November 30 - 40 Christmas Classics

Released by the Bellevue Publishing label is the double vinyl album “40 Golden Classics”. 
 
Side 1: It's Now Or Never / Return To Sender / (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Are You Lonesome Tonight? / Hound Dog / King Creole / Marie's The Name (His Latest Flame) / I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone / All Shook Up / That's Alright Mama

Side 2: Jailhouse Rock / Blue Suede Shoes / Heartbreak Hotel / Wooden Heart  / One Night / Rock A Hula Baby / I Want You, I Need You, I Love You / Loving You / Paralyzed / Baby Let's Play House

Side 3: Love Me Tender / Blue Moon / Good Luck  Charm / A Mess Of Blues / Surrender (Torna Surriento) / Got A Lot Of Livin' To Do / Stuck On You / A Big Hunk O' Love / Have I Told You Lately That I Love You / Blue Hawaii

Side 4: Can't Help Falling In Love / Don't Be Cruel / Hawaiian Wedding Song / Don't / Party / Hard Headed Woman / Too Much / She's Not You / Wear My Ring / Around Your Neck / I Love You Because

Elvis Christmas Vinyl

Released by the Bellevue Publishing label is the Amazon Exclusive Edition of the "Elvis Christmas Album”. 

Side 1: Santa Claus Is Back In Town / White Christmas / Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) /  I'll Be Home For Christmas / Blue Christmas / Santa Bring My Baby (Back To Me)

Side 2: Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem / Silent Night / (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me) / I Believe / Take My Hand, Precious Lord / It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)

(Source: Amazon)

November 29 - The Asheville Marathon

The AudiRec import-label released the 4 CD set "The Asheville Marathon" featuring three of the most unusual Elvis Presley Shows of the 1970´s according to the original press-release.  

From the press-release:
When Elvis came to Asheville, NC in late July of 1975 to play the final shows of his running tour, he was indeed in a “giving” mood. Elvis delivered a whole bunch of rarely performed song material and handled a big part of them in a kind of “Elvis By Request” style. Since his Record Company RCA was not on hand to record these shows professionally, we can be thankful that fans did record the shows at least with private (non-professional) equipment. 
One thing is clear: It would have been a big pity if none of those three shows would have been recorded and therefore been “lost” forever. 

In July 1975, Elvis played 21 shows in 11 different cities. This tour was rated as being one of the very best in Elvis' last years. His powerful vocal delivery, his entertaining mood and his willingness to improvise various unusual songs are what make this tour such a stand-out, and the final 3 shows in Asheville, NC were simply stunning! In Asheville Elvis also played the longest shows of the tour and performed many rarely sung songs. He was kind of promoting his new album “Elvis Today” with “Shake A Hand”, “Fairytale”, “T.R.O.U.B.L.E.” and “Pieces Of My Life”. More than any time before he was interacting with his audience, singing songs by request. For example “Memphis Tennessee”, “An American Trilogy”, “Heartbreak Hotel”, “Jailhouse Rock”, “Something”, “Return To Sender” or “Wooden Heart”.

Elvis was in a hilarious mood. He gave away several golden rings and a fan in the first row - Mike Harris from Asheville - was lucky to get Elvis’ Gibson Ebony Dove guitar! It was the famous guitar which Elvis used in Aloha From Hawaii. Later in the show, Mike Harris thought Elvis was gonna ask for the guitar back, but Elvis leaned down and said: “'No that's yours. I gave that to you for a reason, and it's gonna help you out some day.” 

These shows were previously released, but all original releases are very hard to find now. Instead of doing a simple “copy and paste” job, we have asked our friends from SA to help us to enhance the sound from scratch, so we are sure that those shows never sounded better! The release is presented in a strong and stable 25 x 14 cm de-luxe 4 CD Long-Box accompanied by a 16-page booklet, filled with a great collection of photos taken in Asheville and press reviews. The box comes it in 3 different variations. It means 3 different covers and each covers got its own disc labels, too.

(Source: Various)

November 28 - Free Comeback Bootleg Releases

A sampler DVD of the "Elvis The Searcher" documentary comes as a free gift with the January 2019 edition of the Mojo Music Magazine in the United Kingdom.

Bootleg Book Released

The "From Cover to Vinyl – The Artistry of Elvis Bootlegs" which focusses on photographs and details of the original vinyl bootlegs is out now and set to be shipped.

From the press-release:
Using the 2012 classic 'Bootleg Elvis' book as a reference point, we decided to feature scans of every cover, label, piece of vinyl and inserts for dedicated Elvis collectors. This will make it easy to identify each and every pressing and variation. 

