August 31 - Ballades on the Charts

Due for release from the French VPI label on September 02, 2016 is volume 5 in their vinyl / CD “The Signature Collection” EP series entitled “Ballades”. This set is limited to 500 copies.  The next release on September 21, 2016 will be "Blues".

Side A: Jailhouse Rock - King Creole
Side B: Flaming Star - Follow That Dream

Elvis: Le Destin Hors Du Commun Du King


Due for release from Editions De l'Imprévu early September 2016 is the 175 page brochure "Elvis: Le Destin Hors Du Commun Du King".

US Charts

The US Billboard Charts for the week ending September 09, 2016. 

The “Way Down In The Jungle Room” set dropped to #159 on the Album Top 200 chart. 
The “Way Down In The Jungle Room” set dropped from #14 toto #39 on the Top Rock Albums chart. 
The “Way Down In The Jungle Room” set dropped from #15 toto #27 on the Top Country Albums chart.
On the Country Catalog Albums the “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” compilation climbed from #21 to #16 while the “Heart And Soul” compilation climbed from #25 to #23. 
On the Music Video Sales chart the “He Touched Me: The Gospel Music Of Elvis Presley: Volumes 1 & 2 - Elvis Presley” set dropped from #3 to #4. 

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / FECC)

August 30 - Son James Burton In Hospital

The family of James Burton posted the following message:

Jeff has suffered a heart attack and is fighting for his life.  He is conscience and heard the doctor talking to him.  We are asking all of our prayer warriors to pray for his heart to get well and that he is fully healed.

We know that God works miracles everyday and we know that He has plans for our son Jeff. Please pray in faith that God will heal Jeff completely. We believe that He can and He will heal Jeff. 

We have the best fans, the best friends and the best prayer warriors in the world and we are coming to you as a family of believers to ask for your continued prayers for our son Jeff. We are so thankful for all that you have done for us in prayer and we ask for your continued prayer support. James and I and the entire family truly appreciate each and every one of you more than you could ever know. And we know that heaven is truly hearing all of our prayers. We will provide updates as they come in. We love you all and we thank you all again and may God bless each and every one of you.  

The Burton Family.

August 29 - Road To Nowhere

Due for release soon from the E.P. Collector importlabel is the CD "Road To Nowhere" containing an audience-recording of the May 21, 1977 show as recorded at the Freedom Hall, Louisville, KY.

From the press-release:
It was the second stop of Elvis’ May 1977 tour and according to Larry Geller, Elvis was in a very bad shape prior the show. Dr. Nick was present in the hotel room, using cold water with ice to make Elvis ready for concert. Listening to this CD, one must say that under those circumstances, Elvis did a remarkably good job! Among the concert highlights are ”That’s All Right“, „You Gave Me A Mountain“ ”Heartbreak Hotel”, ”My Way” and usual show topper “Hurt“. 

The May 21st, 1977 show is previously unreleased in any form and it was never available on the collectors circuit in acceptable sound. The producers have been looking for a good sounding recording for long time. Finally they got a solid sounding tape from an Elvis collector in the USA. The CD is packaged in a nicely designed digipack filled with a positive concert review from the local press and a collection of quite decent images taken on May 21st, 1977 in Louisville, KY.

Tracks: 
01. Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001 Theme) - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. medley: I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. That's All Right - 05. Love Me - 06. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 07. You Gave Me A Mountain - 08. Jailhouse Rock - 09. medley: O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen / It's Now Or Never (with reprise) - 10. Little Sister - 11. medley: Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 12. My Way - 13. Heartbreak Hotel - 14. Funny How Time Slips Away - 15. Band Introductions - 16. Early Mornin' Rain - 17. What'd I Say - 18. Johnny B. Goode - 19. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 20. Bass Solo (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. 

(Source: FECC)

August 27 - Elvis Charts

The CD “Way Down In The Jungle Room” dropped off the Billboard Album chart from last week’s #79 spot. It dropped from #25 to #62 on the Billboard Album Sales chart, dropped from #8 to #14 on the Billboard Rock Album Chart and from #6 to #15 on the Billboard Country Album chart. 

The CD “ELV1S 30 #1 Hits” re-entered the Billboard Album Top 200 at #199.
The “If I Can Dream” CD remained steady at #5 on the Billboard Classical Album chart.

UK Charts

• The vinyl version of “Way Down In The Jungle Room” entered the Official UK Vinyl Album chart at #3. 
• The CD “Way Down In The Jungle Room” dropped from #67 to #68 on the Official UK Album chart. 
• The CD “Way Down In The Jungle Room” remained steady at #38 on the Official Scottish Album charts. 
• The 6-DVD-Box “The Elvis Collection” re-entered the Official UK Music DVD chart at #36.

European Charts

• The CD “Way Down In The Jungle Room” re-entered the German Album charts at #72.
• The CD “Way Down In The Jungle Room” dropped from #22 to #26 on the Belgian Album chart. 
• The CD “The Real… Elvis – 60’s Collection” dropped from #6 to #7 on the Belgian Mid-price Album chart. 
• The CD “ELV1S 30 #1 Hits” dropped off the Belgian Mid-price Album chart from last week’s #50 position. 
• The CD “Way Down In The Jungle Room” dropped from #86 to #97 on the Dutch Album chart.
• The CD “Way Down In The Jungle Room” dropped from #32 to #71 on the Austrian Album chart. 
• The CD “Way Down In The Jungle Room” dropped from #26 to #47 on the Swiss Album chart.
• The CD “The Real… Elvis – 60’s Collection” dropped off the Italian Mid-price Album chart from last week’s re-entry at #89.
• The CD "Way Down In The Jungle Room" climbed from #100 to #91 on the Spanish Album charts. 

