October 31 - Cadillac Auction

The 1955 Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood limousine that Elvis Presley used to transport his band to shows all over the Southern United States will go up for auction at Bonham's Classic California sale on November 12. This well documented car was purchased by the King in January of 1956 and immediately repainted Black. He may have died a very rich man, but in '56 Elvis still needed his father to co-sign on the car.


Unlike many older Cadillacs that head to auction with questionable Elvis ties, this Limo is a well documented car with clear proof it was owned by Presley. Pre sale estimates have the Fleetwood selling somewhere between $100,000 and $150,000.


(Source: Google)

October 29 - Jimmy Savile Died

Former DJ, TV presenter and charity fundraiser Sir Jimmy Savile has died, aged 84. Savile, who was one of the most famous names on British TV and radio in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, died on Saturday. Police said they were called to his home in Leeds, but that there was nothing suspicious about his death. 
Savile first met Elvis in 1960 when he presented him with his first UK Gold Disc for 'It's Now Or Never', while Elvis was filming 'Wild In The Country'. Following Elvis' death, Jimmy said "People like Elvis should never die" and the same can be said of Jimmy."



Dutch Charts 


Spankox's remix of 'A pocket Full Of Rainbows' climbed on the Dutch Single Top 100 from #77 to #73.



(Source: Elvis Information Network / ElvisMatters / Dutchcharts)

October 28 - Unedited Million Dollar Rerelease

The Charly (Soulfood) label announced the rerelease of 'The Complete Million Dollar Session' CD featuring Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley, on November 11, 2011. 


Unedited Masters


The Venus Records import label released the CD 'Unedited Masters - Nashville 1970' containing undubbed and unedited masters recorded in Nashville, Tennessee in 1970. All songs come without any fade-ins, fade-outs or cut-outs, everything is presented the way it was recorded in the studio.



Bob Moore Receives Award From Germany

Elvis Presley's legendary bass player Bob Moore is this year's winner of the German "Elvis Presley Memorial Award", created by the German fan service "The King's World". Bob Moore received the award at Randers, Denmark.
Bob Moore had been chosen for the "Elvis Presley Memorial Award" for his outstanding contributions to Elvis Presley's music in the late 50s and the 60s. The bass player participated in almost every recording session of the King between 1958 and 1968 and helped to create a large number of legendary songs such as "I Got Stung", "A Big Hunk O' Love", "Stuck On You","Fever", "It's Now Or Never", "Little Sister", "Good Luck Charm"and "Devil In Disguise". He also appeared live with Elvis in 1960 and 1961. Today, at the age of 78, he keeps performing at Elvis tribute shows all over the world and playing the good old Elvis Rock and Roll music.
Previous winners of the "Elvis Presley Memorial Award" had been Glen D. Hardin in 2009 and Bill Baize of the Stamps Quartet in 2010.



(Source: Amazon Germany / Various / The King's World)

October 27 - Patti Parry Has Died

Another one of Elvis’ friends, Patti Parry, has passed away. Patti Parry spent 17 years being a little sister to Elvis and is acknowledged as being the only female member of the ‘Memphis Mafia’. Patti was also Elvis’ hairdresser.



Born in England, she moved to America with her parents aged 10. And at the age of 17, while driving with friends down Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles one night in 1960, Elvis pulled up next to them in a black Rolls Royce at her life took a whole new turn. Patti never had a romantic relationship with Elvis, instead, she became a close friend and spent time around him through his years of making movies in Hollywood and was by Elvis' side during his first leather clad sit-down show in 1968 as part of his legendary NBC TV Special. You can see Patti wearing white at the the filming one of the sit-down shows. Patti once told the following about this show... "It was so amazing seeing him perform. I'd seen him sing at home but never live before and it was amazing. I went along with Priscilla & Joe's wife, Joannie Esposito. But Elvis wanted me to go down and sit near to him at the stage. It was truly incredible and every time he looked over at me he would have that unique smile and laugh a little. He was so nervous but at the same time he was really excited about doing it."


Patti was also there when the Beatles came to visit Elvis at the Perugia Way house...."It really wasn't that exciting. To be honest, they all sort of just stared at him. After a few minutes Elvis said, 'Well if you're just going to stare at me I'm going to bed' and that then broke the ice and then Elvis, John and the others started playing some music together."