We also decided to split the original book into two volumes. In the first, every known bootleg 7 inch and 10 inch record will be noted. The second will cover all the wonderful 12 inch releases and is scheduled for a Summer 2019 release.

In 'Bootleg Elvis' some of the original bootleggers were given space to recount the ins and outs of making their releases a reality. This time we allow the FBI some equal time, and let you see their side of the story. We were able to lay our hands on a massive collection of FBI files regarding the Presley bootleg industry, and will share the best of that material, for the first time ever, in this book.


For example, in the first volume we’ll show how the FBI prepared for the infamous August 14, 1980 bootleg raid in Memphis … it soon became known as Black Thursday.

'68 Comeback Special Releases

The "The King In The Ring" black vinyl album and "Elvis: '68 Comeback Special - 50th Anniversary Edition" have been released. 

"The King In The Ring" was originally released as a red vinyl limited edition run for Record Store Day. This 2LP set showcases the standout, intimate "sit down" sets from the '68 special. These laid-back live performances were recorded in the round before a small audience and featured a powerful ensemble, including guitarist Scotty Moore and drummer D.J. Fontana, both part of Elvis' original classic backing band.

The 7-disc definitive box set "Elvis: '68 Comeback Special - 50th Anniversary Edition" chronicles the pivotal NBC-TV '68 special called Elvis and takes you behind the scenes in audio and remastered 4:3 Blu-ray video. It contains all known recordings / rehearsals from the RCA vaults and from original NBC-TV videotapes and an 80-page book with a new, oral history on the special, crafted from interviews with producer Steve Binder, recording engineer Bones Howe, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Priscilla Presley, Emmylou Harris, Scotty Moore conducted for the "Elvis Presley: The Searcher" documentary.

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Elvis Information Network / UEPS)

November 27 - Luci! Camera! Vegas!

Due for release on January 16, 2019 is 5 DVD set “Luci! Camera! Elvis!” containing the movies “Roustabout”, “Fun in Acapulco”, “G.I. Blues”, “Girls! Girls! Girls!” And “Blue Hawaii”. The discs are region 2 with English and Italian audio and subtitles. 

Elvis In Vegas

Due for release from Simon and Schluster July 2019 is the 320 book “Elvis In Vegas” by Richard Zoglin. 

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin)

November 26 - Delay

The The Follow That Dream book "The Wild One '56" was released before the official release-date, the two CD ("For LP Fans Only", "Holiday Season In Vegas") and limited edition vinyl album "Cafe Europa" will be available with a slight delay. They should be available for shipping to fan-clubs and dealers December 6, 2018. 

(Source: FTD)

November 25 - Holding Back The Vinyl Army Reels

The VIK import-label released “From The Army Reels”, a five 45 RPM  EP’s and 1 CD set.

From the press-release:
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the VIK label a special very limited edition 45 RPM box set is released. The boxset contains 5 45RPM / EP releases with beautiful designed sleeves and CD containing the tracks from the vinyl. Many tracks are presented here for the first time on vinyl. Especially for this release VIK made an edit of “cool water” as it was basicly not suitable for release in it’s original form. This beautiful set also contains a 12 page booklet. The set is available in green or pink vinyl. The 45’s are suitable for jukeboxes! 

47-1959/1
Are You Lonesome Tonight? *
B/W Oh Lonesome Me *

47-1959/2
Cool Water – Edit *
B/W 
The Fool - Take 4

EPB-1959/3
I’m Beginning To Forget You
Mona Lisa
B/W
Danny Boy - Take 1
Soldier Boy- Take 2

EPB-1959/4
Earth Angel - Take 1
It’s Been So Long Darling
B/W
Send Me Some Lovin’ - Take 2 *
He Knows Just What I Need *

EPB-1959/5
Like A Baby *
His Hand In Mine *
B/W
Her Hand In Mine *
Are You Sincere / Return To Me *
*previously unreleased / on vinyl

CD: Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Oh Lonesome Me - Cool Water (Edit) - The Fool (Take 4) - I’m Beginning To Forget You - Mona Lisa - Danny Boy (Take 1) - Soldier Boy (Take 2) - Earth Angel (Take 1) - It’s Been So Long Darling - Send Me Some Lovin’ (Take 2) - He Knows Just What I Need - Like A Baby (Part) - 14 His Hand In Mine - Her Hand In Mine - Are You Sincere (Part) / Return To Me (Part) - I’m Beginning To Forget You - I’m Beginning To Forget You

The Sound Of Your Cry

Together with it’s American equivalent “Greatest Hits Volume 1” the “The Sound Of Your Cry“ always bring back some fine memories. The unique mixes on these two albums make these albums everlasting fan favorites. “The Sound Of Your Cry” has never been available on CD until now. 

