Monday, February 29, 2016

February 29 - Taking Care Of Business: In A Flash

Planned for release around May or June from FTD in cooperation with Flaming Star is the book / CD set "Taking Care Of Business: In A Flash". This 430-page illustrated hardback book will detail Elvis’ personal life and public career between October 1970 and January 1971. Produced by David English, Pål Granlund and Paul Richardson (from Elvis The man and His Music), the book will be accompanied by audio from the November 1970 tour. Further details to follow soon.

Elvis the Exhibition Closes in Las Vegas

Westgate Resorts is blaming a "heavy-handed move" for the hotel management's decision to step in and close the doors of the Elvis exhibit less than a year into a 10-year contract. This may not be such as surprise as the Elvis Exhibition was often close to empty and even the first major show "The Elvis Experience" closed earlier than its planned five week run. Back in 2015 EPE promised "After the debut show of "Elvis Experience" Westgate will feature other Graceland-produced live shows in the Elvis Presley International Showroom" however no further Elvis shows ever materialised.

Mark Waltrip, chief operating officer of Westgate Las Vegas, said the move was "a protective action" after the tenant notified the hotel ownership in midweek about plans to shutter "Graceland Presents: Elvis the Exhibition." 

The dispute is with the tenant, a licensee of Graceland, the Elvis estate, Waltrip said. "They owe us quite a substantial amount of money for the improvements we made on the space. Unfortunately they took a heavy-handed move. They were threatening to default, so we had to close the premises and protect the asset." He said Westgate closed the 28,000-square-foot exhibit so they could "secure the contents until we can sort this out." When it opened in April, a Graceland executive said the exhibit had about 350 pieces from the Graceland collection. The licensee's action came during the same week that it was learned the Westgate has received permission to change Riviera Boulevard to Elvis Presley Boulevard. It got ugly fast. Waltrip said the licensee "notified the county and told them they don't want the street names after Elvis. We're very saddened this particular group has taken such a capricious and possibly damaging action. They thought they would hurt us. But it's more damaging to the legion of Elvis fans. "Meantime," Waltrip said, "everything is safe, locked, and we'll wait until we hear from the estate."

(Source: FECC / The Man And His Music / Elvis Information Network)

Sunday, February 28, 2016

February 28 - Elvis In Mono

The Venus import-label has announced a new 5CD box-set entitled "The Mono Masters 1960 – 1975". This 5CD boxset comes with a 480 pages LP-size hardcover book with rare and unseen pictures. It is limited to 750 copies.

The set comes in three versions; "standard", "Promo", with a special promo sticker and 6 pictures (21x21cm) that are not included in the regular set and finally a "Preview" version set that will have a special preview sticker plus 6 pictures (21x21cm) that are not included in the regular sets and will be different to the promo pictures. 

From the press-release:
MONO is how most listeners first heard Elvis in the 1950s and 1960s, when it was the predominant audio format. Until 1968, each Elvis album was given a unique MONO and STEREO mix, but Elvis always regarded the MONO mix as primary. This was also true for singles. Up until affordable home STEREO systems in the late 1960s, the record industry always regarded STEREO as secondary, going back to its debut in the late 1950s. MONO singles, EPs and LPs were the standard for retail and radio. Simply put, MONO had all of the sound mixed in a single channel and was meant to be listened to on a turntable with a built-in speaker, a car radio, or a stand-alone AM radio receiver. The goal was to create MONO master takes with as much clarity and power as possible.


When EMI released MONO masters of the Beatles in 2009, they received rave reviews. Left out in the cold were Elvis’ loyal fans. Somehow, SONY didn’t see a reason why they might want the pleasure of listening to his original MONO mixes. So when we first heard about the existence of the original MONO master tapes of Elvis’ hit singles, it was an easy decision to make these available to the fans in a five-disc collection. Elvis' acclaimed MONO tracks have been newly-mastered for CD, using the best digital technology. Hours were dedicated to concentrated listening, fastidiously comparing these master tapes with mint, MONO first pressings. The result is a perfect reproduction of Elvis' original MONO vinyl sound!