Patti also became Elvis' occasional hairdresser, with one of her haircuts has becoming part of music history for all time..."Elvis was very unhappy about his haircut for the Aloha rehearsal show. Elvis wanted his hair cut properly and phoned Marty Lacker, who was in LA, got him to call me and before I knew what was happening Marty and I were on a plane to Hawaii. Once there I started to cut his hair and while I was he said to me, 'Patti, I feel really good and I've got really thin, look', and he really did look so beautiful didn't he? Marty Pasetta, the show producer, said to me that Elvis had never looked so great."


Almost everyone close to Elvis has written a book, why not Patti? "They keep bothering me to do that, but, y'know, there are too many things I know and I don't want to hurt a lot of people. Because, when I go on stage, I get to tell fun stories. And that's what I think is important ... Publishers want to hear the nasty stuff, and I'm not willing to do that.”


Billboard Charts


The CD 'An Afternoon In The Garden' drops one place from #123 to #124 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Charts and remains at #15 on the Catalog Album Charts for the week ending November 5, 2011.


(Source: Elvis Express / Bian Quinn)

October 26 - Elvis Im Kino

The German publisher Stroemfeld released the 185 pages book 'Elvis im Kino: Was wir von Elvis-Filmen über Elvis und das Kino lernen können' (Elvis In The Movies - What can we learn from Elvis movies about Elvis and the cinema's) from author Björn Eckerl.


(Source: Amazon)

October 25 - Rumble In The Jungle?

The Wonderland import label announced the release of the five CD set 'Rumble In The Jungle' containing all the Jungle Room sessions material that was previously released on the five 'Welcome To The Jungle' volumes from the Venus Records import label.


Michael Jackson, Elvis and Marilyn The Richest After Death


Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe are the three deceased artists who have earned more money in the last twelve months, according to a Forbes study published today. Between October 2010 and October 2011, Michael Jackson brought in a fortune of US$170 million dollars, well ahead of singer Elvis Presley (US$55 million) or Marilyn Monroe (US$27 million), according to the list.
Actress Liz Taylor, who died on March 23 this year, entered the ranking at fifth place (with US$12 million) just behind artist Charles Schulz, the creator of “Snoopy” (US$25 million) but equaling John Lennon (US$12 million).



Jailhouse Rock On Times Top 100 List


In the latest issue of TIME Magazine, it's critics have picked the most extraordinary English-language pop recordings since the beginning of TIME magazine in 1923. Here are 100 (unranked) songs of enduring beauty, power and inventiveness.


By Claire Suddath, from TIME Magazine:
"Elvis Presley had already recorded some of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller’s hits (does the breakout cut “Hound Dog” ring a bell?), but “Jailhouse Rock” was the first song the duo wrote especially for him. Or more accurately, for the movie of the same name, in which Presley was set to star. From that ominous guitar riff to the lyrics’ sly homosexual innuendo (“No. 47 said to No. 3, ‘You the cutest jailbird I ever did see’ “), “Jailhouse Rock” charted new territory in popular music. In the film, Presley performs the song while dancing; choreographer Alex Romero took the rock star’s signature hip swivel and worked it into a routine that rivals even the most outlandish of contemporary pop music’s theatrics.

Elvis And Coke


If you were lucky enough to be at a recent event hosted by The Coca-Cola Company and top Parisian fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac you would have had a great opportunity for an Elvis sighting. In celebration of the exclusive JC/DC collection created especially to mark The Coca-Cola Company 125th anniversary year, an ‘invitation-only’ event, was held at the famed Paris venue Le Trianon.



The breathtaking JC/DC collection celebrates the ‘Coca-Cola’ brand’s timeless iconic appeal through the medium of fashion, and its role as a seminal part of popular culture over the years. Mr. de Castelbajac lives up to his reputation by showcasing a collection brimming with ingenuity – in addition to a silver-sequined ‘Coca-Cola’ dress, the collection also includes a T-shirt design featuring a young Elvis Presley, as photographed by the legendary Alfred Wertheimer.


Jackie Duff, Global Licensing and Retail Operations at The Coca-Cola Company commented: “The 125th anniversary year has been fantastic for the brand; packed full of excitement and activity. Collaborating with such an inspired fashion house as JC/DC has been a terrific experience. We are thrilled with the beautiful collection Mr. de Castelbajac has created, which is more than worth the great celebrations we are enjoying this evening.”



Prestigious Award for David Briggs and Norbert Putnam
 
On Tuesday, the prestigious Cecil Scaife Visionary award was presented to multi-award-winning record producers and musicians David Briggs and Norbert Putnam, who are longtime friends, at a reception at the historic Ben Fold's RCA Studio A in Nashville. The two received the honor for their contributions to the music industry in Nashville. Wynonna Judd received the 2010 award, founded in the name of Cecil Scaife, a Music Row pioneer and veteran who helped form the music business program in the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University. All donations benefit the Cecil Scaife Music Business Scholarship Endowment.


