Monday, February 27, 2017

February 27 - Stuck On Robot Wars

The BBC have now released a new extended trailer for the upcoming Series 9 of Robot Wars, this time showing the programmes massive house robots smashing up and flipping over an innocent Vauxhall Corsa car. 
If you hadn’t already recognised who’s singing the song in this advert, the cars dashboard ornament confirmed it is of course Elvis Presley.

The song is called ‘Stuck on You’ and was released as a single by Elvis in 1960. Stuck on You was in fact the legendary singers first single after serving for two years in the United States Army.

(Source: FECC / TV Ad Songs)


Sunday, February 26, 2017

February 26 - FTD Released

The Follow That Dream double CD "A Date With Elvis" and LP "Elvis - Speedway: The Remixed Soundtrack Masters" have been released and are on their way to the dealers. 

A Date With Elvis. This is a re-release in the FTD Classic Album Series and comes with a 12 page booklet. 

CD 1 - Original Album: Blue Moon Of Kentucky - Young And Beautiful - (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care - Milkcow Blues Boogie - Baby Let’s Play House - Good Rockin’ Tonight - Is It So Strange - We’re Gonna Move - I Want To Be Free - I Forgot To Remember To Forget Bonus Songs: I Don’t Care If The Sun Don’t Shine - Let Me Stereo And Binaural: Young And Beautiful - (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care - We’re Gonna Move - I Want To Be Free (Movie Version, Splice Of Take 10, 12 & 13 - Binaural Master) - I Want To Be Free (Record Version, Splice Of Take 11 & Final Ending Take 5 - Binaural Master) - Is It So Strange (Take 1) - Is It So Strange (Take 2 - 9) - Is It So Strange (Take 10) - Is It So Strange (Take 11) - Is It So Strange (Take 12 - Original Master Take)

CD 2 - Private Recordings From Germany: I’m Beginning To Forget You (#1) - I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You) (Ending Only) - Mona Lisa - I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You) - Guitar Piece - Danny Boy (#1) - Danny Boy (#2) - Loving You (Incomplete) - Talk - I’m Beginning To Forget You (#2) - Christmas - I’m Beginning To Forget You (#3) - I’m Beginning To Forget You (#4) - I Asked The Lord (#1 Incomplete) - I Asked The Lord (#2 - Incomplete) - Apron Strings (#1) - Soldier Boy - I Asked The Lord (#3 - Incomplete) - I Asked The Lord (#4) - I Asked The Lord (#5) - Earth Angel - I Will Be True - There’s No Tomorrow - I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen (Slow) - Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be) - Hound Dog - I Asked The Lord (#6) - I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen (Fast) - Apron Strings (#3) - The Titles Will Tell - Send Me Some Lovin’ - The Fool (#1) - The Fool (#2 - Incomplete) - The Fool (#3) - The Fool (#4) - I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen (Fast) - I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen (#1 - Slow) - Apron Strings (#2) - It’s Been So Long Darling

Elvis - Speedway: The Remixed Soundtrack Masters is a limited edition double LP with the soundtrack masters in stereo and mono. 

Side A: Let Yourself Go - Your Time Hasn’t Come Yet, Baby - There Ain’t Nothing Like A Song (Elvis & Nancy Sinatra) - Who Are You? (Who Am I?) - Speedway - He’s Your Uncle Not Your Dad - Suppose
Side B: Five Sleepy Heads - Goin’ Home (Take 24) - Mine (Take 1, 2, 3, 4) - Western Union (Take 1) - Suppose (Nashville Master) - Let Yourself Go  (Take 5)
Side C: Your Groovy Self (Master - Nancy Sinatra) - Your Time Hasn’t Come Yet, Baby (Movie Version) - Goin’ Home (Take 16) - Mine (Take 8, 9) - Western Union (Take 2) - Let Yourself Go (Take 6)
Side D - The Mono Soundtrack Masters:
Speedway - There Ain’t Nothing Like A Song (Elvis Presley and Nancy Sinatra) - Your Time Hasn’t Come Yet, Baby - Who Are You? (Who Am I?) - He’s Your Uncle Not Your Dad - Let Yourself Go - Your Groovy Self (Nancy Sinatra) - Five Sleepy Heads - Suppose.

(Source: Various)

Friday, February 24, 2017

February 24 - Long Tall Charts

The Ampex import release “Long Tall Sally” has been released. It contains an audience-recording of the January 23, 1973 Dinner Show performance as recorded at the Hilton Hotel Las Vegas, NV.

This is the second show after the Aloha concert and the sound quality is very good for an audience recording. In this show, he starts with Long Tall Sally right after CC Rider. 


Nice to mention is that the photo from the original RCA album “Raised On Rock” was taking from this show too.

US Charts


Elvis Presley has no albums on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart for the week ending March 4, 2017.
  • 'The Wonder Of You' remains at 5 on the Classical Albums Chart
  • 'Elvis: Ultimate Gospel' rises from 13 to 8 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart; rises from 35 to 32 on the Top Christian Albums Chart and rises from 37 to 34 on the Christian And Gospel Albums Chart
  • 'If I Can Dream' drops from 13 to 17 on the Classical Albums Chart
  • 'Heart And Soul' drops from 21 to 22 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart
European Charts
  • The 'The Wonder Of You' drops from 52 to 61 on the Scottish Album Chart
  • The 'The Platinum Collection' rises from 98 to 93 on the Scottish Album Chart
  • The 'The Wonder of You’ climbed from #76 to #67 on the Belgian Album chart. 
  • The 'Ultimate Top 40’ compilation climbed from #37 to #23 on the Belgian Mid-price album chart. 
UK Album Chart
  • The ’The Wonder of You’ dropped to #96 on the official UK Album chart. 
  • 'The Wonder Of You' drops from 44 to 49 on the Physical Album Chart and drops from 51 to 58 on the Album Sales Chart 
  • 'The Platinum Collection' drops from 66 to 71 on the Physical Album Chart; drops from 83 to 100 on the Album Sales Chart and drops from 16 to 18 on the Indie Albums Chart.
Charts Down Under
  • The 'The Wonder of You' dropped from #34 to #36 on the Australian Album chart.
(Source: Elvis On CD / FECC / Brian Quinn)

Thursday, February 23, 2017

February 23 - New Releases


Due for release on March 17, 2017 from the Hoodoo Records label is the CD “Mystery Train - The Sun Recordings”.

