Saturday, February 15, 2025

February 15 - Charts February 2025 - Week 3

Elvis Presley’s name can almost always be found on the U.S. Billboard and Official U.K. charts, here are the rankings for week 3 of February 2025. 

This week streams and sales sales are dropping with Elvis falling off the Greek IPFI chart.
 







Official U.K. charts:
  • On the Official Album chart, the 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped 8 spots, from No. 45 to No. 53. 
  • On the Official Streaming Album chart, the 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' slid down from No 37 to No. 41.
  • The 'Elvis The Searcher' climbed from No. 38 to No. 25 on the Music DVD chart. 'Elvis at the Movies' re-entered the chart at No. 33. (charts to be updated)
Taylor Swift broke the Official Chart records as she became the female artist with the most Number 1 albums in the United Kingdom ever. Taylor secured the record as she netted her 13th chart-topper with the LP 'Lover'. She now shares the the record for the international artist with most Number 1 albums on U.K. chart history with Elvis Presley.

U.S. Billboard charts:
  • Top Country Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from No. 34 to No. 38. 
  • Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from No. 50 to No. 49. 
Greek Charts:
  • Greek IPFI Album Top 75: the 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation dropped off the chart from last week's listing at No. 35.

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

Friday, February 14, 2025

February 14 - Viva Las Comeback Vinyl

The Popcorn import record label released it's 5th LP / CD set 'Music from the Jack Cummings / George SidneyProduction Viva Las Vegas' featuring Mono Masters, Out-takes and Movie Versions of the soundtrack songs. 

Publicity stated
This amazing double album is completely dedicated to the Viva Las Vegas sessions. Most of the sessions took place from July 9 through July 11 of 1963 at the Radio Recorders Studio's Studio B, located in Hollywood, California. 

Elvis briefly went back to the studio on the 8th and 30th of August to record Santa Lucia and What’d I Say. Some overdubs and scoring sessions took place at the MGM soundstage in August and October 1963.

The sessions resulted in 12 master recordings besides some alternate movie versions. The movie premiered on May 20th, 1963, throughout the USA. However, there was never a soundtrack LP released for 'Viva Las Vegas', as was the custom at the time, although there was an Extended Play which flopped. The popularity of Extended Plays had been declining ever since Elvis last put out an EP. Along with the Extended Play, a 45 RPM was also released with the title song of the movie and Ray Charles’ ‘What’d I Say’.

Now you can enjoy highlights from these recording sessions on this deluxe double album. All of the takes are fully remastered and sound better than ever. The movie versions are speed-corrected and are presented in their original Mono sound.

This very limited high-quality 180-gram vinyl edition is available on gold and on purple colored vinyl. All the tracks are also available on the 2 bonus CDs, housed in cardboard sleeves, that are added to this package.

Additionally, the two CDs are also available separately as a Limited Edition Deluxe Digipack.

LP 1 - Side A - The Mono "Album": Viva Las Vegas - What’d I Say - If You Think I Don’t Need You - I Need Somebody To Lean On - C’mon Everybody - Today, Tomorrow And Forever - You’re The Boss (Duet With Ann-Margret) - Night Life - Do The Vega - Santa Lucia (1965 Extended Mono Version)

Side B: The Lady Loves Me (Duet With Ann-Margret - Mono Master) - Yellow Rose Of Texas / The Eyes Of Texas (Mono Master)

The Outtakes: Today, Tomorrow And Forever (Movie Vocal Overdub - Take 8) - Night Life (Take 10) - C’mon Everybody (Record Version Take 4 & 5 - Master) - If You Think I Don’t Need You (Take 8) - Viva Las Vegas (“Demo Arangement” Take 1) - I Need Somebody To Lean On (Take 1 & 2) - Today, Tomorrow And Forever (Record Version - Take 4)

LP 2 - Side C: Do The Vega (Take 2) - Viva Las Vegas (Take 5 - 7 - Master) -  Yellow Rose Of Texas / The Eyes Of Texas (Take 7) - C’mon Everybody (Movie Version - Take 7) - The Lady Loves Me (Duet With Ann-Margret - Take 6) - You’re The Boss (Duet With Ann-Margret - Take 12) - Today, Tomorrow And Forever (Duet With Ann-Margret - Take 1 & 2 - Master) - Santa Lucia (Vocal Overdub - Take 2)

Side D - The Soundtrack Versions: Viva Las Vegas - The Lady Loves Me (Duet With Ann-Margret) - C’mon Everybody - Today, Tomorrow And Forever - The Climb (George McFadden) - What’d I Say - If You Think I Don’t Need You - Viva Las Vegas (#2) - I Need Somebody To Lean On - Viva Las Vegas (#3 End Title)

CD 1 - The Mono “Album”: Viva Las Vegas - What’d I Say - If You Think I Don’t Need You - I Need Somebody To Lean On - C’mon Everybody - Today, Tomorrow And Forever - You’re The Boss (Duet With Ann-Margret) - Night Life - Do The Vega - The Lady Loves Me (Duet With Ann-Margret) - Yellow Rose Of Texas / The Eyes Of Texas - Santa Lucia (1965 Extended Mono Version)

The Outtakes: Today, Tomorrow And Forever (Movie Vocal Overdub - Take 8) -  Night Life (Take 9 & 10) - C’mon Everybody (Record Version Take 4 & 5 - Master) - If You Think I Don’t Need You (Take 8) - Viva Las Vegas (“Demo Arangement” Take 1) - I Need Somebody To Lean On (Take 1 & 2) - Today Tomorrow And Forever (Record Version - Take 4)