"Norbert and David have together exemplified their desire to share their gifts in many ways during their lifetime," said Scaife's daughter, LaRawn Scaife Rhea. "They have reached out to individuals through the years to help them find their own path in the entertainment industry. Their unselfish desire to help others learn from a lifetime of experiences is a large part of what makes Norbert Putnam and David Briggs the perfect 2011 recipients of The Cecil Scaife Visionary Award."



(Source: EPG / Forbes / Time / EPE / Elvis Matters)

October 24 - Follow That Dream To Christmas

The  Follow That Dream Collector label announced four new releases that will be available early December 2011. 


From the press-release:
Two of the releases will be additions to the classic 7” Digipack Series: “Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas” and “Elvis Promised Land.” Each of these includes two CDs. An addition to the series of Elvis albums on vinyl will be the classic “Elvis Is Back.” Finally, a 192-page book, “A Moment in Time” offers a stunning look at four days of Elvis’ life in 1956.


Details: Elvis Sings The Wonderful World Of Christmas

Disc 1 
The Original Album
01 O Come, All Ye Faithful 2:48
02 The First Noel 2:09
03 On A Snowy Christmas Night 2:49
04 Winter Wonderland 2:17
05 The Wonderful World Of Christmas 1:57
06 It Won’t Seem Like Christmas (Without You) 2:41
07 I’ll Be Home On Christmas Day 3:48
08 If I Get Home On Christmas Day 2:51
09 Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees 2:52
10 Merry Christmas Baby 5:44
11 Silver Bells 2:26
Bonus Song:
12) I’ll Be Home On Christmas Day – remake master 3:43
First Takes
13 It Won’t Seem Like Christmas (Without You) -takes 1-3 4:36
14 If I Get Home On Christmas Day - take 1 3:37
15 I’ll Be Home On Christmas Day - takes 1-3 7:54
16 Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees - takes 1,2 3:13
17 Silver Bells - takes 1,2 4:41
18 I’ll Be Home On Christmas Day – remake takes 1,2 5:48


Disc 2
01 I’ll Be Home On Christmas Day – take 4 4:58
02 If I Get Home On Christmas Day - takes 2,3 3:51
03 Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees - take 3 2:27
04 I’ll Be Home On Christmas Day  – remake take 3 4:24
05 It Won’t Seem Like Christmas (Without You) - takes 4,5 3:03
06 O Come, All Ye Faithful – take 2 4:28
07 If I Get Home On Christmas Day - take 5 3:00
08 The Lord’s Prayer 3:01 (Public Domain)
09 I’ll Be Home On Christmas Day - takes 5,6 4:26
10 Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees - takes 4 2:36
11 It’ Won’t Seem Like Christmas (Without you) - take 6 3:14
12 Merry Christmas Baby – take 1 (unedited version) 8:29
13 I’ll Be Home On Christmas Day – remake takes 4-9 7:24
14 If I Get Home On Christmas Day  - take 7 2:57
15 Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees - takes 5-8 3:39
16 Winter Wonderland – takes 7,8 3:53


Details "Promised Land” (tracklist still in development):

Disc 1
The Original Album
01 Promised Land
02 There’s A Honky Tonk Angel (Who Will Take Me Back In)
03 Help Me
04 Mr. Songman
05 Love Song Of The Year
06 It’s Midnight
07 Your Love’s Been A Long Time Coming
08 If You Talk In Your Sleep
09 Thinking About You
10 You Asked Me To
Session highlights - The Alternate Album
11 Promised Land – take 4
12 There’s A Honky Tonk Angel – takes 3,2,7
13 Help Me - take 1 (undubbed master)
14 Mr. Songman – take 2
15 Love Song Of The Year – take 1
16 It’s Midnight – take 9
17 Your Love’s Been A Long Time Coming - take 10
18 If You Talk In Your Sleep - take 5 
19 Thinking About You – take 4
20 You Asked Me To – ? 
More Session Highlights
21 Promised Land – take 5
22 Love Song Of The Year – take 7
23 It’s Midnight – take 11
24 Thinking About You – takes 5,6
25 You Asked Me To – ?


