February 29 - Kansas City Dallas 1971

 The CD / DVD package 'Kansas City Dallas 1971' from the SR Records import label was released. It contains an audience-recording of the November 13 - 1971 , 2:30 PM Show as recorded in Dallas in average sound. The first 500 customers  got an extra card with their purchase.


(Source: Elvis On CD)

February 28 - Rolling Elvis

In Japan volume 2 of Roller Magazine, featuring Elvis Presley on the cover, was released.

(Source: Elvis World Japan)

February 27 - The Hillbilly Cat Returns

The Graceland Records im port label announced the relkease of 'The Hillbilly Cat Returns' CD. 


From the press-release:

As recorded at the Hilton Hotel showroom in Las Vegas, Nevada, August 24th, 1970, Midnight show.
Graceland Records comes with a new CD release the follow up of The Hillbilly Cat Live , a digipack with gorgeous photos and liner notes plus technical information. It features one of the best shows from his August Las Vegas engagement, namely the August 24th, 1970 midnight show, taken from the original unspoiled – a tremendous audience recording!
After the success of "The Hillbilly Cat Live" volume 1 we decided to give you the other Elvis show also. Again directly taken from the original master tape created in 1970 for the double vinyl release "The hillybilly Cat "live" This second show is entitled "The Hillybilly Cat returns", volume 2. The best title to link it to "The Hillybilly Cat Live! Together you'll have the complete vinyl lp release on two CDs and much more, the complete shows in their original form!


By now we can state that these recordings now sounds significantly better than they it did on the 1970 vinyl bootleg. The historic.. The Hillbilly Cat 'Live'! Is a sought after double lp from Canada, featuring two 1970 Vegas shows (August 23 DS and 24 MS) Edited together as one powerhouse performance. Many believed at the time that it was a soundboard recording, but it was simply a great stereo tape, made from a front, center table. Now for the first time, hear it straight from the original tapes, enhanced using 21st-century techniques. The August 24 Midnight Show is the complete tape, which was only partly released on the double album.

This show is a little more serious but with Elvis on top of his game and in great spirits, as the Hollywood cameras were gone.
Listen for perhaps one of the rarest songs in complete form "When The Snow Is On The Roses"," a tender love song originally recorded by Ed Ames, who as it was, present during this show. It's unique to point this out since Elvis rarely did something outside of this own songbook. All songs are getting the royal Elvis treatment so this show is one to take serious! No wonder it became part of the first, and most legendary Elvis bootleg LPs! 


Tracklisting:
01. Orchestra Intro 02. Opening Vamp / That's All Right 03. I Got A Woman / Ave Maria (excerpt) 04. Spanish Eyes (excerpt) 05. Tiger Man 06. I Just Can't Help Believin' 07. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' 08. Polk Salad Annie 09. Band Introductions 10. Johnny B. Goode 11. Celebrity Introductions (Jimmy Wakely, Darlene Love, The Osmond Brothers) 12. When The Snow Is On The Roses (with 2 false starts) 13. Celebrity Introduction (Ed Ames) 14. The Wonder Of You 15. Heartbreak Hotel (with false start) 16. One Night (with two breaks) 17. All Shook Up (false start only) 18. Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On 19. Hound Dog 20. Bridge Over Troubled Water 21. Suspicious Minds 22. Can't Help Falling In Love (false start) / Release Me 23. Can't Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp


(Source: FECC)

February 26 - Elvis Movie Files

The import CD 'Elvis Movie Files Volume 1' was released. It contains 30 studio out-takes packed in a six-panel digi-pack. 


(Source: Elvis On CD)

February 24 - I Really Don't Want To Know The Last Time

The Memory Records import release 'Really Don't Want To Know' containing an audience-recording of the May 30, 1977, Evening Show  from Jacksonville, Florida was released. A second release from this label, 'Last Time In Spectrum' containing an audience-recording of the May 28, 1977, Evening Show from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was released too. 


(Source: Elvis On CD)

February 23 - An International Tigerman In Greensboro

The new Inferno import label announced the release of their first CD 'Blue Owl In Greensboro' which is due out March 2, 2012. 


From the press-release:
This CD is a fantastic re-release of the legendary greensboro show recorded for Elvis Presley's April tour for the smash documentary "Elvis On Tour" We have speed corrected the show and added a few bonus tracks from March 1972 rehearsing for his April tour. This release comes in a fully printed cardboard sleeve and has colour photos wearing the blue owl jumpsuit. Immediately following our first release will be Inferno records 2nd CD titled "International Tigerman" which comes in a jewel case with a fantastic full colour booklet and liner notes. This CD is  set for release on March 7, 2012. For fans by fans! 