The Original SUN Singles: Mystery Train - That’s All Right - Blue Moon Of Kentucky - Good Rockin’ Tonight - I Don’t Care If The Sun Don’t Shine - Milkcow Blues Boogie - You’re A Heartbreaker - Baby, Let’s Play House - I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone - I Forgot To Remember To Forget

Additional Elvis Recordings At SUN Studio: I Love You Because - Blue Moon - I’ll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin’) - Just Because - Trying To Get To You - Harbor Lights - Tomorrow Night - I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone (Slow Version) - When It Rains It Really Pours - My Happiness (Demo) - That’s When Your Heartaches Begin (Demo) - I’ll Never Stand In Your Way (Demo) - It Wouldn’t Be The Same Without You (Demo)

Bonus Songs - Other Performances From The Sun Years:

I Got A Woman (Live At Eagles Hall, Houston, Texas) - Tweedle Dee (Live In Gladewater, Texas) - Fool, Fool, Fool (KDAV Radio, Lubbock, Texas) - Shake, Rattle And Roll (KDAV Radio, Lubbock, Texas)

Due for release on March 10 from the AIS label is the CD “G.I. Blues / Something For Everybody”. It comes with a 16 page booklet. 


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

Tracks Something For Everybody: There´s Always Me - Give Me The Right - It´s A Sin - Sentimental Me - Starting Today - Gently - I´m Comin´ Home - In Your Arms - Put The Blame On Me - Judy - I Want You With Me - I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell

Bonus Songs: Surrender - Doncha´ Think It´s Time - Little Sister - One Night - I Got Stung - I Feel So Bad - (Marie´s The Name) His Latest Flame

Due for release on April 17, 2017 from the Culture Factory label is a vinyl re-issue of “Pot Luck”. 


Due for release on April 28, 2017 from the Culture Factory label is a vinyl re-issue of “Blue Hawaii”. 


Charts

The 'The Wonder Of You' album remained steady at #5 on the US Billboard Classical Album chart. The 'If I Can Dream' album dropped from #13 to #17 on the Billboard Classical Album chart. 

(Source: Amazon / FECC)


Tuesday, February 21, 2017

February 21 - Best of the 50's

Due for release on May 16, 2017 from the UMSM label is the 3 CD compilation "Elvis Presley - Best Of 50's".

Tracks: That's All Right Mama -Good Rockin' Tonight - Baby Let's Play House - Mystery Train - I Got A Woman - Heartbreak Hotel - Blue Suede Shoes - My Baby Left Me - Tutti Frutti - Shake, Rattle And Roll - Hound Dog - Don't Be Cruel - Love Me Tender - Ready Teddy - Rip It Up - All Shook Up - Jailhouse Rock - (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care - King Creole.


Graceland Auction

Feature Artifacts from The Scotty Moore Collection Plus Items from Elvis’ Personal and Professional Life

During the four-day Grand Opening celebration of the new $45 million entertainment complex, “Elvis Presley’s Memphis,” across the street from Graceland, collectors, fans and pop culture enthusiasts from around the world will raise their paddles to bid in hopes of going home with a piece of Elvis history at the Graceland-Authenticated “The Auction at Graceland,” Online bidding is now open for the auction, which will be held Saturday, March 4 at 2:00 p.m. CST/3:00 p.m. EST in the new 464-seat state-of-the-art theater in The Guest House at Graceland, and online at GracelandAuctions.com.

With a wide variety of authenticated artifacts to offer, all types of collectors are showing interest in the auction. Of particular note, the auction includes artifacts from the collection of the late Scotty Moore, legendary guitarist for Elvis Presley and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, as well as items from Elvis’ personal and professional life including clothing, jewelry, autographs, concert memorabilia and Hollywood items.

Every artifact is authenticated by Graceland Authenticated, LLC. All of the items in the auction will be offered from third-party collectors and none of the items will come from the treasured Graceland Archives. The mansion and all artifacts in the Graceland Archives continue to be owned by Lisa Marie Presley and are not for sale.

Among the 163 items to be included in the March 4 auction, notable items include:

To view the entire auction and bid click here.

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Business Wire)

Monday, February 20, 2017

February 20 - Wild In Wichita!

Expected soon from the E.P. Collector import-label is a new CD is entitled "Wild In Wichita!“. It contains an audience-recording as recorded from on December 27, 1976 in Wichita, Kansas.

From the press-release:

This is a previously unreleased show, taken from a recently found first generation copy of an original audience recorded master cassette tape. This show was recorded by an American woman and her recording was never in circulation. Until now, the Wichita show was never available in an acceptable sound. The only existing tape was of absolutely horrible quality, perhaps the worst audience recording ever. The EPE label looked for a better tape and succeeded! Although still not great quality, it is a very listenable recording of this wonderful December ’76 tour-opening show!

To prevent possible speculations: many years ago, the official „Follow That Dream“ label reportedly planned a possible soundboard release of the Wichita ’76 show. Unfortunately, this info was based on a mislabeled tape in the FTD vaults. There are no indications that a soundboard recording of this show exists.


Just as all other December '76 tour shows, this concert is excellent! Elvis appeared on stage with the same joy and energy as in Pittsburgh on New Year's Eve. Highlights are "Fairytale", "And I Love You So", a full version of "Early Mornin' Rain", an unbeatable performance of "How Great Thou Art", and "Hurt". One unique performance stands out. It was the very first time that Elvis performed "Unchained Melody", accompanying himself on piano. This premier performance is tentative in parts but that's part of the magic. A great Presley moment!


