The CD "Elvis 75" is a new entry - straight in at #1 - on Cashbox Magazines' Top Rock Albums chart. In the U.K. the "Elvis 75" compilation drops to #16 in it's second week on the Album Chart (actually the 3rd week since it came from no 138 before it entered the Top 10 last week). "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" drops from #135 to #182.
From the press-release:
This new Audionics production will be presented in double digipack with a 16-page booklet. All accompanying photographs were taken on March 17-18, 1976, in Johnson City, TN, March 20, 1976 in Charlotte, NC, evening show and on tour in March - May, 1977. This 2-CD set is expected at the end of January.
Unfortunately both the March 17th and March 20th, 1976, 8:30 p.m. concerts were not captured in entirety. These tapes were recorded in binaural with the lead-guitar almost isolated in the right channel, probably due to an expected change of lead guitar-player. The March 17th, 1976 recording was mixed down to stereo and two songs were added in original binaural sound as a bonus. The March 20th, 1976 8:30 p.m. show (previously released as "RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT") is presented in excellent quality in its genuine binaural form. These shows are fascinating to listen to, as Elvis’ band sounds totally different thanks to the new additions Larry Londin on drums and Shane Keister on keyboards, breathing new life into Elvis’ repertoire at the time. All 1977 tracks are stereo recordings made by Felton Jarvis, using an 8-track tape recorder.
Among the Johnson City concert highlights are a rare "Until It's Time For You To Go", the first live rendition of "Hurt" and a tremendous "Tryin' To Get To You". Unreleased 1977 highlights: "My Way" from Chicago, May 2, "That's All Right" from Abilene, March 27th, and finally another "My Way" - again from Abilene - including a beautifully recited spoken part! This is a truly sensational version, and the spoken part will no doubt give you goosebumps. A remarkable find, and certainly one of the most interesting discoveries in recent years! Note: some previously released 1977 tracks are included, because they are taken from the original source and containing bits of unheard dialogues before & after each song.