Disc 2 
Sessions - The making Of
01 It’s Midnight – takes 1-4, 8,7
02 You Asked Me To – ? 
03 Mr. Songman take 1
04 Thinking About You – rehearsal
05 Thinking About You – take 3
06 Promised Land – take 3,2
07 Your Love’s Been A Long Time Coming – takes 2,3
08 Your Love’s Been A Long Time Coming – take 4 
09 There’s A Honky Tonk Angel – take 1
10 Love Song Of The Year – rehearsal 
11 Love Song Of The Year – take 2
12 It’s Midnight – take 10
13 If You Talk In Your Sleep –takes 6,7, 8 
14 Mr. Songman – takes 3,6
15 Love Song Of The Year – takes x,y, 8 (undubbed master)
16 You Asked Me To – take 3B (4 ??)
17 There’s A Honky Tonk Angel – takes ?
18 It’s Midnight – takes 15,16
19 Promised Land – take 6 – undubbed master
20 Thinking About You – ? 
21 Your Love’s Been A Long Time Coming – take 8
22 Your Love’s Been A Long Time Coming – take 9


Details "Elvis is Back!’ Sessions” 

Side 1
1. Such a Night (take 1) 3:14 
2. Are You Lonesome Tonight? (takes 1, 2) 3:39 
3. Make Me Know It (take 3) 2:12 (Otis Blackwell)
4. It’s Now Or Never (take 1) 3:28
5. It Feels So Right (take 1) 2:08
6. Thrill Of Your Love (takes 1,2,1-PB) 4:09 
7. Stuck on You (take 1) 2:19 


Side 2
1. Reconsider Baby (master) 3.44 
2. Soldier Boy (take 1) 3:03
3. A Mess Of Blues (take 1) 2:56
4. The Girl Of My Best Friend (takes 2, 4, 5, 6) 5:15 
5. Fame And Fortune (take 2) 2:33
6. Like A Baby (take 1-FS/BD) 2:13
7. Like A Baby (take 2) 2:42


Side 3
1.Dirty, Dirty Feeling  (takes 2, 3-sp last chord from 4/m) 1:44 
2. I Gotta Know (including take 1) 2:57  
3. Such A Night (takes 2, 3, 4/5-sp) 3:50 
4. Fever (take 1) 3:48  
5. Are You Lonesome Tonight?  (takes 4-FS, 3, wp 1/2-sp) 2:54  
6. Make Me Know It (takes 9, 10, 11) 2:41 
7. The Girl Next Door (Went A’Walking) (Takes 1, 2, 3) 3:43  


Side 4
1. It’s Now Or Never (take 2) 3:245
2. It’s Now or Never (takes 3, 4) 3:56 
3. It Feels So Right (takes 4, 3) 2:41
4. The Girl Of My Best Friend (take 9) 2:26
5. A Mess Of Blues (takes 2, 3) 2:50  
6. Soldier Boy (takes 9, 10) 3:39 
7. Make Me Know It (takes 17, 18) 2:46 



More shows for Elvis The Concert


ElvisMatters mentioned more shows for Elvis The Concert, featuring the TCB Band, Joe Guercio and the Imperials. It looks like France is on the list for the 28th of March, as the closing show for the first 2012 tour. Also, a stop in Copenhagen/Stockholm on the 24th is "very likely". In May (14-24) of 2012 the Video show will be playing in South America (Brazil and Chile) for 3 or 4 shows.

(Source: EPE / ElvisMatters)

October 22 - Triple Threat

The Straight Arrow import label announced the release of 'A Triple Threat' in their 'Straight Arrow Special Products' miniseries, containing a recording from the Sunday, May 2, 1976 show as recorded at the Sahara Tahoe, Lake Tahoe, NV.


From the press-releaese: 
In the past year 'Straight Arrow' managed to obtain a couple of superb-quality Vegas and Tahoe off-line recordings suitable for special releases. The third volume of our Straight Arrow Special Products' miniseries is "A Triple Threat!" (SA/SP 2011-03-02) and features the super-cool Lake Tahoe concert from May 2, 1976.
Of all of Elvis' 70s concerts, those in Lake Tahoe are the most poorly-documented. In a way it's a real pity, because the beauty of the Nevada surroundings and the intimacy of the Sahara showroom always seemed to bring out the best in him. Although Elvis looked somewhat unhealthy in May 1976, he appeared to be in a very good mood, and his warm interaction with fans made the shows quite memorable. The May 2, 1976 gig featured on this release is one of the longest and most entertaining that he gave.
Listening to this, one might easily get the impression that Elvis was courting guests in his living room. There's a nice intimacy to the recording, and his interplay with audience and musicians alike is a true delight. There are also a number of vocally-impressive performances in evidence, one being Elvis' latest RCA single, "Hurt," which he reprises twice! It is the only known date where "Hurt" was performed three times due to the terrific audience response! Worth a mention as well are solid performances of "Burning Love", "My Way", "Tryin' To Get To You" and "An American Trilogy".


