Saturday, August 31, 2019

August 31 - Rock and Re-issues

Due for release November 2, 2019 are reproductions of the first five EP’s released in France; “Rock and Roll volumes 1 to 5”. These re-issues, contains legendary performances like “Shake, Rattle and Roll”, “Blue Suede Shoes”, “Blue Moon”, “Tutti Frutti”, “I Forgot To Remember To Forget”, “Mystery Train”, “I Was The One”, “Heartbreak Hotel” and more, come in two variations. 

One set on 140 Gr. black vinyl containing the original version of these songs and a second edition on 140 Gr. colored vinyl, red, yellow, blue, green and grey,  containing alternate versions of the aforementioned tracks. The first set should be around 150 Euro, the second set around 180 Euro. 

See You Soon Huntsville

The VV Special Products announced the release of “See You Soon Huntsville”, a “Special Deluxe double LP and DVD set containing soundboard recordings of both shows from June 1, 1975 as recorded in Huntsville, AL. This set comes in three variations. 

From the press-release:

To be released soon (end of September) from the "VV" label for the first time in vinyl both the shows of the third day on Huntsville, AL June 01st, 1975, included as a bonus a special documentary DVD that documents Elvis’ live activities in early 1975. This special product will the follow up of the previous successful First Time In Huntsville published by VV on October 2018. 

As always VV's attitude is to present Elvis at the peak of his possibility and without doubt, this double set present Elvis still at his top. After shedding some extra weight the man is ready to face his second tour of 1975. “Elvis was an impressive sight in his new jumpsuit” delivering incredible shows. If rock is an attitude, the man still got it. 

“Streamlined Elvis still has the old magic” was the headlines of the Huntsville review report. The King is back in good shape, both physically and mentally. The second tour started with 5 sold-out concerts in Huntsville was the audience created an incredible atmosphere in the hall, Elvis’ spirit, and voice knocked them all out. 

We are glad to include a special documentary DVD in the matter to document Elvis’ early 1975 life and concert activity. In this way, we hope to give a wider view of the man and his music. We can guarantee that Elvis was greeted with incredible enthusiasm; the popularity in the live scene in the middle of 1975 is at the maximum level. The tour presents Elvis still at the top of his rocker possibility. He looks great in his impressive new Silver Phoenix and delivery a great show with a great version of the up-tempo rockers “Burning Love”, “Polk Salad Annie”, and “T.R.O.U.B.L.E.”. 

Standard Edition contains: 
The double LP comes on 180 Gr. black vinyl, 33 RPM, packed in a gatefold sleeve containing the DVD and a 30 x 60 CM poster. This edition is limited to 400 copies. 

Special Edition contains: 
The double LP comes on 180 Gr. red vinyl, 33 RPM, packed in a gatefold sleeve containing the DVD and a LP sized art-card. Limited to 60 copies.
The double LP comes on 180 Gr. blue vinyl, 33 RPM, packed in a gatefold sleeve containing the DVD and a LP sized art-card. Limited to 60 copies. 

Limited Edition Box set contains:
No content given, the press-release says: “ask your dealer”.

LP 1 Soundboard recording, June 01, 1975 2.30 PM, Approx. running-time 52 minutes.                                          
Side A: Love Me - If You Love Me - Love Me Tender - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - The Wonder Of  You - Heartbreak Hotel - Burning In Love - Band Introduction - What I’d Say - Drums Solo - Bass Solo
Side B: Piano Solo - Band Introductions - School Day - Release Me - T.R.O.U.B.L.E. - Why Me Lord? - How Great Thou Art - Let Me There - Funny How Time Slips Away - Little Darling - Can’t Help Falling In Love

LP 2 Soundboard recording - June 01, 1975 8.00 PM Approx. running-time 51 minutes.   
Side C: Love Me - If You Love Me - Love Me Tender - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - The Wonder Of You - Polk Salad Annie - Band Introductions - Johnny B. Good - Drums Solo - Bass Solo - Piano Solo - Band Introduction - School Day
Side D: I Can’t Stop Loving You - T.R.O.U.B.L.E. - I’ll Remember You - Let Me Be There - Why Me Lord? - An American Trilogy - Funny How Time Slips Away - Little Darling - Can’t Help Falling In Love

Special Bonus DVD: 
Visuals: The 1975 Documentary - approx. running time 36.00 minutes.
January and February 1975.
Las Vegas March 1975: complete footage of “See See Rider”.
April 1975 Tour, video clips from Jacksonville and Atlanta.
June 1975 Tour, footage of Huntsville June 1

Audio Concert, approx. running-time 60.00 minutes.
Stereo mix with photos animations.
Soundboard recording from June 01 ES. The first three tracks are an audience recording from the March 1975 opening tour show.

(Source: Elvis My Happiness / FECC)



Friday, August 30, 2019

August 30 - Iconic Quiff Award

Elvis Presley’s quiff hairdo is the most iconic of all time, according to research. A study of 2,000 adults saw the dark, slick-backed ‘do' worn by the singer during his rise to fame in the 1950s and 1960s come top of the poll in the United Kingdom once more with almost a third of the vote. 