This CD is packaged in a nicely designed digipak accompanied with a 16-page booklet, filled with a.o. a local newspaper concert review, and special memories by the American fan who taped the show. We are happy that she was willing to share her unique, never before published snapshots, too! All images used for this project were taken in Wichita, KS, December 27, 1976.


Tracks: 

Pre-program: 01. The Fifth Of Beethoven (disco version, by Joe Guercio orchestra) - 02. Gone At Last (by The Stamps) - 03. Operator (by The Stamps). Elvis Presley show: 04. Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001 Theme) - 05. C. C. Rider - 06. medley: I Got A Woman / Amen - 07. Love Me - 08. Fairytale - 09. You Gave Me A Mountain - 10. Jailhouse Rock - 11. medley: O Sole Mio (by Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now Or Never - 12. All Shook Up - 13. medley: (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 14. And I Love You So - 15. Fever - 16. Polk Salad Annie - 17. Band Introductions -  18. Early Mornin' Rain - 19. What'd I Say - 20. Johnny B. Goode - 21. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 22. Bass Solo (Blues - Jerry Scheff) - 23. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) - 24. Electric Piano Solo (David Briggs) - 25. Love Letters - 26. School Day - 27. Hurt (with reprise) - 28. Hound Dog - 29. How Great Thou Art - 30. Unchained Melody (performed 1st time) - 31. Can't Help Falling In Love - 32. Closing Vamp / Announcements.

Mystery Train: Sun Recordings

Due for release on march 10, 2017 from the Hoodoo Records label is the CD "Mystery Train: Sun Recordings". The CD contains "24 bit remastered" tracks and comes with 4 bonus tracks according to Amazon.

A Deluxe Date With Elvis

Due on March 10, 2017 from the State Of Art label is a Deluxe Edition CD entitled "A Date With Elvis". 

(Source: FECC / Amazon)

Sunday, February 19, 2017

February 19 - Released!

The MxF import release "Let Me... Sing Again", containing the previously  unreleased Dinner Show performance from August 14, 1973, has been released. The limited edition CD - 400 copies - comes in three versions; a Limited Edition Box, a Cut & Crucifold Edition and a standard CD edition.

Also Released

The import-release "Sahara Tahoe" from the AudiRec import-label has been released. It contains the previously unreleased Dinner Show performance as recorded from the audience on July 31, 1971 at the Lake Tahoe Sahara Hotel. The CD comes in standard jewel-case with a 16 page booklet. 

The LP "Elvis Love Songs" from the Laserlight Digital label has been released. It contains ballad from the early years 1954 to 1957. 

(Source: FECC)

Saturday, February 18, 2017

February 18 - Songs Of Praise Vol. 2

Here are the cover-art and track listing for the upcoming Follow that Dream / Flaming Star publication "Elvis, His Songs Of Praise. Vol 2" which is due early April according to a posting on the FECC forum. 

Tracks: Elvis His Songs of Praise volume 2

Pure Elvis: Undubbed Sacred Songs:
1. Elvis Introduction / Only Believe (With unused horns overdubbed June 8, 1970) (2:55) 2. I, John (T-2 Undubbed Master June 10, 1971) (2:15) 3. Life (T-20 Undubbed Master June 6, 1970) (3:07) 4. Reach Out To Jesus (T-9 Undubbed June 9, 1971) (3:08) 5. He Is My Everything (Undubbed Master June 9, 1971) (2:39) 6. He Knows Just What I Need (T-9 Undubbed October 30, 1960) (2:10) 7. Swing Down Sweet Chariot (Undubbed Movie Version October 23, 1969) (2:15) 8. We Call On Him (T-3 Undubbed September 11, 1967) (2:33) 9. Padre (Undubbed Spliced Master May 16, 1971) (2:29) 10. Elvis Introduction / You’ll Never Walk Alone (Extended Master September 11, 1967) (3:52)

1956 – 1977 Elvis Impromptu (Live and Rare):
11. On the Jericho Road (SUN Studio December 4, 1956) (0:50) 12. (There’ll Be) Peace In The Valley (Ed Sullivan Show January 6, 1957) (1:39) 13. Down By The Riverside / When The Saints Go Marching In (From the Movie “Frankie & Johnny May 1965) (1:45) 14. The Lord’s Prayer (Edit May 16, 1971) (2:03) 15. Elvis Introduction / Must Jesus Bear The Cross Alone / Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus / Nearer My God To The (March / April 1972) (3:11) 16. Bosom Of Abraham / You Better Run (March / April 1972) (2:34) 17. The Impossible Dream (Madison Square Garden) (June 10, 1972) (3:18) 18. Where No One Stands Alone (Montgomery, Alabama February 16, 1977) (2:23)

Seasons Greatings from Elvis: The Christmas Radio Special from December 03, 1967: 
19. Announcer / Here Comes Santa Claus (2:37) 20. Announcer / Blue Christmas (2:11) 21. Announcer / O Little Town Of Bethlehem (2:47) 22. Dale Robertson / Christmas Seal Charity Appeal (1:23) 23. Announcer / Silent Night (2:34) 24. I’ll Be Home For Christmas (1:54) 25. Announcer / I Believe (2:23) 26. Announcer / If Everyday Was Like Christmas (3:04) 27. Announcer / How Great Thou Art (3:16) 28. His Hand In Mine (3:00) 29. Announcer / Promotion of Elvis’ Albums (1:00) 30. Elvis’ Special Message / I’ll Be Home For Christmas (2:08)

More Pure Elvis - Undubbed Christmas Carols:

31. The First Noel (Undubbed Master May 21, 1971) (2:13) 32. O Come, All Ye Faithful (T-1 Undubbed Master May 21, 1971 (2:58)

(Source: FECC / YouTube)


Friday, February 17, 2017

February 17 - The Intimate Portraits

This is the cover for volume 9 in the "Elvis: The Official Collector's" series. This edition in titled "The Intimate Portraits". 