(Source: FECC)

February 22 - Gold Mastercuts At Madison Square Garden

Mastercuts Legends: Elvis Trilogy


The DVD 'Mastercuts Legends: Elvis Trilogy' was announced with March 12, 2012 as the releasedate. 


Elvis at Madison Square Garden in New York Art Exhibit
 
Jonas Mekas – American filmmaker, artist, photographer and founder of the Anthology Film Archives – is exhibiting some of his little-known work. His rare and/or unreleased celluloid snip portraits include Elvis Live at Madison Square Garden, June 1972. The exhibit “Portraits” by Jona Mekas takes place from February 23 – March 31, at the Edwynn Houk Gallery, New York (US).

Collecting Elvis #4

The 4th volume in the German 'Elvis Collector's Edition' was released. This volume contained the DVD 'Kid Galahad', memorabilia reproductions and a magazine. 

Complete 68 Comeback

This is the package for the re-issue of the 'Complete '68 Comeback' set which is due March 13, 2012. 

Gold


The NotNow (Collectors Mine) label announced the release of the double vinyl album 'Gold'. The set is due March 9, 2012. 

Billy Strange Died

Songwriter Billy Strange has passed away aged 81. He died on Wednesday morning in Nashville. The writer of several great songs, Elvis fans will know the 

likes of the beautiful 'Memories' and one song that took the world by storm in 2002, 'A Little Less Conversation' which was first recorded by Elvis in 1968. Strange also helped write 'Charro' & 'Clean Up Your Own Backyard' 

(Source: Amazon / Elvis Club Berlin / Elvis Matters)

February 21 - Just One More Smile

The new Convair import label announced the release of the CD 'Just One More Smile' containing an audience-recording from June 23, 1977. The CD is due March 9, 2012.


From the press-release:
From the new label Convair we can expect a rare recording of one of the last live performances Elvis ever did. Recorded by a fan in the audience this release is for the collectors. Accompanied by a 20 page booklet telling the story of Elvis´ last tour in words and pictures plus having two different concert reviews from this concert in Des Moines this is a nice collectors-package. Although the sound of the recording is far from perfect to many ears it has to be said that the tape-source of this first Convair CD is new and significantly better than known so far from circulating cd-r´s.


Tracklisting:
Also Sprach Zarathustra See See Rider I Got A Woman / Amen 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 Help Me Danny Boy (Sherill Nielsen) Walk With Me (Sherill Nielsen) Blue Suede Shoes Introductions Early Morning Rain What'd I Say Johnny B. Goode Band Solos I Really Don't Want To Know More Band Solos Hurt Hound Dog Elvis introduces his father and sound engineer Can't Help Falling In Love.


(Source: FECC)

February 20 - Graceland Boulevard For Everybody

The U.K. based Hallmark budget label reissued the 'Something For Everybody' album.

Graceland

The German Elvis Presley Gesellschaft send out volume 183 of their Graceland magazine. This time the fan-club took a look at Elvis at the Louisiana Hayride Shows, a report on the birthday celebrations in the U.S. and a comparison between the big-box-set from Sony and Franklin Mint.



Money Boulevard

The Memphis City Council voted on the subject of the improvement of Elvis Presley Boulevard. The great news for the City and for Elvis fans who visit Memphis each year from around the 
world is the Council has agreed to the allocation of $16 Million dollars for the improvement of 
Elvis Presley Blvd. and the area around Graceland.

(Source: Amazon / EP Gesellschaft / Elvis Express)

February 15 - The Elvis Preview Files

Pal Granlund and Erik Lorentzen released a few previewpages for the fifth volume in their 'Elvis Files' series with a focus on tyhe years 1969 - 1970. 

(Elvis Australia)

February 17 - The Promo CD Is Back

The Norwegian Flaming Star fan club announced the releae of the promotional CD 'Elvis Is Back' as an additional gift to subscribers of their magazine (volume 69). 


(Source: Flaming Star)

February 16 - A Chart Variety

The Rainbow Records import label announced the release of the eight volume in their 'Vegas Variety' series. On March 2nd. the CD, containing the complete performance Midnight Show performance from August 6, 1972 at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel, Nevada will be released.


From the press-release:
Rainbow Records is again able to deliver a very fine show in really nice sound, recorded by some fans tape recorder which has been secretly brought with by a fan. It is important for many Elvis-Fans to have just about every show Elvis ever did in their collection. Unfortunately there is no soundboard or professional recording available for every show. But still we are fortunate enough to hear most of the concerts because of the private recordings many fans did when they visited Elvis in Las Vegas and on his many tours. Those recordings might sound a bit rough to some ears but they are what they are: A document of Elvis´ big output of live performances. As usual a very high quality booklet comes with this release. It has a lot of pictures and information covering the magic of Elvis and Las Vegas back in August/September of 1972 on its 20 pages.