Added are the tracks that were featured on “Greatest Hits Volume 1” that were not featured on “The Sound Of Your Cry” All versions are the correct versions as featured on the two albums and some are still unique to these albums only. For example the extended version of “It’s Only Love” and the unique edit of “What’d I Say” are among the gems that make this album unique. Also worth mentioning are great mixexsof “Angel” and “Steamroller Blues”. Probably the best compilation album till date. All tracks are remastered and sound fantastic.

It’s Only Love (Extended Version) - Suspicious Minds (Stereo Version) - Angel (US Stereo Version) - What D’ I Say (Live) - The Sound Of Your Cry
(Full Length Stereo Version) - A Big Hunk O’love (Live) - Are You Lonesome Tonight? (The Laughing Version From The 25th Anniversary Box Set) - Steamroller Blues (Live) - Don’t Cry Daddy (Live Version From The 25th Anniversary Box Set) - Burning Love (Remix) - You’ll Never Walk Alone
(Stereo Version) - Kentucky Rain (Live Version From The 25th Anniversary Box Set)

Bonus Songs:

The Wonder Of You (18.02.1970 D/S) - There Goes My Everything

Holding Back The Years

Released by the DAE import-label is “Holding Back The Years”, a double LP set. 

From the press-release:
The Diamond Anniversary goes back to 1976. “Holding Back The Years”. was the third CD release and it is about time it became available on vinyl. The first three titles “Here I Go Again”, “Old Times They Are Not Forgotten” and “Let Me Take You Home” were a complete sell out and were well received by vinyl freaks. 

Now "Holding Back The Years" is available on this deluxe double vinyl album. It contains the March 21, 1976 performance. And it's a beauty! And of course the show is included on cd too. The show is remastered and updated in the best way possible! This release is very limited and is available in red or blue vinyl presented in a gatefold sleeve. Get it while you can and add this awesome DAE product to your collection. 

Side A: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Let Me Be There - Love Me Tender

Side B: Steamroller Blues - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - You Gave Me A Mountain - Polk Salad Annie

Side C: Introductions   - School Days - And I Love You So - Hurt - Hurt (Full Reprise)

Side D: Burning Love - America - Hound Dog - Funny How Times Slip Away - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

CD: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Let Me Be There - Love Me Tender - Steamroller Blues - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - You Gave Me A Mountain - Polk Salad Annie - Introductions - School Days - And I Love You So - Hurt - Hurt (Full Reprise) - Burning Love - America - Hound Dog - Funny How Times Slip Away - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

(Source: Various)

November 23 - The Wild One

The Follow That Dream book release "The Wild One '56" by David English and Pål Granlund appears to be available. The Flaming Star fan club posted a photo of a fan-club meeting featuring the book. The official release-date is set at December 12, 2018 according to the Graceland website.

Loving Re-issues

The Follow That Dream collectors label re-issued their 2006 "Loving You" soundtrack release correcting RCA's "nipper" dog logo on the cover to reflect the original RCA album cover. 

(Source: Flaming Star / FECC)

November 24 - Bumps Are Gone But He's Still King!

The E.P. Collector's import-label announced the release of the album "Bumps Are Gone But He's Still King!" containing the complete July 28, 1976 performance as recorded at The Hartford. This show is previously unreleased in complete audience recorded form. The producers behind the label also announced that they are planning some surprises for 2019, including totally new shows.

From the press-release:
Our new CD is titled "Bumps Are Gone But He's Still King! (E. P. Collector label, catalogue number EPC 2018-19). The Hartford, July 28th, 1976 show is previously unreleased in complete audience recorded form. Audionics label released parts of this show taken from soundboard source (CD "Across The Country," 2005). Unfortunately, complete soundboard recording of this concert do not exist. The E. P. Collector label had complete audience tape of very good sound quality in vaults for many, many years and finally decided to release it. July 28th, 1976 is longest and perhaps the best show from this particular tour. Among the concert highlights there are fantastic performances of ,,Jailhouse Rock“, „America“, „Polk Salad Annie“ and „Hurt“. There is one special moment too, when Elvis sing „Happy Birthday“, to Kitty Kahane, daughter of Elvis friend, comedian Jackie Kahane.

This show was restored with a great care with a focus on not changing the integrity of the original monaural recording. You may ask your supplier for samples. If you are fan of good audience recordings, we bet that you will like the sound!

This CD is packaged in a nicely designed digipak with concert review and collection of images taken during Hartford concert on July 28, 1976. The running time is of this show 73:10.

