November 30 - Elvis in ASML Campaign

Even when you would never expect Elvis in a 2013 hightech promotional campaign... he's still there. This postcard was handed out last week to thousands of computer wizards in the Netherlands, courtesy ASML. 

For those who don't know the company: ASML makes microelectronics and invents and develops complex technology for high-tech lithography machines for the semiconductor industry.

Mono Bootleg

The import-release "Elvis - It's Now Or Never, Elvis In Mono" from the One import-label was released in the "The Bootleg Series". 


Elvis - The King

The 64 page book "Elvis - The King" by Gillian G. Gaar is due for release May 8, 2014 from Carlton Books. 

From the publisher:
"This book tells the personal story of Elvis and his relationships with those near and dear to him and contains more than 75 colour and black and white photographs from the Graceland archives, accompanied by insightful text from an author with a proven Elvis track record.

To take you closer than ever before to the King, 5 items of removable facsimile memorabilia are carefully included in the book. The photographs are of Elvis himself, Elvis with friends and family, and all manner of personal artefacts, including guitars, jewellery, clothing, vehicles and more.

(Source: ElvisMatters / Elvis On CD / Elvis Club Berlin)

November 29 - FTD's Released

The December 2013 Follow That Dream releases have been released. Fans in Denmark already received their copies. The FTD label shipped the order to the fan clubs. . 

Elvis At American Sound Studio contains the remaining recordings from his legendary sessions at American Sound in Memphis recorded in 1969. Finally, these great tracks are issued as a stand-alone album with unreleased outtakes, undubbed versions and instrumentals. 

Moody Blue is released as part of the Classic album series, FTD is releasing Elvis’ last official studio album. Taken from the original session multi-tracks, the new album features the masters, unreleased outtakes, rough mixes and undubbed songs. The 16-page booklet 4-color booklet contains very rare memorabilia and photographs. Compiled by Jean-Marc Juilland. Mastered by Jean-Marc Juilland and Vic Anesini.

(FECC / Elvis On CD)

November 28 - Golden Gift From 1973

The CD "Elvis" (1973) is a new 'reproduction' import-release release following the recent, "Elvis In Demand". 

From the press-release:
The original release of 'Elvis' was certified 5x Platinum by the RIAA - one of the best selling albums of the seventies. Now available for the first time on CD! Includes: The original album tracks - and - album artwork, 'Hound Dog' in the best possible sound, 'All Shook Up', 'Don't' and 'Surrender' complete with studio chat, 'Return To Sender' with longer fade-out, Special bonus: The first 12 takes of 'Can't Help Falling In Love' and an 8 page booklet.

Tracks:
Hound Dog - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You - All Shook Up - Don't - I Beg Of You - A Big Hunk O' Love - Love Me - Stuck On You - Good Luck Charm - Return To Sender - Don't Be Cruel - Loving You - Jailhouse Rock - Can't Help Faling In Love - I Got Stung - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Love Me Tender - Hard Headed Woman - It's Now Or Never - Surrender Bonus Song:
Can't Help Falling In Love Alternate (Take 1 - 12)

Now And Forever

This is the cover-art for the 3 CD-Set from Sony Legacy "Now and Forever". It is due December 3, 2013.

Billboard Charts

• It's Christmas Time' rises from 69 to 53 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for w/e 7th December, 2013. It also rises from 10 to 7 on the Catalog Album Chart and remains at 14 on the Holiday Albums Chart.
• 'Merry Christmas, Love Elvis' rises from 147 to 134 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart. It also rises from 25 to 21 on the Top Country Album Chart. It further rises from 122 to 114 on the Current Album Chart and drops from 27 to 29 on the Holiday Albums Chart.
• 'The Classic Christmas Album' re-enters The Billboard Top 200 Album Chart at 188 and rises from 35 to 28 on the Top Country Album Chart.
• 'Blue Christmas (Single) rises from 38 to 35 on the Holiday Digital Songs Chart.
• 'He Touched Me' - The Gospel Music Of Elvis Presley (Vols. 1 & 2) re-enters the Top Video Sales Chart at 13.
• 'Elvis Lives' re-enters the Top Video Sales Chart at 20.

Irish Charts

The compilation "The Real... Elvis" dropped from #73 to #79 on the irish Album chart while "The Nation’s Favourite Elvis Songs" re-entered that chart at #98 this week. 

More Gold And Platinum for Elvis
 

We have just heard that there will be a press release coming soon from Jack Soden President of the Elvis Presley Estate working in conjunction with the RIAA pertaining to new certifications for Elvis Presley. 

After years of research, it is believed that new independent audited figures have been located and will be established for Elvis Presley's United States album sales in correlation to new certifications. This is the list of albums awaiting certification by the RIAA by next year.

1. Elvis An afternoon in the garden will be certified Gold.
2. White Christmas will be certified Gold.
3. Elvis Country will be upgraded to Platinum 
4. Elvis by the Presley's will be certified Gold
5. The Essential Elvis Presley will be upgraded to Platinum 
6. Christmas Duets will be certified Gold. 
7. Pot luck will be certified Gold
8. Love Letters will be certified Gold 
9. Good Times will be certified Gold
10. Promised Land will be certified Gold
11. Elvis Today will be certified Gold.

Moreover many of the soundtrack albums will be tabulated with new certifications coupled with new upgrades in certifications for other Presley albums. We have been told that over 25 Presley albums will receive posthumous certifications by the RIAA. A lot of Evis fans will be happy by this latest chain of events. Elvis is already the most certified artist in the history of popular music with a combined total of 257 certifications for albums and singles. He is way ahead of the second place Beatles who have a combined total of 148 certifications. It is unbelievable that Elvis is still under certified by the Recording Industry Association of America. 