Australian Chart

• The “If I Can dream” CD climbed from #57 to #53 on the Australian Album chart. 
• The DVD “Elvis – The King Of Rock’n’Roll – 30 Hit Performances And More” re-entered the Australian Music DVD chart at #35. 

(Source: The King's World / FECC)

August 26 - Elvis Vinyl

Due for release from the Mis label on October 7, 2016 are three transparant vinyl re-issues of "Elvis Presley’s Christmas Album"; Red, Green and Blue. 

Due for release from Friday Music on November 04, 2016 is a transparant gold color vinyl re-issue on 180 Gr. vinyl of “From Elvis Presley Boulevard Memphis Tennessee”. It comes as a “40th Anniversary Edition” with a gatefold cover.

Due for release from Friday Music on January 13, 2017 is a transparant gold color vinyl re-issue on 180 Gr. vinyl of “For Lp Fans Only”. It comes with a gatefold cover. 

Due for release from Friday Music on January 13, 2017 is a transparant gold color vinyl re-issue on 180 Gr. vinyl of “Promised Land”. It comes as a limited edition with a gatefold cover. 

(Source: Amazon)

August 25 - The Prince And The King

The bank that manages Prince's estate -- Bremer Trust -- just announced the deal that puts the people who run Graceland in charge of public tours, which are set to begin in October. Prince's sister, Tyka Nelson, is reportedly on board with the Elvis plan, but sources close to the heirs tell TMZ not everyone in the family agrees. We're told the dissenting family members objected, in part, because Graceland Holdings has previously had financial problems. As it stands, team Elvis would get 50% of revenue generated by Paisley Park tours.

(Source: TMZ)

August 24 - Christmas Cover

Here is the cover-art for the upcoming vinyl release "It's a Rock 'n' Roll Christmas" which is due from Laserlight Digital on October 4, 2016. 

(Source: Amazon)

August 23 - Silver Screen Treasures

A new 5 CD set, entitled "Silver Screen Treasures" has been announced. 

From the press-release:
This marvelous 5 cd set is something special. With 5 individual jewelcases, packed in an LP-sized box including oversized booklet this set will bring you back to the old days of CD /vinyl packaging. Something deluxe!

This release features mostly alternate versions from all of Elvis movie sessions during 1962-1965. A fantastic release with a lot of surprises, in a fantastic sound and running order. Last but not least is disc 5, featuring (mostly) rejected acetates of songs written for Elvis movies but (mostly) were never used.

“Silver Screen Treasures” features:

CD 1 - It Happened At The World’s Fair:
Take Me To The Fair (Take 1 - 3) - Beyond The Bend (Take 2) - Happy Ending (Take 8 - Master) - Cotton Candy Land (Take 1 - 4) - Happy Ending (Take 6) - They Remind Me Too Much Of You (Take 1) - A World Of Our Own (Master) - Take Me To The Fair (Take 7) - Happy Ending (Take 9  - Master - Movie Version) - I’m Falling In Love Tonight (Take 7 & 6) - How Would You Like To Be (Take 3 & 2) - Relax (Take 12 & 13 - Master) - One Broken Heart For Sale (Take 1 - Master - Movie Version)


Fun In Acapulco:
Fun In Acapulco (Master) - El Toro (Spliced Master) - I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here (Take 15) - The Bullfighter Was A Lady (Take 10) - Vino, Dinero Y Amor (Take 1) - Bossa Nova Baby (Take 2) - Guadalajara (Vocal Overdub - Take 4) - You Can’t Say No In Acapulco (Take 4) - Mexico (Take 7) - Bossa Nova Baby (Extended Master) - Marguerita (Take 7 & 6) - Guadalajara (Vocal Overdub - Take 2) - Vino, Dinero Y Amor (Movie Version) - No Room To Rhumba (Movie Version)

CD 2 - Viva Las Vegas:
Viva Las Vegas (Demo Arrangement Take 1) - Santa Lucia (Master) - The Lady Loves Me (Take 2) - Night Life (Unedited - Take 14 - Master) - C’mon Everybody (Record Version - Take 2 & 3) - If You Think I Don’t Need You (Take 2) - I Need Somebody To Lean On (Take 8) - You’re The Boss (Take 3) - Night Life (Take 3) - Do The Vega (Take 7 - No Echo Master) - Yellow Rose Of Texas (Take 9) / The Eyes Of Texas - Today Tomorrow & Forever (Take 3 & 4) - What’d I Say (Take 3) - I Need Somebody To Lean On (Movie Version) - Today Tomorrow & Forever (Edited Movie Version - Viva Las Vegas (Movie Version)

Kissin’ Cousins: Kissin’ Cousins No2 (Edited Master) - Once Is Enough (Master) - Anyone Could Fall In Love With You (Master) - Cathcin’ On Fast (Master) - One Boy Two Little Girls (Master) - Tender Feeling (Master) - Kissin’ Cousins (Hillbilly - Vocal Overdub - Take 1 - Master) - Smokey Mountain Boy (Movie Version) - There’s Gold In The Mountain (Movie Version) - One Boy Two Little Girls (Movie Version) - Once Is Enough (Movie Version) - Barefoot Ballad (Movie Version) - Kissin’ Cousins (Movie Version)

