Sunday, February 28, 2021

Review Elvis Summer Festival 1970

The U.K. based Memphis Recording Service released the 3-CD-set ‘Elvis Summer Festival 1970 – The Rehearsals’ the first volume in a series documenting Elvis 1970 Summer Festival. 

Design

This set follows the format of previous packages from this label. A cardboard booklet / digi-pack holding the CDs and a booklet. Inside liner-notes by Gordon Minto summarizing these rehearsals for Elvis’ third stint in Vegas in a year’s time. The rehearsals and shows were captured on film by MGM. 

The booklet is illustrated with razor-sharp images and memorabilia against a paisley design based on Elvis’ outfit. The CDs are stored in small easily accessible pockets. Overall a well-designed and economic package. 

Content 

On the three CDs we get the rehearsals from July 14th, July 24th and July 29th as recorded at MGM Sound Stage 1 in Culver City, Los Angeles and RCA Studios in Hollywood. The audio on CD 1 originates from the Follow That Dream ‘Elvis: That’s The Way It Is - 50th Anniversary Edition’ released by the Follow That Dream label in 2020 while the audio for the July 24th rehearsal was sourced directly from a DAT tape. 

Most fans know these rehearsals by Elvis and his band selecting and practicing the songs for the 1970 Summer Festival engagement. They work through a selection of oldies, contemporary hits by other artists and songs Elvis recently recorded in Nashville. Although not made for a release it is fun to join the gang jamming free format refining the material for the Vegas show. 

The audio was remastered for this release, adding a bit more warmth and depth compared  to the before-mentioned FTD release. It sounds fine, but this will probably be food for discussion. Interesting additions are the exclusive bonus "stereo-tracks" of ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’’ and ‘Sweet Caroline’ from July 24th 1970. A preview of things to come? 

Conclusion

This release was kind of to be expected when the FTD label released their massive two-book / eight-CD set last year. Using a loophole in the European copyright legislation this set offers a great budget-edition for fans not able to cash out over 200 Euro for the original set or fans who are only interested in the audio. 

With more volumes, a stereo soundboard and vinyl editions coming up, the label offers something for everyone. Another positive is that these releases put Elvis - in his prime - back in the record stores and public eye. 

In the end, what’s not to love about the pure Elvis Presley in 1970? He is in great shape, his voice is strong, the set-list is very entertaining and the sound is great. 

You can (pre)order the set on Amazon UK or directly from the >>> Memphis Recording Service website. 

Saturday, February 27, 2021

February 27 - Blue In Love At Paradise Road

The 2017 Bellevue label compilation 'Elvis In Love' will be re-issued on March 19, 2021. This LP contains 18 classic love songs. 

Side A: Are You Lonesome Tonight? - It's Now Or Never - Hawaiian Wedding Song - Wooden Heart - I Need Your Love Tonight - Surrender - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You - Loving You - Fame And Fortune

Side B: Love Me Tender - Can't Help Falling In Love - Good Luck Charm - I Love You Because - She's Not You - The Girl Of My Best Friend - True Love - Anything That's Part Of You - Have I Told You Lately That I Love You

The Danish Singles Collection Volume 3

The Memphis Mansion release 'The Danish Singles Collection Volume 3' was released. The blue colored vinyl contains 14 remastered Danish single mixes and is limited to 300 copies. 
Side A: A Mess Of Blues - Girl Of My Best Friend - It´s Now Or Never - Make Me Know It - Are You Lonesome Tonight - I Gotta Know - Wooden Heart

Side B: Tonight All Right For Love - I Feel So Bad - Wild In The Country - Little Sister - His Latest Flame - Rock-A-Hula Baby - I Can't Help Falling In Love

Paradise Road To Memphis

The Paradise Roads Records import-label announced the release of three new CDs. ‘Elvis – The Alternate 1969 Recordings’ featuring a selection of tracks from the 1969 sessions at the American Studio’s, ‘Elvis Sings Don’t Cry Daddy’ containing a selection of songs recorded February at the International Hotel and ‘Elvis Sings Polk Salad Annie’ featuring a selection of songs recorded between February and August 1970 at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

All albums are limited to 500 copies and come with an 8 pages booklet with photos and more information about these recordings.

From the press release: ‘Elvis - The Alternate 1969 Recordings’ features over 20 rare officially unreleased tracks, including an alternate version of ‘Let Us Pray’ with unique backing vocals recorded for Universal’s movie ‘Change Of Habit’, the complete unedited take 5 of ‘True Love Travels On A Gravel Road’ with Elvis singing “Streets paved with fucking gold”, unedited takes of 'Any Day Now' and more.  

Some of the acetate recordings used for this album are badly damaged. We’ve included them as a special bonus. These acetate recordings are rare and very hard to find. Some of these recordings are previously unreleased on CD until now. This release is a nice addition to ‘Elvis Presley - American Sound 1969’, the 5-disc set from Elvis’ official record company.

After Loving You (Take 1) - Rubberneckin' (Take 1 / Unedited) - Rubberneckin' (Backup Vocals Overdubbed To 21.01.1969 Master / Partial Backing Vocals) - I'm Movin' On (Band & Brass Overdubs After Backup Vocal Overdubs / Unrepaired Vocals) - Inherit The Wind (Unused Composite Master) - Suspicious Minds (Harmony Vocal Overdub By Elvis) - Don't Cry Daddy (Undubbed Master / Acetate Recording) - Any Day Now (Take 1 & 2 / Unedited) - True Love Travels On A Gravel Road (Take 5 / Unedited) - Mama Liked The Roses (Undubbed Master / Acetate Recording) - In The Ghetto (Oart Of Take 12) - In The Ghetto (Backup Vocals Overdubbed To Take 22 / Unrepaired Vocals) - Inherit The Wind (Vocal Overdub - V.O.2 / String Overdubs On 05.05.1969 / Not Used) - Any Day Now (Take 3 / Unedited) - Any Day Now (Take 4 / Unedited) - From A Jack To A King (Backup Vocals Overdubbed To 22.01.1969 Master / Unrepaired Master) - This Is The Story (Backup Vocal Overdub On 24.01.1969) - Wearin' That Loved On Look (Unused Composite Master) - Poor Man's Gold (Instrumental Track) - Poor Man's Gold (Vocal Attempt) - Let Us Pray (Backup Vocal Overdub On 26.03.1969 / Not Used)

Bonus Songs:
Power Of My Love (Harmony Vocal Overdub By Elvis On 22.02.1969 / Incomplete) - Do You Know Who I Am (Harmony Vocal Overdubbed After Vocal Repair) - Mama Liked The Roses (Strings Overdubbed, After Brass Overdubs) - True Love Travels On A Gravel Road (Harmony Vocal Overdub By Elvis On 22.02.1969)

The CD ‘Elvis Sings Don't Cry Daddy’ contains a great audience recording from February 1970, including the February 21st Midnight Show. Other recordings are 'See See Rider' from the February 5th Dinner Show, 'Suspicious Minds' with reprise from the February 20th Midnight Show, the one-liner 'When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano' from the February 21st Dinner Show plus  more great recordings!

