April 30 - Collecting Elvis

Volume 61 in the German "Elvis Sammlung" was released by De Agostini. This edition contains a magazine, memorabelia reproductions fro  the Graceland archives and a mini-poster fro the single "Do The Clam". 

(Source: Elvis Sammlung)

April 29 - Ultimate Vinyl

Due from the producers of The Elvis Files; Eric Lorentzen, Keith Flynn, Gordon Minto and Piers Biegley is a three book set entitled "Ultimate Elvis". 

Info available:
'Ultimate Elvis – The Complete And Definitive Recording Sessions' book, this three-volume, individually numbered, deluxe set (in a beautiful slipcase), not only comprises all the session information available to date, based on Keith Flynn's incomparable website keithflynn.com, but includes comprehensive notes on each session, discographies, reviews of every single, EP and album release, release dates, facsimiles of RCA's paperwork, session logs, listing notices, letters from Colonel Parker's office and RCA's archive, the reproduction of original sheet music covers (courtesy of Chris Giles), a huge index and a host of other things. Of course, as you have come to expect from The Elvis Files, the icing on the cake is a wealth of stunning photographs - approximately 1500 of them! - many of them previously unseen, relating to the time period in question. With major contributions from Erik Lorentzen, Keith Flynn, Gordon Minto, Piers Beagley, Arjan Deelen, Alan Hanson, James V. Roy, as well as many other notable contributors from throughout the world, these volumes, designed by Chris Middleton (Nightrider Design), have an unparalleled pedigree.

We firmly believe that this deluxe set will represent the most exhaustive and lavishly illustrated document to date about Elvis' recorded works. Legendary guitarist James Burton sums it up neatly: 'These are the most beautiful books I have ever seen and the best researched.'

All the recording sessions, all the record releases, and lots, lot's more... Out August 2014.

Blue Vinyl

The Art Of Music label released the octagonal vinyl LP "Elvis Presley - Blue Octagonal Shaped VI" containing Elvis Presley's debut album. 

Tracks: Side A:  Blue Suede Shoes - I´m Counting On You - I Got A Woman - One Sided Love Affair - I Love You Because - Just Because
Side B:  Tutti Frutti - Tryin´ To Get To You - I´m Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry - I´ll Never Let You Go (Little Darin) - Blue Moon - Money Honey.

(Source: FECC / Keith Flynn / Elvis Aktuell)

April 28 - Follow Those Releases

Visitors of the "Elvis Live On Stage 2014" tour that travels through Europe the next 6 weeks, have the chance to buy a double CD souvenir. The track listing is apparently identical to the song line up of the show, although the versions on this compilation set are the original recordings, with Elvis' original musicians.

Tracks:
CD 1:
Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - That's All Right - I Got A Woman - Hound Dog - Don't Be Cruel - Mystery Train/Tiger Man - Just Pretend - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - Sweet Caroline - Heartbreak Hotel - Are You Lonesome Tonight - Baby, What You Want Me To Do - Lawdy Miss Clawdy - One Night - I Can't Stop Loving You - Love Me Tender - Polk Salad Annie - The Wonder Of You

CD 2:
Trouble / Guitar Man - Jailhouse Rock - All Shook Up - Blue Suede Shoes - You've Lost That Loving Feeling - Patch It Up - Don't Cry Daddy - In The Ghetto - How Great Thou Art - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds - Can't Help Falling In Love

Follow That Dream May Releases

The Follow That Dream collector's label announced the release of the classic "Love Me Tender" EP in their Classic Album Series. This double CD contains the original EP and outtakes on the first CD. The second CD contains the two Tupelo shows recorded on September 26, 1956. It features a 16-page booklet with great photos, movie trivia, memorabilia and full recording data. 

Tracks:


The 'Love Me Tender' soundtrack on CD 1 will be:
THE ORIGINAL EP
01) Love Me Tender
02) Let Me
03) Poor Boy
04) We're Gonna Move

BONUS TRACKS
05) Love Me Tender – end title version
06) The Truth About Me 2:09 Original spoken word 45 rpm disc included in Teen Parade magazine

THE OUTTAKES
07) We’re Gonna Move –take 4
08) We’re Gonna Move – take 9
09) Poor Boy – take 3 original 3 verse master
10) Poor Boy –remake take 1
11) Poor Boy – extended verse. Vocal overdub take 6
12) Let Me – vocal overdub take 3
13) Let Me – vocal overdub take 4

STEREO MASTERS
14) Love Me Tender 2:52
15) Let Me 2:11
16) Poor Boy 2:16
17) We’re Gonna Move 2:32

INTERVIEW
18) The Truth About Me Interview 10:04
Recorded August 22 on the set of Love Me Tender, Hollywood, California

Disc 2 features the legendary live show from the Mississippi Alabama State Fair and Dairy Show held 
in Tupelo on September 26, 1956 in the afternoon and evening. Also included are previously issued 
interviews from that day.