Tracks: 01. Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001 Theme) - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. medley: I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain - 07. All Shook Up - 08. medley: Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel (medley) - 09. And I Love You So - 10. Jailhouse Rock (with reprise) - 11. Fever - 12. America (The Beautiful) (with reprise) - 13. Polk Salad Annie - 14. Band Introductions - 15. Early Mornin' Rain - 16. Chicken Pickin' / What'd I Say - 17. Johnny B. Goode - 18. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 19. Bass Solo #1 (Blues - Jerry Scheff) - 20. Bass Solo #2 (Battle Of New Orleans - Jerry Scheff) - 21. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) - 22. Electric Piano Solo (David Briggs) - 23. Love Letters - 24. School Day - 25. Happy Birthday (to Kitty Kahane) - 26. Hurt (with reprise) - 27. Hound Dog - 28. Funny How Time Slips Away - 29. Hawaiian Wedding Song - 30. Can't Help Falling In Love - 31. Closing Vamp.

Blanche Jordan Scott Died

Blanche Jordan Scott, who knew Elvis as a teenager when  she lived in the neighborhood at the same time that Elvis lived in Lauderdale Courts, died. She also graduated from Humes High School in Memphis. Blanche is also the author of the book "Elvis A Boy from Tupelo to a Man from Memphis." She was born on February 16, 1933, and died today at the age of 85. 


(Source: FECC / Elvis Matters)

November 22 - Charts #1 In Ireland (Updated)

The weekly chart updates:

Elvis Presley is back on the Official UK, Scottish and Irish Charts. The 6 DVD set “Elvis The Searcher” entered the Official Irish Music DVD chart at #1.

The “Elvis The Searcher” DVD entered the Official UK Music DVD chart at #2. 

• The 6 DVD set “The Elvis Collection” dropped from #17 to #20 on the Official UK Music DVD chart. 
• The "Where No One Stands Alone" gospel compilation remained steady #2 on the Official UK Christian and Gospel chart.
• The "Christmas Peace" compilation dropped from #44 to #76 on the Official Scottish Album chart.
• The "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" climbed from #95 to #90 on the Official Irish Album chart.
• The 6 DVD set “The Elvis Collection” re-entered the Official Irish Music DVD chart at #3.

Belgian Charts

• The "Top 40 - His Ultimate Collection" climbed from #25 to #22 on the Belgian Ultratop charts.

Australian Charts

• On the Australian Catalogue Album chart the "The King" compilation climbed from #44 to #42.
• On the Australian Music DVD chart "The King of Rock and Roll" DVD climbed from #20 to #13.

US Billboard Charts:

• The “The Classic Christmas Album” is a re-entry on the main Billboard Album Top 200 chart at #187.
• The “The Essential Elvis Presley” compilation is a re-entry at #25 on the US Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
• The “The Classic Christmas Album” climbed to #16 on the US Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
• The “The Classic Christmas Album” is a re-entry at #36 on the US Billboard Top Rock Albums chart.
• The “The Essential Elvis Presley” compilation is a re-entry at #45 on the US Billboard Top Rock Albums chart.
• The “Where No One Stands Alone” album is a re-entry at #46 on the US Billboard Christian Album chart.
• The “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” compilation dropped to #48 on the US Billboard Christian Album chart.
• The “The Classic Christmas Album” climbed to #9 on the US Billboard Holiday Albums chart.
• The “It’s Christmas Time” album climbed to #41 on the US Billboard Holiday Albums chart.
• On the US Billboard Artist Top 100 chart Elvis is a re-entry at #70.

From Billboard 200 Chart Moves: Elsewhere on the Billboard 200, a number of Christmas albums return to the tally, including Elvis Presley’s "The Classic Christmas Album" (No. 187 with 6,000 units; up 37 percent).

(Source: Billboard / Official Chart Company / Marvan)

November 21 - On The Road With Elvis (Updated)

Just released is the book "On The Road With Elvis" by Gary Jackson.

From the press-release:
Bruce Jackson was Elvis Presley's touring soundman for six years. On July 5, 1976, in Memphis at the end of a tour, Elvis gave Bruce a gold TCB necklace and welcomed him to the inner circle, adding that it was long overdue. 

Bruce Jackson came from Sydney, Australia. In about 1971, when he was just 22, he became the sound engineer for Elvis Presley. Bruce revolutionised Elvis Presley's sound. He was the first person to put the speakers up off the ground, and fly them from scaffolding. After Elvis died in 1977 he then became Bruce Springsteen's front of house guy. A lot of the sound and techniques in common use today come from elements that Bruce Jackson developed.

