April 30 - From Elvis In Memphis Book Update

Eric Wolfson shared some more details on his upcoming 'From Elvis In Memphis' book which is due in Bloomsbury’s popular '33 1/3' series on November 12, 2020. 

The Table of Contents for Eric Wolfson’s upcoming examination of Elvis’ seminal album, 'From Elvis In Memphis':
1. Prologue: From Elvis in Hell: June 1, 1967
2. The Cover: From Elvis in Hollywood
3. Side 1: From Elvis in Memphis
4. Interlude: From Elvis in Purgatory: February 17, 1969
5. Side 2: From Elvis in Memphis
6. Back Cover: From Elvis in Vegas
7. Epilogue: From Elvis in Paradise: November 1, 1969

More about the book:
"I had to leave town for a little while" with these words, Elvis Presley truly came home to rock and roll. A little over month earlier he had staged rock's first and greatest comeback in a television program, forever known as 'The '68 Comeback Special.' With this show, he resurrected himself--at the age of 33, no less--from the ashes of a career mired in lousy movies and even lousier soundtracks. So where to go from here?

Like a killer returning to the scene of the crime, Elvis came back home to Memphis, where it had all begun. Eschewing the fancier studios of Nashville and Hollywood, he set up shop at the ramshackle American Sound Studio, run by a maverick named Chips Moman with an in-house backing band simply known as "The Memphis Boys," and made the music of his life. The resulting work, From Elvis in Memphis, would be the finest studio album of his career, an explosion of mature confidence and fiery inspiration. It was the sound of Elvis--and, in turn, rock and roll--grappling with adulthood in a teenage music, as sung by the person who shaped it more than anyone else. 

(Source: Elvis Information Network / Bloomsbury Academic)



        

April 30 - Review King Creole

Brandon Peters wrote an in-depth review of the new Blu-ray edition of the classic 1958 'King Creole' for the Why So Blue site. 

Paramount is launching into a pretty exciting new endeavor and keeping us home video collecting enthusiasts relieved that some studios are putting some effort behind catalog titles. With the newly minted Paramount Presents line, the brand is promising collectible packaging, new bonus features and new transfers of classic films from all eras of their storied studio's career. The Elvis Presley starring film King Creole will be making its debut on the Blu-ray format with this new home video brand. Directed by the famed Michael Curtiz (Casablanca, Robin Hood and many MANY more), this is exactly the type of film collector's were potentially hoping to see more from on this line - catalog titles still hanging out in the vault collecting dust and still only being offered on outdated DVDs. Well, fear no more Elvis and Michael Curtiz fans, here comes King Creole!

The Paramount Presents line launched on April 21st, and you can order King Creole now using the link below.



The film

Denied his high school diploma because of a schoolyard fight, Danny Fisher (Elvis Presley) is unsure how he's going to support himself and his unemployed father (Dean Jagger). He briefly flirts with a life of crime before a club owner (Paul Stewart) hears him singing and offers him a job. Things look promising until rival club owner and Danny's former boss, Maxie (Walter Matthau), tries to lure him back with threats and the charms of his sometimes-girlfriend, Ronnie (Carolyn Jones).

King Creole tells the classic story of the bad boy with a heart of gold. Some guy with nothing much but a big talent to offer if he 'makes it', hold ties, allegiances and debts to bad people We've seen it plenty with things like deep character dramas On The Waterfront to feel good movies like Rocky. Whatever the trope or the genre, its how well you do it. What interesting spin you can find. Or, just doing it damn good. The cards are well in place for King Creole to become special with the iconic Elvis Presley in the lead and one of the greatest directors in Michael Curtiz to collaborate on the project.

Presley had done three films prior to King Creole, but he has remarked that this was his favorite role and one he's most proud of. And for good reason. He had someone like Curtiz to challenge and harness him. Curtiz informed Presley to downplay everything in the film, from his dramatic moments to the stage. And it works like gangbusters. It feels honest and helps to serve the drama and keep the film from being a bit of fluff. Elvis really sells this well and shows a lot of potential, that he could lift off beyond being just a sales gimmick. And he even goes toe to toe with stalwarts like Walter Matthau and Carolyn Jones.

