May 30 - Follow Those Releases

The Follow That Dream collectors label announced the June 2016 releases; "Speedway" in the Classic Album Series" series and the book "Taking Care Of Business" that comes with a bonus CD that offers unreleased versions of studio-tracks from June 1970 and a remastered recording of Elvis’ concert in Portland, Oregon on November 11, 1970 

From the FTD label:
In our classic album series we now present the soundtrack album “Speedway” (2-CD 7” digpack). 

Disc 1 - Original Album: 01 Speedway (2:13) 02 There Ain’t Nothing Like A Song (2:11) Elvis and Nancy Sinatra 03 Your Time Hasn’t Come Yet, Baby (1:54) 04 Who Are You? (Who Am I?) (2:35) 05 He’s Your Uncle Not Your Dad (2:31) 06 Let Yourself Go (3:01) 07 Your Groovy Self (2:57) Nancy Sinatra 08 Five Sleepy Heads (1:33) 09 Western Union (2:13) 10 Mine (2:39) 11 Goin’ Home (2:24) 12 Suppose (2:09) 

Remixed Soundtrack Masters: 13 There Ain’t Nothing Like A Song (2:22) 14 Your Time Hasn’t Come Yet, Baby (2:04) 15 Five Sleepy Heads (1:44) 16 Who Are You? (Who Am I?) (2:55) 17 Speedway (2:49) 18 Suppose (2:13) 19 Let Yourself Go (3:08) 20 He’s Your Uncle Not Your Dad (2:41) 

Outtakes: 21 Suppose (long Version) (3:22) 22 Let Yourself Go - take 5* (3:14) 23 Let Yourself Go - take 6* (3:17) 24 Your Time Hasn’t Come Yet, Baby (movie version)* (2:04) 25 Goin’ Home - takes 16* & 23* (4:00) 26 Mine – takes 1*, 2*, 3* & 4 (5:38) 27 Mine – takes 8* & 9 (3:34) 28 Mine – take 13* (2:48) 29 Suppose (Nashville master) (3:06) 

*Previously unreleased 

Disc 2 - Original Mono LP Masters: 01 Speedway (2:13) 02 There Ain’t Nothing Like A Song (2:12) Elvis and Nancy Sinatra 03 Your Time Hasn’t Come Yet, Baby (1:53) 04 Who Are You? (Who Am I?) (2:35) 05 He’s Your Uncle Not Your Dad (2:31) 06 Let Yourself Go (3:01) 07 Your Groovy Self (2:57) Nancy Sinatra 08 Five Sleepy Heads (1:33) 09 Western Union (2:13) 10 Mine (2:39) 11 Goin’ Home (2:24) 12 Suppose (2:03) 13 Suppose (long version) (3:00).

Taking Care Of Business book + CD

The newest release from Flaming Star/FTD is “Taking Care Of Business – In A Flash”. A hardcover, large-format book with 450 pages that offer detailed coverage of Elvis’ life and career between the autumn of 1970 and the first weeks of 1971. It features several hundred photographs, many of them candid and previously unpublished, contains rare documents, reports from the time, and new and exclusive interviews. It comes with a bonus CD that offers unreleased versions of studio-tracks from June 1970 and a remastered recording of Elvis’ concert in Portland, Oregon on November 11, 1970.

Tracks Taking Care Of Business - In A Flash The CD:

01.Twenty Days And Twenty Nights (undubbed master) 
02. How The Web Was Woven (undubbed master) 
03. Bridge Over Troubled Water (unreleased stereo master without the overdubbed applause) 
04. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me (original RCA mono single version) 
05. Patch It Up (original RCA mono single version) 
06. Audio of original "Elvis: That's the Way It Is" theatrical trailer 
07. I Really Don't Want To Know (original RCA mono single version) 
08. There Goes My Everything (original RCA mono single version) 
09. Elvis; Live In Portland (Nov.11, 1970) 
09.01.That's All Right 
09.02. I Got A Woman / Amen 
09.03. Love Me Tender 
09.04. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me 
09.05. Sweet Caroline 
09.06. You've Lost That Loving Feeling 
09.07. Polk Salad Annie 
09.08. Johnny B. Goode 
09.09. How Great Thou Art 
09.10. The Wonder Of You 
09.11. Heartbreak Hotel 
09.12. Blue Suede Shoes 
09.13. Hound Dog 
09.14. Bridge Over Troubled Water 
09.15. Suspicious Minds 
09.16. Funny How Time Slips Away 
09.17. Can't Help Falling In Love 
10. Elvis' Jaycees Award Acceptance Speech 

(Source: FECC) 

May 29 - Symphonic Christmas

Managing director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Ian Maclay, mentioned that the orchestra will record a Christmas album in the next few months with the working title "Elvis At Christmas". The album is due November 2016 and tracks should be part of the November live tour of the orchestra. 

56 Vinyl

Due for release from Sony Music on September 30, 2016 is a vinyl LP entitled "Elvis '56".