'​​Bruce Jackson On The Road With Elvis' is a large format (240 X 315mm, 222 page) beautifully presented hardback book printed on premium, semi-matt art archive paper and comes in a custom made slipcase. This original story, with not only an account of a remarkable Australian's life but also a fresh, new insight into the life of Elvis Presley, will be welcomed by fans who may have thought everything on Elvis's life and career had already been said. Bruce Jackson On The Road With Elvis features many original, never-before-published photographs from the Jackson family collection.​

Raised in a castle overlooking Sydney Harbour, Bruce Jackson dropped out of university course in 1968 to build stroboscopes, amplifiers and color-organs for the emerging psychedelic light show culture. Little did he know that in just three years he'd be on the road managing Elvis Presley's sound and poised to change forever how live concert sound was presented. In six years with the Elvis Presley Show Bruce established a close professional and personal bond with Elvis who trusted him implicitly to deliver the best sound possible. Bruce's inventions and technical advances were adopted by the entire live concert touring industry.

"Bruce was killed flying his own plane in Death Valley, California in 2011. He was a keen collector of memorabilia and left a haunting day to day record of his life on the road in postcards, letters and talking tapes. I've used them plus interviews with his colleagues and my own experience as his younger brother to write a fitting tribute to both men. The book delivers an intimate, engaging narrative of Bruce's extraordinary life, up close with the world's top performer. After Elvis died, Elvis-fan Bruce Springsteen hired Bruce Jackson, saying "I've got Elvis's guy... Elvis's man is working for me in the house."

Years of work have gone into making this book a fitting tribute. Bruce's first person narrative and contributions by friends and colleagues plus the eye-witness perspective of his brother Gary come together for an extraordinary insight. This is, incredibly, a new look at Elvis by someone who worked with him in a professional relationship that evolved into a personal friendship.
Elvis came to respect Bruce Jackson as much as Bruce respected Elvis Presley.

Michele Carey Passed Away

Elvis Presley’s former co-star Michele Carey died. In the movie “Live A Little, Love A Little”, Michele plays Bernice, the eccentric girl who has "different names for different moods". She messes with Elvis' head big-time by "fixing" his life for him, constantly changing her mind, and generally fitting all the "flaky girl" stereotypes of the late sixties, but he puts up with it since she looks like Michele Carey! Along the way, he sings "Edge Of Reality" in a weird dream sequence, and "Almost In Love" to her as she pretends to play acoustic guitar.

(Source: Elvis Information Network/ FECC ? Various) 

November 20 - Elvis Years

Volume 3 in the Anthem Publishing series "The Elvis Years" has been released with the title "The Elvis Years - Volume 3: From Comeback To Final Days". 

From the publisher:
"In the third and final edition of The Elvis Years, we track Elvis’s later career from his 1968 “Comeback Special” through to his final days at Graceland and explore the many musical avenues taken by the King in his last decade.

Inside, we tell the story of Elvis’s infamous TV Special and take an exclusive look behind the scenes with the help of show director Steve Binder, plus we examine hit album From Elvis In Memphis, and the triumphant Vegas residencies that followed in its wake.

We get behind the lens for Presley’s intimate documentary film That’s The Way It Is and his ground-breaking global satellite telecast Aloha from Hawaii, and explore some of the standout albums of his later life including Elvis Country, He Touched Me and Today.

Elsewhere, we step inside Elvis’s infamous STAX studio sessions, before heading to Graceland’s Jungle Room to retrace the King’s last recordings – furthermore, ex-Sun Studio engineer Matt Ross-Spang discusses working on those final tracks for the Down In The Jungle Room compilation.

We chat with The Memphis Boys’ lead guitarist Reggie Young about his experiences recording with the King, songwriter Mark James tells us about the making of Suspicious Minds and, in one of his final interviews, the late great Tony Joe White reveals all about his track Polk Salad Annie, a regular favourite in Elvis’s set lists. Also in Volume 3, we survey Presley’s sartorial choices in later life, including his many infamous jumpsuits, we explore his love of martial arts and we deliver our final alternative Top 20 tracks.

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin)

November 18 - Charts (Updated)

The weekly chart update:

US Billboard chart:

• The "The Classic Christmas Album" climbed from #19 to #9 on the US Billboard Holiday Album Chart.
• The "It’s Christmas Time" compilation climbed from #46 to #41 on the US Billboard Holiday Album Chart.
• The "The Classic Christmas Album" re-entered the US Billboard Album Sales Chart at #67.
• The "The Classic Christmas Album" re-entered the US Billboard Country Album Chart at #34.
• The "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" compilation dropped from #26 to #34 on the US Billboard Country Album Chart.
• The "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" compilation re-entered the US Billboard Rock Album Chart at #49.
• The "Elvis: Ultimate Gospel" album remained steady at #25 on the US Billboard Christian Album chart. 

