Friday, October 31, 2014

October 31 - Weekend Charts

The compilation "Heart & Soul" dropped from #166 to #198 on the Billboard Album Top 200 for the week ending October 7 2014. The CD "It’s Christmas Time" dropped from #6 to #10 on the Holiday Alum Chart  while "Merry Christmas... Love, Elvis" dropped from #10 to #14 on that same chart. 

The "The Essential Elvis Presley" compilation remained steady at #17 on the Dutch Mid-price Album chart this week. 

The 3CD compilation "The Real... Elvis" climbed from #97 to #89 on the Italian Album Chart. 

(Source: The Kings World / Dutch Charts)

Thursday, October 30, 2014

October 30 - Something Special?

Due for release in the "Bootleg Series" is the special release "Something Special For Everybody". This CD comes with an eight page booklet and contains 29 tracks including: "Something For Everybody" the original mono album masters,  the alternate album with many alternate takes previously unreleased by the record company, the movie versions from "Put The Blame On Me" and 'I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell".

Tracks:
Something For Everybody: The Original Mono Album:
There’s Always Me - Give Me The Right - It’s A Sin - Sentimental Me - Starting Today - Gently - I’m Comin’ Home - In Your Arms - Put The Blame On Me - Judy - I Want You With Me - I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell

Something For Everybody: The Alternate Album:
There’s Always Me (Take 3 & Master) - Give Me The Right (Master With Count-In) - It’s A Sin (Take 3 & Master) - Sentimental Me (Master Including Count-In) - Starting Today (Master Including False Start) - Gently (False Start & Master) - I’m Comin’ Home (Take 6 & Master) - In Your Arms (Master Including Count-In) - Put The Blame On Me (Take 3, 4 & Master) - Judy - I Want You With Me (Try-Out & Master) - I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell (Take 4, 5, 6) - I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell (Take 10) -  I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell (Take 12, 17) - I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell (Master Including Count-In)

Something For Everybody: The Movie Versions:
Put The Blame On Me (Movie Version "Tickle Me") - I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell (Movie Version "Wild In The Country")

(Source: Music Of Elvis Presley)

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

October 29 - Bicentennial Superstar

The TNT Records import-label announced the release of the double CD package "Bicentennial Superstar". containing performances from June 30, 1976 and August 31, 1976 recorded respectively in Greensboro and Macon.

From the press-release:
Welcome to TNT Records´ fourth CD release. Again with a little help from our friends at “Audionics” - probably THE premium and still active label when it comes to rare recordings in best possible sound - we decided to take a closer look to the extremely busy Elvis in the Summer of 1976. As we all know it was a time when Elvis actually should have cared a lot more for himself than for his fans. Money might also have been some kind of reason to continue restless touring and the quality of his performances were in many cases merely a shadow of the past. Still Elvis´ popularity was tremendous and it seemed so easy to sell out every single show. And so he did on the two nights featured in this 2 CD set.

Show #1 took place on June 30th, and the 16000 fans at the Coliseum in Greensboro absolutely loved Elvis´ show although they experienced that “the pelvis didn´t move quite the way it used to” and that “Elvis Presley is in his forties now” and “has put on some weight in the midsection”. While the fans on the one hand didn´t bother that much regarding Elvis´ weight the press did. Anyhow the reviews were still okay and the reporters finally had to admit that the “Elvis magic” still turns ém on! Thankfully the concert has been recorded from the soundboard and for this kind of recordings it has fantastic sound! Plus it reveals that Elvis delivers at least a decent and entertaining show. Show #2 is from August 31, and by this time Elvis´ health problems were visual even for his most dedicated fans. On this late August/early September tour The “King” had a very bad start with terrible performances in San Antonio, Houston, Mobile and Tuscaloosa. Collectors most likely do own the released CDs with the shows from August 28 and 30 so they can judge for themselves. Elvis “Super-Fan” Brenda Dymock was a witness on every show of the tour and she wrote in a 1976 article which she sent to UK´s Rex Martin: “Well I don´t know what happened with Elvis between Tuscaloosa and Macon but Boy! What a difference. He was in a great mood and really put on a great show.”
Well, whatever Brenda has experienced: Just listen yourself on yet another great sounding soundboard recording!

CD1 - Greensboro 30.6.76:
01. Also Sprach Zarathustra 02. C. C. Rider 03. I Got A Woman / Amen 04. Love Me 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 06. You Gave Me A Mountain 07. All Shook Up 08. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel 09. And I Love You So 10. Blue Suede Shoes 11. Fever 12. America (The Beautiful) 13. Band Introductions 14. Early Mornin' Rain 15. What'd I Say 16. Johnny B. Goode 17. Drums Solo (Ronnie Tutt) 18. Bass Solo 1 (Jerry Scheff) 19. Bass Solo 2 (Blues, Jerry Scheff) 20. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) 21. Electric Piano Solo (David Briggs) 22. Love Letters 23. School Day 24. Love Me Tender 25. Hurt (1) 26. Hurt (2) 27. Funny How Time Slips Away 28. Hound Dog 29. Can't Help Falling In Love 30. Closing Vamp / Announcements

CD2 - Macon 31.8.76:
01. Also Sprach Zarathustra 02. C. C. Rider 03. I Got A Woman / Amen 04. Love Me 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 06. You Gave Me A Mountain 07. All Shook Up 08. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel 09. And I Love You So 10. Jailhouse Rock 11. Fever 12. America (The Beautiful) (with reprise) 13. Band Introductions 14. Early Mornin' Rain 15. What'd I Say 16. Johnny B. Goode 17. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) 18. Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff, incomplete) 19. Electric Piano Solo (David Briggs, incomplete) 20. Love Letters 21. School Day 22. Hurt 23. Hound Dog 24. That’s All Right 25. Blue Christmas 26. Mystery Train / Tiger Man 27. Can't Help Falling In Love 28. Closing Vamp


Elvis Sammlung

Volume 74in the German "Elvis Sammlung" series was released by DeAgostini. It contains the usual magazine, memorabilia-reproductions and a mini-poster for  the "Kid Galahad" EP. 