Side A: Heartbreak Hotel - My Baby Left Me - Blue Suede Shoes - So Glad You're Mine - Tutti Frutti - One-Sided Love Affair - Love Me - Anyplace Is Paradise - Paralyzed - Ready Teddy - Too Much - Hound Dog

Side C: Any Way You Want Me (That's How I Will Be) - Don't Be Cruel - Lawdy, Miss Clawdy - Shake, Rattle And Roll - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You - Rip It Up - Heartbreak Hotel - I Got A Woman - I Was The One - Money Honey

(Source: ElvisMatters / Amazon)

May 27 - Charts

The official UK charts for the week ending May 27, 2016:

• The "If I Can Dream" CD dropped off the Official UK Album chart. 
• The "If I Can Dream" CD dropped from  #76 to #85 to on the Official UK Album Sales chart. 
• The "If I Can Dream" CD dropped from  #58 to #70 to on the Official UK Physical Album Sales chart. 

Current UK sales of the "If I Can Dream" total 1,042,422 units approxomately.

European Chart

• The "If I Can Dream" CD climbed from #92 to #81 on the Official Scottish Album chart. 
• The DVD "Elvis On Tour" reentered the Belgian Music DVD chart at #7 this week. 

Australian Charts

The DVD "The King Of Rock’n’Roll“ re-entered the Australian Music DVD charts at #32. 

(Source: FECC / The King's World)

May 26 - Memphis Reissue Service

Due for release August 3, 2016 from the Memphis Recording Service are "Blue Hawaii - The Expanded Alternate Album" and "The Complete Louisiana Hayride Archives 1954 - 1956". 

Tracks Blue Hawaii - The Expanded Alternate Album:
Blue Hawaii (Take 1FS Take 7M) - Almost Always True (Take 1FS Take 8M) - Aloha Oe (Take 4FS & SPM) - No More (Take 1FS Take 13M) - Cant Help Falling In Love (Take 27FS Take 28FS Take 29M) - Rock-A-Hula Baby (Take 4FS Take 5M) - Moonlight Swim (Take 3M) - Ku ui po (Take 8LFS Take 9M) - Ito Eats (Take 6FS Take 7FS Take8FS Take 9M) - Slicin’ Sand (Take 18LFS Take 19M) - Hawaiian Sunset (Master) - Beach Boy Blues (Take 1FS Take 2M) - Island of Love (Take 11FS Take 12FS Take 13M) - Hawaiian Wedding Song (Take 2M)

The Alternate Outtakes: No More (Take 3LFS) - No More (Take 9) - Rock-A-Hula Baby (Take 1FS) - Ito Eats (Take 1MM Take 3FS) - Slicin’ Sand (Take 15FS Take 16FS Take 17) - Beach Boy Blues (Take 3MM) - Island of Love (Take 3FS, Take 5FS, Take 10FS) - Aloha Oe (Take 2) - Aloha Oe (Take 3) - Aloha Oe (Take 5SPM) - Aloha Oe (Take 7SPM) - Aloha Oe (MASTER OF SECTION 2) - Cant Help Falling In Love (Take 1FS Take 2FS Take 3FS Take 4FS) - Cant Help Falling In Love (Take 5LSF) - Cant Help Falling In Love (Take 6FS, Take 7FS) - Cant Help Falling In Love (Take 8LFS) - Cant Help Falling In Love (Take 9) - Cant Help Falling In Love (Take 10FS Take 11FS Take 12FS) - Cant Help Falling In Love (Take 18FS Take 23MM)

Tracks The Complete Louisiana Hayride Archives 1954 - 1956:
First Louisiana Hayride Show - 16.10.1954:
Hayride Begins Jingle - Introduction / That's All Right - Blue Moon Of Kentucky
15.01.1955: Hearts Of Stone - That’s All Right - Tweedle Dee
22.01.1955: Money Honey - Blue Moon Of Kentucky - I Don’t Care If The Sun Don’t Shine - That’s All Right
30.04.1955: Tweedle Dee
16.07.1955: I’m Left You’re Right She’s Gone
20.08.1955 Baby Let’s Play House - Maybellene - That’s All Right
Last Louisiana Hayride Show - 16.12.1956:
Heartbreak Hotel - Long Tall Sally - I Was The One - Love Me Tender - Don’t Be Cruel - Love Me - I Got A Woman - When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again - Paralyzed - Hound Dog - Elvis Has Left The Building - Hayride End Jingle
Bonus Songs: June Carter Talks About Elvis On The Hayride - Maybellene (Tunzi Remix).

(Source: Memphis Recording Service / Elvis Aktuell)

May 25 - Taking Care of Vinyl Covers

It appears the cover upcoming "Taking Care of Business" book from FTD / Flaming Star received an update. The top image is the first cover, the second one is the new image found on the The Man And His Music website. 

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 EMM’s very own Paul Richardson, the book will be accompanied by audio from the November 1970 tour.


Vinyl

Due for release on June 3, 2016 from the Socadisc label is a vinyl re-issue of "Blue Hawaii", "Elvis in Love", "Number One Hits", "Rocks on", "Sings Songs from His Movies" and "Gospel Times". The latter with The Jordanaires.