Description:
Elvis Special Collector’s Editions is proud to present The Intimate Portraits, an unprecedented collection of Elvis’s most informal moments, from backstage in Hollywood to his living room at Graceland. As America and the world fell in love with Elvis over and over again from the 1950s to the 1970s, those closest to him were always on hand to snap pictures of their photogenic friend. Curated by Priscilla Presley and featuring her introduction, this unique look at Elvis’s more private moments is a must-have for any collector or fan of the King of Rock & Roll. 

(Source: On Newsstands Now)

Thursday, February 16, 2017

February 16 - Spliced takes - Hollywood Revisited

The CMT import-label announced a new release entitled "Spliced takes - Hollywood Revisited" containing newly made spliced takes.

From the press-release:

After last year's releases, fans asked for more and now CMT is proud to present their latest release which promises to be another winner! Again the Star team has done all the edits on this album, and they did an even better job , with lots of excellent edits, and surprises. Unlike other “import” labels, they truly were able to produce an album using many incomplete takes , to create beautiful new tracks. Their professional edits will blow you away, and will make you believe these are unreleased takes.
We're back in Hollywood for some incredible new splices ! We start off with a "too fast" version of "Flaming Star", just for fun the "End Title" at the end of the CD also has been done in a "too fast" edit, but it sounds pretty good! 

One of the highlights is probably "Adam and Evil" which has a totally new "jungle beat" opening, no new instruments were used, butt purely rough studio snippets to complete an amazing new take out of 5 takes, with new fade out ending! "G.I. Blues" was re-made out of lots of takes, and sounds very new to your ears! And what to think of the "break up" version of "Yoga is As Yoga Does" , lots of funny segments are included in this complete new track. "Moonlight Swim" has the instrumental break on the end, which also sounds very refreshing! "It Won't Be Long" has a longer "bluesy" intro, and was extended for listening pleasure


We could go on, but the best thing to do is pre-order now, and enjoy all of the 30 tracks by yourself! Elvis fans have been spoiled over the years, and they all know. “the end is near” almost every complete take available has been released, so this is as close as you can get for a “new” album! The set comes in a “Deluxe Digipack” with beautiful artwork, and is strictly limited to 500 copies! Pre-order your set now, this will be sold out soon! 


Tracks: Flaming Star - Alternate Master (fast) A Cane And A High Starched Collar - Alternate Master * Beyond the Bend - Spliced take 1,2 Shopping Around - Spliced take 6,7,9,10 Adam and Evil - Spliced take 3,5,9,10,16 Amazing new opening jungle version It Wont Be Long - Spliced take 1,2,5 Moonlight Swim - Alternate Master Mama - Alternate Master Frankfort Special (medium tempo)- Spliced take 6,8 Mexico - Spliced take 1,2 * Long Legged Girl - Spliced take 1,2 She's A Machine - Spliced take 4,4,5 G.I. Blues - Spliced take 4,2,3,5 Tonight's All Right for Love - Alternate Master Riding the Rainbow - (Spliced from MX4-07 & M4-09) * Doin the best I Can - Spliced take 5,7,9 Dominic - Spliced take 1,2 A Little Less Conversation - Spliced take 12,15 Frankie and Johnny - Spliced take 3,4,1 Petunia, The Gardener's Daughter - Spliced take 2,5 El Toro - Spliced take 2,1 * Summer Kisses, Winter Tears - Spliced take 15,16 Yoga Is As Yoga Does - Spliced take 2,3,1,3,4 Cotton Candy Land - Spliced take 3,4 I'm Not the Marrying Kind - Spliced take 1,3,5,6 Am I Ready - Spliced take 5,6 A House That Has Everything - Spliced take 3,6 Forget Me Never - Spliced take 2,1 * Happy Ending - Spliced take 4,6 Flaming Star (end title) - Spliced take 3,1 


Crying In The Chapel

Due for release from the Gaither Music Group on April 7, 2017 is the CD "Crying In The Chapel". 

Tracks: Crying In The Chapel / Where Could I Go But To The Lord / Bosom Of Abraham / His Hand In Mine / How Great Thou Art / (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me) / He Touched Me / Swing Down Sweet Chariot / You'll Never Walk Alone / Amazing Grace / Take My Hand, Precious Lord / In The Garden

(Source: FECC / Amazon)

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

February 15 - Charts (Updated)

Elvis Presley has no albums on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart for the week ending February 25, 2017. 
  • 'The Wonder Of You' drops from 4 to 5 on the Classical Albums Chart
  • 'Elvis: Ultimate Gospel' drops from 8 to 13 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart and drops from 28 to 35 on the Top Christian Albums Chart
  • 'If I Can Dream' rises from 17 to 13 on the Classical Albums Chart
  • 'Heart And Soul' rises from 22 to 21 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart
  • 'He Touched Me: The Gospel Music Of Elvis Presley' (Vols.1 & 2) drops from 3 to 9 on the Music Video Sales Chart
According to Medatraffic the 'The Wonder of You' album has reached the 700.000 sales worldwide. It sold 6,000 copies last week making the total 701,000 copies sold.

UK Album Chart

  • The ’The Wonder of You’ dropped from #61 to #70 on the official UK Album chart. 
Other Elvis Entries on the UK Charts - 17th February, 2017
  • 'The Wonder Of You' drops from 36 to 44 on the Physical Album Chart and drops from 41 to 51 on the Album Sales Chart 
  • 'If I Can Dream' drops from 53 to 79 on the Physical Album Chart and drops from 64 to 98 on the Album Sales Chart
  • 'The Platinum Collection' drops from 48 to 66 on the Physical Album Chart; drops from 58 to 83 on the Album Sales Chart and drops from 11 to 16 on the Indie Albums Chart
  • 'Love Me Tender' - (Elvis and Connie Francis Duet) drops from 54 to 95 on the Physical Singles Chart
European Charts
  • 'The Wonder Of You' drops from 50 to 52 on the Scottish Album Chart
  • 'If I Can Dream' drops from 80 to 85 on the Scottish Album Chart
  • 'The Platinum Collection' drops from 45 to 98 on the Scottish Album Chart
  • 'The Wonder Of You' climbed from 86 to 76 on the Belgian Album Chart
  • 'His Ultimate Top 40 Hits' climbed from 50 to 37 on the Belgian Mid-price Album Chart
  • 'The Wonder Of You' dropped off the Austrian Album chart. 
Australian Charts
  • On the Australian Album chart 'The Wonder of You' drops from #29 to #34.
  • The DVD 'Elvis – The King Of Rock’n’Roll – 30 Hit Performances And More' dropped dropped off the Australian Music DVD chart.
(Source: Brian Quinn & Marvan on FECC / Various)

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

February 14 - Marty Lacker Dies

Alanna Nash posted on her Facebook page the sad news of the passing of Marty Lacker, a Member of Elvis Presley's Memphis Maffia. 