(Source: FECC / Elvis Memories)

Sunday, October 26, 2014

October 26 - Classic Albums Available Again On CD

Released in the new Sony label "Music On CD - Classic Albums Available Again On CD" is the "Fun In Acapulco" soundtrack album. It is made in the Netherlands by DOCdata Benelux for the European market and comes in a Super Audio Compact Disc case.

Tracks
Fun In Acapulco / Vino, Dinero Y Amor / Mexico / El Toro / Marguerita / The Bullfighter Was A Lady / (There's) No Room To Rhumba In A Sports Car / I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here / Bossa Nova Baby / You Can't Say No In Acapulco / Guadalajara / Love Me Tonight / Slowly But Surely. 

(Source: Elvis On CD)

Saturday, October 25, 2014

October 25 - Elvis.80

Due for release from Sony Music on November 28, 2014 is the 3 CD set "Elvis.80". More details when available. 

(Source: Amazon)

October 24 - Viva Las Changes

The Follow That Dream label has printed a new cover for the "Viva Las Vegas" CD. The spine now says "ELVIS PRESLEY" and not just "ELVIS". The cover shot has brighter coloring and a longer shot of Elvis, you can see the helmet in full, the image of Elvis has a blue background in stead of the  green). And finally text has different coloring also, original was yellow and black now white and  black.

(Source: FECC / The Elvis Shop London)

Thursday, October 23, 2014

October 23 - Japanese Bootleg Charts

Released by HHO Multimedia from Korea is this 3 CD, 80 tracks set. 

Weekend Charts

The "Heart And Soul" compilation drops from #155 to #166 on the Billboard Album Chart for the week ending November 1, 2014. As of this week total units sold are 791,183.
The CD "It's Christmas Time" climbed from #14 to #6 while "Merry Christmas, Love Elvis" climbed from #19 to #10 on the Holiday Album Chart.

The compilation "The Real... Elvis" re-entered the Italian Album charts at #97 this week. 

The compilation “The Essential Elvis” remains steady at #17 on the Dutch Midprice Album charts. 

Released

The Elvis Concert Fan import-label released the 2 CD set "Elvis 1975 - On Tour" containing three soundboard recordings from April 1975.

Elvis Presley home auction has been canceled

Any hopes of bidding on the former Palm Springs home of Elvis Presley have just been dashed. A public auction slated Saturday for the 1946 home located at 845 W. Chino Canyon was canceled Wednesday morning. The listing agent, Jeff Egan, announced the update in an email, saying that the seller had instead accepted a pre-auction offer.

The sale price and the identity of the buyer will not be disclosed until escrow closes within the next 30 days. At that point, the sale will become public record, Egan wrote. When the auction was first announced, the home originally had an asking price of $3 million. The price dropped to $2.59 million as the date drew near. The home attracted multiple offers and counter-offers, Egan said. Egan acknowledged that the home, which has sat vacant in disrepair for months, needs quite a bit of renovation.

During an open house in February, the carpet was stripped in at least one room, and modern updates were clearly needed. One area of the house retained the king’s fondness for the color red, which was hue of the master bedroom’s carpet and the tiles in the bathroom.

“The house needs work, and whoever buys it will have to make an investment,” Egan said. More than 200 people visited the home during recent open house tours of the 1.75-acre lot. Court documents show that US Bank National Association bought the foreclosed property at a Sept. 17, 2013, public auction for $1.7 million.

Presley bought the four-bedroom, seven-bathroom, home in 1970 for $105,000 and owned the property for seven years. The 5,040-square-foot house was one of the few Spanish colonial homes designed by famed architect Albert Frey, who is known much more for his modernist designs. After Presley died, Frankie Valli of The Four Seasons bought the home, and sold it in 1981 for $500,000.

(Source: Brian Quinn / FECC / Amazon Japan / Elvis On CD / The Desert Sun / Dutchcharts)

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

October 22 - The Bootleg Series

The two latest titles in "The Bootleg Series" from the One label were released. "Top Notch Nashville - Elvis At RCA's Studio B - Part 4" contains previously officially unreleased tracks, masters and alternate takes from the early 60's, 24 tracks. 

The "50's Sensation - Studio Masters & Outtakes" CD contains previously officially unreleased tracks and rarities from the 50's, 34 tracks in total.

(Source: Elvis Aktuell / Elvs And His Music)

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

October 21 - Alfred Wertheimer Passed Away

Pam Wertheimer has just informed fans that Alfred Wertheimer has passed away, just before his 85th birthday on November 15, 2014. The family is writing Al's obituary and will post it in the next couple of days. As most fans know, Al was the photographer of some of the most iconic photos ever taken of Elvis in the early years of the birth of rock and roll, including "the kiss". 

Alfred Wertheimer (Elvis) bio:

In 1956, freelance photographer Alfred Wertheimer was assigned to photograph a 21-year-old singer who RCA was promoting. It was Elvis Presley, a name the 26-year-old Wertheimer did not recognize when he trekked down to New York City's Studio 50 (later to be named the Ed Sullivan Theater) to photograph Presley's appearance on Tommy Dorsey and Jimmy Dorsey's Stage Show. 


