Saturday, October 31, 2015

October 31 - Walk Down Lonely Street To Heartbreak Hotel This Christmas

Due late 2016 from George Smith Publications is the book “Walk Down Lonely Street - Elvis Presley, Country Music & The True Story Of Heartbreak Hotel” by Tony Plews. 

From the site:
Heartbreak Hotel was the electrifying record that launched the career of the world’s most popular entertainer, Elvis Presley, and helped establish rock ‘n’ roll as a genuine musical force.

Recorded and released in January 1956 as the singer turned 21 and was breaking out of the claustrophobic Country music scene, the song quickly became a worldwide hit and awakened an entire generation, kick-starting the cultural revolution of the 1960s.

For sixty years a legend flourished around Presley’s hit record: the saga of how and why it was written became the most famous story-behind-the-song in music history. But the fabled scenario of an anonymous suicide victim and his enigmatic note  –  “I walk a lonely street”  –  posed more questions than it answered.

This is the book that solves the last great mystery of rock 'n' roll: who was the anonymous man whose death inspired Elvis Presley's first hit record?

It is a story that spans over one hundred years and involves scores of singers and their songs, uncovering the truth, placing events in context and revealing the astonishing depth of Presley’s artistic vision and achievements.

Ultimate Christmas

Due on November 02, 2015 exclusively from Wall Mart is the 2 CD "Ultimate Christmas". 

1. If Evey Day Was Like Christmas
2. Santa Claus Is Back In Town
3. White Christmas
4. Blue Christmas
5. I'll Be Home For Christmas
6. Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)
7. Here Somes Santa Claus(Right Down Santa Claus Lane)
8. Silver Bells
9. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
10. Merry Christmas Baby
11. The Wonderful World Of Christmas
12. O Come All Ye Faithful
13. Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees
14. On A Snowy Christmas Night
15. I'll Be Home On Christmas Day
16. It Won't Seem Like Christmas (Without You)
17. Medley Christmas Message From Elvis/Silent Night
18. Blue Christmas With Martina McBride
19. I'll Be Home For Christmas (With Carrie Underwood)
20. Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) (With LeAnn Rimes)
21. Santa Claus Is Back In Town With Wyonna Judd
22. Silent Night With Sara Evans
23. White Christmas With Amy Grant
24. Mery Christmas Baby With Gretchen Wilson
25. O Little Town Of Bethlehem With Karen Fairchild And Kimberly Sclapman Of Little Big Town
26. Silver Bells With Anne Murray
27. O Come All Ye Faithful With Olivia Newton John
28. The First Noel
29. If I Get Home On Christmas Day

30. Winter Wonderland

(Source: George Smith Publications / FECC / Wall Mart)

Friday, October 30, 2015

October 30 - If I Can Dream About A #1

The Sony release “If I Can Dream” featuring Elvis Presley with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Buble, Il Volo and Duane Eddie. The first review by the L.A. Times is not positive; the record “misses the mark” according to the reviewer. The UK based Independent is even more negative.

This latest posthumous repackage involves replacing or augmenting the original arrangements of 14 Elvis performances with new orchestrations, mostly to the songs’ detriment: both the snake-hipped sway of “It’s Now Or Never” and the yearning tone of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” are ill-served by the lush strings.

“In the Ghetto” is more sensitively treated while the intimate meniscus of “Love Me Tender”’ is not too damaged by the strings.

“An American Trilogy” is subject to wholesale changes, including the replacement of the flute solo by trumpet, and even, at one point, the removal of Elvis’s voice to tidy up a clash with the backing vocals.

Mercifully, there are few guest appearances – the addition of Duane Eddy’s signature twang to a couple of songs is aptly done, but do we really need Michael BublĂ© duetting on “Fever”? No, we do not. 

The Irish Times is the most positive so far: The Irish Times gives it 3 out of 5 - "Recalling The Beatles’ LOVE album, it’s listenable and occasionally pleasant – but you just can’t beat the originals."

Vinyl #1

On the Official UK Vinyl Chart the “If I Can Dream” album is a new entry at #1. The El Toro EP release “Doo Wop” is a new entry at #6. 

On the Official Physical Singles Chart Top 100 the “If I Can Dream” single is a new entry at #2 while “Doo Wop” enters the chart at #11. 

Vinyl Single

Author Philippe Manoeuvre will release the book "100 Vinyls Incontournables" with GM Edition. The book comes with a vinyl single containing Elvis Presley’s “That´s All Right, Mama” and “Blue Moon Of Kentucky”.

Brand New Memories

The book, “Elvis: We'll Remember You” by Ed Bonja was released in the summer of 2014. A newer version and updated has been release. Ed Bonja have made a few changes, added a few new pictures but the main change is the quality of the paper. It is limited to 1000 copies. 

Brand New Set

Sony released the final volume of their download series of “Complete Albums”. 