CD 2 - The Outtakes: Do The Vega (Take 2) - Viva Las Vegas (Take 3 - 7 - Master) - Yellow Rose Of Texas / The Eyes Of Texas (Take 7) - C’mon Everybody (Movie Version - Take 7) - The Lady Loves Me (Duet With Ann-Margret - Take 6) - You’re The Boss (Duet With Ann-Margret - Take 12) - Today, Tomorrow And Forever (Duet With Ann-Margret - Take 1 & 2 - Master) - Santa Lucia (Vocal Overdub - Take 2)

The Soundtrack Versions: Viva Las Vegas - The Lady Loves Me - C’mon Everybody - Today, Tomorrow And Forever - The Climb (George McFadden) - What’d I Say - If You Think I Don’t Need You - Viva Las Vegas (#2) - I Need Somebody To Lean On - Viva Las Vegas (#3 End Title)

Bonus Songs: Appreciation (Soundtrack Version - Ann-Margret) - My Rival (Soundtrack Version - Ann-Margret) - Santa Lucia (Vocal Overdub Take 6 - Movie Version) - Santa Lucia (Track Take 3 & V.O Take 4 - Corrected Master).


Memories

The Petticoat import record label released the LO / CD set 'Memories - The 1968 Comeback Special Vocal Overdubs'.

Publicity stated
: Petticoat Records is back! This time with a fantastic vinyl album full of vocal overdubs recorded during the recording sessions and filming of the '1968 Comeback'. A Vocal Overdub is an overdub to a pre-recorded track.

This high-quality album (including a bonus CD) features 17 of these vocal overdubs. Just for the fun of it, a very brief version of Tiny Tim’s ‘Tiptoe Through The Tulips’ is also featured on this album. Most tracks debut on vinyl for the very first time. This album definitely shows the power of Elvis’ voice in 1968. It’s a pleasure to listen to.

As always, housed in a stunning full-color sleeve suitable for framing! This high-quality 180-gram virgin vinyl pressing is now available on clear and on blue colored vinyl.

Don't miss out on this wonderful limited edition album. Of course a bonus cd featuring all tracks is included. 

Side A: Memories (Track Take 4 & Vocal Overdub Take 1 - 24.06.1968) - If I Can Dream (Vocal Overdub Take 1 & 2 -30.06.1968) - Little Egypt / Trouble (Vocal Overdub “Nightclub” Take 1 - 30.06.1968) - Trouble / Guitar Man (Vocal Overdub Of “After Karate” Section 3 Track - 29.06.1968 6.00pm) - Guitar Man (Vocal Overdub Road #2 Take 2 - 30.06.1968) - Trouble (Vocal Overdub) / Guitar Man (Playback - Take 1  - 30.06.1968) - Memories (Vocal Overdub “On Stage” - 27.06.1968 6.00pm) - Trouble (Vocal Overdub “Discotheque” Take 2 - 30.06.1968) - Memories (Mono Master - Vocal Overdub Take 2 - 24.06.1968)

Side B: Trouble (Vocal Overdub “Supper Club” Take 1 - 30.06.1968) - It Hurts Me (Vocal Overdub  & Playback Take 1- 3 - 27.06.1968) - Guitar Man (Vocal Overdub  "Alley” Take 1 - 30.06.1968) - If I Can Dream (Vocal Overdub  Take 3 - 30.06.1968) - Little Egypt / Trouble (Vocal Overdub “Nightclub” Take 3 - 30.06.1968) - Tiptoe Through The Tulips / Mac Arthur Park (Fragments - 29.06.1968 8.00pm) - Trouble / Guitar Man (Vocal Overdub Of “After Karate” Section 3 Track - Take 5 - 29.06.1968 8.00pm) - Guitar Man (Vocal Overdub Road #3 Take 5 - 30.06.1968) - Memories (Vocal Overdub “On Stage” 27.06.1968 8.00pm)

CD: Memories (Track Take 4 & Vocal Overdub Take 1 - 24.06.1968) - If I Can Dream (Vocal Overdub Take 1 & 2 -30.06.1968) - Little Egypt / Trouble (Vocal Overdub “Nightclub” Take 1 - 30.06.1968) - Trouble / Guitar Man (Vocal Overdub Of “After Karate” Section 3 Track - 29.06.1968 6.00pm) - Guitar Man (Vocal Overdub Road #2 Take 2 - 30.06.1968) - Trouble (Vocal Overdub) / Guitar Man (Playback - Take 1  - 30.06.1968) - Memories (Vocal Overdub “On Stage” - 27.06.1968 6.00pm) - Trouble (Vocal Overdub “Discotheque” Take 2 - 30.06.1968) - Memories (Mono Master - Vocal Overdub Take 2 - 24.06.1968) - Trouble (Vocal Overdub “Supper Club” Take 1 - 30.06.1968) - It Hurts Me (Vocal Overdub  & Playback Take 1- 3 - 27.06.1968) - Guitar Man (Vocal Overdub  "Alley” Take 1 - 30.06.1968) - If I Can Dream (Vocal Overdub  Take 3 - 30.06.1968) - Little Egypt / Trouble (Vocal Overdub “Nightclub” Take 3 - 30.06.1968) - Tiptoe Through The Tulips / Mac Arthur Park (Fragments - 29.06.1968 8.00pm) - Trouble / Guitar Man (Vocal Overdub Of “After Karate” Section 3 Track - Take 5 - 29.06.1968 8.00pm) - Guitar Man (Vocal Overdub Road #3 Take 5 - 30.06.1968) - Memories (Vocal Overdub “On Stage” 27.06.1968 8.00pm)

v.o = vocal overdub. All tracks in new orthophonic high fidelity (mono) except for A01

(Source: Various / Pascal Matteo / Facebook)

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

February 12 - From Here to Poland and Denmark

Marginesy publushed 'Stąd w Nieznane', the Polish edition of Lisa Marie Presley's biography 'From Here to the Great Unknown'.
 











