Elvis Presley - The Wonder of You - The Live Comparison Series - Volume Fifty Seven

There is are a couple of on screen errors. Firstly, version one although being the undubbed master is actually the second live version and is from the midnight show!! Secondly, in the final version, the caption states 30 April 1977 but should read 29 May 1977 in Baltimore!!!

The Wonder of You was a big hit worldwide for Elvis after it's release as a single after it had appeared on Elvis "On Stage" album, which, in the main, showcased recordings from Las Vegas during February 1970. On it's release as a single it was paired with "Mama Like The Roses" as it's B side.

00:00 Version One – 18 February 1970, Midnight Show, Las Vegas – The Undubbed Master

This first live performance performed just hours after the aforementioned extra rehearsal would be chosen to become the RCA master and would appear on the 'On Stage' album in due course.
As with every track on that album, it would first undergo substantial backing vocals overdubbing in the studio in order to make it more commercial. Examples of this are clear if you listen clearly, the backing vocals have were re-recorded, Elvis vocal during the guitar solo was faded down significantly and Elvis' closing vocal redone. It all may seem so unnecessary but entirely normal practice both then and now with live recordings for commercial release.
This video contains the raw master recording as it was performed during the show without the overdubs.

02:36 Version Two – 13 August 1970, Dinner Show
This first came to our attention in the Lost Performances and subsequently the 2001 That’s The Way It Is re-edited version. However due to Vic Anesini, Sony's head engineer, and the wonderful job he has did with the audio on That’s The Way It Is Deluxe Edition, this now sounds almost like February 1970.
This video highlights the fact that despite his own undeniable talent and charisma, Elvis was always eager to showcase the talents of the musicians within his own band - in this case James Burton who performs the solo in his own spotlight.

05:14 Version Three – 12 September 1970, Miami
Already you can hear the abbreviated intro has begun to creep into the song even at this early stage.

07:56 Version Four – 12 November 1970, Seattle
Now not only has the intro been shortened but an additional verse is now omitted considerably shortening the song. This is a practice which would continue with most subsequent versions.

09:23 Version Five – 26 January 1971, Opening Show – Las Vegas
10:52 Version Six – 4 August 1972, Opening Show – Las Vegas
13:00 Version Seven – 15 November 1972 – Long Beach
14:33 Version Eight – 27 May 1974, Closing Show – Lake Tahoe
16:42 Version Nine – 2 September 1974, Dinner Show – Las Vegas
18:53 Version Ten – 7 October 1974 – Wichita
21:00 Version Eleven – 1 April 1975, Dinner Show – Las Vegas
22:35 Version Twelve – 2 May 1975 – Atlanta
24:43 Version Thirteen – 9 June 1975 – Jackson
26:57 Version Fourteen – 23 July 1975 – Asheville
29:08 Version Fifteen – 18 August 1975, Opening Show – The Final Vegas Rendition

31:19 Version Sixteen – 8 May 1976, Closing Show – The Final Tahoe Rendition
Having forgotten the words, Elvis restarts the song but does so in the second verse meaning that the first verse is omitted completely.

33:30 Version Seventeen – 30 April 1977, St Paul

35: 22 Version Eighteen - 29 May 1977, Baltimore - The Final Rendition
A combination of forgetting the words and it no longer being part of regular the set list sees Elvis abandon the final version after just one verse.

As with all of these videos, to get the most out of the re-edited audio, I highly recommend you use ear /headphones and turn the volume up as much as you dare!

Видео Elvis Presley - The Wonder of You - The Live Comparison Series - Volume Fifty Seven канала The Ultimate Elvis Channel by Leon