(Source: FECC / Twitter / ElvisMatters / Elvis Club Berlin / Independent / Irish Times)







Thursday, October 29, 2015

October 29 - Solid As A Rock Commercial

The Straight Arrow import-label announced the release of the 2 CD set "Solid As A Rock". It contains the Friday, August 27, 1971 Dinner and Midnight Shows, as recorded from the audience at Las Vegas International Hotel, Las Vegas, NV

From the press-release:
Straight Arrow is very pleased to bring you, as a first for the label, two concerts from 1971: The Las Vegas August 27th, 1971 dinner & midnight shows. And what a delight it is to get fresh tapes from this year, and from this season, and in rather decent sound too - a rarity for early Vegas seasons. The August 27th, 1971 Dinner and Midnight Shows are taken directly from an original audience recorded master tape Straight Arrow team is always looking for rare, unknown or seemingly lost recordings. Once again, the labels researchers were successful - the Aug. 27, 1971 D/S is a completely new show, even for die-hard Elvis fans. It has never been in circulation - in any form!

The Aug. 27, 1971 M/S was previously released from an awful sounding source. This release have nothing to do with Straight Arrow’s independently taped version! It's an added bonus that these shows are in rather pleasing sound, which is somewhat rare for 1971. This is also a year which is still a bit "under the radar", so any new recordings and insights from that year are most welcome.

Elvis' previous engagement there had shown clear signs of his high performing standard slipping, but here it sounds like he's back on track again. Both shows are tight, no-nonsense affairs with Presley in good voice and in strong form. He performs with focus and professionalism, and he sings a fantastic variety of music. It's interesting to note that already in '71, the difference between the dinner and midnight shows was becoming noticeable. Elvis sounds a tad low-key during parts of the dinner show, but he's firing on all cylinders a couple of hours later - the midnight show is truly sensational! This release is presented in a de-luxe double digipack, collection of photos taken in Del Webbs Sahara Tahoe hotel and at the Las Vegas International hotel in July and August, 1971. Some 1971 candid shots have also been added.

At a time when most labels are perfectly happy to keep on reissuing stuff that you already have in your collection, you can at least count on Straight Arrow to go that extra mile and bring you something new. And this fine release is yet another good example of that.

Tracklist
CD1 - Friday, August 27, 1971 Dinner Show:
01. Orchestra Intro - 02. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 03. That’s All Right - 04. I Got A Woman - 05. Proud Mary - 06. Sweet Caroline - 07. Polk Salad Annie – 08. Instrumental intermezzo / Elvis talks - 09. Johnny B. Goode - 10. It’s Impossible - 11. Love Me - 12. Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On / Blue Suede Shoes - 13. Heartbreak Hotel - 14. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - 15. Hound Dog - 16. Suspicious Minds - 17. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 18. I’m Leavin’ - 19. Love Me Tender - 20. Lawdy Miss Clawdy - 21. Can’t Help Falling In Love - 22. Closing Vamp / Announcements

CD2 - Friday, August 27, 1971 Midnight Show:
01. Orchestra Intro - 02. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 03. That’s All Right - 04. I Got A Woman - 05. Proud Mary - 06. Sweet Caroline - 07. Polk Salad Annie - 08. Instrumental intermezzo / Elvis talks - 09. Johnny B. Goode - 10. It’s Impossible - 11. Love Me - 12. Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On / Blue Suede Shoes - 13. Heartbreak Hotel - 14. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - 15. Hound Dog - 16. Love Me Tender - 17. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 18. Introduction of singer Vic Damone, actress Diahann Carroll and actress Jill St. John - 19. I’m Leavin’ - 20. Bridge Over Troubled Water (with reprise) - 21. Can’t Help Falling In Love - 22. Closing Vamp 

Commercial

Here is the commercial for the UK edition of the "If I Can Dream" album by Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.


(Source: FECC / YouTube)

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

October 28 - New Bootleg Re-issues

Due from the Crown Jewel Media import label is the 16 CD Box "A Legendary Performer" containing over 380 electric gems for your Elvis collection according to the press-release. It comes with a booklet with info. The release is a limited edition of 400 sets worldwide.

That's The Wonder, The Wonder Of You

The Rockabilly import-label is the 4 CD longbox "That's The Wonder, The Wonder Of You" containing the following material:

CD 1) International Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, Usa, 27-01-1971 Midnight Show
CD 2) International Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, Usa, 28-01-1971 Midnight Show
CD 3) International Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, Usa, 29-01-1971 Midnight Show
CD 4) International Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, Usa, 23-02-1971 Closing Show

Top Earning

Forbes listed the Top Earning Dead Celebrities. Michael Jackson is #1 with 115 million dollar, Elvis Presley is #2 with 55 million and at #3 Charles Schulz, the Peanuts creator.

Forbes on Elvis: #2 Elvis Presley - $55 M
The King of Rock n’ Roll doesn't rule the realm of postmortem cash, but he’s making more than most living stars thanks largely to Graceland ticket sales. In August he earned his 53rd Top 40 album with Elvis Presley Forever, a compilation released by the U.S. Postal Service along with a commemorative stamp.

Italian Re-issues

Three movies will be re-issued on DVD on December 16, 2015 in Italy; "Un Uomo Chiamato Charro" , "Il Monte Di Venere" and "Per Un Pugno Di Donne". 

(Source: The Music Of Elvis Presley / Forbes / Elvis Club Berlin) 

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

October 27 - Charts

The Billboard chart updates for the week ending November 7, 2015. 