Piger! Piger! Piger!

The Memphis Mansion announced the April 2025 release of a updated reproduction of the Danish version of Elvis' 'Girls! Girls! Girls!' soundtrack album, titled 'Piger! Piger! Piger'.

Publicity stated: The King of Rock'n'Roll is back - and now in Remixed Stereo! Elvis Presley's beloved soundtrack to the 1962 film 'Girls! Girls! Girls!' gets new life in a spectacular reissue that will be released in April 2025 on pink vinyl with red splatter - now in a Danish version.

The legendary soundtrack, which includes hits like 'Return to Sender' and 'Girls! Girls! Girls!', has been meticulously remixed for True Stereo by Anthony Stuchbury. 

With respect for the original recordings, a completely new listening experience has been created that brings out Elvis' timeless voice and the musicians' virtuoso playing in previously unheard clarity. He also corrected the backing vocal placement on the song ‘We’ll Be Together”. If you have ever listened closely to the stereo album you may have noticed they’re on the left channel, but on the right channel on every other tune on the album.

Søren Karstensen's updated artwork pays homage to the film's original aesthetic while adding a modern twist that perfectly matches this renewed version of a classic.

The pink vinyl with red splatter is not just a visual treat - it's a collector's item that pays tribute to both Elvis' musical legacy and the film's colorful universe. With an edition of only 300, numbered, worldwide, this is a must-have for Elvis fans and vinyl enthusiasts alike.

The record also comes with a replica of the Danish film poster for 'Girls! Girls! Girls!', carefully recreated with respect for the smallest detail. If you do not want this, the record is also sold at a slightly reduced price.

You can pre-order the album from the >>> Memphis Mansion webshop.

Side A: Girls! Girls! Girls! / I Don't Wanna Be Tied / Where Do You Come From / I Don't Want To / We'll Be Together / A Boy Like Me, A Girl Like You / Earth Boy.

Side B: Return To Sender / Because Of Love / Thanks To The Rolling Sea / Song Of The Shrimp  / The Walls have Ears / We're Coming In Loaded.

(Source: Facebook / Anthony Stuchbury)

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

February 11 - Woman's Weekly

Elvis is a regular front-cover star in 'Australian Women's Weekly Icons' publications, revisiting triumphs and tragedies from Hollywood’s Golden Age. Presley graces the cover of No. 28 with his Viva Las Vegas love interest Ann-Margret, inside  i
nside the article 'Elvis and Ann-Margret, The Affair and the Woman The King Could Not Forget'.

Synopsis: It was an affair that set the world on fire – and almost ended his marriage to Priscilla in the process. Sarah Rodrigues revisits the story of the woman who many felt should have become Queen to Elvis’ King.

At the age of 28, Elvis Presley was already an old hand at movie-making – he’d notched up 13 films, as well as countless hit singles. But his 14th film – 1964’s Viva Las Vegas – was the one that was going to have a significant and lasting impact on his personal life. In a meeting engineered by MGM studio executives to ensure that there would be enough “chemistry” between the King of Rock’n’Roll and his leading lady, the Swedish-American actress Ann-Margret Olsson, the pair came face to face for the first time on an otherwise empty soundstage ... 

(Pascal Matteo / Elvis Information network / Woman's Weekly)

Sunday, February 09, 2025

Review - Marion Keisker The Woman Who First Recorded Elvis

Elvis Presley biographer Paul Belard wrote a book that was long overdue, the biography of Marion Keisker. Not only was she the first person to record a very young Elvis Presley on tape and vinyl, but she also was one of the driving forces behind Sun Records, the Memphis Recording Service, and the women’s rights movement in Memphis, almost living it by example.
 

Design

 

I won't say too much about the cover, as I designed it. But I do believe that it shows the most important ingredients with which Marion Keisker can claim her stake in music history: Sun Records, Sam Phillips, and, of course, their “prodigal son”, Elvis Presley.
 
Inside the 6 by 9 format book, we get a 40-to-60-percent text-to-illustrations ratio. Belard has a pleasant writing style that quickly draws you into the story of Marion Keisker's life, which is told through a collection of short chapters and anecdotes.
 
An example from the book: “When Sam sold Elvis to RCA, he handed over some of the songs they had been working on. Sam didn’t think they were good enough. They were never intended to be released. In fact, Marion said she would have destroyed those tapes. This is one of her recollections that left me dumbfounded. According to her, ‘Blue Moon’, and presumably ‘I Love You Because’, ‘Harbor Lights’, ‘Tomorrow Night’, ‘Just Because’, and others, would never have seen the light of day had Elvis stayed at Sun. Not to have missed gems like the haunting ‘Blue Moon’ and the stunning ‘Trying To Get To You’ make me almost glad that Parker came into the picture and pulled Elvis from Sun Records. And I do not even want to think about all the songs that Sam recorded over in order to save expensive tapes”. 

And this comes from an author who published ‘The King and the Jester’, a critical book on Colonel Parker in 2024, so that says something! The use of many quotes from interviews and anecdotes like the one above add to the credibility and readability of the story before us. 