ELVIS PRESLEY: THE MONO MASTERS 1960 – 1975**


  • All the single sides, including 24 completely UNRELEASED, in their original MONO mix
  • LP-size, 480-page hardcover book, containing rare pictures, plus original US and rare foreign single sleeves
  • Stunning bonus picture with a 2016 calendar on the back
  • Limited edition of 750 numbered copies
  • We trust you’ll enjoy this set for many years to come!
Tracks
Stuck On You - Fame And Fortune - It's Now Or Never - A Mess Of Blues - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - I Gotta Know – Surrender - Lonely Man - I Feel So Bad - Wild In The Country - (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame - Little Sister - Can't Help Falling In Love - Rock-A-Hula-Baby - Good Luck Charm - Anything That's Part Of You - She's Not You - Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello - Return To Sender - Where Do You Come From? - One Broken Heart For Sale - They Remind Me Too Much Of You - (You're The) Devil In Disguise - Please Don't Drag That String Around - Bossa Nova Baby - Witchcraft - Kissin' Cousins - It Hurts Me - Kiss Me Quick – Suspicion - What’d I Say - Viva Las Vegas - Such A Night - Never Ending - Ask Me - Ain't That Loving You Baby - Do The Clam - You'll Be Gone - Crying In The Chapel - I Believe In The Man In The Sky - Such An Easy Question - It Feels So Right - I'm Yours - Long Lonely Highway - Puppet On A String - Wooden Heart - Santa Claus Is Back In Town - Blue Christmas - Tell Me Why - Blue River - Frankie And Johnny - Please Don't Stop Loving Me - Love Letters - Come What May – Spinout - All That I Am - If Everyday Was Like Christmas - How Would You Like To Be - Indescribably Blue - Fools Fall In Love - Long Legged Girl - That's Someone You Never Forget - There's Always Me – Judy - Big Boss Man - You Don't Know Me - Guitar Man - Hi-Heel Sneakers - U.S. Male - Stay Away - You'll Never Walk Alone - We Call On Him - Let Yourself Go - Your Time Hasn't Come Yet Baby - A Little Less Conversation - Almost In Love - If I Can Dream - Edge Of Reality – Memories - In The Ghetto - Any Day Now - Clean Up Your Own Backyard - The Fair's Moving On - Suspicious Minds -You'll Think Of Me - Don't Cry Daddy - Rubberneckin' - Kentucky Rain - My Little Friend - Mama Liked The Roses - The Wonder Of You - I've Lost You - The Next Step Is Love - Patch It Up - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - I Really Don't Want To Know - There Goes My Everything - Rags To Riches - Where Did They Go Lord – Life Only Believe - I'm Leavin' - Heart Of Rome - It's Only Love - The Sound Of Your Cry - Merry Christmas Baby * - O Come All Ye Faithful * - Until It's Time For You To Go * - We Can Make The Morning * - Bosom Of Abraham * - He Touched Me * - An American Trilogy * - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face * - Burning Love * - It's A Matter Of Time * - Separate Ways * - Always On My Mind * - Fool * - Steamroller Blues * - Raised On Rock * - For Ol' Times Sake * - If You Talk In Your Sleep * - Help Me * - Promised Land * - It's Midnight * - My Boy * - T-R-O-U-B-L-E * - Bringing It Back * - Pieces Of My Life * 
* Unreleased original MONO mixes, taken from mint acetates
**The size of this set will be some 30x30x7 cm and it weighs 4,5 kilos.
Please stay tuned for our next release with new and unreleased movie outtakes! 

(Source: FECC)

Saturday, February 27, 2016

February 27 - Follow That Release

The Follow That Dream Collector's label releases for february 2015 have been released. The double LP "He Touched Me – The Recording Sessions" on 180 Gr. vinyl. The double CD "Elvis - The West Coast Tours ’76" containing shows from San Francisco and Anaheim as recorded in November 1976. The book Sigbjørn Stabursvik and Hans Otto Engvold entitled "How RCA Bought Elvis To Europe - The Nordic Elvis Presley Discography 1956- 1977".

The "Elvis - The West Coast Tours ’76" CD appears to have a new cover.


Import Releases

Two import titles have been released; on the Universum Productions label  "Live In Las Vegas" containing an audience-recording from the August 7, 1969 Dinner Show performance and on the Touchdown label "Elvis - Live At Del Webb´s" containing an audience recording of the May 25, 1974 Dinner Show performance as recorded in Lake Tahou.

(Source: FECC / Elvis On CD)

Friday, February 26, 2016

February 26 - Million Seller Charts

The 'If I Can Dream' drops from #11 to #16 on the UK Album Chart for the week ending February 26, 2015. Other Entries on the UK Album Charts include:

'If I Can Dream' drops from #9 to #10 on the Physical Albums Chart and drops from #10 to #28 on the Vinyl Albums Chart.


Other Charts

'If I Can Dream' drops from #12 to #14 on the Scottish Albums Chart.
'Elvis: Love Songs' drops from #81 to #84 on the Scottish Albums Chart.
The CD "If I Can Dream" dropped from #44 to #58 on the Irish chart. 
The CD "If I Can Dream" climbed from #139 to #135 on the Belgian chart. 
The CD "If I Can Dream" re-entered the Swiss Album charts at #65.
The CD "If I Can Dream" dropped from #25 to #50 on the Australian Album chart. The CD is awarded a Platinum disc for sales over 70.000 copies. 
The DVD "The King Of Rock’n’Roll" re-entered the Official UK Music DVD chart at #48. 
The 6 DVD set "The Elvis Collection" is a re-entry at #48 on the official Music DVD chart.

UK Million Seller

Sony Music Entertainment is delighted to announce the phenomenal No.1 album by the undisputed King of Rock N’ Roll, If I Can Dream: Elvis Presley with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is now officially a million seller – after breaking through the symbolic milestone in the UK.


