June 29 - Giving All You Got For Rock And Roll

 The VV label has announced a new double vinyl / CD combo; Rock Is Back. This contains an audience recording of the Midnight Show in Las Vegas on August 15, 1969. Due for release in September.

From the press-release:
To be released soon (early September) from the "VV" label an unreleased show from the magical Elvis’ first Las Vegas season titled "ROCK IS BACK" and will feature the Las Vegas August 15, 1969 Midnight Show. We are glad and overall happy to have the possibility to produce a show from Elvis very first season.
VV label for his seventh release is proud to present the complete show from August 15th midnight performance of the first Elvis’ historical Vegas season.

The midnight show from August 15th, as presented on this double vinyl set, represents one of the best show of Elvis’ first and maybe best Vegas season, Elvis’ first Vegas act is incredible, like a wild animal free from his cage, Elvis gave life to a memorable first season. Dressed in black tunic, Elvis stepped in the stage shaking, gyrating like nothing was changed in the last 9 years of his absence from the stage, He performed the best of his past hits and the new two singles from the Memphis 1969 sessions. The music is the focus of the season, Elvis appear better than ever, concentrate and strong He delivered a long show with no surprises in the track list respect the season, but pure dynamite from the begin to the end of the show.

This recording come from an early generation copy of the master tape, the sound quality is very good considering the first season. We have on our hands the original mono tape of extremely good quality enabling us to carry out simple re-mastering work, concentrating on the reduction of noise trying to achieve a more clear sound and of Elvis, keeping his vocal power up in the central mix and at the same time trying to give a great definition to the background music. The Tape is almost complete, missing a little part of the Life Story dialogue , while we have been able to include Can’t help falling in Love from a different source of the same show in the matter to give to the show the deserved completeness. So enjoy our work and realize: this is one of the best possible audience recording of this season you can find all around! In spite the RCA recording of the last week of the season; here you have the chance to listen to a solid and powerful Elvis in an almost complete show far away from nervousness of an opening night or a professional recording.

As usually We try always to give more release after release at least something different, this new LP comes with an classic sleeve as our last release with a new beautiful concert giving an unique view. The bonus cd comes with expanded tracklist with included a few tracks from an alternate source , the same used to complete the concert with the song Can’t help Falling in Love . We decide to include expanded booklet Lp sized to complete this beautiful package. Limited to 500 copies.

Vinyl:
Side A: Opening Theme / Blue Suede Shoes - I Got A Woman - All Shook Up - Love Me tender - Jailhouse Rock / Don’t Be Cruel
Side B: Heartbreak Hotel - Hound Dog - Memories - Mystery Train / Tiger Man
Side C: Life Story - Baby What You Want Me To Do - Runaway - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Yesterday - Hey Jude
Side D: Band Introduction & Elvis Introduced Jerry Lee Lewis - In The Ghetto - Suspicious Minds - What‘d I Say - Can’t Help Falling Love

Bonus-CD:
Opening Theme / Blue Suede Shoes - I Got A Woman - All Shook Up - Love Me Tender - Jailhouse Rock / Don’t Be Cruel - Heartbreak Hotel - Hound Dog - Memories - Mystery Train / Tiger Man - Life Story - Baby What You Want Me To Do - Runaway - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Yesterday - Hey Jude - Band Introduction & Elvis Introduced Jerry Lee Lewis - In The Ghetto - Suspicious Minds - What‘d I Say - Can’t Help Falling Love – Bonus Tracks: Baby What You Want Me To Do - Runaway - In The Ghetto - Suspicious Minds

Giving You All I Got

 The SR label has announced a new CD; Giving You All I Got. This contains an audience recording of the Midnight Show in Las Vegas on August 10, 1972. To celebrate 10 years in business the label has included a booklet, a poster and EP as bonus. Limited to 500 worldwide.

From the press-release:
The forthcoming release from the "SR" label is titled "Giving You All I Got" and will feature the unreleased show from Las Vegas August 10, 1972 MS. This will be the second volume dedicated on August 1972 Vegas season and it will see the light at the begin of September.
As everybody knows SR concentrates it's work on early 70's live period of Elvis' activity, trying to produce always unreleased shows with Elvis at the top of his possibilities. With the new release, we are proud to present the complete show from August 10th midnight show, a great show from one of the best Las Vegas season,... Elvis' love and joy in the singing is clear in this tape and we are glad to give you the opportunity to listen to it. After an incredible June tour with the four historical New York performances…Elvis is back in Las Vegas for the classic Summer Season…. The seventh season presents maybe for the last time Elvis at his best. Elvis still able to delivery a show in continue development with a very large range of musical tastes delivered at the best of the man possibilities. The show here presented consist is a collection of songs of quality which was the very best Elvis had ever performed on stage.


This recording come from an early generation copy of the master tape, the sound quality is excellent considering the early Vegas Season. It sounds incredible to get such audio quality from a tape of 43 years ago, so we proud of to be able to give the chance to you listen the show like you were one of the lucky people who attended the real show. The sound was restored in matter to remove the background noise and preserving Elvis’ voice and delivering it at the right speed.

As the previous release the SR to celebrate the 10 years of activities this new release will be housed in a special large digipack 7” (17,5x17.5 cm) with inside a six pages booklet&poster +bonus card each one sealed individually. Due the extreme success of the previous initiative we decide to give you more!! For this new CD all the 500 copies will be accompanied from a bonus EP vinyl 33 rpm speed including four songs from the show.

Tracks: 
2001 Theme - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Proud Mary - Until It’s Time For You To Go - You’Ve Lost Than Loving Feeling - Polk Salad Annie - What Now My Love - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - Love Me - Blue Suede Shoes - Heartbreak Hotel - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Hound Dog - For The Good Times - Suspicious Minds - Band Introduction - My Way - An America Trilogy - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

Bonus EP:
Side A:Until It’s Time For You To Go - You’Ve Lost Than Loving Feeling
Side B: Polk Salad Annie - For The Good Times.