The "It's Christmas Time" compilation drops from #3 to #7 on the Billboard Holiday Album Chart. "Merry Christmas, Love Elvis" drops from #5 to #8. 
The "Heart And Soul" set rises from #18 to #16 while "Merry Christmas, Love Elvis" is a re-Entry at #24 on the Country Catalog Album Chart.

European Charts

The CD "The Real... Elvis" re-entered the Irish Album chart at #92. 
The CD "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" climbed to #32 on the Belgian Ultrapop Mid-price Album chart. 

Australian Charts

The DVD "The King Of Rock ’n’ Roll" climbed from #40 to #29 on the Australian Music Chart DVD. 

(Source: FECC / Brian Quinn . The King's World)

Monday, October 26, 2015

October 26 - Promotional Fever

Here is the promotional CD for the “Fever” duet between Elvis Presley and Michael Buble for the “If I Can Dream” release by Elvis Presley and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The factory pressed CD comes in a PVC sleeve with full colour artwork inlay. Artist press info sticker on the rear of the sleeve.

Winfield Scott Died

Songwriter Winfield Scott died, he was 95. Elvis Presley recorded 9 songs he wrote and cowrote with Otis Blackwell. 

Winfield Scott (also known as Robie Kirk) was an American songwriter, who wrote or co-wrote the hit songs 'Tweedle Dee' for LaVern Baker and 'Return to Sender' for Elvis Presley. 'Return to Sender', written for the Presley film Girls! Girls! Girls!, was his biggest hit, selling over 14 million copies in the U.S. alone.


Scott was a longtime collaborator of Otis Blackwell and together they were hired to write a song for the Elvis Presley film 'Roustabout'. While the film was released in 1964, the song 'I'm a Roustabout' was not used, producer Hal Wallis instead preferring 'Roustabout', written by Bill Giant, Bernie Baum and Florence Kaye, as the title song. In 2003, a remark made to a reporter by Scott started a search for the lost recording of the Presley song, which was eventually found and released on the 2003 Elvis Presley compilation album, '2nd to None'. 

1) Stranger In The Crowd
2) Tweedlee Dee
3) Long Legged Girl (Leslie McFarland, Winfield Scott)
4) We´re Coming In Loaded
5) Return To Sender
6) One Broken Heart For Sale
7) Please Don´t Drag That String Around
8) Easy Question

9) I´m A Roustabout

(Source: eBay / Elvis Memories / ElvisMatters)

Sunday, October 25, 2015

October 25 - Suspicious Record For Sale

An incredibly rare Elvis Presley recording that even fans didn’t know existed has surfaced in the Black Country. And the acetate, made for Tennessee radio station WHBQ, is set to spark a bidding war when it goes under the hammer in Dudley on November 4.

Fans are well and truly shook up by the discovery. Aston’s Auctioneers estimate the 78rpm record will fetch around £12,000, but admit the slice of vinyl history could go for much, much more. It is highly collectible for two reasons. The A-side is a recording of Elvis singing Suspicion – at least three years before The King released it as a single. It represents the first public airing of a song that has become an Elvis anthem. The B-side is evidence of a long-lost civil rights milestone. It is a promotional jingle for Ray Charles’ August 20, 1961, concert at Ellis Auditorium – the very first mixed race gig in Memphis.

Film poster specialist Steve Kennedy, who is involved in the auction, says: “It is a piece of history, a total one-off. “On the B-side you have the social history, the first time the ‘coloureds only’ signs were taken off the auditorium washrooms. “Elvis loved the song Suspicion, but the record company was reluctant to release it as a single because they wanted it for Terry Stafford.” Stafford’s version hit the Billboard Top Ten in 1964, and Elvis’ version followed soon afterwards, the two jockeying for position in the charts. 

There’s a fascinating story attached to the record. It belonged to Julie Wall, a North Kesteven Council employee who rifled more than half a million in loose change from car park cash boxes – and spent the lot on Elvis memorabilia. She was jailed for three years in 2005 and the bizarre case spawned a TV film, Caught In A Trap, starring Connie Fisher as the Lincolnshire Elvis fanatic. Julie’s hoard was confiscated by police and auctioned in 2007 to repay North Kesteven Council.

Many of those items, purchased by a Black Country private collector, will be sold at next month’s Presley posters and records auction.

The acetate is the star attraction by far. Steve, from Droitwich, Worcestershire, adds: “It is a fascinating insight into what radio stations did, and how they did them. “It is incredible. I have never seen a WHBQ acetate and I don’t know if any other exists. “Arguably, one of the most fanatical and controversial Elvis Presley collections of all time is going under the hammer. Elvis is in the building.”

The sale will also feature rare RCA Living stereo sampler records, promotional records and sought-after posters for such films as Love Me Tender, Blue Hawaii, California Holiday, Girl Happy and Follow That Dream.

You can listen to the acetate >>> here.

Ultimate Elvis - Electronic Edition


After the first hardcover edition and the budget edition the "Ultimate Elvis" books will be available as an electronic edition by November 01, 2015. All 3 Volumes for £60.00 

Fully updated e-books will open in any web browser on any operating system, so no need for separate downloads for different operating systems. Flip through pages as if you are reading an actual book, but also being able to zoom-in to view smaller images and captions. View as double pages on a computer or laptop etc, and single pages when viewing in portrait on an i-pad or Android tablet. Jump back and forth to the sections of the books you want to read, instead of flipping through numerous pages to find what you want.