At the time, Elvis had already recorded "Heartbreak Hotel" and was beginning to gain some notoriety, but he was nowhere close to becoming a cultural icon. He could still walk the streets unrecognized, and, because of this, Alfred Wertheimer got the opportunity to shoot reams of film of Elvis both on stage and off, in the last remaining months before Elvis' life would change forever

One day in 1956, a young man from the south came to New York to bring his music to a wider audience. This man, who was himself a force to be reckoned with, was as yet unknown outside of the south. He had come to play on Stage Show, a CBS program produced by brothers and big band leaders, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey.

A series of extraordinary photographs document this brief moment in time when the 21-year-old Elvis Presley was on the cusp of national stardom. 

The photographer was Alfred Wertheimer, a young photojournalist, who had grown up in Brooklyn, and attended Cooper Union. He would go on to spend around ten days with Elvis over the next two years, and shoot roughly 2,500 photographs.

The intimate photographs of Elvis are a product of Wertheimer s artistic brilliance and the history of photography. Wertheimer managed to document pivotal moments in the creation of the new rock n roll that would take over the nation, in the vocabulary of an iconic movement in photography.

As Wertheimer tells it, there was a bit of luck involved too. Wertheimer, who looks two decades younger than his 81 years, moves around his office with a sprightly step and a shock of whitish grey hair. He likes to joke around, and he says that he only remembers two things: the day he met Elvis and today. Yet he seems to have an encyclopedic knowledge of a wide range of subjects. In 1955, he was sharing a studio with a few other photographers on Third Avenue in New York. 

Among these were Paul Schutzer, who had attended Cooper Union for a year, and Jerry Yulsman, who would go on to become a renowned photographers in their own right. Schutzer s grand dream in life was to be a staff photographer for Life magazine. He would drop any other assignment whenever Life gave him a call. As a result, he happily passed on any other work to his friend Wertheimer, which he would do in addition to his own assignments. And this meant that Wertheimer was in the right place at the right time to take on an assignment that would be the turning point of his life. On March 12th, 1956, the head of PR from RCA Victor, Anne Fulchino, called and asked if he could do a job the following week. She says, I want you to photograph the Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey Stage Show, Wertheimer says.

He was pleased, as Tommy Dorsey was one of his heroes. But then Fulchino told him that he wouldn't actually be photographing Dorsey: I want you to photograph Elvis Presley, who s playing on Dorsey s program. He explains that there was a silence on his part before he said, Elvis who? Wertheimer accepted the assignment, and that was how he found himself in the same room as Elvis Presley, who was on the verge of becoming a national star. Wertheimer's photographs show a pensive Elvis, just doing what he did: performing, spending time with his family or fans, napping, reading letters and papers, combing his hair, or listening to music.

From a photographer's point of view, he explains, Elvis was unique in that he permitted closeness not six to eight feet away, which was standard, but right up close, three to four feet away. He was so intensely involved with what he was doing: it was as if he were laser focused; whether he was combing his hair or chatting up the girls, he would be himself. 

I didn't realize how unique that was. He thinks about it for aminute, before adding, I put him under my microscope and studied him, only my microscope wasmy camera lens. This desire to document everyday habits and the details of life to be a fly on the wall are a longstanding tradition in east coast American art. In fact, Wertheimer was taking a tried and true trope in photography realism and applying it to a new subject. Realism, in Wertheimer's hands, was not about the down and out, but instead about the up-and-coming.

His photographs are witness to an incredible time in the history of photography, as well as to the birth of a star and newchapter inthehistory of music. He coinedthe term available darkness photography, to explain his philosophy that the darker the place, the easier to capture a person s real nature. He used this technique to portray Elvis in a way that nobody did afterwards. And he was there for the performances that won the heart of America. 

Elvis was conscripted into the military in 1958, and Wertheimer was there to photograph him as he shipped out to Germany. After this, he never saw Elvis alive again. It wasn't until almost 20 years later, upon the death of Elvis in 1977, that there would be a sudden surge in demand for Wertheimer's photographs from this era. Wertheimer s life didn't stop with Elvis. 

He continued to freelance. Eleanor Roosevelt and Nina Simone were among the other people he subsequently photographed. He also spent a great deal of time as a cameraman for well-known programs like Granada's The World in Action, and Mike Wadleigh's film Woodstock. " You have all these experiences", says Wertheimer, "and it becomes part of the collective memory. It takes a while to realize that your perspective is an important ingrediënt."

A New Decade, A New Sound 

Coming out soon is the new Straight Arrow's double-digipak CD release "A New Decade, A New Sound", featuring the February 3, and 5, 1970 Dinner shows and packed in a double digi-pack set and limited to 500 copies

From the press-release:
Looking back at Elvis' final decade of live shows, there are two Las Vegas engagements that stand out: the August '69 one obviously, but certainly also the one in February '70. Whereas the '69 comeback shows were a natural extension of the NBC '68 special with a strong focus on his classic hits, the second engagement From the way he performed these songs, you could tell that he really loved them and genuinely enjoyed the new direction his career was now taking. Most of the oldies were gone from the setlist. It was a very bold move, especially for an artist whose career in the sixties had been marked by boredom and predictability. Released from the chains of the past, Elvis looked and sounded like a man in full control of his career, and he clearly relished the artistic freedom that was now his.