The February 21st Midnight Show was first released on the album 'Let It Be Me' in 2006, but now you can hear this show in a better sound. The show is really good with a strong setlist including a dynamic version of 'Long Tall Sally' and great renditions of 'Don't Cry Daddy', 'Walk A Mile In My Shoes' and other songs. 

It feels like you are in the audience to see the greatest singer of all time live. Elvis’ early Vegas shows  were full of energy and  Elvis was at his best vocally and physically. As Robert Hilburn noted in his LA Times review of Presley’s 1970 winter season in Las Vegas, “Elvis … has done what once seemed impossible. He has become king on his own terms.”
 
February 21, Midnight Show: Opening Vamp - All Shook Up - I Got A Woman - Long Tall Sally - Monologue - Don't Cry Daddy - Monologue - Hound Dog - Love Me Tender - Kentucky Rain (Incomplete) . Let It Be Me (Incomplete) - I Can't Stop Loving You - Walk A Mile In My Shoes - In The Ghetto - Sweet Caroline - Polk Salad Annie - Celebrity Introductions - Suspicious Minds - Can't Help Falling In Love

February 5, Dinner Show: See See Rider
February 3, Dinner Show: Kentucky Rain - Don't Cry Daddy - Let It Be Me
February 5, Dinner Show: In The Ghetto - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - Don't Cry Daddy
February 22, Midnight Show: Introduction Of Roy Orbison
February 21, Dinner Show: When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano (One Line)
February 20, Midnight ShowS: Suspicious Minds (With Reprise)

All Tracks Recorded Live At The International Hotel In Las Vegas, 1970.
 
The CD ‘Elvis Sings Polk Salad Annie’ contains a selection of 18 recordings from February and August 1970, all recorded at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Including rehearsals and live recordings, like a soundboard recording from 'Polk Salad Annie' from the February 16th 1970 Midnight Show, five soundboard recordings from the February 19th 1970 Dinner Show and rehearsal recordings from August 4th 7th and 10th, 1970. 

Almost all these recordings are previously unreleased by Elvis’ official label and some are hard to find nowadays. The rehearsal versions of 'Polk Salad Annie' from August 10th 1970 were edited and spliced for the official release to just one version, removing the explicit lyrics and 'I've Lost You' from this same rehearsal was only available on the album 'Hang Loose' from 1991 (30 years ago). 

The real bonus is that all these recordings are presented in the best possible sound-quality on this release. Even the audience recordings on this album are a delight for your ears and never sounded better. Just listen to great live versions of 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'Crying Time', 'When The Snow Is On The Roses' and 'Sweet Inspiration'. 
 
Polk Salad Annie (#1 - 16.02.1970 M/S) - Buzzing Bees And Bacon (Monologue -  19.02.1970 D/S) - I Can't Stop Loving You (19.02.1970 D/S) - Don't Cry Daddy (19.02.1970 D/S) - Walk A Mile In My Shoes (19.02.1970 D/S) - Let It Be Me (19.02.1970 D/S) - Oh, Happy Day (Unedited - 07.08.1970 Rehearsal) - Monologue / Oh, Happy Day (07.08.1970 Rehearsal) - Polk Salad Annie (#2 - Unedited - 10.08.1970 Rehearsal) -  I've Lost You (10.08.1970 Rehearsal) - Polk Salad Annie (#3  - Unedited - 10.08.1970 Rehearsal) - Bridge Over Troubled Water (20.08.1970 M/S) - Johnny B. Goode / Happy Birthday To James Burton (21.08.1970 D/S) - Crying Time (Part Only - 21.08.1970 M/S) - Sweet Inspiration (20.08.1970 M/S) - More (Part Only - 20.08.1970 M/S) - When The Snow Is On The Roses (24.08.1970 M/S) - Elvis Talks With The Sweet Inspirations

All tracks recorded live in the main Showroom At The International Hotel 
in Las Vegas, Nevada, unless noted otherwise.

(Source: Various / Memphis Mansion)

February 27 - Charts February 2021 - Week 4

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. We're back to the usual two countries and usual best selling albums. 

Billboard charts:

  • Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from E154 to #142. 
  • Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' dropped from #13 to #14. 
  • Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from #28 to #22.
  • Billboard Top christian Album chart: 'Elvis: Ultimate Gospel' dropped from #48 to #49. 

Official U.K. charts:

  • Official Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' climbed from #65 to #64.
  • Official Streaming Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' climbed from #52 to #50.
  • Official Country Compilations chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' remained steady at #4.
  • Music DVD chart: 'Elvis The Complete Story' new-entry at #42.
  • Music DVD chart: 'Elvis at the Movies' dropped from #20 #43.
(Source: Official Charty Company / Billboard)

Friday, February 26, 2021

February 26 - Elvis Summer Fitness Festival Releases

The U.K. based Memphis Recording Service 3-CD set 'Elvis Summer Festival 1970 - The Rehearsals' slipped out to the first fans, almost three weeks before the official release date of March 12, 2021. 

This set, released as a hard-cover digi-pack holding 3 CDs and a 36-page booklet, contains a section of newly remastered rehearsals for Elvis' 1970 Summer Festival, previously released by the Follow That Dream as part of their 'Elvis: That's The Way It Is - 50th Anniversary' book / CD combo. 