The Gift Of Elvis

The 2008 budget-release "The Gift Of Elvis" was re-issued in Japan. It contains the compilations "Christmas Elvis", "Romantic Elvis" and "Rockin Elvis".

(Source: Elvis Sammlung / ElvisMatters / Elvis Australia / Elvis Club Berlin)

November 27 - Collecting Stars

Volume 50 in the German ”Elvis Sammlung” from DeAgostini was released. This volume contains a magazine and memorabilia reproductions and a mini-poster for the "Tickle Me" movie. 

Star Collection

Released in the "Star Collection" in Venezuela is "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits". It comes as a gatefold inlay and was released earlier this year.


(Elvis Sammlung  Elvis On CD)

November 26 - Closing Strong with Graceland Upgrade?

To be released soon December on the VV label will be their fourth release entitled "Closing Strong!" featuring both the complete live soundboard recording from February 23th 1970 Las Vegas Closing show and the complete live audience recording from Houston on March 01, 1970 Afternoon Show. 

From the press-release:
After the success of the first three releases We decided: first to improve the product and second, keeping the same formula to give you more.…..
The producers are aware of the fact that the closing night show, as one of the best Elvis Presley concerts ever, has been previously released in different imports. But Here we give you the chance to listen to the show in its entirety for the first time in a double high valued collector vinyl set. The second show, the Houston incredible March 1st afternoon show, presents Elvis at the pick of his possibility, although not new to CD collectors, will not have been heard in this quality before. This release is taken directly from a first generation tape and has been professionally remastered to a high standard producing an excellent audio quality, The sound quality is far superior to the previous released audience recordings. Ask your local dealer for samples! . Elvis at Houston is pure dynamite , delivering a great performance that compares with the Closing night in terms of quality, giving to this release the status of “unique”. 
Note: the March 01, 1970 AS was released (by the King Crown Records label ”Elvis at the Dome“ CD, 2001) from an inferior audience recorded source. This CD has nothing to do with VV’s tape version.

’Closing strong” is the perfect companion to the previous “Better than Ever”. The Vegas second season allows Elvis, after paying his debt to the golden past in the ’69 season, to demonstrate his true abilities. We see the best of Elvis in songs that will become the fulcrum of the Elvis show until 1972 Here you can hear the complete opening night. Houston three days later only from the end of the Vegas season, for Elvis the very first opportunity to face a real audience from his comeback to live scenes. The result six supernatural shows with record attendance set in the Saturday evening show…. the rest his history, Here you can hear the complete March 01 afternoon show. Elvis performed accompanied from the band only a solid and rough show singing the best of the previous Las Vegas Season, in spite the short show ( about 44 minutes) and the bad acoustic with this show as Houston Chronicle review suggest “Elvis brings down the house at the dome” can be reasonably to be included in one of best shows ever!!!

The double LP set, 200 Gr. vinyl, 33 rpm picture disc never sounded better!!!! is a limited edition hand numbered release of 500 copies. It comes with an three fold 300 gram high quality glossy sleeve both sides printed, giving an unique view. The sleeve will be accompanied Newspapers clips and with many photographs of the Elvis different suits wore in February. Both the vinyl disc will be for the first time of the label, an incredible two picture disc, a real collector;s gem!!!!!!.

The CD with the Houston show, will be accompanied with a plain sleeve. We hope you can enjoy this Fourth product in the way to give life to more of his kind in next future. 

LP February 23, 1970 Closing Night 
Live soundboard recording 
RUNNING TIME 56,00 MIN 
Side A*
01.Opening Vamp 02.All Shook Up 03.I Got A Woman 04.Long Tall Sally 05.Elvis Talks 06.Don’t Cry Daddy 07.Elvis Talks 08.Hound Dog 09.Love Me Tender

Side B* 
10.Kentucky Rain 11.Let It Be Me 12.I Can’t Stop Loving You 13.C.C. Rider 14.Sweet Caroline

Side C* 
15.Polk Salad Annie 16.Introductions 17.Bluberry Hill/Lawdy Miss Clawdy 18.Heartbreak Hotel

Side D* 
19.One Night 20.It’s Now Or Never 21.Suspicious Minds 22.Elvis Talks 23.Can’t Help Falling Love
*Tracks previously released soundboard recording

CD Houston March 01th , 1970 afternoon show complete show

Live Audience recording

Running time 44 min. 01.Opening Vamp 02.All Shook Up 03.I Got a Woman 04.Blue Suede Shoes 05.Don’t Cry Daddy 06.Heartbreak Hotel 07.Hound Dog 08.Love Me Tender 09.Kentucky Rain 10.Release Me 11.Walk A Mile In My Shoes/In The Ghetto 12.I Can’t Stop Loving You 13.Polk Salad Annie 14.Introductions 15.Suspicious Minds 16.Can’t Help Falling In Love 17.Closing Vamp 18. Love Me Tender Theme



An executive with the company that purchased Elvis Presley's intellectual property says it is discussing ways to expand the late rock and roll icon's brand and upgrades to the Graceland tourist attraction.

Nick Woodhouse, president and chief marketing officer of Authentic Brands Group, says that the company's status as a marketer of icons like Marilyn Monroe positions it to expand the Elvis brand's worldwide presence.

Presley was "one of the most recognized and revolutionary people of all time, whether it's in society or in pop culture," Woodhouse said during an interview, adding that the company can make the Elvis brand "come to life a little bit more than it has been in the past."

Authentic Brands said last week it had bought Presley's licensing and merchandising rights from CORE Media Group. The purchase price was not disclosed. As part of the deal, Joel Weinshanker, founder of the National Entertainment Collectibles Association, acquired the operating rights to Graceland.

Authentic Brands now controls Elvis Presley Enterprises, which manages the use of Presley's name, image and likeness on music, photos, movies, television appearances and performance specials. The licensing and merchandising business revolving around Presley's life and career has generated about $30 million annually in past years.