The author uncovered many rare photographs of Marion Keisker, her work and interesting archival material to illustrate the story, most of them black and white and many new to me. Especially striking are the photographs from Marion's days as a radio personality on WREC, her Army career, her role as a member of the women's rights movement, and her work as an actress in the theater add a new view on the woman I know from the photographs from her time at SUN. 

Other stand-out images are the stylish pictures of Marion from 1938, which show a beautiful woman in a long gown, wow, she looks like a completely different woman! 
 
Belard is clear about the material he used to compile this biography. The framework for this book is based on the work of the late Darrin Lee Memmer, interviews given by Marion Keisker toas he introduced Marion to her Jerry Hopkins for his biography ‘Elvis’ and others on different occasions, most of them available on YouTube. 

In the appendix, the author has included paperwork that supports the story as presented in the book.

  

Content
 
Reading this book, we learn that Marion Keisker was so much more than Sam Phillips' assistant, her name really deserves a place in the history of Rock and Roll music. Not only because she was the first person to record Elvis Presley singing 'My Happiness' and 'That's When Your Heartaches Begin,' but because she heard something special in his voice and made a note for Sam: "Good ballad singer. Hold." Perhaps the most important scribble on a piece of paper in music history.

 

If it hadn't been for this note, Elvis might very well have had a life and career as a truck driver or electrician. Presley knew who was responsible for his success. Entering the Jaycee ceremony in 1971 he said to Priscilla: "This is the woman I’ve been telling you about. She's the one who made all this possible, Without her, I wouldn't be here today."

Before Marion met Sam Phillips, this Memphis-born lady already had a vibrant career in radio and was referred to as "Ms. Radio of Memphis" with her own Kitty Kelly radio show on WREC. At one time, she was responsible for daily programs on every radio station in Memphis. But she gave up most of this to work for, Sam Phillips for romantic reasons. Depending whose version of the story you read it is “work with” or work for”. Like the author, I tend to believe Keisker’s recollection of history, as these are confirmed by Elvis Presley and Ed Leek, especially regarding the first recording of ‘My Happiness’.

The early years of the Memphis Recording Service, Sun Records, a young Elvis, his first records and how they came about, his performances, his move to RCA, and the Million Dollar Quartet session make up half the book. And although this is a history most fans know pretty well, Belard really adds some extra color, information, and insights by telling it from Marion's perspective and her part in creating history. The many quotes from interview work really well here.

Interesting to read is her impact on the recording of the song ‘I Don’t Care If The Sun Don’t Shine’. Apparently Elvis attempted the song, but it was missing a verse nobody knew. Marion wrote one on the spot, but, of course, she was not credited as a song writer for reasons explained in the book. 

It is also sad to read that Sam apparently went out of his way to diminish Marion's role – also his ex-partner and lover while still happily married - in the Elvis story, claiming he made the first recording of 'My Happiness'. When Jerry Hopkins interviewed her for his ‘Elvis’ biography she confessed “I was surprised that you knew me and or had even heard my name. It got so I never talked of my involvement with Elvis’ career because nobody believed it, anyway, you know.”

With Phillips, she also started the all-girl radio station WHER (what else could the station’s call sign be!) helping to tear down the male-dominated radio world of the fifties, a theme she would return to later in her career.

After a big fight with Phillips, with her career and romantic ambitions with Sam and the Memphis Recording Service going nowhere - Sam had shifted his extra-marital escapades from Marion to her assistant, Sally Wilbourn – she left MRS and joined the U.S. Army. 

As was a Captain in a man's world, in charge of overseeing the largest armed forces television station in the world. This would eventually bring her to Germany, where she met up with Elvis again in 1960. And when they bumped into each-other, the poor soldier boy didn’t know if he should kiss or salute her. Apparently Marion said “in that order”.

And while this was a chance meeting, it really meant a lot to her when he held her hand: “So then, he held my hand. But it was a very significant thing for me. And very important to me. I am the sole, one person who never made a penny out of him, who never asked him for a favor, who never ever benefitted directly in any way from him. And it was the first and only time that Elvis ever indicated publicly that he recognized the role that I played. And to me that was a real, big … (she fights back tears). Elvis is close, second only to my son, in my affection.”

In 1969, after 12 years, she retired from the Army as a Major and returned home to Memphis, where she started a new chapter in her life, which included an attempt to buy the original Memphis Recording Service building at 706 Union Avenue to preserve it for history. But that plan did not materialize. Looking back now, what if that had happened, how would (SUN’s) history have been written?

In an article published in 2017, Dr. Charles Hughes wrote: “Almost every telling of the Marion Keisker story begins and ends with Elvis Presley, literally and figuratively … But her next chapter revealed that - after helping to change the world through Memphis music - Marion Keisker worked to make that world a better place through political activism. Upon her return to Memphis, Keisker took an active role in the burgeoning feminist movement.” This sums it up nicely. 

Back in Memphis, Keisker took a dynamic part in the Memphis chapter of the National Organization for Women, a dedicated women’s rights advocacy coalition. She said: “I think that if women stand behind women - both women as an audience, women as listeners and viewers, and women as co-workers within the broadcast field - we’d just be supportive and give each other a little encouragement, it would make all the difference." 

In the seventies she also started a “career” in theater and she was voted the city’s Best Actress three times. After a short illness, she died on December 29 1989, 72 years old.

Conclusion

With this book Paul Belard has filled a large gap in the historiography of the birth of Rock and Roll, the legacy of Elvis Presley, and the place where it all happened, the city of Memphis. And then we haven't even mentioned Keisker's contribution to the fight for equal rights for men and women, illustrating that there is more to Marion Keisker than “SUN” and “Elvis”.

