'Elvis - Caught in a Trap'
by Arjan Deelen & Laurens Van Houten
|
|
1973
was a pivotal year for Elvis. Priscilla had finally
left, agreeing to a divorce in January, leaving Elvis
feeling devastated. His emotional hurt also showed itself
in early 1973 when his performances & voice were surprisingly
weak.
'Caught In A Trap' captures the emotions and turmoil of his explosive August Vegas season of that year.
|
 |
The Aloha special is an amazing concert, with some exceptional moments (American Trilogy) but even the biggest TV show in the world couldn't spark Elvis to pull off his very best. However by August 1973 things were turning around.
He
had found a new soul mate in Linda Thompson and despite his
on-going boredom with the Las Vegas scene he had just signed
a new 3-year deal with the Hilton.
On
Opening Night (August 6th) he kicked off with 'Trouble/Raised
on Rock', sang 'Memphis Tennessee' and did astounding versions
of 'My Boy' & 'How Great Thou Art'. The reviews were great
- "It was a brilliant Elvis, vital & crisp. . . ".
But
unfortunately Elvis still had 'A monkey on his back'. One
that had a gambling addiction & one that also owed the Hilton
a pile of money - a Col Tom Parker. A storm was brewing between
the two that would eventually explode right after the closing
show on Sept 3rd. It was then that Elvis was angry enough
to actually sack his manager. This should have been the turning
point.
New management would have, of course, taken Elvis touring Internationally and history could have been completely different. Elvis might have even been alive today!
 |
This
excellent photo book captures this fascinating period
with 120 pages of beautifully printed photos taken at
3 concerts, the majority of which have never been published
before. The quality of the photos are exquisite and
you can see that Elvis' body, & indeed soul, is totally
absorbed in the music.
(Left: The concentration, the rings)
|
Arjan
Deelen sets the scene with a forward explaining Elvis' life
at the time, while Dutch photographer Laurens van Houten tells
us the fascinating story of his visit to Memphis and how he
actually managed to take these non-authorized photos of Elvis.
What takes this book ahead of the others is the inclusion
of some fascinating memorabilia, as well as pointed excerpts
from Deelen's interviews with the band members (Glen D. Hardin,
James Burton, Jerry Scheff etc).
The
comments are all fascinating and relevant with everyone showing
their love for Elvis (see complete interviews on this website).
Next to a gorgeous photo of Elvis singing there is a lovely
quote from Ronnie Tutt - "He was trapped in the image … He
wasn't even allowed to have his own hair colour! He was influenced
to dye it jet-black. And his hair was snow white….. it was
just beautiful…"
The
series of action photos really gives you the feel of being
at the concert, while his jewel encrusted jumpsuits are some
of the most beautiful that he ever wore. Some images are just
extraordinary…. Elvis' amazing 'Black Spanish Flowers' jumpsuit
glows an unbelievable gold while he gets down to 'Suspicious
Minds' (pg 36), while another shows the soulful concentration
on his face as well as an remarkable profile of his hands
and rings (pg 117).
| There are also some exceptionally ingenious & creative black & white images where the shadows & light capture Elvis with a fascinating radiance - as shown right from page 83. |
 |
I also really like Deelen's honesty
in including a poor review - "What audiences see in the flesh
is a rather somnolent, lackadaisical superstar" - as well
as the good ones.
However
the highlight of the book is of course the photos from that
famous Closing Show. Here Elvis was carried on stage by Lamar
Fike and with that crazy toy monkey on his back. There are
great shots of Elvis singing 'C.C Rider', playing with the
monkey, obviously enjoying the joke and having a ball on stage.
In fact there is a notable mischievous look on his face at
all three concerts!
New management would have, of course, taken Elvis touring Internationally and history could have been completely different. Elvis might have even been alive today!
|
This
excellent photo book captures this fascinating period
with 120 pages of beautifully printed photos taken at
3 concerts, the majority of which have never been published
before.
The quality of the photos are exquisite and
you can see that Elvis' body, & indeed soul, is totally
absorbed in the music.
(Right: Spanish Flowers jumpsuit) |
 |
There
is also a very telling image where Elvis is looking right
at the camera, clearly aware that he is being photographed.
The book is impeccably edited and the quality of the printing
and paper really stand out. I was delighted when I first opened
the book which compared to the slight disappointment I felt
at the "That's The Way It Was" photo book.
It
is very odd that none of the 1973 material was included in
the 'Live in Las Vegas' box-set. The Opening & Closing concerts
of this engagement would make a great double FTD release -
(Ernst please note!).
Sadly
we are never going to see a film of these concerts so reading
this book, while listening to the show, is the closest we
are ever going to get to actually being there. On this 25th
anniversary year there are going to be a large number of Elvis
books published but sadly most of them will just be cashing
in on his image.
Here
however is a book that stands out as obviously being made
with care and a great deal of love.
Verdict - Guaranteed to make you
happy and one of the best photo books ever published. A must
for every fan. As
Elvis said at the closing show, "We really love to sing, play
music and entertain people. As long as I can do that I'll
be a happy ol' son-of-a-bitch"!!
EIN Note: Two years later in 2004 the 'Closing Night' concert was released by FTD. Combined with this book they are a fascinating combination.
Click to comment on this review
Reviewed
by Piers B.
EIN Copyright 2002
|