Second place went to ‘Back to Black’ singer Amy Winehouse’s famous beehive, followed by Bob Marley’s dreadlocks. Jennifer Aniston’s ‘Rachel’ cut from the early years of Friends, Marilyn Monroe’s blonde curls and Star Wars’ Princess Leia’s ‘cinnamon buns’ also featured in the top 10.

La Selection

Released  by the RCA Victor / Legacy label in France is the 3 CD set “La Selection”. 

Quadruple Times Platinum

The 2015 release "If I Can dream" was awarded a 4 X Platinum Award by the Brittish Phonographic Industry (B.P.I.) for selling over 1,200,000 copies (streams plus digital downloads plus physical sales) in the U.K. since it's October 31, 2015 release.

(Source: The SUN / FECC / B.P.I. / Amazon)

Thursday, August 29, 2019

August 29 - From Elvis in Memphis

Due for release from the Music on Vinyl label on October 18, 2019 is a 50th Anniversary Edition of the classic 1969 “From Elvis in Memphis” album. This re-issue is a limited edition of 2000 individually numbered copies and comes on 180 gram audiophile yellow vinyl.

Description
'From Elvis In Memphis' is the tenth studio album by Elvis Presley, originally released in 1969. The recording of the album marked the definite return of Presley to non-soundtrack albums, after finishing his movie contract with Paramount pictures. Motivated by his early influences in Country, Rhythm & Blues and the latest music trend in Memphis being Gospel and Soul, Presley chose to record these songs at the Memphis-based American Sound Studio. 

His comeback was definitive when he scored a hit with the sublime 'In the Ghetto', which reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100. The album can be seen as one of his best recordings, with support of some fantastic musicians. It is ranked many times as one of the best white soul albums of all time. From Elvis In Memphis is a 50th anniversary edition. 

Tracks 
Side A: 1. Wearin'' That Loved On Look 2. Only The Strong Survive 3. I'll Hold You In My Heart (Till I Can Hold You In My Arms) 4. Long Black Limousine 5. It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin' 6. I'm Movin' On. 
Side B: 1. Power Of My Love 2. Gentle On My Mind 3. After Loving You 4. True Love Travels On A Gravel Road 5. Any Day Now 6. In The Ghetto. 

(Source: Amazon / Music on Vinyl)

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

August 28 - Nancy Holloway Died

Jazz singer Nancy Holloway died in France at the age of 86. 

The archetypal American in Paris, Nancy arrived from Cleveland via New York as a nightclub dancer in the 1950s. She began singing ye-ye when the action was slow. 
During Elvis' overseas army duties, he found some time to leave Germany and have a little off-duty fun. On June 14, 1959 he traveled to Paris and caught Italian entertainer Torrebruno, U.S. singer Nancy Holloway and others at the Moulin Rouge nightclub.

Sold

The slightly battered 1967 Lincoln Continental Executive Limousine that originally belonged to Elvis Presley was sold at Mecum Auctions’ Monterey for US$165,000. 

The King Released


The book “Elvis Now In Person 1969” by Erik Lorentzen has been released . This Deluxe Hardcover Book contains 400-pages packed with rare and unseen shots taken during the period of July 31 and August 28, 1969. It includes amazing photographs from the construction of the International Hotel, the famous press conference and the shows themselves. 

(Source: UEPS / Slipped Disc / FECC)

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

August 27 - Friday Night Lights

Due for release from the Straight Arrow import-label is the double CD "Friday Night Lights" containing the February 20, 1970 Dinner and Midnight Show performances. The label also announced that the next releases from the label will be 1971 and 1972 shows.

From the press-release:
The Straight Arrow label is continuing to release early 70's concerts and this new release is a direct follow-up to our July release called "Kentucky Rain". The Las Vegas, February 20th, 1970 Dinner show was previously released by the "SR" label in 2015 from an inferior, degraded copying and basically unlistenable source. The show was incomplete with cuts and running way too slow). Now you have a chance to listen to this fantastic concert in the best possible quality, for the first time. 

The Las Vegas, February 20th, 1970 Midnight show is previously unreleased and it was never available in good quality and in complete form - until now! It is one of greatest Elvis shows ever with “Polk Salad Annie” and “Suspicious Minds” being reprised.

We decided to add 5 bonus tracks, recorded during the February 21st, 1970 Dinner show. These tracks were never available in decent sound quality either. This recording includes the one-liner of the Pat Boone hit "When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano." Unfortunately, no more tracks from this concert were taped. 

All material (incl. the bonus tracks) presented on this release was recorded by same person. This release is presented in a de-luxe 8-panel digipack with a collection of photos taken in Las Vegas, NV, February 1970 as well as a press review. 