(Source: FECC)

June 28 - Jack Carter dies at 93

Comedian Jack Carter, who starred as himself in the Elvis Presley 1964 film Viva Las Vegas, died on 28 June at the age of 93. Carter was known for his caustic comedy style and had a career on stage and television that lasted for more than 50 years. He starred in shows such as Baywatch, Murder She Wrote and Family Guy, has died.

(Source: ElvisMatters)

June 27 - Follow that 3D Elvis

The new Follow That Dream Collector releases have been shipped to the dealers; the “Elvis' Golden Records” CD, the vinyl LP “Elvis at American Sound” (180gram vinyl, mastered at Abbey Road, London) and the “Change Of Habit”  book / CD combo. This deluxe hardback book is published by FTD/Flaming Star with more than 450 pages and over 150 unpublished photos from the movie, on the set, plus candids from the same period, it captures Elvis at his very best. The CD included with this book includes the album Let’s Be Friends plus the bonus tracks ”Rubberneckin’” and ”Let Us Pray”.

3D Printed Elvis Clone in the Works

Another cause that’s near and dear to people’s hearts is the idea that Elvis Presley is not dead: Elvis Lives! And a new partnership between Authentic Brands Group (ABG) and Staramba, a new company using photogrammetric 3D scanning for 3D printing merchandising, is bringing Elvis back from the dead with plans to use the latest scanning technology to create a “3D printed clone” of Elvis! This deal also allows for more figurines and merchandise related to many more global superstars represented by ABG, such as Marilyn Monroe and Muhammad Ali. They also plan to create 3D printed selfie figurines with your favorite celebrities: think, Me and Elvis, or Me and Marilyn Monroe and you’re on the right track.

Track list Elvis' Golden Records:
CD 1: Original Album: 1. Hound Dog, 2. Loving You, 3. All Shook Up, 4. Heartbreak Hotel, 5. Jailhouse Rock, 6. Love Me, 7. Too Much - 8. Don't Be Cruel, 9. That's When Your Heartaches Begin, 10. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear, 11. Love Me Tender, 12. Treat Me Nice , 13. Any Way You Want Me (That's How I Will Be), 14. I Want You, I Need You, I Love You
Bonus Songs: 15. My Baby Left Me, 16. Playing For Keeps, 17. Blue Suede Shoes, 18. I Was The One
The stereo And Binaural Hits: 19. Jailhouse Rock, 20. Love Me Tender, 21. Treat Me Nice - undubbed movie master (Previously unreleassed in binaural), 22. Loving You - KX take 8, 23. That's When Your Heartaches Begin - splice of takes 7/M & 6 (Previously unreleased edit)

CD 2: The Binaural Session Tapes: 1. Mean Woman Blues - take 14/M, 2. Blueberry Hill - takes 1-2, 3. Blueberry Hill - take 3, 4. Blueberry Hill - takes 4-7, 5. Blueberry Hill - take 8, 6. Blueberry Hill - take 9/M, 7. That's When Your Heartaches Begin - take 1, 8. That's When Your Heartaches Begin - take 2, 9. That's When Your Heartaches Begin - takes 3-6, 10. That's When Your Heartaches Begin - takes 7-13, 11. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? - takes 1-2, 12. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? - takes 3-7, 13. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? - takes 8-13, 14. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? - take 14, 15. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? - take 15/M, 16. I Beg Of You - take 1, 17. I Beg Of You - takes 2-5, 18. I Beg Of You - take 6, 19. I Beg Of You - takes 7-11, 20. I Beg Of You - take 12/M

Track list From Elvis At American Sound Studio's: 
Side A - 01 Kentucky Rain – take 8 3:32 - 02 My Little Friend – master 2:49 - 03 Rubberneckin’ – takes 1,2/M 2.50 - 04 If I’m A Fool (For Loving You) – master 2:46 - 05 True Love Travels On A Gravel Road – take 5 (2.55) - 06. Hey Jude – take 1 (4.34)
Side B – 01 I’ll Be There – takes 1, 2 3M 4.40 - 02 Kentucky Rain – takes 5, 6, 7 6.06 - 03 Who Am I? – undubbed master 3:25 - 04 Memory Revival – instrumental 4:05
Side C - 01 If I’m A Fool (For Loving You) – takes1, 2, 3 5:56 - 02 Come Out, Come Out (Wherever You Are) – instrumental take 2/M 2:47 - 03 Mama Liked The Roses – alternative vocal overdub 2:30 - 04 Kentucky Rain – take 9 3:58 - 05 In The Ghetto – take 19 3:08
Side D - 01 Poor Man’s Gold – take 12/M with abandoned vocal overdub 3:38 - 02 I’ll Be There – takes 4, 5, 6 3.15 - 03 Do You Know Who I Am? – takes 3, 5 6:59 - 04 Only The Strong Survive – takes 8,11, 12 5:55

A Touch Of Gold At The Printers

The new book from the Elvis Files Erik Lorentzen is now getting its final check.  Edited by Gordon Minto, Designed by Neil Chris Middleton. 416 Glossy pages with more than 600 photos.

Synopsis: "Boldly handsome with unruly dark hair, dressed in gold lame, sideburns and lull sensuous lips, ELVIS let loose on stage and the screaming began. Screams of delight from women for whom his wildly abandoned style of singing very honestly spelt out sex appeal. Screams from many adults who resented the big, brawny young man with fantastic rhythm and no inhibition. The outcry against the boy from Memphis was loud and furious. And he was called "vulgar, animalistic, a tomcat on a back fence". Many hoped he was just a phase that would pass. Elvis Presley wasn't passing though. Then critics tried to change his unique style and to tame the rocking singer. Despite tremendous pressure, Elvis wouldn't be changed either. And why should he? He saw nothing wrong in what he did. Elvis was not as sophisticated as his critics. On stage he worked with honest zest, with the full enjoyment he felt for everything in life. At the time when so few other people dared to be different, he was an Individual, a creator of a vivid, flamboyant style. For this he was ridiculed and feared."