This previously unreleased show is taken from a 24-bit digital transfer of a first-generation copy of original cassette. Since the recorder was very close to James Burton's stage monitor, the lead guitar is exceptionally well-defined in the sound image.


Like its predecessors, this new release will be presented in a beautiful digipack with all the necessary information, plus Lake Tahoe memorabilia and photos taken during actual gig. If you dug "Faded Love" and "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" CDs, we'll bet that you will love this one, too. 


Tracks: CD1: 
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman (with break) / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain 07. Elvis talks - 08. All Shook Up - 09. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Elvis talks - 10. Don't Be Cruel - 11. Tryin' To Get To You - 12. My Way - 13. Burning Love.


CD2: 
01. Introduction of singers, musicians - 02. Early Morning Rain (John Wilkinson, instrumental) - 03. What'd I Say (James Burton) - 04. Johnny B. Goode (James Burton) - 05. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 06. Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff) - 07. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) - 08. Electric Piano Solo (David Briggs) - 09. Love Letters (with false start) - 10. School Day (Joe Guercio Orchestra) - 11. Hurt - 12. Hurt (second rendition) - 13. Hurt (reprise of last verse and ending) - 14. Hound Dog - 15. An American Trilogy - 16. Softly As I Leave You - 17. Can't Help Falling In Love - 18. Closing Vamp. 
Approx running time: 85 minutes.



"Elvis In Concert" for 2013 Tour

It looks like Elvis In Concert is set to continue to tour well into 2013. On the promoter Stig Edgren  website the 'Elvis In Concert' show is not only listed for the 2012 tour next year, but has now been added to the future 2013 tours list.
For 2013 it uses the more recent logo used this year in Memphis "Elvis Presley Live - The King In Concert 2013". 
This was the show using the new "3D curtain" technique rather than back-projectors. Hopefully with a complete upgrade and new look, Elvis will keep touring the world and interacting with the live band.



When asked Stig Edgren (the producer from Elvis In Concert) what the advertising for the 2013 concerts with the title "Elvis Presley Live, The King In Concert", was all about, he answered us the following: 'Everything is on the ELVIS.com website – nothing planned yet for 2013 – thank you'.


More Genuine Elvis Memorabilia at Auction

The Michaan's November 6th 2011 auction will feature a wide variety of authentic (and one of a kind) Elvis collectibles from the collections of ‘Rockin’ Robin Rosaaen and Elvis first private secretary, Trude Forsher. Over 100 genuine Elvis items will be on offer with the auction held at Michaan's Auction House. Items listed so far include:

- Pair of pants that Elvis wore in the film "Frankie & Johnny"
- Boxing gloves from his movie "Kid Galahad"
- Personal worn off stage custom made shirts.
- His bronze lion paper weight from his Hillcrest home.
- Pair of his prescription glasses from 1977
- Large lock of Elvis hair!
- Meditation robe from March 1977 that Elvis bought for a friend.
- Movie scripts and related books.
- Signed and framed autographs
- Elvis On Tour summer & winter jackets from Joe Esposito.
- Gear shift knob from Elvis' Pantera


Dutch Charts 


Spankox's remix of 'A pocket Full Of Rainbows' dropped on the Dutch Single Top 100 from #71 to #77.

(Source: FECC / SEG / ElvisMatters / Elvis Information Network / Dutchcharts)

October 21 - Follow The Backdraft Christmas Spirit

The Backdraft import label released 'On Stage - The Ultimate Edition'. 


From the press-release:
Due to high public demand, Backdraft has released this week, ‘On Stage - The Ultimate Edition’. Because of the fast sell-out of ‘Rebooked at the International’ many fans missed out and were left out. Therefore this release will have only the stereo multi track recordings from the ‘Rebooked’ release containing the very best on this factory pressed 80 minute CD. The CD is housed in a professional looking digi-Pack with a 12 page booklet, containing the very best of the photographs plus more from the Jan/Feb 1970 engagement. This release is limited to only 750 units worldwide and is available now from your local Elvis dealer. 


