Thursday, November 14, 2024

November 14 - Review From Here to the Great Unknown

In 2022, audiences were introduced to the ‘ELVIS’ biopic, followed by the ‘Priscilla’ movie in 2023. In both films, Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis’ only child, was largely absent from the story, likely because she was still a child when he passed away. 

Now, in 2024, Riley Keough gives her mother a voice through this memoir. Does this biography complete the Presley family history?






Design

What first strikes you about this book is the cover. Taken from a well-known Presley family photoshoot, it’s clear that Priscilla has been cropped out. Elvis peers mischievously around the corner, while Lisa Marie stares into the camera with a cold expression. 

The initial reaction might be, why not use some of the more “happy” images from this shoot of Elvis and his daughter with her blonde pigtails? But as you read the book, the choice becomes clear: this is a fitting image.

When it comes to photographs, one thing missing in this memoir is a dedicated photo section. With so many beautiful and relevant images available, the biography would have benefitted from more illustrations to accompany the various stages of Lisa Marie’s life. Pictures help to keep the memory of a person alive, and here we’re only given about 10 snapshot-like photos. The one photo that stands out it the candid of mother and daughter on the back, where Riley sticks out her tongue playfully. A more cheerful image of Elvis and his daughter on the front would have complemented this one well.

The title of the book, a lyric from ‘Where No One Stands Alone’, one of Lisa Marie Presley’s duets with her father, hints at the emotional depth of the book. Now, her daughter Riley has done something similar, using material that her mother recorded in the last years of her life. 

Keough enlisted help to bring her mother’s words to life, with actress Julia Roberts lending her voice to Lisa Marie. Roberts commented, “I was so moved by Lisa Marie’s incredible memoir. It was a real privilege to give voice to her wild and beautiful life, and I deeply appreciate Riley entrusting me with her mother’s story.” 
Audiobook listeners have said that it’s worth experiencing the audio version, as each chapter begins with a short clip from the tapes Lisa Marie recorded, making this memoir feel personal and poignant.

Content

The memoir can be summarized as: In this account of the Elvis’ only child, mother and daughter cover the highs and lows of a tumultuous life. Lisa Marie recalls her childhood at Graceland, including the trauma of finding her father dead at age 9, experiencing sexual abuse from her mother’s boyfriend a year later, and a suicide attempt at 16. Her teenage years were largely shaped by Priscilla Presley’s hands-off approach, which included dropping Lisa Marie off at the Church of Scientology’s Celebrity Centre. 

Searching for love, purpose, and belonging, Lisa Marie went through four marriages: with Danny Keough (her “partner” until her death), Nicolas Cage, and famously, Michael Jackson, before her final marriage to Michael Lockwood. Her relationships included one abortion (“the stupidest thing I’ve ever done”), a daughter and son (with Keough), and twin daughters (with Lockwood). 

After a C-section with her twins, she developed a serious opioid addiction, that escalated to 80 pills daily. Her grief compounded when her son took his life in 2020. After that, she was never the same, ultimately passing in 2023 from a cardiac arrest due to a small bowel obstruction.

Though the summary sounds harsh, so, unfortunately, was much of Lisa Marie’s life. On the first pages, she sets the tone, revealing that she adored her father, wanted to do anything for him, and was always seeking his approval, even when he was unfairly angry.

She recalls kissing her father goodnight on the night he passed, telling him she loved him, to which he responded, “Go to bed”. The next morning, the nine-year-old saw her father being wheeled into an ambulance, learning he had tragically passed. “My life as I knew it was completely over,” she wrote.

About her mother, she writes that she may have wanted to be rid of her (unborn child) even before she was born. Priscilla got pregnant at the age of 22, but she didn’t want to have a baby because she wanted to be that beautiful, slim woman beside Elvis, given all the competition she thought she saw. Lisa Marie said ”I was a pain in her ass immediately, and I always felt she didn’t want me”. 

Overall Priscilla comes across as a southern belle ice queen in the book. Lisa Marie wrote: “It was a one-two punch: he’s dead, and I’m stuck with her.” When they joined Scientology, Lisa felt her mother “dumped” her there. Later, they reached a truce when both had small children, but you don’t sense a real reconciliation. “People think I’m a bitch because I have my mom’s chilly thing” Lisa wrote. 
The book omits Priscilla’s role in caring for Lisa Marie’s twins during Lisa’s rehab battles. 

Many other details, including her music career and charity work with “Presley Place,” are only lightly touched upon. Also absent are Lisa’s half-brother Navarone and of course Lisa’s twins Finley and Harper and the custody battle with Lockwood (who is completely omitted), but perhaps that was done to protect these young girls. 

As Riley worked from tapes her mother recorded in her lowest moments they are “raw and honest”. She transcribed and edited the tapes, and adding her commentary, she noted in the preface that her mother “was constitutionally incapable of hiding anything from me”. 

The alternating mother and daughter narration, resulting in "a haunting harmony that builds to a crescendo of heartbreak" according to the New York Times. Reading the book you see that Riley add a more holistic view to these memories, as she set out to do.

As Variety aptly put it: “There’s a brutal honesty that you have to think probably wouldn’t have survived if Lisa Marie had survived long enough to clean up the rawness of her feelings on the tapes she left behind. For better or worse, and you have to think better, she was captured at a point in time when she had exactly zero fucks left to give. And Riley, for all of the relatively sanguine parts of her public persona, has admirably seen no need to sugarcoat any of it, either”. 

Riley has her way with words and provides a fitting context for the stories her mother left behind. These are written in a somewhat staccato manner, they seem like short quotes from the tapes, placed one after the other. I sometimes wondered whose biography I was reading because Riley used the first person form. But doing so, she took me on the journey of her mother’s life.

Listening to the audio-book edition it is a very strange experience to hear Lisa’s voice. I never really listened to her speaking voice, but listening now, it is a little haunting, and in some fragments she kind-off sounds like she is on something, just listening to how she talks. But perhaps that added to the honesty of the memories she recorded for herself.

Using fragments with Lisa's voice make the audiobook very real, Lisa's story comes alive, as it is not only told by others. Riley's voice sounds like she is telling the stories from her life and perspective. At the same time,  she also sounds a bit sad, which is completely understandable when you realize the task she gave herself finish her mother’s book so shortly after her unexpected death. I wouldn’t want to stand in her Gucci shoes. But being Lisa's daughter, listening to her voice makes adds to de personal listening experience of this memoir.  

That said, Julia Robert's narration of Lisa's voice had more, or should I say the right intonation, she plays this role perfectly, you can tell she is an actresses. I'm not a fan of audiobooks, but here it really has additional value and it is worth considering to get this a version next to the physical copy.