(Source: The King’s World / 3D Print / The Elvis Shop London / Elvis Information Network)

June 26 - DVD Charts

Two new 4 DVD sets are due from Paramount September 9, 2015 in France, both entitled “Coffret Elvis”. The first box contains “G.I. Blues”, “L´Homme À Tout Faire”, “L´Idole D´Acapulco”, “3 Gars, 2 Filles Et Un Tresor” and the second box “”Paradis Hawaiien”, “Bagarres Au King Creole”, “Des Filles, Encore Des Filles” and “Sous Le Ciel Bleu D’Hawaii”. 

Charts

The DVD-Box “Music Legends: Elvis Presley” dropped from #3 to #5 on the Irish Music DVD chart. 

On the US Billboard Charts for the week ending July 4, 2015 the  "Heart And Soul" compilation climbs from #23 to #22. 

The “Elvis Love Songs” compilation dropped off the Scottish Album charts from last weeks listing at #97.

The DVD "The King Of Rock ’n’ Roll" re-entered the Australian Music DVD chart at #22.

The “The Essential Elvis Presley“ remained steady at #5 on the Belgian Ultratop MidPrice Album chart.

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / The King’s World / FECC Official UK Charts)

June 24 - Hard Knock Auctions

The original TCB necklace, owned by Jerry Scheff, has been sold at Bonhams Auctions. Elvis Presley's bass player received the 14K gold necklace from Elvis in the early 70s. The necklace was sold for 11.970 euro. Among the other items at the Entertainment Memorabilia auction were a watch Elvis gave to him , and two beautiful stage suits Jerry Scheff worn on stay the many Elvis' concerts in the seventies.


Elvis Sings Hard Knocks

The Venus import label release “Hard Knocks”, originally announced in December 2014, has been released. 

Tracks: 
1 Easy Come, Easy Go,Take 10 -  2 I'll take Love, Takes 1-2A and take 3 * -  3 Sing You Children, Takes 18-20 * (take 20 take call only) -  4 She's A Machine, Take 14 * -  5 She's A Machine, Take 15 (master - record version) –  6 The Love Machine, Take 13 -  7 The Love Machine , Take 14 (master - movie version) –  8 Yoga Is As Yoga Does, Take 1 * -  9 Yoga Is As Yoga Does, Take 2 * -  10 Yoga Is As Yoga Does, Take 3 * -  11 Yoga Is As Yoga Does, Take 4 * -  12 Hard Knocks, Take 11 Master – (movie master*)  13 Little Egypt , Take 21 (Master - movie version) –  14 It's A Wonderful World, Take 17 * Track only -  15 Mexico, Takes 1-2 –  16 Marguerita, Takes 7*, 6 -  17 The Bullfighter Was A Lady, Take 10 (remake) -  18 Wisdom Of The Ages, Take 4 * -  19 Wisdom Of The Ages, Take 5 (Master) -  20 Kismet, Takes 1-2 -  21 Kismet, Takes 3*, 4*, 5 (Master) -  22 Hey Little Girl, Takes 1-2 -  23 Shake That Tambourine, Takes 14 * -  24 Shake That Tambourine, Takes 15*, 17,18,19, 20, 16 –  25 What I'd Say, Takes 1,2 –  26 What I'd Say, Take 3 * -  27 What I'd Say, Take 4 (Master) * unreleased.

(Source: ElvisMatters / Elvis Aktuell)

June 23 - Graceland Auction III

The third auction of rare and authentic Elvis Presley artifacts and memorabilia will be held during Elvis Week 2015, featuring an impressive 174 lots, making it the largest and most comprehensive auction yet held on the grounds of Graceland. The Auction at Graceland will take place in the Graceland Archives Studio on Thursday, August 13, 2015, at 8:00 p.m. EDT/7:00 p.m. CDT. 

Fans, music collectors and pop culture enthusiasts from around the world are expected to participate on site and online in this unprecedented auction, with all 174 lots expertly authenticated by the staff of Graceland Authenticated. All of the items in the auction will be offered from third-party collectors and none of the items included in the auction will come from the treasured Graceland Archives. The mansion and all artifacts in the Graceland Archives continue to be owned by Lisa Marie Presley and are not for sale. Graceland Authenticated sets a new standard for pop culture authentication and appraisal to ensure artifact accuracy and provide evaluations of privately-owned collections.

Previous Graceland Auctions have generated far greater bids than projected. In early 2015, the acetate featuring the first-known recording of Elvis Presley singing “My Happiness” recorded at Memphis Recording Service (home of Sun Records) sold for $300,000.  Elvis’ 1977 Cadillac Seville sold for $81,250 along with a bullet-riddled shooting target from the Graceland smokehouse, which sold for $27,500 in August of last year.  

Among the 174 items to be included in the August 13 auction, notable items include:

• Elvis Presley Light Blue “Starburst” Jumpsuit worn in 1973 at the Las Vegas Hilton and other concerts (Estimated $100,000-150,000)
• Elvis Presley Jacket from the “Viva Las Vegas” dance scene with Ann-Margret  (Estimated $30,000-50,000)
• "TCB" Diamond and Gold Necklace gifted to Sammy Davis Jr. by Elvis Presley (Estimated $20,000-30,000)
• Elvis Presley-Owned Gold Owl-Shaped Ring gifted to a fan from the stage (Estimated $15,000-20,000) 
• “Million Dollar Quartet” Signed Guitar featuring the signatures of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins & Jerry Lee Lewis (Estimated $20,000-30,000)
• Elvis Presley's Personal Walther Model PPK/S 9mm Kurz Handgun - Ornately Engraved "Elvis" and “TCB" (Estimated $100,000–125,000)

Presley’s blue jumpsuit worn at the Las Vegas Hilton is now on display at Graceland’s new Las Vegas exhibition -- “Elvis: The Exhibition” at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. The Westgate is the same venue that was originally known as the International Hotel and then the Las Vegas Hilton when Elvis performed in its historic showroom.  Other auction items on display at the Westgate Las Vegas exhibition through July 20 include the “TCB” gold and diamond necklace gifted to Sammy Davis Jr., a 1956 Las Vegas "New Frontier" menu signed by Elvis Presley, and a 1968 Elvis Presley film-worn jacket from “Live a Little, Love a Little.” Most of the auction lots can be viewed at the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum at Graceland in Memphis starting July 21 through August 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CDT. 