Tracklisting:
01. Also Sprach Zarathustra 02. C. C. Rider 03. Proud Mary 04. Until It's Time For You To Go 05. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me 06. You've Lost That Loving Feeling 07. Polk Salad Annie 08. What Now My Love (with false start) 09. Fever (with false start) 10. Blue Suede Shoes 11. Heartbreak Hotel 12. Little Sister / Get Back (Incomplete) 13. Suspicious Minds (Incomplete) 14. My Way 15. Band Introductions 16. An American Trilogy 17. Can't Help Falling In Love 18. Closing Vamp / Announcements


Chart Updates



This week, 'Elvis: Best Of Love' drops from 139 to 191 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart selling some 3494 copies. Total sales to date: 233,686 copies. 
'An Afternoon In The Garden' drops from 165 to 195 this week (w/e 25th February, 2012) on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart selling some 3422 copies. Total sales to date: 431,234 copies. 

• 'Elvis Rock' (Compilation) appeared on the Catalog Album Chart at 150 selling some 2065 copies. Total sales to date:147,689 copies.
• 'Elvis Gospel' (Compilation) also appeared on the Catalog Album Chart at 186 selling some 1836 copies. Total sales to date: 138,741 copies. 
• 'Elvis Country' (Compilation) also appeared on the Catalog Album Chart at 192 selling some 1,820 copies. Total sales to date: 91,623 copies.

(Source: Elvis Information Network / FECC / Brian Quinn)

February 15 - Delay From Hawaii

The U.K. based Memphis Recording Service announced that the releasedate for the CD 'Blue Hawaii - The Expanded Alternate Album' was pushed back to May 8, 2012 'due to circumstances beyon our control'.
The CD is an expanded edition of the original soundtrack album 'Blue Hawaii' originally released in 1961. It contains many previously unreleased out-takes and alternate versions of the soundtrack recording including Elvis' number 1 hit, 'Can't Help Falling in Love'. As a bonus, the CD is accompanied by a 40 page book containing many rare and unpublished photographs taken on and off the set of 'Blue Hawaii'.



Magdalene Morgan Passed Away

One of Elvis' Childhood sweethearts, Magdalene Morgan, has sadly passed away at the age of 77. 'I guess my infatuation with Elvis started in that little (Assembly of God) church up in East Tupelo', Magdalene once said, known as Maggie in school because people, including Elvis, never got around to learning how to spell her name correctly. 'He sang and picked the guitar. I sang and played piano'.
They attended school together at Lawhon. 'He really tried his very best, but he didn't make the best of grades', she remembered. 'He was always very well-mannered in school. He never had to go to the principal's office or stand in the corner. I'm sure his mother and father helped him at times with his homework, but I never did. He was always bringing his guitar to school and at lunch time he would go sit out under a tree and pick and sing. Not just to me, to anyone who happened to be listening.'
Elvis and Magdalene would take strolls through the woods in the hills behind the house. There, they would talk, dream aloud and once, Elvis even got up the nerve to kiss his girlfriend for the first time! 'We were just like any of the other kids while together', she said. 'We would talk about school, church, singing He always wanted to be a singer Always! Back then, there was nothing but woods behind the house. One day he took a knife and he carved a heart on a tree trunk and in it he put my initials and his initials And then he carved 'Love Forever' underneath the heart.'
Elvis was so fond of Magdalene that he used his father's and mother's marriage license and wrote both his name and Magdlene's (though misspelled) name on it: "now we're married too".

(Source: MRS / Elvis-Express)

February 14 - Valentine Re-issues

The Friday Music label released a vinyl edition of Elvis Presley's second album 'Elvis'.

Elvis Presley: Hollywood Collection - Eine Hommage in Fotografien

The German Schwarzkopf & Schwarzkopf publishing announced that they will re-issue the book 'Elvis Presley: Hollywood Collection - Eine Hommage in Fotografien' (A Tribute In Pictures) in December 2012.

Cast for Elvis 35th Anniversary Concert 

EPE announced the confirmed cast of the Elvis 35th Anniversary Concert that will be at the FedExForum on August 16, 2012, during Elvis Week. The following guests are confirmed to perform in the concert: Joe Guercio,  TCB Band members James Burton, Ronnie Tutt and Glen Hardin, DJ Fontana, The Sweet Inspirations – Estelle Brown, Portia Griffin & Kelly Jones, Former members of JD Sumner and The Stamps Quartet: Bill Baize, Ed Hill, Larry Strickland and Donnie Sumner, Former members of The Imperials: Joe Moscheo, Terry Blackwood, Armond Morales and Jim Murray, Members of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. In addition, Elvis Presley will join the cast live on stage via a state-of-the-art screens. More guests will be announced as they are confirmed. 

(Source: Amazon / Elvis Club Berlin / EPE)

February 13 - Budget With A Bang!

