Review - Elvis Rocker - Revisited

Up next in the Memphis Mansion "vinyl re-issue program" is their interpretation of the 1984 compilation 'Elvis -  Rocker'. Is it worth adding this edition to your collection?  

 

Design

 

The original was an instant classic, emphasizing Elvis' roots seven years after his death. And while I thought this one couldn't be improved, Søren Karstensen managed to do just that! While keeping the spirit of the original, the now colorized picture really stands out against the original background. This is a cover that is suited for framing!

 

The back is a replica of the original, with a slightly different - and if I may say so - better image. The use of a motor wheel for the label is a brilliant idea. The LP comes on yellow, red, blue and transparent splattered colored vinyl, so plenty to choose from. Design-wise, this is a fine upgrade.

 

Audio

 

The big difference with the original is the audio, with the Mono Masters being upgraded to Stereo by the label's engineer Anthony Stuchbury. By now we are familiar with his work, but he still finds ways to improve on his own work on certain songs, so audio nerds may spot a few tweaks while others will simply enjoy the music and perhaps not realize that they are listening to a Stereo version, that's how authentic these classics sound.

 

I do realize that these new mixes are a matter of taste, but as an alternative to the originals, I for one enjoy these versions, and on vinyl these new Stereo Mixes have even more space to breathe making these Stereo Mixes a little more spatial than on CD to these ears.

 

The vinyl is from Danish Nordsø Records again, they know their vinyl, so no complaints here. Audio-wise, this is a great sounding upgrade.

Content

 

Rock and Roll / Rockabilly was hot again in the first half of the eighties. With the King of Rock and Roll in their catalog, it was only logical that RCA jumped on the bandwagon. Besides the horribly overdubbed 'I Was the One' they also released 'Elvis - Rocker'. 

What made this one of the better Elvis Rock and Roll compilations was the selection of songs - from his first singles and his 1956 and 1957 albums - that still had that raw edge that made Elvis the rocker that shocked society when he entered the living room through the speakers or television shows.

 

On this LP we get the exact same songs with the bonus songs 'Party' and 'My baby Left Me'. This matches the original selection of songs like Little Richard's 'Long Tall Sally', Carl Perkins's 'Blue Suede Shoes', Big Mama Thornton's 'Hound Dog' and 'Jailhouse Rock' by the same songwriters.

 

What can we say, this is the sound that made Elvis the "King of Rock and Roll", or should I say, "the Rocker". Content-wise, this is a rockin' upgrade.

 

Conclusion

 

This novelty album is a great update on all fronts: the design, the song selection and the Stereo mixes. And while it looks "designed" it sounds as raw as it should! This is the kind of compilation that should be in every fan's collection. 

I have only one complaint, just like its original, the running-time is still way too short!

You can order the LP at the >>> Memphis Mansion webshop. 

July 13 - Iconic Covers and Army Books

Paul Belard published his 214-page visual biography 'Elvis 1958 June - July - August'.

Publicity stated: His basic training completed on Saturday May 31st, Elvis left Fort Hood early in the morning on his way to Memphis where he would spend a two-week leave. On June 10th, he went to Nashville for a recording session. It would be his last session for nearly two years.

After his return to Fort Hood, Elvis was allowed to live off base because one of his parents was classified as dependent. He rented a house in Killeen, a town close to Fort Hood.

On August 8th, Elvis' ailing mother was moved to the Methodist Hospital in Memphis. The 12th he was granted an emergency leave and flew to Memphis. His mother passed away on the 14th. The funeral took place the next day. On the 24th, a devastated Elvis returned to Fort Hood.

The book is available through the >>> Amazon webshop, For a signed edition you can contact Paul Belard by email at >>> pbelard@hotmail.com

On the Elvis Information network you can read an in-depth >>> review on the 'April - May 1958' book that precedes this one.

Iconic Covers

The Dutch Oor Music magazine listed the 50 most iconic album covers for their summer edition (July 2025). Of course Elvis' 1956 debut album is listed. 

(Source: Amazon / Oor)

July 12 - Charts July 2025 - Week 2 (Updated)

Elvis' record sales and streams only registered enough sales to hit the charts in the United Kingdom this week. 

The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation dropped four spots on the Official Album chart, landing at No. 74. It lost the same number on the nation's Streaming Album chart, falling to No. 60. 

Positive news from the Music Video chart, the 'Elvis at the Movies' DVD-set returned to that tally at No. 45.