The Auction at Graceland collectible catalog is now available to order at ShopGraceland.com and features more than 150 pages, including photos and details of all the auction items.  This exclusive catalog offers an up-close look at these special pieces of Elvis history and is a wonderful collector’s item. 

Spanish Vinyl

The Spanish Wax Time vinyl album (re) releases “The Number One Hits 1956 - 1962”, “Loving You”, “Elvis Is Back!” and “Girls! Girls! Girls!” have been released. The first title was previously released on CD by the Spanischen “Hoodoo Records” label. All releases come on 180 Gr. vinyl. 

(Source: Graceland / The King's World)

June 22 - Kid Galahad

Due for release from the French RDM Edition on June 24, 2015 in the "Bande Originale Du Film" series is the re-issue of the "Kid Galahad" soundtrack. It contains the soundtrack in both the mono and stereo version. 

Tracks:
King Of The Whole Wide World - This Is Living - Riding The Rainbow - Home Is Where The Heart Is - I Got Lucky - A Whistling Tune - King Of The Whole Wide World (Mono) - This Is Living (Mono) - Riding The Rainbow (Mono) - Home Is Where The Heart Is (Mono) - I Got Lucky (Mono) - A Whistling Tune (Mono).

Uniondale Hysteria, Final Release


Out now is the third volume of a trilogy dedicated to Elvis’ historical performance at Uniondale Nassau Coliseum. This third and final cd is entitled "Uniondale Hysteria, Final Day", featuring the Uniondale, June 24, 1973 8.30 PM Show.

(Source: RDM-Edition / Elvis Club Berlin / FECC)

June 20 - The Complete Legacy Tracklisting

Due for release on July 31, 2015 from Sony Japan is the 2 CD set “The Complete Sun Sessions” CD. 

Tracks CD 1:
The 1954 Master Recordings
1. ABC NEWS CLIP
2. That's All Right Mama
3. Blue Moon of Kentucky
4. Good Rockin' Tonight
5. I Don't Care If the Sun Don't Shine
6. Milkcow Blues Boogie
7. You're a Heartbreaker
8. I Love You Because
9. Harbor Lights
10. Blue Moon
11. I'll Never Let You Go
12. Just Because

The 1954 Alternate Takes & Demos
13. I Love You Because (Take 2)
14. I Love You Because (Take 5)
15. That's All Right Mama (Take 1-3)
16. Blue Moon of Kentucky (Take 3 - slow version)
17. Tomorrow Night (Take 7 - without guitar solo)
18. Tomorrow Night (Take 7 - with guitar solo)
19. Blue Moon (Take 2)
20. Blue Moon (Take 5)
21. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (Take 7)
22. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (Take 9)
23. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (Take 12)
24. I Love You Because (Take 3 - whistling intro)
25. Harbor Lights (Take 3)
26. I'll Never Let You Go (Alternate Take)
27. I Don't Care If the Sun Don't Shine (Take 1-3)
28. I'll Never Stand In Your Way (Demo)
29. It Wouldn't Be The Same Without You (Demo)

CD2

The 1955 Master Recordings
1. Interview - Jackson Florida
2. Baby, Let's Play House
3. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone
4. I Forgot To Remember to Forget
5. Mystery Train
6. Trying to Get To You
7. When It Rains It Really Pours

The 1955 Alternate Takes & Demos
8. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (slow version)
9. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (slow version alternate take)
10. Fool Fool Fool (demo)
11. Shake Rattle & Roll (demo)
12. Interview - Texarkana Radio

Live At The Hayride 1954
13. That's All Right Mama
14. Blue Moon of Kentucky

Live At The Hayride 1955
15. Tweedle Dee
16. That's All Right Mama
17. Hearts of Stone
18. Money Honey
19. I Don't Care if The Sun Don't Shine
20. I Got A Woman
21. Good Rockin' Tonight
22. Baby Let's Play House
23. Maybelline
24. 8. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone

The First Ever Elvis Studio Recordings 1953
25. My Happiness
26. That's When You're Heartaches Begin

Elvis Today Legacy Edition

Here is the track listing for the "Legacy Edition" reissue of the "Elvis Today" classic. 

Disc 1 
Original Album

T-R-O-U-B-L-E
And I Love You So
Susan When She Tried
Woman Without Love
Shake a Hand
Pieces of My Life
Fairytale
I Can Help
Bringing It Back
Green, Green Grass of Home
Undubbed Versions (Original Session Mixes) 
Fairytale
Green, Green Grass of Home
I Can Help
And I Love You So
Susan When She Tried
T-R-O-U-B-L-E
Woman Without Love
Shake a Hand
Bringing It Back
Pieces of My Life

Disc 2 (RECORDED LIVE ON TOUR MAY-JUNE 1975) 
Previously released on "ELVIS ARON PRESLEY" 1980 8-LP Box Set (1998 4-CD Set)

Also Sprach Zarathustra (Live in Murfreesboro, May 6)
See See Rider (Live in Murfreesboro, May 6)
I Got a Woman / Amen (Live in Murfreesboro, May 6)
Love Me (Live in Dallas, June 6)
If You Love Me (Live in Dallas, June 6)
Love Me Tender (Live in Dallas, June 6)
All Shook Up (Live in Dallas, June 6)
Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel (Live in Dallas, June 6)
Hound Dog (Live in Dallas, June 6)
The Wonder of You (Live in Dallas, June 6)
Burning Love (Live in Dallas, June 6)
Introductions / Johnny B. Goode (Live in Dallas, June 6)
Introductions / School Days (Live in Dallas, June 6)
T-R-O-U-B-L-E (Live in Houston, June 5)
Why Me Lord? (Live in Jackson, June 9)
How Great Thou Art (Live in Dallas, June 6)
Let Me Be There (Live in Dallas, June 6)
An American Trilogy (Live in Dallas, June 6)
Funny How Time Slips Away (Live in Shreveport, June 7)
Little Darlin' (Live in Shreveport, June 7)
Mystery Train / Tiger Man (Live in Shreveport, June 7)
Can't Help Falling In Love (Live in Shreveport, June 7)

(Source: Amazon / Elvis Memories)

June 19 - One Week In August 1972

The Rock Legends importlabel announced the release of the double CD set ''One Week In August 1972'' containing recordings from August 4th. and August 12, 1972. 

