February 28 - Charts

On the Australian ARIA Music DVD Chart the compilation DVD "Elvis The King of Rock 'n' Roll climbed one spot to #30 after 94 weeks on the chart.


"Off Duty With Private Presley" is a new entry at #22, the album and 100 page book also made the Top 200 UK overall Album Chart.

February 26 - The Man And His Music

The march edition of The Man And His Music fan magazine was released; containg an interview with Norbert Putnam, photos on the set of "GI Blues" and of Elvis in Scotland on his brief visit on his way home from Germany.

The Belgian/ Dutch ElvisMatters fanclub released volume 28 of their fanclub magazine.

February 25 - The Women Who Loved Him

The original cover of Alanna Nash' "Baby Let's Play House - The life Of Elvis Through The Eyes Of The Women Who Loved Him" was great, here is another stunning hard-cover version that will be released March 2010 in the U.K through Autumn Press (320 pages).



Flaming Star

The Norwegian Flaming Star fan club released volume 58 of their Flaming Star magazine.

February 24 - John Wilkinson Hospitalized - Unadulterated Recordings

John Wilkinson, Elvis Presley's former rhythm guitarist, spent some time at the hospital but he returned home that same afternoon. A spot of cancer was discovered, it could not be removed by surgery therefor John will undergo a  chemo and radiation treatment. 

Released by a French bootlegger is the import CD "The King - Unadulterated Recordings". It is a limited edition replica from the original nine inch LP on CD. It is housed in a seven inch single format with the CD stocked at a fould-out sleeve. On the inner-sleeve you see more nine inch LPs. The CD itself is also an excact copy of the original LP album. The CD contains material from previous BMG and import releases.

Tracklisting:

After Loving You (alternate take) - Guitar Man (alternate take) - Kentucky Rain (alternate take) - Don't Cry Daddy (undubbed alternate) - Any Day Now (undubbed alternate) - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (unrepared master take) - Until It's Time for You To Go (undubbed version) - Lead Me , Guide Me (alt. take) - Never Again (undubbed version) - For The Heart (undubbed version).

Glen D. Hardin won the inaugural "The King's World" Award from the German "The Kings World" fan club. The award was created to honor artists who have made outstandingcontributions to the music and career of Elvis Presley.

Elvis The Concert played The Netherlands in the Ahoy venue.

February 23 - A Rare View - Fifty Years After

Every now and than something rare pops up. The on-line Gotta Have It auction site put up these 3D slides. Estimate: 45,000-50,000

From the auction:



This is a set of never-before-seen 10 3D color slides that were taken with a special camera at the February 1971 Elvis Presley concert at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. When viewed through a 3D viewer, 3D glasses, or life size through a 3D projector (you literally feel that you can reach out and touch Elvis, an incredible experience. It is the closest you'll ever get to seeing Elvis live again as the 3D images truly capture his electrifying, high energy performance. These slides come directly from the photographer who took them Joe Pulliam who has had them in his possession for 38 years. They have never been seen by the public. The entire set of slides are accompanied by a 3D viewer. If you would like more information regarding the slides or procurement of a 3D projector, screen and 3D glasses. 



Prestwick 50 Years After

BBC Radio 4 celebrates the 50th anniversary of Elvis' stopover at Prestwick Airport in Scotland with a series of three stories BBC Radio 4, from Tue., 23rd Feb. 2010.


Legendary Concert Performances



Elvis Legendary Concert Performances: Based on the late 1970s album set, this steelbox contains some of Elvis´ best 1970s live performances on 1 CD. The tracks are mixed as to 1 rockin´ live show.

February 22 - Drive On Vinyl

The June 2010 issue of the US Mopar Action magazine features an article about a rare Barracuda Elvis bought in 1971.

Almost In Elvis: Run On


The latest issue (#11) of the Dutch magazine Almost In Elvis is focussing on Elvis and religion. Therefor the title and format, a church-like book entitled "Run On" are obvious.



Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley's debut album was re-issued on old fashioned vinyl by the Music On Vinyl label.

Nova Sales and Distribution re-issued the DVD "Complete King Of Rock 'N' Roll".

February 21 - Global Chart Update

Released by the Swedish Expressen Newspaper and Sony Music Sweden is  volume seven in the "100% Elvis" series entitled "Live". 

The global chart update for week 07, 2010:


On this week's ARIA Music DVD Chart, "Elvis The King of Rock 'n' Roll" holds steady at #31, after 94 weeks in the chart and certified 2xP. The compilation "Elvis Presley 50 Australian Top Ten Hits" has exited the Album Chart after only 5 weeks. Sony Music Entertainment Australia is looking to regroup its promotion efforts around the album in time for Mother's Day and then the 33rd Anniversary of Elvis' passing.