Fans' hunger for more of the King has been fed in recent years by releases of music compilations such as the "Elvis at Stax" CD box set and re-release of the 1972 "Elvis on Tour" documentary in theaters and on DVD, and by some new exhibits at Graceland. Woodhouse envisions moving the brand into other realms beyond music, including the luxury items market.

As an example, Woodhouse cites the appearance of Presley's likeness on Dolce & Gabbana T-shirts. Regular T-shirts and tank tops with Presley on them are currently being offered for more than $100 on eBay, and similar T-shirts emblazoned with images of Monroe and James Dean are selling for more than $300 on Dolce & Gabbana's website.

Authentic Brands' higher-end brands include Judith Leiber handbags, Bobby Jones golf clothing and equipment and men's clothier Hickey Freeman.


Graceland Upgrade

Woodhouse believes there is also room for brand growth among younger fans who, unlike their parents and grandparents, did not see Presley in his prime or were born after he died. Presley died in Memphis on Aug. 16, 1977, at age 42.

Woodhouse notes that more than 9.5 million people like Presley's Facebook page.

"The Facebook sweet spot is probably not what people would assume is the original Elvis fan," Woodhouse said. "Clearly, he resonates on social media and he resonates on other more modern platforms as well."

Authentic Brands and Weinshanker, along with input from Presley's former wife, Priscilla Presley, and their daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, also are discussing ways to upgrade Graceland, the tourist attraction focused around Presley's longtime Memphis home, Woodhouse said.

Graceland attracts more than 500,000 visitors each year, offering tours of the home and Presley-related exhibits across the street. Elvis Presley Enterprises officials previously had said that long-discussed plans to improve and modernize the attraction had been put on hold due to the economic downturn and a possible sale.

Woodhouse did not discuss details of the upgrades, but says the new operators are considering some "great ideas."

"Suffice it to say, it is as we all know, one of America's most visited spots and we would like it to be visited more," he said.

(Source: ABC News)

November 24 - Echoes Of Aloha

The Audionics import-label announced the release of the CD "Echoes Of Aloha" , their 5th CD this year and due early December. 

From the press-release:
It is a kind of sequel to ”Aloha Jerry” CD (Audionics 2013-01-2) - once again dedicated to the eighth Las Vegas season. These recordings were captured almost a month to the day of the ”Aloha From Hawaii” satellite broadcast, and it’s inevitable to make some comparisons. It’s been said that Elvis was depressed about having to return to Las Vegas again following the huge success of the broadcast, but this newly discovered recording does not bear that out at all.

Elvis sounds more relaxed and more at ease on this recording, and there is an intimacy present on this recording that is missing from ”Aloha”. It’s interesting to note that many of the songs that he performed during the satellite show are missing here. In fact, the layout of the show is somewhat reminiscent of the structure of the Las Vegas shows in August 1970, with a strong mix of recent material and Elvis classics.

All recordings presented on this CD are previously unreleased. The February 13th, 1973 dinner show is completely new even to die-hard Elvis fans. It was never in circulation and it is taken from an original ”booth recording, ” made from a booth close to the stage and PA speakers. It is remarkably superior to usual audience tapes and soundwise fully comparable with our ”Aloha, Jerry” (Audionics 2013-01-2), February 23, 1973 Closing Night.

As a bonus, more of soundboard tracks from the Dinner Show of February 10th, 1973 are included. Only part of this show was recorded, using a bass-heavy mix, possibly as a guide for future Fender bass players if Scheff left the Elvis Presley Show. Other tracks from this concert were used as a bonus on our ”ALOHA, JERRY!“ release. Once again, this is a previously unknown recording.

This release is presented in deluxe digipack with live and candid photos taken during January / February ’73 Vegas season and with appropriate liner notes. If you have enjoyed ”Aloha, Jerry” then you will be not disappointed by ”Echoes Of Aloha”! 

Tracklist Tuesday, February 13, 1973 dinner show:
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me Tender - 05. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - 06. Steamroller Blues - 07. You Gave Me A Mountain - 08. Fever - 09. Carry Me Back To Old Virginia (one-liner) / Love Me - 10. Blue Suede Shoes - 11. Heartbreak Hotel - 12. Johnny B. Goode - 13. Hound Dog - 14. What Now My Love - 15. Suspicious Minds - 16. Introduction of vocalists, musicians, orchestra - 17. Celebrity introduction - 18. I Can’t Stop Loving You - 19. An American Trilogy - 20. Can’t Help Falling In Love - 21. Closing Vamp / Announcements. 

Soundboard bonus - Saturday, February 10, 1973 dinner show 
22. You Gave Me A Mountain (incomplete) - 23. Love Me - 24. Blue Suede Shoes - 25. I Can’t Stop Loving You - 26. An American Trilogy (contains gap) - 27. Can’t Help Falling In Love - 28. Closing Vamp.

Charts

On the Top 30 UK Album Chart for the week ending November 30, 2013 the "The Nation's Favourite Elvis Songs" remains steady at #5. 

(Source: FECC)

November 22 - Elvis At The Movies

Released in Poland is a Polish edition of Timothy Knights "Elvis At The Movies". The 178 page book was published by Olesiejuk in the "Retrospektywa" series. 