United Kingdom, Scotland and Ireland

• The "Where No ne Stands Alone" album remained steady at #2 on the Official UK Christian and Gospel Albums chart.
• The "Elvis Collection" DVD is a re-entry at #14 on the Official UK Music DVD chart.
• The "Christmas Peace" compilation climbed from #72 to #44 on the Official Scottish Album chart.
• The "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" compilation re-entered the Irish Album chart at #95. 

Belgium

• The "Top 40 Elvis : His Ultimate Top 40 Collection" remained steady at #25 on the Belgian Mid-price Top 50 chart (Wallonia)

Australia

• On the Australian Aria Music Music DVD chart the "Elvis The King of Rock and Roll" DVD dropped from #17 to #20.
• The "Elvis The King" album dropped from #38 to #44 on the Australian Aria Album chart.

(Source: The King's World / Billboard / Official Chart Company / Aria)

November 17 - Jailhouse Vinyl

Due for release from the Wax Time label on December 01, 2018 is a vinyl re-issue of the "Jailhouse Rock" soundtrack. It comes on 180 Gram vinyl with four additional bonus tracks.

Side A: Jailhouse Rock - Young And Beautiful - I Want To Be Free - Don t Leave Me Now - (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care - Treat Me Nice
Bonus songs: (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Lonesome Cowboy

Side B: I Beg Of You - Don't - Playing For Keeps - Shake, Rattle And Roll - Good Rockin Tonight - I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine
Bonus songs: That's When Your Heartaches Begin - All Shook Up

(Source: Amazon)

November 16 - A Presidential Blue Christmas At Stax

Elvis Presley was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom today in a special ceremony at the White House. The posthumous award bestowed by the President is — along with the Congressional Gold Medal — the highest civilian award in the United States. It recognizes those people who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." The medal was established by President Truman in 1945 to recognize notable service in the war. In 1963, President Kennedy reintroduced it as an honor for distinguished civilian service in peacetime.

According to a statement from the White House: “Elvis Presley defined American culture to billions of adoring fans around the world. Elvis fused gospel, country, and rhythm and blues to create a sound all his own, selling more than a billion records. Elvis also served nearly 6 years in the United States Army, humbly accepting the call to serve despite his fame.  He later starred in 31 films, drew record-breaking audiences to his shows, sent television ratings soaring, and earned 14 GRAMMY Award nominations.  He ultimately won 3 GRAMMY Awards for his gospel music.  Elvis Presley remains an enduring American icon 4 decades after his death.”

Jack Soden, CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises and Graceland accepted the award. “On behalf of the Presley family, Elvis’ friends and millions of fans, it will be a great honor to accept this award. Elvis loved his country, served proudly in the U.S. Army and would no doubt consider this one of the great honors of his life,” stated Soden. “We look forward to displaying it proudly at Graceland so the millions of visitors from around the world will be able to see it up close."

The badge of the Presidential Medal of Freedom is in the form of a golden star with white enamel, with a red enamel pentagon behind it; the central disc bears thirteen gold stars on a blue enamel background (taken from the Great Seal of the United States) within a golden ring. Golden American bald eagles with spread wings stand between the points of the star. It is worn around the neck on a blue ribbon with white edge stripes.

Priscilla wasn't at the White House ceremony, instead she was with Michael Bublé as he feted at the unveiling of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Canadian crooner was introduced by two of his close industry friends, Priscilla Presley and record producer David Foster - and the emotional day saw him tear up as he accepted the honour.

Priscilla was on hand to witness Buble receive the 2,650th star along the iconic strip in Los Angeles. Fans will recall the 43-year-old singer actually released a duet with the “King of Rock and Roll” in 2015. A rework of Elvis 1960 classic ‘Fever’ was described by Buble at the time as the highlight of his career. Meanwhile, Presley said her late ex-husband would have loved Buble’s voice and music.

Billy Smith, Elvis’ first cousin, on the recent Presidential Medal of Freedom Ceremony. 

I been thinking for hours if I wanted to say anything or not about the President’s Medal of Freedom to Elvis. Well the more I thought about it the more pissed off I got. I remember how proud he was of the Ten Outstanding Men of the Year Award he got and his Federal badge. If Elvis were here to receive this honor it would have been the most cherished of all to him. I don't think it was appropriate that Jack Soden who, as far as I know never knew Elvis, was sent to accept the award on his behalf.