United States:

Top Catalog Albums:
• #37 (49) Elvis: 30 #1 Hits

Top Country Catalog Albums:
** Not available this week **

Canada:

Top 100 Albums:
• #95 (75) Édition 75ième anniversaire [2CD]

Top 50 Country Albums:
• #29 (19) Elvis: 30 #1 Hits

Australia:

Top 50 Albums:
• # ---- (36) 50 Australian Top Ten Hits: 1956-1977

Top 50 Physical Albums:
• #44 (31) 50 Australian Top Ten Hits: 1956-1977

Top 40 DVDs:
• #31 (31) Elvis: The King Of Rock ’N’ Roll

United Kingdom:

Top 200 Albums:
• #83 (73) ELVIS 75 [3CD]

France:

Top 250 Comprehensive Albums:
• #180 (157) Elvis: 30 #1 Hits

Top 40 Compilation Albums:
• #40 (34) Elvis: 30 #1 Hits

Austria:

Top 75 Albums:
• #15 (7) The King - 75th Anniversary Edition [3CD]

Switzerland:

Top 100 Albums:
• #76 (54) Elvis 75 [3CD]

Sweden:

Top 60 Albums:
• #41 (Re) The Essential

Greece:

Top 50 International Albums:
• # ---- (31) From Elvis In Memphis (Legacy Edition)
• # ---- (37) The Collection [7CD]

February 20 - Elvis Takes Vegas In A Minesota Minute

Tonight Cirque De Soleil's "Viva Elvis" show premiered in Las Vegas with a celebrity packed and invitation only opening gala at the Viva ELVIS Theater inside the Aria Resort and Casino. which was opened for the general public tonight. The Canadian Cirque du Soleil brought The King back to Vegas with "Viva Elvis". 



The first reviews:

“Cirque Du Soleil's "Viva Elvis" outfabs Beatles. With the production's successfully bold musical choices and its sheer size and spectacle, the new Aria Resort & Casino can rest easy that folks from all over will seek an audience with the King.”

- Erik Pedersen, Hollywood Reporter / abcnews.com


“They've concocted an experience that's both symphonic and in every way fantastic.”

- Richard Corliss, TIME MAGAZINE


“This isn’t just a show, it’s a glorious celebration of the life of the king of rock ’n’ roll. Viva ELVIS is a new genre for Cirque: a splashy, feel-good musical with circus acts based on the golden oldies recorded by a single, iconic singer.”

- Pat Donnelly, Montreal Gazette


“It delivers exactly what many — most, probably — want from a Vegas show. Which would be vivid image after eye-sizzling sensation.”

- Joe Brown, Las Vegas Sun


“Elvis is back in Las Vegas and it looks like his show will run forever.”

- Ellen Sterling, BroadwayWorld.com 

With a delay of one week the book "In A minesota Minute" has been released by the Memphis Recording Service label. The 9 x 11 inch hardback book contains 100 pages in full color gloss print, featuring the photographic works of Tim Healy in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the Elvis Presley show on October 17, 1976. 


"As the Minneapolis Tribune reported at the time, “Elvis is in as good shape as ever and, of course, as a performer on stage, singing or just fooling around, he has more charisma than a dozen other top performers combined. Will Elvis endure? Judging by the screams of the audience he's in no trouble.”

Cirque du Soleil triumphs with Viva Elvis - a glorious celebration of the King!: Art, architecture, and Elvis.

Those are the three key elements, beyond gaming, which are meant to draw a whole new demographic to the just-opened $8.5-billion CityCenter urban development in Las Vegas – a project that is often described as the biggest gamble ever made in Sin City.

The Cirque du Soleil’s Viva ELVIS has had more pressure on it to succeed than any of the six previous permanent Cirque shows in Las Vegas. And early reports, based on a premature unveiling of the work in December, were not favourable.

But when the show finally opened at the Aria resort in CityCenter this week, all doubts were swept away.

Judging from what this reviewer saw at Thursday’s preview (the VIP gala was Friday night), Viva ELVIS could soon become the top-selling show in Las Vegas.
This isn’t just a show, it’s a glorious celebration of the life of the king of rock ’n’ roll. Viva ELVIS is a new genre for Cirque: a splashy, feel-good musical with circus acts based on the golden oldies recorded by a single, iconic singer. It’s nearest comparable would be the Cirque’s Beatles show, LOVE, playing down the street at the Mirage.

Viva ELVIS, however, has a stronger narrative, even though the book is elliptical, assuming that everyone knows the basics of Presley’s life story. An actor (Garrett Eugene Case, Jr.) portraying Colonel Tom Parker fills in biographical details, occasionally, between songs. Musical director Erich Van Tourneau’s approach is argumentative as well as reverential, with sampling, medleys and mash-ups touching on over 40 songs, while about 20 of them get full-blown numbers.

Viva ELVIS begins, like most Cirque shows, with interactive clowns. Only this time, they’re swooning female Elvis fans, clutching their albums, worrying about their hair. Lights flash as they manage to scramble up on to the stage and tear down the gold-disc imprinted curtain, revealing the man himself on screen within a giant juke box high above centre stage. A busy dance scene unfolds below. Out comes the pink Cadillac, then the giant blue suede shoe, which matches the song Elvis is singing.

