Monday, June 29, 2020

June 29 - That'sThe Way Vinyl Is


Erik Lorenzen announced two additional volumes to his “Elvis Summer Festival - That’s The Way It Was” trilogy. 

According to the press release the new photographic double set containing ‘Volume 4 - The Rehearsals’ and ‘Volume 5 - The Concerts’ holds 100 unseen color photos and and 1000 unseen black and white photographs only available in these two volumes. The 1000-page set has August 10, 2020 as the release date to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the premiere of this classic movie. 

Home Is Where The Vinyl Is 

The Memphis Mansion released the 'Home Is Where The Heart Is / King Of The Whole Wide World' on red, white, blue and yellow / lime colored vinyl as part of their #HomeIsWhereTheHeartIs campaign. The latter single is only available for people who bought a ticket for the 2020 Garden Party, that was rescheduled to 2021, and carried It over to next year. 

Collecting Elvis 


The July 2020 edition of Remind magazine features articles about Elvis and the art of collecting Elvis item.  

(Source: Robert Frieser on Facebook / ElvisMatters / Remind / Elvis Express)

Sunday, June 28, 2020

June 28 - That's The Way It Is 50th Anniversary Preview


The Follow That Dream collectors label shared a preview of ‘Elvis: That’s The Way It Is - 50th Anniversary Collectors Edition'. 

From the press release: David English and Pal Granlund bring the complete background story into the making of the MGM documentary ‘Elvis: That’s The Way It Is’. Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the movie’s 1970 release, this ultimate collector’s edition includes two hardback books, eight compact discs - housed in a gatefold sleeve - with over 450 minutes of music, including newly discovered unreleased performances. 

The audio:
The complete rehearsal recordings:
  • MGM Studios, Culver City - July 14, 1970. 
  • MGM Studios, Culver City - July 15, 1970. 
  • RCA Studios, Hollywood - July 24, 1970.
  • MGM Studios, Culver City - July 29, 1970. 
  • Las Vegas Convention Center - August 4, 1970.
  • The International Hotel - August 7, 1970.
  • Las Vegas Convention Center - August 4, 1970.
  • The International Hotel - August 10, 1970.
Many rare and unreleased performances.

Book 1 'The Rehearsals' includes rare and unseen images from both the MGM July rehearsals and the Las Vegas August rehearsals and full audio and footage documentation. Book 2, 'The Concerts' includes rare and unseen images from the Las Vegas performances as well as Phoenix Arizona and full audio and footage documentation. 

(Source: FTD / Flaming Star)

Saturday, June 27, 2020

June 27 -Charts June 2020 - Week 4

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. After last week's sudden re-appearance of the #1 Hits compilation on the Scottish chart another compilation enters that chart. 

In the U.S. Nicki Minaj landed her second #1 single with 'Trollz,' her 110th entry on the Hot 100 Singles chart. She surpassed Elvis Presley who scored 109 hits on that chart. 

U.S. Billboard charts:
  • Billboard Top 200 Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ climbed from #167 to #165. 
  • Billboard Top Rock Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ remained steady at #20. 
  • Billboard Top Country Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ remained steady at #18. 
  • Billboard Top Christian Album chart: ‘Elvis: Ultimate Gospel’ climbed from #39 to #34. 
Official UK charts
  • Official UK Album Top 100 chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ climbed from #73 to #71.
  • Official UK Streaming Album Top 100 chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ dropped from #51 to #53.
  • Official UK Music DVD chart: ‘Elvis The Searcher’ dropped from #8 to #33.
Official Scottish charts:
  • Official Scottish Album chart: ‘ELV1S 30 #1 Hits’ dropped from #58 to #70.
  • Official Scottish Album chart: ‘The Real … Elvis’ re-entry #100.
Official Irish chart
  • IRMA Music DVD chart: 'Elvis The Searcher' re-entry at #5.

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

Friday, June 26, 2020

June 26 - Archive Collection

Due for release in the 'Archive Collection' on August 11th is the classic music documentary 'Elvis - That's The Way It Is'. The double disc release contains the 1970 theatrical version on DVD and the 2001 Special Edition on Blu-ray.

The set comes with English, Spanish and Portugese audio tracks and English, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish subtitles.

