‘Elvis: ’68 Comeback Special: 50th Anniversary Edition.’
2018 marks the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic events in the history of rock and pop music. The television event originally titled simply ‘Elvis’ soon became known as the ’68 Comeback Special.’ To mark the anniversary, Legacy Recordings/Sony Music has released ‘Elvis: ’68 Comeback Special: 50th Anniversary Edition.’
A personal note: Those who know me know that I am and always have been a huge fan of Elvis. I’ve been told that my office ‘looks like Graceland has been moved to Nashville’! So this new box set is really good news for me and all of his fans.
This 50th Anniversary Edition is much more than simply a re-release of the original taped TV show. It’s a 7-disc box set that includes the NBC-TV show, ‘Elvis,’ along with enough extra goodies to keep any Presley fan enthralled for days. A total of seven discs includes 2 newly mastered Blu-ray discs with all-known recordings and rehearsals from the RCA vaults and NBC’s videotapes, plus never-before released interviews and out-takes.
Elvis hints at frustration with his movies
It seems hard to believe now, but by early 1968, Elvis was depressed about the way his career seemed have plateaued. Critics and fans felt the same way. Since January 1967, only two of his eight single releases had charted and didn’t even crack Billboard’s top twenty. He was churning out movie after movie with ever-weaker storylines and largely forgettable soundtracks. (The soundtrack album linked to the 1968 movie Speedway stalled at number 82 on Billboard’s album charts.)
Elvis’ frustration can be felt during one point during the ‘Sit Down’ Show. Sitting in the round with musicians that include his old buddies guitarist Scotty Moore and drummer D.J. Fontana, surrounded by a small audience, Elvis stops a song to demonstrate his famous ‘lip curl.’ “You remember that don’t you?” he says with a resigned smile. “I got news for you baby. I did 29 pictures like that.”
In addition to two ‘Sit Down’ Show recordings, the Anniversary Edition features the full recordings from the two ‘Stand Up’ Shows. You can see Elvis in his element here. He has rediscovered the magic electricity that first thrilled audiences during his early appearances on the Louisiana Hayride but now he has the experience and self-confidence that was absent in the nineteen-year-old Elvis. As Elvis finishes ‘All shook Up’ to rapturous applause, he says, “It’s been a long time, baby.” This was his first live performance since 1961 and he makes the most of it. It’s obvious that he’s enjoying every minute and knows that he needs a live audience, not a movie camera, to shine as an entertainer.
High quality video and audio
It’s worth noting that the video and audio quality is superb throughout. It is easy to forget that you’re watching a production from fifty years ago. The song selection is unbeatable with live performances of his biggest hits, some of his favorite Gospel songs – that’s Darlene Love behind him – and just a couple of Christmas songs because the original show aired on December 3, 1968.
(We can be thankful that Elvis and the show’s producer resisted manager Colonel Tom Parker’s original plan to make it simply an hour of Christmas tunes.)
The TV show put Elvis back in the spotlight and revived his career. ‘If I Can Dream,’ a song written specifically for the show, reached number 12 and the show’s soundtrack album made it to the album charts’ top ten. Elvis was back doing what he did best and had never looked or sounded better.
‘Elvis: ’68 Comeback Special: 50th Anniversary Edition’ is not just another re-tread or a musical curiosity. It is a superb production that shows why Elvis Presley was – and still is – one of music’s finest and most original performers. Now we can see him and hear him at his best.
The box set will ship on November 29, 2018. It is available at Amazon, Wal-Mart, Target, The Graceland Shop and all retail music outlets.
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Preshias Harris is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com