Some people will find the book too honest and / or won't like the book. Beginning with her mother Priscilla, who had a strained relationship with the daughter she didn't want / couldn’t love or the rumored rift with Priscilla in the final years before she died, or her opposition to the release of her self-titled movie. 

Elvis’ last girlfriend Ginger Alden may feel criticized. Lisa Marie doubts if she really loved her father since they had so many arguments (and which Lisa Marie overheard eavesdropping the phone at Graceland) and she asks the question if Ginger was really there for her father when he needed her. “I didn’t mind Ginger, but I didn’t like her. Nobody did”. 

And finally is Michael Edwards, who molested / sexually abused her and used drugs with Priscilla in a violent relationship, according to the memoir. This part of the book is deleted from the book in the United Kingdom, Australia and several other countries. 

Various media outlets have asked Priscilla for a comment, but she has not commented, though she may address these claims in her own memoir expected in 2025. Edwards reacted that some parts regarding his feelings for Lisa Marie in his own biography (1988) were written to “sell books”, but the notion that he molested Lisa Marie was “just a fabrication” according to Edwards. 

Lisa Marie credited her mother for choosing not to spoil her, unlike her dad, and instilling discipline, sending her to boarding school where she could be herself, work in her own tempo, finding her own way in life. Unfortunately, she took a wrong turn ending doing the works: “sex and drugs and Rock and Roll”.

Surprisingly, Michael Jackson is portrayed positively. Keogh recalls: “At home they were a regular married couple. They would drive us to school together in the morning, just like a normal family, though sometimes Michael would bring along a chimpanzee". It revealed a side to the man rarely seen. Presley and Jackson were the only two people who could understand the fundamental strangeness of each other’s lives, and they could bare their souls to each other without fear of judgment. “I fell in love with him because he was n
ormal,” Presley writes, a comment on Jackson you don’t read every day.

Danny Keough, her first love, remained her soulmate to the end, living in the same house. And although they knew they would not make it as a married couple, they stayed connected while living their own lives “together”, until the very last moment. He seems always present in the background throughout the book.

Reading her story, Lisa Marie resembled her father more than expected, both seeking life’s meaning through destructive paths. Both found comfort in spirituality and similar books, revealing the close bond she shared with her father, with her first line: “I felt my father could change the weather. He was a God to me. A chosen human being”.

Curiously, the 10 happy years in England were also the years that the addiction to drugs returned. This is not really explained, other than that the addiction had always been lurking, and moved far from the friends who had surrounded her before they got a hold of her again. Her son Ben, whom she compared to Elvis’ bond with his mother, eventually shared her struggles.

Despite the personal experiences with drugs-users, Riley sounds a little naïve about the use of substances and even Elvis abuse, downplaying it. At one point she even contradicts her mother’s memories of Elvis’ outbreaks when he needed a fix, saying Elvis just followed doctor’s orders. No it was the other way around, he told the doctors what to prescribe him. 

It was sad to read the chapter about Riley’s brother Ben. His death and farewell are mainly told through the eyes of Riley, while it was the proverbial final blow for her mother. From then on, Lisa Marie’s own death was something of a foregone conclusion. If his mother felt that, both by nature and by nurture, “Ben didn’t stand a fucking chance,” then she was equally cursed: “I guess I didn’t really have a shot in hell”.

The book also highlights Priscilla’s absence during Lisa’s hardest times. It’s painful to read how Riley had to inform her mother of Ben’s death and how she learned of her mother’s passing while on a plane to Los Angeles on the way to see her. 
The book ends with a personal touch from a daughter who recently had become a mother (new of the birth of Elvis’ granddaughter Tupelo broke during the memorial service for Lisa Marie) and the joy the newborn brought Lisa Marie.

Conclusion

This memoir is the story Lisa Marie never completed. Writing this book, Riley Keough wanted “to make her mother known”, and she succeeded, these are the last words of the only child of an American icon. It’s also, in part, Riley’s memoir of her first 35 years, as she literally presents her mother’s story and her version of the events. Riley’s words give context and continuity to the stories her mother left behind. 

And although it is not an Elvis book - he is only present in the first two chapters - it is a real gift to Elvis fans. It offers a unique, intimate insight into the idiosyncrasies of growing up Presley, with all its wealth and absurdities and surprising normalities like Lisa Marie and Michael Jackson being “an ordinary couple” bringing the kids to school (OK, occasionally with a chimpanzee in tow).

The conclusion left after reading the book is that Lisa Marie had a sad life. She is quoted saying that grief “anchors itself in your system”, and for Lisa Marie, this may have started even before she was born. That makes this book, at moments, a gut-punch and a jaw-dropper. 

But what also comes through the pages is a sensitive, gentle but not whitewashed portrait of a woman who is kind, intuitive, insecure, funny as hell, generous, flawed, loyal, and fiercely loving, making this a warm book, lovingly written by her daughter. It is a recommended read for anyone wanting to understand Elvis’ daughter beyond her public image and an important addition to the vast Elvis library as it paints a picture of the impact of the Presley dynasty. A dynasty enshrined in the cultural history of America like the Kennedy’s - and the problems that came with it. 

This is definitely the story of Lisa Marie Presley. Perhaps not 100 percent complete, but a 100 percent pure and soul-baring look into her life, which is important to keep the memory of the woman she truly was alive. 

Fortunately I also learned that Riley Keough is a very strong woman. She found a way to use the strength of her mother and her own talents - not using the Presley name like others - in a positive way and into decisive action. How she ended the family troubles after her mother died, and how handled the recent troubles regarding the plot to steal the Graceland Mansion are good examples. 

Riley Keough seems willing and able to safeguard the future of her family’s legacy, and that is a positive conclusion from a sad memoir.

The book is available from all major bookstores, on online through >>> Amazon.com and >>> Amazon U.K. or a local Amazon near you.

November 14 - Vintage Retrospective at 90

An unknown record label announced the  November 25, 2024 release of ‘Retrospective Elvis 1969 - Selected Recordings Volume 1 to 4’.

Publicity stated: Selected Recordings celebrates the 55th anniversary of Elvis' legendary recordings at the American Sound Studio in Memphis, Tennessee plus other recordings from that magical year of 1969. This is the perfect addition to the official CD releases such as the fantastic CD box 'American Sound 1969'. 

This collection is a collection of recordings that have been released over the years on dozens of import CDs and LPs. The collection also contains recordings that have never before been released on CD, as well as some unreleased recordings! Some outtakes that have already been officially released on, for example, 'American Sound 1969' can now be heard in the uncut version. Of course, we used the very best sources for these recordings. 

Never before has such an extensive and diverse collection from 1969 been brought together, including many other (unique) recordings in addition to the many alternative recordings from the American Sound Studio. 