Every second of these concerts was digitally restored, every click or disturbing clap in quiet songs manually removed, every drop-out or damaged place fixed to achieve optimal listening pleasure

Tracks: CD1 February 20, 1970 Dinner Show:
01. Orchestra Intro (part) - 02. Opening Vamp (incomplete) / All Shook Up - 03. I Got A Woman - 04. Long Tall Sally - 05. Don't Cry Daddy - 06. Hound Dog - 07. Love Me Tender (with false start) - 08. Kentucky Rain - 09. Let It Be Me (with false start) - 10. I Can't Stop Loving You - 11. Walk A Mile in My Shoes / In the Ghetto - 12. Sweet Caroline - 13. Polk Salad Annie - 14. Dialogue - 15. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 16. Suspicious Minds - 17. Can't Help Falling in Love.

CD2 February 20, 1970 Midnight Show:
01. Orchestra Intro - 02. Opening Vamp - 03. All Shook Up - 04. I Got A Woman - 05. Long Tall Sally (with false start) - 06. Don't Cry Daddy - 07. Hound Dog - 08. Love Me Tender (with false start) - 09. Kentucky Rain (with false start) - 10. Let It Be Me - 11. I Can't Stop Loving You - 12. Walk A Mile in My Shoes / In the Ghetto - 13. Sweet Caroline - 14. Polk Salad Annie (with reprise) - 15. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 16. Suspicious Minds (with reprise) - 17. Can't Help Falling in Love. 

Bonus (21.02.1970 D/S): 
18. All Shook Up (incomplete) - 19. I Got A Woman - 20. When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano (one line) - 21. Long Tall Sally - 22. Don't Cry Daddy. 

(Source: FECC)

Sunday, August 25, 2019

August 25 - Trailer Sold

A big trailer that Elvis Presley purchased in 1967 for his Circle G ranch was sold for US$ 67.650

(Source: People / UEPS)

Saturday, August 24, 2019

August 24 - Global Chart Update (Update 27/08)

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. In the U.S. the latest 1969 releases finally debuted on the charts gaining Elvis Presley a re-entry on the Artist chart along the line. In Europe these albums dropped off most charts after their debut last week indicating that these two sets , despite positive reviews, made it into the charts mainly on the basis of the diehard fan purchasing it on day of release.

US Billboard charts:
  • US Billboard Music Video chart: “He Touched Me: The Gospel Music Of Elvis Presley: Volumes 1 & 2” re-entry at #5.
  • US Billboard Album Top 200: “The Essential Elvis Presley” climbed from #142 to #136.
  • US Billboard Top Current Albums: “Elvis: International Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada August 26, 1969” debuts at #65.
  • US Billboard Top Current Albums: “Live 1969, International Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada” debuts at #82.
  • US Billboard Top Album Sales chart: “Elvis: International Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada August 26, 1969” #90.
  • US Billboard Vinyl Album chart: “Elvis: International Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada August 26, 1969” debuts at #6.
  • US Billboard Top Rock Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” climbed from #31 to #25.
  • US Billboard Rock Album Sales chart: “Elvis: International Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada August 26, 1969” debuts at #24.
  • US Billboard Rock Album Sales chart: “Elvis: Live 1969, International Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada” debuts at #30.
  • US Billboard Top Christian Album chart: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” climbed from #35 to #33.
  • US Billboard Christian Album Sales chart: “Where No One Stands Alone” climbed from #31 to #24.
  • US Billboard Top Country Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” climbed from #18 to #16.
  • US Billboard Country Album Sales chart: “Elvis: International Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada August 26, 1969” debuts at #7.
  • US Billboard Country Album Sales chart: “Elvis: Live 1969, International Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada” debuts at #10.
  • US Billboard Country Album Sales chart: “The Best Of The '68 Comeback Special ” dropped from #34 to #38.
  • US Billboard country Catalog Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley - Elvis Presley” climbed from #16 to #9.
  • US Billboard country Catalog Album chart: “ELV1S 30 #1 Hits” re-entry at #16.
  • US Billboard country Catalog Album chart: “Heart and Soul” climbed from #20 to #19. 
  • US Billboard Top Rock Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” climbed from #31 to #25. 
  • US Billboard Top Rock Album chart: “Elvis: International Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada August 26, 1969” debuts at #24.
  • US Billboard Top Rock Album chart: “Elvis: Live 1969, International Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada” debuts at #30.
  • US Billboard Top Rock Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” climbed from #31 to #25.
  • US Billboard Rock Album Sales chart: “Elvis: International Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada August 26, 1969” debuts at #24.
  • US Billboard Rock Album Sales chart: “Elvis: Live 1969, International Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada” debuts at #30.
  • US Billboard Artist chart: Elvis Presley is a re-entry at #65. 
Official UK Charts
  • Official UK Album chart: “The 50 Greatest Hits” climbed from #98 to #89.
  • Official UK Streaming Album chart: “The 50 Greatest Hits” climbed from #76 to #68.
  • Official UK Physical Album chart: “Elvis Live 1969” dropped off the chart after last weeks debut at #17. 
  • Official UK Physical Album chart: “Live at the International Hotel” dropped off the chart after last weeks debut at #32.
  • Official UK Vinyl Album chart: “Live at the International Hotel” dropped off the chart after last weeks debut at #6.
  • Official UK Album Sales chart: “Elvis Live 1969” dropped off the chart after last weeks debut at #21.
  • Official UK Album Sales chart: “Live at the International Hotel” dropped off the chart after last weeks debut at #43.
  • Official UK Music DVD chart: “Elvis Lives - Live From Memphis” climbed from #37 to #23. 
  • Official UK Music DVD chart: Elvis The Searcher” dropped from #13 to #15. 
  • Official UK Christian and Gospel Album chart: “Where No One Stands Alone” climbed from #14 to #11.
Official Scottish charts:
  • Official Scottish Album chart: “Elvis Live 1969” dropped off the chart from last week’s debut at #17.
  • Official Scottish Album chart: “Live at the International Hotel” dropped off the chart from last week’s debut at #34.
  • Official Scottish Album chart: “Elvis at the Movies - 60 Essential Recordings” dropped from #53 to#95. 
Official Irish chart:
  • Irish IRMA Album chart: “The Real … Elvis” climbed from #100 to #97.
  • Irish Music DVD chart: Elvis The Searcher remained steady at #2.
Dutch charts:
  • Dutchcharts Album Top 100: “Live at the International” dropped off the chart from last week’s debut at #50.
  • Dutchcharts Vinyl 33: “Live at the International” dropped off the chart from last week’s debut at #9.
Belgian UltraTop charts:
  • Belgian UltraTop Album charts: “Elvis Live 1969” dropped from #49 to #159 (Flanders).
  • Belgian UltraTop Album chart: “ELV1S 30 #1 Hits” re-entry at #134 (Wallonia).
  • Belgian UltraTop Album charts: “Elvis Live 1969” dropped off the chart after last week’s debut at #40 (Wallonia).
German charts:
  • German Album Top 100: “Elvis Live 1969”dropped off the chart from last week’s debut at #19.