(Source: ELVIS: Promised Land)

November 21 - Burning Chart Record

Due from Sonoma are three DVD’s packed in a tinbox candle. The set’s contain photo slideshows on instrumental cover versions of Elvis’hits and are due November 29, 2013. Three sets available:

Officially Licensed Elvis Presley DVD & All Shock Up Decorative 16 oz Candle Tin-Ocean, (Limited Edition)

Officially Licensed Elvis Presley DVD & Love Me Tender Decorative 16 oz Candle Tin-Vanilla, (Limited Edition)

Officially Licensed Elvis Presley DVD & All Shock Up Decorative 16 oz Candle Tin-Ocean, (Limited Edition)

From Sonoma:

Now relive the King of Rock & Roll in all his glory with "Elvis Through the Years" Limited Edition pictorial DVD featuring hundreds of candid photos that will take you on a trip down memory lane and remind you just why Elvis was the King. This DVD is set to instrumental versions of songs such as Teddy Bear, Can't Help Falling in Love, It's Now or Never, Love Me Tender, Suspicious Minds to name a few. All performed by the Starlite Orchestra and Singers. Also includes an Officially Licensed Elvis Decorative 16 oz Candle Tin with embossed signature. Burns up to 15 hours.

Silver Certification

The CD "The Nation's Favourites Elvis Songs" was certified Gold in the UK on November 22, 2013.

Elvis Chart Record

The late King of Rock & Roll bows at #147 on the Billboard 200 with "Merry Christmas… Love, Elvis." The 12-song holiday collection, released this year, marks his 129th charted album, extending his record for the most appearances in the list's archives. Frank Sinatra ranks second with 82 entries. Latest Billboard Album Charts: 

• The old Christmas compilation 'It's Christmas Time' rises from 127 to #69 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for w/e 30th November, 2013. It also rises from 12 to 10 on the Catalog Album Chart. Finally it remains at 14 on the Holiday Albums Chart.
• 'Merry Christmas, Love Elvis' SONY's new compilation is now a new entry at 147 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart. It also rises from 33 to 25 on the Top Country Album Chart. It further rises from 170 to 122 on the Current Album Chart. Finally it drops from 26 to 27 on the Holiday Albums Chart. 
• 'The Classic Christmas Album' rises from 49 to 35 on the Top Country Album Chart.
• 'Blue Christmas' (Single) re-enters the Holiday Digital Songs Chart at 38.

Australian Charts

The "The King Of Rock ’n’ Roll"DVD climbed from #30 t #24 on the Australian Music DVD chart. 

Canadian Charts

• RCA #5 Elvis Presley - Elvis White Christmas (Qualified for Platinum)
• CMC #34 - #17 Elvis Presley - Holiday Collection (Qualified for Platinum)
• Indy #108 - Elvis Presley -Noel Acec Elvis

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

November 20 - Elvis' Favorite Sessions DVD Director

Bear Manor Media / Lightning Source UK Ltd will release the 370 pages book "Elvis' Favorite Director: The Amazing 52-Year Career Of Norman Taurog".

From the publisher:
"Still the youngest director to ever win an Academy Award (Skippy, 1931); Norman Taurog’s career embraces the history of Hollywood, from silent comedies to the Elvis Presley era.

During Taurog’s fifty-two years in the film business he directed seventy-eight feature films starring everyone from Maurice Chevalier and Carole Lombard, to W.C. Fields and Bing Crosby, to Mickey Rooney and Spencer Tracy (who won an Oscar for his performance as Father Flanagan in Taurog’s Boys Town), to Judy Garland, Mario Lanza, Cary Grant, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, and of course his nine films with Elvis Presley.

Elvis’ Favorite Director is an in-depth study of Hollywood movie-making, seen through the eyes of a talented craftsman and told by a writer who worked closely with Taurog during the last six years and eight films of his career."

Elvis Sessions IV… Coming Soon?


Jat Publishing has announced on their website that Joseph A. Tunzi’s book Elvis Sessions IV, The Recorded Music Of Elvis Aron Presley 1953-1977 is "Coming Soon"! 

Now And Forever

RCA / Sony Legacy have announced a new CD-release; "Now And Forever". Due on November 26, 2013. More info’s coming!

The Complete Candid And Home Sixties Movies

Coming soon from the Roar Production import-label  is volume 2 in the Elvis Home Movies series DVD. This second volume contains rare and unseen private footage. The region 2, NTSC DVD has a running-time of 146 minutes. 

From the press-release:
For the very first time this 3 DVD set focuses on Elvis, The Man, Off Stage through 3 decades. See Elvis through intimates' moments surrounded by family or friends, through events that marked his life. These 3 volumes will help you discover Elvis life via rare & unreleased digitally remastered footage. 

Volume 2 - The Sixties: See Elvis on vacation in Hawaii, enjoying the snow in Colorado, meeting his fans, together with Tom Jones and much much more. Sit back and enjoy a journey of Elvis in private throughout the 60s, in the best quality.

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Elvis And His Music / FECC)

November 19 - "Elvis" Sold!

Authentic Brands, which owns the rights to Marilyn Monroe’s image and likeness, is adding Elvis Presley and Muhammed Ali to its celebrity stable. The brand licensing company, backed by private-equity firm Leonard Green, has struck a deal to acquire the Elvis Presley and Muhammed Ali assets being sold by Apollo’s Core Media. 

Financial terms weren’t disclosed, but last month The Post reported that Authentic Brands had emerged as the lead bidder after upping its offer to $125 million. Authentic has snapped up the rights to a number of dead celebrities, including screen siren Marilyn Monroe and reggae legend Bob Marley.

“The licensing and merchandising aspect of this business is not to be confused with the fact that the property will always remain with me and my family. However, this is a great partnership for our family and Elvis fans worldwide.”

Weinshanker will oversee the management of Graceland operations, Elvis’ home in Memphis, Tenn., with Authentic Brands and the Presley family as partners.

“We will usher in a new era of an enhanced Graceland experience, run for the fans, by a fan,” Weinshanker said.

"We are honored to welcome Elvis into the ABG brand portfolio and look forward to working alongside the Presley family and the team at Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) to increase Elvis' popularity and fan base worldwide," said Jamie Salter, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Authentic Brands Group, LLC.