On Stage - The Album - The Felton Jarvis Rough Mix
01. See See Rider (Feb. 18; DS)
02. Elvis talks (Feb. 18; MS)
03. Release Me (Feb. 18; MS)
04. Sweet Caroline (Feb. 16; DS)
05. Elvis talks (Feb. 18; DS)
06. The Wonder Of You (Feb. 18; DS)
07. Polk Salad Annie (Feb. 18; MS)
08. Elvis talks (Feb. 16; DS)
09. Proud Mary (Feb. 16; DS)
10. Walk A Mile In My Shoes (Feb. 19; MS)
11. Let It Be Me (Feb. 17; MS)
12. I Can’t Stop Loving You (Feb. 19; MS)
International Hotel Las Vegas NV - February 18, 1970 Dinner Show
13. Long Tall Sally (incl. false start)
14. Elvis Talks 
15. The Wonder Of You
16. Walk A Mile In My Shoes
17. Polk Salad Annie
International Hotel Las Vegas NV - February 19, 1970 Dinner Show
18. Elvis Talks 
19. Proud Mary (incl. false start)
20. Elvis Talks
21. Don’t Cry Daddy
22. Elvis Talks
23. Kentucky Rain
24. Let It Be Me
25. I Can’t Stop Loving You
26. Walk A Mile In My Shoes
27. Elvis Talks
28. Release Me
29. See See Rider



But, with the release of this new edition it appears that the factory has produced CDRs in the digi-sleeves and not the factory pressed discs it promised. The people behind this release have released an apology and do state that a replacement factory pressed CD is to be distributed FREE by your local supplier.


The apology states: "Apology to all fans from Backdraft, for the major cock up on the disc, this was done beyond our control, and was not noticed until fans started receiving the package, once it was brought to our attention we immediately put into action getting the CDRs replaced with proper factory pressed discs as what was originally ordered by us."



Christmas Spirit


A new 10 inch vinyl release was announced big the UK based Rockwell Records; 'Elvis Presley Christmas Spirit'.
The release-date for this set, due in clear green, gold an black vinyl editions, is November 10, 2011. 



Side One:
01. White Christmas, 02. Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem, 03. I Believe In The Man In The Sky 04. Santa Claus Is Back In Town, 05. Mansion Over The Hilltop, 06. I'll Be Home For Christmas
Side Two:
01. Silent Night, 02. Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me), 03. His Hand In Mine, 04. Milky White Way, 05. Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane), 06. If We Never Meet Again, 07. Blue Christmas

Follow That Dream Released


The October 2011 batch Follow That Dream releases 'He Touched Me' (Classic Album Re-issue) and the live CD '48 Hours To Memphis', were released. The 'Elvis Sings Guitar Man' (vinyl edition) is due to follow soon.


(Source: FECC / EPG / Elvis Unlimited)

October 20 - The Very Best ... Cover-art?

The Hansesound (Soulfood) budget label announced the release of the budget 2-disc compilation simply entitled 'Very Best Of' with November 1, 2011 as the release-date.



Elvis Presley In Concert Announced For Slovakia


EPE announced that the Elvis Presley in Concert tour is coming to the Zimny stadion O. Nepelu in Bratislava, Slovakia, on Thursday, March 22, 2012.



Special Elvis Memorablia in new Auction: Julien’s Auctions announces its 2nd annual Legends Auction on this Saturday, October 22, 2011. They are offering an extraordinary opportunity to own some very special Elvis Presley pieces. Some items are:

The original tape of March 19, 1955 and Elvis Presley’s first live performance was recorded at The Eagle’s Hall in Houston Texas. The young Presley performed five songs that evening: “Good Rockin’ Tonight” “Baby Let’s Play House” “Blue Moon of Kentucky”“I’ve Got a Woman”“That’s Alright”, Presley was introduced for the concert by the master of ceremonies, Biff Collie, as “The Bopping Hillbilly.” The recording master’s plus the copyright to market and reproduce this recording are offered for auction for the first time. Along with the five song recording is a seven-minute interview with the young Presley from 1956 and a 15-minute interview with guitarist Scotty Moore discussing his relationship with Elvis. The estimate is US$60,000 - 80,000.


Other Elvis items featured in this auction are an acoustic guitar (supposedly) inscribed to one of his fan club presidents, a handwritten set list from an engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, a prop gun given to Presley for luck by MGM executives as he began his concert series in Las Vegas and a fascinating handwritten note from Elvis to Col. Parker. Estimate US$1,000 - 2,000.