CD - Roustabout:
Hard Knocks (Movie Version - Vocal Overdub - Take 4 - Master) - Roustabout (Vocal Overdub - Take 13) - I’m A Roustabout (Take 10 - Stereo Version) - Carny Town (Master) - It’s A Wonderful World (Master) - Poison Ivy League (Movie Version) - Little Egypt (Take 21 - Master) - One Track Heart (Master) - Roustabout (Vocal Overdub - Take 6) - Big Love Big Heartache (Movie Version) - It’s Carnival Time (Movie Version - Take 12) - Wheels On My Heels (Movie Version) - There’s A Brand New Day On The Horizon (Overdubbed Movie Edit) - Roustabout (Movie Version) - Little Egypt (Movie Version)

Girl Happy:
Girl Happy (Take 4) - I’ve Got To Find My Baby (Edited Master) - Puppet On A String (Take 7) - Do The Clam (Master) - Wolf Call (Edited Master) - Do Not Disturb (Take 35) - Spring Fever (Take 1 - 4) - Puppet On A String (Take 10) - Starting Tonight (Master) - Cross My Heart And Hope To Die (Take 8 & 6) - The Meanest Girl In Town (Take 4 - 6) - Puppet On A String (Take 11 - Master) - Fort Lauderdale Chamber Of Commerce (Movie Version) - Spring Fever (Composite Movie Master) - Girl Happy (Movie Version) - Wolf Call (Movie Version)

Tickle Me:
Dirty, Dirty Feeling (Take 1) - Slowly But Surely (Take 1) - I’m Yours (Composite Master) - Night Rider (Take 1) - It Feels So Right (Movie Version)

CD - Tickle Me:
Long Lonely Highway (Movie Version) - Put The Blame On Me (Movie Version) - (Such An) Easy Question (Movie Version)

Harum Scarum:
Hey Little Girl (Take 4 & 5 - Master) - Shake That Tambourine (Take 14 - 16) - Wisdom Of The Ages (Take 1 & 2) - Golden Coins (Take 1, 2 & 4) - So Close, Yet So Far (Take 2 & 3) - My Desert Serenade (Take 1 & 10) - Wisdom Of The Ages (Take 4) - Animal Instinct (Take 3 & 4) - Kismet (Take 1 - 5 - Master) - So Close, Yet So Far (Take 4) - Harem Holiday (Take 2) - Mirage (Vocal Overdub Spliced Master) - Go East Young Man (Vocal Overdub Spliced Master)

Frankie & Johnny:
Frankie & Johnny (Master) - What Every Woman Lives For (Master) - Down By The Riverside / When The Saints Go Marchin’ In (Master) - Beginner’s Luck (Master With Extra Intro) - Please Don’t Stop Loving Me (Take 9) - Petunia, The Gardener’s Daughter (Take 1) - Look Out Broadway (Take 9) - Everybody Come Aboard (Take 4 & 5) - Shout It Out (Take 1) - Chesay (Take 4) - Come Along (Movie Version) - Hard Luck (Movie Version)

CD - The Demo Acetates - Fun In Acapulco:
Fun In The Sun - Fun In Acapulco - Bottoms Up - Make My Marguerita - Viva Las Vegas: Night Life - I Need Somebody To Lean On - Don’t Fool A Fool In Love - Sweet Dreams Baby - Kissin’ Cousins: Kissin Cousins No3 - Roustabout: Hard Knocks - You Can’t Hate Me For That - Harum Scarum: Wisdom Of The Ages - A Slave To Your Kiss - Frankie & Johnny: Mississippi Sue - Better Believe It Baby - My Gypsy Heart - My Bittersweet - You’re For Me - Paradise Hawaiian Style: Kamehemea - Spinout: Classy Chassy - You Can’t Win ‘Em All - Messed Up World - Double Trouble: Just U Wait And See - Please Stay Out Of My Dreams - Easy Come Easy Go: Easy Come Easy Go - Love On The Rocks - Bonus Song - Viva Las Vegas: This Way To Paradise

Disc 5 - The Demo Acetates

When a new Elvis movie was created, Colonel Parker used to ask several songwriters to write songs for the movie. Mostly The Colonel gave them a title or a description of the scene and the songwriters understood what kind of a song The Colonel needed. 

These so called ‘demos’ were then recorded (at expenses of the songwriters) on an acetate disc and send to The Colonel for approval. Obviously there was concurrence between the different songwriters, some of the songs were rejected, some were actually recorded by Elvis.

The actual demos are unique, mostly there were only one or two acetates made and due to the material (wax on a metal plate) they were very fragile and could only be played a few times. This CD contains newly discovered demo recordings, all of these recordings were recorded and written for the Elvis movies. Some were not used for obvious reasons, simply because they were not good enough, and some u can actually imagine Elvis singing them. “Fun In Acapulco” is almost a copy of the demo, except for some lyrics that were changed during the recording.

Most of these acetates come from the Dolores Fuller collection and were written by her and composed by Ben Weissman, except for “Fun In Acapulco” (Ben Weisman/Sid Wayne), “Nightlife” (Giant/Baume/Kaye), “I Need Somebody To Lean On” (Pomus/Shuman) and “Love On The Rocks” (Tepper/Bennett). Sit back and enjoy! Some of these songs might turn out to be completely different then you expect.