Each CD is beautifully designed and comes with an 8-page CD booklet. In addition to the official releases, this is the ultimate alternate Elvis 1969 collection! 

The first CD, covering January 1969, contains 33 tracks, including recordings from the Draft Mix tape, a vocal only version of 'Don't Cry Daddy', 2 original different mixes of the track 'Poor Man's Gold' (instrumental only), and more! 

Also included is the complete rehearsal / session of 'Come Out, Come Out (Wherever You Are)'. This complete rehearsal / session was only released on CD once in 2002. After that, the session was only released incomplete. Fortunately, you can hear the complete rehearsal / session on this CD! 

CD 1 - From The Draft Mix Tape: 01 This Is The Story (Backup Vocals Overdub) 02 Wearin’ That Loved On Look (Unused Composite) 03 In The Ghetto (Backup Vocals Overdub / Unrepaired Vocals) 04 Rubberneckin’ (Backup Vocals Overdub - Partial Backing Vocals) 05 Inherit The Wind (Unused Composite) 06 Mama Liked The Roses (Harmony Vocal Overdub By Elvis - Not Used) 07 Don’t Cry Daddy (Harmony Vocal Overdub By Elvis) 08 From A Jack To A King (Backup Vocals Overdub) 09 Suspicious Minds (Harmony Vocal Overdub By Elvis - Not Used) 10 Gentle On My Mind (Track Replacement / Vocal Repair) 11 Come Out, Come Out (Wherever You Are) (Instrumental Take 2) 12 Poor Man’s Gold (Instrumental Take) 

Vocal Overdub: 13 Don’t Cry Daddy (Vocal Only) 

Come out, Come Out (Wherever You Are: 14 Rehearsal Instrumental 15 Slow Tempo Rehearsal “Number One” Instrumental 16 Slow Tempo Rehearsal “Number Two” Instrumental 17 Medium Tempo Rehearsal “Number One” Instrumental 18 Medium Tempo Rehearsal “Number Two” Instrumental 19 Rehearsal (1) Instrumental 20 Rehearsal (2-4) Instrumental 21 Rehearsal (5) Instrumental 22 Rehearsal (6) Instrumental 23 Rehearsal (7) Instrumental 24 Rehearsal (8-10) Instrumental 25 Rehearsal (11-12) Instrumental 26 Rehearsal (13) Instrumental 27 Love Is Strange 28 A Blues Jam (Instrumental) 29 Rehearsal Before Take 1 Instrumental (Part Only) POOR MAN’S GOLD 30 Instrumental Take 12 31 Vocal Overdub (Part Only) Take 1 / Abandoned (Vocal Only) 32 Instrumental Take 12 With Abandoned Vocal Overdub 

A Private Phonecall: 33 Arlene Cogan Calls Elvis In Memphis Telephone Call From Chicago, Illinois To Memphis, Tennessee.

CD 2 – February 1969: contains 30 tracks, including many studio outtakes, 2 original different mixes of the track 'Memory Revival' (instrumental only) and some rare recordings from acetate. 

Outtakes: 01 True Love Travels On A Gravel Road (Take 3) 02 Power Of My Love (Rehearsal + Take 2) 03 Kentucky Rain (Take 1) 04 Do You Know Who I Am? (Take 7) 05 If I’m A Fool (For Loving You) (Takes 4 & 5) 06 After Loving You (Take 1) 07 Any Day Now (Take 1) 08 Any Day Now (Take 2) 09 And The Grass Won’t Pay No Mind (Rehearsal And Tuning) 10 And The Grass Won’t Pay No Mind (Take 1 & Take 3) 11 And The Grass Won’t Pay No Mind (Take 4) 12 True Love Travels On A Gravel Road (Take 5) 13 True Love Travels On A Gravel Road (Take 8) 14 True Love Travels On A Gravel Road (Takes 9 & 10) 15 True Love Travels On A Gravel Road (Guitar And Tambourine Overdub - Not Used / Incomplete) 16 Power Of My Love (Take 4) 17 Power Of My Love (Take 5) 18 Power Of My Love (Take 6a) 19 Only The Strong Survive (Rehearsal) 20 Only The Strong Survive (Take 2) 21 Only The Strong Survive (Take 3) 22 Only The Strong Survive (Take 4) 23 Only The Strong Survive (Take 5) 24 Only The Strong Survive (Take 6) 25 Only The Strong Survive (Take 7)

Track Recording: 26 Memory Revival (Instrumental Track) 
Acetate Recordings: 27 Power Of My Love (Harmony Vocal Overdub / Incomplete) 28 True Love Travels On A Gravel Road (Harmony Vocal Overdub) 29 Do You Know Who I Am? (Harmony Vocal Overdubbed After Vocal Repair) 30 Memory Revival (Instrumental Track)

CD 3 – January – May 1969: contains 20 tracks, including recordings from the overdub sessions, a rare acetate recording of 'Mama Liked The Roses', outtakes from February 1969 + 2 track recordings. 

Overdub Sessions: 01 Stranger In My Own Home Town (Brass overdubbed, after string overdubs) 02 Power Of My Love (Backup vocals overdub / Unedited master) 03 Only The Strong Survive (String overdubs) 04 I’m Movin’ On (Band and brass overdubs / unrepaired vocals) 05 Suspicious Minds (String overdubs) 06 Inherit The Wind )String overdubs - V.O. 1) 07 Inherit The Wind (String overdubs - V.O. 2) 

Acetate Recording 08 Mama Liked The Roses (Strings overdubbed, after brass overdubs)

February Outtakes: 09 Any Day Now (Take 3) 10 Any Day Now (Take 4) 11 Kentucky Rain (Take 1) 12 Kentucky Rain (Take 2) 13 Kentucky Rain (Take 4) 14 Do You Know Who I Am? (Take 2) 15 Do You Know Who I Am? (Take 3) 16 Do You Know Who I Am? (Take 4) 17 Do You Know Who I Am? (Take 5) 18 Do You Know Who I Am? (Take 6) 

Track Recordings 19 My Little Friend (Instrumental track) 20 Mama Liked The Roses (Instrumental track)

CD 4 – January – September 1969: contains outtakes from January 1969, soundtrack sessions for 'Change of Habit' including the complete movie version of 'Change of Habit' (with bass by Carol Kaye) and 'Have A Happy', scoring sessions for the movie, and much more! A total of 36 tracks! 