• All songs recorded for the motion picture "Love Me Tender". 
• Recorded August 24, September 4 and 5, and October 1, 1956 at Fox Stage 1, Hollywood.
• Producer / A&R: Lionel Newman / Ken Darby. 
• Engineer: Bob Mayer & Ken Runyon. 
• Guitar: Vito Mumolo; Bass: Mike ”Myer” Rubin; Drums: Richard Cornell; Banjo: Luther “Red” Roundtree; Accordion: Carl Fortina, Dominic Frontieri; Vocals: Rad Robinson, Jon Dodson, Charles Prescott

Disc 2 – Mississippi-Alabama State Fair & Dairy Show, Tupelo - Afternoon Show; 1) Heartbreak Hotel 2:43 (Mae Boren Axton/Tommy Durden/Elvis Presley), 2) Long Tall Sally 2:43 (Richard Penniman/Robert Blackwell/Enotris Johnson), 3) Introductions and presentation 2:36, 4) I Was The One 3:19 (Aaron Schroeder/Claude DeMetrius/Hal Blair/Bill Peppers), 5) I Want You, I Need You, I Love You 2:52 (Maurice Mysels/Ira Kosloff), 6) Elvis talks 0:34, 7) I Got A Woman 2:53 (Ray Charles), 8) Don’t Be Cruel 2:52 (Otis Blackwell/Elvis Presley), 9) Ready Teddy 2:15 (Robert Blackwell/John Marascalco), 10) Love Me Tender 2:58 (Vera Matson/Elvis Presley), 11) Hound Dog 2:48 (Jerry Leiber/Mike Stoller), 12) Vernon and Gladys Predsley 1:44, 13) Nick Adams 1:42, 14) A fan 2:26, 15) Elvis 1:53 - 

Evening Show; 17) Love Me Tender 1:49 (Vera Matson/Elvis Presley), 18) I Was The One 2:47 (Aaron Schroeder/Claude DeMetrius/Hal Blair/Bill Peppers), 19) I Got A Woman 2:52 (Ray Charles), 20) Announcement 1:45, 21) Don’t Be Cruel 2:12 (Otis Blackwell/Elvis Presley), 22) Blue Suede Shoes 2:34 (Carl Perkins), 23) Announcement 1:03, 24) Baby Let’s Play House 2:43 (Arthur Gunter), 25) Hound Dog 3:53 (Jerry Leiber/Mike Stoller). Amateur recording made September 26, 1956. Guitar: Scotty Moore. Guitar: Elvis Presley. Bass: Bill Black. Drums: D.J.Fontana. Vocals: The Jordanaires

Stay Away, Joe

The "Stay Away, Joe" soundtrack will be released on 180 gram vinyl with several additional bonus tracks. The cover art is the same as the CD.

Tracks:
Side 1; 01. Stay Away (2:24), 02. Stay Away, Joe (1:38), 03. Dominic (1:50), 04. All I Needed Was The Rain (1:48), 05. Goin’ Home (2:29), 06. Too Much Monkey Business (2:31), 07. U. S. Male (2:43), 08. Stay Away jam, take 2 (3:43) (1-4 From the MGM motion picture Stay Away, Joe)
Side 2; 01.Too Much Monkey Business (takes 1,3,9) (6:59), 02. All I Needed Was The Rain (track take 3 + VO/M) (2:32), 03. Stay Away, Joe (takes 10,12,13) (2:57), 04. U.S. Male (takes 2,3,5,7) (6:43)
Side 3; 01. Goin’ Home (takes 12,18,21) (3:20), 02. Stay Away (takes 5,6) (2:52), 03. Dominic (takes 1,3,2) (2:41), 04. U.S. Male (takes 9,10) (5:11), 05. Stay Away, Joe (takes 15,16,17) (3:50)
Side 4; 01. Too Much Monkey Business (takes 12,10) (3:51), 02. Stay Away (takes 11,12,14) (4:53), 03. U.S. Male (take 11) (3:26), 04. Goin’ Home (takes 22,24,26,29) (4:07).

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

April 27 - Weekend Charts

The CD "The Nation's Favourite Elvis Songs" climbed from #117 to #84 on the Official UK Album chart this week. 

In Australia the DVD "The King Of Rock And Roll" climbed from #16 to #14 in it's 151st. week on the Music DVD chart.

(Source: FECC / Aria)

April 26 - Elvis Sings ... ?

On Amazon a new release entitled "Elvis Sings" appeared. This single disc release, from RCA / Legacy, is due June 16, 2014. More information when available. 

Tracks:
Promised Land , What'd I Say , Early Mornin' Rain , You've Lost That Loving Feeling , My Babe , Don't Think Twice, It's All Right , Got My Mojo Working / Keep Your Hands Off Of It , Bridge Over Troubled Water , Help Me Make It Through The Night , Gentle On MyMind , Funny How Time Slips Away , Sweet Caroline , You Don't Have To Say You Love Me , Proud Mary , I Got a Woman , Words Something , You Don't Know Me , I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry , Danny Boy , My Way , Tomorrow Is A LongTime, Only the Strong Survive

(Source: Amazon)

April 25 - Good Rockin' Vinyl

The  VPI re-issue of the 1957 French 10 inch LP "Good Rockin' Tonight" was released. This limited edition of 1000 copies comes on 12 inch blue vinyl, contains the eight original and 11 bonus tracks. 

(Source: Elvis Aktuell)

April 23 - Hometown Releases

The vinyl / CD set from the MKR import label, "Hometown Memphis", was released. The set contains live performances, recorded in Elvis Presley's hometown Memphis from 1974 and 1976 on six LP's and four CDs. It is limited to 500 individualy numbered copies. 

(Source: Elvis On CD)

April 22 - That's The Way It Is Jackson

This is the cover art for the upcoming Sony / BMG budget release “Playlist: The Very Best Of Elvis Movie Songs” which is due for release May 27, 2014. 