The Snapper Music budgetlabel re-issued the double CD 'Memphis Dynamite' in France. 


(Source: Amazon)

February 12 - A '69 Grammy Rock And Roll Delay

JAT Publishing announced updates on three book projects. The 'Rock, Sex and Roll' book will be released at the end of February, 'Elvis '69' at the end of April and 'King Creole' at the end of June.

Details on the books:
Elvis: Rock, Sex and Roll: Focusing on Elvis in 1956 the book will be a 'ground-breaking, history-making' book featuring never before seen photos along with extensive details about Elvis in '56, the year in which Elvis changed the world forever. The title of this book was chosen because we believe we will capture Elvis Presley in his coolest, sexiest way.
Elvis '69: Following this is Elvis '69 at the end of February. Elvis '69 will cover the whole of 1969 including the Universal Picture 'Change Of Habit'.
Elvis Presley: King Creole is a hardback edition with over 250 photos -- 'we tackle the mystery surrounding the missing 'King Creole' tapes. Available to pre-order now at a very special price for a limited time. King Creole will be released at the end of June.

Whitney Houston Died
Whitney Houston was found dead today in a Beverly Hills hotel room, the Los Angeles Times reported. Houston was the daughter of gospel singer Cissy Houston who performed with Elvis in 1969 as part of the Sweet Inspirations. Elvis wanted to record Whitney Houston's biggest hit "I Will Always Love You" (written by Dolly Parton who refused to give up part of the copyrights to The Colonel). Whitney met Elvis once, when she attended rehearsals with her mother at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. Whitney on Elvis: "You don't actually MEET Elvis, you just have to look at Elvis. We were sitting in a room backstage and Elvis walked in with his mink (real fur), glasses on, and I just looked at him and could not say anything. He was amazing to look at, and it was a moment I would never forget."

No Grammy For Elvis , Ernst And Vic
The five CD set “Young Man With The Big Beat: The Complete ’56 Elvis Presley Masters” (Ernst Mikael Jorgensen, compilation producer; Vic Anesini, mastering engineer) was nominated for a Grammy Award in the "Best Historical Album" category. Paul McCartney's “Band On The Run (Paul McCartney Archive Collection – Deluxe Edition)” took the Grammy Award home.

A Grammy for The Memphis Horns
The Memphis Horns who have made their mark on the history of rock and roll with a heavy dose of soul for 42 years, were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award yesterday. To Elvis Fans they will always be remembered as trumpet musicians at the Suspicious Minds sessions of Januari 1969.
(Source: Elvis Australia / ElvisMatters)

February 11 - Early Valentine Love Songs

The 'Love Songs' import release was released a few days early for Valentine Day. This limited edition CD, 500 copies made, is an expanded re-issue of the 1979 Arcade release. The bonus tracks includes two rare and unfinished master recordings of 'Almost In Love' and 'My Little Friend', the beautiful take 2 of 'You’ll Never Walk Alone', the stunning take 1 of 'It's Easy For You', a differend, unused mix of the master of 'Pledging My Love' and also an alternate mix of 'Puppet On A String' according to the press-release.


(Source: FECC)

February 10 - God's Legacy Is Bigger Than Elvis

This year's nominees deal with the Civil Rights movement, the war in Iraq, the tsunami in Japan and a wave of disfiguring attacks on Pakistani women. The fifth breaks the mold; it’s about an actress who made Elvis movies and then became a nun.

It turns out that "God is the Bigger Elvis" is about an Academy member: Dolores Hart, an actress from the 1950s and '60s who starred in 10 movies, including Elvis Presley's "Loving You" and "King Creole," before leaving Hollywood to become a nun. She now lives in a Benedictine community in Connecticut, where the filmmakers speak to her about her decision to leave behind a promising career for the cloistered life.
Despite its intriguing looks at the difficulties of that life, and at her decision to leave her fiancé for the religious order, the film comes across as a little rote; the woman now known as Mother Prioress repeats her story with quiet conviction, but remains opaque.
In the end, viewers might feel closest to Don Robinson, Hart's fiancé, who never got over her leaving him, and who still visits her regularly. This is a film about spiritual devotion, but its most indelible moments have to do with human heartbreak.
The film never mentions that Mother Prioress remains a voting member of the Academy. 

The American Music Heritage 1954-1958


The Fremeaux & Associes budget label re-released the 3CD budget compilation 'The American Music Heritage 1954-1958'. 



Latest Billboard Album Charts


'An Afternoon In The Garden' jumps from 186 to 165 this week (w/e 18th February, 2012) on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart selling some 3415 copies. Total sales to date: 427,812 copies. 'Elvis: Best Of Love' also rises from 199 to 139 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart.