Fun In Acapulco 
01 Fun In The Sun 
02 Fun In Acapulco 
03 Bottoms Up 
04 Make My Marguerita

Viva Las Vegas 
05 Night Life 
06 I Need Somebody To Lean On
07 Don’t Fool A Fool In Love 
08 Sweet Dreams Baby 

Kissin’ Cousins 
09 Kissin Cousins No3 

Roustabout 
10 Hard Knocks 
11 You Can’t Hate Me For That 

Harum Scarum 
12 Wisdom Of The Ages 
13 A Slave To Your Kiss

Frankie & Johnny 
14 Mississippi Sue 
15 Better Believe It Baby 
16 My Gypsy Heart 
17 My Bittersweet 
18 You’re For Me 

Paradise Hawaiian Style 
19 Kamehemea 

Spinout 
20 Classy Chassy 
21 You Can’t Win ‘Em All 
22 Messed Up World 

Double Trouble 
23 Just U Wait And See 
24 Please Stay Out Of My Dreams

Easy Come Easy Go 
25 Easy Come Easy Go
26 Love On The Rocks

Viva Las Vegas Bonus: 
27 This Way To Paradise

(Source: FECC)

August 22 - Glen Spreen Passed Away

The AudiRec import-label announced the release of volume 5 in their "Elvis Showroom Hilton" series. It includes an audience recording of the complete and so far unreleased March 27, 1975 Dinner Show performance at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel.

From the press-release:
Here we go with probably the last known recording of a March 75 Elvis Vegas-Show in pretty good, listenable sound. 

From the reports we have on hand (mainly from our personal archives of original “Elvis News Service Weekly” magazines) it shows that Elvis did just great since the engagement started on March 18. Forrest Duke from the “Las Vegas review Journal” commented “Hilton´s Elvis stronger than ever” and pointed out some new titles in Elvis´ setlist. Even Glen D. Hardin´s Aunt Ann Cummings attended the shows around March 27 and commented positively “Elvis his old self again”.  Well, since you are soon able to own the complete performance on CD just judge yourself! 

Fans of our series know what to expect, not only from listening but also from reading in the usual high quality booklet that is included with first-hand information from what was going on at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas in March of 1975.
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 Dinner Show from March 27, 1975. It´s Las Vegas! It´s the Hilton Hotel Showroom! It´s Elvis! Enjoy!

Tracks:
Also Sprach Zarathustra - C .C. Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - And I Love You So - Big Boss Man - It's Midnight - Promised Land - Fairytale - Band Introductions - What'd I Say (James Burton) - Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - Bass Solo (Duke Bardwell) - Piano Solo (Glen D. Hardin) - Electric Piano & Clavinet Solo (David Briggs) - School Day - Elvis Talks / Introduction Of Lee Majors - My Boy - I'll Remember You - Help Me - Let Me Be There - An American Trilogy - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

Glen Spreen Died

Glen Spreen has passed away, following a short illness. Beginning with the American Sound sessions in 1969, Glen worked as an arranger for Elvis until 1973. Glen Spreen also worked with Elvis at Nashville's RCA Studio B and has plenty of stories to tell about working with Elvis and arranging the material. Glen Spreen also co-composed two songs that Elvis recorded 'Seeing Is Believing' and 'Holly Leaves and Christmas Trees' with Red West. 

Elvis-It's a Rock 'n' Roll Christmas

Due on vinyl from Laserlight Digital (Delta Music) on October 4, 2016 is the album “Elvis-It's a Rock 'n' Roll Christmas”. 

(Source: email / Elvis Telegraph / Amazon)

August 20 - Elvis Sings Country

Here is the cover-art for the "Elvis Sings Country" double CD release which is due from the SM Originals label on August 23, 2016.

(Source: Amazon)

August 19 - Reconsider The Seventies Rocker

Due for release from the UK based Rockwell Records is the vinyl album "Nashville City Limits". This set is limited to 200 copies.

From the press-release:
Few rooms in the music world have seen as much history as RCA’s Studio B in Nashville.  Steve Sholes, RCA’s head of Country recording since the late 1940s, had signed Elvis Presley to the label in November 1955.  Elvis’ success helped Sholes and guitarist-producer Chet Atkins to convince their bosses that RCA needed its own studio in Nashville.

Studio B opened in November 1957.  Soon thereafter, Sholes and Atkins, along with Owen Bradley and a few other Nashville producers, responded to the rock & roll insurgence by beginning to make records in a smoother, more pop-influenced style, often employing string and horn sections and background singers – not to mention an A-list of core musicians.  This so-called Nashville Sound resulted in many crossover hits and helped establish Nashville as one of the nation’s premier recording cities.     (Liner notes by Joe Krein)

Side one: I Want You, I Need You, I love You / Money Honey / I Was The One / A Fool Such As I / Ain’t That Loving You Baby / Soldier Boy / It Feels So Right


Side two: Dirty, Dirty Feeling / The Thrill Of Your Love / The Girl Next Door Went ‘Walking / Working On A Building / In Your Arms / I Want You With Me / Starting Today.

Tender Love

Also released on the Rockwell label is a pink vinyl edition of the "Tender Love". title. This one is 150 copies. 

Side A: Young Dreams / True Love / Playing For Keeps / Have I Told You Lately That I Love You / My Wish Came True / Let Me / Trying To Get To You / Love Me Tender

Side B: I’m Counting On You / Any Way You Want Me (That’s How I Will Be) / First In Line / I Want You, I Need You, I Love You / Loving You / Young And Beautiful / As Long As I Have You / Wear My Ring Around Your Neck

New Compilations And Classic Album Re-issues

Three new import compilations have been released; "Elvis Movie Rocks - 20 Great Floor Fillers", "Elvis Rockin' the Seventies" and the classic album doublepack "The Rocker" and "Reconsider Baby". From the press-releases:

Elvis Movie Rocks - 20 Great Floor Fillers: As the title says, 20 great floors fillers with rare and hard to find outtakes from the movie years. A real party album and all tracks unreleased in this form.