"It seems to me that this was more important than all the ribbon cutting events, birthday celebrations, and on and on events that his daughter and his grandchildren or his ex-wife are always able to attend. I find it very, very, disrespectful that none of them could find the time to attend this great honor for Elvis. In my opinion, there is no excuse! If this offends anyone so be it, I just had to speak my mind.
Billy Smith"

To those who are unfamiliar with Billy, he grew up with Elvis in Tupelo, Mississippi and along with the Presley’s, moved to Memphis in 1948. Billy was there from the beginning of Elvis’ meteoric rise to fame in 1956 and played racquetball with him on August 16, 1977, the day Elvis died. During the last two years of Elvis’ life, no one spent more time with or was closer to him than his cousin Billy.

Tupelo Mayor Reflects On Elvis Medal Of Freedom: 

The music of Tupelo’s most famous son Elvis Presley filled the White House as President Donald Trump awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the singer. The posthumous award recognized Elvis for contributions he made to the United States and was presented at a ceremony last Friday.
Tupelo Mayor Jason Shelton attended the ceremony representing Elvis Presley’s hometown. “Such a tremendous honor and I was proud to be able, as mayor of Tupelo to be there at the White House on such a special occasion. That was a special moment and something Elvis fans all around the world can celebrate,” Mayor Shelton said.

Blue Hawaii

Due for release on June 21, 2019 from the Waxtime In Color label is a vinyl re-issue of the "Blue Hawaii" soundtrack. 

Stax Power

The CMT import-label announced the release of "Stax Power". The label stays close to their "Spliced Take" concept on this new release, although this is an album which stands on its own.

While editing this album they have made all songs "blending in" so you will get the feeling as if you are in the actual session with no pauses. All tracks from the "Stax Sessions" have been included in this double CD set.

One of the highlights is a breathtaking version of "Sweet Angeline" which has a longer intro and an instrumental break featuring Kathy Westmoreland, 
Other must haves are longer intro's for "Just A Little Bit" and "I Got A Feeling in My Body" and a new ending for "It's Midnight". Rehearsals go straight into the songs, and there are some funny portions mixed in.

CD1: July 1973: You Don’t Come Back (Spliced takes 1, 2 & 5) / It’s Different Now (Rehearsal) / Three Corn Patches (Spliced takes 5, 6 &10) / Take Good Care of Her (FS Take 3a) / Find Out What’s Happening (Spliced take 1, 2, 4 & 5) / I’ve Got A Thing About You Baby (Spliced takes 6, 7, 11, 14 & 11) / Just A Little Bit (Spliced takes 1 & 2) / Raised On Rock (Take 10 – rough mix) / For Ole Time Sake (Spliced takes 6 & 4) / Girl of Mine (Spliced take 1 & 6) / Sweet Angeline (Alternate Master) / I Miss You (Spliced takes 12 & 10) / Are You Sincere (Spliced takes 2 & 1). September 1973: Good, Bad But Beautiful (Instrumental track) / Colour My Rainbow (Instrumental track) / The Wonders You Perform (Instrumental track)

CD2: December 1973: I’ve Got A Feeling in My Body (Spliced takes 1 & 4) / It’s Midnight (Spliced takes 7, 11, 9 & 9) / You Asked Me To (Spliced takes 1, 2A, 3B, 2A & 3B) / If You Talk In Your Sleep (Spliced takes 5 & 6) / Mr. Songman (Spliced takes 3, 5 & 2) / Thinking About You (Spliced take 4 / rehearsal) / Love Song Of The Year (Spliced takes 6 & 7) / Help Me (FS Take 1) / My Boy (Spliced takes 1 & 2) / Loving Arms (Spliced take 2 / rehearsal) / Good Time Charlie’s Got The Blues (Spliced takes 4 & 6) / Talk About The Good Times (Spliced takes 1, 2 & 3) / Promised Land (Spliced takes 3, 4 & 5) / Your Love’s Been A Long Time Coming (Spliced takes 8 & 10) / There’s A Honky Tonk Angel (Spliced takes 5, 3 & 8) / If That Isn’t Love (Spliced takes 6 & 7) / Spanish Eyes Spliced takes 3 & 2) / She Wears My Ring (Spliced funny portions / Take 8 )

Winter Wonderland

A second new CMT import-release, in cooperation with the Star label is "Winter Wonderland". This spliced take special is another release in this series and needs no further introduction.

One thing the label wants to mention is the newly created "harmony" version of "The Wonderful World of Christmas", although there are no outtakes available the CMT team managed to make a very different sounding track, where
even the vocal ending is far different to the master take. Also just listen to the newly overdubbed version of "Merry Christmas Baby" which has been re-created from three different overdub versions.