Alanna Nash: Never was a man more dedicated to the truth as he saw it. My very deepest sympathies to the family of Marty Lacker, who joined Elvis today in the rock and roll hereafter. He was 80. Never was a man more dedicated to the truth as he saw it.
I'll miss you, Marty. Say hello to Lamar for me, will you? And Elvis, too?"
.



On December 28, Marty Lacker replied to a Facebook friend named Maurice Elliott and explained what had happened to him and made him end up in hospital.


Marty Lacker: "For those who have wondered where I am and why I have not posted on my own page, I've been in the hospital since Tuesday of last week [December 20] due to a stupid accident. From here I go to rehab for another couple of weeks...Maurice,I pulled the clothes dryer door too hard that had been stuck. It threw me off balance across the room and against the wall. I fell straight down on my butt resulting on the impact bruising my butt and kidney on my right side. It's painful as hell."

The Memphis based Commercial Appeal wrote today:

If not for Marty Lacker, Elvis might never have gone to American Studios in 1969 to record the landmark "From Elvis in Memphis" record.

If not for Mr. Lacker, then, the world might never have had such Presley hits as "Suspicious Minds" — The King's last chart-topper — and "In the Ghetto," among many others.

"Marty was working for me and he was still in close with Elvis," the late Chips Moman, who founded American, told The Commercial Appeal in 2009. "So Marty was talking to me about Elvis and talking to Elvis about me and slowly bringing us together. He's really the one that got that album to take place."

Mr. Lacker, a member of The King's famed Memphis Mafia and one of the best men at Elvis's 1967 wedding, died Monday after suffering from kidney failure. He was 80. He's the second member of the Memphis Mafia to die in recent months, following the November 2016 death of Joe Esposito, the other best man at Elvis' wedding.

"He went to school with (Elvis), that’s how they met. My dad was from New York, the Bronx, and he dressed just like Elvis did. They just formed a bond of friendship through that. They always took up for each other. Both of them went into the army and afterwards, a good friend of his re-introduced them and he went to work for him," said Mr. Lacker's son, Mark. "They were like brothers. They respected each other."
Mr. Lacker also worked in the music business both during his time with Elvis and after The King's 1977 death. In 1967, Lacker helped launch Pepper Records and went on to become American Studios' vice president and business manager. In the early '70s, Lacker also helped co-found the local Grammy chapter and also served as the chairman of the original Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission. 

"A big thing that I wanted to accomplish was to organize the music industry in town. Memphis was not a very organized city; everybody did their own thing," Lacker told the newspaper in 2010. "At the end of the day, you can't underestimate what the music that came out of Memphis has brought to this city."

(Source: FECC / Alana Nash / Commercial Appeal)

Monday, February 13, 2017

February 13 - Alternate Harbor Lights

Due for release from the UK based Rockwell Records is the vinyl compilation "Elvis Presley 'Harbor Lights: Alternate Takes 1954 - 1960". This release marks the 10th anniversary of the label. 

Side A: Harbor Lights (Take 7) I Love You Because (Take 2) I Love You Because (Take 3) I Love You Because (Take 5) That's All Right (Take 3) Blue Moon (Take 4) Blue Moon (Take 5) Blue Moon (Take 8)

Side B: I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (Take 1) I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (Take 2) I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (Take 4) I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (Take 6) Shoppin' Around (Instrumental Take 4) Shoppin' Around (Version 1 - Take 10) G.I. Blues (Take 7) Tonight Is So Right For Love (Take 4) Tonight Is So Right For Love (Take 7) Whats She Really Like (Take 11)

(Source: Elvis Aktuell)

Friday, February 10, 2017

February 10 - Charts

The Official UK Album Charts for the week for February 10, 2017: 
  • 'The Wonder Of You' dropped from #48 to #61 on the Official UK Album chart.
  • 'The Platinum Collection' is a new entry at #91 on the Official UK Album chart.
  • 'If I Can Dream' dropped from #78 to #100 on the Official UK Album chart.
  • 'The Wonder Of You' drops from 30 to 36 on the Physical Album Chart and drops from 32 to 41 on the Album Sales Chart 
  • 'If I Can Dream' drops from 41 to 53 on the Physical Album Chart and drops from 54 to 64 on the Album Sales Chart
  • 'The Platinum Collection' rises from 53 to 48 on the Physical Album Chart; rises from 74 to 58 on the Album Sales Chart and rises from 16 to 11 on the Indie Albums Chart
  • 'Love Me Tender' - (Elvis and Connie Francis Duet) drops from 34 to 54 on the Physical Singles Chart
European Charts
  • 'The Wonder Of You' drops from #45 to #50 on the Scottish Album chart.
  • 'If I Can Dream' drops from #71 to #80 on the Scottish Album chart.
  • 'The Platinum Collection' rises from #75 to #45 on the Scottish Album chart.
  • 'The Wonder Of You' dropped off the Irish Album chart.
  • 'The Wonder Of You' climbed from #67 to #61 on the Austrian Album chart. 
  • 'The Wonder Of You' drops from #82 to #86 on the Belgian Album chart.
  • 'The Wonder Of You & If I Can Dream' double CD set dropped off the Belgian Album chart.
  • 'Elvis Top 40' dropped to #50 on the Belgian Mid-price Album chart. 
  • 'The Wonder Of You' dropped off the German Album Chart.
  • 'The Wonder Of You' dropped off the Swiss Album Chart.
  • The 'The Wonder Of You' dropped from #28 to #29 on the Australian Album chart. 
  • The DVD 'Elvis – The King Of Rock’n’Roll – 30 Hit Performances And More' climbed from #35 to #20 on the Australian Music DVD chart. 
Book Trouble?