One might glance by King Creole and see its an Elvis film and just dismiss it as fluff. One thing I'd wish more people would look at is 'Who made this?' Some of the things you turn your nose up to or have no idea you realize actually IS for you, could be found just merely seeing who wrote or directed a picture. King Creole leaps far beyond 'Ugh, an Elvis movie' once the name Michael Curtiz comes into play. The man who made Casablanca, Robin Hood, Mildred Pierce and countless others weighs much more on the film than does its star. In fact, he crafts one of the best movies The King is in. There's an elevation to things, a danger and completely plausibility to everything. I've never seen New Orleans like this. Its as haunting in the film as it is festive. That's Curtiz. Even the musical numbers float naturally into the film and never make it cheesy, unreal or out of place. This is Michael Curtiz's musical film and you'd never even realize it until its pointed out.

King Creole isn't re-inventing the wheel, its just making its own edition from its own brand. If you enjoy the films of Michael Curtiz, you definitely should check it out. It may even interest you more in Elvis as an actor as you'd never thought you would be. He's quite terrific in this and the songs are a nice compliment to an already engaging story.

King Creole Blu-ray details

Video:
- Encoding: MPEG-4 AVC
- Resolution: 1080p
- Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
- Layers: BD-50

Clarity/Detail: 
King Creole debuts on Blu-ray with a new 4K transfer in a 1.78:1 ratio (Originally listed as 1.85:1), likely used in preparation for anniversary screenings and such. DNR does appear to have been applied somewhat, but in a much more successful than the work on 'To Catch A Thief'. You can make out grain and there are fine details about, but there are some sequences and the like that feature a smoothed over appearance. Overall, it does feature a pretty gorgeous black and white, shadowy and smokey look. Coats, dresses, upholstery and more feature good detail. Sharpness is pretty good, except in the moments where one scene fades into another, it comes off quite soft. Though this is common in many older films and not held to just this one. This is a pretty nice transfer overall.

Depth: 
The film features some terrific depth of field work, especially on the exterior of the city streets. Spacing and movements find themselves smooth an fluid.

Black Levels: 
Black levels look quite beautiful and have an impressively natural look to them, being nice and inky. Saturation is quite solid overall, being able to see the hair polish streaks and follicles in Elvis' hair as well as textures and details in the darker corners. Its not perfect, there are some issues with a little crush on the shadows of faces in some of the medium and close up shots.

Color Reproduction: 
N/A

Flesh Tones: 
Skin looks its nice white/gray and is consistent start to finish. Facial textures and details are pretty rock solid though in some shot they can look a bit smoothed over.

Noise/Artifacts: 
Clean

Audio:
Format(s): English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, Restored English Mono Dolby Digital, German Mono Dolby Digital, Spanish Mono Dolby Digital, Italian Mono Dolby Digital

Subtitles: 
English, English SDH, German, Spanish, French, Italian

Dynamics: 
Perhaps the stand out of this release of King Creole, is the new 5.1 mix for the film. It sounds really clean, more modern and seems to have lost a lot of analog distortions or signs of aging. Most notably, the musical numbers really take control and bring the film and your viewing area to a good, full and harmonious life.

Low-Frequency Extension: 
Sound effects wise, the subwoofer hits on the lighter end, but it really sounds pretty romantic with its bumps during the musical bits in the film.

Surround Sound Presentation: 
Most of the films audio hangs out up front, but the rears do provide time to time ambiance and really help build the instrumentals in songs as well as some crowd noise.

Dialogue Reproduction: 
Vocals are clear and crisp and they've done their best in this mix to not have a jarring transition from spoken word to singing (Though still slightly noticeable).

Extras:
King Creole, in first pressing, comes with a slip cover that folds open to reveal the original poster art for the film.

Please Note - On the Press Release for this Blu-ray, it mentioned a 'Play The Songs Directly' bonus feature. You can find this by selecting 'Scenes' on the main menu and the scenes with songs are labeled as such. This is not found on the Extras Menu.

Filmmaker Focus: King Creole (HD, 6:10) - Leonard Maltin gives us the lowdown on Michael Curtiz, Elvis, Hal Wallis and other players in the film and dives into a bit of a brief behind the scenes, technique and pop culture lesson for King Creole.