French charts:

  • FNEC Album Top 100 chart: “Elvis Live 1969” dropped off the chart from last week’s debut at #119.
  • FNEC Top Physical Album chart: “Elvis Live 1969” dropped from #41 to #132. 
Australian ARIA chart:
  • Australian ARIA Music DVD chart: "'68 Comeback Special (50th Anniversary Edition)" climbed  from #10 to #9.
(Source: UK Mix / Billboard / Official Chart Company / Dutch Charts / UltraTop / ARIA / IRMA)

Friday, August 23, 2019

August 23 - Silver Elvis Commercial

Elvis Presley was awarded another Silver Sales Award by the B.P.I. in the UK. This time for the Legacy Release of the "Today" album. It sold over 60,000 copies (streams plus digital downloads plus physical sales) since it's release August 7 2015. 

American Sound 1969

The digital "American Sound 1969" album, also due of five CD's from the FTD collectors label next month, has been released. It features over 90 tracks of rare and unreleased material from Elvis' 1969 legendary American Sound Studio sessions, including 'In The Ghetto' and 'Suspicious Minds'. 


Elvis Commercial

The song "So Close Yet So Far From Paradise" from the Harum Scarum movie was used for the Walkers Crisps TV Advert in the U.K. It promotes their Monster Munch, Quavers and Wotsits as being “Too Good To Share” and says “Sorry, Kids”.

The ad video shows adults going to great lengths to hide packets of Walkers Crisps from youngsters in their secret ‘Snack Stash’. The ad finishes with the tagline “Must Be Walkers”. As you may well have already guessed from those distinctive vocals, this Walkers Crisps advert song is performed by Elvis. Titled ‘So Close, Yet So Far (From Paradise)’, The King recorded this piece of music as part of the soundtrack to his 1965 film Harum Scarum, which was released here in the UK as Harem Holiday.



(Source: FECC)

Thursday, August 22, 2019

August 22 - Virginia is for Elvis Lovers

The Black Diamond import-release “Virginia is for Elvis Lovers” was announced December 2018 and has finally been released. It features Elvis' stunning Richmond show from April 10, 1972, the same show that was released on the Victrola label but according to Black Diamond they have a far superior sound quality. It comes with a 18-page booklet.

From the press-release:
The new label Black Diamond label kicks off with it’s first release of a show originally recorded for the 1972 movie "On Tour". This show has been taken from a digital copy of a rough stereo mix made from the original multitrack tapes some years ago. The sound on this CD has been professionally remastered to achieve optimum audio quality.

We are aware that this show will also be released by the Victrola label. But after listening to their previous release of the Greensboro show, we think that the remastering has not been done properly. It simply was a digital overkill with way too much compression, muffled sound and a lack of separation. You can expect the same digital overkill on their forthcoming Richmond release! Our competitors even swapped the stereo channels which means that the piano comes out of the right speaker ... which is completely wrong!