January Outtakes: 01 In The Ghetto (Take 1) 02 In The Ghetto Takes (2 & 3) 03 In The Ghetto (Take 12) 04 Wearin’ That Loved On Look (Take 4) 05 Wearin’ That Loved On Look (Take 6) 06 Wearin’ That Loved On Look Takes (7, 8 & 9) 07 Wearin’ That Loved On Look (Take 11) 08 Long Black Limousine (Take 4) 09 From A Jack To A King (Take 4) 10 Rubberneckin’ (Take 1) 

Vocal Overdub: 11 In The Ghetto (Vocal only) 

Change Of Habit Soundtrack Sessions: 12 Change Of Habit (Movie version / bass by Carol Kaye) 13 Have A Happy (Movie version) 14 Let Us Pray (Backup vocal overdub on March 26 / not used) 15 Have A Happy (Instrumental track) 

Change Of Habit Scoring Sessions: 16 Universal emblem 17 Empty street 18 Have A Happy 19 Bags of paint 20 Chi Ki - Chi Ki 21 Elvis leads Barbara away 22 Girls enter church 23 Have A Happy 24 Irene at desk 25 Michelle undressing 26 Neighborhood heckling 27 Have A Happy #3 28 Instrumental (Not used) 29 End Title 

From The Movie Change Of Habit: 30 Lawdy Miss Clawdy (Jam session) 31 Let Us Pray (Movie version) 32 Rubberneckin’ (Movie version) 

For The Movie Change Of Habit: 33 Radio Spot 34 Interview at Universal City with Mary Tyler Moore 

Unrepaired Live Masters: 35 Runaway (August 25, 1969 dinner show) 36 Johnny B. Goode (August 24, 1969 midnight show).


Graphic Elvis

Graphic artist Alan Barbara updated the information on his upcoming DVD project, they will come with a small gift. 

He posted on Facebook
: I'm thrilled to share an exciting update about my upcoming Elvis documentary that’s currently in progress! This project is my labor of love, inspired by a lifetime of admiration and countless hours spent watching every Elvis documentary out there. Of all the tributes to the King, This Is Elvis has always held a special place in my heart, and my documentary is envisioned as a spiritual continuation of that classic.

What sets my project apart is the unique storytelling approach, using Elvis’s voice and cutting-edge AI technology to guide you through the journey. Imagine hearing Elvis himself narrate the chapters of his incredible story, taking you deeper into moments you’ve never experienced in this way before. This isn't just a documentary; it’s an immersive journey that aims to captivate and inspire, leaving every fan with chills and a renewed connection to the legend.

Every chapter of this documentary is crafted with immense dedication, each one taking up to two months to perfect because I believe Elvis and his fans deserve nothing but the best. This is my first venture into documentary filmmaking, and with over 10 years of experience in video creation, I’m determined to make this one to remember. I ask for your patience and support as I put everything into this project, aiming to honor Elvis’s legacy and make him proud.

This is more than a documentary; it’s history reborn. One fan, one vision, and one unstoppable drive to make history all over again. Stay tuned, it's coming, and it will be worth the wait.


Clambake In Stereo

The Elvis Files website announced the Easter 2025 double LP release of 'Clambake '67' in full stereo. The discs come housed in two separate gatefolds, with aa 350-page hardback book containing hundreds of unseen pictures. 

More information when available. 


Vintage Rock

Issue 72 of the Vintage Rock magazine is out. With Sam Cooke on the cover, the magazine looks ahead of what would have been Elvis’ 90th birthday next January. The editors gazed in their crystal ball to plan out an alternative future for the King of Rock ’n’ Roll had he lived.

(Source: Elvis Shop London /  Vintage Rock)





Wednesday, November 13, 2024

November 13 - Return of the King - Netflix Documentary

The new Netflix documentary '
Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley' premiered November 13, on Netflix. The documentary explores the journey to Elvis Presley's remarkable '68 Comeback Special. 

Publicity statedNetflix’s new documentary “Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley” delves into the extraordinary journey of Elvis Presley, from his  meteoric rise to becoming the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, through the  challenges and personal struggles that followed his peak fame and  finally to his triumphant 1968 comeback.

He had one chance to show the world he was still the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Discover the story behind Elvis Presley's triumphant '68 Comeback Special. Elvis explains, "I didn't know what to do.I just felt I was obligated to things that I didn't fully believe in. They couldn't have paid me no amount of money in the world to make me feel any satisfaction inside."


The documentary includes interviews with Priscilla Presley, Jerry Schilling, Baz Lurhmann, Darleen Love and Bruce Springsteen and others. Out November 13th on Netflix. Watch the trailer now and relive the moment that changed music history. 

In March backing vocalist Darlene Love posted on her Facebook account: "Forgot to mention that I was invited by Priscilla Presley a few months ago to participate in a documentary series about Elvis Presley that will air on Netflix in the coming months. I’ll keep you all posted once an air date is confirmed."

In August, ‘The Last Dance’ Director Jason Hehir shared he was working on an Elvis Presley documentary for Netflix. Production on the documentary has been ongoing since early 2023. 

Hehir said: "The documentary will focus on the legendary singer and actor using an abundance of archival footage detailing the life and career of the artist, who ultimately passed away at the age of 42". 

Speaking briefly about the upcoming documentary, Hehir said, “I’ve been fascinated with that guy my whole life because I know there’s a human being underneath that two-dimensional facade we see culturally. It’s always been an interest of mine.”

Hehir's ultimate aim is to peel back the layers of well-known figures and stories to reveal the deeper, often unseen, aspects of their lives. This method suggests that the Elvis documentary may possibly offer a fresh perspective on the iconic musician’s life, focusing on the man behind the myth.

Note
: the preview made a lot of fans remember the 'Reinventing Elvis' documentary from 2023. 

The first fake Blu-rays were already up for sale on eBay.


Rock 'n' Roll King

The IDS record label announced the January 24, 2025 release of the clear vinyl LP 'Rock 'n' Roll King 1974 - 1976'.

More information when available.


Civic Center To Be Demolished

Elvis photographer Keith Alverson posted on Facebook that the 60-year-old Civic Center in Mobile, Alabama will be demolished to make way for a more modern building. The Theater has been completely demolished, and its footprint is currently being prepared for the new arena construction. The process of demolishing the current Arena has begun and is expected to be completed on schedule in February 2025.

Elvis performed there seven times to packed houses on September 14, 1970, June 20, 1973, June 2, 1975 (two shows), August 29, 1976 (two shows), and June 2, 1977.


Happy Birthday

Ginger Alden, Elvis' last girlfriend, celebrated her 68th birthday, congrats!


Liquid SUN

The third SUN single Elvis 'Milkcow Blues Boogie / You're A Heartbreaker' (SUN 215) was re-issued as a 10-inch LP at 78 RPM on '
Liquid Vinyl' as a Special 70th Anniversary release. Like previous editions, this single is 125 copies.