Elvis: The King Of Las Vegas Book Deleted


The popular 'Elvis: The King Of Las Vegas' photo book is now deleted. This huge deluxe hardcover book covers Elvis' Las Vegas years between 1956 and 1976; his concerts, the holidays, his wedding, a list of all the stage suits Elvis used on stage and more. This is a huge hardcover book with 360 pages, with 1300 pictures, 25cm (10") x 30cm (12"), very heavy – 2 kilo.


Charts This Week

• 'An Afternoon In The Garden' rises from #126 last week to #123 this week (w/e 28th October) on the Billboard Top 200 Album Charts. It also rises from #17 to #15 on the Catalog Album Charts.
• 'Elvis - Best Of Love' re-enters the Billboard Top 200 Album Charts at 200. It also rises from #40 last week to #36 this week on the Catalog Album Charts.
• 'Elvis Christmas' is also at #26 on the Holiday Albums Chart. "It's Christmas Time" is #34 on the Holiday Chart in the USA.

Graceland #201

The german Elvis Presley Gesellschaft published volume #201 of their 'Graceland' magazine with Elvis Presley's Vegas 1973 and the 'Blue Hawaii' sessions as the main features. 

(Source: Amazon.de / EPE / Elvis Information Network / Elvis Australia)

October 19 - Follow That Dream

According to ElvisMatters the new Follow That Dream releases were shipped to the dealers. The batch consists of a perfect soundboard with the title '48 Hours To Memphis' in the 5cinch series and the release of the classic album 'He Touched Me' in the 7 inch series. Further on, there will be the vinyl release of 'Guitar Man'.


(Source: ElvisMatters)

October 18 - Forgotten Gold

When the RIAA announced new Gold And Platinum awards for Elvis Presley last September 15th. they forgot to list 'Elvis Christmas' album. 


The complete list:

• The Very best Of Love (released 2001): Gold
• I Got Lucky (released 1971): Platinum
• Mahalo From Elvis (released 1978): Gold
• Elvis Christmas (released 2006): Gold (RII forgot to list it)
• Elvis Sings For Kids (released 1978): Gold
• Elvis In Person: (released 1970): Platinum

Vegas Variety Volume 7

The Rainbow Records import label announced the release of volume 7 in their 'Vegas Variety' serie with November 7, 2011 as the release-date. 

The CD features the complete Dinner Show performance of December 4, 1975 as recorded at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel, Nevada. Elvis did only one show at this date.

From the press-release:

Many fans call this Vegas engagement one of his strongest ever and the recording we hear on “Vegas Variety Volume 7” proves them to be right. It was 36 years ago and Elvis was (again) sold out for every single performance in Vegas. Until today every recording from this engagement that was released on cd showed an artist in great mood, giving a lot for the money that people spent to attend one of Elvis´ by now legendary concerts at the Hilton showroom.

Rainbow Records is again able to deliver a very fine show in really nice sound, recorded by some fans tape recorder which has been secretly brought with by a fan to “record” the King. As usual a very high quality booklet comes with this release. It has a lot of pictures and information regarding the magic of Elvis and Las Vegas back in December of 1975 on its 20 pages.

Tracklisting:

01. Also Sprach Zarathustra

02. C. C. Rider

03. I Got A Woman / Amen

04. Love Me

05. Fairytale / Big Boss Man (excerpt)

06. And I Love You So

07. Tryin' To Get To You

08. Blue Suede Shoes

09. It's Now Or Never

10. Polk Salad Annie

11. Band Introductions

12. Johnny B Goode

13. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt)

14. Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff)

15. Piano Solo (Glen D Hardin)

16. School Day

17. Celebrity Introduction (Julie Lamar) 

18. Just Pretend 

19. Bridge Over Troubled Water 

20. Burning Love 

21. Softly As I Leave You (with Sherrill Nielsen) 

22. America (The Beautiful) 

23. Mystery Train / Tiger Man 

24. Little Darlin 

25. Can't Help Falling In Love 

26. Closing Vamp

(Source: FECC / ElvisNews)

Too Much Monkey Business

Ger Rijff wrote a small advertisement for the 'Too Much Monkey Business' fan forum on the ElvisNews site. You are probably here to read what happens in the Elvis world today, if you want to browse through the past like I like to do, then you may want to visit the Monkey Business forum where you will find a lot of original gems from the past.

Ger Rijff wrote:
On the outside the 'Too Much Monkey Business' office doesn't look too impressive. It could use some fresh paint and a logo.

