Elvis - '68 Comeback

1968. The "Colonel" had managed Elvis' career so poorly that the man who invented rock n roll was now second fiddle to the British Invasion. Raw talent, drive, energy, good looks and determination gave Elvis one chance to take back his throne. And he pulled it off. But his reward was a regimen in Vegas which was too much for the King. A sick and overweight Elvis would be gone within a decade. Must see. Must.

I have absolutely no complaints about this special because I think it did a great deal of justice to Elvis Presley's stellar career. Everything about it makes it great from the pit session to the musical production numbers. Elvis even closes it out with the awesomely compelling 'If I Can Dream'. This is very easily Elvis at his absolute best. I highly recommend it to any fan.

Recently purchased the deluxe box set of Elvis' 68 Comeback Special and must say there are not enough superlatives to describe it's magnificence as a quality piece of Elvis history, and contemporary music history. Elvis, simply put is Elvis at his best, loose, playful, sizzling, simmering and engaging. That's not to mention the stellar performance. His voice is strong, his moves magic and he has never played the guitar so passionately and vigorously. The performance engages from the opening lines of "If you're looking for trouble, you've come to the right place," through the playful musical nuances and partying of Good Lawdy Miss Clawdy, to the memorable closing performance of "If I Can Dream." This is musical entertainment at it's best. Some of the production numbers are less entertaining than the concert performances, but demonstrate an important part of Elvis' legacy. He is having a great time. Watching it, nearly 40 years later, you will too. Just when the world thought Elvis has left the stage, once again he demonstrates why he is still rock n roll's King. No one can hold a candle to this.

Magical, Mystifying and Memorable - These words describe Elvis and the whole Production of what came to be known as 'The King's' Television Comeback. But it was more than just that - it was 'The Comeback' full stop!

After a full Seven years without ever straying from within the confines of a movie set to perform for his public, the opportune moment finally arrived and it came crashing in at the top of the heap of a formula that had already began to show slight signs of improving itself. The non-movie songs that Elvis had recorded of recent times such as 'Guitar Man', 'The U.S. Male' and 'Big Boss Man' had already made their dents on the charts worldwide and two of these were to be featured in the TV Special in Burbank. The ballads were much classier as well: 'You Don't Know Me', 'We Call On Him' and 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. Dare I say it, but the movies appeared to be taking a somewhat different direction as well since the amicably-casted "Speedway", for "Live a Little, Love a Little" was the man's first venture into then modern day adult comedy in which he only sings four songs, all of which are total quality recordings especially the upbeat numbers of 'Edge of Reality' and 'A Little Less Conversation' (which was to be re-recorded for the TV Show, and the rest is history!). The next film "Charro!", a western, offered another adult role for a bearded Elvis who sings only the title song over the opening credits and the emphasis once more was on the man's acting ability.

Then on June 22nd, 1968 the tape machine was switched on in the recording studios and the camera's got ready to roll like never before in the Burbank soundstages and witnessed Black Leather, Gold Lame, Denim, Neckerchieves, Wrist-bands, Guitars, Music, Laughter, Acting and 'If I Can Dream'.....It wasn't the 1950's anymore but it was certainly the next best thing. All these things were rolled into this one handsome, tanned, side-burned, slim, tall and nervous human being who was Rock's first iconic legend....ELVIS....and he was back!....

The voice. The energy. The moves. The look. The charm. The attitude. The humor. The rawness and realness. To many people this show has represented Elvis Presley at his very best! Although having been away from live audiences since his last performance in 1961 he proved here that he still had it! Looking as good as ever and joking around with good friends and old songs, this is a very good little piece of TV history. Even featuring an "Unplugged" concert. Long before MTV started with the idea. For full pleasure and perfect picture and sound of this fantastic special, you have to check out "ELVIS: '68 COMEBACK SPECIAL DELUXE EDITION DVD". It's packed with extra features and a lot of laughs!

Highly recommended!