You can >>> download free zip-file here containing 27 pages from Volume 1.

(Source: Birmingham Mail / FECC / Keith Flynn)

Friday, October 23, 2015

October 23 - Legacy Vinyl

Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, announces the label's line-up of collectible 12 inch, 10 inch and 7 inch vinyl releases created especially for Record Store Day's Black Friday 2015, celebrated this year at the nation's independent record stores on Friday, November 27, 2015. One of the titles is Elvis Presley - "If I Can Dream" / "Anything That's Part of You" - 7 inch 45RPM black vinyl. Limited to 4,800 copies.

Description: Pressed on classic black vinyl, this 45rpm single contains the title track from RCA/Legacy's forthcoming If I Can Dream album coupled with the previously unreleased "Anything That's Part of You." Part of the ongoing Elvis 80th Birthday Celebration, If I Can Dream showcases Elvis Presley with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the King of Rock And Roll at the peak of his powers.

If I Can dream Of A Radio Special

Here is a radio show for the promotion of the “If I Can Dream” CD. You can listen to the show >> here

Another UK award for Elvis

The CD "Elvis Presley - Artist Of The Century" was awarded a Silver Certification for selling 200.000 copies in the UK. 

Legacy Poster

Here is a promotional poster from Sony Legacy, posted on FaceBook, for the 80th Anniversary year. 

Elvis Files Volume 7 At The Printers

Volume 7 of the “Elvis Files” series is now at the printing company and almost ready, according to author Erik Lorentzen. The Volume 7 of the book series contains pictures and stories about the years 1974-1975 with some pictures of photographer Keith Alverson. The eighth and last part about Elvis his last two years only next year at the summer market.

(Source: Legacy Recordings / Elvis Club Berlin / FECC / ElvisMatters)

Thursday, October 22, 2015

October 22 - And The Grass Won't Pay No Mind

The Official Elvis Collector's Edition’s next installment, "His Untold Sacrifice" pays tribute to The King’s honorable service in the American military, a period which left a lasting impression on his career and life. 

This issue revisits all the ups and downs Elvis had to face during his two years of active duty in the US Army. With 100 pages of king-sized entertainment, including newspaper headlines from the day he was drafted and his take on the draft coming during the height of his fame. Plus, Frank Sinatra's welcome home special for The King—it’ll leave fans everywhere saying, "Thank you, thank you very much."

Raised On Vinyl

The Friday Music label will re-issue "Raised On Rock - For Ol' Times Sake" on January 08, 2016 on 180 gram audiophile clear vinyl. A limited edition with gatefold cover.

Spanish Compilations

Released by the Spanish VCM label are the CD’s “Villancicos De Oro” and "Elvis Presley - Grandes Éxitos”. 

Preview

The King isn’t dead. On October 30, Legacy Recordings will release "If I Can Dream: Elvis Presley With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra", which revisits Presley’s catalog by pairing 14 of his classics with new, orchestral arrangements. 

Below four more previews. One is the new take on the star’s 1969 tune “And The Grass Won’t Pay No Mind” below. Originally written by Neil Diamond and released as a part of Presley’s Back In Memphis LP, it’s one of his most delicate, expressive vocal performances. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, with composition by Robin Smith, pays beautiful homage to the original with only slightly enlivened atmospherics.  










(Source: Entertainment Weekly / FECC / Friday Music / Topix / Elvis Club Berlin)

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

October 21 - 1977 Audiovisual Charts

The Rock Legends import-label just released their new book "The February 1977 Tour - An Audiovisual Documentary ~ Volume I". 

From the press-release:
The first photo book of this series is mainly about the first tour of 1977. The February 1977 Tour is an audiovisual document exploring the first shows of 1977 in a photographic manner along with several performances recorded live during some of the events which are featured on the bonus CD. This new flyer shows some extra pages along with the bonus CD cover that comes with the book. The book itself is nothing less than an extension of the FTD books and will fit nicely besides them, their printing quality is equally in the same league, and if not better as far as the seventies are concerned. 

Charts

The three Elvis Christmas albums in the Billboard Holiday Chart went up some notches for the week of October 31, 2015, namely the penennial "It's Christmas Time" last week at #5, now at #3, "Merry Christmas, Love Elvis" last week at #8 this week at #5 and "Blue Christmas" last week at #50, now at #46. He is still the only one with two albums now in both the top 5 and the top 10.

The "Heart And Soul" compilation drops from #17 to #18 on the Country Catalog Album Chart for the week ending 31, 2015.

The "He Touched Me - The Gospel Music Of Elvis Presley (Vols.1 and 2)" video remains at #18 on the Top Music Video Chart whilst "Love Me Tender: The Love Songs" rises from #35 to #23.


The CD "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" dropped off the Official UK Album chart after re-entering the chart at #94 this week. 


The CD "The Real … Elvis" dropped off the Irish Album chart from last week’s listing at #91.