Tracks: 
1. Love Me Tender, 2. We're Gonna Move, 3. Loving You, 4. Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do, 5. Jailhouse Rock, 6. Baby I Don't Care, 7. Trouble, 8. Frankfort Special, 9. Follow That Dream, 10. Can't Help Falling In Love, 11. I Need Somebody To Lean On, 12. Viva Las Vegas, 13. Return To Sender, 14.  Clean Up Your Own Backyard.

Elvis: That’s The Way It Is On Blu-ray

To celebrate Elvis Week, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will release two of the king's fan-favorites on August 12 as Premium Blu-ray™ Digibooks. The Elvis concert documentary “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is” will be available for the first time on Blu-ray on August 12, 2014. During the Elvis Week in Memphis in August there will be an exclusive screening of the world premiere of Warner Bros’ newly re-mastered version of this classic documentary in the Orpheum Theatre.

"Elvis: That’s The Way It Is - Two Disc Special Edition," which was re-edited and remixed for its acclaimed release in 2000, will now debut on Blu-ray™ as a Premium Digibook, newly remastered, and with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack. In celebration of its 50th anniversary, "Viva Las Vegas" will also be offered as a Premium Blu-ray Digibook. These Premium Digibooks include rare behind-the-scene photos.

"Elvis: That’s the Way It Is" - Two Disc Special Edition Premium Digibook
With thousands of feet of materials including sequences added to capture with greater intimacy Elvis' performances and his creative process behind-the-scenes, the previously released Elvis: That’s The Way It Is - Special Edition is now being made available as a Blu-ray™ two disc Special Edition Premium Digibook. Denis Sanders (Shock Treatment) directed this “rockumentary.” Academy Award® nominated  Lucien Ballard (The Wild Bunch) was the cinematographer, following the show’s development from rehearsal to stage. 

Disc 1 (DVD) 2001 Special Edition and Special Features:
- Patch It Up: The Restoration of Elvis: That's The Way It Is
- 12 Outtakes - song/nonmusical sequences  
- 1970 Original Theatrical Version
Disc 2 (BD) 1970 Original Theatrical Version and Special Features:
- 12 Outtakes - song/nonmusical sequences 

"Viva Las Vegas" 50th Anniversary Premium Digibook
In his highest grossing movie, Elvis shares the screen with Ann-Margret, easily creating the most electrifying teaming Elvis had on screen. He plays Lucky Jackson, a Grand Prix race driver working at a casino to raise cash for a new engine; she’s a hotel swimming instructor - and the romantic action revs up from their first meeting. George Sidney, who also directed Ann-Margret in Bye Bye Birdie, combines the hormonal heat wave with fascinating sights of ’60s Las Vegas. David Winters (West Side Story) choreographed the 10 musical song-and-dance scenes which also featured his dancers. Songs include the high-roller title track, the stars’ duet on “The Lady Loves Me,” her sultry “Appreciation” and The King’s version of Ray Charles’ “What’d I Say.” The soundtrack is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 stereo.

Special Features:
- Commentary by Steve Pond, rock journalist and author of “Elvis in Hollywood”
- Featurette Kingdom: Elvis in Vegas
- Theatrical trailer


Elvis - Look Out Jackson Town

The TNT import label has announced a new 3CD set entitled “Look Out Jackson Town”. This contains the three shows Elvis did in Jackson in June 1975 (June 8th, Afternoon and Evening Shows, and June 9th Evening Show).

From the press-release:
Welcome to the third CD release by TNT Records. Again with a little help from our friends at “Audionics” - probably the premium and still active label when it comes to rare recordings in best possible sound - we decided once more to pick this time three shows from “Tour Number 14” (May 30 – June 10, 1975). 

On this brandnew 3 CD set (Release Date: Early May 2014) you are going to hear the three 1975 concerts Elvis did in Jackson, Mississippi (two shows June 8, one show June 9).

Barely over 200 miles or a 3-hour drive from home - on June 8 and 9, 1975 Elvis had Jackson, Mississippi on his tour schedule to play three concerts in two days at the State Fair Coliseum. Tour Number 14 saw its end coming with just another 4 shows in total to do. From all audible and visual experiences listeners of the Jackson-Shows can have it might only be fair to say that Elvis had quite a lot of fun doing what he loved to do: Just being Elvis Presley, singing “his” songs and entertaining the thousands of people who came to see him live in Concert, paying either the regular ticket price or whatever the many ticket scalpers asked for.

The first of the three shows – the afternoon show from June 8 – has been released exactly a decade ago and was titled “Fly T-R-O-U-B-L-E” – it seemed a perfect title for this release because the minute Elvis entered the stage the whole area around him was swarming with flies. On the recording you can hear several jokes and references to those little beasts throughout some parts of the show! The evening performance of this day brings another perfectly motivated Elvis on stage and he delivers another great mixture of “Oldies but Goldies”, Gospels and contemporary titles such as “An American Trilogy” and “The Wonder Of You”. The concert from June 9 (there was only one show this day) can – again – be called “a great performance”. RCA used “Why Me, Lord” from this show on the 1980 “Silver Box” (called “Elvis Aron Presley” – originally released on vinyl as a 8-LP Box). Another nice detail regarding this show: Elvis performed a spontaneous version of “Help Me Make It Through The Night”, the only time he did this song on the whole tour.