This is 2011 and many Elvis sites look a heap more hip, on the outside, than Monkey does in this day and age. But when you enter the office lobby and pass by the usual departments, all painted in a too bright blue, at the end of the hallway you'll find two bright colored doors. 
The text on the door on the left reads: I Gotta Know. The Library Is Open. The door on the right reveals : Spinnin' Around, The Worlds Rarest Elvis Records On Display, 24/7. Both doors, when opened, transport the guests into a world of lost and long forgotten Elvis records, magazines and photographs. Often accompanied by stories from fans who know what they're talking about. Experts so to speak. Experts on Elvis you don't find anywhere else on the internet.


I invite you to take a look there. It's free. No strings attached. I work there, daily office hours, seven days a week... Click on the banner below to visit the forum:

October 17 - Songs For Christmas

The Blaricum budget label released the 'Songs For Christmas' compilation. 


(Source: Amazon France)

October 16 - Elvis in Germany

The Laserlight Digital (Delta Music) budget label announced the release of the double CD set 'Elvis in Germany' on November 1, 2011. No tracks available yet.


(Source: Amazon)

October 15 - Pocket Full Of Charts

Spankox's remix of 'A pocket Full Of Rainbows' entered the Dutch Sintle Top 100 at #71.


(Dutchcharts)

October 14 - Young Man Of The Nation

JAT Publishing announced the release of the new DVD “Elvis: Young Man of the Nation” on November 15th. It is a digitally re-mastered 40th Anniversary Special DVD Release. 


From the press release:
In 1970, Elvis Presley was nominated for one of the ten outstanding young men of the nation by The United States Junior Chamber of Commerce (The Jaycees). 40 years ago on January 16, 1971 he accepted the award in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. Now for the first time on DVD the complete unedited Documentary of this historic event will be made available. 
JAT Productions used clips and edited versions however for the first time you will now be able to see it in its entirety uncut and unedited. Witness the presentations from beginning to end of this cherished moment in Elvis Presley’s life.


Billboard Charts


The CD 'An Afternoon In The Garden' climbed from #156 to #126 on the Billboard Album Top 200 Chart. 

(Source: ElvisMatters / The King's World)

October 12 - The Tiger Escaped

The new MxF import release 'Wild Tiger At The Hilton - Vol. 3' was released. It features an unreleased  audience recording from the February 06, 1974 Dinner Show packed in a digipack. 


From the press-release:


After almost five months of rest, Elvis back to the Hilton in better shape and stronger respect the previous season. For this reason his performance is superb, still at the top if his ability he deliveries short shows, but very intense, there is a freshness that cannot be denied, Elvis was very energetic on stage, full of enthusiasm he sang with power and sensitivity, delivering a solid and heartfelt repertoire like the “new” songs “Spanish Eyes, Help me and Let Me Be There recent hit from Olivia Newton-John” and the classic “Trying to Get To You” sang terrifically.


At the same time he introduce the oldie “My Baby Left me” without forget two classic early 70’ songs like Release Me and Sweet Caroline and as you can see from the track list the number of the classic oldies in the show are significant reduced. This season will be the first with the new agreement , Elvis signed two years of contract performed twice a year, but only two weeks at the time rather than the previous four.
The sound is very good for an audience recording, We have on our hands the original mono tape of extremely good quality enabling us to carry out simple re-mastering work, concentrating on the reduction of noise trying to achieve a more clear sound and of Elvis, keeping his vocal power up in the central mix and at the same time trying to give a great definition to the background music.
From the third time from this label, this new CD will come in a deluxe digipack, containing a collection of live photographs from the Season.
We love this show, it is clear we are not talking about the rough rocker of early 69/71, the “NEW” songs added to the show are no properly Rockers!! but in spite of some limitations and an evolution of style to a more complete musical range the man is still at the top and Elvis at the top means an unforgettable experience for those who attended the show and for those of us prepared to listen.


The sound is good and in times of continue Soundboard re-release we are glad to give you the possibility to have a release that can combine the good audio quality with the unreleased status … this make Wild Tiger at The Hilton vol. 3 unique. Don’t miss it!!!!
We add four tracks from the January 28, MS show as Bonus. In the way to give you a more complete view of the songs performed in the season, in spite a less audio quality of the tape.


Real Irish And UK Charts


The 'The Real... Elvis' compilation dropped from #56 to #98 on the Irish Album Top 100.


For the week ending October 15th , 'ELV1S 30 #1Hits'  re-entered the official UK Album Chart for one week at #188.


(Source: EPG / The King's World)