Made In Germany - Private Recordings

Officially due for release on November 22, 2024, the MRS Camden budget release 'Made In Germany - Private Recordings', was released.

Publicity statedThis is a ‘best of’ one CD version compiled from the original 3-CD version of ‘The Complete Private Recordings’ MRS deluxe Book / CD combo originally released in 2019.

The CD features personal recordings taken from a tape made by Elvis while stationed with the US army in Germany in January 1959. They also include early renditions of songs Elvis would record formally years later. Release comes with a small booklet.

Tracks from the Guitar Reel: I’m Beginning To Forget You - Mona Lisa - I Can’t Help It / Guitar - Danny Boy (Complete And LSF) - Loving You - He Knows Just What I Need (FS / Complete) - Cool Water - Like A Baby - His Hand In Mine (Complete / Ending) - Her Hand In Mine - Return To Me / Her Hand In Mine (Rehearsing Ending) - Her Hand In Mine (Complete 2) - Just A Closer Walk With Thee / If I Didn’t Care / Are You Sincere - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Oh Lonesome Me

Tracks from the Piano Reel: Soldier Boy - Piano / Earth Angel - I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen (Fast) - I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen (Slow) - Apron Strings - It’s Been So Long Darling - I Will Be True - There’s No Tomorrow - I Asked The Lord - The Titles Will Tell - At The Hop / Give Me My Oil Lamp / Que Sera / Hound Dog / Piano - Send Me Some Lovin’ - The Fool

(Source: Plastic Head / Netflix / Plastic Head / Elvis Shop / UEPS / Keith Alverson)

Saturday, November 09, 2024

November 09 - Elvis - From 1958 To 1977

The Follow That Dream collectors label announced no less than 3 new releases: the Deluxe 'The Making of King Creole' Deluxe book, vinyl / CD set, 'The Girl happy Sessions' 3 CD set and 'The Last Tours Vol. 2'. According to the UEPS, the 'California Holiday' 2-LP should be available at the same time. 

If you buy the new titles from the Memphis Mansion webshop, you get some exclusive bonus goodies. The 'King Creole' box comes with an original signed photo of Scotty Moore from the Scotty Moore Estate and a bonus flexi-single. Both the 'Girl Happy Sessions' and 'The Last Tours Vol. 2' sets come with a bonus CD. More details to be added soon. 
 
Pre-order 'The Making of King Creole' >>> from the Memphis Mansion webshop.
Pre-order 'The Girl Happy Sessions' >>> from the Memphis Mansion webshop.
Pre-order 'The Last Tours' from the >>> Memphis Mansion webshop.

Publicity for the ‘King Creole’ box stated
: A brand new hardback coffee style deluxe book contains 380-pages with many newly discovered photographs, details on deleted scenes, pages from the script, the shooting schedule, memos, contracts, as well as memories from the cast and crew. 
 
It also includes six film frames taken from the original 35mm reels of the movie ‘King Creole’ and, exclusive to this set, a special collector's 10-inch vinyl with picture sleeve, recreating the original Japanese ‘King Creole’ album.
 
Also included is a digipack with gatefold sleeve holding 2 CDs. The first CD contains the ‘King Creole’ movie soundtrack recordings, including a newly discovered acetate recording of the opening sequence from the movie. The second CD holds the February 1958 RCA studio recordings, demos and radio spots.
 
CD 1: Turtles, Berries And Gumbo (Full Version - Blanche Thomas On ‘Turtles’) - King Creole (Main Title - Instrumental With Orchestra) - Crawfish (Elvis & Kitty White - Full Version Without Fadeout / Alternative Mix) - Steadfast, Loyal And True (Movie Version) - Lover Doll (Undubbed - EP Master) - Trouble - Banana (Liliane Montevecchi - Take 4 - Short Version) - Dixieland Rock - Young Dreams - New Orleans - Hard Headed Woman - King Creole - Don’t Ask Me Why - As Long As I Have You 

Thorne Nogar Live Mono Mixes: Hard Headed Woman (Slate / Take 10 - Master) - Trouble - (Slate / Take 5 - Master) - New Orleans (Slate / Take 5 - Master) - King Creole (Slate / Take 3 - First Version) - King Creole - (Slate / Take 18 - First Version) - Crawfish - (Slate / Take 7 - Unedited Master) - Dixieland Rock - (Slate / Take 14 - Master) - Lover Doll (Slate / Take 7 - Undubbed / Unedited Master) - Don’t Ask Me Why (Slate / Take 12 - Master) - As Long As I Have You - (Slate / Take 10 - Master) - Muskrat Ramble (Kid Ory / Traditional - Slate / Take 1 - Master - Instrumental) - Steadfast, Loyal And True (Slate / First Version - Take 6) - As Long As I Have You (Slate / Take 4 - Short Version) - As Long As I Have You (Slate / Take 8 - Long Version) - King Creole (Slate / Take 13 - Revised Version) - Young Dreams (Slate / Take 8 - Master) - King Creole (Slate / Take 8 - Master - Main Title - Instrumental).

Bonus Songs: Steadfast, Loyal And True (Undubbed Record Master) - Steadfast, Loyal And True (Dubbed Record Master) - Danny - Lover Doll (Dubbed Record Master) - Turtles, Berries And Gumbo (Slates - Blanche Thomas Vocals On ‘Turtles’) - Crawfish (Record Master).
 
CD 2 - RCA Recordings: Doncha’ Think It’s Time (Slate / Take 39) - Doncha’ Think It’s Time (Slate / Take 40) - Doncha’ Think It’s Time (Slate / Take 47) - Doncha’ Think It’s Time (Slate / Take 48) - Your Cheatin’ Heart (Slate / Take 9) - Your Cheatin’ Heart (Slate / Take 10 - Master) - Wear My Ring Around Your Neck (Take 22 - Undubbed Master) - Wear My Ring Around Your Neck (Master With Overdubs) - Doncha’ Think It’s Time (Single Master From Take 47, 40 & 48) - Doncha’ Think It’s Time (LP Master From Take 40 & 39)

Demos: King Creole - Trouble - Dirty, Dirty Feeling - New Orleans - Hard Headed Woman - Dixieland Rock - Crawfish - As Long As I Have You - Danny - Don’t Ask Me Why - Lover Doll - Young Dreams - Steadfast, Loyal And True - Banana - Wear My Ring Around Your Neck.

Radio Spots, Film Trailer & Interview: King Creole Film Trailer - Regular Spot - Regular Spot (#2) - Regular Spot (#3) - Teenage Spot - Star Dramatic Spot - Elvis Meets The Press En Route To Hollywood (11.01.1958, Fort Worth, Texas).