From the press-release:
Elvis Kicked out his first Las Vegas August 1972 week with determination and pleasure. He added new songs into his repertoire such as ''What Now My Love'' , ''My Way'' and went back into his post-army days with ''Fever'' who will become a favorite for many fans at that time. 

The first CD features the opening show of August 4, 1972 recorded from the audience and in great quality for such recordings, certainly one of the best sounding audience from that year. The original tape is missing a few songs and those were replaced with the songs from the first concert of the second night and extra bonus tracks from that dinner show, including his first live version of ''Fever''. The sound of these audience recordings were remastered from the original recordings for the best quality possible. The line-up songs of the opening night gave a very different and dynamic performance with ''A Big Hunk 'O Love'' as the second number followed by ''Never Been To Spain''. '' Mystery Train / Tiger Man'' took the spot of ''Polk Salad Annie'' that night ( not performed ) and the medley part of the show was of great quality and sung with sincerity. His two new ballads were also added and ''My Babe'' made a comeback into the show replacing ''Suspicious Minds'', but unfortunately only for his opening show. ''An American Trilogy'' was the show stopper of this season and often performed before the closing number.

A week later at the August 12, 1972 M.S. was still in control and has changed a bit the line up and went back to what would become his standard, however since his opening he added some songs performed that year like ''For The Good Times'' and ''Until It's Time For You To Go'', a few others just made it back into the show; "Polk Salad Annie", "Suspicious Minds", "I Got A Woman / Amen" and "Proud Mary". This second CD features a show of excellent quality and recorded from the soundboard.

Altogether these two performances recorded during the first week of August 1972 in Las Vegas are an excellent demonstration of what would become the rest of the season.

Tracks CD 1: August 4, 1972 O.S.
1- Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra 2- C.C. Rider 3 -A Big Hunk 'O Love 4- Never Been To Spain 5- You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' 6- Love Me Tender 7- Mystery Train / Tiger Man 8- What Now My Love ** 9- Love Me 10- Little Sister / Get Back 11- Blue Suede Shoes 12- The Wonder Of You * 13- One Night 14- You Don't Have To Say You Love Me 15- Hound Dog 16 My Way ** 17 - My Babe 18- An American Trilogy * 19- Elvis introduces Sammy Davis Jr. 20- Can't Help Falling In Love / closing vamp 
Bonus tracks: 21- Polk Salad Annie 22- What Now My Love 23- Fever ** 24- A Big Hunk 'O Love 25- Suspicious Minds

Tracks CD 2: August 12, 1972 M.S. 
1- Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra 2- C.C. Rider 3- I Got A Woman / Amen 4- Proud Mary 5- Never Been To Spain 6- Until It's Time For You To Go 7- You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' 8- Polk Salad Annie 9- What Now My Love ( with false start ) 10- Fever 11- Love Me 12- Blue Suede Shoes 13- One Night 14- All Shook Up 15- ( Let Me Be Your ) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel 16 - Heartbreak Hotel 17- Hound Dog 18- For The Good Times 19- Suspicious Minds 20- Band introductions 21- My Way 22- An American Trilogy 23- A Big Hunk 'O Love 24 -Tiger Man ( opening only ) 25- Can't Help Falling In Love 26- Closing vamp (Tracks 23-26 recorded on August 11, 1972 dinner show). 

Charts

• The "Heart And Soul" compilation drops from #20 to #23 on the Billboard Country Catalog Album Chart for the week ending June 27, 2015. Elvis Presley has no other entries on the Billboard Charts.
• The 4 DVD set "Music Legends: Elvis Presley" remained steady at #4 on the Irish Music DVD chart. 
• The "The Real... Elvis" dropped off the Irish Album charts after a re-entry last week at #97.
• The “Elvis Love Songs” compilation drops from #83 to #97 on the Official Scottish Album chart this week. 

No More Feedbacks!

Th Rock Legens Label import-release "No More Feedbacks!", containing the June 3, 1976 08.30 PM show as recorded at the Tarrant County Convention Fort Worth, TX., has been released.

(Source: FECC / Brian Quinn / The King's World / Elvis Aktuell / Official UK Charts)

June 18 - Sold Out

Several releases from the Follow That Dream collector's label have been sold out; "That's The Way It Was", "Sold Out" and "Hot August Night!".

(Source: Elvis Aktuell)

June 17 - Something Blue from '65

Two new releases from the The Netherlands were announced; "Elvis '65" and "Something Blue". 

From the press-release Elvis '65:
1965 celebrated the 10th anniversary of Elvis signing to RCA in November 1955. RCA released an ‘anniversary album’ with contained many , for that time, unreleased tracks and 1 overdubbed SUN recording. The album was titled ‘Elvis For Everyone ‘. “Elvis For Everyone!” was available at different countries around the world like in Italy where it was called “Elvis ´65” with the same track listing. So, the tracklist had nothing to do with Elvis’ 1965 recordings.
This stunning new ‘’ ELVIS ‘65 ‘’ digipack release contains 20 of the best outtakes and alternate versions of Elvis’ 1965 single releases and studio recordings. Although 1965 saw probably one of Elvis’ weakest recordings output, these 20 tracks show that he could still deliver the goods. It’s a truly enjoyable CD release.