So much is going on (including fireworks), and Elvis is so magnetic, it’s a question of where to look. Up or down? Clearly, one of director Vince Paterson’s biggest challenges was to steal eyes away from the film clips in order to share the focus with the show’s 76 dancers, musicians and acrobats. Aerial acts and large sets (designed by Mark Fisher) that allow performers to work on several levels at once (the Jailhouse Rock prison is almost four storeys high) even the odds. And he has thrown the show’s eight on-stage musicians (a ninth works unseen) right into the action, as characters. They rock, in every sense of the word.

After the upbeat, dance-happy Don’t be Cruel, The Colonel shifts to pensive, talking about Elvis’s twin brother Jesse Garon, who died at birth. This leads into the heart-wrenching One Night With You, enhanced by a stunning aerial act performed by two acrobats on a giant guitar suspended against a backdrop of stars. The song is sung by a female vocalist (one of four) with Elvis’s voice taking over from time to time, a technique used throughout the show.

From here, the stage is shaken up by All Shook Up and an uplifting Gospel music segment that deserves a great big amen. Every facet of Presley’s musical curiosity is explored. Sometimes the film footage says it all. Tears well up as we see Presley signing up for the army and waving good-bye to the folks. As a singer offers up Love Me Tender, Elvis-in-uniform seems to respond with that old flirtatious smile. The marching boot camp number to the tune of Return to Sender is another dance/acrobatic highlight – with a hip-hop edge. All against the backdrop of a giant American flag with underwear hanging in for stars and stripes.

From army we go to spaghetti western, with giant statues of cowboy Elvis overlooking a campfire scene featuring gun-twirling and impressive lasso tricks. The medley here includes Blue Moon of Kentucky and Baby What You Want Me To Do.

We are reminded that Elvis was once a hunk of burning movie love by a parade of kiss clips. And the hot, hot bossa nova number turns to circus with a classic stacking-chairs number that culminates in a single handstand on a champagne bottle. A definite “Wow!” that cleverly brings live action up to Elvis-on-screen level. From here on in the show fast-forwards from one eye-popping number to another. King Creole goes reggae and Jailhouse Rock becomes a jailbreak riot that includes upside-down acrobatics and a dash of Keystone cops.

Erotic pole-dancing takes on a circus twist with Now or Never. And if there was a dry eye in the house during the Elvis and Priscilla wedding number, Can’t Help Falling in Love, it certainly wasn’t mine. The sweeping veil, the towering cake, and the ballet/roller skate dance add up to pure romance.

True, heartbreak follows with Love Me/Don’t as two pairs of acrobats fly high within two golden rings, leaving the lonely bride on top of the cake.

The pace picks up again with a Viva Las Vegas number that brings on faux Folies Bergère girls in sparkles, paired with male dancers in Elvis jumpsuits. Costume designer Stefano Canullli has gone wild here. A Suspicious Minds pas de deux hits a poignant note before being taken over by yet another show-stopping dance number featuring the jumpsuit guys, now dripping with fringe.

What, no Hound Dog? It has been saved for the rousing finale – which arrives far too soon. Ninety minutes is not enough. Once again, Elvis leaves us wanting more. And the Cirque has once again synthesized multiple art forms into a wondrously distinct creation.

Leaving the Elvis Theatre, the magnificent public displays of modern art within the airy architecture of the Aria and the rest of CityCenter suddenly make sense – as an ornate American jewel case for the heart and soul of the King.

Viva ELVIS continues indefinitely at the Aria Resort in Las Vegas. Visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.

(Review by Pat Donnelly, Montreal Gazette).


'Viva Elvis' -- Cirque du Soleil brings the King back to Vegas

Midway into Cirque du Soleil’s latest eye-popping Vegas production, “Viva Elvis,” there’s a segment saluting Elvis Presley’s love affair with Hollywood. It’s an upbeat, thigh-slapping ersatz western number in which one of the troupe’s dancers, outfitted as a movie cowboy, spins a lasso that keeps expanding until it seems to take in half the stage at the Aria Resort & Casino, where the show had its glitzy premiere Friday.

Impressive as that was to behold, it underscored how the Canadian company can’t get a rope around the mythic figure that is the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. All the signature Cirque elements are here: breathtaking acrobatics, dazzlingly inventive sets, joyfully inspired costumes and imaginatively reimagined music -- the bulk of it derived from Presley’s recordings.

But Cirque’s creative team appears to have set a standard for itself, and others, with the Beatles-driven “Love” show just down the street, which is not easily equaled, much less surpassed. That venture not only taps the musical spirit, but also reaches to the magical soul of the Fab Four, something that “Viva Elvis” aspires to only fleetingly in paying homage to pop music’s other titanic figure.

“Love” brought the Beatles to Las Vegas without a hint of schlock, a mission apparently impossible with Elvis given that his association with Sin City virtually defined the contemporary notion of pop-culture kitsch.

Cirque might have attempted to ignore that aspect of his career, but instead embraces it, and often in witty, mostly affectionate ways in a production for which tickets run $99 to $175. Ultimately, however, “Viva Elvis” is skewed more toward fans who are captivated by the cultural excess of Graceland than those most drawn to the startling power of his best music.