If you have missed the show´s first releases from approximately 10 years ago or if you want to owe them in even better sound than before plus exactly the way they were recorded (without the standard “2001 Theme / See See Rider” opening) you should not miss this great new 3 CD set! You can also expect a great 24-pages booklet full of photos and information including newspaper articles and original paperwork. Ask your local dealer for it, he should have it right in time around the scheduled release date for you!

CD1 State Fair Coliseum, Jackson, 08-06-1975 Afternoon Show: 
01. I Got A Woman / Amen (incomplete) 02. Love Me 03. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 04. Love Me Tender 05. All Shook Up 06. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel 07. Hound Dog 08. The Wonder Of You (incomplete) 09. Burning Love 10. Band Introductions 11. Johnny B. Goode 12. Drum solo (Ronnie Tutt) 13. Bass solo (Jerry Scheff) 14. Piano solo (Glen D. Hardin) 15. School Day 16. T-R-O-U-B-L-E 17. Why Me Lord? 18. How Great Thou Art (with 2 reprises) 19. Let Me Be There 20. Funny How Time Slips Away (with reprise) 21. Little Darlin' 22. Mystery Train / Tiger Man 23. Fever (2 false starts only) 24. Can't Help Falling In Love 25. Closing Vamp

CD2 State Fair Coliseum, Jackson, 08-06-1975 Evening Show: 
01. Love Me (incomplete) 02. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 03. Love Me Tender 04. All Shook Up 05. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel 06. Hound Dog 07. The Wonder Of You 08. Polk Salad Annie 09. Band Introductions 10. Johnny B. Goode 11. Drum solo (Ronnie Tutt) 12. Bass solo (Jerry Scheff) 13. Piano solo (Glen D. Hardin) 14. School Day 15. T-R-O-U-B-L-E 16. Why Me Lord ? 17. How Great Thou Art 18. Let Me Be There 19. An American Trilogy 20. Little Darlin' 21. Mystery Train / Tiger Man 22. Funny How Time Slips Away 23. Can't Help Falling In Love 24. Closing Vamp

CD3 State Fair Coliseum, Jackson, 09-06-1975 Evening Show: 
01. I Got A Woman / Amen (incomplete) 02. Love Me 03. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 04. Love Me Tender (false start only) / All Shook Up 05. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel 06. Hound Dog 07. The Wonder Of You 08. Polk Salad Annie 09. Band Introductions 10. Johnny B. Goode 11. Drum solo (Ronnie Tutt) 12. Bass solo (Jerry Scheff) 13. Piano solo (Glen D. Hardin) 14. School Day 15. T-R-O-U-B-L-E 16. Why Me Lord ? 17. Let Me Be There 18. An American Trilogy 19. Funny How Time Slips Away 20. Mystery Train / Tiger Man 21. Help Me Make lt Through The Night 22. Can't Help Falling In Love 23. Closing Vamp 

(Source: The King's World / Elvis Aktuell / FECC)

April 21 - Unofficial Archives

The 64 page hardcover book “Elvis the King: The Authorized Book from the Graceland Archives” by Gillian G. is due on May 8, 2014 from Carlton Books Ltd. 

Synopsis:
Elvis passed away in 1977 but his spirit lives on. His records still sell, his movies are still hugely popular and his concerts are still discussed by new generations of fans. The Elvis Presley estate has selected from tens of thousands of photographs from all eras of Elvis' career to make this book, which adds up to a beautiful, desirable package that is ideal for any Elvis fan.

Gillian G. Gaar is the author of She's A Rebel: The History Of Women In Rock & Roll; Green Day: Rebels With A Cause; Nirvana: In Utero; The Rough Guide To Nirvana; and Return of the King: Elvis Presley's Great Comeback. She has also written for Mojo, Rolling Stone, Goldmine, and served as a project consultant on Nirvana's With The Lights Out boxed set. She lives in Seattle, Washington State, USA.

The Elvis Archives

Todd Slaughter's "The Elvis Archives" to be republished: A major seller on its original release in 2004, The Elvis Archives by UK fan club supremo, Todd Slaughter and noted Elvis author/researcher, Anne E. Nixon, will be re-published by Omnibus Press in paperback form in early September. Amazon is taking pre-orders (Price: $8.95) for what is a well researched and informative book. 

Weekend Chart

The DVD “The King Of Rock ’n’ Roll” marked it’s 150th week on the Australian Music DVD chart this week, dropping from #10 to #16. 

The CD "The nation Favourite Elvis Songs" climbed from #131 to #117 on the Official UK Album Chart (sales: less than 1,000 units)

(Source: Amazon / The King's World / FECC)

April 19 - Viva The Moments

Due for release from Turner Classic Movies and Warner Home Video is a double DVD pack containing the movies "Jailhouse Rock"(1957) and "Viva Las Vegas"(1964). The set, part of the "Greatest Classic Films" series is due April 29, 2014.

Own The Moments

Due from Fox Home Entertainment on May 6, 2014 is the 4 movie set "Own The Moments" containing the movies "Love Me Tender", "Kid Galahad", "Wild In the Country"and "Flaming Star".

From The MGM Vaults - Volume 1

The first release from the new Leda Records import label, "From The MGM Vaults - Volume 1" was released. The CD contains the Midnight Show performance, recorded on August 11, 1970. 