Tracks:
Blue River – Original Album Version Wisdom Of The Ages – Take 9 Everybody Come Aboard – Take 10 Tomorrow Night – Overdub Version, Correct Speed You’ll Be Gone – Take 1 Sand Castles – Take 8 Do The Clam – Movie Version Please Don’t Stop Loving Me – Take 18 Datin’ – Alternate Mix I’m Yours – Take 2 Frankie And Johnny – Take 1 So Close, Yet So Far – Take 4 Long Lonely Highway – Single Master Crying In The Chapel – Take 3 Puppet On A String – Take 7 Kismet – Take 4 Easy Question – Take 3 This Is My Heaven – Take 4 Beginner’s Luck – Master With Additional Intro Harem Holiday – Take 2

From the press-release Love Ballads From The Sixties:
A really beautiful release with a stunning cover, containing 28 hard to find outtakes of some Elvis’ best ballads, recorded in the sixties. The ultimate Elvis LOVE collection. Most tracks are unreleased in this form !! Some highlights are the hard to find version of It Hurts Me without the backing vocals, the original mono version of Home Is Where The Heart Is, the original album mix of Let’s Forget About The Stars and the master of What Now, What Next, Where To including the studio count- in.

Tracks:
Something Blue – Take 6 Pocketful Of Rainbows – Take 3 It Hurts Me – Without Backing Vocals Thrill Of Your Love – Take 2 She’s Not You – Take 2 Doin’ The Best I Can – Take 9 Angel – Take 6 Love Me Tonight – Take 4 Can’t Help Falling In Love – Take 26 Please Don’t Stop Loving Me – Take 10 Today, Tomorrow And Forever – Take 4 Home Is Where The Heart Is – Original Mono I Met Her Today – Take 6 The Girl I Never Loved – Take 11 That’s Someone You Never Forget – Take 7 Love Letters – Take 7 Are You Lonesome Tonight – Take 2 Fame And Fortune – Take 9 I’ll Remember You – Vocal Overdub Anything That’s Part Of You – Take 7 They Remind Me Too Much Of You – Take 7 What Now, What Next, Where Too – Master Incl. Count In There’s Always Me – Take 9 Indescribably Blue – Vocal Overdub I Need Somebody To Lean On – Take 8 Startin’ Today – Take 2 Almost – Strings Overdub Let’s Forget About The Stars – Album Mix

Hot Shots And Cool Clips

Volume 7 in the "Hot Shots And Cool Clips" series has been released by JAT Publishing. The main feature of this footage collection is footage from the "It Happened at the World's Fair" movie set from 1963. 

Pink London

Elvis Presley's famous pink Cadillac - The Elvis at The O2 exhibition chronicles the rise of the rock 'n' roll icon and how Elvis impacted popular culture around the world through his music, movies and personal style. From his humble beginnings to his meteoric rise to fame the exhibition will explore the Elvis-mania that first swept America and then the world, ground-breaking recording sessions, record-breaking concert tours, his military service, Hollywood film career and influence on fashion. Most importantly visitors will get an intimate peek behind the gates of Graceland and come to know the man hailed as the King of Rock 'n' Roll; who strived to be the best possible father, son and friend. - London, United Kingdom - Wednesday 17th June 2015.

Elvis Presley Inducted into R&B Hall of Fame

Elvis Presley is a 2015 inductee into the R&B Hall of Fame. Elvis is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame and Rockabilly Hall of Fame, to name a few. 

The Class of 2015 inductees into the R&B Hall of Fame are Elvis, The Bar-Kays, Al Bell, Willie Clayton, Millie Jackson, Dorothy Moore, Sam Moore, Little Richard, Bobby Rush, Stax Records, The Mad Lads, Ike Turner, Muddy Waters and WDIA.


The hall of fame was established in 2010 and is based in Clarksdale, Mississippi.

(Source: FECC / The Elvis Shop / Contact Music / Graceland) 

June 16 - The Magic Of Elvis At Christmas

Due for release from Music Digital on August 21, 2015 is the 3 CD boxset "The Magic Of Elvis At Christmas". The set comes in a tin box-set.

(Source: Amazon)

June 15 - Kirk Kerkorian Dies At 98

Billionaire Kirk Kerkorian, who built Las Vegas' biggest hotels, has died. He was 98.

In 1967, he bought 82 acres (33 ha) of land on Paradise Road in Las Vegas for $5 million and, with architect Martin Stern, Jr.,[11] built the International Hotel, which at the time was the largest hotel in the world; The first two performers to appear at the hotel's enormous Showroom Internationale were Barbra Streisand and Elvis Presley. Presley brought in some 4,200 customers (and potential gamblers), every day, for 30 days straight, breaking in the process all attendance records in the county's history. Kerkorian's International Leisure also bought the Flamingo Hotel; eventually both hotels were sold to the Hilton Hotels Corporation and were renamed the Las Vegas Hilton and the Flamingo Hilton, respectively.

Three Memphis Attractions

Elvis Presley™ is known and loved around the world as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll™, and now his legendary Memphis home, Graceland, was voted #1 in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice contest for “Best Musical Attraction” from a field of iconic music-themed landmarks. As 10Best describes the win, “After four weeks of voting, one legendary attraction won the title of Best Musical Attraction by a landslide: Graceland.” Elvis Presley’s Graceland was voted into the top spot by readers of USA TODAY, who were asked to cast their online ballot for their favorite global music attraction from a pool of 20 museums, memorials, historic studios and epic record stores originally selected by 10Best’s travel experts and journalists. Voting began on May 11 and ran through noon EDT June 8, 2015.

Based on the number of votes cast, 10Best announced that Graceland was a “clear favorite with our music-loving readers,” in their voting recap, which is music to the ears of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. CEO Jack Soden. “This honor confirms what our guests from around the world have been telling us for years — that Graceland is a must-see destination, not only for Elvis fans, but for anyone who appreciates music and history. We have a rich story to tell here at the King’s castle, as we honor Elvis’ legacy and celebrate a music and pop culture revolution that started right here in Memphis, Tennessee,” said Soden.

(Source: WikiPedia / Graceland)

June 13 - Home Movies

Due for release from Total-Content LLC on June 23, 2015 is the DVD “Elvis Home Movies” (image from Amazon Prime).

Synopsis:
Hidden in a closet for decades, the discovery of this rare 8mm color home movie footage is akin to striking gold for every Elvis fan! Dating back to the summer of 1956, before Elvis became The King , ELVIS HOME MOVIES features the oldest footage of Elvis in a private setting.