(Source: Reuters / Elvis Information Network / Brian Quinn / Amazon)

February 09 - Memphis Mafia Princess Into Ashes

The Straight Arrow import label announced the release of the 2CD-set 'Watching Your Dreams Into Ashes' containing both the September 02, 1972 Dinner and Midnight shows. Like its predecessors from Straight Arrow Special Products mini series, this new release will be presented in a digipack with all the necessary information as well as a collection of photos of Elvis in his "Blue Swirl suit".


From the press-release:
As Elvis wound down his seventh visit to Las Vegas, he probably felt a mixture of elation, depression and nervous anticipation. The shows in August and September 1972 were sold out, professional and well-received. He looked great and sang like a bird, as these two previously unreleased sterling performances on September 2 clearly prove. But in mid-August it was reported he had filed a divorce action in Santa Monica Court from his wife Priscilla. Then, immediately prior to his closing show, Elvis participated in a press announcement for a January 14 worldwide satellite broadcast of "Aloha From Hawaii" to an estimated total TV audience of 1.4 billion people. 1973 would be a year of enormous highs and tremendous lows, as Elvis began to watch his dreams turn into ashes.
These previously unissued Dinner and Midnight sets are taken from 24-bit digital transfers of the first-generation copies of privately-recorded cassettes. They were recorded by the same fan and are presented in superb monaural sound.
Like its predecessors from Straight Arrow Special Products mini series, this new release will be presented in a beautiful digipack with all the necessary information as well as a collection of photos of Elvis in his "Blue Swirl suit" suit as taken at the Hilton in late August / early September 1972.
If you liked Straight Arrow's previous outing "Before Darkness Falls", you will like this one, too! 


Tracklisting: 
CD 1 / Saturday, September 2, 1972 Dinner Show 
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. Johnny B. Goode - 04. Until It's Time For You To Go - 05. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - 06. Polk Salad Annie 07. Instrumental intermezzo / Elvis talks - 08. What Now My Love - 09. Fever - 10. Love Me 11. Blue Suede Shoes - 12. Heartbreak Hotel - 13. All Shook Up - 14. Love Me Tender - 15. Hound Dog - 16. I'll Remember You - 17. Walk That Lonesome Road (J.D. Sumner and the Stamps) - 18. Suspicious Minds - 19. Introduction of vocalists, musicians - 20. For The Good Times - 21. A Big Hunk O' Love - 22. You Gave Me A Mountain - 23. Mystery Train / Tiger Man - 24. Can't Help Falling In Love - 25. Closing Vamp / Announcements.


CD 2 / Saturday, September 2, 1972 Midnight Show 
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. Johnny B. Goode - 04. Until It's Time For You To Go - 05. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - 06. Polk Salad Annie - 07. Instrumental intermezzo / Elvis talks - 08. What Now My Love - 09. Fever - 10. Love Me - 11. Blue Suede Shoes - 12. Heartbreak Hotel - 13. Love Me Tender - 14. Elvis welcomes UK fans - 15. Hound Dog - 16. I'll Remember You - 17. Suspicious Minds - 18. Introduction of vocalists, musicians - 19. Introduction of David Brinkley, legendary NBC-TV anchorman - 20. My Way - 21. Mystery Train / Tiger Man - 22. Can't Help Falling In Love - 23. Closing Vamp / Announcements. 



Memphis Mafia Princess
 
Shirley Dieu met Elvis Presley in 1975. After becaming friends, she would spend the next 3 years touring and vacationing hith him. In an interview for Elvis Collectors Brasil Shirley announces a new book: “The title of my book is Memphis Mafia Princess. There have not been any books written about the last three years of Elvis's life. No one has actually written about those last years in detail as I do in my book. As the girlfriend of Joe Esposito, and a close friend of Elvis Presley, I lived the life of a Memphis Mafia Princess I vacationed with and toured on all of Elvis’ tours in those last years. I open up those last chapters of his life and share in depth, the secrets of what really happened in the final years, and I tell the story that has yet to be told. The book is finished and I am hoping to have it published very soon.”



(Source: FECC / Elvis Collectors Brazil / ElvisMatters)

February 08 - Collecting Elvis

Volume 3 in the German "Elvis Collectors Edition" was released. This third edition of the D'Agostini magazin / DVD / memorabilia package contained the movie 'Love Me Tender', a 28-page magazine and more. 


(Source: D'Agostini)

February 07 - Frame By Frame

The book 'King Creole - Frame by Frame' by Paul Granlund and Erik Lorentzen was released today. It follows the movie King Creole in a new and unique way, both in front and behind the camera. According to the site most of the pictures are unpublished. 


