In Person At The International Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada
When Elvis Presley's late-1960s comeback is discussed, talk generally centers on two events--his1968 NBC-TV specialand the recordings madein Memphisat American Studios shortly thereafter. There was actually a third key event--Presley's first Las Vegas engagement in 13 years (he flopped the first time), which kicked off at the brand-new International Hotel on July 31, 1969. The event is downplayed now since Vegas has become so synonymous with the King's decline--but this was a revitalized Presley, and, for the most part, he rocked. The white jumpsuits and "My Way" would come later; for this show, Presley wore a black karate suit and was backed by one of the hottest rockabilly bands on earth, with the legendary James Burton on lead guitar. Presley does early hits, Sun stuff, aWillie Dixonblues tune, and his latest singles ("In the Ghetto" and "Suspicious Minds"). The furthest he steps outside his oeuvre is a cover of theBee Gees' "Words." If only he'd continued in this vein. As it is, this stands withOnstage, February 1970as his finest live recording.--Bill Holdship