The show unfolds roughly chronologically, and incorporates lessons learned from “Love” in the lively de- and reconstructions of nearly three dozen of his studio recordings. Presley’s vocals are often detached from the original instrumental backing and paired with a live band that belts behind his voice with considerable gusto.

Cirque’s smart move from the outset was bypassing the use of any male singers for live renditions of his songs: Several numbers that are rendered anew are sung by female cast members, occasionally in duet with the King’s own disembodied voice.

But “Viva Elvis” doesn’t spend a lot of time trying explore the mystery of Elvis. It prefers to celebrate the public figure, and does so with great affection if not always with meticulous attention to historical accuracy or cultural credibility.

The show’s use of the character of Col. Tom Parker as narrator paints him as a sympathetic father figure -- “With Elvis,” he announces fondly, “every day was an adventure!” -- overlooking the self-enriching career and life direction the onetime carny gave his most famous client. “Elvis put Las Vegas on the map!” the Parker character intones without a hint of irony or even self-serving bluster, a statement that fans of Frank Sinatra might take issue with.

It also gives equal weight, and value, to his fallow Hollywood years as to his creatively explosive ‘50s period when he truly left the world all shook up.

One of the few times the show taps the pathos and tragedy of Presley’s life story, part of what makes that story so emotionally rich, is in the delivery of “One Night.” Instead of the ribald R&B number that Elvis transformed from “One Night of Sin” into “One Night With You,” it’s rendered here as a disarmingly graceful ballad, sung by a woman in contemporary tank top and jeans as she watches two men athletically working their way around a gigantic guitar-shaped metal framework suspended from above.

The men are dressed identically in the standard-issue teenage boy uniform of the ‘50s: white T-shirts, cuffed blue jeans and black Oxford shoes, representing Elvis Aaron and his twin, Jesse Garon, who died at birth. At the end of the number, while Elvis scales the neck of the guitar climbing toward the heaven-bound headstock, Jesse drops from one of the bottom rungs into a pit below, one hint at the personal loss that haunted him throughout his life.

There’s also a gorgeous and moving aerial pas de deux in which two troupe members float effortlessly through the air to accompany the weightless sound of Elvis' vocal on “Are You Lonesome Tonight?”

Among the other individual set pieces, “Got a Lot O’ Livin’ to Do” takes an audio clip in which Presley expresses his youthful passion for comic books as the foundation for a fanciful trampoline workout for acrobats fitted in various superhero-inspired costumes. “Bossa Nova Baby” incorporates a nerve-testing chair-balancing act full of characters in garish ‘60s hipster duds.

The two most striking numbers are the military-based treatment of “Return to Sender” that follows film footage of Presley’s 1958 swearing-in as a U.S. Army private, and an electrifying reinvention of the iconic “Jailhouse Rock” movie production number.

The show goes on to reference his fairytale wedding to Priscilla Beaulieu, as well as their tempestuous life together -- minus any allusions to the birth of Lisa Marie. It offers remarkably little acknowledgment of the career-rejuvenating 1968 NBC-TV comeback special, but not surprisingly concludes with an extended tribute to the years at the end of his life spent entertaining habitués of Vegas, a segment replete with showgirls in fancy headdresses and close to four dozen cast members, male and female, wearing multihued jumpsuits, plastic Elvis hairdos and sideburns for a valedictory Vegas-ized romp through “Hound Dog.” Happily, “Viva Elvis” stops short of any “Fat Elvis” gags.

Elvis Presley became the single most influential pop musician of the rock era by unleashing an innate genre- and color-blind talent that let him transcend his dirt-poor origins and achieve a previously unimaginable level of worldwide success, a story that still resonates powerfully because of the way that success fueled the excess that ultimately led to his downfall.

Cirque du Soleil clearly loves Elvis tender, but in the end "Viva Elvis" never lets him step off the mystery train.

-- Randy Lewis in Las Vegas


Bob Sillerman Comments On 'Viva Elvis' Premiere

 Robert F.X. Sillerman, Chairman and CEO of CKX, Inc., said he was thrilled with the premiere. "When we first considered the idea of a production to capture the true essence of Elvis, we knew it had to be a show conceived and performed by the creative geniuses of Cirque du Soleil," Mr. Sillerman said. "Given that we were working with Cirque du Soleil, which has such an extraordinary track record, and an icon of the magnitude of Elvis, I was concerned that I had set my expectations too high. But from what I saw Friday and from the reactions of those who attended the premiere, including the critics, I am amazed to say that my hopes for the show have been exceeded."

Mr. Sillerman continued, "As the reviews have said, Viva ELVIS is a show the devoted Elvis fan will love, but it reaches beyond that. It will be thoroughly enjoyed by the casual Elvis fan, by the fans of music from Elvis's era and by anyone who ever listened to rock and roll. It is also a show that will be loved by fans of Cirque du Soleil, as it takes their talents to an entire new level."