The rehearsals dates: 

  • MGM Sound Stage 1, Culver City, Los Angeles, California 14 July 1970
  • RCA Studios, Hollywood, California 24 July 1970
  • MGM Sound Stage 1, Culver City, CA July 29, 1970

You can (pre)order the set on >>> Amazon UK or directly from the >>> Memphis Recording Service website.  


Digital Remix Singles

Sony Music released three digital singles 'Do The Vega' (Dillon Francis Remix), 'Catchin' On Fast' (Big Boi Remix) and 'Clean Up Your Own Backyard' (Chromeo Remix) through streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. 

The remixes were created in cooperation with Peloton in their 'Artists Series' and only available as part of their workout-program helping you to stay motivated. For Big Boi, new music is motivation, and when creating his remix of 'Catchin' On Fast' his main goal was for people to move. “We knew we had to make it up-tempo because we wanted to be groovy and explosive. So we started with the drums first and then took it from there. When you listen to it, it just speaks for itself. It's gonna make you move.” 

(Source: Anthony Stuchbury on Facebook / FECC / Spotify / Peleton)














Thursday, February 25, 2021

February 25 - German EP Record Guide

Horst Zimmermann (co-author of the books 'The EP Records Guide' and 'Picture Sleeve Record Guide' books) confirmed the 2021 release of his book 'Elvis German EP´s Record Guide'.

The book is divided in several sections 'Part 1 - The EPs', 'Part 2 - The Army EPs'  and as the last section'Singles (re-releases)'.

From the press release: The fully illustrated guide lists and describes the differences between the covers and labels with additional information.

In addition, the guide contains a table showing the dates of publication of the covers and the records, so that it is easy to see whether a record can belong to the cover in which it is located.

"Part 1 - the EPs" will contain all EPs known at the time of going to press. For Germany, that's 46 EPs. While in the U.S.A. the EPs were published in chronological order, starting in 1956 with EPA-747, the German editions unfortunately do not have a clear order. The first EP appeared in 1956, for example, the EPA-821 "Heartbreak Hotel", then the EPA-747, then the EPA-9500, followed by the two EPB-1254-1 and EPB-1254-2.

We try to reproduce the records as authentically as possible and depict them as they were sold in stores at the time, which means that the covers are shown with the corresponding record. Other combinations cannot be ruled out as long as the year of publication of the cover and the record roughly match. However, there were no more for the book.

The penultimate "Part 2 - the" Army "EPs" contains several of the 46 records made in Germany that were sold from the PX department stores. A special feature is the "PX stamp" that each plate received. This stamp contained the date, the item number and the price (see pages 415 and 418 for description). From the beginning of the 1960s, a sticker was used instead of the stamp.

While the first EPs were produced specifically for sale in the “PX” department stores (hardcover as well as the records with the so-called “Nipper-Dog Label”), the EPs that are common in German retailers were also sent to the PX sell - the only difference was the PX stamp on the back of the case or, in the 1960s, the PX sticker on the front or back of the case.

The same order (and numbering) was chosen for the "Army EPs" as for the EPs in Part 1, even if not all EPs were apparently available in the PX. But here too, only those who were known at the time of going to press could be considered. It is quite possible that there are further EPs. Too little is known about it for that.

In the appendix "Singles (re-releases)", the picture sleeves of the singles that were re-released in the 70s / 80s are shown (“Devil”, “Gospel” and “Year” covers) and explained in detail.

Fred Segal Died

Fred Segal, a notable Los Angeles-based celebrity fashion retailer, died. He was 87. He tailored Elvis Presley in the sixties and seventies.

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / USA Today)

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

February 24 - The First EP Of Elvis Presley - Around The World

A new release is the 147-page French book 'The First EP Of Elvis Presley - Around The World'.

From the press release: The Highlight of this version is a book of 147 pages with a unique format talking again this one of the EP (18 x 18 CM / 7 Inches). This first volume traces all the first editions of the very first Extended Play of Elvis Presley released in various countries around the world. For the very first time, we are going to cross ages and continents to discover, or rediscover these first rare editions. 

First editions from countries like USA, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, South Africe, Australia, New Zealand, Iran, Israel and Japan. The different EPA 747, EPB 1254, SPD 22, SPD 23... covers, records, labels, temporary sleeves... a wealth of information for the collector. 

(Source: FECC)



Tuesday, February 23, 2021

February 23 - Comeback Vinyl for the Queen



Thunder Bay Press announced the (re)release of Steve Binder's 192-page book 'Elvis '68 Comeback - The Story Behind The Special' with a foreword by Baz Luhrmann. The book is due April 12, 2022.


From the publisher: A full-color chronicle of the 1968 comeback performance that marked Elvis Presley’s return from the screen to the stage. Includes exclusive content from the show’s director, Steve Binder.


Take a tour behind the scenes of the NBC television special that relaunched Elvis Presley’s career as a stage musician. Author Steve Binder - who directed the TV special - provides exclusive content that gives fans even more insight to the performance that many see as a high point in the King’s reign of American music. And acclaimed director, writer, and producer Baz Luhrmann provides the foreword. 'Elvis ’68 Comeback' includes full-color photographs and detailed commentary on the show’s development and production, making this an excellent addition to the shelf of every Elvis fan.

Record Store Day Previews

Here are the cover-art, colored vinyl and picture disc for the 2021 Record Store Day releases from the French LMLR label. The picture disc LP is entitled 'Sings The Mad Professor' - Elvis' nickname for Ben Weisman who (co-)wrote 57 songs for Elvis Presley - and the double LP 'Cafe' Europa En Uniforme' ('G.I. Blues') which comes on green and pink cornetto colored vinyl.


Return To Queen City Of The South

The Audionics import-label announced the release of the 3CD set 'Return To Queen City Of The South', featuring Elvis Presley's performances from March 20th 1976 and from February 20th and 21st 1977, all recorded at the Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, NC. 

From the press release
: In 2010 Audionics label released fantastic double CD called 'Springtime Tours '76 - '77'. We have presented a bulk of the Johnson City, TN, March 17th, 1976 tour opening show in the straight stereo mix and Charlotte, March 20th, 1976 evening show in the pure binaural sound as well as the selection of various 1977 stereo live recordings. 

Now, we believe, the right time has come for the ultimate upgrade of March 1976 material combined with two Charlotte shows from 1977!