"This is an exciting day for Elvis and his fans," said Priscilla Presley. "We look forward to working with the ABG team to further promote the legacy of Elvis. This is the opportunity the family has been envisioning to expand the Graceland experience and enhance Elvis' image all over the world."

"While I will continue to own Graceland and the original artifacts, we are looking forward to working with our new partners to continue the growth and expansion we have been working towards," said Lisa Marie Presley. "The licensing and merchandising aspect of this business is not to be confused with the fact that the property will always remain with me and my family. However, this is a great partnership for our family and Elvis fans worldwide."

In connection with the acquisition, ABG will assume the global rights to a vast library of photographic imagery, including artwork, album covers and movie posters; video and audio assets, including television appearances and music specials; Elvis' name and likeness; and other assets, including the rights to major Elvis themed events such as Elvis Week, an international celebration of Elvis' life and legacy.

In connection with the transaction, Joel Weinshanker will acquire the rights to the management of Graceland operations, Elvis' home in Memphis, Tennessee, with ABG and the Presley family as partners. Graceland recently captured the #1 spot on USA Today and 10Best's "Best Iconic American Attractions".

"It is with great honor, and a profound sense of responsibility that we assume ownership of the Graceland operations," said Weinshanker. "We will usher in a new era of an enhanced Graceland experience, run for the fans, by a fan. Graceland is Elvis Presleys' castle, and I look forwardto helping take this global landmark to new and exciting heights.We look forward to continuing to give visitors to Graceland, whether online or inperson, whether their first visit or their 500 th, a world class experience."

(Source: PRNewswire / NY Times)

November 17 - Chart Phenomenon

The Elvis Presley compilation "The Nation’s Favourite Elvis Song" climbed from #7 to #5 on the UK Album chart this week with Lady Gaga topping the UK album chart, replacing Eminem, who goes down to #2. The album sold 34,489 copies.

Official Chart Fact: With Elvis Presley perched two places above at Number 5 with The Nation’s Favourite Elvis Songs, this week is the first time in 36 years that Elvis and Sir Cliff have been reunited together in the Official Albums Chart Top 10! The last time they were both in the Top 10 was October 1977 when Cliff Richard & His Shadows were at Number 5 with 40 Golden Greats, and Elvis’s Moody Blue was at Number 8.

Richard said: "I had so much fun recording this track of Elvis's. It brought back so many memories. I am thrilled that once again we are in the top 10 at the same time, but as usual I need to catch him up."

Presley's revived success in the UK is thanks to the recent release of The Nation's Favourite Elvis Songs, while Richard's good fortune comes from a record inspired by the King himself. The Fabulous Rock 'N' Roll Songbook, which features nods to Elvis, Buddy Holly and more, is the 73-year-old's 100th album. 

UK the following appearing on the UK Heritage Single Chart (the equivalent of the Billboard Catalogue Chart):

• 08 - Always On My Mind
• 11 - Suspicious Minds
• 25 - In The Ghetto
• 40 - An American Trilogy

Also the following rose from #55 to #34 on the UK Music Video Chart:
The Elvis Collection (Warner Home Video).

The compilation "The Nations Favorite Elvis Songs"climbed from #7 to #6 on the Scottish Album charts.

The DVD "The King Of Rock ’n’ Roll" climbed from #37 to #30 on the Australian Music DVD chart. 

The Legacy of a Phenomenon

Verbum has announced a new Dutch book by author Edwin Wendt entitled "Elvis Presley: Erfenis Van Een Fenomeen” (the legacy of a phenomenon). This book is due for release November 27, 2013.

(Source: FECC / Elvis And His Music / Elvis Express)

November 16 - Rehearsing On Vinyl

A new Elvis On Tour rehearsals box has been announced for release. This box comes with 5 LP's,  3 CD and 1 DVD and is limited to 500 copies. It appears to contain the same content - On Tour rehearsals from March 30th. and 31st. 1972 (RCA Studio C, Hollywood) - on three different formats; colored vinyl, CD and DVD. 

(Source: Music Of Elvis Presley) 

November 15 - Chasing A Milestone Cover To The Charts

Here is the cover-art for the "Living From Day To Day, Chasing A Dream" import-release from the Straight Arrow label. This double CD contains the Thursday, February 22, 1973 Dinner and Midnight Shows and the Wednesday, February 21, 1973 Dinner Show as recorded at the Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas, NV. 

Irish Charts

The compilation "The Nation's Favourite Elvis Songs" entered the Irish Album chart at #53 while "The Real ... Elvis" climbed from #58 to #45 this week. 

US charts

• It's Christmas Time' re-enters the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart at 127 for w/e 23rd November, 2013. It also rises from 45 to 12 on the Top Catalog Album Chart and from 20 to 14 on the Holiday Albums Chart.
• 'Merry Christmas, Love Elvis' is a new entry on the Top Current Album Chart at 170. It drops from 25 to 26 on the Holiday Album Chart. it also rises from 39 to 33 on the Top Country Album Chart.
• 'The Classic Christmas Album' re-enters the Top Country Album Chart at 49.
• 'He Touched Me: The Gospel Music Of Elvis Presley' (Vols.1 and 2) rises from 33 to 6 on the Music Video Sales Chart.
• 'Elvis Lives: The 25th Anniversary Concert' re-enters the Music Video Sales Chart at 8.

Milestones

The Sony Music budget compilation "Milestones" was released in Switzerland. The original release-date was set for December. 

(Source: email \ The King's World \ Elvis Memories \ Brian Quinn)

November 14 - O Come All Ye DVDs

This is the cover to the upcoming Susan Doyle / Elvis Presley duet single "O Come All Ye Faitful". The single is due for release December 9, 2013.