 
Publicity for 'The Girl Happy Sessions' stated
As part of its successful ‘Sessions’ series, FTD is pleased to announce the release of ‘The Girl Happy Sessions’. Mixed by Vic Anesini and mastered by Jan Eliasson. 

It contains all the masters and available outtakes. Highlights include Unedited Masters and the rare vocal re-record of ‘I Feel That I’ve Known You Forever’ especially made for the motion picture ‘Tickle Me’.
 
CD 1 - Original Album: Girl Happy - Spring Fever - Fort Lauderdale Chamber Of Commerce - Startin' Tonight - Wolf Call - Do Not Disturb - Cross My Heart And Hope To Die - The Meanest Girl In Town - Do The Clam - Puppet On A String - I’ve Got To Find My Baby

Lacquers Of Unedited Master: Wolf Call - Startin’ Tonight - I’ve Got To Find My Baby - Do The Clam - The Meanest Girl In Town - Wolf Call (With The Jordanaires)

From The Allied Artists Motion Picture "Tickle Me": I Feel That I’ve Known You Forever (Movie Version).

Instrumental Outtakes: I’ve Got To Find My Baby (Take 1) - Fort Lauderdale Chamber Of Commerce (Take 4) - Startin' Tonight (Take 1) - Do The Clam (Take 3).

CD 2: Puppet On A String (Take 3 - Late Start - 7) - Puppet On A String (Take 8 - 10) - Puppet On A String (Take 11/M) - The Meanest Girl In Town (Take 1 - 2) - The Meanest Girl In Town (Take 3 - 5) - The Meanest Girl In Town (Take 6) - The Meanest Girl In Town (Take 7 - 9) - The Meanest Girl In Town (Take 10 - 11) - The Meanest Girl In Town (Take 12 - 13/M) - Girl Happy (Take 1 - 3) - Girl Happy (Take 4) - Girl Happy (Take 5 - 8) - Girl Happy (Take 9 - 11) - Girl Happy (Take 12) - Girl Happy (Take 13) - Girl Happy (Ending Take 1 - 5) - Girl Happy (Take 13 Plus Ending Take 4/M) - Cross My Heart And Hope to Die (Take 1 - 3) - Cross My Heart And Hope To Die (Take 4 - 5) - Cross My Heart And Hope To Die (Take 6) - Cross My Heart And Hope To Die (Take 7 - 8) - Cross My Heart And Hope To Die (Take 9) - Cross My Heart And Hope To Die (Take 10 - 11) - Cross My Heart And Hope To Die (Splice Of Take 9 And 11/M).

CD 3: Spring Fever (Take 1 - 4) - Spring Fever (Take 5 - 9) - Spring Fever (Take 10) - Spring Fever (Take 11 - 13) - Spring Fever (Take 14) - Spring Fever (Take 15 - 16) - Spring Fever (Take 17 - 20) - Spring Fever (Take 21) - Spring Fever (Take 22 - 23) - Spring Fever (Take 24/M) - Do Not Disturb (Take 1 - 10) - Do Not Disturb (Take 11 - 13) - Do Not Disturb (Take 14 - 18) - Do Not Disturb (Take 19 - 22 - Do Not Disturb (Take 23 - 24 - Do Not Disturb (Take 25 - 27) - Do Not Disturb (Take 28) - Do Not Disturb (Take 29 - 31) - Do Not Disturb (Take 32 - 33) - Do Not Disturb (Take 34 - 35) - Do Not Disturb (Take 36/M - I’ve Got To Find My Baby (Take 2 - Vocal Overdub Take 1/M) - Fort Lauderdale Chamber Of Commerce (Take 7 - Vocal Overdub Take 2/M) - Startin’ Tonight (Take 3 - Vocal Overdub Take 4) - Do The Clam (Take 5 - Vocal Overdub Take 2) - Wolf Call (Spliced Master - Vocal Overdub Take 5).


Publicity for 'The Last Tours Vol. 2
' stated: 
As part of its ongoing live on tour series, FTD is pleased to announce the release of “Elvis: The Last Tours Vol. 2’. 

Released as a 3-CD 5-inch digipack, this set features great shows from March 1977. The concerts were not recorded in their entirety. but all songs recorded by the engineer are included. Recorded in mono. 

The first volume in this series is already “Sold Out”. 

Disc 1 - Norman, Oklahoma, March 25, 1977: You Gave Me A Mountain - Love Me - Jailhouse Rock - O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never - Little Sister - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - My Way - Fever - Hurt - Hound Dog - Can’t Help Falling In Love.

Norman, Oklahoma, March 26, 1977: Love Me - Help Me - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - You Gave Me A Mountain - Love Me Tender - Blue Suede Shoes - O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never - Fever - That’s All Right - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Blue Christmas - My Way.
 
Disc 2 - Abeline, Texas, March 27, 1977: You Gave Me A Mountain (Late Start) - Jailhouse Rock - O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never - Trying To Get To You - That’s All Right - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - My Way - Fever - How Great Thou Art - Introductions - Early Morning Rain - What’d I Say - Johnny B. Goode - School Day - Hurt - Hound Dog.

Austin, Texas, March 28, 1977: Love Me - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - You Gave Me A Mountain - Jailhouse Rock - O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never - Little Sister - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - That’s All Right - Steamroller Blues - Help Me - Fever - Hurt - Hound Dog - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp.
 
Disc 3 - Alexandria, Louisiana, March 29, 1977: If You Love Me (Let Me Know) (Late Start) - You Gave Me A Mountain - Jailhouse Rock - O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never - Little Sister - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Blue Suede Shoes - Fever - Why Me Lord - Bosom Of Abraham - You Better Run - How Great Thou Art - Hound Dog - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp.

Alexandria, Louisiana, March 30, 1977: Love Me - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - You Gave Me A Mountain - Jailhouse Rock - O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never - Little Sister - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - And I Love You So - Fever - Love Me Tender - Hurt - Hound Dog - Blue Suede Shoes - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp.

Note: From this second 1977 tour, the FTD-label has previously only released the March 24, 1977 performance on the CD Amarillo '77' (2011).