Summary

King Creole is a rock solid coming of age/road to stardom drama with a musical hook. The film features a great combo of masterful direction from Michael Curtiz and an impressive performance from Elvis. Paramount Presents gives the film a good looking transfer to go with really nicely polished up 5.1 track. Extras underwhelm, but the Maltin interview is honestly more than this film has ever had in the history of its home video releases. Again, like 'To Catch A Thief', the release feels a latch on to a revival screening that would play the Maltin interview prior to the film starting. I'll never find out, though, as its screenings have likely been scrapped with the current pandemic situation in the world. Nonetheless, its taken the film 14 years to get to Blu-ray, so I imagine the is the best and maybe only opportunity to pick it up.

Original source: >>> Why So Blu?

More reviews by Brandon Peters can be found on his site >>> naptownnerd.blogspot.com.

April 29 - Record Store Day Cancelled

Record Store Day 2020 has been 'cancelled'. RSD 2020 is now scheduled to be celebrated with special, properly distanced release dates on Saturdays in August, September and October.

Record Store Day will look very different this year, but supporting indie record stores may be more important than ever. We don't know what sort of rules will be in place, or what sort of gatherings people will be in the mood for this year, so we're focusing on the music and getting the really great titles on the RSD Official List this year into the stores and into your hands, in the most financially and socially responsible way.

The titles on the RSD 2020 Official List, launched on March 5th, will be released at participating record stores on one of these three RSD Drops: August 29th, September 26th, and October 24th. The new version of The List, with newly assigned RSD Drops dates will launch on June 1 so check back here for a look at when you'll be able to pick up the titles on your RSD 2020 wishlist at your local record store. 

Two Elvis releases from from the French Elvis My Happiness / LMLR were listed, ‘Elvis Interdit!’ (‘Elvis Prohibited!’) and ‘The Forgotten Album’. These titles have been released this week. 

FTD Delayed

Roger Semon from the Follow That Dream collectors label informed dealers that the orders for the 'Kid Galahad Sessions' and 'Elvis: St. Louis and Spokane' releases have been entered into the system, but have not yet been picked or packaged due to the limited workforce capacity. 

Graceland Temporary Closure

In line with the Coronavirus Guidelines for America and CDC guidance and with the absolute best interest of our guests and staff in mind, Graceland will be extending its closure through May 20 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This temporary closure includes morning walk ups to Meditation Garden. We will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as needed. Please continue to check this page and our social media for updates.


From our Graceland Family to yours, we wish everyone around the world health and happiness. We look forward to welcoming you back to Graceland soon.

(Source: Record Store Day / Elvis Matters / Gracelad)

April 28 - Elvis Presley Gesellschaft Recommends Elvis Day By Day 2029

The German Elvis Presley Gesellschaft wrote a positive review of my book ‘Elvis Day By Day 2019’ in the latest issue of their Graceland magazine (volume 252).

"I definitely recommend this book. It not only offers an excellent overview of everything Elvis has done in 2019, but also a review of Elvis ’active time through the anniversaries, topics and reviews".

Thank you!

If you want your copy, click >>> here to buy it or contact me >>> by mail if you want a signed copy.

For morge information on the fan club, visit the >>> German Elvis Presley Gesellschaft. 

April 27 - Record Store Day 2020 Released

The French Record Store Day releases ‘Elvis Interdit!’ (‘Elvis Prohibited!’) and ‘The Forgotten Album’ from the French Elvis My Happiness / LMLR have been released. 

These titles were originally set for release on Record Store Day 2020 - April 17th - which was postponed until June 20th. A few copies arrived with fans according to Social Media updates. 

(Source: Twitter)

April 25 - Reborn - In The Valley of the Sun

Producer Larry Jordan announced that 'Elvis Reborn 2 - More Mono To Stereo Mixes' containing 30 stereo mixes of mono recordings created using the Digitally Extracted Stereo (DES) technique, has been released.

From the press release: After the huge success of 'Elvis Reborn - Mono To Stereo Mixes' comes volume two! Here are 30 more Elvis classics - originally recorded in monaural - that have been converted to brilliant, lifelike stereo using new, state-of-the-art audio technology called Digitally Extracted Stereo!