If I Can Dream spent two weeks at No.1 and it has never left the Top 20 since its release at the end of October. It was the second biggest selling new release of 2015, behind only Adele, and made Elvis the first solo artist to ever have a UK No.1 album in five different decades beginning in 1956 with Rock ‘N’ Roll. It is an astonishing achievement, made even more remarkable by the fact Elvis passed away more than 38 years ago. 


Executive producer Priscilla Presley said: “Once again the UK has shown how much they love and adore Elvis. This is an album that Elvis always really wanted to do and he would be so pleased to know that we have touched one million fans. I want to thank you with all my heart, helping us realise an unfulfilled dream”.


If I Can Dream: Elvis Presley With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is a remarkable album that features classic Elvis vocal performances with brand new orchestral accompaniments including a duet with Michael Bublé. Elvis is the biggest-selling solo artist of all time, having astonishingly sold more than one billion records worldwide.


(Source: FECC / Brian Quinn / Sony Music UK)

Thursday, February 25, 2016

February 25 - Dr. Nick Has Died

Elvis’ former personal phycian, George Nichopoulos, has passed away last night. Memorial Park Funeral Home confirmed that they are handling his funeral. Nichopoulos was 88 years old at the time of his death.

Nichopoulos began treating Presley in 1967 for saddle pain, then started working exclusively for Presley between 1970 and Presley's death in 1977. Nichopoulos was present the day Elvis died and tried to save his life.

Nichopoulos was often criticized because of Presley's fatal abuse of prescription drugs. He was indicted on multiple counts of over-prescribing drugs to Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and several other patients in 1980. However, he was acquitted on all counts. His medical license was revoked in 1995 and he became a road manager for Jerry Lee Lewis for a short period of time.

Unboxing 

Here is a movie with the unboxing of the "RCA Albums Collection" which is due March 18, 2015.



(Source: WMC Action News 5 / EPE)

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

February 24 - Showroom Release

The AudiRec import-label release "Hilton Showroom" has been released. The CD comes with an 16 page booklet and contains the unreleased performance from December 8, 1975. It is a limited edition of 300 copies.

(Elvis On CD)

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

February 23 - Kathy Westmoreland Out of Hospital

Soprano singer Kathy Westmoreland is out of the hospital. She currently resides in a care facility, but is feeling and getting better. She spent since Saturday, February 13, her days at a hospital in Los Angeles, California. The 70-year-old singer must now recover and recuperate. 

Le Retour De Vinyl

Due for release on April 16, 2016 from the L.M.L.R. label is the double vinl album "Le Retour d' Elvis / His Hand in Mine". 

(Source: ElvisMatters / Amazon)

Monday, February 22, 2016

February 22 - Elvis Presley Boulevard

Almost four decades after his death, Elvis Presley is getting a street named after him in the city where he rocketed back to prominence. With the upcoming implosion of the Riviera hotel-casino, Riviera Boulevard will be renamed Elvis Presley Way, she said.

It will start at Las Vegas Boulevard, cross Paradise Road and loop through the valet area of the Westgate, where Elvis launched his comeback in 1969 when Kirk Kerkorian opened The International. The name was later changed to the Las Vegas Hilton and the LVH before time-share king David Siegel bought the property in summer 2014 and renamed it Westgate, after his Florida-based company.

(Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Saturday, February 20, 2016

February 20 - Vinyl from Chili

A new book by Jorge Vergara has been announced; “Elvis Made In Chile - Discography & More”. The book includes details of the Elvis Presley releases in Chile, the albums released by the Chilean branch of RCA Victor, promotional materials and newspaper articles in chronological order with exact dates. The hard-cover book is due in 2017.

Good Rockin' Vinyl

The Wax Time vinyl re-issue of the original French 1957 “Good Rockin’ Tonight” LP has been released.

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

Friday, February 19, 2016

February 19 - Live In Las Vegas

Coming soon from the new Universum Productions import-label is the CD "Live In Las Vegas" containing the almost complete Dinner Show from August 7, 1969. This performance was recorded from the audience at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. It has a familiar sound like other already released audience recorded tapes of that period. We would classify it "average", the show itself of course is really great.

Tracks:

Intro / Blue Suede Shoes - Foolin‘ Around - I Got A Woman - All Shook Up - Elvis Welcomes The Audience - Love Me Tender - Jailhouse Rock / Don‘t Be Cruel - Heartbreak Hotel - Hound Dog (Slightly Incomplete) - Havin‘ Fun On Stage - Memories - Talking With The Audience - Mystery Train / Tiger Man - Life Story (Incomplete) - Baby What You Want Me To Do - Runaway - Are You Lonesome Tonight - Yesterday / Hey Jude - Band Introductions - In The Ghetto - Suspicious Minds - What‘d I Say - Can‘t Help Falling In Love.

Golden Vinyl

Released by the Russian Dol Vinyl" is "Elvis Golden Records". 

US Charts


Elvis Presley has no entries on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for the week ending February 27, 2016.