(Source: FECC / Now Dig This / Amazon France)

May 24 - Import-releases

The AudiRec import-releases "Opening Night At Lake Tahoe" containing an audience-recording of the April 30, 1976 Opening Show and "Hilton Showroom Volume 3" containing an audience-recording of the December 6, 1975 Dinner Show performance have been released. 

(Source: Elvis On CD)

May 23 - The Profile

Due for re-release from The Profile Collection label on August 12, 2016 is the 2CD biography interview set "The Profile".

(Source: Amazon)

May 22 - Sold!

A Gibson guitar that Elvis Presley was given by his father has sold for $334,000 (£230,000) at at an auction at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York. It is thought that Vernon Presley changed the finish on the Gibson Dove to black after his son earned a black belt in karate. Presley gave the guitar to a fan during a concert in North Carolina in 1975.

Elvis Presley's first piano, a Stroud piano from 1911, sold for $140,000. Elvis Presley bought the piano at the age of 20 at O.K. Houck Piano Company Inc. Memphis, on September 30 1955 for $ 281.75. Presley paid $ 50 as deposit, and the balance was paid over 11 months. Later the piano stood in the room of Joe Esposito at Graceland. Eventually Christine Strickland, his cook, get the piano. After her death, the piano was sold to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Museum in July 1992, where it was on display until 1999. In October of that year the piano was sold at auction in Las Vegas. Today, the piano was offered at Julien's Auctions. 

(Source: BBC / Julien Auctions / Elvis Matters)

May 20 - Follow Elvis And Johnny

The May 2016 Follow That Dream releases "NBC Special", "Las Vegas 1975" and the vinyl "The King Creole Monitor Mixes" have been released. 

"Elvis" ('68 Comeback) Special". The first disc includes the original album plus the expected Bonus tracks. Disc 2 contains, somewhat disappointingly this includes the material previously released on the excellent FTD 'Let Yourself Go' but also includes 9 previously unreleased tracks. 'Let Yourself Go' however was edited into a "making of the NBC Special" audio documentary. Now we get a more thorough look into the session tapes.

"LAS VEGAS 1975" - double-pack soundboard concert release. The album features two of Elvis' best concerts from his Las Vegas March/April 1975 season. The March 22 concert is considered one of the best concerts of the season and was first released on the Fort Baxter bootleg 'A Profile Vol. 2'. Elvis is in fine voice and the excellent set-list includes Big Boss Man, It's Midnight, Promised Land, My Boy as well as the one-off 'You're The Reason I'm Living' (as previously issued on the 'Live In Las Vegas' BMG box-set). 

The Las Vegas March 22, 1975 MS is by far the best concert from the season so although previously bootlegged the concert is an essential release. The April 1, Dinner Show is also a great addition with a fine song line-up and Elvis in a fantastic mood - the bonus songs were also very carefully chosen. The April 1 concert was previously released on bootleg back in 2009 by Southern Comfort/Fort Baxter and it is an excellent show.

"King Creole The Monitor Mono Mixes" contains mixes that were recorded by RCA's studio engineer separately to the King Creole album Masters and include the few outtakes of the session that have been released. Tracks include, As Long As I Have You (long version - take 8 ), Crawfish (unedited master) and King Creole (first version - take 18). This release comes on clear 180 Gr. vinyl.

Charlie, Bring Me The Request Box


Also released is the Straight Arrow import title "Charlie, Bring Me The Request Box". A 5 CD set covering the "Elvis Summer Festival 1975" that ran August 18 to 20, 1975 at the  Las Vegas Hilton Hotel.

Elvis And Johnny 

Due for release from the French VPI label is the vinyl double pack "Johnny - Elvis: Quand Johnny Reprends Elvis". The set contains tracks by both Johnny Hallyday and Elvis Presley and is limited to 1000 copies on red and blue vinyl. 

Side A: I Got Stung - Baby I Don´t Care - Hound Dog - Trouble - Don´t Leave Me Now - Blue Suede Shoes - Money Honey - Teddy Bear - Heartbreak Hotel

Seite B: J´Suis Mordu - Sentimental - Hound Dog - La Bagarre - Premier Amour - Blue Suede Shoes - Money Honey - Ton pettit Ours En Peluche - Je Me Sens Sie Seul.


(Source: Amazon / FECC / UEPS)

May 19 - EPE Graceland Ready For Westside Construction

Elvis Presley Enterprises applied this week for more construction permits for work totaling $21.3 million across the street from Graceland.

The company will replace the complex of decades-old tourist buildings that house souvenir shops, dining and an exhibit of Elvis' cars. Elvis Presley Enterprises had pulled a permit in February for preliminary construction totaling $6.7 million. Dirt work started a few months ago behind the existing buildings along Elvis Presley Boulevard at Craft Road.

The company applied for three more permits this week, for $18.1 million worth of work at 1064 Craft, for $1.1 million of work at 1126 Craft and for $2.2 million of work at 1116 Craft.

The documents describe the planned construction as "core and shell construction'' and the pouring of the foundation.

Grinder, Taber & Grinder is the contractor and Hnedak Bobo Group is the architect for the project whose total cost will be $30 million to $35 million.