Tonight Is So Right For – take 17
Frankfort Special – take 8
Follow That Dream – take 4
What a Wonderful  Life – take 6
Slicin’ Sand – take 14
If You Think I Don’t Need You – take 7
C’mon Everybody – take 7
The Meanest Girl in Town – take 9
I Don’t Wanna Be Tied – take 8
I Got Lucky – stereo master
King Of The Whole Wide World – 2nd version take 3
Put The Blame On Me – take 2
Little Egypt – take 21
Long Legged Girl – take 6
Baby If You’ll Give Me All Your Love – take 4
Never Say Yes – take 2
Stop, Look And Listen – take 3
Hey Little Girl – take 2
Hard Knocks – master with count- in
Easy Come, Easy Go – take 10

Elvis Rockin' The Seventies: Yes ! The King could still rock in the seventies! This 18 track stunning digipack release really proves it . All tracks are unreleased in this form, and  this set contains both rare studio and live recordings.

T.R.O.U.B.L.E – take 1
Patch It Up – alternate master
Proud Mary – live, august 12, 1972
A Big Hunk O’ Love – live, february 17, 1972
Raised On Rock – undubbed master
Burning Love – take 4
Little Darlin’ – undubbed live master
Runaway – live, february 1970
Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin On – rough mix
Long Tall Sally – live, february 18, 1970
Three Corn Patches – take 10
One Night – live, august 12, 1970
Cindy Cindy – unedited overdub master
That’s Allright Mama – live, July 5, 1976
For The Heart – undubbed master
All Shook Up – live, february 1972
Promised Land – undubbed master
Way Down – unedited master

Classic Albums: Reconsider Baby / Return of The Rocker": These classic  1980’s albums with both rare tracks and different mixes are now finally available in upgraded sound and as a superb digipack double album! These albums were released on CD many years ago, but are very hard to find these days. This is your change  to get these great albums ! Please note that all tracks on the Return Of The Rocker album  are different mixes than the original masters and really sound superb!
Both albums contain extra added rare bonus tracks !
  
Tracks: Reconsider Baby

Reconsider Baby 
Tomorrow Night (unreleased Sun master)
So Glad You're Mine
One Night (alternate take with original lyrics)
When It Rains, It Really Pours
My Baby Left Me
Ain't That Loving You Baby (alternate take)
I Feel So Bad
Down in the Alley
Hi-Heel Sneakers
Stranger in My Own Home Town (alternate mix)
Merry Christmas, Baby (alternate version)
Don’t Leave Me Now – take 13
Beach Boy Blues – take 3
Down In The Alley – take 1
City By Night – take 10
My Baby Left Me – live, july 29, 1970
After Loving You – take 3
Shake A Hand – original session mix
Reconsider Baby – live, february 21, 1977

Tracks Return Of The Rocker:

King Of The Whole Wide World
(Marie´s The Name) His Latest Flame
Little Sister
A Mess Of Blues
Like A Baby
I Want You With Me
Stuck On You
Return To Sender
Make Me Know It
Witchcraft
I´m Comin´ Home
Follow That Dream
What A Wonderful Life – take 1
Shoppin’ Around – take 5
Slicin’ Sand – take 14
Beyond The Band – take 1
In Your Arms – take 1
I Got Lucky – take 1
Mexico – take 6
C’mon Everybody – take 6

(Source: e-mail / Rockwell Records)

August 18 - Stop Look And Listen To The Spirit Of Elvis

Due for release from the Wagram label on October 28, 2016 is the 4 CD-set "The Spirit Of Elvis".

Stop, Look And Listen

A new 3 CD boxset with the most complete "Spinout" recording sessions is due soon with the title "Stop, Look And Listen - Ultimate Spinout Recording Sessions" is due soon. It shout include many tracks unreleased by Elvis' official record company. It comes as a box with 3 CDs in cardboard sleeves. 

From the press-release:
This stunning box also includes the complete film versions and original mono album! Plus some newly discovered demo recordings of songs rejected by Elvis and the Colonel and written by Dolores Fuller. Including a great full color booklet.

The Original STEREO Album
The Original MONO Album
The MOVIE Versions

The Outtakes:
Smorgasboard (Take 1 - 7) - Stop, Look And Listen (Take 1 - 7) - Am I Ready (Take 1 - 7) - Beach Shack (Take 1 - 4) - Never Say Yes(Take 1 - 6) - Spinout (Take 1 - 5) - All That I Am (Take 1 - 6) - Adam And Evil (Take 1 - 20) - Down In The Alley (Take 1 - 9) - Tomorrow Is A Long Time(Take 1, 2) - I’ll Remember You (Vocal Overdub - Take 1, 2, 3) - I’ll Be Back (Master Take Call Only Different Mix Take  2 - 6 / Screaming Girls Version)

The Movie Versions:
Spinout - Stop, Look And Listen - Adam And Evil - All That I Am - Never Say Yes - Am I Ready - Beach Shack - Spinout - Smorgasboard - I'll Be Back

Bonus Songs:
I’ll Remember You (Red West Demo) - Theatrical Trailer - Messed Up World / Classy Chassy / You Can't Win Them All (Rejected Songs Written By Dolores Fuller)

UK Charts

'Way Down In The Jungle Room' drops from #16 to# 67 on the UK Top 100 Album Chart selling approx. 1.200 units. It also drops from #9 to #27 on the Physical Album Chart and drops from #12 to #39 on the Sales Chart. The CD dropped from #10 to #22 on the Record Store Top 40.