Synopsis:
He was a legend unlike any other. After years of making movies, Elvis made a triumphant return to the stage, including a stint of celebrity packed shows at the International Hotel in Las Vegas in 1970. Now, see the backstage footage from rehearsals to relaxing at the hotel and the performances in one of the most intimate looks at Elvis captured on film. Included here are both the 1970 theatrical version (DVD 108 mins) and the 2001 special edition (Blu-ray 95 mins), with the songs, the fans, the love and most of all...the King himself.

Milton Glaser Died

Milton Glaser, most famous for the design of the  "I ♥ NY" logo died, he was 91. In 1979 he designed an Elvis portrait for the dust jacket for the singer’s biography “Elvis” written by Albert Goldman.

"It belongs to one in a family of popular posters Glaser created in tribute to rock, country, pop, and classical artists such as Aretha Franklin, Jerry Garcia, Beethoven, Stevie Wonder, and Simon & Garfunkel, among others. But this illustration of Elvis Presley as a young man stands out stylistically. It was sketched using colored pencil and crayon, bold lines and vivid colors that define the influential movement revolutionized by Push Pin Studios, a New York-based design firm Glaser co-founded in 1954. He created a softer, toned-down image of the youthful Elvis that signals innocence before his ultimate decline."

(Source: Elvis. Club Berlin)

    

Monday, June 22, 2020

June 22 - New Ed Bonja Book (Updated)

Henrik Knudsen from the Danish Memphis Mansion is working on a new book on Elvis' former photographer Ed Bonja entitled 'Elvis Obersten Og Mig' ('Elvis, The Colonel and Me'). 

The 100-page Danish book covers Ed Bonja's time with Elvis Presley and is based on the many conversations the author had with the late photographer who passed away last year. The book is illustrated with some great pictures Bonja took of Elvis Presley from 1970 to 1977. 

The book is limited to 500 copies and comes with an interview CD and a signed picture. 

(Source Henrik Knudsen)



Saturday, June 20, 2020

June 20 - Sold!

Julien's ‘Music Icons’ auction featured several Elvis Presley items. The top selling item was an 
ivory macrame belt with accented reflective stones, worn by Elvis Presley while performing on stage, that sold for US$298,000.

Other results:
An Elvis Presley owned and worn cross US$11,520 
An Elvis Presley gifted diamond TCB necklace 
US$34,375
An Elvis Presley gold and diamond ring US$12,800
An Elvis Presley worn 14K ring US$10,240
An Elvis Presley worn shirt US$10,240
A pair of black western trousers from 'Frankie and Johnny' US$11,875
The Owl metal decoration buckle: US$5,120
14K yellow gold TCB necklace US$7,680
A sterling silver cross pendant US$11,520

The three cars sold for:
1966 Chevrolet Impala! $62,500
1977 Lincoln Mark V coupe $62,500
1977 Chevrolet 30 Series Silverado:  $41,600

(Source: Julien Auctions)

June 20 - Charts June 2020 - Week 3

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. Again three compilations keep Elvis alive on the charts in the United States and United Kingdom. With a re-entry of 'Lovin' Elvis' on the Gospel album chart, which is kind-of strange for a non-gospel album ... In Scotland the E1 compilation made a re-appearance on the chart.

U.S. Billboard charts
  • Billboard Album Top 200: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ climbed from #170 to #167. 
  • Billboard Catalog Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ re-entry at #50.
  • Billboard Top Christian Album chart: ‘Elvis: Ultimate Gospel’ dropped from #36 to #39.
  • Billboard Top Rock Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ climbed from #22 to #20. 
  • Billboard Top Country Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ climbed from #20 to #18.
Official U.K. charts:
  • Official UK Album chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ dropped from #66 to #73. 
  • Official UK Album chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ climbed from #54 to #51.
  • Official UK Music DVD chart: ‘Elvis The Searcher’ climbed from #12 to #8.
  • Official UK Music DVD chart: ‘The Elvis Collection’ re-entry #38.
  • Official UK Christian and Gospel Album chart: 'Lovin' Elvis' re-entry at #17.
Official Scottish charts:

  • Official Scottish Album chart: ‘ELV1S 30 #1 Hits’ re-entry at #58. 