The fact that the music sounded better than before was due in no small part thanks to the two newcomers to the core band; Glen D. Hardin on piano and Bob Lanning on drums. Hailing from Lubbock, Texas, Hardin grew up with Elvis' music, seemed to know all the songs, and was able to contribute with a lot of ideas. Just as importantly, he wrote fresh arrangements for several of the new songs in the show. Elvis loved these arrangements, and Hardin quickly became a highly valued member of the band. Lanning was & is a true no-nonsense rock & roll drummer, who cites Earl Palmer as a main influence. No surprise therefore that he refused to be speeded up by Elvis (or by anyone else, for that matter), and instead focused on laying down a solid groove. In retrospect, this goes a long way in explaining why the February 1970 recordings are musically more solid than other live recordings from the 70s. With that in mind, we would like to dedicate this special collectors' release to messrs. Hardin and Lanning. It’s worth mentioning that Bob Lanning was “found” quite recently after a 45-year absence, and he will be part of a special Elvis show that will be touring Europe in May 2015! And no doubt it'll be a sensation to hear his tight & fearless drumming again after all these years!

The February 3rd, 1970 D/S was previously released by the Memory Records label ("Have Some Fun Tonight", 2002). The February 5th, 1970 D/S was released twice from an inferior source and finally by Memory Records ("International Earthquake", 2002). Those Memory Records releases were engineered and mastered using obsolete hardware and software and for some mysterious reason, both shows were even slightly edited.

12 years have passed, and now it‘s time for the ultimate re-release of these special recordings - in a new, crisp, dynamic sound, and with no edits. Straight Arrow’s release of February 3rd and 5th, 1970 Dinner Shows is taken directly from the original tape transfers made in 2001. Every second was digitally restored from scratch to achieve optimal listening pleasure. Ask your local dealer for samples.

As every Straight Arrow’s re-release, this beautifully designed double-digipack edition is limited to 500 copies.

Tracks CD 1:
01. Excerpt of Sammy Shore speech - 02. Introduction: Orchestra Instrumental - 03. Opening Vamp - 04. All Shook Up - 05. I Got A Woman - 06. Proud Mary - 07. Don't Cry Daddy - 08. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 09. Long Tall Sally - 10. Let It Be Me - 11. I Can't Stop Loving You - 12. Walk A Mile In My Shoes / In The Ghetto - 13. Kentucky Rain - 14. Sweet Caroline - 15. Polk Salad Annie - 16. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 17. Suspicious Minds - 18. Can't Help Falling In Love.

Tracks CD 2:

01. Rick Rennie comments recorded prior the show - 02. Introduction: Orchestra Instrumental - 03. Opening Vamp - 04. All Shook Up - 05. I Got A Woman - 06. Proud Mary - 07. Don't Cry Daddy - 08. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 09. Love Me - 10. C. C. Rider - 11. Let It Be Me - 12. I Can't Stop Loving You - 13. Love Me Tender - 14. Chat with audience - 15. In The Ghetto - 16. Sweet Caroline - 17. Polk Salad Annie - 18. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 19. Suspicious Minds - 20. Can't Help Falling In Love / Announcement.

(Source: ElvisMatters / FECC)

Monday, October 20, 2014

October 20 - Re-covered

The AudiRec import-label presented the third cover for their debut-release "Elvis At The Hilton". This time a fan-made cover that came from the discussion on the FECC-forum. The double CD-set contains audience-recordings of the September 2, 1973 3 A.M. and Dinner Show performances.

Follow That Dream News

Completely unexpected, the FTD team has announced the Fall releases. Not only is there uncertainty about the content of the first CD, entitled "Elvis In Florida" and the "Something For Everybody Sessions" (2LP) with October 27, 2014 as the release-date. 

Other releases by FTD for the remainder of the year are "Flaming Star" (CD) and "Elvis' Christmas Album" due November 23, 2014

Details "Elvis In Florida":
From the label: This 1-disc 7 inch set features highlights from Elvis’ concerts during April 1975. The performances are taken from Jacksonville (April 25) and Lakeland (April 27/28). The 12-page booklet features great photos by Keith Alverson and memorabilia.

Tracks
Lakeland (27.05.1975 - 8:30pm):
Love Me - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - Love Me Tender - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Help Me - Burning Love - Introductions - School Day - My Boy - T-R-O-U-B-L-E - I’ll Remember You - Let Me Be There - Why Me Lord - Hound Dog - An American Trilogy - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

Jacksonville (25.04.1975 8:30pm):
You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - Big Boss Man - It’s Midnight - Funny How Time Slips Away - That’s All Right - Heartbreak Hotel

Lakeland (28.04.1975 8:30pm):
Hawaiian Wedding Song - Help Me Make It Through The Night

Tracks 24-25 recorded live at Civic Center Arena, Lakeland, Florida. April 28, 1975, 8:30 PM show.


The opening tracks of “See See Rider” and “I Got A Woman / Amen” were not recorded on any of the Floridian shows during the tour.

Details The Something For Everyone Sessions (506020-975072)

Side A:
There's Always Me (Take 2) - Give Me The Right (Take 3, 2) - It's A Sin (Take 1, 2) - Sentimental Me (Take 1) - Starting Today (Take 1) - Anything That's Part Of You (Take 2) - Gently (Take 1, 2).

Side B:
I'm Coming Home (Take 2) - In Your Arms (Take 1) - Judy (Take 4) - I Want You With Me (Take 1) - I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell (Low Key) - Little Sister (Take 7, 8, 9) - (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame (Take 3, 4) - I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell (Take 11).

Side C:
I Feel So Bad (Take 1) - I'm Coming Home (Take 1, 3) - Gently (Take 3) - There's Always Me (Take 4) - Judy (Take 2, 3) - Good Luck Charm (Take 1) - Put The Blame On Me (Master).