Elvis Presley Enterprises calls it the "Westside Project'' because the buildings are on the west side of the street across from Graceland.

The old buildings will be removed and replaced with 200,000 square feet that will house a new museum of Elvis’ cars, two restaurants, a multipurpose building, six retail spaces, a museum themed “Elvis the Entertainer,’’ and other exhibits.

Graceland officials have said they plan to move Elvis’ gold records, guitars, jumpsuits and other memorabilia from the mansion into the new space.

The tourist facilities will be greatly expanded on a 46-acre site that includes land acquired from where Craft Manor and other apartment complexes once stood.

The two Elvis airplanes will stay in place.

The Westside Project will eventually mean the demolition of Heartbreak Hotel, but only after completion this fall of the new 450-room resort hotel called The Guest House at Graceland. The Guest House is on the east side of Elvis Presley Boulevard, north of Graceland.

Juliens Auctions
 

On Saturday, May 21 at 10am local time the auction 'Music Icons' takes place in the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City. It is organized by the auction house Julien's Auctions. The catalog contains 83 lots with Elvis memorabilia, including jewelry, clothing, a piano, and the Aloha guitar that was offered for sale at Graceland auction in January, but with the minimum price was not met. Since yesterday, visitors of the Hard Rock Cafe on Times Square can view the auction items.


The legendary Gibson Dove guitar played by Elvis during the famous Aloha from Hawaii concert in 1973 is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the auction. Not only during this show Elvis used the guitar but also more than 100 other live performances from 1971 to 1975. This Ebony Gibson Dove guitar, with an estimated $ 300,000 to $ 500,000, is one of the most important guitars in music history.

If you have money to spare click here: >>> Music Icons Auction Catalog.

(Source: Commercial Appeal / Thomas Bailey Jr. / ElvisMatters)

May 18 - The Beat Is Back

Expected soon is from the E.P. Collector import-label is a 2CD set entitled ”The Beat Is Back” containing an audiencerecording of the April 21, 1976 performance in Kansas City, MO. The running-time is 84:33 minutes.

From the press-release:

As per the March 1976 tour, the April tour was a short one - Elvis played just 8 shows in 7 days - but only 3 days after tour closing in Spokane, Elvis started his last-ever season in Lake Tahoe. Most of the April concerts were solid and the shows were longer, with very enjoyable set lists.

Note: Shane Kiester was replaced on piano by Tony Brown and Ronnie Tutt was back on drums, replacing Larrie Londin.

Among the concert highlights are ”Steamroller Blues“, ”Heartbreak Hotel”, ”My Way”, “Hurt“ and ”Burning Love”. There are other great performances, but one single performance stands out in particular - an unique, dramatic rendition of „How Great Thou Art“! Elvis' vocals on this are unbelievable, and this is a serious candidate for 'best live version ever'.

The April 21st, 1976 show is previously unreleased. The producers were looking for good sounding recording for more than 2 years. Finally they got 3 different tapes. The best sounding one was selected for release and small parts were repaired using secondary sources, to make the recording 100 percent complete.

The CD is packaged in a nicely designed double digipak filled with a glowing concert review from the local press and a collection of cool images taken on April 21st, 1976 in Kansas City, MO. With Ronnie Tutt back in band, the beat was back, too!

Tracklist CD-1:
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 (with false start) - 07. Steamroller Blues - 08. All Shook Up - 09. medley: Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 10. Heartbreak Hotel - 11. My Way - 12. Polk Salad Annie.

CD-2:
01. Band Introductions - 02. What'd I Say - 03. Drums Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 04. Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff) - 05. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) - 06. Electric Piano Solo (David Briggs) - 07. School Day - 08. And I Love You So - 09. Hurt - 10. Help Me - 11. Burning Love - 12. America (The Beautiful) - 13. How Great Thou Art - 14. Little Darlin' (with false start) - 15. Funny How Time Slips Away (with reprise) - 16. Hound Dog - 17. Can't Help Falling In Love - 18. Closing Vamp & Announcements - 19. Elvis In Kansas City announcement.

US Charts

Elvis Presley has no entries on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for the week ending  May 28, 2016.
The "If I Can Dream" CD rises from #7 to #4 on the Classical Album Chart.

UK Charts

The "If I Can Dream" CD is listed at #95 on the UK Album Chart for the week ending May 20,  2016. It is also listed at #76 on the Album Sales Chart and #58 on the Physical Album Chart.

EU Charts

The "If I Can Dream" CD is listed at #92 on the Scottish Album Chart.

(Source: e-mail / Brian Quinn / FECC)

May 16 - Elvis On Tour - The Standing Room Only Tapes

A new exclusive 4 CD set has been released by the Magnetic import-label. It features The Standing Room Only Tapes rehearsals recorded in March and April 1972. These rehearsals are presented here in their best sound quality available, and for the very first time reunited in a single box-set with a nice booklet featuring related pictures, paperwork and memorabilia. 

The set contains material recorded between March and April 1972 at RCA Studio C, Hollywood.