Please note that Black Diamonds remastered this show from a digital copy of the very same source tape that our competitors used for their release. We are sure the difference is amazing. On Black Diamond the sound is crisp and clear with all instruments clearly audible. And Elvis' voice sounds much more natural than on the other label. They achieved a some kind of artificial sound. Not very enjoyable.

Tracks:  Also Sprach Zarathustra / See See Rider / Proud Mary / Never Been To Spain / You Gave Me A Mountain / Until It’s Time For You To Go/ Polk Salad Annie / Love Me / All Shook Up / Medley: (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Don’t Be Cruel / Heartbreak Hotel / Hound Dog / Bridge Over Troubled Water / Love Me Tender / It's Over / Suspicious Minds / Band Introductions / For The Good Times / I Can't Stop Loving You / An American Trilogy / Lawdy, Miss Clawdy (incomplete) / Funny How Time Slips Away / Can't Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp

Cut Down


One of the large trees in from of the Graceland Mansion gone. It had to be cleared to guarantee the safety of the visitors, and also of Graceland itself. 

From Elvis In Memphis

The Music on Vinyl label may re-issue the classic "From Elvis in Memphis" album once more on vinyl. Amazon lists it with October 18 as the release-date. 

(Source: Unforgettable Elvis / Graceland / Amazon)

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

August 21 - Delay

The Follow That Dream collectors label announced that the release of the physical 5 CD-set “American Sound 1969”, the 20th Anniversary release of the label, has been postponed until the end of September 2019. The digital edition is still due August 23, 2019

The five CD set, originally planned as a digital release only, celebrates Elvis' pivotal year of 1969 featuring over 90 tracks of rare and unreleased material from Elvis' 1969 legendary American Sound Studio sessions, including 'In The Ghetto' and 'Suspicious Minds'.

Birthday

James Burton, born August 21, 1939, celebrated his 80th birthday today with family and friends. Happy birthday James!

(Source: Roger Semon / UEPC / ElvisMatters / Twitter)

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

August 20 - Singer Presents Elvis, Again

The original 2011 "Singer Presents Elvis" CD / Book sold out immediately, mainly because of the many completely unreleased tracks. Most of these tracks are still only available on this set. Due to popular demand the Venus import label decided to make a low-budget version and give everyone the possibility to own these recording on the label that made them available. As with all Venus releases all tracks are uncut and the sound is top notch. CD comes in a cardboard.


Tracks: Musicians warming up - Nothingville/ Guitar Man (part 1 - evil section, take 1) - Let Yourself Go (section 2 - takes 2,3,4,5 - Let Yourself Go (section 2 - take 6) - Let Yourself Go (section 2 - take7) - Trouble / Guitar Man (opening - take 1) - Trouble / Guitar Man (opening - takes 2,3) - Sometime I Feel Like A Motherless Child /Where Could I Go But To The Lord (rehearsal, incomplete) - Sometime I Feel Like A Motherless Child /Where Could I Go But To The Lord (take 1) - It Hurts Me (composite of section 4 - take 1 & “After Karate” section 1 - take 1) - Guitar Man (section 1 - escape, takes 2,3,4) - Guitar Man (section 1 - escape, takes 5,6,7,8) - Calliope Carneval (section 2 - escape, take 1) - Big Boss Man (section 3 - escape, take 1 - Big Boss Man (section 3 - escape, take 2) - It Hurts Me (section 4 - escape, take 1) - It Hurts Me (section 4 - escape, takes 2,3,4) - It Hurts Me (section 4 - escape, take 5) - It Hurts Me (section 4 - escape, take 5-7) - It Hurts Me (section 1 - after Karate, take 1) - It Hurts Me (section 1 - after Karate, takes 2,3) - It Hurts Me (section 1 - after Karate, takes 4,5) - Saved (alternate take) - Sometime I Feel Like A Motherless Child / Where Could I Go But To The Lord / Yes Yes Yes / Up Above My Head / I Found That Light / Saved (master with count-in) - Nothingville / Big Boss Man / Guitar Man / Little Egypt / Trouble / Guitar Man (master) - If I Can Dream (take 5 with count-in).

Wild in the Country

The 1961 classic "Wild in the Country" has been released on Blu-Ray through Twillight Time. The special features are: an isolated music track and the original theatrical trailer. This release is limited to 3000 copies. 

Description:
Elvis Presley stars as Glenn Talbot, a country boy with a problem temper and a yen for literary greatness. After Glenn is sent packing by his father for mixing it up one too many times with his brother, the court makes him a ward of his uncle. His inner turmoil leads him into therapy with the older and very attractive Irene, a patient-doctor relationship that is misconstrued by their small town. The two spend a platonic night in the same room in a motel, but no one is believing it was innocent. Glenn's romantic interests include Noreen, with whom he shares a drink or two or more, and a song, and Betty Lee. Between the singing and carousing and fist fights, it still looks like a happy resolution looms large on the horizon.