O Come, All Ye Faithful (Spliced take 2 – Alternate edit) / The First Noel (Spliced dubbed / Overdubbed) / On A Snowy Christmas Night (Spliced dubbed / Overdubbed / Winter Wonderland (Alternate Master) / The Wonderful World of Christmas (Spliced ‘Harmony’ master) / It Won’t Seem Like Christmas (Spliced takes 4, 5, 6 & 5) / I’ll Be Home on Christmas Day (Spliced takes 2 & 3) / If I Get Home On Christmas Day (FS Spliced takes 1, 3, 1 & 3) / Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees (Spliced takes 6, 8 & 3) / Merry Christmas, Baby (Spliced overdubbed master) / Silver Bells (Spliced Rehearsal / Take 1) / I’ll Be Home on Christmas Day (Remake – Spliced takes 1, 1 & 2)

(Source: Amazon / FECC / Graceland / AP)

November 13 - No Award for Movie Soundtrack Vinyl (Updated)

The My Generation Music label released the LP "Elvis Presley - Three Original Soundtracks" containing songs from the movies "Wild In The Country", "Follow That Dream" and "Kid Galahad".

Side A: Wild In The Country - I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell - Follow That Dream - Angel - What A Wonderful Life - I'm Not The Marrying Kind
Side B: King Of The Whole Wide World - This Is Living - Riding The Rainbow - Home Is Where The Heart Is - I Got Lucky - A Whistling Tune

The label also released the soundtrack LP of the “Girls! Girls! Girls!” movie last June. 

Side A: Girls! Girls! Girls! - I Don’t Wanna Be Tied - Where Do You Come From - I Don’t Want To - We’ll Be Together - A Boy Like Me, A Girl Like You - Earth Boy
Side B: Return To Sender - Because Of Love - Thanks To The Rolling Sea - Song Of The Shrimp - The Walls Have Ears - We’re Coming in Loaded

No Music Critics Award for The Searcher

The “Elvis: The Searcher” documentary was nominated in two categories for the Third Annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards ! It's been nominated for “Best Limited Documentary Series” and for “”Best Musical Documentary. Unfortunately the documentary didn’t win. Award for the “Best Limited Documentary Series” went to “The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling” (HBO Documentary Films) and the “Best Music Documentary” went to “Quincy” (Netflix).

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / FECC)

November 12 - 45 SUN's

As posted last August, the five singles Elvis Presley recorded for the SUN label will be re-issued. Following the successful re-issue of these singles on 78 RPM this batch will contain the same singles on 45 RPM. This is a strictly low limited number of only 250 sets being released and is available this month.

Each of the 5 Sun 45rpm replicas have the original etched numbers included with the appropriate song sides and is by far the most original Sun replicas made to date. Not only are all the labels perfect (as the original in size, color and accuracy), the sound quality is excellent with the original Sun sound (including That's All Right) pressed on heavy stock vinyl. The singles come in the same type brown paper sleeves as sold with the original releases.

1) That's All Right / Blue Moon of Kentucky
2) Good Rockin' Tonight / I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine
3) Milkcow Blues Boogie / You're A Heartbreaker
4) Baby Let's Play House / I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone

5) I Forgot To Remember To Forget / Mystery Train

(Source: UEPS / Various)

November 10 - Presidential Award

Elvis Presley is among the seven “distinguished individuals” that will receive a Presidential Medal of Freedom from Donald Trump.

“Elvis Presley defined American culture to billions of adoring fans around the world. Elvis fused gospel, country, and rhythm and blues to create a sound all his own, selling more than a billion records,” The White House said of the honor.

“Elvis also served nearly 2 years in the United States Army, humbly accepting the call to serve despite his fame. He later starred in 31 films, drew record-breaking audiences to his shows, sent television ratings soaring, and earned 14 Grammy Award nominations. He ultimately won 3 Grammy Awards for his gospel music. Elvis Presley remains an enduring American icon four decades after his death.”

While its common for musicians to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom – honorees during the Obama administration included Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan, Diana Ross, Loretta Lynn and Bruce Springsteen – Presley is only the third musician to receive the honor posthumously, following bandleader Meredith Willson and jazz great Count Basie during the Reagan administration.

Sold!

A 14K gold TCB necklace that Elvis once donated to his bodyguard Sonny West was offered for sale at Julien's 'Icons and Idols: Rock'n'Roll' auction in New York yesterday. In addition to this necklace, there were jewelry and clothing from Elvis, and a whole series of personal items from Elvis' doctor Nick Nichopoulos. 

The final buyer will also receive a handwritten letter (on the stationary from Taking Care of Business) from Sonny West, stating that the necklace was donated to him by a 1970 jeweler in Beverly Hills. The value of this necklace is estimated at 30000-50000 dollar. The highest bidder with $ 38,400 may call itself the new owner. For a lot of lots around Dr. Nick was little to no interest and did not change ownership.

(Source: Rolling Stone / Elvis Matters)