Copy-pasting my review of Opening Night 1974:
I've read a lot about this show as Elvis completely changed his setlist for this show. Instead of opening with the customary CC Rider, he starts with Big Boss Man. He reintroduced Proud Mary and Never Been to Spain the to setlist, as they had been ditched after 1972. This show also treats us to the only live performance of Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues.
Big Boss Man - Alright, short opening vamp, and goes right to the song. I'll assume Elvis didn't put his guitar on for this song. He sounds like he just woke up. The song picks up after the first two lines or so, and it ends up being a pretty solid version. The band's working hard and probably hoping the new setlist goes over with the crowd (it didn't, he went back to his normal one the night after). Actually, this turns into a really rockin' version, the orchestra is great, I love the trumpets and horns on this song. Solid opener - 7/10.
Proud Mary - Gonna assume this is the first time this song has been sung live since late '72. I really like all of E's versions of this song, and he puts a good amount of effort into this one. JD Sumners voice really pops out on the "Rolling, rolling, rolling on the river" parts. I always love the drum roll in the middle, Ron Tutt was probably the best drummer in any band up to this point. I found this version pretty exciting, especially after Elvis kicks it into gear towards the end. Strong ending - 8/10.
After the song, Elvis welcomes the audience and introduces himself as the NBC Peacock. So, I'm assuming he wore this suit that night
Down In The Alley - Y'know, I've never bothered to listen to this song, I always thought it was a gospel song. It is exactly the opposite. It's a solid rocker and I now love it. "We'll have a baaaaaaaaaaaallll, and that ain't allllllllllll" is a really solid line, well at least it is when Elvis delivers it. It's a pretty short song, but I love it. 6.5/10
Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues - Mood change and a half. He slows the show down with this wonderfully sung sad song. His vocals on this are great, to be honest. One interesting note is when the lines "Play around you'll lose your wife", Elvis goes "Already did that", and the next line "Play too long, you'll lose your life", he goes "Almost did that". Spooky (scary skeletons). 7/10
Never Been To Spain - Another song he abandoned after '72. He introduces the song by going "Ladies and gentlemen, I've done a lot of things in my lifetime...but I've Never Been to Spain". It's not quite up to par with the version you'll see if you watch Elvis on Tour, but it's still a solid version. He turns his voice up a notch on the "WELL I'VE NEVER BEEN TO HEAVEN" part(s) and it sounds fantastic. Orchestra is really jamming on this, trumpets and horns sound great, as does the bass guitar. 8/10
It's Midnight - Oh, this song. Elvis introduces it as one of his latest records. It's slower than the later versions of the Vegas season and it gives off chills. Elvis puts a lot of emotion into this one, maybe he was thinking of Priscilla? It's quite possible, as later in the year he sung the lines "Listen Cilla" when he reached the lines "Where is all my self control?" later in the season. The horns sound amazing on this one, as do The Sweet Inspirations. Tutts drumming shines through, much like it did on the track "Always on Mind", which you can also see on Elvis on Tour. All in all, fantastic version of this tune, one that KvE would even be proud of. 9/10
If You Talk in Your Sleep - This is a straight up funky tune, one that I've come to grow fond of lately. I'm shocked he didn't perform this song more, to be honest. It's along the lines of "Fever" as a fun song, with a good grove. The Sweets sound good backing him up on this one. "If you talk in your sleep, don't mention my name..." great tune. Elvis honestly seems to enjoy this one, solid ending by the band. 7/10 "It's a weird song, you know that?"
I'm Leaving - "Laddadadadaddadadadadadadadadadada" This is a song I don't particularly visit much. Not exactly my favorite Elvis song, but it is quite okay, nonetheless. This is song along the lines of "It's Midnight" and it kicks up the beat later on, and it's not all slow. I guess that's all I can say about this one. Pretty solid, and the Sweets and the Stamps do a pretty good back up job. 6/10
Let Me Be There - Now this is a song I really like. Elvis always put a solid effort to this tune, and it always ended up as a good version. I'd rate the Memphis and some '75 versions above it, but all in all, it's not a bad one. Band works great on this one as always. 7/10
Softly As I Leave You - Sad song. I can't put this one to words, you'll have to listen for yourself.
Elvis speaks the lyrics while Shaun Neilson (i think that's how you spell his name) sings the lyrics.
7/10
If You Love Me Let Me Know - His second Olivia Newton John cover in his setlist. This would be performed up to 1977, so he did enjoy it. His vocal sounds kinda weak, but it still works. You can some of the back up singers over Elvis in this one. Still not too too bad. Could've been worse. Memphis 74 versions are better. 5/10
Love Me Tender - Throwaway song used for audience interaction. Nothing special. He probably gave out 15 scarves and 40 kisses. The crowd eats it right up though. 3/10
Polk Salad Annie - A staple of the Presley playlist, he brings back some energy into the show. "Doom doom doom". Bass is rocking this tune. Great horns by the orchestra in the opening. You can hear the pure bass JD Sumners voice gives off on the "Gators got your granny" line. Pretty good version, though the TTWII and On Tour versions are better by a pretty sizable margin. 6/10
Band Introductions - Meh, who cares. At least they're not 20 minutes long as they would be in later years
Promised Land - Not many live versions of this song, so this is good. I love the opening to it, and Elvis is in pretty solid voice for it. He keeps up the pace which is also good. The guitar solo is well done by James Burton. Pretty enjoyable version, but I do prefer the studio cut better. 6/10
My Baby Left Me - Alright this basically the same arrangement as That's All Right Mama, but with different lyrics. Guess it's alright. Pretty skipable - 5/10
Bridge Over Troubled Water - One of my personal favorites and Elvis does indeed pack a punch to this one. Highly emotional, very well done. On par with the 1972 versions. 8/10
Fever - Meh. Good for what it was, fun song. Lot of leg movements designed for screaming women. Again. meh. 4/10
Hound Dog - One song Elvis never really did right in the 70s. Too fast, throwaway tune. Go for the 1956 original or the 1970 version, or maybe the 72 MSG versions. 3/10
Can't Help Falling in Love - Ah, the typical Elvis closer. Not much to say as it gets the job done. "If we've entertained you, you've made it worthwhile." 6/10. And just like that close curtain, roll snare drum. Show over.
All in all, this was a pretty enjoyable show and it had a good mix of tunes in the setlist. I wish he'd done more mixing with the list later on, but what can we do about it now? I'll have to actually pick up the FTD Nevada Nights so I can evaluate more shows from the season.
Show rating: 7.5/10