The CD "The Real... Elvis" re-entered the Italian Album chart at #100

The Warner Bros. 6-DVD-Box "The Elvis Collection" dropped off the Official UK Music DVD chart. 

The SONY / BMG DVD "Elvis – The King Of Rock’n’Roll – 30 Hit Performances And More" re-entered the Australian Music DVD chart at #40.

(Source: FECC / Brian Quinn / The King's World)

Saturday, October 17, 2015

October 17 - Bright Lights Are Back

The straight Arrow import-label announced the release of volume 7 in their “Booth Tapes” entitled “Bright Lights, Big City” containing the Thursday, February 20th, 1973 Dinner Show as recorded at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, NV

From the press-release:
Coming out soon is the new Straight Arrow CD titled "Bright Lights, Big City", featuring the Las Vegas, February 20th, 1973 Dinner show. This recording is taken directly from an original Rex Martin „booth recorded“ mastertape. When Straight Arrow started releasing the Rex Martin tapes a few years ago, they caused quite a sensation in the Elvis world. For years they were known to exist, but here they finally were, in a quality that's rare for off-line recorded tapes. In fact, these tapes are so good sonically, that they can easily match anything that's out there. They are certainly as good as the Rick Rennie tapes and bring us the true joy of Elvis Presley on stage in a way that many sterile / unbalanced soundboards were never able to do. The cassette A-side label is marked „20th Feb. 73 Dinner show“, and on flipside there's „20th Feb. 73 Midnight show.“ To the producers big disappointment, the B-side was completely empty, perhaps recorded over / erased by mistake! So the recording of the 20th February 1973 Midnight show is – very likely – lost forever…

Nevertheless, the Feb. 20th, 1973 D/S is another completely new concert recording, even for die-hard Elvis fans. It has never been in circulation - in any form, and the sound quality is exceptionally good! Ask your local dealer for samples!

As usual, our new release is presented in Straight Arrow's standard deluxe digipack. Since there is a hand written notice on the cassette label: „Blue Suit / Silver Stars”, the producers assume that Elvis appeared in the „Owl suit“ - the only blue jumpsuit designed with silver stars. For this reason, we have decided to design the digipack with a collection of photos of Elvis wearing the „Owl suit“, as taken in November 1972

Tracklist
01. Orchestra Intro - 02. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 03. C. C. Rider - 04. I Got A Woman / Amen - 05. Love Me Tender - 06. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - 07. Steamroller Blues - 08. You Gave Me A Mountain - 09. Fever - 10. Love Me - 11. Blue Suede Shoes - 12. I’m Leavin’ - 13. Hound Dog - 14. What Now My Love - 15. Suspicious Minds - 16. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 17. Introduction of actor George Montgomery - 18. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear) / Don’t Be Cruel - 19. Can’t Stop Loving You (with false start) - 20. An American Trilogy - 21. Can't Help Falling In Love - 22. Closing Vamp / Announcements. 

Loving You

The Wax Time label re-issued the “Loving You” soundtrack on 180gr. Vinyl. It contains the 12 tracks from the original album and two bonus songs. 

Tracks: 
Mean Woman Blues, Teddy Bear,  Loving You,  Got A Lot O’ Livin’ To Do, Lonesome Cowboy,  Hot Dog, Party,  Blueberry Hill, True Love,  Don’t Leave Me Now,  Have I Told You Lately That I Love You, I Need You So -  Paralyzed und I Want To Be Free.

Rock Is Back

The VV Record import-release “Rock Is Back” containing the August 15, 1969 Midnight Show as recorded in Las Vegas. 

Tracks:
Side A: Opening Theme / Blue Suede Shoes - I Got A Woman - All Shook Up - Love Me tender - Jailhouse Rock / Don’t Be Cruel Side B: Heartbreak Hotel - Hound Dog - Memories - Mystery Train / Tiger Man Side C: Life Story - Baby What You Want Me To Do - Runaway - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Yesterday - Hey Jude Side D: Band Introduction & Elvis Introduced Jerry Lee Lewis - In The Ghetto - Suspicious Minds - What‘d I Say - Can’t Help Falling Love

Bonus-CD:
Opening Theme / Blue Suede Shoes - I Got A Woman - All Shook Up - Love Me Tender - Jailhouse Rock / Don’t Be Cruel - Heartbreak Hotel - Hound Dog - Memories - Mystery Train / Tiger Man - Life Story - Baby What You Want Me To Do - Runaway - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Yesterday - Hey Jude - Band Introduction & Elvis Introduced Jerry Lee Lewis - In The Ghetto - Suspicious Minds - What‘d I Say - Can’t Help Falling Love - Baby What You Want Me To Do - Runaway - In The Ghetto - Suspicious Minds

Memphis Music Hall of Fame

The event honored musicians and performers with strong connections to Memphis, known as a cradle of blues, soul/R&B and rock n' roll. Also inducted were Sam & Dave, Elvis Presley guitarist Scotty Moore, Booker T. & the MG's drummer Al Jackson Jr., singer Alberta Hunter, blues pianist Memphis Slim and country singer Charlie Rich. Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards accepted the award for Scotty Moore, who did not attend.

Eighty-year-old Sam Moore, one half of the duo Sam & Dave, performed to close the show. He was joined on stage by Timberlake, who danced during "Soul Man" and "Hold On, I'm Comin'." They then sang "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" together.