(Source: Billboard / Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum) 

July 11 - The Return of the Rocker, Revisited

The Danish Memphis Mansion announced the August 2025 release of the LP 'Return of the Rocker'. 

This revisited edition is a modern interpretation of the original remixed album, with new stereo mixes and bonus tracks. 

 

Side A: King Of The Whole Wide World - (Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame - Little Sister - A Mess Of Blues - Like A Baby - I Want You With Me - I Feel So Bad

Side B: Stuck On You - Return To Sender - Make Me Know It - Gonna Ger Back Home Somehow - I’m Coming Home - Follow That Dream - Dirty Dirty Feeling

The LP is available for pre-order from the >>> Memphis Mansion webshop. 

(Source: Dorthe Back Richter Larsen / Memphis Mansion)

July 10 - No Virtual Elvis

The original marketing for the Elvis Evolution show in London stated that fans would experience "an AI Elvis perform the biggest hits" as part of an immersive experience. 

Earlier this week several lucky fans had the opportunity to preview the experience. Their feedback is positive and negative: there are no ETA's but there also isn't an hologram version of Elvis singing his biggest hits. 

According to the reactions, the overall experience is not technically advanced and there is no new footage (same old footage we have all seen many times over without any enhancements or improvements.) There is a theatre style production of actors and actresses who take you through the various sets and rooms as you progress through the experience. 

It has been compared and likened more to a theatre style production that you become part of (which may be the "immersive part")

The opening of the show has been postponed due to the bankruptcy of one of their partners. Based on the information we have now, it looks like the company that was responsible for the "virtual Elvis" was the one gone bankrupt. 

Here is the original teaser:

Elvis Files

Erik Lorentzen announced the early August 2025 release of 'Portraits The '60' Volumes 1 and 2. The first volume covers the years 1960 - 1964 while volume 2 covers the years 1965 - 1969.

Publicity stated: The new Portrait books'Elvis Portraits: 1960-1964 and 1965-1969 - A Life in Photos' comprise 700 pages with the most beautiful and so many unseen photos of the most photographed person in the world ... Elvis Presley.

His appearance, his charming approach, his gorgeous looks ... he can play the photographer's lens with his lasting personality.

Elvis is the most recognizable person in the world, even more so today - 45 years after his untimely death. Young and old of every generation will recognize something of themselves in that man who once had a dream being a young boy, a truck driver - an electrician ... Elvis made all of his dreams come true starting from the age of nineteen.

A millionaire at 21, a sex symbol at the same age too. A movie star - a personality and a living legend.

Elvis touched many lives and this book contains all facets of that time that we remember him by. For every reader there is a memory of a particular photo printed in these two books.

Elvis Up Close - King Creole

Graceland is excited to share the latest episode of its exclusive video series, Elvis: Up Close, giving fans a rare glimpse into the king’s film legacy and personal memorabilia. 

This new installment spotlights Elvis Presley’s original script from his 1958 feature film King Creole, a project widely considered his strongest acting performance and his personal favorite. 

Adapted from Harold Robbins’ novel A Stone for Danny Fisher, King Creole was originally written for James Dean. After Dean’s death, the project was reworked for Elvis, shifting the story from New York to New Orleans and transforming the lead character into a singer. 

(Source: Facebook / Elvis Files / Graceland)

July 09 - Unboxing UK

Elvis may have left the building but John Townson and Gordon Minto, the authors of the 'Elvis UK' discography series are delighted to announce that the third and final volume in their 'Elvis UK Compact' trilogy, will be out and ready to order on July 11, 2025 from the >>> www.elvisukbooks.co.uk webshop. 

The price is £50 (which for U.K customers includes p&p costs). Irrespective of where you live in the world, everyone who has bought all three volumes will automatically receive a free CD comprising 23 tracks.

Fans who are interested in this new volume should check out the >>> Sincerely Elvis Presley YouTube channel where 'Compact Vol 3' is unboxed and discussed.... 

Please note while copies of the first two volumes of Elvis UK Compact are still available, the stock levels for them are running low. 'Elvis UK Compact' was originally published as a digital book. 

Here are the reviews of >>> volume 1 and >>> volume 2.

(News: Elvis UK / Elvis Information Network / Sincerely Elvis)

July 08 - Vinyl Rock Magazine

The U.K.-based publisher Silverback published the July 2025 edition of their ‘U.K. Rock and Roll’ magazine with Elvis on the cover. 