CD 1 - The Mock Up Studio Sessions: 30.03.1972
CD 2 - The Rehearsals (Part 1 - 31.03.1972)
CD 3 - The Rehearsals (Part 2 - 31.03.1972)

CD 4 - The Buffalo Rehearsal: 05.04.1972

(Source: FECC)

May 13 - Elvis Hits The Hymnes

Due May 20, 2016 is the SM Originals re-release “Elvis Hits the Charts”. Just the 25 Number One Hits included on this excellent value encapsulation of 5 years that changed music forever. Including 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'Jailhouse Rock', and 'Hound Dog'. If you only own one Elvis CD this should be it according to the press-release.

Heartbreak Hotel / Don’t Be Cruel / Hound Dog / Love Me Tender / I Want You, I Need You, I Love You / Too Much / All Shook Up / Teddy Bear / Jailhouse Rock / Don't / Hard Headed Woman / One Night / I Got Stung / A Fool Such As I / I Need Your Love Tonight / A Big Hunk O Love / Stuck On You / It's Now Or Never / Are You Lonesome Tonight? / Wooden Heart / Surrender / (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame / Little Sister / Rock A Hula Baby / Can't Help Falling In Love

Elvis Presley - Hymnbook

Due from the SM Originals label is the re-release of the CD “Elvis Presley - Hymnbook”. Highlighting the spiritual side of the King of Rock & Roll this beautifully presented album showcases Elvis' immortal voice against a backdrop of devotional songs and hymns. Includes 'His Hand In Mine', 'Peace In The Valley', 'Mansion Over The Hilltop' and many more...

I Believe / His Hand In Mine / I'm Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs / In My Father's House / (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me) / Milky White Way / Known Only To Him / I Believe In The Man In The Sky / It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) / Joshua Fit The Battle / He Knows Just What I Need / Swing Down Sweet Chariot / Take My Hand, Precious Lord / Mansion Over The Hilltop / If We Never Meet Again / Working On The Building.

(Source: Amazon)

May 12 - Elvis Up For Auction

The Christiana Auction Gallery in the USA has a new auction coming up called "Elvis Presley, Fine Memorabilia & More Sale" this weekend- 12th May 2016 6PM EST. Included a some very interesting Elvis items, clothing, autographed items and personal memorabilia. These include:

Leather boots owned and worn by Elvis Presley
Each boot inscribed with Elvis Presley's name on bottom. These boots are from a longtime collection of Elvis Presley owned and worn items. Various items come from the collection of Jim Curtin (noted to be one of the largest collector of Elvis Presley items in the world). Also, items directly from Vernon Presley, Elvis Presley estate, Col. Tom Parker (Presley estate manager), and Graceland.
Provenance: Collection of Tom Parker, acquired directly from Presley during the 1970's. Estimate $6,000 – $10,000

Prescription glasses owned and used often by Elvis Presley. 
These glasses would be used by Elvis for reading. The glasses were given directly by Elvis Presley to close friend and Memphis Mafia member - Marty Lacker and came from his desk at Graceland. Also, on the glasses are Elvis Presley's teeth marks. Marty Lacker was considered one of Elvis Presley's true friends along as his co best man for the wedding with Priscilla.
Provenance: Estate of Marty Lacker, acquired from Presley at Graceland. Estimate $6,000 – $12,000

Silver turquoise eagle ring owned and worn on many occasions by Elvis Presley. Also included a hand written letter from Elvis to Elizabeth thanking her for the letters received 
Provenance: Elizabeth Mercer collection, acquired directly from Vernon and Elvis Presley. Authentication included from Vernon Presley. Estimate $6,000 – $10,000.

Go here for the full list.

(Source: Elvis Information Network)

May 11 - ChartsPresley

Elvis has no entries on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for the week ending May 21, 2016.

The "If I Can Dream" CD drops from #6 to #7 on the Classical Album Chart.

• The "Heart And Soul" compilation is a re-entry at #25 on the Country Catalog Album Chart.
• The "He Touched Me' - The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley" (Vols.1 and 2) drops from #7 to #24 on the Music Video Sales Chart.

UK Chart

• Elvis Presley's "If I Can Dream" drops to #96 from #49 on the Official UK Album Chart for the week ending May 13, 2016.
• The "If I Can Dream" CD drops from #40 to #77 on the Album Sales Chart; it also drops from #33 to #69 on the Physical Album Chart.

European Charts

• The "If I Can Dream" CD drops from #35 to #78 on the Scottish Album Chart.
• The CD "The Real... Elvis – 60’s Collection" dropped off the Belgian Mid-price Album charts.

Australian Charts

• In Australia the "If I Can Dream" CD dropped to #77 on the Top 100 Albums chart. On the Physical Albums chart the CD is listed at #53.
• The DVD "Elvis – The King Of Rock’n’Roll – 30 Hit Perfomances And More" dropped off the Music DVD chart. 

(Source: Brian Quinn / FECC / ARIA Charts / A Charts)

May 10 - Original Cover Art

Here is the cover-art for the Documents (Membran) 10 CD set “Elvis Presley - Original Albums - Soundtracks” 10 CD set which is due June 24, 2016. 