Tracks:

Intro / That’s All Right - I Got A Woman - Hound Dog - Love Me Tender - There Goes My Everything - Just Pretend - I Just Can’t Help Believing - Something - Men With Broken Hearts / Short Poem - Walk A Mile In My Shoes - You Lost That Loving Feeling - Polk Salad Annie - One Night - Don’t Be Cruel - Love Me - Instrumental Vamp - Heartbreak Hotel - Introductions Of Musicians And Backup Vocalists - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Mind - Can’t Help Falling In Love. Bonus Songs (11.08.1970 D/S):  I Just Can’t Help Believing - I Just Can’t Help Believing

(Source: Turner Classic Movies / Warner Home Video / Elvis Aktuell)

April 18 - Golden Jazz

The Overjazz Records label released their version of "Elvis' Golden Records - Volume 3" on vinyl. It comes with two bonus tracks. 

Tracks:
It's Now Or Never -  Stuck On You - Fame And Fortune - I Gotta Know - Surrender - I Feel So Bad - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - (Marie's The Name Of) His Latest Flame - Little Sister - Good Luck Charm - Anything That's Part Of You - She's Not You
Bonus Songs:
Loving You - Good Rockin' Tonight

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / OverJazz)

April 17 - Free Philosophy

A free surprise for all Elvis Presley fans; the ebook "How Does It Feel?: Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and the Philosophy of Rock and Roll" by Grant Maxwell will be available for free download on Friday, April 18th.

Synopsis:
How Does It Feel? traces the significance of rock and roll through the early careers of Presley, The Beatles, and Dylan, drawing on some of the most profound philosophical ideas of the last few centuries.

According to Richard Tarnas, author of national bestseller The Passion of the Western Mind: “Grant Maxwell examines the recorded music of popular culture with the same subtlety and care as he brings to the literary and philosophical texts of high culture. He seeks not just breadth of knowledge but coherence of insight; not just accumulation of knowledge but depth of understanding.”  From the recording of Presley’s first hit at Sun Studio to the Beatles’ primal Hamburg initiation to Dylan’s “transfiguration,” this study suggests that archaic modes of thought, including those associated with mysticism, alchemy, shamanism, and ecstatic spiritual practice, and even with often trivialized phenomena described by words like “magic,” “destiny,” and “prophecy,” are vitally important for understanding how these musicians were able to catalyze the inception of an epochal revolution in human consciousness.

Download:
Visit http://amzn.com/B00IXRBW1I for excerpts and reviews, and to download the book. And visit www.rockandrollphilosopher.com for author bio.

April 16 - Collecting Platinum

Due for release from Not Now Music on May 19, 2014 is a 3LP white vinyl gatefold set entitled “The Platinum Collection”. 

That’s Allright

A few weeks back it was reported that Elvis Presley’s copy of “That’s All Right” was missing from the line-u of the five SUN singles. An EPE staff member replied "That's out on loan to another Museum." 
Finally EPE Archives Staff replied “No it's not out "on loan."  It is on the media tour with our staff that we do each year to promote our new exhibits.  It will be home next week to re-join the 60 Years of Elvis exhibit."

Collecting Elvis

Volume 60 in the German “Elvis Sammlung” was released by De’Agostini. This volume contains a magazine, memorabilia reproductions and a mini-poster for the “Blue Hawaii” soundtrack. 

(Source: Elvis Express / Amazon / Elvis Sammlung)

April 15 - Golden Vinyl

The vinyl re-issue of "Elvis Golden Records: Volume 2" from the Friday Music Records label was released.  Contrary to the original this edition comes with a fold-out cover.

Tracks:
A Big Hunk O' Love , My Wish Came True , (Now And Then There's) A Fool Such As I, I Need Your Love Tonight , Don't , I Beg Of You , Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) Party , Paralyzed , One Night , I Got Stung , King Creole , Wear My Ring Around Your Neck. Doncha' Think It's Time.

(Source: Elvis Aktuell / Amazon)

April 14 - Walkin' Talkin' Glitz City Blues

Coming out soon is the new Straight Arrow CD release titled "Walkin' Talkin' Glitz City Blues", featuring the August 23rd, 1972 Dinner show. 

From the press-release:
It is taken from an original mono audience recording in remarkably good sound. Yes, we used the original actual cassette that was used to record this concert in the first place, and we were able to improve the sound-quality noticeably. 

It’s unlikely that anyone who saw Elvis Presley on stage during the Summer ’72 engagement came away disappointed. Presley looked fabulous: he had a nice tan, he was slim, and both the jumpsuit and the jacket / pants combinations that he was experimenting with looked rather good on him. His shows that season were tight and highly professional, and truly offered something for everybody. The setlist was largely based on the MSG one, with new additions like ‘What Now My Love’ and ‘My Way’ adding extra spice to the show. The dinner show from August 23rd, 1972 is a topnotch performance. He’s right in the middle of the engagement, with still about two weeks left, but he delivers the goods and puts his soul especially into the power ballads. It’s not unlikely that he may have wanted to impress journalist Joe Delaney, a reviewer for the Las Vegas Sun and an old friend of the Colonel’s, who was in the audience that night.
It should be noted that the August 23, 1972 Dinner show is completely new, even for die-hard Elvis fans. This concert has never been in circulation in any form. Unfortunately the tape ran out before the finale of "My Way". The producers decided to use (great sounding) original tapes of the August 22nd, 1972 M/S and the August 23rd, 1972 M/S from their vaults, to fill out the missing part.
This release is presented in Straight Arrow‘s traditional deluxe digipack, designed by one of the best graphic artists in the Elvis world, rare photos from this engagement (he actually wore the blue swirl at this show) as well as intelligent liner-notes that give you the low-down on this show.