Side D:
Little Sister (Take 6) - (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame (Take 10, 11, 12) - Anything That's Part Of You (Take 4, 5) - There's Always Me (Take 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) - Judy (Take 5, 6, 7) - I'm Coming Home (Take 5, 4).

Blue Vinyl

The soundtrack albums "Loving You" and "King Creole" will be re-isued on October 31, 2014 on blue-splattered vinyl once more by the Mischief Music budget-label. 

Released

The Elvis double CD set in the Profile Collection release "Profile" series has been released. 

Product Description:

Had he lived, Elvis Presley would have been 80 years old today. Whether he would still be making and performing music is open to conjecture but, bearing in mind he did little else for the 23 years before he passed away, the odds are high that he would. This unique 2 CD set contains interviews with the King recorded at various times throughout his career, and packaged as it is with a spoken word biography, plus booklets and posters, makes this a must-have item for Elvis fans the world over.

Red Christmas Vinyl

The Delta Music Christmas release "Elvis Christmas Album" was released on vinyl, with an additional CD and MP3 download.

Product Description:
Elvis is King of many things, but above all: King of Music. Christmas was always his favorite time of the year, and it’s no wonder that he put his heart and soul in the Christmas albums he released. The first album (1957) has become one of world’s most sold records and has been awarded platinum many times over. Here, for the first time ever, is that legendary first twelve track Christmas/Gospel LP, reprinted on breath taking beautifyl red vinyl – even more stunning than the 1957 red test pressing. Available in a very limited quantity! The LP comes with a free bonus CD and an MP3 download code.

(Source: FECC / ElvisMatters / Elvis Presley Gesellschaft / Mischief Music / Amazon)

Thursday, October 16, 2014

October 16 - Trying To Get To You In Shape

Expected soon is new CD from the EP Collector import-label entitled ”Trying To Get To Tahoe" containing the May 16, 1974 Opening Show as recorded from the audience at the Lake Tahoe, NV. 

From the press-release:
Opening show. Elvis' spring '74 shows were consistently strong, and the May concerts in Lake Tahoe were no exception. Elvis' shows there were solid and entertaining, and he was in particularly good voice. 

The set lists offered a wide variety of music, and Elvis' commitment and enthusiasm made these intimate shows very memorable for those who were lucky enough to attend them. The show on this CD has never been released in any form, and this very decent, digitally restored audience recording gives you a unique perspective of what it was like to experience him in person in Lake Tahoe during this engagement.

The CD is packaged in a nicely designed digipack with rare Lake Tahoe, May ’74 cover shot and collection of ”Peacock” images taken in Cleveland show on June 21st, 1974. Running time: 60:29.

Tracks
01. Opening Vamp / C. C. Rider - 02. medley: I Got A Woman / Amen - 03. Love Me - 04. Tryin' To Get To You - 05. All Shook Up - 06. medley: Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 07. Love Me Tender - 08. Steamroller Blues - 09. Hound Dog - 10. Fever - 11. Polk Salad Annie - 12. Why Me Lord? (with reprise) - 13. Suspicious Minds - 14. Band Introductions - 15. I Can't Stop Loving You - 16. Help Me - 17. An American Trilogy - 18. Let Me Be There (with reprise) - 19. The Wonder Of You - 20. Big Boss Man - 21. Funny How Time Slips Away - 22. Can't Help Falling In Love - 23. Closing Vamp / Announcement. 

Eiichi Ohtaki's Juke Box: Elvis Presley Selection 

Due for release on December 3, 2014 from Sony Japan is the compilation CD "Eiichi Ohtaki's Juke Box: Elvis Presley Selection

Tracks:
Don't Be Cruel / Hound Dog / King Creole / Lover Doll / G.I. Blues / Doin' The Best I Can / Surrender / Lonely Man / Rock-A-Hula Baby / Can't Help Falling In Love / Return To Sender / Where Do You Come From / Viva Las Vegas / What'd I Say /Do The Clam / You'll Be Gone / Kissin' Cousins / It Hurts Me / Easy Question / It Feels So Right


Coffret 80ème anniversaire d'Elvis

Due for release from Showshank Films on December 4, 2014 is the DVD set "Coffret 80ème anniversaries d'Elvis". The set contains the John Carpenter cult-movie "Elvis" with Kurt Russell, followed by 4 documentaries "Elvis 56 - The Birth of a Myth", "In The Privacy of Elvis" and "The Last Moments Of The King" and "Back to Tupelo."

Charts

The compilation "Heart And Soul" drops from #128 to #155 on the Billboard Album Chart for the week ending October 25, 2014. The CD also dropped from #13 to #25 on the Catalog Album Chart.

One Step Closer To A Virtual Elvis
 
Pulse Evolution Corporation and Authentic Brands Group, LLC. today announced a partnership to produce a virtually animated Marilyn Monroe. Together, they will leverage Pulse's leading human animation solutions to present Monroe to today's audiences in the form of new and exciting entertainment and branding opportunities, including "holographic" performances in theatrical productions, live appearances, mobile apps, commercials and more.

This announcement represents the second partnership between the leading brand development and licensing company, ABG and virtual performance industry pioneer, Pulse Evolution. "Fans and brand partners around the world enjoy holographic and virtual performances as a powerful form of modern entertainment," remarked Jamie Salter, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Authentic Brands Group. "We are thrilled to showcase our leading celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley to audiences around the world through the gold standard of life-like human animation created by Pulse Evolution."


Among the successes of the executive team are the Virtual Tupac Shakur at the 2012 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Virtual Michael Jackson at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards, and the award-winning visual effects for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, with supervising roles in high-end visual effects films like Avatar, Divergent, Forrest Gump and more. With the addition of Marilyn Monroe, Pulse Evolution has a virtual performer catalogue that includes Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley, representing three of the Top Five highest earning celebrity estates in the world.