This is the last edition of the magazine, the publisher stated:

…and goodnight. Rock’n’roll will live for ever, but regrettably not this magazine. I’m sorry to say that after 30 years of publication, the run of UK Rock’n’Roll Magazine comes to an end with this issue. For me personally its been a heck of a ride, I’ve grown from a rock’n’roll novice to at least knowing there’s a lot a don’t know about The Big Beat, the joy it brings to its followers and the devotion those followers have to the first music of the ‘rock’ era. I hope those who’ve bought the magazine over the years have enjoyed what they’ve found within, and if what they’ve read has opened their ears to a new band, singer or song, or encouraged them to get out to a gig or a larger event, well the magazine’s done some good.

See you around and

Rock On….Johnny Hop

Rockin’ Vinyl

The Vinyl Passion budget record label announced the September 25, 2025 re-release of their 2010 compilation  ‘Elvis Rocks’ 2-LP on colored vinyl.

LP 1 side A: Jailhouse Rock - All Shook Up - Trying To Get To You - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Got A Lot O Livin To Do - Hound Dog - Heartbreak Hotel - Mystery Train - One-Sided Love Affair - Lawdy Miss Clawdy

Side B: A Big Hunk O Love - Shake, Rattle And Roll - Wear My Ring Around Your Neck - I Got Stung - One Night - So Glad You Re Mine - I Got A Woman - Hard Headed Woman - King Creole - Tutti Frutti

LP 2 - side C: Don't  Be Cruel - I Need Your Love Tonight - Too Much - Blue Suede Shoes - Baby Let´s Play House - That S All Right - Long Tall Sally - My Baby Left Me - Ready Teddy - Rip It Up

Side D: Treat Me Nice - Mean Woman Blues - Party - Dixieland Rock - I´m Left, You Re Right, She S Gone - Blueberry Hill - (You Re So Square) Baby I Don´t Care - Money Honey - Paralyzed - Good Rockin Tonight. 

(Source: Silverback / Pascal Matteo / iMusic)

July 06 - The Elvis Fact Files

Brian Carver published the 92-page paperback 'The Elvis Fact Files - The Ultimate Trivia Book About the King'. 

Description: Elvis Presley was an extremely talented musician and a very charismatic man. His colorful persona, private life and often unique personality means he still fascinates people today, years after his death in 1977. 

This book contains a selection of interesting facts and anecdotes about Elvis’s life and career. Hopefully most of them will be new to the reader!

It's Over

With a heavy heart, founder Lesley Pilling has announced that The Circle G Foundation is ending its work. Since 2010, the foundation has been campaigning to protect the Circle G Ranch in Mississippi, the land where Elvis spent a brief but intensely happy time in early 1967.

With the motto "Where The King Became A Cowboy," the Foundation worked diligently for years to preserve Elvis' legacy at the ranch. International fame was generated for the site, thousands of pounds were raised for Elvis's charities, and, as a crowning achievement, an official Mississippi State Historic Marker was installed at the ranch in 2021—a unique moment: the first historical marker ever to receive international funding.

Yet, the dream of a tangible repurposing of the land remained elusive. The current owner, HL3 Holdings, repeatedly proved inaccessible and inflexible, despite years of attempts to collaborate or acquire the property through third parties. Plans were announced but never implemented. The asking price of a whopping US$10 million has made serious discussions impossible.

Following disappointments and a failed benefit event in the UK (which sold only 11 tickets), the team decided with a heavy heart to pull the plug. "We're no closer to saving the ranch than we were in 2010," says Lesley. "I sincerely promised Elvis I would do everything I could. And I did."

The Circle G Ranch may not have been saved, but thanks to the Circle G Foundation, it was never forgotten.

(Source: Amazon / Circle G / UEPS)

July 05 - Kalamazoo 1977

The Millbranch import record label announced the early September 2025 release of the Limited Edition double LP set 'Elvis In Concert - Kalamazoo 1977' with 200 copies made on black vinyl and on blue transparent vinyl.

Publicity stated: 'Elvis In Concert - Kalamazoo 1977' is a 2-LP set with printed inner sleeves containing intensive liner notes. These sleeves hold a newly restored soundboard recording of the April 26th, 1977 performance at Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan. 

In 2001, it was Memories From Kalamazoo (Vavavoom Records) that presented parts of the show back then. Unfortunately the producers made a big mistake and forget to include half of the show. Even the Fort Baxter release Shakin’ Up the great Lakes missed the opportunity to present all of what was recorded although they included selections that were missing on the 2001 release.