Tracks:
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. You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling - 07. Polk Salad Annie - 08. Instrumental Intermezzo / Monologue - 09. What Now My Love - 10. Fever - 11. Love Me - 12. Blue Suede Shoes - 13. Heartbreak Hotel - 14. Little Sister / Get Back - 15. All Shook Up - 16. Love Me Tender - 17. Hound Dog - 18. I'll Remember You - 19. Walk That Lonesome Road (J. D. Sumner and The Stamps) - 20. Suspicious Minds - 21. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 22. Introduction of journalist / reviewer Joe Delaney - 23. My Way* - 24. A Big Hunk O' Love** - 25. Mystery Train*** / Tiger Man** - 26. Can't Help Falling In Love** - 27. Closing Vamp** 
* spliced with August 23, 1972 D/S version 
** recorded on August 23, 1972 D/S 
*** spliced with August 22, 1972 M/S version

Playlist

Due from RCA International on May 27, 2014 is the compilation "Playlist: The Very Best Of Elvis Movie Songs". 

Tracks:
Love Me Tender - We're Gonna Move - Loving You - Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do! - Jailhouse Rock Baby I Don't Care - Trouble - Frankfort Special - Follow That Dream - Can't Help Falling In Love - I Need Somebody To Lean On - Viva Las Vegas - Return To Sender - Clean Up Your Own Backyard.

Good Rockin' Tonight

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the release of the song "That's All Right", VPI announced the release of a Special Collector's Edition of the most sought after Elvis French 10 inch LP's "Good Rockin' Tonight". It was originally released in 1957 and considered for a long time as the only album to include the SUN recordings in their original unaltered sound. The album is available april 18, 2014 in an exclusive and limited edition re-issue of 1000 numbered copies on 12 inch blue colored vinyl. It contains 19 remastered tracks: 8 original songs plus 11 bonus tracks (alternate takes and rare tracks).

Side A (Original tracks and bonus track)
1. Good Rockin' Tonight
2. I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine
3. That's All Right
4. Blue Moon Of Kentucky
5. Baby Let's Play House
6. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone
7. Milkcow Blues Boogie
8. You're A Heartbreaker
9. I Forgot To Remember To Forget (Live) - Bonus Track

Side B (Bonus Tracks)
1. I Forgot To Remember To Forget 
2. Mystery Train 
3. I Love You Because 
4. Blue Moon 
5. I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin') (Alternate Track)
6. I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin')
7. Just Because 
8. Tryin' To Get To You
9. Little Mama (Live)

Elvis Released

Out Now from the Spanish Wax Time Label is the vinyl re-issue of Elvis Presley's second album "Elvis" (1956) The album contains the eight original tracks and four bonus tracks. 

Tracks:
Rip It Up (1:56) 02. Love Me (2:46) 03. When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again (2:23) 04. Long Tall Sally (1:56) 05. First In Line (3:24) 06. Paralyzed (2:29) 07. So Glad You're Mine (2:23)  08. Old Shep (4:13)  09. Ready Teddy (1:59) 10. Anyplace Is Paradise (2:28)  11. How's The World Treating You (2:27) 12. How Do You Think I Feel (2:15)

Unique poster on TV show
 

The popular tv show Antiques Roadshow is in Kansas City, Missouri, where host Mark L. Walberg joins appraiser Daile Kaplan at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to learn about the photography of Dorothea Lange. Highlights include a 1955 Elvis Presley concert poster, with Presley billed at the bottom. It's a very remarkable find, and only a few posters have surfaced. In fact, a few years ago, one of those posters sold voor 25,000.00 $US on eBay.

(Source: FECC / Elvis My Happiness / ElvisMatters / Elvis Aktuell / Elvis And His Music)

April 13 - Follow That Blu-ray

The movie "Follow That Dream" will be released on Blu-ray by Twilight Time in the U.S. as a limited edition of 3000 copies. The release-date for the movie is July 14, 2014, distribution will most likely be supplied from MGM.

Charts

The DVD "The King Of Rock ’n’ Roll" climbed from #16 to #10 on the Australian Music DVD chart.

(Source: FECC / ARIA)

April 12 - Recorded Live On Vinyl

The Music On Vinyl label announced a 40th. Anniversary Edition vinyl re-issue of the classic "Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis". It contains the original concert, with the Richmond Show and rehearsals from August. This release comes on 4 discs 180 gram vinyl, a 3-fold gatefold sleeve, a 16 page booklet and re-mastered audio. Due for release on May 12, 2014.

Product information:
Following the artistic success of his 1973 'Stax Sessions' and the global phenomenon of the 'Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite' album (both also available on vinyl) and broadcast the same year, Elvis opened 1974 with a 15 city tour routed to end in Memphis and a state-of-the-art concert recording. When originally released as a single LP, 'Elvis Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis' reached #1 on the Country charts and featured 'How Great Thou Art', the track that would bring Elvis his third Grammy win. 

This luxury quadruple vinyl reissue contains a previously unreleased 'Test Run' of the entire show recorded with a live audience at the Richmond Coliseum a few days before the legendary concert. The remarkable 'test run' performance was recorded in MONO, drenched in the reverb Elvis preferred, and provides new insight into the magic of Elvis. 