Vegas' new 'Viva ELVIS' falls flat

Cirque du Soleil's tribute doesn't tap into the essence of the King of Rock 'n' Roll

When Cirque du Soleil premiered the Beatles-based “LOVE,” in 2006 at the Mirage Resort, the barre of excellence was set anew for this Montreal-based entertainment behemoth in terms of artistry, technology and shear pop culture magnitude. In that 90-minute spectacular production, the music of the Beatles was completely re-imagined, while cleverly edited “Beatles dialogue” was as haunting as it was endearing. It was a rediscovery of the very essence of the Beatles’ music.

Cirque announced soon afterward that its next subject for a Las Vegas mega-production would be Elvis Presley, which seemed a logical (if not more daunting) progression. After all, Elvis was Las Vegas' adopted native son, who spent a good chunk of his later life as the city’s top showroom draw, even if the pioneering rock-n-roll singer was now dressed up as a jumpsuited superhero, cape and all. So with the full cooperation of CKX Inc., (the company that controls the Presley estate), Elvis Presley Enterprises, access to every master recording Presley ever put down on tape, as well as all of his films and television appearances, home movies, and input from Priscilla Presley herself, how could Cirque miss?

But miss it has, and after experiencing the 90-minute “Viva ELVIS” gala premiere Friday night at the plush Elvis Presley Theatre inside the Aria Hotel at CityCenter, the reason becomes clear: Somewhere along the creative road, the production lost sight of the essence of Elvis Presley. (Trust me,  it won’t be found in a group of rollerskating “bridegrooms” in one of the silliest giant wedding cake sendups this side of Busby Berkeley.)

Part Cirque, part rock concert, the production — written, directed and co-choreographed by Vincent Patterson —  is eye-candy to the max, a color-rich explosion of Andy Warhol-meets-Bob Mackie-meets- “The Folies Bergere.” With its cast of 28 acrobats, 30 vibrant dancers (this show is almost entirely driven by dance), four female vocalists (the only male voice in the production is that of Presley himself) and a scorching nine-piece band that steals the show, “Viva ELVIS” is not the story of Elvis’ life, but a celebration of his legacy, the show’s program informs. To that end, glorious montages of  home movies, vintage news reel footage and clips from Presley’s feature films provide the video backdrop to the action way, way below on one of the largest proscenium stages ever constructed.

Despite all that and more, Cirque has not quite figured out what it wants to do with Presley. Was he the King of Rock and Roll, or the king of kitsch?  Do we really need pole dancers to sexy-up “It’s Now or Never” (which has incidentally been re-mixed in a minor key)?  And when it comes to hearing Elvis sing, the show too often splits that duty between his vocals stripped from those master tapes and the aforementioned very capable female singers who tackle the Presley songbook in contemporary solo efforts or in funky “duets” with the King.  A weakly written narrative delivered by an actor portraying Presley’s lifelong manager Colonel Tom Parker as a jolly old fella is just too much to forgive.

There are moments when the show does find its way: A brassy, big-band sendup of “Don’t Be Cruel” is a marvelous take on the classic. “All Shook Up” is reborn as a rousing spiritual in tribute to Presley’s Tupelo, Miss., roots. A gorgeous aerial trapeze pas de deux plays against Presley’s gentle vocals on “Are You Lonesome Tonight.” “One Night With You,” unfolds as a dramatic visualization of Elvis and his twin brother Jesse Garon (who died at birth) in which two male acrobats (dressed identically in 1950’s-style white T-shirts and jeans) navigate a massive skeletal guitar suspended high overhead. One climbs the guitar’s neck to the stars; the other tumbles into the abyss below. It is the evening’s emotional high point.

In the end, what’s missing in all of Cirque’s re-Elvising of  Elvis is the heart and soul of the boy who would be king. Presley delivered rock and roll, blues, gospel and pop, with an incomparable dose of soul always at their core. Presley’s ability to cross all musical genre (and color) lines with the greatest of ease was his forte, from his earliest recordings, to his incomparable ’68 “Comeback Special” (shamefully missing from the production, since that television special paved the way for Elvis’ return to the Las Vegas stage) to those jumpsuited ’70s shows at the  International Hotel that were the hottest ticket in town.

If you know little about the life of Elvis Presley or his music, “Viva ELVIS” will do little to enlighten you, though it will entertain you. But you will walk out of the theater knowing nothing of the deep faith Presley brought to “How Great Thou Art,” or the sexiness he brought to “Jailhouse Rock,” or the spirited rockabilly he brought to “Mystery Train.” It’s those musical qualities and abilities that made Presley the artist he was, and ultimately the pop culture icon he became. It’s those qualities that will forever be his true legacy. Now that’s something to celebrate.


Miriam Dinunzio / Chicago Sun Times

February 19 - Down And Dirty With A Vegas Variety In Europe

The "Elvis Presley In Concert" 2010 tour opened at the Sheffield Arena in Sheffield, England. These last few days, the entire crew rehearsed the show and they are now Ready. The 100,000+ tickets that have been sold for this European tour are the proof again that Elvis still is a Hottest name in showbusiness today. 