This is a breakthrough development in sound engineering. Never before have Presley fans been able to listen to these great songs with such clarity and detail. The rich tone of Elvis's voice stands out and you hear his backing musicians as if they were all in the room with you!

This trend-setting CD is packed with fantastic songs from the 1950s and early '60s, documenting Elvis's repertoire as he helped invent rock 'n' roll. Instead of just another repackaging of the 'same old, same old' - presented in one-dimensional mono - these great Elvis tracks come alive as never before in stereo. Purists may argue that mono is better, but how many artists can you name who are recording in mono today?

Tracks: Heartbreak Hotel - Hound Dog  - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine - I Got A Woman - I'm Not The Marrying Kind - Baby Let's Play House - Treat Me Nice - Lover Doll - Ready Teddy - Don't Leave Me Now - Tryin' To Get To You - Shake Rattle And Roll - I'll Never Let You Go - Paralyzed - I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone - Party - I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Over You) - Blueberry Hill - As Long As I Have You - I Want To Be Free - I Got Stung - All Shook Up - That's When Your Heartaches Begin - My Baby Left Me - Too Much - I'm Counting On You - Lawdy Miss Clawdy - Have I Told You Lately That I Love You - Hard Headed Woman

Happy Birthday

Gladys Presley was born 108 years ago, April 25, 1912. She died August 14, 1958 at the age of 46. 

Elvis - In The Valley Of The Sun

Originally announced back in October 2019, Joe Tunzi shared the preliminary cover art for the JAT Publishing book ‘Elvis - In The Valley Of The Sun’ that focuses on the September 9, 1970 concert performance at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix Arizona. 

The book, due for release later in 2020, celebrates  the 50th anniversary of the concert including over 100 unpublished photos and an additional CD featuring the last interview with Chips Moman. 

(Source: Elvis Express / UEPS)

April 25 - Charts April 2020 - Week 4

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. Elvis Presley is ''up' in the U.S. and goes 'down' in the U.K. 

US Billboard charts:

• US Billboard Top 200 Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ climbed from #162 to #150. 
• US Billboard Catalog Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ climbed from #44 to #41.
• US Billboard Top Rock Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ climbed from #25 to #21.  
• US Billboard Top Country Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ climbed from #21 to #20.  

Official UK charts:

• Official UK Album Top 100 chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ dropped from #49 to #57.
• Official UK Streaming Album Top 100 chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ dropped from #43 to #47.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: ‘The Elvis Collection’ dropped from #15 to #27.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: ‘Elvis The Searcher’’ dropped off the chart from #44.

(Source: UK Mix / Official Chart Company)

April 23 - Review Elvis Presley G.I. in Germany

Re-issued by the German In-Akustik on their Magic of Vinyl label is a picture disc of their ‘Elvis Presley G.I. in Germany’ compilation. 
  
The Design 
  
The LP comes in a clear slipcase with an 'army camouflage' colored picture disc against  an army texture background as the main element of the design. Nicely done for a novelty release like this. 
  
The Content 
  
With a title like this the opening with a soundbite of Elvis Presley’s arrival in Friedberg Germany is well chosen. 

The compilation itself holds 20 songs. A good selection of rockers and ballads, including several also featured on the ‘G.I. Blues’ soundtrack, recorded around Elvis' army years.   
  
The compilation includes a home recording of 'Spanish Eyes' as a bonus track. The latter is a strange choice as it is a home recording from the seventies. Adding a home recording could be a nice 'German' touch, but the producers should have picked one of the many songs Elvis Presley recorded in Germany as there are plenty of songs to choose from. 

There is a German link to the song as German band-leader Bert Kaempfert co-wrote 'Spanish Eyes'. He also co-wrote the song 'Wooden Heart' which is featured on this LP. 
  
There are some pops during the play during ‘My Wish Came True’ a problem more common on picture discs. Some songs sound a little bit louder that others with 'Stuck on You’ being the loudest. But it is not really disturbing.
  
The Conclusion 
  
This compilation is a nice looking themed greatest hits compilation with some of Elvis Presley’s greatest hits. But it does have some minor flaws in the selection of songs and audio quality. File this release under 'novelty records' in your collection.

    

April 22 - Dick Grob Died

Elvis' former bodyguard Richard 'Dick' Grob died in Las Vegas. He was 80. R.I.P. 