Joe Tunzi's JAT Publishing announced the release of a photobook on Elvis Presley's Canadian appearances, claiming his book would coulntain pictures taken from the original negatives. The Elvis Files team had previously announced a book on this tour. On the FECC Forum Paul Sweeny, one of the authors, posted the following statement.
 
"Due to the false statements above, Erik, Jean-Marc and I were left with no choice but to clarify that we are using the original negatives and Mr. Tunzi is not. Please see the letter we received today:

Please be assured that the John Sebert images you obtained from Library and Archives Canada are from the original negatives held here in the John Sebert fonds. Mr. Sebert assigned all copyright in the images to Library and Archives Canada at the time of his deposit, therefore Library and Archives Canada owns the copyright in the images and may licence them at our discretion. Your licence to use the images remains totally valid.

We have since spoken with Mr. Tunzi of JAT publishing. He did not have copies from the original negatives. He had only prints of contact sheets. Mr. Tunzi is now well aware that the copyright on all of the images in the John Sebert fonds belongs to Library and Archives Canada.

I hope this will alleviate your concerns,

Best regards,

Nancy Fay

Gestionnaire, Services des droits d'auteur, Direction générale des services au public
Bibliothèque et Archives Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

Manager, Copyright Services, Public Services Branch
Library and Archives Canada / Government of Canada"

(Source: Brian Quinn and Paul Sweeny on FECC)

Wednesday, February 08, 2017

February 08 - One Encore Performance with Elvis

Scheduled for release this spring, a new book publication by Joseph A. Tunzi / JAT Productions and Daryl W. Restly. The book, titled "Encore Performance Volume VI: '57 at 60 - One Night with Elvis" will feature photos of Elvis Presley, from the John Sebert collection, that were taken on April 2, 1957 at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Canada. 

From the press-release

These photographs are taken from the original negative sources rather than lower quality scans you might find in other publications. Back in 2015, while JAT Productions was preparing the book, Encore Performance V: One Performance Only, Featuring Chicago '57, Tunzi acquired the original negatives from the John Sebert collection. This collection included over 300 photographs taken that evening. '57 at 60 - One Night With Elvis will retail at $39.95 plus shipping & handling and will feature roughly 250 of these images. 

Australian Concerts

Great news for Australian Elvis fans with two new shows being added to the June 2017 tour schedule, as the first shows continue to sell out. Exciting news as new shows on sale now. Tickets are on sale now for the 3rd Melbourne Show and 2nd Sydney show.
The Australian Tour dates now confirmed.

Friday 26 May 2017 – Perth Arena, Perth
Sunday 28 May 2017 – Adelaide Ent Centre, 
Thursday 1 June 2017 – Brisbane Ent Centre
Friday 2 June 2017 – ICC Theatre, Sydney
Saturday 3 June 2017 – ICC Theatre, Sydney NEW SHOW
Thursday 8 June 2017 –  Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne NEW SHOW
Friday 9 June 2017 – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne SOLD OUT 

Saturday 10 June 2017 – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne.


Platinum A Life In Music

Here is the - not surprising - re-issue of the "Platinum A Life In Music" 4 CD set which is due from Sony Music on March 24, 2017.


Charts


The Billboard charts for the week ending February 18, 2017. Elvis Presley has no albums on the Billboard Top 200 Album Charts


'The Wonder Of You' remains at 4 on the Classical Albums Chart

'Elvis: Ultimate Gospel' remains at 8 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart; drops from 25 to 29 on the Christian And Gospel Albums Chart and drops from 26 to 28 on the Top Christian Albums Chart
'If I Can Dream' drops from 13 to 17 on the Classical Albums Chart
'Heart And Soul' drops from 17 to 22 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart
'He Touched Me: The Gospel Music Of Elvis Presley' (Vols.1 & 2) rises from 8 to 3 on the Music Video Sales Chart

(Source: FECC / Amazon / Brian Quinn / Elvis Information Network)

Tuesday, February 07, 2017

February 07 - At the Movies

Due for release from the Real Gone Music budgetlabel on March 31, 2017 is the 4 CD Deluxe Set  set "At the Movies". 

Also due from this label on march 10, 2017 is a vinyl re-issue of "G.I. Blues".

Due from the Gaither Music Group on April 7, 2017 is the CD "Crying In The Chapel".

Due from the Masters of Music label on October 13, 2017 is the 3 CD set "Essential Original Albums". 

Tracks Elvis At The Movies CD 1:
Love Me Tender - Let Me - Poor Boy - Were Gonna Move - Were Gonna Move - Love Me Tender - Mean Woman Blues - (Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear) - Loving You - Got A Whole Lot Of Loving To Do - Lonesome Cowboy - Hot Dog - Party - Blueberry Hill - True Love - Don't Leave Me Now - Have I Told You Lately That II Love You - I Need You So

CD 2:
Party - Got A Lot O Livin To Do - Loving You - Mean Woman Blues - Jailhouse Rock - Treat Me Nice - Young And Beautiful - I Want To Be Free - Dont Leave Me Know - (Your So Square) Baby I Don't Care - Jailhouse Rock - Young And Beautiful - Young And Beautiful (Solo) - I Want To Be Free - (Your So Square) Baby I Don't Care - Treat Me Nice - King Creole - As Long As I Love You - Hard Headed Woman - Trouble - Dixieland Rock