(Source: Flaming Star)

February 06 - The Coolest Cover Art, Book And CD Releases

Elvis Presley is still making his mark 56 years after his first album changed the face of music. "Elvis Presley" the album was recently featured in the Shortlist.com's 50 Coolest Albums of All Time. Elvis' debut album tops the list with the website taking note of classic hits such as "Blue Suede Shoes" and calling his album cover "iconic." Shortlist refers to John Lennon's quote - "Before Elvis there was nothing," describing "the boy from Tupelo, MS" as a catalyst for rock 'n' roll. 

Among other music legends such as the Beatles and Frank Sinatra, "Elvis Presley" landed a spot on the list for being an album filled with a "heady rush" and "seminal" music.  Shortlist.com describes the list of game changers as, "your record collection is seriously lacking in kudos without these 50 records." "Elvis Presley" the album was released in 1956 topping the Billboard chart at #1 for ten weeks. It is the first Elvis album to reach over $1 million in sales, earning Elvis his first gold album award.  

Elvis Presley's Graceland: Through The Years 1957 - 1977 - UPDATED


Boxcar Enterprices announced the 444 pages book 'Elvis Presley´s Graceland: Through The Years 1957 - 1977' by Joseph Pirzada. The release-date should be May 2012. 


UPDATE: Joseph Pirzada informed us that this update isn't correct, it could be ready Christmas 2012 or as early as 2013.

Volume 4

The Magic budget label released the paper sleeve budget CD 'Volume 4'.



Tracklisting:
His latest flame / Can’t help falling in love / Rock a hula baby / Little sister / Surrender / Sentimental me / Gently / I’m coming home / Put the blame on me / I slipped, I stumbled, I fell / You’llnever walk alone / Joshua fit the battle / Swing down sweet chariot / His hand in mine / No more / Moonlight swim / Ku-u-i-po / Hawaii sunset / Island of love / Steppin’ out of line / Blue Hawaii / / Bonus tracks :  Can’t Help falling in love (movie version)  /  Steppin’ out of line (movie version)  




Blue Hawaii - The Expanded Alternate Album


The Memphis Recording Service announced the release of the CD 'Blue Hawaii - The Expanded Alternate Album', including a 40 pages photoalbum, which is expected April 23, 2012.



Tracklisting The Extended Album:
01. Blue Hawaii (Take 1FS Take 7M) 
02. Almost Always True (Take 1FS Take 8M) 
03. Aloha Oe (Take 4FS & SPM) 
04. No More (Take 1FS Take 13M) 
05. Cant Help Falling In Love (Take 27FS Take 28FS Take 29M)
06. Rock-A-Hula Baby (Take 4FS Take 5M)
07. Moonlight Swim (Take 3M)
08. Ku ui po (Take 8LFS Take 9M)
09. Ito Eats (Take 6FS Take 7FS Take8FS Take 9M)
10. Slicin' Sand (Take 18LFS Take 19M)
11. Hawaiian Sunset (Master) 
12. Beach Boy Blues (Take 1FS Take 2M)
13. Island of Love (Take 11FS Take 12FS Take 13M) 
14. Hawaiian Wedding Song (Take 2M)
The Alternate Outtakes
15. No More (Take 3LFS) 
16. No More (Take 9) 
17. Rock-A-Hula Baby (Take 1FS) 
18. Ito Eats (Take 1MM Take 3FS) 
19. Slicin' Sand (Take 15FS Take 16FS Take 17) 
20. Beach Boy Blues (Take 3MM) 
21. Island of Love (Take 3FS, Take 5FS, Take 10FS) 
22. Aloha Oe (Take 2) 
23. Aloha Oe (Take 3) 
24. Aloha Oe (Take 5SPM) 
25. Aloha Oe (Take 7SPM) 
26. Aloha Oe (MASTER OF SECTION 2) 
27. Cant Help Falling In Love (Take 1FS Take 2FS Take 3FS Take 4FS) 
28. Cant Help Falling In Love (Take 5LSF) 
29. Cant Help Falling In Love (Take 6FS, Take 7FS) 
30. Cant Help Falling In Love (Take 8LFS) 
31. Cant Help Falling In Love (Take 9) 
32. Cant Help Falling In Love (Take 10FS Take 11FS Take 12FS) 
33. Cant Help Falling In Love (Take 18FS Take 23MM)

(Source: EPE / Elvis Club Berlin / Amazon / Joseph Pirzada)

February 05 - Free Members CD

The Belgian/Dutch ElvisMatters fanclub previewed the free CD that 'Gold Members' of the club receive with their magazine. The tracks relate to the articles in the magazine, or news facts. Among the 10 tracks are the acapella version of 'Sweet Sweet Spirit' by the Imperials, as recorded at the December 18th Christmas Show in Veldhoven, Holland - and "Can't Help Falling In Love", which was used as sound track for the new Axe Anarchy commercial in Argentina.


