May 31 - Weekly Chart Update (Updated 04/06)

The official Elvis Presley You Tube channel reached one million subscribers today since the start on September 22, 2005. 
They posted a fitting "1 Million Subscribers Can't Be Wrong" and "Thank you, thank you very much". 

Charts

The global Elvis Presley chart updates:

US Billboard charts:

• US Country Album Sales chart: “The Best Of The '68 Comeback Special (Soundtrack)” dropped from #20 to #25.
• US Country Catalog charts: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” dropped from #15 to #18.
• US Country Catalog charts: “Heart and Soul” climbed from #23 to 21.
• Country Album Sales chart: “The Best Of The '68 Comeback Special (Soundtrack)” dropped from #20 to #25.
• Top Christian Albums chart: “Elvis - Ultimate Gospel” climbed from #26 to #25.
• Christian Albums Sales chart: “Where No One Stands Alone” remained steady at #22.
• Soundtrack Albums Sales chart: “The Best Of The '68 Comeback Special (Soundtrack)” dropped from #16 to #20.

Official UK charts:

• Official UK Streaming Album chart: "The 50 Greatest Hits" climbed from #90 to #82.
• Official UK Christian and Gospel Album chart: "Where No One Stands Alone" climbed from #15 to #13. 
• Official UK Music DVD chart: "Elvis The Searcher" dropped from #2 to #3.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: "Elvis Lives - Live in Memphis" climbed from #39 to #23. 

Official Scottish charts:

• Official Scottish Album chart: "Elvis at the Movies - 60 Essential Recordings" dropped from #61 to #63.
• Official Scottish Album chart: "The Real ... Elvis" dropped from #74 to #96.

Official Irish charts:

• Official Irish Irma Music DVD chart: "Elvis - The Searcher" dropped from #1 to #2.

Australian ARIA charts:

• Australian ARIA Music DVD chart: "'68 Comeback Special (50th Anniversary Edition)" dropped from #3 to #4.
• Australian ARIA Music DVD chart: "The King of Rock and Roll" dropped off the chart after last week's re-entry at #35.

(Source: UK Mix / Billboard / Official Chart Company / IRMA / ARIA / YouTube)

May 30 - Two New Straight Arrow Releases

Due for release rom the Straight Arrow import-label are “Elvis - Kentucky Rain” containing the previously unreleased February 22, 1970 Midnight show and “Like A Greek God” containing the partially unreleased August 4, 1970 Midnight show performances. Both albums are audience-recordings.

From the press-release:

Elvis - Kentucky Rain: This year, the “Straight Arrow” label team promises to focus especially on the concert years 1969-1972. After the great success of our 1969 release, titled "Elvis - Strike Like Lightning!", we're back again – this time with two great releases from 1970! The first CD is titled "Kentucky Rain". The February 22nd, 1970 midnight show is a previously unreleased concert, taken directly from an original audience recorded master tape. This concert was never available in good sound quality thus far (note: in 2007, the "SR" label released a so-called February 22nd, 1970 midnight show on the “Rock In Black" double cd, but this show was wrongly dated and in fact it was the February 23rd, 1970 dinner show!)

The February 22nd, 1970 midnight show recording is slightly incomplete, missing the last song "can't help falling in love", so we have included this song in the same good sound, as taken from the February 20th, 1970 dinner show, to make the concert "complete" for listeners' comfort.

As usual, this release is presented in a de-luxe 6-panel digipack, with a collection of photos taken in Las Vegas, NV, February 1970 and a press review.

Tracks: 01. Opening Vamp - 02. All Shook Up - 03. I Got A Woman - 04. Long Tall Sally - 05. Don't Cry Daddy - 06. Hound Dog - 07. Monologue - 08. Love Me Tender (With False Start) - 09. Kentucky Rain - 10. Let It Be Me - 11. I Can't Stop Loving You - 12. Walk A Mile In My Shoes (False Start Only) - 13. C. C. Rider - 14. Sweet Caroline - 15. Polk Salad Annie - 16. Introductions Of Singers, Musicians, Orchestra - 17. Suspicious Minds - 18. Introduction Of Roy Orbison - 19. Can't Help Falling In Love. 
Track 19 Taken From February 20th, 1970 Dinner Show.

Our second release is titled "Like A Greek God": The September 4th, 1970 midnight show is a previously unreleased concert, taken from an original audience recorded tape. In 2005, the "memory records" label used 6 tracks from this tape as a bonus for "The Midnight Hour" CD. Unfortunately, the August 4th, 1970 midnight show recording is incomplete, missing the last 3 songs. We have decided to add the same songs as taken from the September 5th, 1970 midnight show to make the show "complete" for listeners' comfort.