• 'ELV1S 30 No.1 Hits' is a re-entry at #88 on the Download Album Chart.
• 'Way Down In The Jungle Room' drops from 12 to 54 on the Scottish Album Chart.
• 'The Real Elvis' rises from #83 to 7#2 on the Scottish Album Chart.
• 'Elvis: 30 No.1 Hits' is a re-entry at #76 on the Scottish Album Chart.
• Platinum Elvis CD set climbed to #36 on the Official UK Indie Chart. 

European Charts

• The "Way Down In The Jungle Room'" set climbed from #30 to #22 on the Belgian Ultrapop Album charts (Flanders part of the country).
• The "Way Down In The Jungle Room'" set climbed from #67 to #49 on the Belgian Ultrapop Album charts (Wallonian part of the country).
• The CD "The Real… Elvis – 60’s Collection" dropped from #5 to #6 on the Belgian Mid-price chart.
• The "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" dropped from #47 to #50 on the Belgian Mid-price chart.
• The CD "Way Down In The Jungle Room" climbed from #30 to #25 on the Dutch Album charts.
• The CD "Way Down In The Jungle Room" dropped from #25 to #86 on the Dutch Album charts.
• The CD "Way Down In The Jungle Room" is a new entry on the Swiss Album chart at #32.
• The CD "Way Down In The Jungle Room" is a new entry on the Austrian Album chart at #26.
• The CD "Way Down In The Jungle Room" dropped dropped off the German Album chart from last week's new entry at #67.
• The CD "Way Down In The Jungle Room" dropped dropped off the Italian Album chart from last week's new entry at #68.
• The CD "Way Down In The Jungle Room" dropped dropped off the Irish Album chart from last week's new entry at #29.
• The "The Real Elvis" compilation re-entered the Italian Album chart at #89.

Australian Chart

• On the Australian Album charts "Way Down In The Jungle" dropped from #9 to #26. New South Wales #29, Victoria/Tasmanien #25, Queensland #32, South Australia #23, Western Australia #50.
• On the Australian Physical Album charts "Way Down In The Jungle" dropped from #6 to #14. 
• The "If I Can Dream" CD climbed from #60 to #57 on the Australian Album chart. New South Wales #-, Victoria/Tasmanien #42, Queensland #-, South Australia #-, Western Australia #45.
• The "If I Can Dream" CD climbed from #33 to #32 on the Australian Physical Album chart.
• The "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" CD dropped from #39 to #44 on the Australian Top 50 Catalogue Album chart.
• The DVD "Elvis – The King Of Rock’n’Roll – 30 Hit Performances And More“ dropped off the Australian Music DVD chart.

(Source: The Music Of Elvis Presley / Brian Quinn & Laser Freak on FECC / The King's World)

August 17 - Elvis Week Charts

The 1965 Allied Artists Pictures movie "Tickle Me" has been released on blu-ray in Germany with the title "Cowboy Melodie". 

It features Elvis Presley as a a champion rodeo bull-rider and bronco-buster singer. The box states it is Region B but appears to play in most regions. But please check your local region and player.

Charts

The US Billboard charts for the week ending August 27, 2016:

• The "Elvis- Way Down In The Jungle Room" CD is a new entry at #79 on the Billboard 200 Album chart.
• The "Elvis- Way Down In The Jungle Room" is a new entry at #25 on the Billboard 200 Album Sales chart.
• On the Top Country Albums chart "Elvis- Way Down In The Jungle Room" is a new entry at #6.
• The "Elvis- Way Down In The Jungle Room" CD is a new entry at #25 on the Top Current Albums chart. 
• The "Elvis- Way Down In The Jungle Room" CD is a new entry at #13 on the Vinyl Albums chart. 
• The "Elvis- Way Down In The Jungle Room" CD is a new entry at #8 on the Top Rock Albums chart.
• The "Elvis- Way Down In The Jungle Room" CD is a new entry at #8 on the  Tastemaker Albums chart.
• The "If I Can Dream" CD by Elvis Presley and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra climbed from #6 to #5 on the Classical Albums chart.
• On the Country Catalog Albums the compilation "Elvis: Ultimate Gospel" is a re-entry at #22.
• On the Music Video Sales the "He Touched Me: The Gospel Music Of Elvis Presley: Volumes 1 & 2" DVD set remains steady at #1.

(Source: Laser-Freak on FECC / Elvis Information Network)

August 16 - Elvis Presley Died 39 Years Ago

On this day in 1977 Elvis Presley died of a heart attack in the bedroom suite area of his Graceland Mansion in Memphis. Gone 39 year, still not forgotten. 

Let’s play some Elvis music today, let’s play it loud!

Elvis Memento Given to Springfield History Museum 

On Tuesday, The History Museum celebrated the donation of an artifact from the widow of Springfield native John Wilkinson. Wilkinson first met Elvis at a concert at the shrine mosque in 1956 -- and later became a guitarist in Elvis' TCB band, which stood for taking care of business. Each member of the band received a TCB necklace.

Wilkinson's has also been given to The History Museum to become part of a permanent display honoring the king of rock and roll and Wilkinson's role in music history.

John Sellar, Executive Director of the history museum said, " I think it's going to be very exciting for people to see and I think this will add to the attraction, as far as visitors and people coming from other places that will want to stop and see the museum just because of this Elvis related memorabilia." 

Visitors can see the necklace and other items when museum renovations are complete next spring. Wilkinson passed away in 2013. Tuesday's dedication took place on the 39th anniversary of Elvis' death.