(Source: ElvisMatters)

February 03 - Don't Sing Under The CD Shower

The next release from the Touchdown Productions import label will be the previously unreleased dinner show from August 7, 1973 as "Elvis: Into The Light". It's the second show of the season. Elvis is in a very good mood and did a pretty fine show according to the press-release. The sound-quality on this one is also very good for an audience recorded show.


Tracklisting
Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman/Amen - Love Me -Steamroller Blues - You Gave Me A Mountain - Trouble - Blue Suede Shoes - Long Tall Sally/Whole Lotta Shakin` Goin` On/Mama Don't Dance/Flip, Flop And Fly/Jailhouse Rock/Whole Lotta Shakin` Goin` On - Love Me Tender - Hound Dog - Fever - What Now My Love - Suspicious Minds - Introductions - I Can't Stop Loving You - An American Trilogy - A Big Hunk O' Love - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp
Bonus songs
Faded Love (August 7, 1973 MS) - Release Me - Bridge Over Troubled Water - How Great Thou Art - Heartbreak Hotel - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Mystery Train/Tiger Man (all songs recorded during the midnight show from August 31, 1973 and are unreleased thus far)


New Memory Records Releases

Two new audience recordings from the Memory label have been announced to be out this month. Titles are "Last Time In Spectrum" and "Really Don't Want To Know" and the dates are Philadelphia, PA, May 28, 1977 & Jacksonville, FL, May 30, 1977 It comes in an eight page booklet.


Elvis In The Beginning

Taschen UK announced the release of the 300 pages book entitled "Elvis In The Beginning" (Limited Edition) with July 25, 2012 as the release-date. The information available mentioned Alfred Wertheimer as the author. 

Elvis Love Songs On CD


Another K-Tell budgetrelease will be released on import CD: a limited edition sixpanel digi-pack of 500 copies.


From the press-release: 
After the great success of Arcade’s Elvis 40 Greatest (1975), K-Tel England wanted to release a follow-up in 1979. They bought the  rights from RCA for 20 well-known ballads and  released them on the Love Songs album. From the start, the TV album was a huge success. It reached No. 4 in the charts with sales of approx 250.000 copies sold within 12 months! It was an instant chart topper all over Europe and in many other countries (in Argentina and Brazil it was released as Love Collection). In Holland, it went to No. 18 in the charts. Strangely, this album was not released in the US until 1981, but then it contained only 16 songs instead of 20. Worldwide sales of Love Songs are now approx 1.000.000 copies.


The designer of the front sleeve probably had a bad day (or he just didn’t like the King) when he put together the cover for this album. It’s one of the very few success albums with such a horrible front sleeve, using a blown-up 1970’s Elvis picture. When the album was re- released in 1981, K-Tel used a much better picture of Elvis, taken from his legendary 1968 NBC TV- Special.  Here you will have both front covers, so you can choose your own favorite.
Despite it’s classic status and the fact that many fans grew up with this album in their collection, it was never released on a properly pressed CD.  The 26 songs on this new album (20 original album tracks + 6 rare bonus tracks) are some of the best love songs that Elvis recorded. Suspicious Minds is included here as its the rare version without the horn overdubs and the famous fade-out / fade in at the end of the song. This version is hard to find and only available on a few RCA  cd releases.
The bonus tracks includes two rare and unfinished master recordings of Almost In Love and My Little Friend, the beautiful take 2 of You’ll Never Walk Alone, the stunning take 1 of Its Easy For You, a differend, unused mix of the master of Pledging My Love  and also an alternate mix of Puppet On A String.
This, 500 pressed CD release,  comes in a stunning 6-panel digipack with original artwork. It sure looks like a miniature version of the original album. This is the ultimate Valentines gift for 2012!  Buy a copy now for your own collection or as a perfect Valentines ift for the one(s) you love!

Tracklisting:
It’s Now Or Never / She’s Not You / Love Letters / Anything That’s Part Of You / Surrender / Kentucky Rain / Suspicious Minds / You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me / I Just Can’t Help Believing / The Wonder Of You / Can’t Help Falling In Love / Always On My Mind / Love Me Tender / Loving You / I Want You, I Need You, I Love You / Wooden Heart / Are You Lonesome Tonight / Just Pretend / Until It’s Time For You To Go / Memories. Bonus Tracks: You’ll Never Walk Alone (alternate take 2) / Puppet On A String (alternate mix) / Pledging My Love (alternate master mix) / It’s Easy For You (take 1) / Almost In Love (vocal overdub, incl. count-in) / My Little Friend (unfinished master, incl. count-in).


Latest Billboard Album Charts & Sales


This week, 'An Afternoon In The Garden' remains at 186 this week (w/e 11th February, 2012) on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart selling some 2904 copies. Total sales to date: 424,397 copies. 