Grob was with the Palm Springs Police Department at the time, and began working as a security guard on Elvis's wedding (May 1, 1967). At the request of Elvis he remained in permanent employment from that day on and later even became 'Head of Safety' for Elvis and his family. 

Melissa Grob posted:

"It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Richard “Dick” Grob on April 22, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He passed peacefully at home, knowing he was immensely loved and surrounded by family.

Given current events, a small ceremony restricted to immediate family will be held. At a later date, we will announce a larger ceremony of life to celebrate his remarkable journey here on earth with the family and friends he loved so dearly.

Thank you for your prayers and support. At this time, we ask that you please respect our privacy as we work through this difficult time together as a family."

Melissa Grob

(Source: FECC / ElvisMatters / Missa Grob)

April 21 - King Creole Blu-Ray

Paramount Pictures released 'King Creole' in their new 'Paramount Presents' label, a new line of collectible Blu-ray discs incorporating a curated selection of enduringly popular movies, as well as films that had a cultural impact upon their release. 'King Creole' was one of the three first titles released on this new label.

From the original press release: 
The new collection will return each title to the spotlight with meticulously remastered releases that include brand new bonus content focused on the filmmakers. Presented in collectible packaging that includes a foldout image of the original movie poster and interior artwork featuring key movie moments, each Blu-ray in the Paramount Presents line features new interviews with filmmakers and/or celebrated film historian Leonard Maltin.

(Source: Paramount)

April 20 - Elvis Postponed

Warner Bros. has delayed multiple releases due to the Corona crisis. The Elvis film was postponed by one month from October 1st 2021 to November 5th 2021.

(Source: Warner Bros. / The Verge)

April 19 - Down By The Falls

The Touchdown Productions import-label announced the release of the CD 'Down By The Falls' containing the previously released July 13, 1975 Afternoon Show.

From the press release: 
A new release by Touchdown! We’re proud to present our new release 'Down By The Falls' which contains the former released afternoon show from July 13, 1975. The new release of the Niagara Falls concert, that was first released over twenty-five years ago in 1992, offers a much improved sound quality and more than half-a-dozen bonus tracks that represent other highlights of Elvis’ acclaimed late summer tour in 1975.

Tracks: See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Elvis Welcomes The Audience - Big Boss Man - Love Me - If You Love Me, Let Me Know - Elvis Talks With The Audience - Love Me Tender - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Dont Be Cruel - Hound Dog - The Wonder Of You - Burning Love - T-R-O-U-B-L-E (Slightly Incomplete) - Why Me Lord? (Slightly Incomplete) - How Great Thou Art - Let Me Be There - Funny How Time Slips Away - Little Darlin - Cant Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp.

Bonus Songs:
Trying To Get To You (19.07.1975 AS - Uniondale /NY) - You Never Walk Alone 19.07.1975 ES - Uniondale / NY) - Shake A Hand (22.07.1975 - Asheville / NC) - Turn Around, Look At Me (23.07.1975 - Asheville / NC) - It’s Midnight (23.07.1975 - Asheville / NC) - Fairytale (23.07.1975 - Asheville / NC) - Pieces Of My Life (24.07., 1975 - Asheville / NC).

Songwriter Eddie Cooley Died


Songwriter Eddie Cooley died, he was 87. He (co-)wrote ‘Fever’ with Otis Blackwell (using the pseudonym John Davenport), one of the most iconic songs of the middle 20th century. Elvis Presley recorded ‘Fever’ for his 1960 ‘Elvis Is Back’ album.  Peggy Lee recorded the ‘standard’ version in 1958.

(Source: FECC Forum / WikiPedia)

April 18 - Danish Picture Discs

The Danish Memphis Mansion record label released a limited edition picture disc - 100 copies - of their 'Danish Singles Collection Vol. 1' LP. 

The album comes on two one-sided picture discs with side A on the colored disc and side B on the black and white disc. This release was originally planned to be released on Record Store Day 2020 which was postponed from April 18th. to June 20th 2020 due to the Corona outbreak.

Happy Birthday

Elvis Presley’s former piano player Glenn D. Hardin celebrated his 81st birthday.

(Source: Memphis Mansion)

April 18 - Charts April 2020 - Week 3 (Updated April 20)

The global Elvis Presley chart update. Both in the US and UK the same two compilation climb on the charts. 