The September 7th, 1970 closing night was released by the "SR" label in 2008 in very poor, muffled sound, taken from a degraded x-generation copy (the "September Nights" CD). Once again we have used an original master tape and restored it to crisp, clear perfection. Elvis' crazy closing night performance never sounded better - until now!

Both concerts presented on this release were recorded by same person. This release is presented in a de-luxe 8-panel digipak, with a collection of photos taken in Las Vegas, NV, August 1970 and a press review.

Tracks CD 1 (04.09.1970 M/S): 01. Orchestra Intro (Ending Only) / Opening Vamp - 02. That's All Right - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Monologue / La Bamba (One Line) / I Walk The Line (One Line) - 05. Love Me Tender (With False Start) - 06. I've Lost You - 07. I Just Can't Help Believin' - 08. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - 09. Polk Salad Annie - 10. Crying Time (One Verse) - 11. Introductions Of Singers, Musicians, Orchestra - 12. Johnny B. Goode - 13. Introductions Cont'd / Playing With Laughing Box - 14. Introduction Of Trini Lopez, Paul Anka / My Way (One Line) - 15. The Wonder Of You - 16. Heartbreak Hotel (False Starts Only) - 17. One Night (With False Start) - 18. Blue Suede Shoes - 19. Hound Dog - 20. Bridge Over Troubled Water - 21. Can't Help Falling In Love - 22. Closing Vamp. 
Track 18 spliced with 05.09.1970 Midnight Show.
Tracks 19-22 taken from 05.09.1970 Midnight Show. 

Tracks CD 2 (07.09.1970 C/S): 01. Orchestra Intro - 02. Opening Vamp - 03. That's All Right - 04. I Got A Woman / Amen - 05. Monologue / I Walk The Line (One Line) - 06. Love Me Tender (False Start Only) - 07. I've Lost You - 08. I Just Can't Help Believin' - 09. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - 10. Polk Salad Annie - 11. Introductions Of Singers, Musicians, Orchestra / Bob Dylan Impersonations - 12. Introduction Of Shirley Bassey, Actor James Shigeta ("Paradise Hawaiian Style") - 13. Introduction Of Colonel Tom Parker, Vernon Presley, Priscilla Presley - 14. Heartbreak Hotel (Only 4 Funny False Starts) - 15. Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On / Blue Suede Shoes - 16. Introduction Of Sound Engineer Bill Porter, Felton Jarvis, Light Man - 17. All Shook Up (With False Start) - 18. Hound Dog (With 2 False Starts) - 19. Bridge Over Troubled Water - 20. Can't Help Falling In Love (With 2 False Starts) - 21. Closing Vamp.

Every second of these concerts was digitally restored, every click or disturbing clap in quiet songs manually removed, every drop-out or damaged place fixed to achieve optimal listening pleasure. What we plan to release the next time? Perhaps some unreleased concerts from 1971-1972, definitely not from 1976-1977 :-). Stay tuned! 

In regard to the "cover-art". On the FECC forum the previous designer Night Rider posted: "Like all design work done for customers... many do turn out the way you would like them to be... but some end up being more what the customer wants than you'd want yourself... on occasions I would be disappointed with the final outcome... but was happy with 90% of what I did for the label.
As for the new designs... totally agree that they suck... but as I haven't been paid for the last work I did for him... 8 months ago... with no reason or even contact of any sort... I won't be doing anymore for Straight Arrow. Sad to say that there are some real dicks about... and the guy who releases these falls very much into that category".

Preview Elvis Now In Person 1969 Hardcover Book

Here is a preview of the upcoming hardcover book “Elvis Now In Person 1969” by Erik Lorentzen. This Deluxe Hardcover Book contains 400-pages packed with rare and unseen shots taken during the period of July 31 and August 28, 1969. It includes photographs from the construction of the International Hotel, the famous press conference and the shows themselves. 

(Source: Various)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 29 - Loving Gold Vinyl

Due for release from the Friday Music label on July 19, 2019 is the "Loving You" soundtrack. This re-issue comes as a Limited Anniversary Edition on translucent gold audiophile 180 gram vinyl packed in a gatefold cover. The audio is masters by Joe Regasso at the Friday Music Studio's. 

Side 1: Mean Woman Blues / Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Loving You / Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do! / Lonesome Cowboy / Hot Dog / Party.
Side 2: Blueberry Hill / True Love / Don't Leave Me Now / Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? / I Need You So.

From the press-release:

Elvis Aaron Presley was born during the great depression into a poor family in Mississippi. They moved to Memphis during the early fifties, and as a struggling young truck driver, he cut some demos at Sun Studios as a gift for his beloved mother Gladys. These initial songs would become the catalyst that would kick-start the beginnings of a soon to be worldwide superstar unlike the world has ever known.