Vinyl Re-issues

The Mischief Music (H’ART) label has announced the re-release of nine of their shaped / colored vinyl records. The re-issues are Due for release on October 31, 2014.


Titles:
1. Swing Low Sweet Chariot – EP / 2. His Hand In Mine – EP / 3. Known Only to Him – EP / 4. King Creole – LP / 5. Sun Singles – EP / 6. Loving You – LP / 7. I'll Be Home for Christmas – EP / 8. Blue Christmas – EP / 9. Claus Is Back in Town - EP

(Source: FECC / Elvis And His Music / Elvis World Japan / ElvisMatters / CNN)

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

October 15 - Vinyl Forbes Auction

Forbes Magazine has just released their Top Earning Dead Celebrities List for 2014. The Top 5:

1. Michael Jackson - $140 million
2. Elvis Presley - $55
3. Charles Schulz - $40
4. Elizabeth Taylor - $25
5. Bob Marley - $20.

Showroom Internationale 

Sony Legacy announced the release of "Showroom Internationale", a numbered 2LP set, for For Record Store Day's Black Friday on Friday, November 28, 2014.

Synopsis:
Elvis Presley - Showroom Internationale 2LP - 180G 12" vinyl:

The film "Elvis: That's The Way It Is" provided fans with their first real glimpse of Elvis performing at an absolute peak of his vocal prowess in August 1970. This individually numbered, 17 song, 2 LP set features the King's full August 12, 1970 dinner show and includes 13 previously unreleased performances.

Palm Springs Auction
 
A Palm Springs home once owned by Elvis Presley, currently being marketed at $2.59 million, will be sold at auction Oct. 25. The starting bid is still to be established, said Eric G. Meeks of Team Wrubleski Meeks Realtors. The bank-owned house, built in 1946, had been billed as Graceland West before falling on harder times. 

The ranch-style home sits on 1.75 acres with panoramic mountain and desert views. The gated lot has palm trees, a kidney-shaped swimming pool and a separate spa. The 5,040 square feet of living space include a vaulted ceiling living room with a fireplace, a dining room with a wet bar and a barrel ceiling, a 30-foot-by-50-foot entertainment room, four bedrooms and 6.25 bathrooms.

Elvis bought the property in 1970 for $105,000 from McDonald’s honcho Ray Kroc. Singer Frankie Valli also owned the house, selling it in 1981 for $500,000.

Vinyl Releases


Due for release from the Vinyl Passion (Cargo Records) is the vinyl album “Number One Records”.

Tracks:
Side A:
Heartbreak Hotel - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You - Hound Dog - Don´t Be Cruel - Love Me Tender - Too Much - All Shook Up - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Jailhouse Rock - Hard Headed Woman

Side B:

A Fool Such As I - A Big Hunk O´ Love - One Night - Stuck On You - It´s Now Or Never - Are You Lonesome Tonight - Wooden Heart - Surrender - His Latest Flame - Can´t Help Falling In Love - Return To Sender - Good Luck Charm

Due for release from the Wax-Time label on November 10, 2014 is Elvis debut album "Elvis". Due a week later on 180gr. vinyl is Elvis’ second album “Elvis Presley” with 4 bonus tracks. 

Side A:
Rip It Up - Love Me - When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again - Long Tall Sally - First In Line - Paralyzed - Bonus Song: Too Much - Hound Dog

Side B:
So Glad You’re Mine - Old Shep - Ready Teddy - Anyplace Is Paradise - How’s The World Treating You - How Do You Think I Feel - Bonus Songs: Any Way You Want Me - Lawdy, Miss Clawdy

Collecting Elvis

Volume 73 in the German “Elvis Sammlung” was released by De’ Agostini. It contains a magazine, memorabilia reproductions from “Clambake”, Bill Belew and a mini-poster for the  EP “Follow That Dream”.

(Source: FECC / Brian Quinn / Forbes / Elvis Aktuell / ElvisMatters / Sony Legacy)

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

October 14 - Recovered Elvis Christmas Vinyl

The Mis-label released their version of “Elvis Christmas Album”. It contains 11 tracks from the original album and 9 bonus tracks. 

Tracks: 1. Santa Claus Is Back In Town, 2. White Christmas, 3. Here Comes Santa Claus (Down Santa Claus Lane), 4. I'll Be Home For Christmas, 5. Blue Christmas, 6. Santa, Bring My Baby Back (To Me), 7. Silent Night, 8. Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem, 9. Treat Me Nice (Bonus), 10. My Wish Came True (Bonus), 11. Don't (Bonus), 12. I Believe, 13. Tell Me Why (Bonus), 14. Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do! (Bonus), 15. All Shook Up (Bonus), 16. Mean Woman Blues (Bonus), 17. (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me), 18. I Beg Of You (Bonus), 19. That's When Your Heartaches Begin (Bonus), 20. Take My Hand, Precious Lord

Re-covered


The new AudiRec import-label listened to the comments from fans on the cover-art for  their first release "Elvis At The Hilton". It contained a fake picture. The producers reaction to questions:

+) our apologies for the dumb mistake we did with the fake photo. this cover design will NOT be used, we are working on a totally different one using a photo which shows the REAL Elvis. again....  :so sorry.

+) thank you so much for the feedback - since the booklet has not been printed yet we will be able to "repair" it. 

+) please find enclosed some samples. we hope you´ll like the sound.