Richards praised Scotty Moore for influencing his career. Scotty Moore played guitar on Presley's first recording, "That's All Right," at Sun Studio in 1954, and traveled with Presley as the rock n' roll icon started his music career.
Richards dropped the award when he approached the podium. "I dropped it classically, tastefully," Richards joked.


The Memphis Music Hall of Fame started in 2012. Inaugural inductees included Presley, Redding and Three 6 Mafia. Since then, inductees have included rock group Big Star, blues guitarist Albert King and soul songstress Carla Thomas. The sold-out event was held at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts.

(Source: FECC / Elvis On CD / Star Tribune)

Friday, October 16, 2015

October 16 - Weekend Import Charts

The Elvis One label announced two new CDs; "Sincerely Elvis (Monophonic Sound Edition)" and "Elvis’ Christmas Album (original album series)".

From the press-release:
Sincerely Elvis - presented as an original album from the sixties! - A great collection of songs released on 5 hit singles and 1 EP in 1961/1962. Now for the first time on cd in original mono! Plus outtakes from “Wild In The Country” - and an intimate unedited interview from 1962! Also a 12 pages booklet!

Elvis’ Christmas Album (Original Album Series)

The 2014 edition of “Elvis’ Christmas Album” by the Elvis One label was sold out fast. Now we re-release the Elvis One edition of Elvis’ Christmas Album as a single (budget) disc and with different artwork, including the 1959 cover of this wonderful and historic album! Including a 12 pages booklet!

Tracks Sincerely Elvis:

The Mono Masters - Side A
01 Surrender 1:54 02 Lonely Man 2:43 03 Flaming Star 2:28 04 Summer Kisses, Winter Tears 2:20 05 I Feel So Bad 2:54 06 Wild In The Country 1:53

The Mono Masters - Side B
07 (Marie’s The Name) His Latest Flame 2:07 08 Little Sister 2:32 09 Good Luck Charm 2:26 10 Anything That’s Part Of You 2:05 11 She’s Not You 2:10 12 Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello 1:57

Elvis In Hollywood - Behind The Scenes
13 Wild In The Country (take 3, 4, 5 & 6) 2:15 14 Wild In The Country (take 7) 1:08 15 Wild In The Country (take 8) 1:42 16 Wild In The Country (take 9) 1:04 17 Wild In The Country (take 15, 17 & 18) 1:40 18 Wild In The Country (master with count-in) 1:55

Elvis In Hollywood - Interview
19 Intimate interview with Elvis (unedited) 38:28 (August 17, 1962 - Interviewer: Lloyd Shearer) 

Tracks Elvis’ Christmas Album (original album series):

The Original Mono Album
1. Santa Claus Is Back In Town 2. White Christmas 3. Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) 4. I’ll Be Home For Christmas 5. Blue Christmas 6. Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) 7. Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem 8. Silent Night 9. (There’ll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me) 10. I Believe 11. Take My Hand, Precious Lord 12. It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)

Inside Elvis Christmas Album
13. White Christmas (Master with studio banter & count-in) 14. It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) (Take 4) 15. (There’ll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me) (Take 5, 6, 8 & master) 16. It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) (Take 6, 7, 8 & master) 17. It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) (Take 9, 10, 11 & 12) 18. I’ll Be Home For Christmas (Mono version with echo from acetate) 19. Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem (Mono version with echo from acetate) 20. Special Message from Elvis / I’ll Be Home For Christmas (Original version used for Elvis’ special Christmas program, december 3, 1967)

Bonus Tracks
21. Peace In The Valley (Live version) 22. Elvis’ Christmas Album commercial (1957)

Stereo Mixes And Other Versions
All these versions were officially released through the years. 23. Blue Christmas (Original electronic stereo version) 24. Silent Night (Without piano intro) 25. White Christmas (Repaired intro without finger-snap) 26. I’ll Be Home For Christmas (Remastered with stereo effect) 27. Silent Night (Remastered with stereo effect) 28. Blue Christmas (Remastered with stereo effect) 29. White Christmas (Remastered with stereo effect) 30. Special Message from Elvis / Silent Night (Album version) 

Charts

Elvis Presley lands 3 of his Christmas albums in the Billboard Holiday chart for the week ending October 24, 2015; "It's Christmas Time" at #5, "Merry Christmas  Love Elvis" at #8 and "Blue Christmas" at #50. He is the only artist with two albums in the Top 10.

  • The "Heart And Soul" compilation drops from #16 to #17 on the Country Catalog Album Chart.
  • The video "He Touched Me - The Gospel Music Of Elvis Presley (Vols. 1 and 2)" rises from #40 to #18 on the Top Music Video Chart whilst "Love Me Tender: The Love Songs" enters the chart at #35.
  • The CD "ELV1S 30 # 1 Hits" re-entered the Official UK Album chart at #94. It also re-enters the Scottish Album Chart at #95. The CD dropped off the Belgian Mid-price Album chart. 
  • The DVD set "The Elvis Collection" re-entered the Official UK Music DVD chart at #45. 
  • The CD "The Real... Elvis" dropped from #83 to #91 on the Irish Album chart.
  • The DVD “Elvis – The King Of Rock’n’Roll – 30 Hit Performances And More” dropped off the Australian Music DVD chart after climbing to #19 last week. 