It is not widely known that in 1977, Felton Jarvis planned a release of the great version of "America The Beautiful" and some other tracks from Charlotte 1976 show on a country flavored studio / live compilation album 'Welcome To My World'. Unfortunately, it did not materialize. Nevertheless, we have obtained his original old stereo mix and restored it for our release!

For the February 20th, 1977 a different source than FTD has been used. February 21st, 1977 was newly mastered from same tape source as the 1995 Fort Baxter CD release 'Moody Blue and Other Great Performances'. 

As a bonus, you will find a selection of pre-show tracks performed by J. D. Sumner and The Stamps and The Sweet Inspirations in 1976 / 77. Yet another addition presented reveals a part of the Johnson City, March 17, 1977 show in previously unreleased authentic pure binaural sound (as it was recorded) with James Burton's lead guitar isolated in right channel. Back then we mixed this show into the stereo image. We have added a set of various tracks taped in February - June 1977, as well. All bonus tracks have been freshly restored and mastered from the scratch and there are unique mixes of songs like "Steamroller Blues" from Austin, March 28 or "Unchained Melody" from Rapid City, June 21, 1977. You need to indulge the tones to judge for yourself!

This CD is presented in 3CD digipack with a great collection of high quality concert recordings from Elvis' performances in Charlotte, NC, March 20th, 1976 and February 20th and 21st, 1977 8:30pm evening shows.

Tracks: 

CD 1 - 03.06.1976 - The Pre-Show Act: Your First Day In Heaven (J. D. Sumner & The Stamps Quartet) - You'll Never Walk Alone (J. D. Sumner & The Stamps Quartet) - When The Saints Go Marching In (J. D. Sumner & The Stamps Quartet) - Philadelphia Freedom (The Sweet Inspirations) - Lady Marmalade (The Sweet Inspirations)

The Elvis Show - 20.03.1976 E/S: Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra(17.03.1976 Johnson City) - C. C. Rider(17.03.1976 Johnson City) - I Got A Woman / Amen(Spliced With 17.03.1976 Johnson City) - Love Me - Let Me Be There - You Gave Me A Mountain - Steamroller Blues - All Shook Up - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - Hound Dog - Heartbreak Hotel - Polk Salad Annie - Introductions By Elvis Of Singers, Musicians - What'd I Say (James Burton) - Drum Solo (Larry Londin) - Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff) - Piano Solo (Shane Keister) - Electric Piano And Clavinet Solo (David Briggs) - And I Love You So - Hurt - Burning Love - America The Beautiful - Funny How Time Slips Away (With False Start) - Fairytale - How Great Thou Art - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

CD 2 - 20.02.1977 E/S: Love Me - Fairytale - You Gave Me A Mountain - Jailhouse Rock - O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now Or Never - Little Sister - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - My Way - Moody Blue (False Start Only) - How Great Thou Art - Hurt (With Reprise) - Hound Dog / My Wish Came True (One Line) - Unchained Melody (With False Start) - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

17.03.1976 Johnson City: And I Love You So (With Break) - Introductions By Elvis Of Singers, Musicians - What'd I Say (# 1 - James Burton) - What'd I Say (# 2 - James Burton) - Drum Solo (Larry Londin) - Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff) - What'd I Say (# 3 - Piano Solo, Shane Keister) - Electric Piano And Clavinet Solo (David Briggs) - School Day (Joe Guercio Orchestra)

28.03.1977 Austin: Steamroller Blues (Overdubbed Version)
29.03.1977 Alexandria: Why Me Lord (Matrix Mix Version)
21.06.1977 Rapid City: Unchained Melody (Remixed Single Master)
27.03.1977 Abilene: My Way

CD 3 - 21.02.1977 - The Pre-Show Act:
Do Your Thing / Hey, Did You Give Some Love Today? (The Sweet Inspirations)

The Elvis Show:
Are You Lonesome Tonight (With False Start) - Reconsider Baby - That's All Right (False Start Only) - Love Me - Moody Blue - You Gave Me A Mountain - Jailhouse Rock - O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now Or Never - Little Sister - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - My Way - Release Me - Hurt - Why Me Lord (With Break) - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

13.02.1977 West Palm Beach:
Fever - Blue Suede Shoes - Blueberry Hill

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Amazon / Fan Shop Poland Facebook)



Saturday, February 20, 2021

February 20 - Charts February 2021 - Week 3

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. No real changes in the U.S. and U.K. but Elvis returned to the Belgian and Dutch charts. 

U.S. Billboard charts:

  • Billboard Top 200 chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' dropped from #149 to #154. 
  • Billboard Top Christian Albums chart: 'Elvis: Ultimate Gospel' dropped from #40 to #49. 
  • Billboard Top Rock Albums chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' remained steady at #28.
  • Billboard Top Country Albums chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' dropped from #12 to #13. 

Official U.K. charts:

  • Official Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #64 to #65.
  • Official Streaming Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #50 to #52.
  • Official Country Compilation Album chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' remained steady at #4. 
  • Official Music DVD chart: 'Elvis at the Movies' climbed from #34 to #20. 

Dutch charts:

  • Dutch Vin yl Top 33 chart: 'His Ultimate Collection' dropped from #28 to #29.

Belgian charts:

  • Belgian Album Top 200 chart: 'His Ultimate Collection' new entry #79.
(Source: UK Mix / Official Chart Company / Dutchcharts / Ultratop)

Friday, February 19, 2021

February 19 - Elvis At The Movies

The next issue of the Vintage Rock magazine, due February 25th 2021, is a special entitled 'Elvis At The Movies'. 

Synopsis: We all know of Elvis Presley as the best-selling solo music artist of all time, but less talked about is his status as one of the biggest movie stars of the 50s and 60s. Well, we’re putting that right. In the latest issue of Vintage Rock Presents we take a look back at the King’s big screen oeuvre, putting a spotlight onto some of the great – and some of the not so great – movies in the Elvis canon.

We dive deep into every film of Elvis’, from 1956’s Love Me Tender through to 1969’s Change Of Habit, while also looking at his two in-concerts movies, That’s The Way It Is and Elvis On Tour. We also look back over 40 years of Elvis biopics and documentaries, remember some of his greatest leading ladies, rate his Top 20 movie songs and talk to his Trouble With Girls co-star Marlyn Mason. Additionally, we feast our eyes on some of Elvis’ most memorable movie outfits and we pay tribute to the master songsmiths behind the King’s big screen tunes. 