On the german Elvis Club Berlin forum the new takes were listed: 
  • Puppet On A String - Take 3, 4 , 8 + 9 
  • The Meanest Girl In Town - Take 1 - 3 , 10 + 12 
  • Girl Happy - Take 5 - 12 
  • Girl Happy ending Take 1 - 3 , 5 
  • Spring Fever - Take 5 - 17 , 20,22 + 23 
  • Cross My Heart And Hope To Die - Take 1 - 5 , 7 
  • Do Not Disturb - Take 1 - 23 , 28 - 34 
  • Plus the unedited masters of Startin' Tonight, Wolf Call, I've Got To Find My Baby. 
  • Do The Clam - without the artificial extension on the sax solo.
  • Vocal ODs from Startin' Tonight, I've Got To Find My Baby, Fort Lauderdale Chamber Of Commerce, Do The Clam and Wolf Call.
  • There are also alternative music tracks from Startin' Tonight, Do The Clam, Fort Lauderdale Chamber Of Commerce and I've Got To Find My Baby. 
  • I Feel That I've Known You Forever is also available here, the question is because the movie version is Is it the studio version for the film Tickle Me or was only the song used directly from the film? I hope the former.
Pre-order 'The Making of King Creole' >>> from the Memphis Mansion webshop.
Pre-order 'The Girl Happy Sessions' >>> from the Memphis Mansion webshop.
Pre-order 'The Last Tours' from the >>> Memphis Mansion webshop.


Elvis 58 December

Less than a month after his previous release, Linden Press published another visual biography by Paul Belard: 'Elvis 58 December'.

Publicity for this 200-page book reads: Most of the two months, beginning in November, were spent at the U. S. Training Area in Grafenwohr, Bavaria in winter maneuvers. Upon his return to base in mid-December, Elvis went to Frankfurt where he leased a BMW sport car. He also attended the Holiday on Ice show in this city.

The book is available from >>> Amazon U.S. or >>> Amazon U.K. (associate link) or directly from the author. You can also >>> contact him here by mail.

(Source: Nigel Patterson / Memphis Mansion - Henrik Knudsen / Pascal Matteo / Elvis Club Berlin)

November 09 - Charts November 2024 - Week 2

Elvis made a big jump on the Official U.K. Album chart this week, his classics still sell, or better, stream well. 






 





Official U.K. charts:
  • Official Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' won 13 places, climbing from No. 56 to No. 43. 
  • Official Streaming Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed 3 places, from No. 39 to No. 36. 

Irish IRMA charts: 
  • Official Irish Album chart: 'ELV1S 30#1 Hits' lost 4 places, dropping to No. 84. 

Billboard charts:
   
  • Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' gained 1 spot, climbing from No. 37 to No. 36.   
  • Billboard Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped 1 spot to the bottom of the chart, No. 50.  
  • Top Holiday Album chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' lost 1 spot and dropped to No. 15. 

US Book Charts: 

Extra charts from the U.S. this week, for the Lisa Marie Presley biography. On the New York Times 'Combined Print and E-Book Nonfiction' and 'Hardcover Nonfiction' bestsellers lists, 'From Here To The Great Unknown' won back 1 spot, climbing to No. 6 on both lists. On the Hardcover Non Fiction bestsellers list the book bounced back 2 spots, rising to No. 6 in its 4th week on the best seller list.  

The book remained steady at No. 10 on the Publisher's Weekly Non Fiction Hardcover list. 

(Source: Billboard / Official Chart Company / IRMA / UK Mix Forum/ IPFI / Amazon / NY Times / Publisher's Weekly)

Friday, November 08, 2024

November 08 - The Essential 50's Masters (Updated)

Audio engineer and record producer Anthony Stuchbury posted a teaser online, announcing the release of the 4-CD-set 'Presley - The Essential 50’s Masters' on the French RDM-Edition record label. 

This new set, that comes housed in the slipcase shown, covers Elvis Presley's entire fifties recording career in newly created Mono II Stereo mixes. 

More information, tracklisting and release date to be announced. 

(Source: Anthony Stuchbury)


Wednesday, November 06, 2024

November 06 - LIFE Magazine

Due for release from LIFE magazine is the annual Elvis Presley edition of 'Elvis Remembered'. This year the magazine is updated with Elvis' 90th birthday and the story of his Graceland mansion. 

Synopsis
: Celebrate the King of Rock 'n' Roll with this keepsake biography of Elvis Presley, lavishly illustrated with dozens of historic photos, including many from the archives of LIFE magazine.

A detailed timeline traces Elvis's life from when he received his first guitar to his glory days filled with recording, acting, and gyrating for shrieking fans, to his great '68 comeback, and right up to his untimely death in 1977. 

Intimate photojournalism combines with insightful text to reveal Elvis behind the scenes: at Graceland and on the road, with Priscilla and Lisa Marie, in front of the cameras, and on the stage. Explore the days of 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'Don't Be Cruel', 'Blue Suede Shoes', 'Jailhouse Rock', 'Love Me Tender', 'Blue Christmas" and so many other unforgettable hits. 

The paperback / magazine is available from >>> Amazon (associate link).
Please note that this product is an authorized edition published by the Dotdash Meredith Corporation and sold by Amazon. This edition is printed using a high quality matte interior paper and printed on demand for immediate fulfillment.

(Source: Amazon)

Tuesday, November 05, 2024

November 05 - If I Can Dream of Jailhouse Rock

The Popcorn import record label released the 2-LP-set ‘Jailhouse Rock’ on 180 Gr. clear and purple colored vinyl, and as a double CD-set. 

Publicity stated: Now available is the fourth release on the Popcorn label. This amazing double album is completely dedicated to the ‘Jailhouse Rock’ sessions. These sessions took place in April and May of 1957, at Studio B at the Radio Recorders Studio in Hollywood California. Some overdubs and scoring sessions took place at the MGM soundstage. The sessions resulted in 6 master recordings beside some alternate movie versions. 

The movie premiered October 17th 1957 at the Loews Theatre In Memphis Tennessee. The title song ‘Jailhouse Rock’ was released on 45RPM (with ‘Treat Me Nice’ on side B) and topped the charts for 7 weeks. It reached the gold status but the R.I.A.A did not started their award program until 1958. According to the Billboard magazine the later released ‘Extended Play’ was the bestselling EP of 1958.   

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

All the tracks are also available on the 2 Bonus CDs (housed in cardboard sleeves) that are added to this package. For the first time the two CDs are also available separate (in an ultra limited quantity) as a Deluxe digipack. 