• 'Elvis: Best Of Love' drops from 173 to 199 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart selling some 2735 copies. Total sales to date: 226,361 copies. 
• 'Elvis Country' (Compilation) appeared on the Catalog Album Chart selling some 1,625 copies. Total sales to date: 87,962 copies.
• 'Elvis Rock' (Compilation) also appeared on the Catalog Album Chart selling some 1519 copies. Total sales to date:143,880 copies.
• 'Elvis Gospel' (Compilation) also appeared on the Catalog Album Chart selling some 1474 copies. Total sales to date: 135,182 copies.

Lisa Marie wins "The Top 10 Celebrity Offspring Singers!"


Despite intense competition from Jordin Sparks, Liza Minnelli and even Miley Cyrus - Elvis' daughter Lisa Marie Presley came top of the Hollywood Gossip Poll for the "The Top 10 Celebrity Offspring Singers!" Lisa Marie gets twice as many votes as her nearest rival!


From the article
Did you hear Jane Carrey, daughter of beloved actor Jim Carrey, received a golden ticket to Hollywood on American Idol this week. But the 24-year old still has a long way to go until she's considered one of the premiere celebrity offspring singers. That's right, there are a number of famous artists with similarly famous parents. 

Multi-million dollar make-over for Elvis Presley Boulevard


Elvis Presley Boulevard is one of the most traveled roads in Memphis, but many argue the sight beyond the Graceland Estate is not fit for a king. "It's really not becoming," said Whitehaven resident Yvonne D. Nelson.  "It's more of an eyesore."
Over the years, part of Elvis Presley Boulevard in between Brooks Road and Shelby Drive has fallen into disrepair.  Trash and blight litter the street, and the roads are in poor condition.  Citizens argue it's a poor showing in an area that is crowded with tourists arriving to see Elvis' estate. "People from all over the world, Australia, China, whatever, they've been here," said Visitor Center worker Eric Wilburn.  "They know Elvis.  They want to see this, so therefore we want to present the best picture possible," he added. It's why a handful of citizens gathered at Grace United Methodist Church Tuesday night to talk about what will likely be a $43 million upgrade to the street. 
With a $27 million commitment already from the Tennessee Department of Transportation, City Councilman Harold Collins hopes to secure an additional $16 million from the city over the next two years.  Collins will introduce the measure at the next city council meeting. The money will go toward projects including road repairs, sidewalks, drainage and landscape improvements, crosswalks and signs. "The upgrade is definitely needed. Graceland is the second most visited home in the U.S.," Nelson said. "The roads need to be repaved, the neighborhood needs to be renovated and they need to have a nice hotel/convention center," said one Elvis Fan named Willie Nelson. "The city has kind of neglected this area."
The project could start as early as the end of 2012, and Collins hopes to have the project completed in three years. "Hopefully these things will happen soon.  We can get it done and it won't take long," Wilburn said. 


Don't Sing 'Love Me Tender' Under The Shower

Talking about Elvis in ads... this one is just hilarious. Did you know that one minute extra under the shower costs you 9 liters of heated water? In order to save water, this new campaign advises folks to spend less time in the shower: "One less "Love me Tender" can save up to 26 liters of water. So leave your inner singer out of the shower."



Budgetreleases


The FMN budgetlabel released the double CD box 'Kings Of Rock And Roll' featuring tracks by Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis. The Magic Records budgetlabel will release the budgetcompilation 'Elvis Vol. 4' on February 6, 2012. Due for release on February 10, 2012 from the NotNow budget label is the 3 CD-set 'Elvis-the Platinum Collection'.


Tracklisting Memory Releases

"Last Time In Spectrum"

1. See See Rider
2. I Got A Woman / Amen
3. Love Me
4. My Way
5. Jailhouse Rock
6. You Gave Me A Mountain
7. O Sole Mio / It's Now Or Never
8. Little Sister
9. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel
10. And I Love You So
11. Polk Salad Annie
12. Band Introductions
13. Early Morning Rain
14. What'd I Say
15. Johnny B. Goode
16. Solos
17. School Days
18. Hurt
19. Walk That Lonesome Road (The Stamps)
20. Hound Dog
21. Can't Help Falling In Love

"Really Don´t Want To Know"

1. 2001 Theme
2. See See Rider
3. I Got A Woman / Amen
4. Love Me
5. Fairytale
6. You Gave Me A Mountain
7. Jailhouse Rock
8. O Sole Mio / It's Now Or Never
9. Trying To Get To You
10. Little Sister
11. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel
12. And I Love You So
13. My Way
14. Introductions
15. Early Morning Rain
16. What'd I Say
17. Johnny B. Goode
18. Solos
19. I Really Don't Want To Know
20. Introductions
21. Solos
22. School Days
23. Hurt
24. Hound Dog
25. Can't Help Falling In Love
26. Closing Vamp

(Source: ElvisMatters / EPE / FECC / Elvis Club Berlin / Amazon)