CD1-sample1.mp3
http://www12.zippyshare.com/v/91492111/file.html

CD1-sample2.mp3
http://www12.zippyshare.com/v/2732483/file.html

CD2-sample1.mp3

http://www12.zippyshare.com/v/59881273/file.html

(Source: Elvis And His Music / Elvis Aktuell / FECC / Amazon)

Monday, October 13, 2014

October 13 - Elvis At The Hilton

The new AudiRec import-label label has announced a new double CD entitled "Elvis At The Hilton". This set contains audience recordings of the September 2, 1973 Afternoon and Dinner Shows as recorded in Las Vegas. 

From the press-release
It was the summer of 1973 - “Labor Day Weekend” brought thousands of visitors to Las Vegas. No wonder the Colonel agreed when being asked to schedule a special “3 A.M. Show” on Sunday morning (Sept. 2) to fulfill the many requests for tickets. Elvis was so popular in Vegas, it is hard to compare with any of today´s artists. So it is never a fault to say that Elvis was indeed the “King Of Vegas”. For our first release and with all the technical help we could get from our friends from the “Straight Arrow” Label we were able to obtain two rare shows, both from September 2, 1973. Both shows have been recorded with a tape-recorder brought in secretly and have to be called “typical audience recordings”, though clearly ones which are of real good quality for that type of recordings. Did you know that Elvis rode on the back of “Memphis Mafia-Member” Lamar Fike when entering the stage at this early morning show of September 2? In the booklet you will read many details regarding those two shows, written down by witnesses just barely one hour after the shows ended – up at their hotel room at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel!

Tracks CD1 - Las Vegas 02.09.1973 3 AM Show:
01. Also Sprach Zarathustra, 02. See See Rider, 03. I Got A Woman / Amen, 04. Love Me, 05. Steamroller Blues, 06. You Gave Me A Mountain, 07. Trouble, 08. Long Tall Sally / Whole Lotta Shakin´ Goin´ On / Mama Don’t Dance / Flip Flop & Fly / Hound Dog, 09. Love Me Tender, 10. Fever (including excerpt of Polk Salad Annie), 11. What Now My Love (funny version), 12. Suspicious Minds, 13. Band Introduction, 14. Release Me, 15. An American Trilogy, 16. Mystery Train / Tiger Man, 17. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, 18. How Great Thou Art (with reprise), 19. Can’t Help Falling In Love, 20. Closing Vamp - 

Tracks CD2 - Las Vegas 02.09.1973 Dinner Show:
01. Also Sprach Zarathustra, 02. See See Rider, 03. I Got A Woman / Amen, 04. Love Me, 05. Steamroller Blues, 06. You Gave Me A Mountain (funny version), 07. Trouble, 08. Long Tall Sally / Whole Lotta Shakin´ Goin´ On / Mama Don’t Dance / Flip Flop & Fly / Hound Dog, 09. Love Me Tender, 10. Fever, 11. Bridge Over Troubled Water (with reprise), 12. Suspicious Minds, 13. Band Introduction, 14. Introduction of Gloria Loring, 15. My Boy, 16. I Can’t Stop Loving You (with false start), 17. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel, 18. An American Trilogy, 19. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, 20. How Great Thou Art (with reprise), 21. Can’t Help Falling In Love, 22. Closing Vamp.

Elvis’ Christmas Album and His Hand In Mine

The Waxtime label re-issued the classic albums “Elvis’ Christmas Album” (Camden 1970) and “His Hand In Mine” on 180gramm Vinyl.

Elvis’ Christmas Album
Santa Claus Is Back In Town - White Christmas - Here Comes Santa Claus - I'll Be Home For Christmas - Blue Christmas - Santa Bring My Baby Back - Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem - Silent Night - Peace In The Valley - I Believe - Take My Hand, Precious Lord  - It Is No Secret

His Hand In Mine: His Hand In Mine: 

(I'm) Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs - In My Father's House - Milky White Way - Known Only To Him - I Believe In The Man In The Sky - Joshua Fit The Battle - He Knows Just What I Need - Swing Down Sweet Chariot - Mansion Over The Hilltop - If We Never Meet Again - Working On The Building - It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) - You'll Never Walk Alone - Who Am I

(Source: Various)

Sunday, October 12, 2014

October 12 - Delayed Files

Volume 7 in the "Elvis Files" series will not be ready by December. Erik Lorentzen, author and publisher, has just confirmed the delay. The last of the seven Elvis Files books is ”in progress” and will be ready "sometime in the spring next year", no definite date yet. Here is a previewpage from the book. According to Erik, it’s been a massive work to get the photos and info from all the of the seventies concerts. "But it looks really good", he comments.

(Source: ElvisMatters)

Friday, October 10, 2014

October 10 - In The Heat Of A Louisiana Christmas

The "Heart And Soul" compilation climbed from #146 to #128 on the Billboard Album Chart for the week of October 18, 2014. The compilation also climbed from #14 to #13 on the Catalog Album Chart.

Live at the Louisiana Hayride 1955


Due for release from the Suitable label on colored vinyl is "Live at the Louisiana Hayride 1955". 

Tracks:
Side A:
That´s All Right Mama - Blue Moon Of Kentucky - Heartbreak Hotel - Long Tall Sally - I Was The One - Money Honey - I Got A Woman

Side B:

Blue Suede Shoes - Hound Dog - Baby Let´s Play House - Maybellene - There´s Good Rockin Tonight - Tweedle Dee

In The Heat Of The Desert

The Touchdown import-release "In The Heat Of The Desert" containing the previously unavailable Las Vegas Dinner Show from August 21, 1974 has been released. 

The Elvis Christmas Album

Cargo-Records re-issued the 1957 "Elvis Christmas Album" on vinyl. 