The folks at RCA Victor knew that this young fellow named Elvis was destined for super stardom. They quickly bought out his contract and signed the legend to a long term deal. In 1957 after two chart topping albums and a bevy of number one singles, more incredible fame followed as the "Loving You" motion picture starring Elvis Presley became a box office smash.

The "Loving You" soundtrack album also was a blockbuster as it topped the charts for over two months, making this his third smash number one album. "Loving You" truly proved once again that his career was unlike any other in music history.

The chart topping album takes off with two smashes in a row, the classic rocker "Mean Woman Blues" and the chart topping single "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear." It also includes the wonderful title track "Loving You" and the stellar balladry of "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You."

The LP also features a nice helping of solid interpretations of Elvis’ own favorites like the Fats Domino classic "Blueberry Hill "and the timeless Cole Porter hit "True Love." In total, the album showcases twelve important Elvis Presley recordings which have truly gone on to become international classics.

In honor of the Man, the Music, the Legend, the King Of Rock And Roll, Friday Music is very pleased to announce the first time 180 Gram Audiophile Translucent Gold Vinyl release of the RCA Victor classic "Loving You" by Elvis Presley.

As another installment in our exciting Elvis Presley 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl Series, we are very pleased to present this super limited edition masterwork in all its high fidelity glory. Mastered impeccably by Joe Reagoso at Friday Music Studios and manufactured at R.T.I., "Loving You" will be a much anticipated audiophile dream release for Elvis fans everywhere!

For this exclusive presentation, we are also including a striking gatefold album cover which includes the groundbreaking original LP cover elements as well as more rare visuals from this historic Elvis Presley movie and platinum plus soundtrack.

We are also enclosing a poly bag to protect your album cover and poly lined inner sleeve to help keep your Elvis vinyl in mint shape.

Elvis Presley’s... "Loving You" ...A history making rock album from a historic legend, an original mono audiophile dream release...first time super limited edition translucent gold vinyl......From your friends at Friday Music...

Stay tuned for more Elvis Presley original RCA Records audiophile recordings from Friday Music.

(Source: Friday Music)

May 28 - Essential Re-issues of Classic Albums

The Elemental Records (Edel) label will re-issue the 2017 “Essential Original Albums” 3 CD set on September 6, 2019. 

Synopsis:
This release presents some of the best recordings made by the King of Rock 'n' Roll, the great Elvis Presley. 

All of the tracks included here are studio recordings with excellent sound quality, and showcase the King singing some of his most famous numbers. 


The six complete albums contained on this set are: A Date with Elvis (RCA Victor LPM-2011), Elvis Is Back! (RCA Victor LSP-2231), King Creole (RCA Victor LPM-1884), Blue Hawaii (RCA Victor LPM-2426), G. I. Blues (RCA Victor LPM-2256), and Something for Everybody (RCA Victor LSP-2370).

(Source: Amazon)

May 25 - Live '69 Cover (Updated 27/05)

Here is the cover-art for the upcoming 11 CD set "Elvis Presley - Live '69". 

Chart Update

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. Elvis Presley returns to the top of the Music DVD chart in Ireland and almost hits the #1 spot in the UK! 

The broadcast of the "'68 Comeback Special Tribute" in Australia pushed Elvis Presley near the top position of the Australian Music DVD chart.

US Billboard charts:

• US Billboard Country Album Sales chart: “The Best of the ’68 Comeback Special” climbed from #25 to #20. 
• US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” dropped from #14 to #15. 
• US Country Catalog charts: “Heart and Soul” dropped from #18 to #23.
• US Billboard Top Christian Album chart: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” climbed from #28 to #26. 
• US Billboard Top Christian Album Sales chart: “Where No One Stands Alone” climbed from #31 to #22.
• US Billboard Soundtrack Album Sales chart: “The Best of the ’68 Comeback Special” climbed from #17 to #16. 

Official UK charts:

• Official UK Streaming Album chart: “The 50 Greatest Hits” climbed from #91 to #90.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: “Elvis The Searcher” climbed from #11 to #2.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: “Elvis Lives - Live From Memphis” re-entry at #39.

Official Scottish charts:

• Official Scottish Album chart: “Elvis at the Movies - 60 Essental Recordings” dropped from #35 to #62. 
• Official Scottish Album chart: “The Real … Elvis” is a re-entry at #74. 

Official Irish charts

• Official IRMA Music DVD chart: “Elvis The Searcher” climbed from #4 to #1. 

Australian ARIA charts:

• ARIA Music DVD chart: “The ’68 Comeback Special - 50th. Anniversary Edition” climbed from #6 to #3. 
• ARIA Music DVD. chart: “The King of Rock and Roll” is a re-entry at #35. 