I think it is actually a scandal that her side of the story during the formative years at Sun Records took so long to be revealed in this book. Fortunately, Belard places this strong woman and her achievements in life on the pedestal where she belongs. 

It would be fitting to include this book in the archives of the city of Memphis, Sun Records, and Graceland. And perhaps also in the souvenir shops of the aforementioned locations so that not only historians but also Elvis, Rock and Roll, and music fans in general have a chance to read her story, as this is essential reading.


The book is available from >>> Amazon 
(associate link).

You can also buy your signed copy directly from the author. You can >>> contact him here by mail.

Saturday, February 08, 2025

February 08 - Live on Liquid Vinyl

The Millbranch Music import record label released a Limited Edition of 30 copies of their recent 'Back In L.A.' double LP
on liquid vinyl. This is the first liquid Elvis release as a 12-inch LP. 

The LP contains the May 11, 1974 Evening Show, as recorded at the Forum in Los Angeles, California. The price-tag for this 2-LP set is around 325 to 350 Euro. 

More information when available. 


Note
: A newly created stereo version of this concert was released earlier this week by the MRS label on their 'Live In Los Angeles 1974' LP and 'Elvis On Tour - 1974 California' 3-CD-set. The Follow That Dream collectors label released this concert on CD in 2007, unfortunately with the audio mastered too slow. 

(Source: TCB Shop)

February 08 - Charts February 2025 - Week 2

Elvis Presley’s name can almost always be found on the U.S. Billboard and Official U.K. charts, here are the rankings for week 2 of February 2025. 

This week streams and sales sales are dropping with Elvis falling off the Official Irish IRMA chart for the first time in a long stay on the charts. 







Official U.K. charts:
  • On the Official Album chart, the 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped 4 spots, from No. 41 to No. 45. 
  • On the Official Streaming Album chart, the 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' lost another spot compared to last week and dropped to No 37. 
  • The 'Elvis The Searcher' climbed from No. 38 to No. 25 on the Music DVD chart. 'Elvis at the Movies' re-entered the chart at No. 33.

Irish IRMA charts: 
  • Official Irish Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped off the Album chart after last weeks drop to No. 91.  

U.S. Billboard charts:
  • Top Country Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped the 1 place it had won last week and fell to No. 34. 
  • Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped to the last spot on the tally, No. 50. 

Greek Charts:
  • Greek IPFI Album Top 75: the 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation dropped from No. 28 to No. 35.  

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

Friday, February 07, 2025

Review Elvis Day By Day

Graphic artist Alan Barbara reviewed the 2024 edition of 'Elvis Day By Day - The Year In Review' book. He wrote:

Kees Mouwen has once again delivered an essential volume for Elvis Presley fans with 'Elvis Day by Day 2024', a stunning 480-page chronicle of the King's enduring legacy. This book is not just a guide, it's an experience, filled with in-depth reviews of the latest Elvis books, CDs, vinyl, DVDs, and more, making it an invaluable resource for collectors and enthusiasts alike. There's nothing like this. 

This edition is foreword by Jerome "Stump" Munroe, who briefly played drums for Elvis in the mid-'70s. His personal insight adds another layer of authenticity and nostalgia to an already meticulously crafted book. Mouwen’s layout and design remain as impressive as ever, beautifully structured, easy to navigate, and packed with engaging content. Each section is thoughtfully arranged, ensuring readers can seamlessly immerse themselves in the latest Elvis releases.

For those undecided about purchasing an Elvis CD or vinyl, 'Elvis Day By Day - The Year In Review  2024' serves as the perfect decision-maker. The independent reviews provide honest and detailed assessments, making it clear which releases are must-haves. One particularly fascinating entry is the full-page review on page 268, covering the 'Guitar Man Sessions'. It was so compelling that, like many other fans, I immediately sought out the CD for myself.

But this book offers more than just reviews, it is a deep dive into Elvis's world, uncovering stories, facts, and rare finds that even seasoned collectors might not be aware of. Each page reflects Mouwen’s dedication to accuracy, research, and a true appreciation of Elvis’s musical journey. This is a book that fans will return to repeatedly, discovering something new each time.

If you're an Elvis fan, Elvis Day by Day 2024 is a must-have addition to your collection. Kees Mouwen has once again outdone himself, creating a book that is both informative and inspiring. Whether you're a lifelong Elvis devotee or a new fan exploring his music, this book is a treasure trove that belongs on every shelf. Highly recommended! 

Beware this book could make your Elvis collection even bigger.


You can enjoy Alan's great 'Elvis Fantasy' artwork through his >>> Facebook.

Do you want a copy too? Go to the Poplar Tunes webshop for signed copies of the >>> paperback edition or the >>> hardcover edition.

Or visit your local Amazon store through these direct links:
>>> Paperback edition from >>> Amazon.co.uk.
>>> Paperback edition from >>> Amazon.com
>>> Paperback edition from >>> Amazon.de
>>> Paperback edition from >>> Amazon.ca.
>>> Paperback edition from >>> Amazon.co.jp.
>>> Paperback edition from >>> Amazon.com.au.

You can also get the book from the >>> United Elvis Presley Society or >>> ElvisMatters fanclubs, >>> Bennies Fifties webshop or the >>> German TCB Shop. More webshops will be added shortly.

February 07 - Rockin' '57 HMV Debut

David Trotter published the A5-sized book '200 Elvis Concerts - By The Fans, For The Fans', celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Elvis is King fanclub. 