(Source: Ozarks First)

August 15 - DJ Fontana Honored With Beale Street Note

The city of Memphis honored Elvis' drummer DJ Fontana with a Beale Street Note, which honors Memphis musicians and will be put on display on Beale Street.

Graceland Announces Greatest Expansion In Its History

New, Permanent Exhibition on Sun Records’ Legendary Founder Sam Phillips and his Music Legacy to be Featured, as Graceland Partners with the Phillips Family to Showcase Artifacts From the Family Archives. 

Elvis Presley’s Graceland has announced its largest and most significant expansion since opening to the public in 1982 with the unveiling, this morning, of its plans and artist renderings for “Elvis: Past, Present & Future,” a 200,000-square-foot, $45 million entertainment complex now under construction across the street from Elvis’ iconic Graceland Mansion. 

While the acclaimed Graceland Mansion tour will continue to present the personal and family side of Elvis’ life, “Elvis: Past, Present & Future” will tell the rest of Elvis’ incredible story in an unprecedented, interactive and highly-engaging way. 

“We are thrilled to bring Elvis fans the opportunity to explore the things that Elvis loved and what he would have loved today – the music, the technology, the experiences,” stated Joel Weinshanker, Managing Partner, Graceland Holdings, LLC. “Elvis: Past Present & Future will enable our visitors to live a day in the life of Elvis Presley. Whether you’ve been to Graceland multiple times or have yet to make the trip, we know that you will be entertained, educated and inspired like never before, here at the world’s greatest music landmark.”


The cornerstone of this new complex will be “Elvis: The Entertainer,” a 20,000-square-foot museum celebrating Elvis’ incredible music, movie and live touring career, featuring hundreds of artifacts from the extensive Graceland Archives, as guests take a journey from his early days in Tupelo, Miss., through his first recording session in Memphis, rise to fame, Hollywood career, service in the U.S. Army, life at Graceland, the Las Vegas years and more. “Elvis: The Entertainer” will be the largest and most comprehensive Elvis museum in the world.

A new Elvis Presley Automobile Museum will showcase over 20 of Elvis’ automobile and motorized vehicles, including Elvis’ iconic Pink Cadillac, and also feature a 200-seat theater space showcasing Elvis movie clips focused on cars and racing.

A 20,000-square-foot “Graceland Soundstage” will be an extraordinary venue for live music performances, movie screenings and premieres, video productions, with theater seating for up to 2,000 people, as well as the flexibility to use for private events, corporate meetings, conferences and trade show exhibitions.

“Discovery” exhibit spaces will showcase aspects of Elvis’ life, career and interests in greater depth, from the music genres that influenced Elvis from his earliest days – Rhythm & Blues, Southern Gospel, Country & Western -- to today’s music artists who continue to be influenced by Elvis and his body of work. Graceland will also partner with iconic brands to present immersive, experiential exhibits and pop culture attractions to enhance the visitor experience throughout the complex.

A signature exhibition will present the incredible story of music visionary and legendary producer Sam Phillips, who essentially created Rock ‘n’ Roll and discovered so many incredible artists at Memphis Recording Service/Sun Records, including Howlin’ Wolf, BB King, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and, of course, Elvis Presley. Graceland will partner with the Phillips family to develop an extensive exhibition that showcases Sam’s life and work in an unprecedented and engaging way. Featuring rare artifacts, photos, videos and documents from the Phillips family archives, the exhibition will shine a light on the great artists that Sam produced, starting with the early blues recordings that profoundly influenced Elvis and continues to impact the music of today. 

In a statement, Sam Phillips’ sons Knox and Jerry (seen in the photo at right with Elvis) said, “Our family and the Presley family have had a long standing relationship since 1954 when Sam gave Elvis the inspiration and opportunity to express himself through music in his Memphis Recording Service studio. When Sam first recorded Elvis, the world changed. Having Sam Phillips story at Graceland not only brings Sam and Elvis back together in Memphis again, but shines a light on the great artists Sam produced from his early blues recordings that profoundly influenced Elvis and the music of today. The entire Sam Phillips family is extremely pleased and proud to partner with Graceland as we bring Sam's incredible story to life for Graceland visitors from around the world. What better place to do this than at Graceland here in Memphis where it all happened. Sam and Elvis had such love and respect for each other, now they will be recognized together again, influencing new generations for years to come. Rock on..."

“Graceland is thrilled to team with Knox and Jerry and the entire Phillips family on this exhibition about an extraordinary man and our dear friend, Sam Phillips, who changed the world forever with his amazing vision, insight and great talent,” stated Jack Soden, CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. “We can’t wait to present Sam’s entire story and tremendous legacy, from his earliest days, to the artists he discovered and nurtured, to his crucial role in Elvis’ life and career – as we make this exhibition a vital part of the expanded Graceland experience.”

The “Elvis: Past, Present & Future” experience will also feature Elvis’ two custom airplanes, the Lisa Marie and the Hound Dog II, which continue to be a very popular part of the existing Graceland visitor center. The iconic planes will remain across the street from the Mansion, adjacent to the new venue. 

The new facility will also feature two themed restaurants named for Elvis’ parents, Gladys and Vernon. Gladys’ Diner will feature classic American fare, including Elvis’ favorite: grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Vernon’s Smokehouse will feature authentic Memphis BBQ, smoked in house. A coffee bar and ice cream shop will also be located within the complex, along with new retail stores offering the most extensive collection of Elvis merchandise in the world.