(Source: Vintage Rock)

Thursday, February 18, 2021

February 18 - Elvis UK3 Cover Art (Updated)

Here is the cover-art for the upcoming 1,400-page book 'Elvis UK3 The Ultimate Guide to Elvis Presley’s CD Releases 1983-2005' by authors John Townson and Gordon Minto. This book is a digital download - a flip book - only. 

You can order the digital download with a unique CD, entitled 'Beyond The Legend'. The CD includes songs which featured in the U.K. charts, but which were not included on Elvis’s first CD, 'The Legend'. The CD comes housed in a digi-pack, 
holding extensive liner notes. 

Synopsis: The 1400 page book (containing over a million words, plus 4,000 plus black and white and colour illustrations), provides the definitive guide to Elvis’s UK compact disc releases and details the development of the medium from the 3 CD set The Legend – the world’s first ever Elvis compact disc in 1983 – in meticulous and unprecedented detail. 

Every single, RCA, BMG, FTD and third party album (all 450 of them!) issued in the UK up to 2005 are written about individually in comprehensive detail, arranged in chronological order, carefully cross-referenced, charting and describing company and industry developments along the way. It has been painstakingly researched, and features many contributions by former RCA / BMG personnel who helped with key background information. 

The book also includes sections on various artist CDs containing Elvis material and company promos, including BMG in-house CDs etc. The huge song index is presented in forensic detail, indicating exactly where each master and outtake can be located and, in the case of live performances, when and where they were recorded.

Click here >>> www.elvisukbooks.co.uk for Free sample pages, plus ordering info.

(Source: Elvis Information Network)

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

February 17 - Magazines

Elvis Presley graced the cover of the January / February 2021 edition of the Lithuanian Planetos Paslaptys magazine.

The American Globe Magazine dedicates a little aloha picture to Elvis as well as a - well - article with the title "What Really Killed Elvis!". 

The April 2021 edition of the U.K. Mojo Music Magazine featured an article by Peter Guralnick on The Colonel entitled 'The Man Who Made Elvis'. 

Synopsis: The sinister Svengali who stole, and sold, Elvis Presley’s soul? “Nothing could be further from the truth,” writes the King’s great biographer, Peter Guralnick.

In the January issue of the Slovakian TV magazine Navraty Hviezd featured Elvis on the cover and inside the article 'Tajny Zivot Hudobney Legendy' (The secret life of a music legend).

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Mojo Magazine)



Saturday, February 13, 2021

February 13 - Record Store Day Vinyl

Due for release on Record Store Day 2021, June 11th 2021, from the French LMLP record label is the picture disc LP 'Sings The Mad Professor' - Elvis' nickname for Ben Weisman who (co-)wrote 57 songs for Elvis Presley - and the double LP 'Cafe' Europa En Uniforme' ('G.I. Blues') on green and pink cornetto colored vinyl. 

(Source: Musc Fan Shop Poland)

February 13 - Charts February 2021 - Week 2

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. We're back to two album titles on the charts in both the U.S. and U.K. charts. 

U.S. Billboard charts:

  • Billboard Top 200 Album chart:'The Essential Elvis Presley' dropped from #147 to #149.
  • Billboard Top Christian Albums chart: 'Elvis: Ultimate Gospel' climbed from #45 to #40.
  • Billboard Top Rock Albums chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' dropped from #23 to #28.
  • Billboard Top Country Albums chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' remained steady at #12. 

Official U.K. charts:

  • Official Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #63 to #64.
  • Official Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #48 to #50.
  • Official Country Compilations Album chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' remains steady at #4. 
  • Official Music DVD chart: 'Elvis The Searcher' re-entry #14.
  • Official Music DVD chart: 'Elvis at the Movies' re-entry #34.
Dutch charts:
  • Dutch Vinyl 33 chart: 'His Ultimate Collection' re-entry #28.

(Source: Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum / Dutch Charts)








Friday, February 12, 2021

February 12 - Can't Help Falling In Love Video

To celebrate Valentines Day 2021 Sony Music released a new animated video for 'Can’t Help Falling In Love', featuring never before seen footage of Elvis.

(Source: Elvis The Music / Graceland)







Wednesday, February 10, 2021

February 10 - From Memphis to Taipeh

The Asian Elvis Presley vinyl reference guide 'From Memphis to Taipeh' by Dutch authors Dick Dekker and Ferry van der Werf, has been released. This is the very first book on Elvis' Asian vinyl records and it covers the 10 inch and 12 inch releases from six major Asian countries: Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. Other countries and formats will be covered in additional volumes. 

The hardcover book lists over 500 different records on 500 plus pages. Almost 2,500 pictures in total. The covers and labels are reproduced with great care so you can enjoy the many mistakes. These are sometimes hilarious and often tell a lot about how and why these records were made. The book details these and other background information on all releases.

You can buy it directly from the author: >>> mail Dick Dekker.

(Source: Dick Dekker)




Day By Day 2020 Unboxing and Preview Video

The unboxing / preview video of the paperback edition of my second book 'Elvis Day By Day 2020 - The Year In Review'. I received the book today from the Memphis Mansion team with whom I created and printed the book. Great service again!

You can order the book from them at: >>> Memphis Mansion Shop. For more information or signed copies go to the >>> Day By Day 2020 page. Or ask your local fan-club or dealer to stock it!



Monday, February 08, 2021

Review - The Story of Elvis

Graphic artist Jarod released ‘The Story of Elvis - Through The Eyes Of JaRod Art’ a magazine style book illustrating Elvis career, literally. 

Knowing some of his work from previous publications and on-line media this book brings it all together. Time for a closer look.

Design 

When reading the work of a graphic artist, illustrator and designer our expectations for the design are high. And I must say, Jarod Art (a.k.a. Jan Rodenrijs), didn't disappoint. 

The 64-page book comes as a glossy magazine on high quality paper. This works really well with graphic content like this. Although only 64 pages, this really is a book, looking at all the content featured on these pages. This book is really jam-packed with texts and illustrations, a bit too much regarding the number of pages. 