Still The Most Top 10 UK Hits

The Official Charts Company UK recently published the ranking of the most successful artists in the U.K. based on how many top 10 singles they have charted, and it’s a healthy mix of legendary rockers, pop icons who have been around for decades, as well as some stars who are still in their prime.

Elvis Presley leads the way with an astounding 76 top 10 hits in the U.K. He’s not only in first place, he’s also the only act to hit more than 70 Top 10's, and that accomplishment may remain his and his alone for a long time.

The UK's Top 10 artists who have charted the most Top 10 hits:
1. Elvis Presley - 76 
2. Cliff Richard - 68
3. Madonna - 63
4. Michael Jackson - 44
5. Kylie Minogue - 34
6. U2 - 33
7. Eminem - 32
8. Robbie Williams / Elton John - 31
9. Rihanna - 30
10. The Beatles - 28

(Source: SONY / UEPS / Billboard / UK Mix / Official Chart Company / ARIA / FECC / IRMA)

May 24 - New Bootleg Vinyl and CD (re-issues)

Released by the Petticoat import-label on both gold and clear vinyl is the compilation “My Kind of Blues”. 

From the press-release:
Petticoat records is back! With last year releases "The Swinging Sixties" (petticoat lp 001) and "You Asked Me To" (petticoat lp 002) we now present "My Kind Of Blues" (Petticoat LP 003). A fantastic vinyl album plus bonus CD with 15 blues oriented rare and hard to find songs from the late 1950's until the 1970's! Great stuff, housed in a stunning full color sleeve suitable for framing!

A-side: 1. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (slow version) 2. Stranger In My Own Home Town (jam, take1M) 3. Like A Baby (spliced take) 4. Lawdy Miss Clawdy (take 5) 5. When It Rains, It Really Pours (rehearsal June 24, 1968) 6. It Feels So Right (take 2) 7. Down In The Alley (take 1) 

B-side 1. Give Me The Right (take 2) 2. All I Needed Was The Rain (alternate mix) 3. Tiger Man (rehearsal June 25, 1968, edited) 4. Shake A Hand (original session mix) 5. One Night (live February 23, 1970) 6. Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues (take 6) 7. Reconsider Baby (live February 21, 1977) 8. Trying To Get To You (live 1968, NBC) 

CD Tracks 01. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (slow version) 02. Stranger In My Own Home Town (jam, take1M) 03. Like A Baby (spliced take) 04. Lawdy Miss Clawdy (take 5) 05. When It Rains, It Really Pours (rehearsal June 24, 1968) 06. It Feels So Right (take 2) 07. Down In The Alley (take 1) 08. Give Me The Right (take 2) 09. All I Needed Was The Rain (alternate mix) 10. Tiger Man (rehearsal June 25, 1968, edited) 11. Shake A Hand (original session mix) 12. One Night (live February 23, 1970) 13. Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues (take 6) 14. Reconsider Baby (live February 21,1977) 15. Trying To Get To You (live 1968, NBC)

The Classic Bootleg Collection Volume 2

Just released is “The Classic Bootleg Collection Volume 2” containing the classic bootlegs “Elvis' Withcraft Album”, “Rough Cut Diamonds”, “Plantation Rock”, “Elvis On Tour”, “The King Goes Wild” and “Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do!”. 

From the press-release:
Now available is “The Classic Bootleg Collection Volume 2“ a sublime 6 cd box set with 6 classic Elvis Presley bootleg albums. Again there is chosen for some 50's, 60's and 70's instead of focusing on one time period. This way all will be served! There is a big chance your favorite Elvis bootleg album is presented in this boxset.

These were the albums in the late 1970's and 1980's that fans were longing for, because it presented much better (and rarer!) material than Elvis' own record company released in those days.

This stunning box contains miniature albums of the original releases and includes all the original album tracks, digitally remastered and they now sound better than ever before! Still many of these tracks are unreleased by Elvis' official record company.

Just like on “The Classic Bootleg Collection Volume 1” there are some true gems (or “Rough Cut Diamonds”) to be found on this set! And above all that it will bring back beautiful memories!

Albums in this set are “Elvis' Withcraft Album”, “Rough Cut Diamonds”, “Plantation Rock”, “Elvis On Tour”, “The King Goes Wild” and “Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do!”. All albums contain: 
• Original album packaging has been painstakingly restored,
• Original album tracks digitally remastered,
• Including 12 page fully illustrated booklet with insightful commentary,
• Very limited edition.