As a special added bonus for Elvis aficionados, also included are five intimate tracks (three of them previously unreleased) cut at the RCA Studios in Hollywood on August 16, 1974. Originally intended as reference recordings for an upcoming Las Vegas engagement, the performances, which include 'Down In The Alley', 'Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues', 'Softly As I Leave You', 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' and 'The Twelfth Of Never', provide a rare fly-on-the-wall glimpse into Elvis' consummate backstage artistry as he prepares these songs for concert.

'Elvis Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis' includes a 16 page booklet featuring rare photos, previously unseen memorabilia, new liner notes, press clips and more.

Memphis Mafia Princess 

Shirley Dieu lived with Joe Esposito for five years and travelled with him on all of Elvis' tours and vacations as well as Graceland. She was also a good friend to Elvis and remains close to this day to Joe, Priscilla, Jerry, and David Stanley and others as well. Shirley notes.... 

My book 'Memphis Mafia Princess: Living In 'The Elvis World'' will be not like any other Elvis book out there. The thing that makes it so different, is that it is all about the "good times" and all of the wonderful things that all of us did together with Elvis. The funny little things that he did. Things that he laughed at and the things that we laughed at with him. The vacations, the crack-ups and the truth about a lot of things that so many others have never told. (Or that they have told completely opposite of what really was) Especially in the final years. There were some great times in the final years, unfortunately no one ever talks about those times. But I do in 'Memphis Mafia Princess'.

Shirley Dieu has been working on her book since 2012 but it will hopefully be ready later this year.

(Source: Elvis And His Music / Elvis Aktuell / Elvis Information Network)

April 11 - Shoot The Advertisement

The Elvis Presley estate is now suing the maker of Beretta firearms for falsely suggesting that the King has endorsed its latest model. The estate, formally known as Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., is asking for $75,000 in damages because of Beretta’s ad campaign promoting the Model 692.

Elvis Presley was an avid gun aficionado and once owned a Beretta firearm. But according to the Presley estate, that still doesn't give the Italian company that manufactures Beretta guns the right to use Presley's image in an advertising campaign.

On Thursday, a false advertising and publicity rights lawsuit was filed in Tennessee federal court against Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A. The complaint says that Beretta introduced a shotgun for sporting clays shooting and used advertising "intended to suggest that the gun's status ultimately would be equivalent to Elvis' legendary status as an entertainer." 

The model 692 was introduced at popular gun trade shows including the 2014 SHOT in Las Vegas. "As part of the Elvis Themed Advertising Campaign, Beretta advertised that Elvis was coming to these events," says the lawsuit. "At every venue, Beretta had Elvis impersonators to appear and/or perform and greet the gun enthusiasts attending such events. In some cases, they had the Elvis impersonators pose with the weapons."

Then, there were posters. According to the lawsuit, "As part of the Elvis Themed Advertising Campaign, Beretta created or had created advertising posters that feature an image of a performer appearing to be Elvis facing an audience wearing a jumpsuit in the style typically associated with Elvis with a shooting vest and ear protectors on so as to associate Beretta's products with Elvis."

(Source: Billboard)

April 10 - #1 In India

The very popular website India.com listed the 5 most influential singers of all time. Guess who ended up first? 

1. Elvis Presley
2. Michael Jackson
3. John Lennon
4. Madonna
5. Eminem.

From the website: 
You don’t need to be in a band to make it big in the music industry, all you need is talent, good looks and a little bit of luck, here are some of the greatest solo music artists, who revolutionised the music industry both in the West and in India to some extent:

Elvis Presley (1935- 1977): Elvis Presley sold more albums than any other individual music artist in history, and the second most overall (the Beatles sold more). As well as being a musician, Elvis was also an actor appearing in movies like Jailhouse Rock, Blue Hawaii and Love Me Tender. Some of Elvis’s most popular songs are Jailhouse Rock, Hound Dog, A Little Less Conversation, Blue Suede Shoes and Viva Las Vegas. Elvis remains on of the most recognisable singers to this day and his voice uniquely unmistakable. He is often called the King of Rock n’ Roll or simply the King. Between 1977 and 1980, despite being dead, Elvis earned more money than any other musician.

(Source: India.com / ElvisMatters)

April 09 - The King And I

Due for release from The Rocumentary (Intergroove) label is the 1 hour musical documentary “The King And I”.

(Source: Amazon)

April 07 - Graceland.com

After securing the domain http://www.graceland.com Elvis Presley Enterprises put a new website on-line to help you plan "your ultimate Rock 'n' Roll pilgrimage". 

From the website:
The new website enables fans to experience the king's home on their mobile device, tablet or computer. See a complete guide to visiting Memphis, including mansion tours, featured exhibits, dining options, hotel packages, local attractions and more. Also, fans can learn more about Elvis events happening at Graceland and around the world, plus tune in for live events taking place here at the king's home - such as the Candlelight Vigil, Birthday Proclamation Ceremony, annual Lighting Ceremony and various events taking place all throughout the year. 

April 04 - Weekend Soundtracks

The CD "The Nations Favourite Elvis Songs Album" dropped from #174 last week to #197 on the Official UK Album Chart while the Sony Legacy re-issue "Elvis - As Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis" drops completely out of the Top 200 album charts from #74 last week.

The 1974 Memphis Concert CD also dropped off the Billboard Album Top 200 in the US after entering that chart just one week ago at #185. It was Elvis Presley's 130th album on that chart. The CD also dropped out of the album charts in Austria, Switzerland and Italy after just one week. 

The DVD "The King Of Rock ’n’ Roll" re-entered the Australian Music DVD chart once more at # 16. 