The Rainbow Records import label announced the release of the third volume in their "Vegas Variety” series. This release features the complete performance of Elvis Presley´s Las Vegas Dinner Show from exactly one week after his triumphant return to live appearances on July 31st, 1969. 


From the press-release:


While the Elvis-World has just finished celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Elvis' stunning 1969 engagement in Las Vegas, Rainbow Records proudly presents a complete concert which has been recorded during that famous season. With its 10th release Rainbow Records continues their series titled "Vegas Variety". On the latest release "Vegas Variety - Vol.3" you will find the August 6, 1969 Dinner Show performance. In the early 1990's this concert was featured on a vinyl release called "The Return of the Tigerman". Unfortunately that release had several cuts and the sound was mediocre. The new Rainbow Records CD used a superior source to create a fresh but warm sound and all missing parts were carefully repaired. Compared to the "famous" Opening Night 1969 CD by Fort Baxter recorded just 3 days prior to the show on this release, this new CD offers more atmosphere because the reactions of the audience are present.


There are a lot of highlights - you can't name them all. Beautiful versions of "Memories" or "Yesterday", great renditions of "Runaway" or "Suspicious Minds" - it's just the magic of 1969.


Even the owners of Ken Sharp's "Elvis In Vegas '69" book will find some unreleased shots and memorabilia in the 20-pages booklet. The official album "Elvis In Person" featured some recordings from the end of this 1969 engagement, but to hear the pure Elvis, raw and powerful you really have to jump to the beginning of this season. So with "Vegas Variety - Vol.3" this is your chance to enjoy a great and powerful show of Elvis Presley in 1969!


Tracklisting:


01. 00:41 – Opening Intro 02. 02:31 - Blue Suede Shoes 03. 02:25 - I Got A Woman 04. 01:49 - All Shook Up 05. 01:21 - Talking 06. 03:17 - Love Me Tender 07. 02:09 - Jailhouse Rock / Don't Be Cruel 08. 03:01 - Heartbreak Hotel 09. 02:50 - Hound Dog 10. 04:39 - Memories 11. 04:07 - Mystery Train / Tiger Man 12. 00:10 - Blue Hawaii (excerpt) 13. 04:59 - Monologue 14. 02:21 - Baby What You Want Me To Do 15. 02:25 - Runaway 16. 02:58 - Are You Lonesome Tonight? 17. 02:21 - Yesterday 18. 01:54 - Hey Jude 19. 03:17 - Band Introductions 20. 03:00 - In The Ghetto 21. 07:18 - Suspicious Minds 22. 04:15 - What'd I Say 23. 02:09 - Can't Help Falling In Love

Get Down And Dirty

The Gravel Road import label announced the release of their double CD digipack release "Get Down And Dirty" containing the rehearsal of July 15, 1970 in Culver City La.

From the press-release

This deluxe, double CD pack with booklet is the third Gravelroad Music (GRM) release spotlighting Elvis Presley's wild rehearsals in the summer of 1970, filmed for the MGM documentary “ Elvis: That’s The Way It Is.”

The character of the rehearsal is different from the 2 previous acclaimed releases, “The Brightest Star On Sunset Boulevard" and “Plugged In And Geared Up” by Gravel Road Music.

Its the second day of the rehearsal shooting, Elvis is studying songs, malfunctioning microphones, uncensored talking and singing. That’s one of the reasons to rename this historical rehearsal “Get Down And Dirty”. It includes more than 25 minutes unreleased material.

February 18 - The Other King And Off Duty

Priscilla Presley joined Larry King for a very special sneak peek at "Viva Elvis" - a larger-than-life tribute to the King of Rock and Roll. She joined Larry King, along with representatives from Cirque du Soleil’s creative team behind the magic of Viva ELVIS™, for a half hour of his show.

Memphis Tennessee Set Released

The four CD/ Book set "Memphis Tennessee" has been released. It contains 1977 concerts from July 5, Hartford, July 28, Charleston, July 24 and Hampton Roads, August 1. The set is a limited and numbered edition of 500 copies.


Off Duty With Elvis Released


The 100 pages book/ CD package "Off Duty with Private Presley"  released by the Memphis Recording Service. It celebrates the 50th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s discharge from the army in 1960. The 100-page book includes many rare photographs, many of which are unreleased and seen here for the first time. The accompanying CD contains recordings made during Elvis’ time off duty whilst in the army, including classics such as 'A Big Hunk O’ Love' and 'A Fool Such As I'. It also features 30 Unreleased tracks privately recorded by Elvis while stationed in the US and Germany. These recordings are released officially for the first time to the public.

February 17 - At Full Force Advertisement

The Audionics import label announced the re-issue of the classic 1998 Fort Baxter CD "A Hot Winter Night In Dallas" in a limited edition with the new title "At Full Force". This release will contain the dynamic December 28th, 1976 show as recorded live from the mixing desk at the Dallas Convention Center. The label also announced that the next Audionics release should contain some previously unreleased soundboard material. 


From the pressrelease:

To achieve the best possible sound quality, Audionics worked with a 1st generation DAT copy of the original soundboard tape, that was also used for the 1998 release. The sound was restored in a renowned studio and is a significant improvement over the original release.