Tracks Witchcraft:  
Never Ending What Now, What Next, Where To (It's A) Long Lonely Highway Echoes Of Love Please Don't Drag That String Around Ask Me - Take 2 (You're The) Devil In Disguise Western Union Love Me Tonight Finders Keepers Losers Weepers Slowly But Surely Blue River Memphis Tennessee - Edited Take 2 

Tracks Rough Cut Diamonds:
I'll Never Know - Undubbed Master Just Pretend – Undubbed Master Life – Undubbed Master When I'm Over You - Backup Vocals Overdub Master Make The World Go Away – Undubbed Master Funny How Time Slips Away – Backup Vocals Overdub Master This Is Our Dance - Undubbed Master I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water Snowbird - Harmony Vocal Overdubbed Master Stranger In The Crowd – Undubbed Master Patch It Up – Undubbed Master It Ain't No Big Thing (But It's Growing) – Undubbed Master Cindy, Cindy - Brass and Strings Overdub Master Where Did They Go, Lord? – Undubbed Master 

Tracks Plantation Rock: 
Plantation Rock - Extended Version I'll Remember You - January 12, 1973 Hawaiian Sunset - Take 2 No More - Take 1 Ku-U-I-Po - Take 1 Can't Help Falling In Love - Take 7, 8, 9 Sylvia – Undubbed Master I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry – January 12, 1973 Slicin' Sand - Take 15 -17 Only Believe - Undubbed Master Steppin' Out Of Line - Take 4, 5 and 15 Something – January 12, 1973 

Tracks Elvis On Tour 
Dialogue/Johnny B Goode Dialogue See See Rider Polk Salad Annie Separate Ways Proud Mary Never Been To Spain Burning Love You Gave Me A Mountain Gospel Medley: Lighthouse / Lead Me, Guide Me / Rock My Soul Love Me Tender I' John Bridge Over Troubled Water Funny How Time Slips Away American Trilogy Interview / I Got A Woman A Big Hunk O' Love Lawdy Miss Clawdy All Tracks Are The Original Soundtrack Versions 

Tracks The King Goes Wild:
September 9 , 1956 Don't Be Cruel Love Me Tender Ready Teddy Hound Dog October 28, 1956 Don't Be Cruel Love Me Tender Love Me Hound Dog January 6, 1957 Hound Dog Love Me Tender Heartbreak Hotel Don't Be Cruel Too Much When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again Peace In The Valley 

Tracks Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do:
Young and Beautiful - Movie Version I Wanna Be Free - Movie Version Young and Beautiful - Movie Version Don't Leave Me Now - Movie Version Treat Me Nice - Movie Version Jailhouse Rock - Movie Version Baby I Don't Care - Movie Version Young and Beautiful - Movie Version Dick Clark Interview Loving You (Fast Version) - Movie Version Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do - Movie Version Party - Movie Version Party / Teddy Bear / Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do / Hot Dog - Movie Version Lonesome Cowboy - Movie Version Hot Dog - Movie Version Mean Woman Blues - Movie Version Teddy Bear - Movie Version Loving You - Movie Version Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do - Movie Version Vancouver Live Excerpts Heartbreak Hotel / I Was The One / I Got A Woman / That's When Your Heartaches 

Note: the above track listing is the actual track listing as it appeared on the vinyl records, sleeve information was often misleading , incomplete or incorrect.

Vegas Ballads 1969 - 1975

Now available in the "Ballads" series is the next installment "Vegas Ballads". 

From the press-release:
After the great success of the previous releases "Nashville Ballads", "Memphis Ballads" and "Hollywood Ballads" this is a compilation of some of his best ballads performed live in Vegas between 1969 - 1975. The album comes housed in a beautiful deluxe 6 panel digipack. 

Tracks: 01. The Wonder Of You 02. I Can't Stop Loving You 03. I Just Cant Help Believin' 04. Let It Be Me 05. This Is The Story 06. There Goes My Everything 07. Release Me 08. Love Me Tender 09. Sweet Caroline 10. Just Pretend 11. Love Me 12. I've Lost You 13 .The Impossible Dream 14. You've Lost That Loving Feeling 15. It's Over 16. Something 17. You're The Reason I'm Living 18. It's Midnight 19. Hawaiian Wedding Song 20. It's Impossible.

Happy Birthday

Today Elvis Presley's former wife Priscilla Presley celebrated her 74th. birthday.

(Source: Various)

May 23 - Live 1969 Box-set

Due for release from the RCA Record label on August 9, 2019 is the 11 CD box-set "Live 1969". This set was announced on the 2019 Record Store Day release "Live At The International Hotel".

Elvis A Paris

The 60th Anniversary Edition of the "Elvis A Paris" by Jean-Marie Pouzenc is ready for shipment to the dealers. For this 2019 ultimate re-issue, the book comes as a luxury edition with better images, more text and stylish design. It features new documents and more interviews than previous editions. It also explains the essential role played by Elvis in France and includes English text. 