The book was already published in January but slipped by under our radar.

Publicity stated“A live concert to me is exciting because of all the electricity that is generated in the crowd and on stage. It’s my favourite part of the business - is live concerts”. - Elvis Presley -September 4th 1972.

During the formative years of my Elvis Is King fan club (Founded in 1974), personal friends and fans were traveling across the USA, following Elvis on tour, or attending multiple shows during his Las Vegas Engagements and Lake Tahoe appearances. 

They would lovingly and dedicatedly send reports, reviews, and accounts of their adventures seeing Elvis on stage, at hotels, airports or in transport “as it happened”. These thrilling times, linking us to Elvis in a very unique way, were typed up and mailed to me to be shared with members within the pages of my Monthly Magazine / Newsletter.

In celebration of my Fan Club’s 50th Anniversary in 2024, these incredible memories - cherished within the Archives - are shared here collectively for the first time in over five decades.

They are for those old enough to I remember the “glory days”. They are here for the new fans discovering ELVIS. They are here for the generations yet to come, who will find ELVIS long after we all have left the world behind. So “Sit Back and leave the driving to us” as Elvis would often say. 

Take a deep breath as the lights dim, the Orchestra begins, and from the wings of the Hilton, and the waiting areas of Coliseum Hallways, as ELVIS comes back to you one last time. “For who knows when we’ll meet again this way?”

You can contact author David Trotter by >>> email or join the fan club's >>> Facebook group.

Rock and Roll No. 2

The Waxtime record label announced the April 2025 re-release if the classic U.K. HMV album 'Rock and Roll No. 2' as a Limited Edition with 8 Bonus Songs on 180 Gr. Virgin vinyl.

Publicity stated: Presley’s second LP for RCA, titled Elvis, was released in Mono in October 1956 (it would be retitled 'Rock & Roll Nº 2' six years later). It is widely regarded as one of the best albums of the Fifties and of Elvis’ entire career. 

Most of the sessions took place on September 1-3, 1956 at Radio Recorders in Hollywood. The disc spent four weeks at Nº 1 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart in 1956, making Presley the first recording artist to have two albums go straight to number one in the same year.

Side A: Rip It Up - Love Me - When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again - Long Tall Sally - First In Line - Paralyzed.

Bonus Songs: Hound Dog - Jailhouse Rock - Don't Be Cruel - Blue Suede Shoes.

Side B: So Glad You're Mine - Old Shep - Ready Teddy - Anyplace In Paradise - How´s The World Treating You - How Do You Think I Feel.

Bonus Songs: Mystery Train - All Shook Up - Heartbreak Hotel - That's All Right.


Rockin' '57

Pan Am Records released the LP 'Rockin' '57' on 180 Gr colored vinyl. 
 
Publicity stated
: 1957 was a year of consolidation for Elvis Presley. On January 6th he made his third and last appearance at the Ed Sullivan Show, on which he performed the gospel song ‘Peace in the Valley’, which opened the way to a new trend in Elvis’ music. 

1957 was also the year in which he bought Graceland, appeared in the movies 'Loving You', and started working on the second, ‘King Creole’. He also gave plenty of concerts and recorded several studio sessions.
 
This LP showcases all of his 1957 Rock and Roll studio sides. The core group backing him on all of these sides consists of Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass, and D. J. Fontana on drums, plus The Jordanaires on backing vocals, and pianist Dudley Brooks on most of the tracks.
 
Side A: Got A Lot O’ Livin’ To Do / All Shook Up / Mean Woman Blues / (I’m Having A) Party / Hot Dog / Lonesome Cowboy / Blueberry Hill / Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? / It’s So Strange / (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear.
 
Side B: One Night Of Sin / Don’t Leave Me Now / I Beg Of You / One Night / I Need You So / Loving You / When It Rains, It Really Pours / Jailhouse Rock / I Want To Be Free / (You’re So Square) Baby, I Don’t Care / Treat Me Nice.

The LP is available from >>> Amazon (associate link).

Debut on Wax
 
The Vinyl on Wax record label re-issued of Elvis Presley’s debut album as a Limited Edition on 180 Gr. crystal clear vinyl with 4 bonus songs.
 
Description
: Elvis' debut LP, titled Elvis Presley, was the first rock album to reach number one on the charts. It was recorded for the RCA label, which had paid what was then a king's ransom to buy his contract from Sam Phillips' Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee. The album was produced by Steve Sholes (head of RCA's Country and Western and Rhythm and Blues division) and released in Mono in March 1956.

(Source: David Trotter / Amazon / Pascal Matteo)

Thursday, February 06, 2025

February 06 - Record Store Day Magazines (Updated)

Omnivore Recordings announced the Record Store Day release 'Viva Doc Pomus: Songs For Elvis (The Demos)' on a double LP on opaque orange colored vinyl, 

Publicity for 'Viva Doc Pomus
: Songs For Elvis (The Demos)' stated: 'A Teenager In Love',  'Save The Last Dance For Me', 'This Magic Moment', 'Can’t Get Used To Losing You'. There’s not much in early rock history that can equal those songs. Doc Pomus wrote hit after hit with an array of songwriting partners with Mort Shuman chief among them. Together they created a template for the sound of the late 1950s and early ’60s. Writing timeless classics covered by artists around the globe, one artist was King, Elvis Presley. 

Pomus / Shuman were the names on the sheet music for many a remarkable Elvis recording. 'Viva Las Vegas', '(Marie’s The Name) His Latest Flame', 'She’s Not You', all classics. So, where do all those songs start? The demos.