(Source: FECC / Brian Quinn / The King's World)

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Oktober 15 - American Preview

Here is a preview of the newly orchestrated version of "An American Trilogy" from the  upcoming symphonic compilation "If I Can Dream". The song also features Duane Eddy on guitar. Listen here on the Rolling Stone Magazine website

(Source: Rolling Stone Magazine)


Wednesday, October 14, 2015

October 14 - Atlanta, Second Stop

The MxF import-label announced the release entitled "Atlanta, Second Stop" dedicated to Elvis’ 1973 June Tour. It features the June 29, 1973 08:30 PM Show. 

From the press-release:
This CD is entitled Atlanta, Second Stop, featuring the Omni Coliseum June 29, 1973 8.30 PM Show.
The June Tour represents the second and last tour of the year, Elvis on tour means Elvis at the top of his possibilities. In the Omni coliseum Elvis performed five shows in the single the tour. The show here presented is the second one. The begin of the 1973 presents an Elvis still at the top, no more a rocking singer, He deliveries with enthusiasm the classic repertoire post-72. The year was begun with the glorious Hawaii TV satellite Show and after a pale useless Vegas season, Elvis recuperated from the fatigue, started the first tour of the year in a different mood, the second tour is even better with our man very energetic on stage, full of enthusiasm he sings with power delivering a solid and long show, with the classic repertoire of the 1973 including a incredible “Steaming rolling blues” version, together the really dramatic What Now My Love and the classic Bridge Over Troubled Water. In this specific solid show. Elvis replaced the classic Bridge Over Troubled Water with the gospel How Great Thou Art and added two nice variation the sensitive Help Me Make It through The Night and the Beatles’ song Something for the rest is the classic songs line up of the tour. On stage is an impressive figure in the Orange Sunburst, the rocker attitude still intact, the voice great, the atmosphere enormous, the demand terrific, 17.143 lucky people attended at the show.

The show is unreleased and complete, here we present the show directly from a first generation copy of a privately-recorded 60-minute cassette. The sound is very good really impressive without doubt one of the best audience recording coming from the specific June tour. We are very proud to give you the opportunity listening with pleasure this solid show. Considering it was taped from the audience in a big hall the audio is incredibly good.. Elvis and overall the band is loud and clear, the sounds is very powerful in very good balanced mix the audience is never too intrusive giving instead the real feeling of the concert.

Like its predecessors, this new release will be presented in a beautiful four panels digipack with a collection of photos taken during show.. All the photos come from the Steve Rino & Bob Rush book, Elvis June 1973 tour. The recording good quality and the superb show give to Atlanta second stop the status of unique.

Tracks As recorded live at Omny Coliseum, June 29, 1973 8.30 PM:
01. See See Rider( missing first part) 02. I Got A Woman/Amen 03. Help Me Make It Through The Night 04. Steamroller Blues 05. You Gave Me A Mountain 06. Love Me 07. Blue Suede Shoes 08. Rock Medley 09. Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel 10. I’m Leavin’ 11. How Great Thou Art 12. Hound Dog 13. Fever 14. Something 15. What Now My Love 16. Suspicious Minds 17. Band Introduction 18. I’ll Remember You 19. I Can’t Stop Loving You 20. An American Trilogy 21. A Big Hunk O’ Love 22. Can’t Help Falling In Love 23. Closing Vamp 

(Source: FECC)

Monday, October 12, 2015

October 12 - The Early Years


Due for release from the DV More label o October 16, 2015 is the DVD "The Early Years".

(SourcE: Amazon France)

Sunday, October 11, 2015

October 11 - Elvis In Munich

The book "Elvis - An Army Trilogy: Volume 2" by Andreas Roth has been released. The hard-cover book contains around 300 pictures (32 pages full color) and documents from Elvis Presley's army days in Munich. 

From the author's website:
Elvis wearing EP sunglasses (same style as in 1968).
Hotel registration form filled in by Elvis.
Elvis at McGraw barracks, Munich.
3-day pass dated March 6, 1959.
Unpublished photographs of Elvis in Munich and at Lake Starnberg.
The correct dates of his promotions in rank.

(Source: Elvis Aktuell / Elvis In Munich)

Saturday, October 10, 2015

October 10 - Charts

The various chart positions of Elvis Presley around the globe this week(end):
  • The “Elvis Live In Las Vegas“ box set dropped of the Dutch Album Top 100 after entering it last week at #63. 
  • The DVD / book set “Elvis In The Movies” dropped off the Irish Music DVD chart from last week’s position at #4. 
  • The “The Real... Elvis” dropped from #77 to #83 on the Irish Album chart. 
  • The “ELV1S 30 #1 Hits” compilation re-entered the Belgian Mid-price chart at #25. 
  • The "The Elvis Collection" DVD set re-enters the Official UK Music Video Chart at #44.
  • The “Elvis Forever” CD from Sony Legacy and the USPS dropped off the Top Country Billboard charts from last week’s listing at #23.
  • The DVD “Elvis – The King Of Rock’n’Roll – 30 Hit Performances And More” climbed from #27 to #19 on the Australian Music DVD chart.
(Source: The King's World / Dutch Charts, Irish Recorded Music Association, Ultratop / Official Uk Charts)

Friday, October 09, 2015

October 09 - Mini Classics

Released by the Dreamcovers label are two mini LP replica coupling four classic albums. The first is "Loving You / Jailhouse Rock", the second "Elvis Is Back / A Date With Elvis". 