The 25x25 book brings together more than 400 photos, documents and memorabilia. It is accompanied by a vinyl album and a 20 track CD including multiple outtakes plus an interview given in Paris by Elvis. 
Added to this is a large format reproduction of a photo taken in front of the Prince De Galles Hotel. 

(Source: Fan)

May 22 - Elvis Now at the International

Due for release from Music on Vinyl is an exclusive vinyl re-issue of the “Elvis Now” album. The first pressing of 2500 will be individually numbered copies on solid yellow colored 180 gram audiophile vinyl.

From the press-release:

The legendary Elvis Presley recorded his sixteenth album Elvis Now during different sessions between 1969 and 1971. The single "Until It's Time for You to Go" / "We Can Make The Morning" reached the charts in the US and UK, while "Sylvia" became a hit for Elvis in Brazil. His cover of the Beatles hit “Hey Jude” was a leftover from a recording session in Memphis in early 1969. It's a mix of rockers, ballads, and gospel songs. It's a mix of the different music styles which Presley performed during his lifetime.

In a career spanning a period of 25 years, Elvis Presley became one of the world's most influential and commercially successful artists. The "King of Rock and Roll" recorded songs in many different genres, including rock 'n' roll, country, blues and gospel. 41 years after his death he still as popular as ever.  

Side A
1. Help Me Make It Through The Night
2. Miracle Of The Rosary
3. Hey Jude 
4. Put Your Hand In The Hand
5. Until It’s Time For You To Go

Side B
1. We Can Make The Morning
2. Early Mornin’ Rain
3. Sylvia 
4. Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear To Tread) 
5. I Was Born About Ten Thousand Years Ago

Live at the International

Due for release from RCA / Legacy on August 9, 2019 is the double CD and an LP entitled “Live at the International”. 

(Source: Amazon / Fan / Music on Vinyl)

May 19 - Elvis Summer Festival '72

The new book "Elvis Summer Festival '72" by Kieran Davis has been released. The 154-page book covers the final stories Peggy Alzea on the 1972 Summer Festival at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel in stories, documents, photographs, architectural drawings and more (continuing from the stories featured in the "Live At The International" book). 

(Source: FECC / Kieran Davis / The Elvis Presley Show)

 

 

 

 

May 18 - There’s No Tomorrow

The SR import-label released “There’s No Tomorrow” containing the August 10, 1973 Midnight Show performance as recorded from the audience in Las Vegas. It comes in both a standard and deluxe edition. 

The standard edition is a limited release of 400 copies. It comes housed in a deluxe LP sized sleeve that includes a 180 Gr. vinyl LP, CD, bonus glossy 29x21 cm double sided art-card and bonus sticker. The set comes on four different colors vinyl; black, blue, red and marble, 100 copies of each color. 

The label also produced a deluxe box-set edition of 45 copies with exclusive content. This deluxe edition comes in three different variations of 15 copies each on a different color vinyl, different sticker, different CD digipack and a T-shirt. 

Sammy Shore Died

Sammy Shore, the well-known stand-up comedian, Shore, who opened for Elvis Presley in Las Vegas, died Saturday morning in Las Vegas at 92. 

His son Pauly Shore posted on Twitter: "I'm saddened to let everyone know my father Sammy Shore recently passed at the age of 92 from natural causes".

Shore founded The Comedy Store with writing partner Rudy Deluca on April 7, 1972. His ex-wife, Mitzi Shore, took ownership of the club in the divorce settlement, and the venue went on to become one of the best known incubators of comedy talent in Los Angeles. 

Shore was chosen to open for Elvis Presley’s comeback at the International Hotel, bringing Shore into the spotlight. He continued to open for Elvis’ International Hotel and road shows through 1972. His second memoir books is entitled "The Man Who Made Elvis Laugh".

Shore also opened for such acts as Barbra Streisand, Tony Orlando, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr., Tom Jones, Ann-Margaret, Connie Stevens, Bobby Darin, and Glen Campbell. 

(Source: FECC / Variety / Las Vegas Review Journal)

May 17 - Weekly Chart Update (Updated 19/05)

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. While the recent released gave Elvis Presley chart presence the last few weeks, the charted titles are slipping. 

US Billboard charts:

• US Billboard Country Album Sales chart: “The Best of the ’68 Comeback Special (Soundtrack)” climbed from #30 to #25. 
• US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” climbed from #16 to #14. 
• US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “Heart and Soul” climbed from #20 to #18
• US Billboard Top Christian Album chart: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” climbed from #29 to #28.
• US Billboard Christian Album Sales chart: “Where No One Stands Alone” dropped from #21 to #31. 
• US Billboard Soundtrack Album Sales chart: “The Best of the ’68 Comeback Special (Soundtrack)” climbed from #18 to #17. 