As you’ve come to expect from us, this new release will come in a beautifully designed package with a 16-page booklet, containing a selection of live photographs from Elvis Presley appearances in Dallas in 1956, 1971, 1976 and 1976 as well as informative liner notes. This CD is set for release in late February. Don't miss your opportunity to get the ultimate release of that legendary concert recording! 


Those that are a bit weary of hearing another ’76 show following the release of several substandard ’76 shows of late, are in for a real surprise. The way he attacks “C.C. Rider” sets the tone for an action-packed evening with Presley in great mood ("If I die tonight, it will only take a year to get the smile off my face"), with the highlight being the first version of “Unchained Melody” that we have – he’d started doing it the night before, but it’s still uncertain whether that 1st version exists. It’s great to hear this fantastic song in such embryo-like fashion, with Elvis still not being entirely ‘at home’ with it, exploring its possibilities and making it his own.

Tracklist: 


01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. Fairytale - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain (with false start, incomplete) - 07. Jailhouse Rock (incomplete) - 08. O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now Or Never / O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen) - 09. Tryin' To Get To You - 10. Blue Suede Shoes - 11. My Way - 12. Polk Salad Annie - 13. Introductions by Elvis of Singers, Musicians - 14. Early Morning Rain (John Wilkinson) - 15. What'd I Say (James Burton) - 16. Johnny B. Goode - 17. Drum Solo w/"Hey Bo Diddley" one-liner (Ronnie Tutt) - 18. Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff) - 19. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) - 20. Electric Piano Keyboard Solo (David Briggs) - 21. Love Letters - 22. School Day (Joe Guercio Orchestra) - 23. Hurt (with reprise) - 24. Unchained Melody - 25. Can't Help Falling In Love - 26. Closing Vamp. 



Elvis Appears In New BMW Advertisement

Elvis was a fan of most anything on wheels and the king’s love of cars is featured in a new print advertising campaign from BMW. While serving in the U.S. Army and stationed in Germany, Elvis was known to drive a German made BMW. Through a licensing deal with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., a classic photograph that show Elvis getting into a BMW is the iconic imagery used in this new print ad by the automaker, appearing in the March issue of Vanity Fair.

February 16 - Elvis Is Back Now With 24 Karats Hits And On Vinyl

Released by Analogue Productions is a 3 LP edition of the classic "Elvis Is Back" and "24 Karats Hits!" compilation. The albums are remastered and play at 45 RPM.



April 2010 Follow That Dream Releases

The Follow That Dream Collectors label announced their April 2010 releases. The next release in the classic albums series is "Elvis Now". This will be issued with "Jailhouse Rock" as a special limited vinyl edition on April 1.

Elvis Now is a 2-disc set in the classic album series. Originally released in 1972, this great album features the single Until It’s Time For You To Go/ We Can Make It In The Morning. Bonus tracks include I’m Leavin’, It’s Only Love and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.

In addition to the masters, it features many great outtakes. The 7” inch digi-pack format features a 12-page booklet with great photographs and rare memorabilia.

Details Elvis Now

Disc 1

Side 1

01 Help Me Make It Through The Night
02 Miracle Of The Rosary
03 Hey Jude
04 Put Your Hand In The Hand
05 Until It’s Time For You To Go

Side 2

06 We Can Make The Morning
07 Early Morning Rain
08 Sylvia
09 Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear To Tread)
10 I Was Born About Ten Thousand Years Ago

Bonus Songs - The Singles

11 I’m Leavin’
12 It’s Only Love
13 The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

The Jam

14 Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right (udedited master)

Outtakes

15 Help Me Make It Through The Night – takes 8- 10
16 Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear To Tread) – takes 11,12 &14
17 Lady Madonna

Disc 2

Outtakes

01 Help Me Make It Through The Night – takes 1-3
02 Early Mornin’ Rain – Takes 1,2 & 9
03 Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear To Tread) - takes 5 & 6
04 Until It’s Time For You To Go - takes 1-5
05 I’m Leavin’ – take 1
06 It’s Only Love - takes 1-4
07 I Shall Be Released
(Bob Dylan)
08 It’s Only Love - takes 6 & 7
09 Help Me Make It Through The Night -takes 4-7
10 Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear To Tread) - takes 8 & 9
11 Put Your Hand In The Hand – take 1
12 It’s Only Love –takes 8 & 9
13 Miracle Of The Rosary – take 1
14 Until It’s Time For You To Go - takes 6 & 7
15 Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear To Tread) – take 10
16 Early Morning Rain – take 11
18 Help Me Make It Through The Night - take15
19 I’m Leavin’ –takes 2 & 3

Album produced and art directed by Ernst Mikael Jørgensen & Roger Semon
Mastered by Vic Anesini
Additional mastering and editing: Sebastian Jeansson (disc 1) Lene Reidel (disc 2)
Audio consultant: Sebastian Jeansson
Original A&R: Felton Jarvis

Following on from the success of previous releases, FTD is pleased to announce the release of Jailhouse Rock - a special 2-DISC 180-gram 12” vinyl set.