Jim Ed Brown Died

Jim Ed Brown, a Grand Ole Opry star whose smooth, sweet baritone made him a chart-topper as a solo act and as one third of the close-harmony group the Browns, whose 1959 hit “The Three Bells” sold more than a million records, died on Thursday in Franklin, Tenn. He was 81. Mr. Brown (left in the photo) and the other members of the Browns — his sisters Maxine and Bonnie — were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in March. 

In the late fifties the Country Music group The Browns were enjoying unprecedented international success, rivaled only by their longtime friend Elvis Presley. The Browns performed with Elvis Presley on the Louisiana Hayride. Picture from May 27, 1955, Municipal Auditorium, Texarkana.

(Source: Amazon / Elvis Information Network / Echoes Of The Past))

June 11 - Charts

The "Heart And Soul" compilation rises from #21 to #20 on the Billboard Country Catalog Album Chart for the week ending June 20, 2015. Elvis Presley has no other entries on the Billboard Charts.

The 4-DVD box "Music Legends: Elvis Presley" climbed from #5 to #3 on the Irish Music DVD chart.

The CD "The Real... Elvis" re-entered the Irish Album chart at #97.

The "Elvis - Love Songs" compilation re-enters the Scottish Album Chart at #83 for the week ending June 14, 2015.

The "Elvis – The King Of Rock ’n’ Roll – 30 Hit Performances And More" dropped dof the Australian Music DVD chart after re-entering the chart at #40 lat week.

The “The Essential Elvis Presley“ re-enterd the Belgian Ultratop MidPrice Album chart at #5.

(Source: Brian Quinn / FECC / The King's World)

June 10 - Golden FTD

With U.S. sales of more than six million, and an even higher figure for rest of world, "Elvis'Golden Records" is Elvis’ biggest selling album except for his 1970 budget album "Elvis'Christmas Album". It was complied from eight #1 A-sides, along with five B-sides and the track “Love Me” from his second LP "Elvis". Collectively they represent more than 20 million singles sold in the USA alone, resulting in 17x platinum certifications. Elvis' best-selling EP "Elvis" (EPA 992) sold more than one million copies in the USA and was RIAA certified double platinum. For this FTD release we have added four songs that easily could have been included; “Blue Suede Shoes,” “My Baby Left Me,” “I Was The One” and “Playing For Keeps.” Additionally, stereo versions available in RCA’s vault are added of four songs from the album. Unfortunately, most of the outtakes from the sessions that produced these songs have been lost, so the bonus disc includes all the outtakes of four songs recorded during the period in January 1957.

CD 1 - Original Album:

Hound Dog - Loving You - All Shook Up - Heartbreak Hotel - Jailhouse Rock - Love Me - Too Much - Don't Be Cruel - That's When Your Heartaches Begin - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Love Me Tender - Treat Me Nice  - Any Way You Want Me (That's How I Will Be) - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You

Bonus Songs:
My Baby Left Me - Playing For Keeps - Blue Suede Shoes - I Was The One

The Stereo And Binaural Hits:
Jailhouse Rock - Love Me Tender - Treat Me Nice (Undubbed Movie Master) - Loving You (KX Take 8) - That's When Your Heartaches Begin (Splice Of Take 7/M & 6)

CD 2 - The Binaural Session Tapes:
Mean Woman Blues (Take 14/M) - Blueberry Hill (Take 1 - 2) - Blueberry Hill (Take 3) - Blueberry Hill (Take 4 - 7) - Blueberry Hill (Take 8) - Blueberry Hill (Take 9/M) - That's When Your Heartaches Begin (Take 1) - That's When Your Heartaches Begin (Take 2) - That's When Your Heartaches Begin (Take 3 - 6) - That's When Your Heartaches Begin (Take 7 - 13) - Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? (Take 1 - 2) - Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? (Take 3 - 7) - Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? (Take 8 - 13) - Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? (Take 14) - Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? (Take 15/M) - I Beg Of You (Take 1) - I Beg Of You (Take 2 - 5) - I Beg Of You (Take 6) - Beg Of You (Take 7 - 11) - I Beg Of You (Take 12/M).

Elvis: As Recorded At Madison Square Garden

the UK based All Media Supply re-issued the classic "Elvis: As Recorded At Madison Square Garden" album as a double album.

Product Description

Double vinyl LP repressing of this 1972 live album from the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Touted as his first live shows in New York since the '50s, this live set was taped at the evening performance and released a week later. Initially, the album was released as a single LP but is now properly released as a double LP vinyl.

Track Listings
1. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra (Theme From 2001:a Space Odyssey)
2. That's All Right
3. Proud Mary
4. Never Been to Spain
5. You Don't Have to Say You Love Me
6. You've Lost That Lovin Feelin
7. Polk Salad Annie
8. Love Me
9. All Shook Up
10. Heartbreak Hotel
See all 12 tracks on this disc 
Disc: 2
1. The Impossible Dream (the Quest)
2. Introductions by Elvis
3. Hound Dog
4. Suspicious Minds
5. For the Good Times
6. An American Trilogy
7. Funny How Time Slips Away
8. I Can't Stop Loving You
9. Can't Help Falling in Love

10. End Theme (Orchestra)

(Source: ElvisMatters / Amazon)

June 09 - James Last Died

Big band leader James Last has died aged 86 at his home in Palm Beach, Florida. The German-born musician sold 80 million records with his James Last Orchestra adapting pop hits to big band arrangements. He pioneered what became known as "Happy Sound". In a statement, his manager said: "Mr Last passed away yesterday (June 9, 2015) in Florida, peacefully and in the presence of his family."

In the UK alone, he had 52 hit albums between 1967 and 1986, cementing him in the record books as the second-best selling artist of all time, behind Elvis Presley. Last said he was proud that Elvis Presley recorded his own composition "Fool".

(Source: Telegraph)

June 06 - Uniondale Hysteria, Final Day

The MxF label announced the release of the third volume of a trilogy dedicated to Elvis’ historical performance at Uniondale Nassau Coliseum. This third and final cd is entitled "Uniondale Hysteria, Final Day", featuring the Uniondale, June 24, 1973 8.30 PM Show. The CD has a running time of 55 minutes.