“Elvis: Past, Present & Future” is Phase II of the planned Graceland expansion and development. Combined with the $92 million Phase 1 project -- The Guest House at Graceland 450-room resort hotel opening October 27, 2016 -- Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. is investing a total of $137 million in the Whitehaven community of Memphis to further enhance the Memphis and Graceland experience for visitors from around the world.

(Source: EPE)

August 14 - Elvis Sings Country

Due for release from the SM Originals label on August 23, 2016 is the CD "Elvis Sings Country". 

Product Description:
Elvis Aaron Presley walks the Popular music Hall of Fame like a behemoth. With a voice that has never been matched the influence of the King reverberates down the years. A rehabilitation has taken place and the enormous legacy of Elvis now overrides some of his more, esoteric career moves (the Movies, the Vegas Years). One of the key-selling points of the young Elvis was his ability to sing R&B to a predominately white audience but Elvis could sing anything Blues, Rock, Rock & Roll, Ballads and of course, Country. This superb value 25 track CD features Elvis as he tackles Country Blues (Mystery Train), Country Rock (Baby Lets Play House) and straight Country (Blue Moon Of Kentucky, Old Shep). A legendary performer

Tracks:
Blue Moon Of Kentucky - That's All Right - I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine - Baby, Lets Play House - I Forget To Remember To Forget - I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone - Mystery Train - Blue Moon - I Want You I Need You I Love You - I Was The One - Love Me Tender - My Baby Left Me - Old Shep - (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care - Got A Lot O'Livin' To Do - Hot Dog - Lonesome Cowboy - Loving You - Too Much - Treat Me Nice - (Now And Then There's) A Fool Such As I - Don't - Wear My Ring Around Your Neck - Stuck On You - She's Not You

Big Sales at Elvis Auction

The bidding was fast and furious, with the 200 different Elvis collectibles generate some $730,000 in overall sales. Associated with the King commanded ransoms befitting royalty during Saturday's Elvis Presley auction at Graceland. The items were offered by third-party collectors from around the world, as bidding took place online, on the phone and live at the Graceland Archive Studio.

The most significant and hotly contested item during the auction was a "Birth Record" from Presley's delivering physician, the historical document after a fierce volley of bids was won by Elvis Presley Enterprises' archivist Angie Marchese for $87,500 so it can be put on display as part of Graceland's museum exhibits.

Other Big Sale numbers were:

• Elvis' Black Star Sapphire ring worn gifted to his bodyguard Al Strada sold for $35,000 on an estimate of $15,000
• 1911 Indian Head Gold $2 ½ Coin and Diamond Ring, which Elvis wore in the 1970s sold for $40,000.
• Black shirt, pants and gold metal belt ensemble, sold for $37,500
• Red and white western style pants from "Loving You” for $42,000 on an estimate of $15,00 to $20,000. The offered iconic, western-style red pants, with bold white piping elements, were produced for the film and featured in several scenes, as they were part of Deke Rivers’ “on-stage” performing wardrobe, which also included a satin shirt and scarf, also in the same style.
• Blue dress shirt Elvis from “The Trouble With Girls” $13,750
• 24 of Elvis’ pool balls which included table chalk from Graceland $15,000

The next Graceland Elvis auction is planned for Oct. 29 during the three-day opening celebration for the new hotel, The Guest House at Graceland.

(Source: Amazon / Elvis Information Network)

August 13 - Gold Award Charts

Elvis Presley is featured on the cover of the Belgian Primo magazine. This edition, due August 16, 2016, features an article on the childhood of Elvis Presley. 

Gold

The "If I Can Dream" CD reached a Gold status in Austria.

Way Up In The Charts

The “Elvis - Way Down In The Jungle Room” CD hit the first charts around the globe. In the United Kingdom the CD is a new entry at #16 on the Official UK Album charts, his 91st. Top 40 placing. The CD is #87 on the Download chart, #12 on the Sales chart, #9 on the Physical Sales chart (selling 3,665 units). 
It was a new-entry at #10 on the Record Store Top 40.

Other countries: where "Elvis - Way Down In the Jungle Room" charted:

• Belgium #30
• Germany #67
• Ireland #29
• Netherlands #25
• Scotland #12
• Italy #68
• Australia: #9 ARIA Album charts and #6 on the Aria Physical Sales chart.

Other Elvis Releases on the charts worldwide

UK and Scottish Charts

• The “If I Can Dream” CD is listed at #188 on the Official UK Album chart selling 623 copies.
• The “The Real … Elvis” climbed from #93 to #83 on the Scottish Album chart
• The “The Essential Elvis” is a re-entry at #94 on the Scottish Album chart. 

Australian Charts

• The "If I Can Dream" dropped from #46 to #60 on the Australian Album chart. 
• The CD "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" re-entered the Catalogue Album chart at #43.
• The "Elvis: The King Of Rock 'N' Roll" DVD dropped from #29 to #40 on the Australian Music DVD chart.

Belgian Charts

• The “The Real … Elvis” CD climbed from #7 to #5 on the Belgian Mid-price Album chart.
• The CD "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" dropped from #46 to #47 on the Belgian Mid-price Album chart.

UK Record

Elvis Presley now shares his record of 4 UK #1 Hits within the period of 1 year with Justin Bieber who moved to the #1 spot with "Cold Water ". Elvis Presley was #1 in 1960/61 with "It’s Now Or Never", "Are You Lonesome Tonight?", "Wooden Heart" and "Surrender".

(Source: FECC / Primo / UEPS / Aria Charts / ACharts / Top 40)