Vide: 1080p High Definition / 2.35:1 
Audio: English 2.0 DTS-HD MA 
Subtitles: English SDH 
1961 / Color 
114 Minutes 
Not Rated

(Source: Various / Elvis world Japan / Blu-Ray)

Monday, August 19, 2019

August 19 - De Elvis 100

Due for release from Sony Music on September 13, 2019 in The Netherlands and Belgium is the budget release "De Elvis 100". The set contains 100 hits in chronological order, from “Heartbreak Hotel” to the JXL remix of "A Little Less Conversation". It is the first European release to include the 1982 "The Elvis Medley", it also includes the Christmas hits as well as special live, rehearsal and studio recordings. 

This box was composed using the masters in the very best sound quality, the mastering was done by Vic Anesini. The booklet contains an extensive story about Elvis and his link with The Netherlands.

CD 1: Heartbreak Hotel - Blue Suede Shoes - Hound Dog - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You - Love Me Tender - Blue Moon - All Shook Up - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Party - Too Much - Paralyzed - Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do - Trying To Get To You - Lawdy, Miss Clawdy - Jailhouse Rock - Don't - Wear My Ring Around Your Neck - Hard Headed Woman - King Creole - One Night - (Now & Then There's) A Fool Such As I - I Got Stung - I Need Your Love Tonight (Live) - A Big Hunk O' Love - Stuck On You

CD 2: It's Now Or Never - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - A Mess Of Blues - Wooden Heart (Muss I denn...) - Surrender - Wild In The Country - I Feel So Bad - (Marie's The Name Of) His Latest Flame - Little Sister - Can't Help Falling In Love - Rock-A-Hula Baby - Good Luck Charm - She's Not You - Return To Sender - King Of The Whole Wide World - No More - One Broken Heart For Sale - (You're The) Devil In Disguise - Bossa Nova Baby - Kiss Me Quick - I Got Lucky - Viva Las Vegas - Kissin' Cousins - Such A Night - Ain't That Loving You Baby

CD 3: Mexico - Do The Clam - Crying In The Chapel - Tell Me Why - I'm Yours - Blue River - Love Letters - U. S. Male - If I Can Dream (Live) - In The Ghetto - Suspicious Minds - Clean Up Your Own Backyard - Don't Cry Daddy - Kentucky Rain - The Wonder Of You (Live) - I've Lost You - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - I Just Can't Help Believin' (Live) - There Goes My Everything - Rags To Riches - I Really Don't Want To Know - An American Trilogy (Live At The Honolulu International Center) - Burning Love - Always On My Mind - Until It's Time For You To Go (Live)

CD 4: Separate Ways - Fool - My Boy - T-R-O-U-B-L-E - Promised Land - Hurt - Suspicion - Moody Blue - Way Down - My Way (Live At The Honolulu International Centrum) - Don't Be Cruel - It's Only Love - Beyond The Reef - Guitar Man (1981 Remake) - Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Laughing Version) - The Elvis Medley (Jailhouse Rock / Teddy Bear / Hound Dog) - The Twelfth Of Never (Rehearsal) - America, The Beautiful - Suspicious Minds (Live) - That's All Right

(Source: UEPS / Fan Shop)

Sunday, August 18, 2019

August 18 - Elvis Collector

Elvis Presley is featured on the cover of the 40th Anniversary Edition of the U.K. Record Collector magazine (issue 496, September 2019). The content does not mention an article on our man.

(Source: FECC / Record Collector)

Saturday, August 17, 2019

August 17 - From Sunset Boulevard to Europe (Updated 22/08)

Two new import (re)releases were announced; a vinyl re-issue of the classic DAE title “From Sunset Boulevard to Paradise Road” in three different colors and the double CD set “The European Side Of Elvis / Words And Music”. 

Details “From Sunset Boulevard to Paradise Road”:


August 1974 is a remarkable period in Elvis’ career. A new Vegas engagement was ahead of him and Elvis and his loyal musicians had plans for a new and refreshing show, which they were going to perform for a two-week period. Probably to avoid getting bored from doing the same year in and year out, they went to rehearse some new songs to create the new setlist.


Fortunately the rehearsal from August 16 was recorded on a 2-track cassette deck and is presented here in its ultimate form. Originally released way back in 1995 it was time for an update. Although the rehearsal and the show have been re-released by several other labels, they were simply badly remastered copies of the original release. Sometimes even being incomplete and sounding very “thin” due to the high level of noise reduction and compression. 

An exception must be made for some tracks in original binaural sound that were released some years back. The original master tape has been recorded in binaural but quality wise it left a lot to desire. In 1995 a straight copy of the master tape was used to create a more balanced mix of this remarkable recording. For this re-release an early “work in progress” version is used which contains less reverb than the version originally released. The recording has been painstakingly restored, resulting in what we believe to be the ultimate sounding and most complete outing of this remarkable rehearsal and the show.

Following the rehearsal, we present the opening night show of the engagement rehearsed for.