Official UK charts:

• Official UK Streaming Album chart: “The 50 Greatest Hits” climbed from #93 to #91.
• Official Gospel and Christian Album chart: “Where No One Stands Alone” remained steady at #16.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: "Elvis The Searcher" climbed from #19 to #11. 
• Official UK Music DVD chart: "Elvis Lives - Live From Memphis" dropped off the chart from last week's #41 spot. 

Official Scottish charts:

• Official Scottish Album chart: “Elvis at the Movies - 60 Essential Recordings” remained steady at #35.
• Official Scottish Album chart: “The Real … Elvis” dropped off he chart after last week’s re-entry at #91.

Official Irish charts:

• Official Irish IRMA Music DVD chart: "Elvis - The Searcher" remained steady at #4.

Australian ARIA charts:

• Australian ARIA Music DVD chart: "'68 Comeback Special (50th. Anniversary Edition)" climbed from #7 to #6. 
• Australian ARIA Music DVD chart: "Elvis: The King Of Rock 'N' Roll" dropped off the chart after last week's re-entry at #36.

(Source: UK Mix / Billboard / IRMA / Official Chart Company / ARIA)

May 15 - Sold!

Andy Warhole's "Double Elvis (Ferus Type)" was sold through Christie's for USD 53 million. This marks the highest ever paid for a "Double Elvis" (there are 22 of them, all different), thus landing in the #12 position of all Andy Warhol paintings ever sold. The estimate for this 1963 painting was USD 50 to 70 million.  

(Source: FECC)

May 10 - Weekly Chart Update (Update 15/05)

The weekly Elvis Presley chart update. 

Official US Billboard Charts:

• Official US Billboard Country Albums Sales chart: “The Best Of The '68 Comeback Special (Soundtrack)” dropped from #25 to #30. 
• Official US Billboard Country Catalog Albums chart: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” dropped from #11 to #16. 
• Official US Billboard Country Catalog Albums chart: “Heart and Soul” dropped from #16 to #20.
• Official US Billboard Top Christian Albums chart: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” climbed from #31 to #29.
• US Billboard Christian Albums Sales chart: “Where No One Stands Alone” climbed from #25 to #21.
• US Billboard Rock Album Sales chart: “The Best Of The '68 Comeback Special (Soundtrack)” dropped off the chart after last week’s re-entry at #41.
• US Billboard Soundtrack Album Sales chart: “The Best Of The '68 Comeback Special (Soundtrack)” dropped off the chart after last week’s re-entry at #15. 

Official UK Charts:

• Official UK Streaming Album chart: “The 50 Greatest Hits” is a re-entry at #93.
• Official UK Christian and Gospel Music chart: "Where No One Stands Alone" dropped from #15 to #16.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: "Elvis The Searcher" climbed from #43 to #19. 
• Official UK Music DVD chart: "Elvis Lives - Live From Memphis" dropped from #30 to #41. 

Official Scottish Charts:

• Official Scottish Album chart: “Elvis at the Movies - 60 Essential Recordings” climbed from #50 to #35. 
• Official Scottish Album chart: The Real … Elvis” is a re-entry at#91.

Official Irish Charts:

• Official Irish Music DVD chart: “Elvis - The Searcher” dropped from #3 to #4.

Australian Charts:

• Australian ARIA Music DVD chart: "'68 Comeback Special (50th Anniversary Edition)" climbed from #9 to #7. 
• Australian ARIA Music DVD chart: "Elvis: The King Of Rock 'N' Roll" is a re-entry at #36.

King Creole in 4K

The classic 1958 “King Creole” movie will debut during Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival in Palm Springs May 11, 2019 in a new 4K digital restorated version. 

(Source: Official Chart Company / IRMA / UK Mix / Billboard / ARIA)

May 09 - Out In Hollywood Duets

Due for release from the new MTP (Meant to be Played) import-label on May 15, 2019 is their first release entitled "Out In Hollywood Volume 2".

From the press-release: 
We all remember the "good old days" when FTD released their first releases like "The Jungle Room Sessions", "Fame and Fortune" and "Out in Hollywood". Those CDs were in our players for weeks, due to all the unreleased stuff, great sound quality and last but not least the fact there were a lot of complete outtakes never heard before.

After a while, although the releases were still fantastic, we got more and more CDs with lots of outtakes from the same songs, great for collecting, but listening pleasure was a bit less fun. Time for some action! The new label "MTP" is proud to present their first release: "Out In Hollywood - Volume 2" a release with some very rare and hard to find "complete" outtakes! The artwork matches the original first release and has the same "feel", this looks to be a real winner!