Supplied in a high quality gatefold sleeve, the album features the original masters and many outtakes from this great movie.

• Vinyl cutting by Abbey Road Studios
• Contains many Stereo and Binaural outtakes
• Features original movie opening version of “Jailhouse Rock” in stereo!
• DMM Copper Mastering
• 180 Grams heavyweight vinyl
• Strictly limited pressing

February 15 - All Hail The King's Merchandise, What Elvis Never Knew

The Memphis Recording Sessions label released the 100 pages picture book "Elvis In A Minnesota Minute" with pictures from October 17, 1976.


The Chrome Dreams label released the DVD "All Hail To The King - A 75 Year Tribute To Elvis" containing the old budget documentaries "The Memphis Flash" and "The Last Stop Hotel". 


The double DVD set "Elvis The King & The Music" set was released on the Anvil label. 



Zippin Pippin collapses:

The Zippin Pippin roller coaster, which Elvis Presley loved to ride, is on the ground in Memphis after part of it collapsed during dismantling.

Steve Mulroy is president of a nonprofit group negotiating the sale of the century-old coaster. He told The Commercial Appeal that Green Bay, Wis., will acquire the name, design and configuration of the Pippin. He said only a small portion of the wood might be usable at his city's Bay Beach Amusement Park. The coaster became surplus when the Libertyland amusement park closed in 2005. 

What Elvis Never Knew

The book ""What Elvis Never Knew" by Mercia Fiore was released. Mercia Fiores recounts her experiences as part of Elvis Presley's 1957 East Coast summer tour.



Elvis In Concert 2010 Merchandise

EPE presented the "Elvis In Concert" tour merchandise. A Tour Book, sold at all Video Shows, features 26 pages and a 4 page cover. There are T-shirts, key chains, lanyards, pins, tote bags, baseball caps, magnets, even an official 'Elvis 75th Anniversary Lithograph'

February 14 - Global Charts

Released by the Swedish Expressen Newspaper and Sony Music Sweden is volume six in the "100% Elvis" series entitled "Love". 

The global chart update for week 06, 2010:

United States

Top 200 Current Albums:
• # ---- (188) Elvis 75 [1CD]

Top Catalog Albums:
• #47 (49) Elvis: 30 #1 Hits

Top Country Catalog Albums:
** not available this week **

Canada

** charts not yet published **

Australia

Top 50 Albums:
• #36 (24) 50 Australian Top Ten Hits: 1956-1977

Top 50 Physical Albums:
• #31 (19) 50 Australian Top Ten Hits: 1956-1977

Top 40 DVDs:
• #31 (24) Elvis: The King Of Rock ’N’ Roll

Europe (by Billboard)

Top 100 Albums in Europe:
• # ---- (87) Elvis 75

United Kingdom

Top 200 Albums:
• #73 (43) ELVIS 75 [3CD]

France

Top 250 Comprehensive Albums:
• #157 (169) Elvis: 30 #1 Hits

Top 40 Compilation Albums:
• #34 (17) Elvis: 30 #1 Hits

Germany

Top 100 Albums:
• # ---- (103) Elvis 75 [3CD]

Top 20 Music DVD’s:
• # ---- (17) The King Of Rock ‘N’ Roll

Austria

Top 75 Albums:
• #7 (6) The King - 75th Anniversary Edition [3CD]

Switzerland

Top 100 Albums:
• #54 (37) Elvis 75 [3CD]

Greece

Top 50 International Albums:
• #31 (38) From Elvis In Memphis (Legacy Edition)
• #37 (43) The Collection [7CD]

February 12 - Spring Time, Hits, Sessions And Matchstick Elvis

The Audionics label just released the 2-CD set "Springtime Tours '76 - '77" containing previously unreleased stereo soundboard recording of the Johnson City, TN, March 17th, 1976 show, the original binaural version of Charlotte, NC, March 20th, 1976 evening performance and selection of stereo tracks recorded "on the road" from March to May, 1977.

Two budget releases were released; the "Complete 58 Sessions" from the Chrome Dreams label is a double CD-set. So is "Hits Of The 50's" from the Jasmine budget label. The German ZYX / Dance Street label released the 3CD-set "Elvis Presley - Rock And Roll Years". The Dutch Disky budget label released the 3 CD-set "Golden Greats". The budget compilation "24 Country Hits" was released in Canada.







A sculpture Elvis Presley has been made out of 50,000 matchsticks. It took the artist, David Mach, more than 500 hours to do and has just sold for 18,000.



The German Elvis Club Berlin released volume 151 of their "Memories Of Elvis" magazine.

Elvis Presley True FBI Files


Elvis Presley was not the subject of an FBI investigation. However, the FBI maintains records filed under his name that are comprised of more than 600 pages. These records consist of copies of letters from members of the public commenting on his performances, newspaper clippings, and documents reporting that Mr. Presley was the target of extortion attempts. These were published by the United States Department of Justice in Amazon's kindle format in six volumes.