Product discription: Loving You + Jailhouse Rock Mini-Lp Replica Cd New


The amazing and controversial Mr. Presley is in the headlines again this time as the star of the Paramount Picture “Loving You.” Cast as a small-town boy who unexpectedly sings his way into fame, Elvis is co-starred with Wendell Corey and Lizabeth Scott in Hal Wallis' Production. The movie is by turns amusing, touching and exciting as it tells the story of the young “Local Talent” –Elvis– who suddenly becomes successful. Side one features Elvis singing seven of the wonderful new songs written especially for the movie. On side two he gives his own very special vocal treatment of five well-known popular ballads. Accompanying Elvis in all the numbers are his usual three musicians –Bill Black on bass, Scotty Moore on guitar and D. J. Fontana on drums. In addition, Elvis is assisted by Dudley Brooks, a very accomplished pianist whom Elvis first met when he started to make “Loving You.” Elvis has used him on all his recording sessions since. And finally, Elvis has the able backing of The Jordanaires, the vocal quartet which has appeared on so many of his hit records.

Tracks:
Loving You
01 Mean Woman Blues 
02 (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear 
03 Loving You 
04 Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do! 
05 Lonesome Cowboy 
06 Hot Dog 
07 Party 
08 Blueberry Hill 
09 True Love 
10 Don't Leave Me Now 
11 Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? 
12 I Need You So 

Jailhouse Rock
13 Jailhouse Rock 
14 Young And Beautiful 
15 I Want To Be Free 
16 Don't Leave Me Now (Movie Version) 
17 (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care 
18 Treat Me Nice 
19 I Beg You 
20 Don't 
21 Playing For Keeps 
22 Shake, Rattle & Roll 
23 Good Rockin' Tonight 
24 I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine 

Bonus Tracks:
25 That's When Your Heartaches Begin 
26 All Shook Up 
27 Heartbreak Hotel 
28 Don't Be Cruel 
29 Hound Dog 
30 Love Me Tender

Product discription: Elvis Is Back! + a Date W/Elvis Mini Lp-Replica CD (2 LPs 1 CD Plus 6 bonus tracks)


This quintessential release features two of Elvis Presley finest LPs, which were originally released on the RCA label: "Elvis Is Back!" (1960) and "A Date with Elvis" (1959). Both masterpieces helped define the exact nature of early rock & roll and contain the commercial successes with which the KING OF ROCK made his name, such as “Good Rockin' Tonight”, “Fever”, “Blue Moon of Kentucky”, “It Fee s So Right”, and “Such a Night”, among other hits. These albums have been packaged together in this very special collector's edition, which also includes 6 bonus tracks. The music is striking for its raw and visceral quality, in fact, it was more exciting than the material on his last pre-Army Lp release, the King Creole soundtrack. This is as rebellious, engaging and rousing as early rock & roll can sound. Total Time: 69:23

Tracks:
Elvis Is Back !
01. Make Me Know It 
02. Fever 
03. The Girl Of My Best Friend 
04. I Will Be Home Again 
05. Dirty, Dirty Feeling 
06. The Thrill Of Your Love 
07. Soldier Boy 
08. Such A Night 
09. It Feels So Right 
10. The Girl Next Door Went A' Walking 
11. Like A Baby 
12. Reconsider Baby 

A Date With Elvis
13. Blue Moon Of Kentucky 
14. Young And Beautiful 
15. (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care 
16. Milkcow Blues Boogie 
17. Baby Let's Play House 
18. Good Rockin' Tonight 
19. Is It So Strange 
20. We're Gonna Move 
21. I Want To Be Free 
22. I Forgot To Remember To Forget 

Bonus Tracks
23. It's Now Or Never 
24. Hands Off (Demo) 
25. Stuck On You 
26. Paralyzed 
27. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone 
28. Lawdy, Miss Clawdy

30 #1 Vinyl Hits 

The Sony Legacy re-issue of the “ELV1S 30 #1 Hits” compilation has been released. 

Side A: Heartbreak Hotel - Don't Be Cruel - Hound Dog - Love Me Tender - Too Much - All Shook Up - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Jailhouse Rock

Side B: Don't - Hard Headed Woman - One Night - (Now And Then There's) A Fool Such As I - A Big Hunk O'Love - Stuck On You - It's Now Or Never

Side C: Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Wooden Heart - Surrender - (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame - Can't Help Falling In Love - Good Luck Charm - She's Not You - Return To Sender - (You're The) Devil In Disguise

Side D: Crying In The Chapel - In The Ghetto - Suspicious Minds - The Wonder Of You - Burning Love - Way Down - A Little Less Conversation (JXL Radio Edit Remix)

(Source: FECC / Juke It Up / Elvis Aktuell)