  • "If I Can Dream" remains at #4 on the Classical Albums Chart.
  • "Heart And Soul" drops from #10 to #11 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart.
  • "Playlist: The Very Best Of Elvis Presley Movie Songs" drops from #18 to #25 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart.
UK Charts

On the Official UK Top Albums Chart for the week of Febrauay 19, 2016 the “If I Can Dream” album climbed 5 places from #16 to #11 selling 7,844 copies (total sales 995,586). Elvis Presley & The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's If I Can Dream sold a further 7,844 copies. With a to-date tally of 995,586 sales since its release 16 weeks ago, it is just days from becoming the first album by Presley - who died in 1977 - to sell a million copies since 2002 compilation Elvis: 30 Number One Hits, which has sold 1,838,756 copies.


Other Elvis entries on the UK Charts for 19th February, 2016:

  • “If I Can Dream” is a re-entry at 54 on the Album Download Chart; rises from 16 to 11 on the Album Sales Chart; rises from 12 to 10 on the Vinyl Album Chart and rises from 12 to 9 on the Physical Album Chart. It is not listed in the Top 100 Streaming Chart.
  • “The King Of Rock 'n' Roll” DVD  rises from 34 to 31 on the Music Video Chart.
  • “If I Can Dream” CD rises from 17 to 12 on the Scottish Album Chart.
  • “Elvis: Love Songs” CD drops from 77 to 81 on the Scottish Album Chart.
  • “If I Can Dream” CD climbed from 18 to #9 on the Official UK Record Store Day Chart.
Other Charts
  • The CD “If I Can Dream” dropped from #44 to #42 on the Irish Album chart.
  • The CD “If I Can Dream” dropped from #138 to #139 on the Belgian Album chart.
  • The CD “If I Can Dream” dropped from #17 to #25 on the Australian Album chart.
(Source: FECC / The King's World / Brian Quinn / Elvis Club Berlin)

Thursday, February 18, 2016

February 18 - Elvis A Hollywood

Released by Camion Blanc is the 230 page book "Elvis A Hollywood - Presley Fait Son Cinéma" by  Jean-Jacques Jelot-Blanc.

From the French publisher:
"Phénomène du rock sur 33 tours, Elvis Presley exécuta aussi parfois de façon magistrale 33... tours de piste sur pellicule en technicolor!

Excepté pour son 1er film, Love Me Tender (Le Cavalier du crépuscule), car tourné en noir et blanc. « Gras, mou, fade, inexpressif » (sic), l'acteur Elvis ne cessa de subir les assauts de la critique qui ne le ménagea guère tandis que ses millions de fans firent un triomphe à la plupart de ses films, lesquels, soit dit en passant, rapportèrent souvent de quoi largement renflouer les caisses des grandes majors compagnies d'Hollywood (Metro Goldwin Mayer, 20th Century Fox ou Paramount) qui se disputèrent l'exclusivité de ses contrats à coup de millions car il en faisait rentrer cent fois davantage, bien plus d'ailleurs que ses concurrents acteurs chanteurs, de Frank Sinatra à Dean Martin.

Du film King Créole au documentaire Elvis on tour son dernier opus cinématographique, en passant par Viva Las Vegas, ce livre unique suit pas à pas le prolongement sur grand écran de son extraordinaire légende discographique. Car, quoi qu'en disent ses détracteurs, le King mérita largement sa couronne, autant face aux caméras que devant un micro!"

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin)

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

February 16 - Elvis Golden Records Reach Austin City Limits

Memphis Recording Service released their first release in 4 years entitled "Elvis Live In The 50's - The Complete Concert Recordings". 

This box set is the ultimate tribute to Elvis Presley documenting his shows from the 1950's. The 3 CD's represent for the first time ever, the release of the complete collection of archival live concert recordings (including rare interviews and the recently discovered new material) by Elvis Presley in the 1950's.

All of the 82 tracks included have been painstakingly remastered and restored. Fans who enjoyed previous mastered works of the MRS team such as "Such a Night in Pearl Harbor", "The Complete Hayride Archives" and Boxcar's remastered works of the Orlando February 1977 concert, are in for a treat. Our restoration techniques have now been applied to the Tupelo shows as well as the Eagles Hall, Frontier and Robinson Auditorium shows. Combined with further works on the Hayride and others shows, the quality of these recordings is now far superior to ever before.


The 172 page book is a chronological photo journey following Elvis from the very first to the very last shows performed in the 1950's. It contains linear notes that includes every show listing (now updated) and is accompanied by hundreds of photographs many of which are rare and unpublished.

You can pre-order the CD at the >>> Memphis Recording Service website


No Grammy For Elvis

The "My Happiness" re-issue by Nathanio Strimpopulos from the Third Man Records label did not win Grammy for "Best Recording Package". It was won by Sarah Dodds, Shauna Dodds & Dick Reeves, Asleep at the Wheel, Still the King: Celebrating the Music of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys.

Elvis Reaches Austin City Limits

The E.P. Collector import-label announced the release of "Elvis Reaches Austin City Limits" containing an audience-recording of the March 28, 1977 show.

