pure greatness.
It’s a new “STRAIGHT ARROW” so you know what to expect! Every second was digitally restored, every click manually removed, every drop-out fixed to achieve optimal listening pleasure. Ask your local dealer for samples to judge for yourself!
In 2019, the Straight Arrow team will focus especially on the concert years 1969-1972, so stay tuned. We're just warming up! … There's more comin'!
Tracklist:
01. Opening Theme - 02. Blue Suede Shoes - 03. I Got A Woman - 04. All Shook Up - 05. Love Me Tender - 06. Jailhouse Rock / Don't Be Cruel - 07. Heartbreak Hotel - 08. Hound Dog - 09. Memories - 10. Mystery Train / Tiger Man - 11. Monologue (Life Story) - 12. Baby What You Want Me To Do - 13. Runaway - 14. Are You Lonesome Tonight - 15. Yesterday / Hey Jude - 16. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 17. Introductions of Darlene Love & Bill Medley - 18. In The Ghetto - 19. Suspicious Minds - 0. What'd I Say - 21. Can't Help Falling In Love.
Bonus tracks (August 27, 1969 Dinner Show): 22. It’s Now Or Never (partial) - 23. Loving You - 24. One Night - 25. Love Me.