4 Film Favorites: Elvis Presley Girls

Due for rerelease are two 4 DVD box-sets in the 4 Film Favourites series "Elvis Presley Girls" and "Elvis Presley Blues". Both sets are due March 11, 2014. The first set contains Girls! Girls! Girls!, Easy Come Easy Go, The Trouble With Girls and Girl Happy while the second set holds the movies G.I. Blues, King Creole, Jailhouse Rock and Viva Las Vegas.

(Source: Amazon / Elvis Club Berlin)

November 13 - Collecting What Every Child Needs To Know About Elvis Presley

The 22 page book "What Every Child Needs To Know About Elvis Presley" was announced by the UK based Need2KnowBooks with March 11, 2014 as the release-date.

From the publisher:
"Elvis Presley was called “the King of Rock and Roll.” His life and music transformed society in ways that are still felt to this day. With honesty, integrity, simplicity, and humor, "What Every Child Needs To Know About Elvis Presley" explains this pop icon to young children, helping them to understand the modern world and, more importantly, the adults in their lives.

Written by three dads – a child expert, a healthcare analyst, and a veteran of the children’s publishing world – What Every Child Needs To Know About Elvis Presley is the book all true music lovers will want for their young children."

Elvis Sammlung

Volume 49 in the German "Elvis Sammlung" was released by De'Agostini and EPE. It contains a magazine and memorabilia reproductions of a letter from  Colonel Parker, a "Girl Happy" program, "sold-out flyer and a mini-poster for the classic movie "Jailhouse Rock".

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin)

November 12 - Follow That Straight Arrow Announcement

As part of its classic album series, the Follow That Dream collectors label announced the release of Elvis’ last official studio album during his lifetime, "Moody Blue". Taken from the original session multi-tracks, it features the masters, unreleased outtakes, rough mixes and un-dubbed songs. The 16-page booklet 4-color booklet contains very rare memorabilia and photographs. The CD is compiled by Jean-Marc Juilland and mastered by Jean-Marc Juilland and Vic Anesini.

Details “Moody Blue” (2CD): Disc 1 - The Album 
01. Unchained Melody 02. If You Love Me (Let me know) 03. Little Darlin¹ 04. He¹ll Have To Go 05. Let Me Be There 06. Way Down 07. Pledging My Love 08. Moody Blue 09. She Thinks I Still Care 10. It¹s Easy For You 

The Alternate Album
11. Unchained Melody - undubbed master 12 .If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - undubbed master 13. Moody Blue - take 6 14. She Thinks I Still Care - take 2B 15. My Way (live) 16. Way Down - undubbed master 17. Little Darlin¹ - undubbed master 18. He¹ll Have To Go - rough mix 19. Pledging My Love - composite of rehearsal and take 3 20. It¹s Easy For You - take 1 

Bonus tracks
21. She Thinks I Still Care - takes 1, 2A 22. America The Beautiful 23. Softly As I Leave You

Disc 2: The Sessions
01. Way Down - rehearsal, take 1 02. Way Down - take 2A 03. She Thinks I Still Care - takes 3,4 04. Moody Blue - take 1 05. Pledging My Love - takes 1,2 06. Pledging My Love - take 3 07. It¹s Easy For You - takes 3,4 08. It¹s Easy For You - undubbed master 09. She Thinks I Still Care - takes 7,9 10. She Thinks I Still Care - take 10 11. Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain - unedited rough mix of master 12. Moody Blue - takes 7,5 13. Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall - rough mix of master 14. Pledging My Love - takes 4-5 15. Pledging My Love - undubbed, unedited master 16. Way Down - take 2B 17. Way Down - rough mix of master 18. Moody Blue - takes 8,9 19. Moody Blue - master unedited rough mix 20. She Thinks I Still Care - take 15 21. America - composite of single master and the surviving ending of the erased studio version 

Elvis At American Sound Studio

Following on from the success of the FTD Collector's label Classic Album versions of "From Elvis From Memphis" and "Back In Memphis", FTD presents the remaining recordings from his legendary sessions at American Sound in Memphis recorded in1969. Finally, these great tracks are issued as a stand-alone album with unreleased outtakes, un-dubbed versions and instrumentals. "Elvis at Amerian Sound Studio" completes the 69 Memphis trilogy, and fittingly gets the FTD Classic Album  treatment to complement the other two releases. Mixed and mastered by Sebastain Jeansson and Vic Annesini 

Details: Elvis At American Sound Studio - Disc 1
01 Kentucky Rain (3:17) 02 I¹ll Be There (2:26) 03 Mama Liked The Roses (2:41) 04 If I¹m A Fool (For Loving You) (2:46) 05 Don¹t Cry Daddy (2:51) 06 Rubberneckin¹ (2:15) 07 Hey Jude (4:31) 08 My Little Friend (2:53) 09 Who Am I? (3:25) Bonus track 10 Memory Revival - instrumental (4:05) 

First takes
11 Kentucky Rain - takes 1, 2, 3 (7:15) 12 I¹ll Be There - takes 1, 2, 3/M (4:40) 13 If I¹m A Fool (For Loving You) - takes 1, 2, 3 (5:56) 14 Rubberneckin¹ - takes 1, 2/M (2:51)

January Outtakes
15 Come Out, Come Out (Wherever You Are) - instrumental take 2/M (2:47) 16 You¹ll Think Of Me - take 7 (4:51) 17 Poor Man¹s Gold - take 12/M with abandoned vocal overdub (3:38) 18 Mama Liked The Roses - track with alternate vocal overdub (2:30) 19 In The Ghetto - take 19 (3:08) 20 Hey Jude - take 1 (4:45) 21 I¹ll Be There - takes 4, 5, 6 (3:15)