From the press-release:

Expected soon is our new CD titled ”Elvis Reaches Austin City Limits” (label E.P. Collector, catalogue number EPC 2016-05), recorded live from the audience in Austin, TX, March 28th, 1977. The 2nd tour of 1977 was cut short due to illness, but some of the concerts were surprisingly good, especially the Abilene show on March 27th. In Austin, Elvis performs another solid and entertaining show. 

Note: David Briggs was replaced by Bobby Ogdin on electric piano and clavinet. Among the concert highlights are ”You Gave Me A Mountain“, ”Little Sister”, ”Help Me”, “Fever“ and ”Hurt”. Special moment: it was the very last time that Elvis performed “Steamroller Blues” – a really cool performance! 


The March 28th, 1977 Austin, TX show was previously released 14 years ago by the “Crown” label (a poor sounding CD called “Elvis Slips Into Austin”). Fortunately, the E.P. Collector producers were able to locate the very good sounding original audience recorded master cassette, taped with a recorder equipped with two microphones. The result is a rich and ambient sound - ask for samples! The CD is packaged in a nicely designed digipak filled with a positive concert review from the local press and a collection of cool images taken on March 28, 1977 in Austin, TX. Running time: 62:13 


Tracks: 

01. Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001 Theme) - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. medley: I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain - 07. Jailhouse Rock - 08. medley: O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now Or Never - 09. Little Sister - 10. medley: Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - 11. That's All Right (with false start and break) - 12. Steamroller Blues (performed for last time) - 13. Help Me - 14. Fever - 15. Band Introductions - 16. Early Mornin' Rain - 17. What'd I Say - 18. Johnny B. Goode - 19. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 20. Bass Solo (Blues - Jerry Scheff) - 21. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) - 22. Electric Piano Solo (Bobby Ogdin) - 23. School Day - 24. Hurt - 25. Hound Dog - 26. Can't Help Falling In Love - 27. Closing Vamp / Announcements. 

Elvis' Golden Records 


Due for release on March 11, 2016 on the Vinyl Lovers label is the LP "Elvis' Golden Records". It comes on 180 Gr. vinyl with two additional bonus-tracks. 

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 - Teddy Bear - Love Me Tender -Treat Me Nice - Any Way You Want Me - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You - 2x.

Most Successful Musicians Of All Time



With awards season in full swing, and the GRAMMYs taking place on Monday evening, we started wondering about just who are the most successful musicians of all time in terms of diamond, gold and platinum discs. The infographic below uses stats from The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) to determine which artist is the most successful and what the value of their discs would equate to if they were made purely from gold and platinum.


After delving deep, we found that by these standards Elvis Presley is the most successful musician of all time, with his total number of gold and platinum discs equating to a value of $777,605. In total, the artists featured below have been awarded 511 Gold, 383 Platinum and 222 Multi-Platinum albums weighing approximately 120 grams each, which would equate to a staggering $5,300,598 if they were made purely from those materials. We also wondered if there was a correlation between the number of these discs and the number of GRAMMY awards the artist has won – with some very interesting results! Take a look at our infographic below to find out more.

Additional from FECC Forum:

It only includes regular albums, double albums and boxes, leaving out extended plays and singles. GoldBullion has Elvis with a total of 3 Grammys and 167 RIAA awards, but that is wrong on two counts, first because his awards for SHORT FORM albums were not included. So we add those to the 167 and we have 195. Second, we need to add the 54 Gold, 27 Platinum and 7 Multiplatinum awards received for his standard and digital singles. And that comes to a total of 283. So Elvis real total RIAA tallies total is 283 awards and that doesnt include his videos.

(Source: FECC / Elvis Aktuell / Amazon / Grammy / Billion Vault for the infographic)

Monday, February 15, 2016

Februari 15 - Elvis Live At Del Webb‘s

The new Touchdown release will be a good sounding audience-recording from the midnight show on May 25, 1974 in Lake Tahoe entitled "Elvis Live At Del Webb‘s". 

From the press-release:
Also the recording isn’t fully complete, we thought as it is such a fine concert that it deserves a release. For your information we like to add, that the introductions of the musicians, the singers and the orchestra are missing. Also omitted from the recording is “Funny How Time Slips Away”. A different source includes the song, but the soundquality was really bad. So for a better listening experience we decided to not include it. 

“Big Boss Man” and “Can’t Help Falling In Love” are from the same source as the main part of the show, but both are probably from a lower-generation tape. They were first used for the old bootleg "Big Boss Man In Lake Tahoe" to complete the recording of the Dinner Show on May 24, 1974. Nonetheless the soundquality is nearly the same. 

Added to the midnight show from May 25, 1974 are three bonus songs from the dinner show on May 24, 1974: “Help Me”, “An American Trilogy” and “I’ll Remember You” (first released on the CD “Big Boss Man At Lake Tahoe”).