Painstakingly transferred, restored and mastered from the original acetates with full approval and cooperation of the Pomus estate, 'Viva Doc Pomus: Songs For Elvis (The Demos)' explores the recordings submitted to Presley for his consideration to record. Some (the afore mentioned hits and more) were recorded and released by Elvis, while others fell by the wayside for reasons lost to time, or recorded by other artists, and we’re left to imagine what might have been had The King recorded and released them.

Available on a double opaque orange-colored LP for Record Sore Day, the origins of Rock and Roll are in full force on 'Viva Doc Pomus: Songs For Elvis (The Demos)'. Hear what Elvis heard for yourself and wonder what could have been! Viva Doc Pomus indeed!

Side 1:
1. Turn Me Loose 2:16
2. A Mess Of Blues 2:53
3. (Marie’s The Name) His Latest Flame 2:14
4. Kiss Me Quick 2:51
5. She’s Not You 1:39
6. Gonna Get Back Home Somehow 2:30
7. Suspicion 2:34
8. Pot Luck (Pomus/Shuman Version) 2:34

Side 2:
1. Viva Las Vegas 2:34
2. Lady Luck 1:46
3. (It’s A) Long Lonely Highway 2:23
4. Kissin’ Cousins 2:25
5. I Need Somebody To Lean On 3:17
6. Girl Happy 2:04
7. One Way Ticket To The Blues 1:56
8. Pot Luck (Pomus/Spector Version) 1:46

Side 3: 
1. Kissin’ Fool 2:14
2. I Walk The Muddy Road To Love 2:08
3. What Every Woman Lives For 2:36
4. I Wish I Were In His Shoes 2:27
5. I’m A Man 0:30
6. Clambake (Version 1) 2:41
7. Double Trouble (Version 1) 3:11
8. Pot Luck (Pomus/Jeffreys Version) 2:03

Side 4:
1. Havin’ A Ball 2:12
2. Double Trouble (Version 2) 2:12
3. Clambake (Version 2) 1:58
4. Bring My Poor Heart Back To Me 2:45
5. Headin’ For A Heartache 2:00
6. Easy Come Easy Go 2:20
7. ... Presley Liked Them 2:05


The French V.P.I. record label shared the cover art for their Record Store Day 2025 releases: the triple LP-set '1960: Everybody's Got The Fever ...' on cloud colored vinyl and the single LP 'Elvis Sings Sid Tepper & Roy C. Bennett - Just For Old Time Sake' on two-colored red and blue colored vinyl. These sets are limited to 1,500 copies and will also be released on CD as vinyl replica's. 

Publicity stated: The album 'Just For Old Time Sake' highlights the collaboration between Elvis Presley and the songwriting duo Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett. These authors wrote 42 songs for the King, mainly for his films, which although sometimes considered minor, have marked generations. This album brings together Alternative Takes of songs recorded between 1957 and 1962, including several from 'Blue Hawaii'. This best-of compilation showcases the impact of Elvis' cinema and the importance of these songs in his musical and film career.

Side A: Lonesome Cowboy (Take 20 / 25, Master) - New Orleans (Movie Version) - Shoppin’ Around (Version 1, Take 1) - G. I. Blues (Take 6) - A Cane And A High Starched Collar (Movie Version) - Hawaiian Sunset (Take 3) - Slicin’ Sand (Take 4) - Ito Eats (Take 2) - Island Of Love (Take 8) - Beach Boy Blues (Take 3, Movie Version)

Side B: Angel (Take 6) - For The Millionth And The Last Time (Take 1) - Just For Old Time Sake (Take 1) - The Walls Have Ears (Take 12, Master) - Song Of The Shrimp (Take 6, Master) - A Boy Like Me, A Girl Like You (Take 2) - Earth Boy (Take 9, Master) - Take Me To The Fair (Take 7) - Relax (Take 7)


In 1960, the famous composer Leonard Bernstein said: “Elvis Presley is the greatest cultural force of the 20th century… He introduced rhythm into everything and he changed everything, music, language, clothes, it’s a whole new social revolution from which the 60s came.”

And it’s true that Elvis knew how to sing everything! This triple album offers 54 tracks, the vast majority of which are Alternative versions A unique compilation, never made, exceptional in every way,illustrating the many different facets of the artist Elvis Presley.

LP 1 - Side A: Make Me Know It (Take 9 - 11) - Soldier Boy (Take 2 - 3 & 7) - Stuck On You (Take 1) - Fame And Fortune (Take 4 - 5) - A Mess Of Blues (Take 2 - 3) - It Feels So Right (Take 4 & 3) - Fever (Take 1) - Like A Baby (Take 3 - 4) - It’s Now Or Never (Take 2)

Side B: The Girl Of My Best Friend (Take 2 & 4 - 6) - Dirty, Dirty Feeling (Take 1) - Thrill Of Your Love (Take 1 - 2) - I Gotta Know (Take 1) - Such A Night (Take 1) - Are You Lonesome Tonight (Take 1 - 2) - The Girl Next Door (Went A’Walking) (Take 1 - 3) - I Will Be Home Again - Reconsider Baby

LP 2 - Side C: Shoppin’ Around (Version 1, Take 5) - Didja’ Ever (Take 1) - Doin’ The Best I Can (Take 1 - 3) - G. I. Blues (Take 1) - Frankfort Special (Remake, Take 6 - 8) - Tonight Is So Right For Love (Take 4) - Big Boots (Slow Version, Take 2 & 3) - What’s She Really Like (Take 12 & 13) - Blue Suede Shoes - Wooden Heart (Take 1)