CD 1: Something For Everybody (RCA Victor LSP-2370 - US) 
CD 2: Pot Luck (RCA Victor LSP-2523 - US) 
CD 3: Jailhouse Rock (RCA Popular 31.126 - South Africa Only) 
CD 4: Blue Hawaii (RCA Victor LPM-2426 - US) 
CD 5: Girls! Girls! Girls! (RCA Victor LPM-2621 - US) 
CD 6: Love Me Tender (RCA Victor EPA-4006 - US) - Songs aus "Flaming Star" - Songs aus "Wild In The Country" - Songs aus "Follow That Dream" 
CD 7: Elvis Presley (RCA Victor - BKL 60 - Brazil) 
CD 8: King Of The Whole Wide World (RCA Victor 31.673 - South Africa) 
CD 9: The Original Sun Singles Bonus Songs 
CD 10: The US-Pop-Charts No. 1 Singles 1956 - 1962 

FTD Re-Pressings

Despite rumours that Elvis fans have bought all they can handle and that FTD, and CD sales in general, are dropping it is great to see that FTD are repressing NINE of their most popular Classic Album releases.

These include the recently released "Live A Little, Love A Little" and "King Creole" Classic Albums. Also being reprinted are "Elvis" (the 2nd LP), "Flaming Star", "Elvis (Fool)", "The Return To Vegas", "Sold Out" , "Hot August Night"  and "The On Stage Season".

Last book of The Elvis Files series in June

Next month, the long-awaited and last part of The Elvis Files series will be released. The series, written by Erik Lorentzen, is a wonderful collection of books and tells the story of Elvis's life, private and on the road, on the basis of thousands of pictures. Each book weighs more than three kilograms! In June, the last part, about the years 1976 and 1977, will be released. 


(Source: Amazon / ElvisMatters / Elvis Information Network)

May 08 - Speedway Actor Died

Speedway Actor William Schallert died suddenly in his Pacific Palisades home on Sunday, 8 May. He was 93. William Schallert is best remembered by Elvis fans for his role as Abel Esterlake (screen father to Ellie Esterlake, who Elvis sang Your Time Hasn't Come Yet, Baby to) in the 1968 movie "Speedway". 

(Source: Elvis Information Network)

May 07 - TCB Band In Memphis And Graceland

Some members of Elvis' TCB Band were at work in Memphis yesterday. They worked in secret on a special project in the recording studio "Sam Phillips Recording", located on Madison Avenue. Also the people from Sony Music Entertainment including and Ernst Jorgensen, the major driving force behind the Follow That Dream collectors label, were present.

The Band also visited Graceland. Guitarist James Burton, piano player David Briggs, drummer Ronnie Tutt and bass player Norbert Putnam were at Graceland, and in particular in the Jungle Room. 

In February 1976, exactly forty years ago, Elvis recorded some songs, not in a recording studio, but at his home in Memphis in the famous Jungle Room. The FTD 'Jungle Room Sessions' is one of the most popular and best-selling albums in the series of Follow That Dream. 

Expectations are that a new album will be released by Sony Legacy Recordings, a special release around the Jungle Room Sessions to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of it. Norbert Putnam was only be continued at the session of February 1976. 

(Source: ElvisMatters)

May 06 - Elvis On Television Soundtrack

Continuing celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of Elvis’ first appearance on national television, Memphis Recording Service will release a 2CD / 100-page set titled "Elvis On Television 1956 - 1960 - The Complete Soundtrack Recordings" on June 26th 2016. The recordings contain the complete archival recordings of Elvis Presley’s television appearances from 1956-60. 

For the first time ever, these tracks been painstakingly remastered and restored. Fans who have enjoyed our previous mastered works will be pleased to know that our restoration techniques have now been applied these historical television soundtrack recordings.

The quality of these recordings are now far superior than ever released before. The recordings contain all song tracks, comedy sketch routines and interviews including the extended Wink Martindale dialogue with Dewey Phillips. 

The 100-page book is a chronological photo journey following Elvis from the very first in 1956, to his appearance on The Frank Sinatra show in 1960. It contains liner notes accompanied by many rare and new unpublished photographs.

Tracks Elvis On Television:

CD 1: The Dorsey Brothers Stage Show (28.01.1956):
Introduction & Bill Randle Introduces Elvis Presley - Shake Rattle And Roll / Flip Flop And Fly - I Got A Woman

The Dorsey Brothers Stage Show (04.02.1956):
Introduction - Baby Let's Play House - Tutti Frutti

The Dorsey Brothers Stage Show (11.02.1956):
Introduction - Blue Suede Shoes - Heartbreak Hotel (With Orchestra)

The Dorsey Brothers Stage Show (18.02.1956):
Introduction - Tutti Frutti - I Was The One

The Dorsey Brothers Stage Show (17.03.1956):
Introduction - Blue Suede Shoes - Heartbreak Hotel

The Dorsey Brothers Stage Show (24.03.1956):
Introduction - Money Honey - Heartbreak Hotel

The Milton Berle Show (03.04.1956):
Introduction & Shake Rattle And Roll (In Part) - Milton Berle Introduces Elvis Presley - Heartbreak Hotel - Blue Suede Shoes - Milton Berle & Elvis Presley Comedy Sketch - Blue Suede Shoes (Reprise)