CD 3:
Don't Ask Me Why - Lover Doll - Crawfish - Young Dreams - Steadfast Loyal And True - New Orleans - Turtles, Berries And Gumbo / Crawfish - Lover Doll - Trouble - Banana - Dixieland Rock - Young Dreams - New Orleans - King Creole - Don't Ask Me Why - As Long As I Love You (Outro) - Tonight Is Right For Love - What's She Really Like - Frankfort Special - Wooden Heart

CD 4:

G. I. Blues - Pocketful Of Rainbows - Shoppin' Around - Big Boots - Didja' Ever - Blue Suede Shoes - Doin' The Best I Can - Tonight's Alright For Love - What's She Really Like - G. I. Blues (Edit) - Doin' The Best I Can - Frankfort Special - Shoppin' Around - Tonight Is So Right For Love - Wooden Heart - Pocket Full Of Rainbows - Big Boots - Didja Ever - Flaming Star - Flaming Star (Edit) - A Cane And High Starched Collar (Edit)

(Source: Amazon)

Saturday, February 04, 2017

February 04 - Long Tall Sally

Coming soon from the Ampex import-label, their first release in almost 14 years, is “Long Tall Sally” featuring the previously unreleased Dinner Show performance from January 27, 1973. This is the second show after the Aloha concert and the sound quality is very good for an audience recording. In this show, Elvis Presley starts with Long Tall Sally right after CC Rider. Nice to mention is that the photo from the original RCA album “Raised On Rock” was taking from this show too.

Tracks: 01. Opening Vamp / C. C. Rider 3:07 02. Long Tall Sally / Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On 2:00 03. Until It's Time For You To Go 2:35 04. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me 2:08 05. Steamroller Blues 3:18 06. You Gave Me A Mountain 3:22 07. Fever 3:24 08. Love Me 1:36 09. Blue Suede Shoes 1:15 10. Love Me Tender 2:23 11. Johnny B. Goode 2:24 12. Hound Dog 1:44 13. What Now My Love 2:59 14. Suspicious Minds 4:28 15. Band Introductions 1:50 16. I'll Remember You 2:34 17. I Can't Stop Loving You 2:35 18. An American Trilogy 4:38 19. Burning Love 3:32 20. Can't Help Falling In Love 1:39 21. Closing Vamp 0:40 

(Source: FECC)

Friday, February 03, 2017

February 03 - Charts

The Officvial UK charts for the week ending February 3, 2017:

The 'The Wonder of You' album dropped from #32 nto #48 on the Official Album chart while the 'If I Can Dream' album dropped from #65 to #78 this week on that chart.

  • 'The Wonder Of You' drops from 22 to 30 on the Physical Album Chart and drops from 25 to 32 on the Album Sales Chart 
  • 'If I Can Dream' rises from 42 to 41 on the Physical Album Chart and rises from 55 to 54 on the Album Sales Chart
  • 'The Platinum Collection' drops from 51 to 53 on the Physical Album Chart; drops from 65 to 74 on the Album Sales Chart and drops from 11 to 16 on the Indie Albums Chart
  • 'Love Me Tender' - (Elvis and Connie Francis Duet) rises from 72 to 34 on the Physical Singles Chart
  • 'Noel' - a new entry at 33 on the Vinyl Singles Chart and also a new entry at 49 on the Physical Singles Chart. This EP has 4 titles and is limited edition numbered to 500 copies. 10th issue of a collection in 10 volumes, here is the vinyl devoted to Christmas titles! 
European Charts
  • The 'The Wonder Of You' album drops from #25 to #45 on the Scottish Album Chart
  • The 'If I Can Dream' album drops from #56 to #71 on the Scottish Album Chart
  • 'The Platinum Collection' rises from #84 to #75 on the Scottish Album Chart
  • The 'The Wonder Of You' album drops from #77 to #82 on the German Album Chart
  • The 'The Wonder Of You' album climbed to #85 from #88 on the Irish Album Chart
  • The 'The Wonder Of You' album drops to #82 on the Belgian Album Chart
  • The 'The Wonder of You / If I Can Dream' double-pack climbed from #124 to #104 on the Belgian Album chart
  • The 'Top 40 Elvis' compilation dropped from #24 to #39 on the Belgian Mid-proce Album chart
  • The 'The Wonder Of You' album drops from #46 to #67 on the Austrian Album Chart
  • The 'The Wonder Of You' album drops from #65 to #78 on the Swiss Album Chart
Charts Down Under
  • The 'The King Of Rock’n’Roll' DVD dropped from #15 to #35 on the Australian Music DVD chart. 
  • The 'The Wonder Of You' album dropped from #23 to #28 on the Australian Album chart. 
  • The Wonder Of You' album dropped off the New Zealand Album chart. 
(Source: Brian Quinn of FECC / Elvis Memories / The King's World)


Thursday, February 02, 2017

February 02 - Follow That Dream

The Follow That Dream collector's label announced the February 2017 titles; a double vinyl LP for the "Speedway" soundtrack and the re-issue of "A Date With Elvis"  in the Classic Album series. The "Speedway - The Remixed Soundtrack Masters" contains remixed stereo and mono masters.

Side 1; 01 Let Yourself Go, 02 Your Time Hasn’t Come Yet, Baby, 03 There Ain’t Nothing Like A Song (Elvis and Nancy Sinatra), 04 Who Are You? (Who Am I?), 05 Speedway, 06 He’s Your Uncle Not Your Dad, 07 Suppose


Side 2; 01 Five Sleepy Heads, 02 Goin’ Home – takes 24, 21, 03 Mine – takes 1, 2, 3, 4, 04 Western Union – take 1, 05 Suppose (Nashville master), 06 Let Yourself Go  – take 5


Side 3; 01 Your Groovy Self (master) Nancy Sinatra, 02 Your Time Hasn’t Come Yet, Baby (movie version), 03 Goin’ Home – takes 16, 23, 04 Mine – takes 8, 9, 05 Western Union – take 2, 3, 06 Let Yourself Go – take 6


Side 4; The Mono Soundtrack Masters: 01 Speedway, 02 There Ain’t Nothing Like A Song (Elvis and Nancy Sinatra), 03 Your Time Hasn’t Come Yet, Baby, 04 Who Are You? (Who Am I?), 05 He’s Your Uncle Not Your Dad, 06 Let Yourself Go, 07 Your Groovy Self (Nancy Sinatra), 08 Five Sleepy Heads*, 09 Suppose* (* Not used in the final print).