US Billboard charts:

• Billboard Top 200 Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ climbed from #166 to #162. 
• Billboard Catalog Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ climbed from #44 to #43. 
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ dropped from #23 to #25. 
• Billboard Top Country Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ dropped from #20 to #21. 

Official UK Charts

• Official UK Album chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ climbed from #55 to #49.
• Official UK Streaming Album chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ climbed from #47 to #43.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: 'The Elvis Collection' dropped from #14 to #15.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: 'Elvis The Searcher' re-entry #44.

Streams Of Old Favorites Spike During Pandemic

When it comes to music, Americans are feeling a bit nostalgic during the coronavirus pandemic. During the first week of April, Spotify says there was a 54% increase in nostalgia-themed playlists, with songs from the 1950s seeing the biggest increase in streams compared to the first week of March. Elvis Presley's 1957 hit “Jailhouse Rock” was the most-added song from that decade.

Most-added songs to playlists by decade: 

• 50s: “Jailhouse Rock”, Elvis Presley
• 60s: “At Last”, Etta James
• 70s: “Ain’t No Sunshine”, Bill Withers
• 80s: “Take on Me”, a-ha
• 90s: “Mambo No. 5 (a Little Bit of...)”, Lou Bega
• 00s: “I Gotta Feeling”, Black Eyed Peas
• 10s: “Danza Kuduro”, Don Omar, Lucenzo

(Source: UK Mix / Billboard / Official Chart Company / Spotify / USA Today)

April 17 - Review Elvis Presley 50’s

The Dutch ElvisOne (import) label released the CD ‘Elvis Presley 50’s’ featuring soundtrack recordings and radio spots for ‘Jailhouse Rock’, Loving You’ and ‘King Creole’ movies and the Milton Berle and Steve Allen TV shows. Some material previously unreleased on CD according to the press release. This compilation is limited to 500 copies worldwide, is it worth tracking one down? 
  
The Design 
  
Like many of the releases from this label the design of the cover is tasteful. The liner notes are identical to the press release and the details of the content is illustrated with some acetates (unclear if these are the actual acetates the material is sourced from). 

The Content 
  
The album opens with movie versions of the ‘Jailhouse Rock’, ‘Loving You’ and ‘King Creole’. The fun of these movie recordings is that the recognizable baseline and other elements from the songs  melt into the orchestral music. You just have to hear a few notes and recognize it immediately. The fade-in and fade-out are abruptly though, so you're listening to fragments, not (complete) performances.
  
The radio spots remind us on how the music was sold way back in the fifties. The commercial is aimed at the parents, not the kids: “it pulses with the heartbeat of today’s youth”. It sounds like parents talking to their kids. 
  
For ‘King Creole’ this album features various variations: the 'normal spot, the 'teenage spot and the 'dramatic' spot with scenes from the soundtrack. Listening to the latter commercial it almost sounds like the narrator is rapping to the music, so yes, trying to hit the right pulse with the heartbeat of today’s youth. 

The audio quality of this 'historical material' is good, especially regarding the sources. 
  
The recordings from the two TV shows are well known timepieces. Although half of the content on this disc was previously released on the 2013 ‘Caught on Camera' volumes one and two from the same label and the ‘Elvis on Television' set from the Memphis Recording Service, this compilation features a few longer snippets. 

Reading the liner-notes the new content is new in the way that the material is ‘previously unreleased on CD' and it consists mainly of some chatter and announcements between the main show performances by our man or the commercial breaks. 
  
After listening to these recordings once more - with the images of these shows in the back of my mind - it nicely illustrates how a new young artist had to go along with these older men on television to sell their music. Especially after Elvis Presley’s first TV appearances caused quite some commotion. 

He nicely plays along with the scripted jokes and sketches, singing ‘Hound Dog’ in a tuxedo to a dog. And as Steve Allen says, Elvis is a good sport about it. 
  
But you also hear that he is a bit uncomfortable with the situation. The scriptwriters managed to include the artist is the sketch as they included a fun reference to Elvis’ ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ single but I’ve always wondered how Elvis really felt about the 'Melvin Presley’ twin brother sketch on the Milton Berle show as Elvis lost his twin brother Jesse at birth. 
  