During the Opening Night Also Sprach Zarathustra and See See Rider were replaced by Big Boss Man and were followed by Proud Mary and Down In The Alley. Most likely the audience was very surprised by the new setlist. Remarkably enough the next night the show went back to (pretty much) normal. Songs like Down In The Alley, Good Time Charlie’s Got The Blues, Never Been To Spain and My Baby Left Me were not played again during this engagement. So without any doubt the opening night concert is one of his most unique shows. The reason for the abrupt ending of the new refreshing setlist can only be guessed, but most likely Elvis fell out of his comfort zone and the audience was more pleased with the good old I Got A Woman and All Shook Up. Some of the rehearsed songs did survive during this two-week engagement. For example It’s Midnight & If You Talk In Your Sleep and I’m Leavin’ became regular performed songs during these two weeks.

Now available are these very limited-edition deluxe box sets in white, purple and blue vinyl. Each color presented in its own designed boxset. 

Tracks “From Sunset Boulevard To Paradise Road”;

CD 1 -  16.08.1974 - Rehearsal Part 1 - RCA Studios / Hollywood, California:
If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) (#2) - Promised Land - Promised Land (#2) - Down In The Alley - Down In The Alley (#2) - It's Midnight - It's Midnight (#2) - Your Love's Been A Long Time Coming - Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues - Softly As I Leave You - Softly As I Leave You (#2)

CD 2 - 16.08.1974 - Rehearsal Part 2 - RCA Studios / Hollywood, California:
I'm Leavin' - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Proud Mary - If You Talk In Your Sleep - If You Love Me Let Me Know (#3) - If You Love Me Let Me Know (#4) - The Twelfth Of Never - Faded Love - Just Pretend

CD 3 - 19.08.1974 O/S - Las Vegas Hilton:
Big Boss Man - Proud Mary - Down In The Alley - Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues - Never Been To Spain - It's Midnight - If You Talk In Your Sleep - I'm Leavin' - Let Me Be There - Softly As I Leave You - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - Love Me Tender - Polk Salad Annie - Introductions - Promised Land - Introduction Of Telly Savalas - My Baby Left Me - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Fever - Hound Dog - Can't HeLP Falling In Love (Incomplete)

CD 4 - 16.08.1974 Rehearsal In Binaural Stereo - RCA Studios / Hollywood, California:
If You Love Me (Let Me Know) (#2) - Promised Land (#1) - Down In The Alley - Down In The Alley (#2) - It's Midnight (#2) - Your Love's Been A Long Lime Coming - Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues - Softly As I Leave You (#1) - I'm Leavin' - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Proud Mary - If You Talk In Your Sleep - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) (#3) - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) (#4) - Twelfth Of Never - Faded Love - Just Pretend - Twelfth Of Never (Official Released Version) - Twelfth Of Never (David Briggs Overdub)

LP 1 - Side A: If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) (#2) - Promised Land - Promised Land (#2) - Down In The Alley - Down In The Alley (#2) - It's Midnight

Side B: It's Midnight (#2) - Your Love's Been A Long Time Coming - Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues - Softly As I Leave You - Softly As I Leave You (#2) - I'm Leavin'

LP 2 - Side C: The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Proud Mary - If You Talk In Your Sleep - If You Love Me Let Me Know (#3)

Side D: If You Love Me Let Me Know (#4) - The Twelfth Of Never - Faded Love - Just Pretend

LP 3 - Side E: Big Boss Man - Proud Mary - Down In The Alley - Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues - Never Been To Spain - It's Midnight - If You Talk In Your Sleep

Side F: I'm Leavin' - Let Me Be There - Softly As I Leave You - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - Love Me Tender - Polk Salad Annie

LP 4 - Side G: Introductions - Promised Land - Introduction Of Telly Savalas - My Baby Left Me - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Fever - Hound Dog - Can't HeLP Falling In Love (Incomplete)

Side H: Twelfth Of Never (David Briggs Overdub) - Bonus Binaural Tracks:
Promised Land (#1) - It's Midnight (#2) - Proud Mary - If You Talk In Your Sleep - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) (#3) - Faded Love

Details “The European Side Of Elvis / Words And Music”:



Housed in a beautiful slipcase is a 6-panel digipack with 2 rare albums. This Limited Edition Collectors Pack contains masters and rare alternate tracks. "Words and Music" was only released on CD in Australia in the mid 80's and is very hard to find these days. We present it here with rare bonus tracks and mixed with Elvis quotes just like the original release. "The European Side Of Elvis" was never released on CD. All tracks on this album are rare alternate tracks.