The Milton Berle Show (05.06.1956):
Introduction - Hound Dog - Milton Berle & Elvis Presley & Debra Paget Comedy Sketch - Milton Berle Introduces Elvis Presley - I Want You I Need You I Love You - Milton Berle Presents Elvis Billboard Award

Wink Martindale - Top Ten Dance Party (16.06.1956):
Wink Martindale Interviews Elvis Presley & Dewey Phillips Singing Money Honey

CD 2 :

The Steve Allen Show (01.07.1956):
Introduction / Dialogue With Steve Allen - I Want You I Need You I Love You - Hound Dog - Yippee Yi Yo Yippee Yi Yay (Comedy Routine With Steve Allen, Elvis Presley, Imogene Coca & Andy Griffith)

Hy Gardner (01.07.1956):
Calling Elvis (Interview)

The Ed Sullivan Show (09.09.1956):
Introduction And Charles Laughton Introduces Elvis - Don't Be Cruel - Love Me Tender - Ready Teddy - Hound Dog

The Ed Sullivan Show (28.10.1956):
Introduction Ed Sullivan - Don't Be Cruel - Introduction Ed Sullivan - Love Me Tender - Introduction Ed Sullivan - Love Me - Hound Dog - Elvis Talks Farewell

The Ed Sullivan Show (06.01.1957):
Ed Sullivan Introduction - Hound Dog - Love Me Tender - Heartbreak Hotel - Don't Be Cruel - Too Much - Elvis Talks - When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again - Ed Sullivan Speaks - (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley - Ed Sullivan Farewells Elvis

The Frank Sinatra Show (26.03.1960):
It's Very Nice to Travelling (With Frank & Nancy Sinatra, Joey Bishop & Sammy Davis Jr.) - Fame And Fortune - Stuck On You - Frank Sinatra And Joey Bishop Talk To Elvis - Witchcraft / Love Me Tender (With Frank Sinatra) - Love Me Tender (Reprise With Frank Sinatra) - Frank Sinatra And Nancy Sinatra Farewells Elvis

Released 

The Dutch Elvis One label released "The Elvis Presley Movie Album: Original Mono Masters" CD containing 34 masters from Elvis Presley as original released in mono on his albums, EPs and singles from 1956 to 1962. Many of the later released versions on CD are different to the versions as original released, like the master of 'I Want To Break Free' (as appeared on the 'Jailhouse Rock' EP), 'Dixieland Rock' (as appeared on the 'King Creole' EP), the extended master of 'Tonight's All Right For Love' (released on a German vinyl single), the album master of 'Didja' Ever', and the original mono masters of 'A Whistling Tune', 'Home Is Where The Heart Is', 'I Got Lucky' and 'King Of The Whole Wide World' (as appeared on the 'Kid Galahad' EP). All these songs as original released, including all Elvis' movie songs released on singles from 1956 to 1962 now for the first time together on one CD. 


The Elvis One label released "Elvis 25" in their bootleg series. It comes as a single and a "Special Deluxe Edition" double disc. The latter contains all masters from March 20-21 and April 3-5 1960 in original Mono and Stereo sound as well as outtakes and alternate versions from these legendary studio sessions plus Elvis at 'The Frank Sinatra – Timex Show' March 26, 1960, including Elvis' duet with Frank Sinatra 'Witchcraft / Love Me Tender' (unedited – with reprise.) Also including is a 16 pages booklet with photos and recording information.

(Source: Memphis Recording Service)

May 05 - Charts

The "If I Can Dream" CD rises from #60 to #49 on the Official UK Album Chart for the week ending May 6, 2016. Total sales to date total approximately 1,037,872 units. The "If I Can Dream" CD drops from #31 to #33 on the Physical Album Chart.

European Charts

The "If I Can Dream" CD rises from #66 to #35 on the Scottish Album Chart.
The CD "The Real... Elvis – 60’s Collection" entered the Belgian Mid-price Album charts at #46.

US Charts

Elvis Presley has no entries on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for the week ending May 14, 2016.
The "If I Can Dream" CD drops from #3 to #6 on the Classical Album Chart.
The "He Touched Me - The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley (Vols.1 and 2)" rises from #11 to #7 on the Music Video Sales Chart.

Australian Charts

The DVD "Elvis – The King Of Rock’n’Roll – 30 Hit Perfomances And More" dropped from #38 to #39 on the Australian Music DVD chart. 


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

May 04 - Opening Night At The Lake Tahoe Showroom

The AudiRec import-label has announced a new CD entitled "Opening Night at Lake Tahoe" containing an audience recording of the Opening Show in Lake Tahoe from April 30, 1976.