The Overall Conclusion 
  
This CD documents how stars were made in the fifties through radio commercials, promotional material for DJs and television appearances. Nice to hear once more, but nothing really new that makes this release a must for the Elvis collector. 

April 15 - Danish Singles Collection 3

Due for release from the Danish Memphis Mansion record label is volume 3 in their ‘Danish Singles Collection’. 

Knox Phillips Died

Knox Phillips, son of Memphis Recording Service and SUN Records Sam Phillips, lost the battle with cancer. He was 74. 

Growing up Rock ’N’ Roll took hold at Sun, where Elvis Presley recorded his first hit in 1954. "In those days, Elvis would come over to our house at midnight and we'd stay up all night. My mother would cook breakfast for him at dawn and then they'd leave," said Knox. "That was normal to me. So we didn't have the usual restrictions that most teenagers rebelled against."

The long shadow of Sun Records founder Sam Phillips would have been a hard thing for any son to escape. But Knox Phillips found a way to bring his own beatific light to Memphis. For six decades, Knox was a pivotal presence behind the scenes in Bluff City music: as an engineer, producer, studio owner, community organizer and unwavering supporter of original artistry. 

“I don’t think anyone was more passionate about Memphis music or had greater faith that it was always going to endure,” said author Peter Guralnick, the celebrated biographer of Elvis Presley and Sam Phillips.

(Source: Memphis Mansion / Anthony Stuchbury on Facebook / Commercial Appeal)

April 13 - Elvis On Living Vinyl (Updated April 16)

The U.K. based Memphis Recording Service announced the release of a three LP gatefold edition of 'Elvis In Living Stereo - The Essential 1960 - 62 Studio Masters'. This edition comes on 180 Gr. vinyl and is set for release May 22, 2020. 

The 3 LP’s contain remastered tracks of the Essential 1960- 1962 master recordings plus bonus rare alternate outtakes. 

This is a limited edition release is 1000 copies (600 Black and 400 Crystal Clear). The clear vinyl will only be available from your local Elvis dealer and not from the main distribution channels such as Amazon etc.

1960 SIDE A - 24 MINS
01. Make Me Know It
02. Soldier Boy
03. Stuck on You
04. Fame and Fortune
05. A Mess of Blues
06. It Feels So Right
07. Fever
08. Like A Baby
09. It's Now or Never

1960 SIDE B - 26 MINS
01. The Girl of My Best Friend
02. Dirty Dirty Feeling
03. Thrill of Your Love
04. I Gotta Know
05. Such a Night
06. Are You Lonesome Tonight?
07. The Girl Next Door Went A-Walkin
08. I Will Be Home Again
09. Reconsider Baby
10. Surrender

1961 SIDE C - 26 MINS
01 I'm Comin' Home
02. Gently
03. In Your Arms 
04. Give Me the Right 
05. I Feel So Bad 
06. It's a Sin 
07. I Want You With Me 
08. There's Always Me 
09.. Starting Today 
10. Sentimental Me 
11. Judy 

1961 SIDE D - 26 MINS
01. Put the Blame On Me
02. Kiss Me Quick 
03. That's Someone You Never Forget
04. I'm Yours (SINGLE UNDUBBED MASTER)
05. (Marie's the Name) His Latest Flame
06. Little Sister
07. For the Millionth and Last Time (Take 8)
08. Good Luck Charm
09. Anything That's Part of You
10. I Met Her Today (Take 14)
11. Night Rider

1962 SIDE E – 22 MINS
01. Something Blue
02. Gonna Get Back Home Somehow
03. (Such An) Easy Question
04. Fountain of Love
05. Just for Old Time Sake
06. I Feel That I've Known You Forever
07. Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello (Tryout)
08. Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello
09. Suspicion
10. She's Not You

BONUS - ALTERNATE TAKES 1960-62 SIDE F – 25 MINS
01. Make Me Know It (Take 14)
02. Soldier Boy (Take 11)
03. Fame and Fortune (Take 1)
04. A Mess of Blues (Take 4LFS)
05. Kiss Me Quick (Take 2)
06. Anything That's Part of You (Take 3)
07. Fountain of Love (Take 6)
08. Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello (Take 3)
09. Suspicion (Take 4 splice w end of Take 5)

10. She's Not You (Take 2FS & Comp)

(Source: FECC / Memphis Recording Service)

April 12 - Still Classy In Omaha

The Verve import label announced the release of the CD 'Still Classy In Omaha' featuring the April 22, 1976 performance from Omaha. 