LP 1 - side A: Jailhouse Rock (2001 - Take 6) - Jailhouse Rock (2002 - Pickup / Take 1 & 2) - Treat Me Nice (2003 - Take 17 - 19) - Young And Beautiful (2004 - Record Version / Take 3) - (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care (2015 - 1st Vocal Overdub / Take 1) - Don’t Leave Me Now (2016 - 1st Version - Piano / Take 1) - I Want To Be Free (H2WB 6781 - Record Version Composite) - Young And Beautiful (2005 - Solo Jailversion / Take 1 & 2 - No Echo)

Side B: Young And Beautiful (2006 - Take 3 & 4) - Treat Me Nice (2008 - Second Movie Version / Take 3, 4 & 5) - I Want To Be Free (2009 - Prison TV Version / Take 7 - 11) - Don’t Leave Me Now (2017 - 2nd Version - Hit Record Version - Take 7 & 8) - I Want To Be Free (2010 - Record Version / Take 7, 8 & 9) - Treat Me Nice (H2WB 6778 - RCA Movie Version Composite) - Young And Beautiful (MGM Composite Master - Movie End Version) - (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care (2021 - 2nd Vocal Overdub / Take 6 - Isolated Vocals)

LP 2 - side C: I Want To Be Free (2011 - Pickup 1st Ending / Take 1 & 2) - I Want To Be Free (2012 - Pickup 2nd Ending / Take 1 - 5) - (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care (2412 - MGM Movie Edit) - Treat Me Nice (2405 - MGM Composite Master) - I Want To Be Free (WPA5 2508 - MGM Composite Master) - Don’t Leave Me Now (2022 - 2nd Movie Version / Take 12) - Don’t Leave Me Now (2023 - 1st Movie Version / Take 2) - Jailhouse Rock (2024 - Take 6 / Alternate Movie Version With Male Overdubs) - Treat Me Nice (2526 - Overdubbed MGM Movie Version) - Jailhouse Rock (2533 - Overdubbed MGM Movie Version)

Side D: The Soundtrack Versions In Original Mono:
Jailhouse Rock - Young And Beautiful (Version 1) - Young And Beautiful (Version 2) - Don’t Leave Me Now (Version 1) - Don’t Leave Me Now (Version 2) - I Want To Be Free - Treat Me Nice - Young Ynd Beautiful (Version 3) - (You´re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care

Bonus Songs: Jailhouse Rock (Unedited RCA Record Master) - One More Day (1st Movie Version) - Dont Leave Me Now (Movie Set Version) - (You’re So Square( Baby I Don’t Care (2013 - “Track” Take 8 & 9)

CD 1: Jailhouse Rock (2001 - Take 6) - Jailhouse Rock (2002 - Pickup / Take 1 & 2) - Treat Me Nice (2003 - Take 17 - 19) - Young And Beautiful (2004 - Record Version / Take 3) - (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care (2015 - 1st Vocal Overdub / Take 1) - Don’t Leave Me Now (2016 - 1st Version - Piano / Take 1) - I Want To Be Free (H2WB 6781 - Record Version Composite) -  Young And Beautiful (2005 - Solo Jailversion / Take 1 & 2 - No Echo) - Young And Beautiful (2006 - Take 3 & 4) - Treat Me Nice (2008 - Second Movie Version / Take 3, 4 & 5) - I Want To Be Free (2009 - Prison TV Version / Take 7 - 11) - Don’t Leave Me Now (2017 - 2nd Version - Hit Record Version - Take 7 & 8) - I Want To Be Free (2010 - Record Version / Take 7, 8 & 9) - Treat Me Nice (H2WB 6778 - RCA Movie Version Composite) - Young And Beautiful (MGM Composite Master - Movie End Version) - (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care (2021 - 2nd Vocal Overdub / Take 6 - Isolated Vocals) - I Want To Be Free (2011 - Pickup 1st Ending / Take 1 & 2) - I Want To Be Free (2012 - Pickup 2nd Ending / Take 1 - 5) - (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care (2412 - MGM Movie Edit) - Treat Me Nice (2405 - MGM Composite Master) - I Want To Be Free (WPA5 2508 - MGM Composite Master) - Don’t Leave Me Now (2022 - 2nd Movie Version / Take 12)

CD 2: Don’t Leave Me Now (2023 - 1st Movie Version / Take 2) - Jailhouse Rock (2024 - Take 6 / Alternate Movie Version With Male Overdubs) - Treat Me Nice (2526 - Overdubbed MGM Movie Version) - Jailhouse Rock (2533 - Overdubbed MGM Movie Version)

The Soundtrack Versions In Original Mono: Jailhouse Rock - Young And Beautiful (Version 1) - Young And Beautiful (Version 2) - Don’t Leave Me Now (Version 1) - Don’t Leave Me Now (Version 2) - I Want To Be Free - Treat Me Nice - Young Ynd Beautiful (Version 3) - (You´re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care

Bonus Songs: Jailhouse Rock (2411 - Long Version With Piano And Drum Intro) - One More Day (1st Movie Version - Mickey Shaughnessy) - Dont Leave Me Now (Movie Set Version) - (You’re So Square( Baby I Don’t Care (2013 - “Track” Take 8 & 9) - Jailhouse Rock (Unedited RCA Record Master)

If I Can Dream

The Petticoat records import label released the LP / CD set ‘If I Can Dream’ on colored vinyl.

Publicity stated
: Petticoat records is back! This time with a fantastic vinyl album full of selected outtakes recorded during the recording sessions and filming of the '1968 Comeback Special'.
 
This high quality album (including bonus CD) featuring 16 rare and hard to find alternate versions is now available. Most tracks debut on vinyl for the very first time.
 
Great stuff: from beautiful versions of 'If I Can Dream' and 'It Hurts Me' to powerful renditions of 'Big Boss Man' and 'Little Egypt'. The record ends with 5 powerful highlights of the dressing room rehearsal of June 25 1968. 

And as always housed in a stunning full color sleeve suitable for framing! This high quality 180 Gr. virgin vinyl pressing is now available in clear and on red colored vinyl. And of course a bonus CD featuring all tracks is included.
  
Side A: If I Can Dream (V.O Take 4 - 918 - 30.06.1968) - Nothingville / Guitar Man (“Guitar Man’s Evil” Section 1 Take 2) - Let Yourself Go (“Guitar Man’s Evil” Section 2 Take 7 - M - 20.06.1968) - It Hurts Me ("Escape” Section 4 Take 5 - 20.06.1968) - Big Boss Man (“Escape” Section 3 Take 1 & 2 - 20.06.1968) - Saved / Preach For The Sky / Saved (“Gospel” Section 3 Take 4 - 22.06.1968) - Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child / Where Could I Go But To The Lord? / Yes, Yes, Yes / Up Above My Head (Rehearsal & Take 1 - 21.06.1968)

Side B: Trouble / Guitar Man (“Guitar Man Opening” Take 7 - 22.06.1968) - Nothingville ("Guitar Man’s Evil” Section 1 Take 5 & 6 - 20.06.1968) - Little Egypt / Trouble (V. O “Nightclub” Take 4 - 1010 - 30.06.1968) - If I Can Dream (Record Version Take 2, 3 & 4 - 23.06.1968)

Highlights Dressing Room Rehearsal - 25.06.1968: Tiger Man - Lawdy Miss Clawdy - One Night - When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again - Blue Moon Of Kentucky
 
v.o. = vocal overdub / all tracks in Stereo except for A01/A08/B03/B05-B09 which are in Mono.

(Source: Elvis Shop London)