Content 

Design and content come together in this book. The design is modern, combining the artists graphic work with essays, illustrating and detailing Elvis musical (his)story. 

Jarod Art created so many artworks (mainly graphics based on real photos) that put together, they covered most of Elvis’ musical career. As he had already written several essays to support some of his work, a combination of these two elements is only logical. 

Structured in three time segments - the fifties, sixties and seventies - the book covers Elvis’ early ambitions of becoming a singer until his last concert as filmed for the CBS Special (and beyond, ‘Rocking Behind Heaven’s Door’, playing with other artists he inspired) in short stories.  

Each story details a certain era or key element in Elvis life, songs like 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'Hound Dog' and 'Memories, movies like 'Viva Las Vegas' and 'Elvis: That's The Way it Is' and events like the Million Dollar Quartet jam, Comeback, Aloha and CBS TV Specials. Key elements most fans know by heart.   

Although there are several illustrated Elvis Presley biographies, and there is another one coming later this year, they are all different thanks to the artist's individual styles. You can discuss style, which is in part personal taste, but Jarod Art did manage to capture the essence of Elvis Presley. 

The same goes for all the persons that are part of Elvis’ story and featured in this illustrated biography. Most fans will recognize all the bystanders instantly. 

Of course some graphics capture our man better than others, but there is so much variation and detail in Elvis and the presentation of our man that I cannot pick a bad one. 

In this book the essays really support the illustrations (usually it is the other way around), they are will written. Each essay, written in a pleasant style, is crammed onto one page, which is a design choice by the author, but I would have preferred spreading the texts over two pages with more white lines for easy reading. This is the only minor I could find. 

Conclusion 

I think Jan Rodenrijs has done both himself and Elvis fans a favor by bundling his graphic work and thus telling the musical story of Elvis Presley in a fun way. 

The combination of graphics, with an eye for details and the addition of key-players in miniatures next to the full-page Elvis graphics worked really well. A pleasure to re-read Elvis’s story.

For more information, previews or to buy the book, visit the >>> Jarod Art website

Sunday, February 07, 2021

Review - King Creole - True Stereo Vinyl Re-issue

The CMT Records import label re-issued the ‘King Creole’ soundtrack in true stereo on colored vinyl. A nice reason to give this classic another spin and a closer listen. 

Design

The album looks good and feels good. The front-cover has all the appeal of the original cover and graces a sturdy gate-fold package. Opening up the album we get a great ‘King Creole’ promotional picture and several shots of Elvis at the Radio Recorders studio, Hollywood, California during the ‘King Creole’ recording sessions on from January 1958.  

The vinyl feels solid and looks good, with classic style label, reminiscing a 45 RPM RCA design. The choice for transparent yellow vinyl is spot-on for this album. 

But a closer look reveals that the label needs to step up in the quality control department. While the structure of the design is attractive, the execution leaves much to be desired. The resolution of the full-size picture inside is way too low, some pictures have borders, some don’t or have a different size border. 

The texts are written by a non-English author, some sentences lack words, or have too much words (due to the use of various originating sources like Wikipedia, Friday Music and others), various font(sizes) are used and the interpunction is off. Nothing that one hour of quality control could not have solved. There is no information on the (stereo) recordings and takes featured on this compilation, that's an omission too.

Content

The soundtrack for the original 1958 album was recorded in binaural stereo on two-track tapes, but released in mono (some with additional reverb). This LP contains twenty tracks and includes various versions of the eleven songs as originally released in 1958, with the addition of the song ‘Danny’ which never made the original soundtrack, and a radio spot. There is a bit too much ‘Turtles, Berries and Gumbo’ (not sung buy Elvis) for my liking on side B. I prefer to listen to Elvis Presley. 

The tracks come in “true stereo” with the various instruments featured on the left or right channels, backing vocals to the right and Elvis in the middle. Some tracks are binaural versions, some were created using DES / Spectral Layers techniques. But there is no information on which song comes in which kind of (recreated) stereo. 

The audio sounds o.k., there is some variation in loudness due to the use of movie and studio versions. The use of artificial techniques does not really work for me. The audience on the movie version of ‘Dixieland Rock’ sounds artificial in the mix and the edit is cut-off.  On the instrumental ‘Muscat Ramble’ the higher spectrum simply sounds disturbed. This contrary to the ballads ‘As Long As I Have You’ and ‘As long As I have You’ which sound great. 

There is a big mastering error in ‘Danny’ which simply starts again halfway the first couplet. How could this have slipped by the producers? 

Conclusion

The conclusion is simple. The idea and concept are good but the execution lacks quality control. That said, playing the ‘King Creole’ album from old fashioned vinyl, was a pleasure. But I’ll stick to the original album for the next spin. 

Saturday, February 06, 2021

First Reactions To Elvis Day By Day 2020

Earlier this week my second book 'Elvis Day By Day 2020' was released, here are some of the first reactions: 

I can really recommend it. A good reference book about what is happening in Elvis area and a detailed overview with reviews of what has been done in 2020. Highly recommended.

Kees Mouwen has done a fabulous job, creating a beautiful, stylish and colorful look to the book with even more impact than last year's edition. It features a pile of unique reviews - some very interesting vinyl reviews - as well as a fascinating comparison between the two TTWII deluxe releases from Erik Lorentzen and FTD. There is also a delightful foreword by Alanna Nash.

When I first heard about the book last year I thought “Why?” - but no longer. I love the concept and it makes sure you don’t miss anything. I really like it. The book make so much sense.

I just received the books and quickly browsed through it and my first reaction is: Wow, the books look beautiful, neat and visually attractive. What a wealth of information and what a lot of work you have put into this! Hereby the reservation for the 2021 edition :-) 

They say there's nothing like a good book, and this is nothing like a good book because it's way better than that !

Received my copy today and my head is spinning around and around, OUTSTANDING!

Kees Mouwen, you haven't said too much. The yearbook has become breathtakingly beautiful. Beautiful layout, beautiful photos and a lot to read, a must for the collector, on to the 2021 yearbook 👍 

These books are beautiful, the content is well laid out. I had a good time reviewing his last two years.

This is a must have for all Elvis fans. Love it!

I've been a fan since 1966 and Elvis has been with me ever since. I'm sure I'll like your book, the first one was beyond awesome.