Tracks:See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Elvis Welcomes The Audience - Love Me - Trying To Get To You - All Shook Up - Love Me Tender - Havin‘ Fun On Stage - Surrender (One Line) / You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - Johnny B. Goode - Hound Dog - Fever - Polk Salad Annie - Why Me Lord - You Gave Me A Mountain - Suspicious Minds - I Can’t Stop Loving You - I’m Leavin’ - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Let Me Be There - The Wonder Of You - Big Boss Man - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Help Me (24.05.1974 M/S) - An American Trilogy (24.05.1974 M/S) - I’ll Remember You (24.05.1974 M/S)
(Source: FECC)

Sunday, February 14, 2016

February 14 - A Killer Valentine (But Not For All)

The Straight Arrow import-release "A Killer Nite", featuring an audience-recording of the previously unreleased Las Vegas, August 26th, 1972 Dinner show, has been released.

From the press-release:
This recording is taken directly from a recently found original mastertape, as recorded by British super fan Rex Martin. This new source has never been in circulation. Of all the engagements that Elvis performed between 1969 and '76, there is no doubt that his Summer '72 season was one of his finest. Not only that, but he was also operating on a consistently strong level, which is something that you can't even say about the Summer '70 one, which had its fair share of poor shows near the end of the engagement. He was in total command of his art, he looked fantastic and he sang like a bird. Each concert from this engagement is recommended listening for the true Elvis scholar. As usual, our new release is presented in Straight Arrow's standard deluxe digipack, designed with a collection of photos of Elvis, taken during Elvis’ 1972 Las Vegas Summer Festival.

Kathy Westmoreland In Hospital
 

Elvis former soprano singer Kathy Westmoreland has been hospitalized in her hometown of Los Angeles, California. More details when available.

(Source: Elvis On CD / UEPS / The King's World)

Friday, February 12, 2016

February 12 - Last Stint At The International

The earlier announced import CD "Last Stint At The International" from the Straight Arrow import-label has been released. This CD contains audience-recordings of both the Dinner and Midnight show as recorded on August 29, 1971  in Las VegasThis release is presented in a deluxe digi-pack, filled with rare images taken at the Las Vegas International hotel in August, 1971.

From the press-release:

This Las Vegas season is still poorly documented, so we know that many fans will be delighted with this release. Elvis delivers the goods with two no-nonsense shows, from an engagement that marks the end of an era. From '69 until this point, Elvis had created so much magic with his shows at the International. Not long after this engagement, the International was sold to the Hilton group. The hotel was renamed, and, oddly enough, some of the magic that was synonymous with Elvis at the International disappeared. From this point onwards, his performances in Vegas became very much a case of 'hit and miss'. Let's go back and touch the past, put the CD in the player and let's enjoy one more dose of the original magic of Elvis at the International.

Tracks: Sunday, August 29, 1971 Dinner Show:

01. Orchestra Intro - 02. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 03. That’s All Right - 04. I Got A Woman / Amen - 05. Proud Mary - 06. Sweet Caroline - 07. Polk Salad Annie - 08. Instrumental intermezzo / Elvis talks - 09. Johnny B. Goode - 10. It’s Impossible - 11. Love Me - 12. Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On / Blue Suede Shoes - 13. Heartbreak Hotel - 14. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - 15. Love Me Tender - 16. Hound Dog - 17. Suspicious Minds - 18. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 19. I’m Leavin’ - 20. Lawdy Miss Clawdy - 21. Can’t Help Falling In Love - 22. Closing Vamp.

Tracks: Sunday, August 29, 1971 Midnight Show:

23. Orchestra Intro - 24. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 25. That’s All Right - 26. I Got A Woman / Amen - 27. Proud Mary - 28. Sweet Caroline - 29. Polk Salad Annie - 30. Instrumental intermezzo / Elvis talks - 31. Johnny B. Goode - 32. It’s Impossible - 33. Love Me - 34. Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On / Blue Suede Shoes - 35. Heartbreak Hotel - 36. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - 37. Love Me Tender. 

European Charts


The "If I Can Dream" CD dropped from #14 to #16 on the Official UK Album chart this week. 

The album drops from #9 to #12 on the Physical Album Chart and rises from #20 to #12 on the Vinyl Albums Chart. It completely drops out of the Top 100 Download and Streaming Album Charts. The vinyl version climbed from #21 to #18 on the Official Record Store Chart Top 40.
  • The "The King Of Rock 'n' Roll" DVD rises from #49 to #34 on the Music Video Charts.
  • The "The Elvis Collection" DVD set rises from #47 to #46 on the Music Video Charts.
  • The "If I Can Dream" CD dropped from #14 to #17 on the Official Scottish Album chart. 
  • The "Elvis - Love Songs" CD is a re-entry at #7 on the Official Scottish Album chart.The "If I Can Dream" CD dropped from #15 to #42 on the Official Irish Album chart.
  • The "If I Can Dream" CD re-entered the Belgian Album Top 200 chart at #138 this week.
Australian Charts
  • The CD "If I Can Dream" dropped from #17 to #21 on the Australian Album chart. 
  • The DVD "Elvis - The King Of Rock’n’Roll – 30 Hit Performances And More" dropped off the Australian Music DVD chart.
(Source: Elvis And His Music / FECC / FECC / Brian Quinn / The King's World)

Thursday, February 11, 2016

February 11 - Splattered Vinyl

Due for release from the Mr. Suit label on February 11, 2016 is the splattered green - yellow vinyl set "Elvis Presley - The Dorsey Brothers Show1956 / The Ed Sullivan Show 1956 - 1957".