This concert is now sourced from the original digital master, and Millbranch Music presents, for the very first time, the most complete version available - newly remastered in stereo and including previously unreleased solo performances by Kathy Westmoreland and Sherrill Nielsen. Earlier producers chose to omit these solo features, but we believe they’re an essential part of the Elvis Presley Show. Elvis was known for celebrating his musicians and backing vocalists, their moments were not fillers, but part of the emotional flow of the concert. 

Unfortunately, back in the days, sound engineers Bruce Jackson and Bill Porter were used to not record the show opening and the band introductions to save space on the tape, hoping Elvis would do an unusual song performance they could record and release for an upcoming album. Millbranch Music decided to include the not-recorded performances from other tour shows to give the fans an idea of the complete run-down of a 1977 Elvis in Concert experience. Mastered with soul and experience

The mastering of this LP was entrusted to Planet of Sound Mastering, led by Petrushka, an expert with over 25 years of experience in both live and studio audio. With a background as a musician, producer, and live engineer, her journey began as an intern at Abbey Road Studios in London, where she was mentored during a full-day mastering session. It was there she first heard about the legendary fifteen-year learning curve to mastering, a truth she now acknowledges through decades of hands-on experience.

During a U.S. tour with her former band in the 1990s, she also worked briefly on a project at Sony Studios in New York, adding to her understanding of how emotion, performance, and recording come together in a live context. "My style of mastering is all about feeling, you should get the sense you were there," says Petrushka. "This is not about polishing everything to perfection, but about preserving what made it human and alive."

Having grown through years of practical refinement - from theory to instinct - her approach reflects a deep sensitivity to how a performance breathes. For this release, every channel was carefully balanced, with special attention given to the horn section, vocal depth, and instrumental clarity. On the Kalamazoo source, some analog tape hiss remains, a conscious decision. Rather than compromise the dynamic integrity of the recording, the sound was preserved as close as possible to the moment it was captured: raw, vivid, and real.

The album will be available in two Collector’s Editions: on classic black colored vinyl and as a Limited Edition on transparent blue colored vinyl. Each version comes with full-color printed inner sleeves, featuring rare photos and liner notes. 

A beautiful tribute to one of Elvis’s late performances.

Tracks side A: 

1. Also Sprach Zarathustra

2. See See Rider

3. I Got A Woman - Amen

4. Love Me

5. Fairytale (beginning only) / If You Love Me (Let Me Know)

Side B:

1. You Gave Me A Mountain

2. Jailhouse Rock

3. O Sole Mio - It’s Now or Never

4. Big Boss Man

5. Heartbreak Hotel

6. Blue Suede Shoes

7. And I Love You So (false start)

Side C:

1. And I Love You So

2. My Way

3. Band Introductions / Early Morning Rain

4. What’d I Say / Johnny B. Goode (James Burton)

5. Band Solos

6. School Day

Side D:

1. My Heavenly Father (Kathy Westmoreland)

2. Danny Boy (Sherrill Nielsen)

3. Walk With Me (Sherrill Nielsen)

4. Hound Dog

5. Can’t Help Falling in Love - Closing Vamp

6. Trouble (excerpt) / Help Me

7. Love Me Tender (by request)

Recording Sources: 

- Tracks A1–A3: Dane County Coliseum, Madison, WI – June 24th, 1977.

- Tracks C3–C6: Taylor County Coliseum, Abilene, TX – March 27th, 1977.

- Tracks D6–D7: Saginaw Center, Saginaw, MI – May 3rd, 1977.

- All other tracks: Wings Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI – April 26th, 1977.

(Source: Millbranch)

July 05 - Charts July 2025 - Week 1 (Updated)

Elvis' 'Down in the Alley' debut on the charts in the U.K. and Scotland was a "one week only" appearance. In the U.S. Elvis still does not generate enough sales to register on any Billboard chart. 

The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation dropped four spots to No. 70 the Official U.K. Album chart, but won two spots on the Official Streaming Album chart, climbing to No. 56.

The 'Down in the Alley' album dropped off the Independent Album chart after its debut at No. 34 last week.

The 'The Elvis - The King of Rock and Roll' dropped off the Official Music Video chart from last week's No. 27. 

The 'Down in the Alley' album fell off the Scottish Album charts after last week's debut at No. 99. 

(Source: Billboard / Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum)