A little hard to imagine, and it gives pause to those us lumbering along, that time has no intention of standing still, except in photographs and recordings and even those are suspect to the vagaries of age.
Yes, Elvis Presley turns 76 today. It's difficult to imagine what he would be like if he were still around. But he's not, so we can probably take that level of shock out of the equation. As someone once described as the three stages of life - "Youth - Middle Age and You Look Wonderful", the pained "you look wonderful" would probably be in use today, more as a sad reflection on our own slow trudge South than a celebration on the ushering in of a musical and social movement. We're forever holding our youth up as a benchmark as if we're afraid we'll be lost in the shuffle when newer things roll by. Towards the end, Elvis wasn't looking terribly good and that made us fearful for ourselves, reminding us that yep, things sag, lines form - we crease and fold just like the laundry.
But there's that thing of history - of looking back and celebrating different times - the far from perfect different times, the sometimes ugly and painful different times. But the times when we were sparkling and shiny and the best things on the block, separate from the rest of the world.
And so we celebrate that. And if you aren't there right now, you will be soon enough. Every generation has its Elvis. It always will.
So with that - here is Elvis Presley live at The International Hotel in Las Vegas from August 3rd, 1969. You may or may not have heard this. Elvis purists probably know this one by heart, but I have been told it's not a common recording.
Here is a rundown of the songs:
Elvis Presley
Aug.3,1969
soundboard
International Hotel Las Vegas,Nevada
Track List
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. LIFE STORY (MONOLOGUE)
12. Baby What You Want Me To Do
13. Are You Lonesome Tonight?
14. Yesterday / Hey Jude
15. introductions
16. In The Ghetto
17. Suspicious Minds
18. What I'd Say
19. Can't Help Falling In Love
You can play this loud if you want - or not. In any case, it's our birthday tribute.