From the FECC forum:

A release by Verve which shows how good soundboards can sound, if done properly. When FTD released many years ago the April 22, 1976 in Omaha almost everyone was disappointed about the mix, which had the background singers way, way up in front. It sounded terrible and it’s until today one of the worst releases by the collector’s label.

It was always said that you can’t do anything about the soundpicture, as the soundboard is what it is, but that’s wrong. It is possible to correct the soundpicture, which we did and now you can listen to a concert and find out why the press stated about Presley’s concert on the next day: „Still classy as a caddy!“ The background singers are mixed properly in the background and Elvis’ talent and charisma shines over it all. And a fine concert it was!

Tracks: (01) Also Sprach Zarathustra** (02) See See Rider** (03) I Got A Woman/Amen (04) Elvis Greets The Audience (05) Love Me (06) If You Love Me, Let Me Know (07) You Gave Me A Mountain (08) Tryin To Get To You (09) All Shook Up (10) Teddy Bear-Dont Be Cruel (11) Heartbreak Hotel (12) America The Beautiful (13) Polk Salad Annie (14) Band Introductions pt.1 (15) James Burton Solo (16) Ronnie Tutt Solo (17) Jerry Scheff Solo (18) Tony Brown Solo (19) David Briggs Solo (20) Band Introductions pt.2 (21) Hurt (22) Hound Dog (23) Help Me (24) How Great Thou Art (25) Little Darlin’ (26) Its Now Or Never (27) Elvis Talks (28) Funny How Time Slips Away (29) Cant Help Falling In Love

** #1-2 - April 27, 1976 Spokane/ WA- #3-#27 - April 22, 1976 Omaha/ NE

(Source: FECC)

April 11 - Charts April 2020 - Week 2

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. Little chart movement this week, the usual albums remain steady on the (same) charts. 

US Billboard charts:

• Billboard Top 200 Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ dropped from #159 to #166.
• Billboard Catalog Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ climbed from #43 to #42. 
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ dropped from #19 to #23.
• Billboard Top Country Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ remained steady at #20. 

Official UK charts:

• Official UK Album chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ remained steady at #55.
• Official UK Streaming Album chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ climbed from #48 to #47. 
• Official UK Music DVD chart:'The Elvis Collection' climbed from #23 to #14.

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

April 10 - Vernon 104

Vernon Presley was born 104 years ago, April 10, 1916 in Fulton, Mississippi. Today marks - what would have been - his 104th birthday. 

(Source: Graceland)

April 09 - Elvis 1956 - First Ed Sullivan Show

Paul Belard announced the release of his book 'Elvis 1956 September 9 - First Ed Sullivan Show'. The book should be out May 2020.

On the Elvis Information Network you can read a new review of Paul Belard latest book 'Elvis March 7 to March 31' on the 25 days following Elvis’ discharge from the Army up to and including his important appearance on the Frank Sinatra Timex 'Welcome Home Elvis'; TV Special.

>>> Read the review.

(Source: Paul Belard / Elvis Information Network)

April 07 - Home Is Where The Heart Is

The Danish Memphis Mansion announced the release of a special picture disc entitled ‘Home is Where the Heart is’ to support the mansion in these hard times. Additional tracks will be announced later. 

There are three packages available: you can buy just the picture disc, the picture disc with your name on a poster which will 

Package 1: you get the picture disc and support Memphis Mansion.

Package 2:  you get your picture on the disc, your name in the booklet, and your name on a poster in the Memphis Mansion museum to remind us off your support. 

Package 3:  your picture on the disc, the vinyl, your name in the booklet and on a poster in the Memphis Mansion museum to remind us off your support. 

For more information visit the >>> Memphis Mansion website. 

Happy Birthday 

Billy Smith, Elvis Presley's cousin and member of the former Memphis Mafia, celebrated his 77th birthday.

(Source: Memphis Mansion / Memphis Mafia Facebook)