I just ordered it, I can't wait to receive it, I loved last year's one a reference and high quality book. I hope this will be repeated over several years. 

For more details, previews or to buy the book, visit the >>> Elvis Day by Day 2020 page.

The book is available for European fans at the >>> Memphis Mansion online shop and and other fan clubs.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Brexit shipping from Europe is expensive. So for a for Elvis fans outside Europe and the EU, the book is available through your local Amazon shop. 

Click here for >>> Amazon.com.
Click here for >>> Amazon.co.uk

February 06 - Charts February 2020 - Week 1

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. We are back to the standard two albums on the U.S. and U.K. charts, with 'From Elvis In Nashville' holding on to a Top 5 spot on the U.K. Country Compilations Album chart. 

U.S. Billboard charts:Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from #154 to #147.

  • Billboard Top Christian Album chart: 'Elvis: Ultimate Gospel' dropped from #38 to #45.
  • Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from #26 to #23. 
  • Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from #15 to #12. 

Official U.K. charts:

  • Official Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #59 to #63. 
  • Official Streaming Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' remained steady at #48.
  • Official County Compilations Album chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' dropped from #3 to #4. 
  • Official Music DVD chart: 'The Elvis Collection' dropped from #41 to #42.
(Source: Official Chart company / UK Mix Forum)

Friday, February 05, 2021

February 05 - Elvis Week 2021

Graceland announced the theme and event schedule for Elvis Week 2021, "a celebration like no other!".

It will be a great time to gather again with friends to celebrate the music, movies and legacy of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. 

The Elvis Week 2021 schedule includes concerts, with a 50th anniversary concert celebrating Elvis’ Nashville recording sessions and 'Elvis in Concert' on the big screen, panel discussions, Blue Hawaii Luau, special and exclusive tours and much more! 

Visit Graceland page >>> for details.

(Source: Graceland)

Wednesday, February 03, 2021

February 03 - Summer Festival 1970

Due for release from the U.K. based Memphis Recording Service is the 3-CD / book box 'Summer Festival 1970 - The Rehearsals'. The release-date is set for March 12, 2021.

From the press release: Summer Festival 1970 - The Rehearsals

MRS will release a 3CD Deluxe titled ‘Summer Festival 1970 - The Rehearsals’ on March 12, 2021.

The CD’s contain rehearsal highlights from one of the most memorable periods in Elvis’ career - his captivating performances at The International Hotel Las Vegas in the summer of 1970. These truly historical recordings, remastered and restored capture the raw and early development of songs that were performed weeks later in Las Vegas. The accompanying 40-page booklet includes rare photographs taken at some of these rehearsal sessions. 

As usual MRS has spared no expense in our remastering techniques. For the first time ever all, the tracks listed have had repairs and restorations having now the same mastering techniques, used on such recent MRS releases such as ‘Made in Germany’ and ‘Such a Night in Pearl Harbor’.  

The 180g 3LP Gatefold version will be announced soon.

This is a prequel to a series of releases coming out this year from MRS. In that series will be a totally new and unreleased soundboard from the Summer Festival in 1970. A recording never heard before, stay tuned.

CD 1 - MGM Sound Stage 1, Culver City, Los Angeles, California - 14.07.1970:
Words - Bridge Over Troubled Water

Juli 1970:
Stagger Lee - Got My Mojo Working - I’ve Lost You - Stranger In The Crowd (Rehearsal 1) - The Next Step is Love - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - Sweet Caroline - Yesterday - Ghost Riders In The Sky - Runaway - Peter Gunn Theme - One Night - Alla En El Rancho Grande - That’s All Right  - Twenty Days And Twenty Nights (Rehearsal 1) - Twenty Days And Twenty Nights (Rehearsal 2) - Patch It Up - Cotton Fields - Sylvia - Stranger In The Crowd (Rehearsal 2)

CD 2 - RCA Studios, Hollywood, California - 24.07.1970:
That’s All Right - I Got A Woman - The Wonder Of You - I’ve Lost You - The Next Step Is Love - Stranger In The Crowd - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ (Rehearsal 1) - Something - Don’t Cry Daddy / Don’t Cry Daddy (Faster Version) - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - Polk Salad Annie - Bridge Over Troubled Water - I Can’t Stop Loving You - Just Pretend - Sweet Caroline - Words - Suspicious Minds

Bonus Stereo Mix Tracks:
You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ (Rehearsal 1) - Sweet Caroline

CD 3 - RCA Studios, Hollywood, CA - 24.07.1970 (Continued):
I Just Can’t Help Believin’ (1) - Tomorrow Never Comes - Mary In The Morning - Twenty Days And Twenty Nights - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ (Rehearsal 2) - I Just Can’t Help Believin’ (2) - Heart of Rome - Memories - Johnny B. Goode - Make The World Go Away - Stranger In My Own Hometown - I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water

MGM Sound Stage 1, Culver City, CA - 29.07.1970:
Elvis Talking - Something - (Now And Then There’s) A Fool Such As I - Froggy Went A-Courtin’ - Such A Night - It’s Now Or Never - Hava Nagila

(Source: Fan Shop / Memphis Recording Service)


Monday, February 01, 2021

February 01 - King Creole in True Stereo and More

The CMT import label released the 'King Creole' soundtrack album in "true stereo" on yellow-colored vinyl. 

Side A: King Creole - Crawfish - As Long As I Have You - Headed Woman - Trouble - Dixieland Rock - Don’t Ask Me Why - Lover Doll - Young Dreams - Steadfast, Loyal And True - New Orleans

Side B: Berries, Gumbo - Crawfish (Film Version) - Lover Doll (Undubbed) - Dixieland Rock (Film Version) - As Long As I Have You (Take 4) - Steadfast, Loyal And True (Slow Version) - Turtles, Berries, Gumbo ( Master) - Muskat Ramble - Main Title - Radio Spot.

Happy Birthday

Lisa Marie Presley turned 53 today, congratulations! Lisa Marie was born February 1st 1968, nine months to the day after Elvis and Priscilla's wedding in Las Vegas on May 1, 1967.

Recently Graceland archivist Angie Marchese revealed a “secret drawer” located in the corridor next to the kitchen on the way to the Jungle Room. Inside you can see Lisa Marie’s graffiti which reads, “Lisa’s home Graceland” with a smiley face.