Synopsis: In his first nationally televised appearance, on the big band leaders Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey's TV variety show, Elvis Presley shocked the country with his sultry and sensational version of all-time classics like "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Blue Suede Shoes". And, although the Dorsey Bros. show might have been his first national appearance, it was the legendary Ed Sullivan performance that truly put him on the map, so to speak. This hand numbered limited edition splatter vinyl LP includes both of those legendary appearance in one place!

Tracks Side A (The Dorsey Brothers Show 1956): Shake, Rattle And Roll / Flip, Flop And Fly - I Got A Woman - Baby, Let's Play House - Tutti Frutti - Blue Suede Shoes - Heartbreak Hotel - I Was The One - Money Honey

Side B (The Ed Sullivan Show 1956 - 57): Don't Be Cruel - Elvis Talks - Love Me Tender - Ready Teddy - Love Me - Hound Dog - Heartbreak Hotel - Too Much - When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again - (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me)

Due for release from the Mr. Suit label on February 18, 2016 is the splattered red - black vinyl set Elvis Presley Live At The Alabama Fair & Dairy Show, Tupelo" from September 26, 1956. 

Synopsis: One of the most iconic moments in Elvis' legendary career took place on September 26, 1956, when Elvis returned, as a newly minted star, to perform in his own hometown of Tupelo, MS - playing live at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair & Dairy Show. He played two sets that will go down in history as some of the most heartfelt and rollickingly rocking performances in a storied career. Essential early live material from the King himself in a limited edition hand numbered splatter vinyl version.

Tracks side A: Heartbreak Hotel - Long Tall Sally - I Was The One - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You - Elvis Talks - I Got A Woman - Don't Be Cruel - Ready Teddy - Love Me Tender - Hound Dog

Side B: Love Me Tender - I Was The One - I Got A Woman - Announcement - Don't Be Cruel - Blue Suede Shoes - Announcement - Baby, Let's Play House - Hound Dog - Announcement.

Released on clear yellow multicolor splatter vinyl is the "Elvis Presley Live at the Louisiana Hayride 1955". This set is limited to 300 copies and comes in a clear sleeve. 

Synopsis: The King made his television debut on the legendary Louisiana Hayride, March 3, 1955. Running through his classic tunes in fine fashion, this edition is presented in a limited edition of 300 hand-numbered copies on clear yellow vinyl with multicolor splatter in a transparent sleeve.

Tracks side A: That's Alright Mama / Blue Moon of Kentucky / Heartbreak Hotel / Long Tall Sally / I Was the One / Money Honey / I Got a Woman

Side B: Blue Suede Shoes / Hound Dog / Baby Let's Play House / Maybellene / There's Good Rockin Tonight / Tweedle Dee

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / ELlusive Disc)

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

February 10 - Elvis In Concert With Orchestra?

Priscilla Presley posted a tweed in which she confirmed there are talks of a concert of Elvis Presley with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.


US Charts

Elvis Presley has no entries on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for the week ending February 20, 2016.
  • The "If I Can Dream" drops from #3 to #4 on the Classical Albums Chart.
  • "Heart And Soul" remains at #10 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart selling around 1884 units.
  • "Playlist: The Very Best Of Elvis Presley Movie Songs" rises from #25 to #18 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart.
(Source: Priscilla Presley / Brian Quinn / FECC)

Tuesday, February 09, 2016

February 09 - Live In The 50's

The Memphis Recording Service label has announced yet another double vinyl; Live in the 50s – The Complete Tour Recordings. This will be released on April 16 together with the earlier announced vinyl releases from the same label; The Complete Louisiana Hayride Archives and Such A Night In Pearl Harbor.

This limited edition 180 gram 2lp set contains for the first time ever, the complete archival live tour recordings of the 1950’s by Elvis Presley. All of the 34 tracks are re-mastered using the most sophisticated technology and includes a bonus track of recently discovered material. The bonus 24 page gatefold photo album has many rare and unreleased photographs and every show listing (including the Louisiana Hayride) of the 1950’s. Limited To 1000 Contains. The Complete Live Tour Recordings Of The 1950’s by Elvis Presley. Includes 34 Re-Mastered Tracks, A Bonus Track Of Recently Discovered Material, And A Bonus 24 Page Gatefold Photo Album.