The re-issue of "A Date With Elvis" as a double CD in the Classic Album series contains contains masters, outtakes and home recordingsmade during his Army time in Germany. 

A Date With Elvis' was released in July 1959 and was the second of three compilation albums released by RCA while Elvis was serving in the U.S. Army. The aim of all three albums, apart from keeping Elvis’ name in the public eye, was to collect recordings that had only been out on 45 rpm records in order to take advantage of the fast growing Long Playing album market. This 7” digipack 2-CD set also features stereo masters and ‘fly-on-the-wall’ persona; recordings made during his Army time in Germany.  It also includes the 'Is It So Strange' Binaural session.


Disc 1 - Original Album - Side 1: Blue Moon Of Kentucky / Young And Beautiful / (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care / Milkcow Blues Boogie / Baby Let’s Play House. Side 2: Good Rockin’ Tonight / Is It So Strange / We’re Gonna Move / I Want To Be Free / I Forgot To Remember To Forget. Bonus Songs: I Don’t Care If The Sun Don’t Shine / Let Me. Stereo and Binaural: Young And Beautiful / (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care / We’re Gonna Move / I Want To Be Free (movie version, splice of takes 10, 12 & 13 - binaural master not released as such before) / I Want To Be Free (record version, splice of takes 11 & final ending take 5 - binaural master not released as such before) / Is It So Strange (take 1) / Is It So Strange (takes 2-9) / Is It So Strange (take 10) / Is It So Strange (take 11) / Is It So Strange (take 12 - original master take).


Disc 2 - Private Recordings from Germany: I’m Beginning To Forget You (1) / I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You) (ending only) / Mona Lisa / I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You) / Guitar Piece / Danny Boy (1) / Danny Boy (2) / Loving You (incomplete) / Talk / I’m Beginning To Forget You (2) / Christmas / I’m Beginning To Forget You (3) / I’m Beginning To Forget You (4) / I Asked The Lord (1 incomplete) / I Asked The Lord (2 incomplete) / Apron Strings (1) / Soldier Boy / I Asked The Lord (3 incomplete) / I Asked The Lord (4) / I Asked The Lord (5) / Earth Angel / I Will Be True / There’s No Tomorrow / I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen (slow) / Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be) / Hound Dog / I Asked The Lord (6) / I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen (fast) / Apron Strings (3) / The Titles Will Tell / Send Me Some Lovin’ / The Fool (1) / The Fool (2 incomplete) / The Fool (3) / The Fool (4) / I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen (fast) / I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen (slow 1) / Apron Strings (2) / It’s Been So Long Darling.


Elvis’ Humes High School May Close

Elvis’ Humes High School is now an under-enrolled charter school and state officials will soon decide its fate. When Elvis Presley graduated from L.C. Humes High School in 1953 during the days of segregated schools, the stately red brick building was operated by the city district to serve white students in a growing area of north Memphis.
The school still operates today and is known as Humes Preparatory Academy Middle, a mostly black, state-run charter school serving a community with a shrinking population of school-age children. This week, leaders of Tennessee’s Achievement School District are expected to announce whether the historic school will remain open.
Last year the state-run school turnaround district invited other eligible charter networks to apply to step in. But only one, Memphis-based Frayser Community Schools, threw its hat in the ring. Among Frayser’s plans for Humes: a renewed focus on music. 

“It’s inspiring to know that we will be walking in the footsteps of Elvis Presley if we are able to start this program,” said Derrick Lewis, fine arts chairman for MLK College Preparatory High School, Frayser’s only current school, also in Memphis. The state-run district already plans to let at least one of its 31 Memphis schools close because of low enrollment. But the outlook at Humes is somewhat brighter with the middle school operating at 69 percent of capacity.

Whatever the decision about Humes, the school building on North Manassas Avenue will remain. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its connection to Presley, whose performance in the school talent show whetted his appetite to become an entertainer.

A historical plaque has stood in the schoolyard since 2013 to trumpet the school’s history and famous alumnus. The Humes property would return to the possession of Shelby County Schools if the ASD decides to walk away.

Colonel Parker's Home saved for future Museum

The historic Madison home once owned by Elvis Presley’s manager is being taken apart piece by piece. Brian Oxley and his crew are working on the Madison home of Colonel Tom Parker. When he learned they wanted to put a car wash up, he knew people would want to keep the history of the home. “I’ve told my team, we’re all archaeologists, ya know? This is fun, we’re looking for clues, we’re trying to match pictures with the knots on the doors, where Elvis may have stood, but I think the number one thing more than archaeologists, I’m an anthropologist, which means I’m interested in people,”

So crews are taking it apart and numbering every beam, floor board, and pine wall so it can be re-assembled somewhere else for a permanent Elvis Presley display. The famous singer would stay there when he was in Nashville.

The home has sat largely vacant since Steve North, who purchased the property and moved his law office there in the mid-1990s, retired. In 2015, it was included on the 2015 "Nashville Nine" list of the city's most-endangered historic places. Last month, news that developers wanted to open a car wash on the property made headlines nationwide.

This isn’t Oxley's first project. In recent years he purchased and restored Johnny Cash’s Bon Aqua property and the “Mama Cash House” the country star bought for his mother in Hendersonville. But now he’s switching his focus from the Man in Black to the King.

Oxley hopes to eventually reassemble the interior and include it as part of a permanent Presley display. He’s already begun delving into research about Parker’s life and work as well as the home’s famous visitors. Pointing to the wood paneling on the wall, he said, "These knots are like fingerprints. You see them in old pictures (of the house) and you can tell exactly where Elvis was standing."

(Source: The Elvis Shop London / Follow That Dream / Elvis Information Network)