Oh Happy Day 

The Paradise Road Record import-label released the CD ‘Oh Happy Day’ featuring the August 14, 1970 Midnight Show. It comes with a booklet with information, photos from this great show and background information about these recordings.

From the press release: This CD contains both the audience and camera sound-recording (from the MGM tapes) of the August 14th 1970 Midnight Show. 

A very remarkable show. Elvis was in a really goofy mood and introduced himself as Johnny Cash. He seemed to be really enjoying this show, despite the cameras and the house lights being up so MGM could film him. He changed the words to the several songs and really had fun messing them up. Elvis sings great songs like 'Oh, Happy Day', 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'Folsom Prison Blues' and 'I Walk The Line'.

This show was first released on 'The Man In White - Volume 3' released in 2003. Now - 18 year later - all performances have been newly remastered and speed corrected where necessary. And for the first time on CD, you get the camera sound recordings of this show. 

That's All Right - Amen (Excerpt) - I Got A Woman / You Don't Know Me / I Got A Woman - Monologue - Mystery Train / Tiger Man - Folsom Prison Blues - I Walk The Line - Monologue - Love Me Tender - Monologue - Johnny B. Goode - Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On (Excerpt) / Blueberry Hill - The Wonder Of You - You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling - Monologue 'Get Dirty' - Polk Salad Annie - Introductions - Oh, Happy Day - Papa Oom Mow Mow (Excerpt) - All Shook Up - Blue Suede Shoes - One Night - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds - Can't Help Falling In Love

From The MGM Tapes / Camera Sound Recording: Intro / That's All Right (Part Only) - Love Me Tender (Part Only) - Polk Salad Annie (Part Only) - All Shook Up (Part Only) - Blue Suede Shoes - One Night - Suspicious Minds (First Part Missing) - Can't Help Falling In Love (First Part Missing)


Elvis Presley Sings Flaming Star

The Dutch Elvis One label released ‘Elvis Sings Flaming Star and Other Songs From the Movie’. This CD comes with a 12 pages booklet with photos and recording information. 

From the press release: A Special Edition release from the Elvis One label with 38 tracks from the movie ‘Flaming Star’. Including 'Flaming Star' and 'Summer Kisses, Winter Tears' (mono and stereo masters), the unedited master of 'Flaming Star', many alternate takes, seven original radio spots from the movie, the acetate recording of the composite master of 'Black Star' and more! All tracks in the best possible sound.

Flaming Star (Unedited Master) - A Cane And A High Starched Collar (Take 1 - 5) - A Cane And A High Starched Collar (Take 6) - A Cane And A High Starched Collar (Insert Take 1, 5, 6)  - Summer Kisses, Winter Tears (Take 7) - Black Star (Take 5) - Black Star (End Title Version - Take 1, 2, 4) - Flaming Star (Take 1) - Flaming Star (Take 3, 5) - Summer Kisses, Winter Tears (Take 15, 16, 17) - Summer Kisses, Winter Tears (Take 19) - Britches (Instrumental, Take 1) - Britches (Vocal Overdub, Take 1 - 4) - Britches (Vocal Overdub - Take 6) - Britches (Insert Take 1) - Summer Kisses, Winter Tears (Take 20) - Summer Kisses, Winter Tears (Take 21 - 23) - Summer Kisses, Winter Tears (Take 24) - Summer Kisses, Winter Tears (Take 25) - Summer Kisses, Winter Tears (Take 26) - Summer Kisses, Winter Tears (Movie Version - Take 2 With Guide Track) - A Cane And A High Starched Collar (Overdubbed Movie Version) - Summer Kisses, Winter Tears (Overdubbed Movie Version) - Flaming Star (Stereo Master) - Summer Kisses, Winter Tears (Stereo Master) - Flaming Star (Mono Master) - Summer Kisses, Winter Tears (Mono Master) - Britches (Composite Master - Vocal Only) - Summer Kisses, Winter Tears (Vocal Overdub Take 1M - Vocal Only) - Flaming Star (Backing Track) - Flaming Star (Radio Spot #1) - Flaming Star (Radio Spot #2) - Flaming Star (Radio Spot #3) - Flaming Star (Radio Spot #4) - Flaming Star (Radio Spot #5) - Flaming Star (Radio Spot #6) - Flaming Star (Radio Spot #7) - Black Star (Acetate Recording / Composite Master)


A Valentine Gift For You - Volume I & II

The Elvis One label released ‘A Valentine Gift For You’ volumes I and II. 

From the press release: A great way to celebrate Valentine's day! Two Limited Edition CD releases with some of Elvis’ best love songs - for Valentine's Day 2021! Including the original masters, alternate takes and home-recordings. All tracks on these 2 albums are newly remastered / remixed (no overdubs) with some real surprises. 

You'll enjoy the 50's and 60's masters with more focus on Elvis voice! And of course the home-recordings which never sounded better... Enjoy great versions of 'Her Hand In Mine', 'Earth Angel', 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?' and a short version of 'Return To Me'. 

Volume I: Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Original Spliced Master) - I Need Somebody To Lean On (Take 2) - Young And Beautiful (Stereo Record Master) - Playing For Keeps - Lover Doll (EP Version) - Give Me The Right (Spliced Version With Alternate Intro) - It Feels So Right (Master With Count-In) - I Was The One (Take 7A Spliced With Take 2) - Fever - All That I Am (Take 6) - First In Line - I'm Yours (Mono Album Master) - Fame And Fortune (Take 14) - Can't Help Falling In Love - Today, Tomorrow And Forever (Movie Vocal Overdub Take 8)

Bonus Song: Her Hand In Mine (Private Home Recording)


Volume II: Loving You - I Need Somebody To Lean On (Take 5) - Love Me - I Need You So - Doncha' Think It's Time (Album Master) - Gently - Paralyzed - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You - Sentimental Me - One Night - Any Way You Want Me - Fame And Fortune (Take 15) - Please Don't Stop Loving Me (Take 18) - Because Of Love - Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Homerecording)

Bonus Songs: Earth Angel (Homerecording) - Return To Me (Homerecording - Excerpt)

(Source: FECC / Various)