Soundtracks

Due from the UK based Hallmark budget label is the soundtrack "King Creole". The CD is due April 29, 2014. Also due from the same label on the same date the soundtracks fro "Blue Hawaii"and "G.I. Blues".

Tracks King Creole:
King Creole - As Long As I Have You - Hard Headed Woman - Trouble - Dixieland Rock - Don't Ask Me Why - Lover Doll - Crawfish - Young Dreams - Steadfast, Loyal And True - New Orleans

Tracks G.I. Blues:
Tonight Is So Right For Love - What's She Really Like - Frankfort Special - Wooden Heart - G. I. Blues - Pocketful Of Rainbows - Shoppin' Around - Big Boots - Didja' Ever - Blue Suede Shoes - Doin' The Best I Can

Tracks Blue Hawaii:
Blue Hawaii - Almost Always True - Aloha Oe - No More - Can't Help Falling In Love - Rock-A-Hula Baby - Moonlight Swim - Ku-U-I-Po - Ito Eats - Slicin' Sand - Hawaiian Sunset - Beach Boy Blues - Island Of Love - Hawaiian Wedding Song

The Elvis Movies

The book “The Elvis Movies by james L. Neibaur was released. The author looks at the 31 movies Elvis Presley made, from “Love Me Tender” in 1956 to “Change of Habit” in 1969.

Synopsis:
Most of these were star vehicles tailor-made for his image. As Neibaur points out, Elvis had a real interest in being a good actor, but his initial promise was soon thwarted by anti-creative decisions that sold a packaged version of the singer. Despite lapsing into a predictable formula of lightweight musicals, Elvis Presley’s star power ensured that the films became box office successes. Neibaur examines each film, providing information about their production and offering assessments about their value in general, as well as their place in the Presley canon. Additional details include behind-the-scenes personnel, costars, DVD availability, and featured hit songs.


About the author: James L. Neibaur is a highly regarded film historian, reviewer and author whose critically acclaimed books include volumes on Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, Bob Hope, Jerry Lewis and the RKO Features. 

(Source: FECC / Elvis Club Berlin / Elvis Aktuell / The King's World)

April 03 - From The MGM Vaults Volume 1

The new import label Leda Records announced the release of the CS "From The MGM Vaults Volume 1" containing the midnight show as recorded on  August 11, 1970 in Las Vegas. According to the announcement in "the best possible sound ever!".

From the update:
1) Intro - That’s All Right (2.54) 2) I Got A Woman (3.15) 3) Hound Dog (3.31) 4) Love Me Tender (4.08) 5) There Goes My Everything (2.59) 6) Just Pretend (4.29) 7) I Just Can’t Help Believing (4.46) 8) Something (3.45) 9) Men With Broken Hearts - Short Poem (0.37) 10) Walk A Mile In My Shoes (2.11) 11) You Lost That Loving Feeling (4.34) 12) Polk Salad Annie (5.02) 13) One Night (2.03) 14) Don’t Be Cruel (1.38) 15) Love Me (1.50) 16) Instrumental Vamp (1.04) 17) Heartbreak Hotel (1.40) 18) Introductions Of Musicians And Backup Vocalists (3.05) 19) Bridge Over Troubled Water (4.16) 20) Suspicious Mind (6.06) 21) Can’t Help Falling In Love (3.22) 
Bonus songs: 
August 11, 1970 Dinner show
22) I Just Can’t Help Believing (1.12) 23) I Just Can’t Help Believing (5.19) 

Liner notes:

August 11, 1970 midnight show is one of Elvis Presley’s greatest performances with a set list that moves fast and furious from the opening number That's All Right to the closing performance of Can't Help Falling In Love. Elvis is in top form as he was also playing to the cameras as they were filming the iconic documentary, Elvis That's The Way It Is. Now for the first time this show is available in incredible sound from the lost MGM tape mix down of the track masters and has never been heard before, so get ready grab a front row seat and listen to the man who continued to change himself and the music world...the messiah.

Ginger Alden Autobiography Delayed

The publication date of Ginger Alden's new book has been delayed - with the release date now being stated as September 2, 2014. Ginger Alden, Elvis Presley's fiancee at the time of his death in 1977, is publishing her upcoming memoir, 'Elvis & Ginger: Elvis Presley's Fiancee and Last Love Finally Tells Her Story'.

(Source: FECC / Elvis Information Network)

April 02 - Collecting Hot Shot DVDs

JAT Publishing announced the release of volume 7 in their "Hot Shots and Cool Clips" series. According to the cover it contains 45 minutes of unreleased material in black and white and color. The only content mentioned is "featuring the making of "It Happened At The World's Fair". 

Collecting Elvis

Volume 59 in the De Agostini series "Elvis – Die offizielle Sammler-Edition“ was released. This volume contains a 28 pages magazine, memorabilia reproductions and a mini-poster for the ovie "Jailhouse Rock". 

That's Not Allright

One of E.E.R's listeners sent in his photo of the 4 SUN record display and the obvious gap where "Thats All Right" once stood. When the listener asked a EPE staff member where the record was? The reply was, "That's out on loan to another Museum." 

The fact remains, in this, the 60th Anniversary of Elvis busting down the music barriers with "Thats All Right", the record that started it all should be there, on display. Not out on loan to some other museum. Rumor has it that the copy of Elvis' historic first record which is usually on display at Graceland is a fake, but that is neither here nor there.

(Source: FECC / Elvis Sammlung / Elvis Express / ElvisMatters)