Tracks "Out In Hollywood - Volume 2":
Roustabout (Take 13) - Bossa Nova Baby (Take 11) - Let Yourself Go (Reversed Master) - Your Time Hasn't Come Yet, Baby (Take 1) - If You Think I Don't Need You (Take 2) - A Boy Like Me, A Girl Like You (Take 2) - Flaming Star (Take 5) - Wonderful World (Take 3) - Catchin' On Fast (Take 4 - Unedited) - Do The Vega (Take 2) - Yoga is As Yoga Does (Take 4) - My Desert Serenade (Take 10) - Sand Castles (KO Take 8) - I Need Somebody To Lean On (Take 5) - It's Carnival Time (Take 12) - Stay Away, Joe (Take 9) - Edge Of Reality (Take 2) - Charro! (Rough Mix) - Almost (Take 25) - I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here (Take 5) - Kissin' Cousins (Regular Overdub - Take 2) - Let Me (Take 3)

Duets and Harmonies

The CMT and Star import labels will release the compilation "Duets and Harmonies" on May 15, 2019. It contains original and newly created duets and harmonies. 

From the press-release:
Over the years there were many duets released with Elvis, during his life, but even more after his death. Many "stars" wanted to do a song with "The King". The CMT label is proud to present this incredible release, which has original duets, rare "harmony" versions and some newly made duets not released on any CD!
Duets include: Lisa Marie Presley, Connie Francis, Ray Charles, Cliff Richard, Anita Wood, Dale Watson, Kitty White, Charlie Hodge, Michael Buble, Nancy Sinatra, Ann Margret, J.D. Sumner, Barbara Streisand, Dolly Parton, Helene Fischer, Jerry Reed, Celine Dion, Shaun Nielsen, The Gatlin Brothers and Glen Cambell!

Just listen to the beautiful duet between Elvis and Dolly Parton, this version of "In the Ghetto" is very different from the original, and stands on it's own, it could have been a great release for a record, and without a doubt would have topped the charts!

Ray Charles provides a great "orchestrated" version of "I'll Never Stand In Your Way" where a very young Elvis joins him as if he was singing along with the record at home, the same goes for "My Happiness" with Connie Francis.

Ike and Tina Turner start of "easy" and Elvis takes over with a very "rough" rockin' version of "Proud Mary" 

The 1958 duet "Crawfish" featuring Kitty White and Elvis has been re-edited now this really is a duet version which works very well!

Another highlight is the included version of "Softly, As I Leave You", Michael Buble sings the song, where Elvis recites the words in the end Shaun Nielsen joins in to make a breathtaking ending which leaves you with goosebumps!

JD Sumner takes the lead, where The Imperials blend in to do the first part of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" , then Elvis and The Jordanaires bring the song home!

Some harmony versions included in this set are also not  to be missed! "Fever" has Elvis singing multiple verses at once which sounds very rare and unusual.
"Kissin' Cousins" combines both the "Hillbilly" overdub and the "Regular" overdub, this is the only release where "Josh and Jody" sing the whole song together! "Baby, I Don't Care" has two very different sounding takes of Elvis, and does now sound like a nice duet!

Combine all these tracks with some great duets from earlier hard to find releases and you will have a very unusual new album including 28 tracks. The artwork fits the release very well, inside all the stars have "signed" their autograph, giving it an authentic touch since it is made just like a record album with fold out sleeve.

Tracklisting "Duets and Harmonies":
I Love You Because (With Lisa Marie Presley) - My  Happiness (With Connie Francis) - Blue Suede Shoes (With Cliff Richard) - I Can’t Help It (With Anita Wood) - I’ll Never Stand In Your Way (With Ray Charles) - Baby, I Don’t Care (Harmony Version) - Tomorrow Night (With Dale Watson) - Crawfish (With Kitty White) - Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (With Michael Buble) - Santa Lucia (Harmony Version) - I Will Be Home Again (With Charlie Hodge) - Fever (Harmony Version) - Kissin’ Cousins (Harmony Version) - There Ain’t Nothing Like A Song (With Nancy Sinatra) - Today, Tomorrow And Forever (With Ann Margret) - Let Me (Harmony Version) - Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (With J. D. Sumner - Featuring "The Imperials" And "The Jordanaires") - Love Me Tender (With Barbara Streisand) - Just Pretend (With Helene Fischer) - In The Ghetto (With Dolly Parton) - Proud Mary (Featuring Ike & Tina Turner) - Guitar Man (With Jerry Reed) - If I Can Dream (With Celine Dion) - Softly, As I Leave You (With Michael Buble - Featuring Sherril Nielsen) - Bringing it Back (With Sherril Nielsen) - Help Me (With The Gatlin Brothers) - We Call On Him (With Glen Campbell) - Where No One Stands Alone (With Lisa Marie Presley).

(Source: FECC)