(Source: FECC / Amazon)

Thursday, October 09, 2014

October 09 - 14000 Fans Can't Be Wrong!‏

The VV import-label announced the release of the CD / vinyl set "14000 Fans Can't Be Wrong!‏" containing a previously unreleased audience-recording of the September 13, 1970 PM show as recorded in Tampa Florida. The bonus CD contains tracks from the Tampa September 13, 1970 ES and Miami September 12, 1970 ES.

From the press-release:
To be released shortly (early November) on the VV label will be their sixth release entitled "14000 fans Can’t be wrong!" featuring the unreleased complete live audience recording on September 13th 1970 8.30 PM show From Tampa, Florida. The vinyl will be accompanied from a deluxe digipack cd including the Show plus the almost previous day show from Miami + a bonus glossy photo. After the success of our previous releases We decided: to give you more.….. so we decided to not only bring you an unreleased show with best audio possible , but also an expanded cd in deluxe digipack with practically two shows!!!

“14000 fans can’t be wrong!!!” wants to give you a unique perspective of the man and his music during his first tour in 1970.. This will be the first step of a wider project, in fact the producers’ intention is to accompanied this first volume with other unreleased show from Elvis’ 1970 first tour.

Elvis ‘ first tour comes almost immediately after the third Las Vegas season, maybe too soon to give Elvis time to recuperate…from a long and we suspect boring month of concerts in Vegas. The tour was a 8 concerts in 6 different cities. It was a modest tour considering Elvis’ popularity , in fact all the date were an immediately sold out with a wild reaction from the audience. Elvis looked great at the top of his possibility, performing a solid and maybe too short show with the best of the repertoire of the previous month in Vegas with no new songs added.

About the Show, Elvis’ sang the two best singles from the 1969 sessions + plus his last one from the 1970 sessions…I’ve Lost You maybe for the moderate success only, won’t be performed anymore after this tour..In the Ghetto will follow the same destiny …. Talking about of the best song, all the songs a very well performed although sometime no too seriously, overall in the case of a serious one like In The Ghetto… however in “The new song” I’ve Lost You and You’ve Lost the Loving Feeling we find Elvis at his best… In the cd we include together the Tampa show also 30 minutes of Miami Evening show, giving to the listen a wider spectrum about Elvis’ first tour. The Miami show was already released but we have in our hands a straight copy from the original tape, so we decide to add the highlights of the show to complete the bonus cd in the matter to delivery 80 minutes of music.

Both the recording come from an early generation copy of the master tape, the sound quality is very good considering the early tour. 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 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.

The LP 140 vinyl gram. It brings the best quality to date!. Is a limited hand numbered 500 copies. It comes with an classic sleeve as our first release, with a few beautiful shot from the concert giving an unique view. The bonus cd comes with expanded tracklist with a deluxe digipack. A bonus glossy heavy paper A4 format comes to complete this beautiful package.

We hope you can enjoy this sixth product in the way to give life to the next volume soon as possible. You can place your order at your favorite dealer from now on.

  • LP September 13, 1970 8.30 PM
  • Live Audience recording
  • Unreleased Show
  • Running time 49,00 minutes

Side A 24.20 Minutes
01 Opening Theme 02 That’s All Right 03 I Got A Woman/Amen 04 I Walk The Line (excerpt) 05 Love Me Tender 06 In The Ghetto 07 I’ve Lost You 08 You’ve Lost Than Loving Feeling 09 Polk Salad Annie 10 Intro Band 11 Johnny B.Goode
Side B 24.20 Minutes
12 Intro Band 13 The Wonder Of You 14 Heartbreak Hotel 15 Blue Suede Shoes/Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On 16 Hound Dog 17 Bridge Over Troubled Water 18 Suspicious Minds 19 Funny How Time Slips Away 20 Can’t Help Falling In Love

Bonus CD: Tampa September 13, 1970 ES (approx. running-time 49,00 minutes):
01 Opening Theme 02 That’s All Right 03 I Got A Woman/Amen 04 I Walk The Line (excerpt) 05 Love Me Tender 06 In The Ghetto 07 I’ve Lost You 08 You’ve Lost Than Loving Feeling 09 Polk Salad Annie 10 Intro Band 11 Johnny B.Goode 12 Intro Band 13 The Wonder Of You 14 Heartbreak Hotel 15 Blue Suede Shoes/Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On 16 Hound Dog 17 Bridge Over Troubled Water 18 Suspicious Minds 19 Funny How Time Slips Away 20 Can’t Help Falling In Love 
Miami September 12, 1970 ES (approx. running-time 30 minutes):
21. I Walk The Line (except)* 22. I’ve Lost You* 23. You’ve Lost Than Loving Feeling* 24. Polk Salad Annie* 25. Johnny B. Goode* 26. The Wonder Of You* 27. Bridge Over Troubled Water* 28. Suspicious Minds* 29. Funny How Time Slips Away* 30. Can’t Help Falling Love.
Total time 79 minutes *Tracks previously released audience recording.

(Source: FECC)

Tuesday, October 07, 2014

October 07 - Re-issues

Twilight Time has announced a new Blu-ray release on November 11, of the classic Elvis-movie; Flaming Star. It comes in a Limited Edition of 3000 worldwide.

Cover-art

These are the covers of the announced “60s: Elvis Presley” and “70s: Elvis Presley” CD releases. The CDs appear to be re-issues of releases previously available from Wal-Mart.  

Winds Of Change

Leftfield Media released the documentary DVD “Winds Of Change - Elvis Presley 1954 - 1955”. The DVD has a running time of 88 minutes.  

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Amazon)