Disc 2 February Outtakes
01 It¹s My Way / This Time / I Can¹t Stop Loving You - jam (3:52) 02 True Love Travels On A Gravel Road - take 5 (3:01) 03 Do You Know Who I Am? - takes 3, 5 (6:59) 04 Kentucky Rain - takes 5, 6, 7 (6:06) 05 Kentucky Rain - take 8 (3:57) 06 Kentucky Rain - take 9 (3:58) 07 Only The Strong Survive - takes 8, 11, 12 (5:55) 08 Any Day Now - takes 5, 6/M (5:46)

Unfinished Masters
09 Long Black Limousine - take 9/M with vocal repairs (4:42) 10 Don¹t Cry Daddy- take 3/M with vocal overdub (3:04) 11 Mama Liked The Roses - track with vocal overdub (3:22) 12 My Little Friend - track with vocal overdub (3:11) 13 Hey Jude - takes 3, 5, 6, 7/M (6:27) 14 I¹ll Hold You In My Heart (Till I Can Hold You In My Arms) - take 1/M (4:37) 15 Kentucky Rain - take 10/M (4:19) 16 If I¹m A Fool (For Loving You) - takes 6, 7, 8, 9/M (6:47) 17 Who Am I? - undubbed master (3:27) 

The vinyl version of From Elvis In Memphis is postponed until January 2014.

Chasing A Dream

Straight Arrow has announced a new 2CD release; "Living From Day To Day, Chasing A Dream (From „booth tapes“ Vol. 1)". This release contains both the Dinner and Midnight Shows in Las Vegas on February 22, 1973. In addition there’s included parts of the Dinner Show on February 21. 

• February 22, 1973 DS: Only available on a bad sounding cdr Across The Ocean (wrongly dated Feb 23, 1973 DS)
• February 22, 1973 MS: Already released on Back in The Desert (2012) but a far inferior source compared to here
• February 21, 1973 DS (almost complete.... bonus tracks): Unreleased in any form.

From the label:
The February 22, 1973 D/S and M/S are taken directly from original „booth recording tapes.“ This kind of recordings was made from a„booth“ or table placed at the edge of the stage, close to PA speakers, by someone who was a part of the organization, or who was related to someone inside the Elvis circle. Unlike standard audience recordings, where the recorder had to be hidden in a purse, under the table or under the clothes, often muffling the sound, „booth recordings” were made by someone who was known by Elvis’ security force, and consequently did not have to worry about concealing the recorder / microphone. The sound quality of such tapes is noticeably superior compared to the typical audience recording.

For the February 22, 1973 recordings, a *BASF Chromdioxid C120 hifi Compact  Cassette* was used. The dinner show was recorded on the A-side and the Midnight show on the B-side. The February 22, 1973 D/S is previously unreleased. There is a bad sounding version taken from a different source tape in circulation, wrongly dated as the February 23, 1973 Dinner show.

The February 22, 1973 M/S was released (by the "Showroom“" label, „Back In The Desert“ CD, 2012) from an inferior audience recorded source. This CD has nothing to do with Straight Arrow’s „booth tape“ version. Unfortunately, the person who recorded Feb. 22, 1973 M/S stopped his recorder during Jackie Kahane‘s pre-program and switched it on only near the end of „C. C. Rider.“ Instead of splicing the „booth tape“ with the substandard audience recorded version of the same show, we decided to use another „booth tape“ from our vaults – the February 21, 1973 Dinner Show (recorded by same person as the Feb. 22 shows) to fill the missing part. This „booth tape“, although of very good sound quality, was badly damaged after the song „Suspicious Minds“ (impossible to repair) and is thus not suitable for individual release. We have decided to add all usable part as a bonus for both discs, with no edits. Note: only „What Now My Love“ was previously available as a bonus track on our „You Don't Have To Say You Love Me“ CD (2010).

The sound was transferred using standard 24-bit processing and professional Tascam equipment. Every second was digitally restored to achieve optimal listening pleasure. We hope you enjoy the results. Digitally remastered in November 2013

Track list:
CD1 - Thursday, February 22, 1973 Dinner Show; 01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra, 02. C. C. Rider, 03. I Got A Woman / Amen, 04. Love Me Tender (with false start), 05. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me, 06. Steamroller Blues, 07. You Gave Me A Mountain, 08. Fever / I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen (one line), 09. Love Me, 10. Blue Suede Shoes, 11. I’m Leavin‘, 12. Hound Dog, 13. What Now My Love, 14. Suspicious Minds, 15. Introduction of vocalists, musicians, orchestra, 16. I’ll Remember You (with false start), 17. I Can’t Stop Loving You, 18. An American Trilogy (with reprise), 19. Can’t Help Falling In Love, 20. Closing Vamp / Announcements / fan chat - Bonus (Wednesday, February 21, 1973 Dinner Show): 21. I Got A Woman / Amen, 22. Love Me Tender (with false start), 23. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me, 24. Steamroller Blues, 25. You Gave Me A Mountain, 26. Fever

CD2 - Thursday, February 22, 1973 Midnight Show; 01. Part of pre-program by Jackie Kahane, 02. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra*, 03. C. C. Rider (spliced*), 04. I Got A Woman / Amen, 05. Love Me Tender (with false start), 06. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me, 07. Steamroller Blues, 08. You Gave Me A Mountain, 09. Fever, 10. Love Me, 11. Blue Suede Shoes, 12. I’m Leavin‘, 13. Hound Dog, 14. What Now My Love, 15. Suspicious Minds, 16. Introduction of vocalists, musicians, orchestra, 17. I’ll Remember You, 18. I Can’t Stop Loving You, 19. An American Trilogy, 20. Can’t Help Falling In Love, 21. Closing Vamp / Announcements / fan chat (*taken from February 21, 1973 Dinner Show) - Bonus (Wednesday, February 21, 1973 Dinner Show continues): 22. Love Me, 23. Blue Suede Shoes, 24. I’m Leavin‘, 25. Hound Dog, 26. What Now My Love (with false start and reprise), 27. Suspicious Minds

Susan And Elvis

Scottish singer Susan Boyle premiered the music video for her new single "O Come All Ye Faithful" on Monday. Through new technology, Boyle was able to duet on the Christmas song with the late American superstar Elvis Presley.