Tracks:
LP 1: 19th March, 1955 - Eagles Hall, Houston, Texas - 1. Good Rockin’ Tonight 2. Baby Let’s Play House 3. Blue Moon Of Kentucky 4. I Got A Woman - 5. That’s All Right - 6th May, 1956 - New Frontier Hotel, Las Vegas, NV - 6. Heartbreak Hotel 7. Long Tall Sally 8. Blue Suede Shoes 9. Money Honey - 16th May, 1956 - Robinson Auditorium, Little Rock, AR - 10. Heartbreak Hotel 11. Long Tall Sally 12. I Was The One 13. Money Honey 14. I Got A Woman 15. Blue Suede Shoes 16. Hound Dog - 26th May, 1955 - Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Festival, Meridian, Mississippi - 17. That‘s All Right (Bonus Track)

LP 2: 26th September, 1956 - Mississippi - Alabama Fairgrounds, Tupelo, MS (Afternoon Performance) - 1. Heartbreak Hotel 2. Long Tall Sally 3. I Was The One 4. I Want You, I Need You, I Love You 5. I Got A Woman 6. Don’t Be Cruel 7. Ready Teddy 8. Love Me Tender 9. Hound Dog 10. Love Me Tender 11. Hound Dog - 26th September, 1956 - Mississippi - Alabama Fairgrounds, Tupelo, MS (Evening Performance) - 12. Love Me Tender 13. I Was The One 14. I Got A Woman 15. Don’t Be Cruel 16. Blue Suede Shoes 17. Baby Let’s Play House 18. Hound Dog - Vancouver Fragments 31st August, 1957 - 19. Heartbreak Hotel/ I Was The One/ I Got A Woman/ That's When You Heartaches Begin.

(Source: Elvis Aktuell / FECC)

Monday, February 08, 2016

February 08 - Selfies

Due for release May 2016 is the book "Elvis Selfies - Candid Pictures Taken By Elvis Fans”. A collection of photographs of fans taken with Elvis collected by the author. This is a unique hardback book featuring unique happy-snaps of Elvis Presley with or by his adoring fans from all over the world. 

It comes with a vinyl re-issue of the original Italian 7 inch single “Kissin Cousins'  / It Hurts Me”.  What makes this so exciting is that the wrong tape was supplied to RCA Italy with Elvis singing without the Jordanaires - just to a piano accompaniment.

(Source: Elvis Aktuell)

Wednesday, February 03, 2016

February 03 - Repacked, Remastered, Recharted

A new Elvis 4-CD longbox entitled "Elvis in Houston" will be released in a limited run of 400 copies by the Rockabilly import-label. The set contains 4 soundboards from Houston; Houston Astrodome, Houston, Tx, 01-03-1974 Afternoon Show, Hofheinz Pavillion, Houston, Tx, 04-06-1975 8:30 Pm Show, Hofheinz Pavillion, Houston, Tx, 05-06-1975 8:30 Pm Show and the The Summit, Houston, Tx, 28-08-1976 Afternoon Show.

Elvis Remastered

All the audio within Sony’s forthcoming Elvis Presley box set "The RCA Album Collection", has been confirmed as newly remastered according to an update from the Super Deluxe Edition website. Super Deluxe Edition contacted Sony Legacy for clarification and they confirmed that audio engineer Vic Anesini, who has worked on many Elvis Presley projects over the years, has remastered all the audio for this mammoth 60CD set.

US And Canadian Charts


The Billboard charts for the week ending February 13, 2016.

  • Elvis Presley has no entries on the Billboard Album Top 200.
  • "If I Can Dream" rises from #4 to #3 on the Classical Albums Chart.
  • "Heart And Soul" drops from #8 to #10 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart.
  • "Playlist: The Very Best Of Elvis Presley Movie Songs" is a new entry at #25 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart.
  • "If I Can Dream" dropped off the Canadian Album chart.
UK Charts

On the Official UK Album charts for the week ending February 11, 2016 "If I Can Dream" dropped from #12 to #14 with approxomately 6,645 copies sold, making the total sales to date around 981,422 copies. Other entries on the UK Charts for 5th February, 2016.

  • "If I Can Dream" drops from #54 to #67 on the Album Download Chart; remains at #12 on the Album Sales Chart; remains at #9 on the Physical Album Chart and rises from #21 to #20 on the Vinyl Album Chart.
  • "The Elvis Collection" drops from #31 to #47 on the Music Video Chart.
  • The DVD "The King Of Rock’n’Roll" jumped from #49 to #34 on the Official Uk Music DVD chart. 
  • The Warner Home Video 6 DVD Box climbed from #47 to #46 on the Official Uk Music DVD chart. 
European Charts
  • The CD "If I Can Dream" dropped off the Belgian Album chart. 
  • The CD "If I Can Dream" dropped from #14 to #19 on the Irish Album chart
  • "If I Can Dream" drops from #10 to #14 on the Scottish Album Chart.
Australian charts

  • The DVD "The King Of Rock’n’Roll" dropped to #33 to #40 on the Australian Music DVD chart. 

Global charts
  • The CD "If I Can Dream" dropped from #25 to #33 on the Global Album charts.
(Source: FECC / Super Deluxe Edition / Brian Quinn / FECC / The King's World / ACharts)