Tracks “Words And Music”:
Memories (Live) - That's All Right Mama - Jailhouse Rock - I Got Lucky - All Shook Up - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Blue Hawaii - Follow That Dream - Guitar Man - Are You Lonesome Tonight (Breakup Version - Live) - Girl Happy - Didja' Ever - G. I. Blues - Wooden Heart - U. S. Male - Mama Liked The Roses - Treat Me Nice - Crying In The Chapel - Hound Dog (Live)

Tracks “The European Side Of Elvis”: 
It's Now Or Never (Undubbed Master) - Surrender (Spliced Take 7) - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me (Take 2) - Ask Me (Rejected 1963 Master) - Santa Lucia (Vocal Overdub Take 3) - Tonight's All Right For Love (Take 1) - My Way (Live, 05.04.1977) - What Now My Love (Live, 14.01.1973) - I Love Only One Girl (Take 1) - Almost Always True (Take 6) - Wooden Heart (Take 4) - Tonight Is So Right For Love (Take 7) - Yesterday (Live, Februar 1970) -    It's Easy For You (Take 1) - My Boy (Take 2) - Wonderful World (Take 15) - The Last Farewell (Take 2) - Heart Of Rome (Different Mix)

Change of Habit Blu-ray



Due for release from Kock Media on October 24, 2019 in Germany is the Blu-ray of the 1969 movie "Change of Habit" ("Ein Himmlischer Schwindel"). 
The language and subtitles come in English and German, audio comes in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and the screen-size is 1.85:1 (16:9). The extra's on this disc are the original trailer and a slideshow with rare promotional material. 

Charts

The weekly global chart updates. In the U.S. Elvis Presley dropped on most charts this (Elvis) week. In Europe the new "Elvis Live 1969" 11 CD set and the vinyl double LP "Live at the International Hotel" made their debut on the charts. 


US Billboard charts:

  • US Billboard Album Top 200: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped from #138 to #141.
  • US Billboard Top Catalog Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped off the chart after last week’s re-entry at #33.
  • US Billboard Top Country Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped from #16 to #18.
  • US Billboard Country Album Sales chart: “ The Best Of The '68 Comeback Special (Soundtrack)” dropped from #30 to #34.
  • US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped from #10 to #16. 
  • US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “Heart and Soul” dropped from #18 to #20. 
  • US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “ELV1S 30 #1 Hits” dropped off the chart after last week’s re-entry at #15. 
  • US Billboard Top Country Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped from #16 to #18.
  • US Billboard Top Rock Albums: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped from #23 to #31.
  • US Billboard Top Christian Album chart: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” dropped from #34 to #35. 
  • US Billboard Christian Album Sales chart: “Where No One Stands Alone” dropped from #11 to #31.
Official UK charts:
  • Official UK Album chart: "The 50 Greatest Hits" re-entry at #98.
  • Official UK Streaming Album chart: “The 50 Greatest Hits” climbed from #81 to 76. 
  • Official UK Physical Album chart: “Elvis Live 1969” debuts at #17. 
  • Official UK Physical Album chart: “Live at the International Hotel” debuts at #32.
  • Official UK Vinyl Album chart: “Live at the International Hotel” debuts at #6.
  • Official UK Album Sales chart: “Elvis Live 1969” debuts at #21.
  • Official UK Album Sales chart: “Live at the International Hotel” debuts at #43.
  • Official UK Christian and Gospel Album chart: "Where No One Stands Alone" climbed from #16 to #14.
  • Official UK Music DVD chart: "Elvis The Searcher" remained steady at #13.
  • Official UK Music DVD chart: Elvis Lives - Live from Memphis" climbed from #41 to #37.
Official Irish charts: 
  • Irish IRMA Album chart: “The Real … Elvis” dropped from #78 to #100.
  • Irish IRMA Music DVD chart: “Elvis The Searcher” climbed from #3 to #2. 
Official Scottish Album charts:
  • Official Scottish Album chart: “Elvis Live 1969” debuts at #17.
  • Official Scottish Album chart: “Live at the International Hotel” debuts at #34.
  • Official Scottish Album chart: “Elvis at the Movies - 60 Essential Recordings” climbed from #62 to #53. 
Dutch charts:
  • Dutchcharts Album Top 100: “Live at the International” debuts at #50.
  • Dutchcharts Vinyl 33: “Live at the International” debuts at #9.
Belgian UltraTop charts:
  • Belgian UltraTop Album charts: “Elvis Live 1969” debuts at #49 (Flanders).
  • Belgian UltraTop Album charts: “Elvis Live 1969” debuts at #40 (Wallonia).
German Album Top 100
  • German Album Top 100 chart: “Elvis Live 1969” debuts at #19.
Swiss Charts:
  • Swiss Album Top 100 Chart: "Elvis Live 1969" debuts at #43.
  • Swiss Album Top 100 Chart: "Live at the International" debuts at #98.
Austrian Charts:
  • Austrian Club Top 75 chart: "Elvis Live 1969" debuts at #42.
French charts:
  • French Album Top 200 chart: "Elvis Live 1969" debuts at #119.
  • French Physical Album chart: "Elvis Live 1969" debuts at #41.
Australian ARIA chart:
  • Australian ARIA Music DVD chart: "'68 Comeback Special (50th Anniversary Edition)" dropped from #4 to #10.

(Source: UK Mix / Billboard / Official Chart Company / IRMA / Dutchcharts / MTV / FECC)