Boyle released her new holiday album "Home For Christmas" late last month. Among the tracks on the album, the most hotly anticipated was her duet with Presley on "O Come All Ye Faithful." Now there is music video out for SuBo's latest single.

Since all the proceeds of Boyle's "O Come All Ye Faithful" benefit U.K.'s Save the Children Foundation, kids from a school in Glasgow are mostly featured in the black-and-white clip. They can be seen getting ready to take the stage with Boyle at some sort of recital. One of the children even dresses up like Presley to represent the late King of Rock and Roll. The former "Britain's Got Talent" star belts out "O Come All Ye Faithful" with the children at her side in the heartwarming clip.

Boyle's "Home For Christmas" album was released on October 29 in the U.S.


 (Source: FTD / FECC / Elvis Ad His Music / Cisco)

November 11 - King Of Cola

Striking while the Elvis iron is steaming hot here in the UK, soft drink giant Coca-Cola are to use the voice of Elvis in the 2013 UK Christmas advertising campaign. The commercial entitled 'Shooting Star' will air on the 23 November and focuses on a central theme of delivering good deeds during the Christmas season. The spot shows the well-known Coca-Cola Santa as well as people carrying out acts of kindness for the ones they love and plays out to a soundtrack by Elvis Presley.

(Source: Elvis Express)

November 10 - UK Chart Favourites

The compilation "The Nation's Favourite Elvis Songs" - from the iTV television show with the same name that was viewed by watched by over 5 million viewers - entered the UK Album chart at #7 this week. It marks his 50th UK Top 10 album, no other act has ever done this in Britain. These are the sales figures for the last week's UK Top 7 Albums:

1 Eminem 143,034
2 James Arthur 63,995
3 Tinie Tempah 29,980
4 Andre Rieu 29,261
5 The Overtones 19,198
6 Shane Filan 18,451
7 Elvis Presley 16,923

The 50 Top 10 albums entries are:

1. Rock 'n' Roll
2. Rock 'n' Roll No.2
3. Loving You
4. The Best Of Elvis
5. Elvis' Christmas Album
6. King Creole
7. Elvis' Golden Records
8. A Date With Elvis
9. Elvis' Golden Records (Vol.2)
10. Elvis Is Back
11. G.I. Blues
12. His Hand In Mine
13. Something For Everybody
14. Blue Hawaii
15. Pot Luck
16. Rock 'n' Roll (No.2) (re-issue)
17. Girls! Girls! Girls!
18. It Happened At The World's Fair
19. Fun In Acapulco
20. Elvis' Golden Records (Vol.3)
21. Kissin' Cousins
22. Girl Happy
23. Elvis For Everyone
24. Paradise Hawaiian Style
25. Elvis - NBC TV Special
26. Elvis Sings Flaming Star
27. From Elvis In Memphis
28. From Memphis To Vegas - From Vegas To Memphis
29. On Stage - February 1970
30. Elvis Country - I'm 10,000 Years Old
31. love Letters From Elvis
32. C'mon Everybody
33. Elvis' Christmas Album (Re-issue)
34. Elvis As Recorded At Madison Square Garden
35. 40 Greatest Hits
36. Moody Blue
37. Welcome To My World
38. Love Songs
39. Inspiration
40. Presley - The All Time Greatest Hits
41. From The Heart - His Greatest Love Songs
42. The Essential Collection
43. Always On My Mind - Ultimate Love Songs
44. The 50 Greatest Hits
45. Elvis - 30 No.1 Hits
46. 2nd To None
47. Love, Elvis
48. Elvis The King
49. Elvis 75
50. The Nations Favourite Elvis Songs

(Source: Official UK charts / FECC / Brian Quinn)

November 09 - UK TV Favourites

The TV show "The Nation's Favourite Elvis Songs"aired in the U.K. and received positive reviews from fans who saw Elvis on iTV's prime time television show. According to Brian Quinn on the FECC forum: "The sound was excellent and most important there were no impersonators involved. It was rapid moving and to the point." 

There were clips and comments from, among others, Engelbert Humperdinck, Michael Buble, Cliff Richard, Ronnie Tutt, Glen Hardin, DJ Fontana, Estelle Brown, Bill Baize, Joe Moscheo, George Kline, Sharlene Spiteri, JXL, Gareth Gates, UB 40, Mac Davis, Celeste Yarnall, Suzi Quattro, Fine Young Cannibals, Michael Ball, Kevin Kearn, Jerry Schillling, Darlene Love, Cerys Matthews (Welsh singer) highly rated by Tom Jones (who surprisingly was not featured in this programme).

The twenty tracks featured in countdown order were:
20 King Creole
19 If I Can Dream
18 Don’t Be Cruel
17 Viva Las Vegas
16 Heartbreak Hotel
15 American Trilogy
14 It’s Now Or Never
13 All Shook Up
12 Blue Suede Shoes
11 The Wonder Of You
10 Are You Lonesome Tonight? (including laughing version)
9 Return To Sender
8 Love Me Tender
7 Hound Dog
6 Jailhouse Rock
5 A Little Less Conversation (film and remix versions)
4 In The Ghetto
3 Can’t Help Falling In Love (film and ‘live’ versions)
2 Suspicious Minds (Live Version featured)
1 Always On My Mind.

(Source: FECC / Brin Quinn)