From the press-release:
The June Tour represent the second and last tour of the year, Elvis on tour means Elvis at the top of his possibilities. Uniondale is the third step of the tour, in the Nassau coliseum Elvis performs four shows in three days. The show here presented is the third one. 

The begin of the 1973 presents an Elvis still at the top, no more a rocking singer, He deliveries with enthusiasm the classic repertoire post-72. The year was begun with the glorious Hawaii TV satellite Show and after a pale useless Vegas season, Elvis recuperated from the fatigue, started the first tour of the year in a different mood the second tour is even better with our man very energetic on stage, full of enthusiasm he sings with power delivering a solid and long show, with the classic repertoire of the 1973 including a incredible “Steaming rolling blues” version, together the really dramatic What Now My Love and the classic Bridge Over Troubled Water. In this last day Elvis delivery a solid show replacing the classic Bridge Over Troubled Water with the gospel How Great Thou Art them for the rest is the classic songs line up of the tour. On stage is an impressive figure in the nail studded jumpsuit, the rocker attitude still intact, the voice great, the atmosphere enormous, the demand terrific, 16.500 lucky people attended at the show.

The show is unreleased and complete, here we present the show directly from a first generation copy of a privately-recorded 60-minute cassette. The sound is very good really impressive without doubt far better respect the previous two shows. We are very proud to give you the opportunity listening with pleasure this solid show. Considering it was taped from the audience in a big hall the audio is incredibly good.. Elvis and overall the band is loud and clear, the sounds is very powerful in very good balanced mix the audience is never too intrusive giving instead the real feeling of the concert.

Like its predecessors, this new release will be presented in a beautiful four panels digipack with a collection of photos taken during show.. As bonus the 500 copies will come with a 12x12 card, represent a terrific shot from Elvis leaving the hotel for the show. All the photos come from the Steve Rino&Bob Rush book, Elvis June 1973 tour. The recording good quality and the superb show give to Uniondale Hysteria, Final Day the status of unique.

Tracks: As recorded live at Nassau Coliseum, June 24, 1973 8.30 PM:
01. 2001 Theme 02. See See Rider 03. I Got A Woman/Amen 04. Love Me Tender 05. Steamroller Blues 06. You Gave Me A Mountain 07. Love Me 08. Blue Suede Shoes 09. Rock Medley 10. I’m Leaving 11. How Great Thou Art 12. Hound Dog 13. Fever 14. What Now My Love 15. Suspicious Minds 16. Band Introduction 17. I’ll Remember You 18. I Can’t Stop Loving You 19. An American Trilogy 20. A Big Hunk O’ Love 21. Can’t Help Falling In Love.

Dennis Ferrante Died

Recording engineer Dennis Ferrante, whose long list of credits includes work on albums by such diverse artists as John Lennon, Harry Nilsson, Lou Reed, Elvis Presley, Waylon Jennings, Duke Ellington, Chet Atkins and the 1910 Fruitgum Company, died June 6 from heart failure, according to Jennifer Carmine of the Shannon Gallery, a close family friend of Ferrante's. Ferrante was surrounded by friends and family when he died, she said. Ferrante had a history of heart problems and a benefit concert was held in 2010 to help get him a new heart.

(Source: FECC / Examiner)

June 05 - Details New Elvis Stamp

A new commemorative forever stamp honoring entertainer Elvis Presley will be issued Aug. 12 by the United States Postal Service. Plans for the new stamp were announced in a USPS news release issued Wednesday morning, June 3. The image of the new forever stamp has not been revealed but but The Postal Service revealed only the design for the pane's backing paper, which is similar to other panes in the Music Icon series.

The backing paper photograph shows Presley holding a six-string acoustic guitar and performing on a broadcast of The Dorsey Brothers Stage Show from March 17, 1956. The image is cropped from a photograph taken by Alfred Wertheimer. The full photograph also shows guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, both members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as is Presley.

New book about Sam Phillips in November
 

The author of the books Last Train to Memphis and Careless Love, Peter Guralnick, brings us the life of Sam Phillips, the visionary genius who singlehandedly steered the revolutionary path of Sun Records in Memphis. The music that he shaped in his tiny Memphis studio with artists as diverse as Elvis Presley, Ike Turner, Howlin' Wolf, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash, introduced a sound that had never been heard before. He brought forth a singular mix of black and white voices passionately proclaiming the vitality of the American vernacular tradition while at the same time declaring, once and for all, a new, integrated musical day. With extensive interviews and firsthand personal observations extending over a 25-year period with Phillips, along with wide-ranging interviews with nearly all the legendary Sun Records artists. The book contains 752 pages, hard cover.

Ol' Snake Hips Is In Town!

The earlier announced Straight Arrow 2CD "Ol' Snake Hips Is In Town! (From “The Rick Rennie master tapes” Vol. 5)" is out. This contains 

audience recordings of both the Dinner and the Midnight Show in Las Vegas August 21, 1970.

Charts

The DVD-Box "Music Legends: Elvis Presley" remains steady at #5 on the Irish Music DVD Chart.

The "Heart And Soul" compilation climbed from #24 to #21 on the Country Catalog Albums charts for the week ending June 13, 2015. 

The DVD "The King Of Rock ’n’ Roll" e-entered the Australian Music DVD chart once more. This week it is listed at #40. 

(Source: Linn / FECC / Elvis And His Music / The King's World)

June 04 - Finding Elvis In Tupelo

The Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau is in the process of designing new destination signs in various parts of the city. Most people easily find the hot spots, like the Mall at Barnes Crossing, Elvis Presley Birthplace and the Tupelo Automobile Museum. But it's those other attractions, like the Lyric Theatre or the Midtown Shopping District, visitors don't know much about.

The current welcome gateway signs haven't been updated in at least 15 years, and a lot of roads have changed, and a lot of those traffic patterns have changed in 15 years. It's just also time to update the look of those signs. The design isn't finished yet, but the city hopes to have the design complete by July and start installing signs by September.

(Source: ElvisMatters)