Side D: Pocketful Of Rainbows (Version 1, Take 10) - Tonight Is All Right For Love (Take 1) - Black Star (Take 5) - Summer Kisses, Winter Tears (Take 10, 12, 14) - Britches (1’41) - A Cane And A High Starched Collar (Take 6 & Insert Take 1, 5, 6) - Flaming Star (Take 2) - Black Star (End Title Version - 1, 2, 4, 5) - Flaming Star (End Title Version - Take 1, 3, 4) - Milky White Way (Take 1 - 2) - I Believe In The Man In The Sky (Take 1) - His Hand In Mine (Take 4)

LP 3 - Side E: He Knows Just What I Need (Take 5 - 7) - Surrender (Take 8 - 9) - Mansion Over The Hilltop (Take 2 & 1) - In My Father’s House (Take 7) - Joshua Fit The Battle (Take 2) - Swing Down Sweet Chariot (Take 2 - 3) - I’m Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs (Take 2 - 3) - If We Never Meet Again - Known Only To Him (Take 1 - 2) - Crying In The Chapel (Take 2 - 3) - Working On The Building (Take 3 - 4)

Side F: Lonely Man (Take 4) - In My Way (Take 1) - Wild In The Country (Take 14) - Forget Me Never (Take 2, 1) - I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell (Lower Key Version) - Lonely Man (Solo Take 1) - Husky Dusky Day - Fame And Fortune (26.03.1960) - Stuck On You (26.03.1960) - Stuck On You (26.03.1960) - Love Me Tender (Reprise - 26.03.1960) - Make Believe - If I Loved You - She Wears My Ring - Ladwy Miss Clawdy

Bonus Songs: Stuck On You (26.03.1960) - Fame And Fortune (26.03.1960) - Witchcraft & Love Me Tender (26.03.1960 - Frank Sinatra) - Love Me Tender (Reprise - 26.03.1960 - Frank Sinatra) - I Wonder I Wonder I Wonder - Sweet Leilani - Beyond The Reef - When The Swallows - Come Back To Capistrano - He Hands Off


The Ultimate 1950s Rock’n’Roll Companion

Vintage Rock published the magazine 'The Ultimate 1950s Rock’n’Roll Companion', "your essential guide to the decade that changed everything!" according to the announcement. 

Publicity further stated: In this special issue, we profile the era’s most seismic artists – from Elvis Presley to Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran to Chuck Berry to Little Richard – and we celebrate the decade’s most revolutionary albums and singles. Also in this special edition, we profile many of the 1950s’ most revolutionary artists – Johnny and Dorsey Burnette of The Rock’n’Roll Trio, Bo Diddley, Gene Vincent, Billy Lee Riley, Carl Perkins and more!

As well as that, we’re counting down the Top 100 Rock ’n’ Roll singles of the 50s and remember that fateful day in February ’50 when we lost Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Richie Valens. All this and much more in this brand new issue of Vintage Rock Presents – it’s your one-stop-shop to everything 1950s!

The Elvis Information Network noted: Elvis fans will be shocked that only 9 of the 132 pages actually feature Elvis! And Elvis does not get into the top five of the "Top 100 rock'n'roll singles of the 50s"- Elvis' highest position is Jailhouse Rock at #6. The editors of EIN will be writing to the editor!


Elvis In Minnesota

Elvis scarf expert Robert Foley published his book 'Elvis In Minnesota'. 

Description: This 133-page full color chronicles all nine of Elvis Presley’s appearances in the State of Minnesota from 1956 to 1977, just months before he passed. I show the venues, Elvis, the band, the scarves at seven of the nine shows, his plane, the hotels he stayed at and even the CDs that were released from these concerts and ticket stubs. 

Because I am a Minnesota native and saw Elvis in concert in Minnesota, this book was especially fun for me to do. I have ordered a quantity of them and they are currently in print. I have made arrangements with the printing company to go to the printing center before they are shrink wrapped so that I can individually sign each one of the books in the initial order, as Ed Hess from the Kings Court Fan Club asked me to. Being he is a great friend, as are his parents, I want to make this a pleasant experience for all of us. So, I am hoping you would like one of these books as it is 133 pages of full color and I spent extra money to make sure every page looks and feels like you are holding an expensive 8 X 10 glossy photo of Elvis and the crew. 


Happy Birthday

Jerry shilling celebrated his 83rd birthday, congratulations!


Elvis Presley - Rock 'n' Roll King 1974 and 1976

The IDS record label released the LP 'Elvis Presley - Rock 'n' Roll King 1974 and 1976' as a Limited Edition on clear vinyl, two weeks before the original release date.

Synopsis
: Superb vinyl record album from the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley, recorded live in 1974 and 1976. The LP comes on clear transparent wax, features the songs 'Love Me Tender', 'Steamroller Blues', 'Teddy Bear - Don't Be Cruel' and many more.

Side 1 - 1974: All Shook Up / Why Me Lord / Love Me Tender / Hound Dog / Fever / Suspicious Minds / I Cant Stop Loving You / Bridge Over Troubled Water.

Side 2 - 1976: CC Rider / Cant Help Falling In Love / Teddy Bear - Don't Be Cruel / Big Boss Man / You Gave Me A Mountain / Trying To Get To You / Hurt / Steamroller Blues.

Note: All recordings are supposed to be "Live Radio Broadcast" recordings, but that is only an attempt to use a loophole in the European Public Domain legislation. 

(Source: Pascal Matteo / Martin St. Pierre / Record Store Day / Vintage Rock / Elvis Artifacts Authentication Services)