From the press-release: 
AudiRec proudly presents "Elvis - Opening Night at Lake Tahoe", a brand new CD which will be released shortly. It includes an audience recording of the complete and so far unreleased performance from April 30, 1976 (the Opening Show was actually a Dinner Show, there were two performances this day). Welcome to another AudiRec CD release which takes you back to the spring of 1976. At the time this CD is being released it means that it´s actually kind of a “40th Anniversary”. To be honest, we did not plan to do this just because it is exactly 40 years ago that Elvis played his final Lake Tahoe-Season. As a matter of fact Elvis was working very hard the whole year of 1976. While in January Elvis had a rather quiet time and even showed some effort to just relax and have fun, early February he was kind of “forced” to record new songs for an album release and early March he was back on tour. 
We all know from “Elvis History”, that the “King” would have done much better for his health if he would not let himself being that busy but for whatever reason tour after tour was being scheduled… and done. No matter what the critics in many newspapers wrote about his performances – at least they had to admit that Elvis´ popularity (at least all over the USA) was so big that ticket-selling for any upcoming concerts didn´t even need any advertising. Billboard´s Headline in early March 76´ told us “No Ads, But Presley SRO On Current 5-Concert Gig” for the short tour in March. “Elvis plans busy spring” was another headline shortly after this and it said “Like Lightning: Who says Elvis isn´t working hard? Before he stars at the Sahara Tahoe April 30 – May 9, Elvis will be on a concert tour”, then adding the dates and finally conclude “Elvis is still the super superstar”. 
So when Elvis came to the beautiful area of Lake Tahoe at the end of April, he most likely was not aware that this would be his last season at the Sahara Tahoe Hotel. The shows have mostly been described by fans as “relaxed” with “lots of surprising moments”, but there were also remarks saying that the “King” looked unhealthy and tired. From what we can hear on the so far released CDs it sure was a mixture of all of this and still we believe that this last engagement had many moments fans do not want to miss. Please be aware that this new release is limited to 300 copies only! Be sure to get your copy if you are interested. Once you have it in your hands, we hope your spare time will allow you to sit back, put your headphones on, flip through the accompanied 16-page booklet and listen to the show from April 30, 1976. It´s Lake Tahoe! It´s the Sahara Tahoe Showroom! It´s ELVIS! Enjoy!

Tracks Lake Tahoe, 30.04.1976 Opening night: 
01. Also Sprach Zarathustra 02. C .C. Rider 03. I Got A Woman / Amen (medley) 04. Love Me 05. Let Me Be There (false start only) / If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 06. You Gave Me A Mountain 07. All Shook Up 08. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel (medley) 09. Trying To Get To You 10. Polk Salad Annie 11. Band Introductions 12. What'd I Say (James Burton) 13. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) 14. Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff) 15. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) 16. Electric Piano Solo (David Briggs) 17. School Day 18. America The Beautiful 19. Hurt 20. Burning Love 21. How Great Thou Art 22. Funny How Time Slips Away (with reprise) 23. Hound Dog 24. Can't Help Falling In Love (with false start) 25. Closing Vamp / Announcements

Hilton Showroom Volume 3

The AudiRec import-label also announced a new CD entitled "Elvis: Hilton Showroom Volume 3" containing an audience recording of the Dinner Show in Las Vegas from December 6, 1975.

From the press-release:
AudiRec proudly presents "Elvis - Hilton Showroom Volume 3" a brand new CD which will be released shortly. It includes an audience recording of the complete and so far unreleased performance from December 6, 1975 (Dinner Show). With this CD release Elvis Collectors should now be able to own every single show from Elvis' second to last Las Vegas engagement on “real” factory-pressed CDs.

Since his Opening Show on December 2 Elvis did only one show each day. But since this 6th of December, 1975 was a Saturday he did two shows, well known as “Dinner” and “Midnight” Shows. In the past Elvis occasionally had a hard time getting “awake” while going on stage for a Dinner Show. But that was not the case in December of 1975. The show you are able to hear on this CD release is just as good as all the others of this engagement. There is no performance in any of those shows that is not at least “decent”. 
Still there are fans who don´t like the Elvis of the “later years” but maybe they can make an exception with this engagement since it has too many performance highlights in it to call it mediocre or even bad. Please be aware that this new release is limited to 300 copies only! Be sure to get your copy if you are interested. 
Once you have it in your hands, we hope your spare time will allow you to sit back, put your headphones on, flip through the accompanied 16-page booklet and listen to the show from December 6, 1975. It´s Las Vegas! It´s the Hilton Hotel Showroom! It´s Elvis! Enjoy!

Tracks 06.12.1975 Dinner show: 
01. Opening Vamp / C .C. Rider 02. I Got A Woman / Amen (medley) 03. Love Me 04. Fairytale 05. Elvis talks about "TODAY" album / Instrumental fanfare by orchestra 06. And I Love You So 07. Trying To Get To You 08. All Shook Up 09. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel (medley) 10. One Night 11. Polk Salad Annie 12. Band Introductions 13. What'd I Say (James Burton) 14. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) 15. Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff) 16. Piano Solo (Glen D. Hardin) 17. School Day (incomplete) 18. Introduction of singer Charlie Pride 19. Blue Christmas 20. How Great Thou Art (with reprise) 21. Burning Love 22. Softly As I Leave You 23. America The Beautiful 24. Mystery Train / Tiger Man (medley) 25. Can't Help Falling In Love 26. Closing Vamp

(Source: FECC)