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

June 19 - The 20 Greatest Final Hot 100 No. 1 Hits of All-Time

The staff of Rolling Stone picked ‘The 20 Greatest Final Hot 100 No. 1 Hits of All-Time’. The Hot 100 toppers that stand as the final statement in the chart history books from some of our most successful artists ever. Of course, to even have a "final No. 1," you need to have a number of them to begin with, and it has to have been a while since your last one. They settled at a minimum of four total No. 1s, and at least ten years since the most recent one, to be eligible for this list -- though we recognize that we definitely still might not have heard the last from some of these artists in the hot 100's top tier just yet.

Elvis Presley’s 1969 recording of ‘Suspicious Minds’ “is listed at No.1.

The magazine notes: “How fitting that the King of Rock ’n’ Roll’s last No. 1 is one of his very best -- you wouldn’t want The King to go out on a dud. Presley recorded this song in Memphis in January 1969, when he was coming off his legendary comeback TV special (which aired the previous month). Elvis was back on top, and it shows in his performance. “Suspicious Minds” is notable for a very long fade -- which initially turns out to be a fake ending, guessing correctly that listeners hadn't gotten enough of the outro just yet. Elvis locks into a killer groove and stays with it for a good two minutes A very good two minutes.”

The Top 3:

5. Jay-Z & Alicia Keys, "Empire State of Mind" (2009)
4. The Temptations, "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" (1972)
3. Cher, "Believe" (1999)
2. The Jackson 5, "I'll Be There" (1970)
1. Elvis Presley, "Suspicious Minds" (1969)

(Source: Rolling Stone)

Thursday, June 18, 2020

June 18 - Flying In Twice

The E.P. Collector import label announced their second 2020 CD release entitled 'Flying In Twice' featuring the previously unreleased '
July 10th and 18th 1975 as recorded from the audience in Cleveland OH

From the press-release
Our second new release in 2020 is titled "Flying In Twice" and it brings us two fantastic shows from Cleveland, OH. The 3rd tour of 1975 was always rated as one of Elvis very best. All the concerts were excellent and the two Cleveland shows were no exception. Both the July 10th and 18th 1975 shows are previously unreleased on silver discs. July 10th show is of somewhat lesser sound quality but we have tried to improve the audio as much as possible. July 18th show was never before available in its complete form and in fine sound - until now!

Carefully restored and mastered with a focus on preserving the integrity of the original recording. Hence some minor hiss may be present; we felt it was more important to preserve the high frequencies and natural ambience of the original recordings.

This double CD is packaged in a nicely designed double digi-pack with two local press reviews. All images used for the artwork were taken in Cleveland, OH, July 10th and 18th, 1975.

CD1 - 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. Love Me Tender - 07. All Shook Up - 08. Medley: (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 09. Steamroller Blues - 10. The Wonder Of You - 11. Burning Love - 12. Band Introductions - 13. Johnny B. Goode - 14. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 15. Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff) - 16. Piano Solo (Glen D. Hardin) - 17. School Day - 18. T-R-O-U-B-L-E - 19. Why Me Lord? - 20. Let Me Be There (with reprise) - 21. Funny How Time Slips Away (with reprise) - 22. Little Darlin'- 23. Medley: Mystery Train / Tiger Man - 24. Can't Help Falling In Love - 25. Closing Vamp / Announcements.

CD2 - 01. Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001 Theme) - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. Medley: I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Big Boss Man - 05. Love Me - 06. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 07. Love Me Tender - 08. All Shook Up - 09. Medley: (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 10. Hound Dog - 11. The Wonder Of You - 12. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - 13. Burning Love - 14. Band Introductions - 15. Johnny B. Goode - 16. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 17. Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff) - 18. Piano Solo (Glen D. Hardin) - 19. School Day - 20. Happy Birthday (to Ed Enoch)- 21. T-R-O-U-B-L-E - 22. I Should Have Been Crucified (J. D. Sumner & The Stamps Quartet) - 23. Why Me Lord? - 24. Let Me Be There - 25. Heartbreak Hotel - 26. Funny How Time Slips Away (with false start & reprise) - 27. Little Darlin' - 28. It's Now Or Never - 29. Medley: Mystery Train / Tiger Man - 30. Can't Help Falling In Love - 31. Closing Vamp. 

Mein Leben ist der Rhythmus

Paramount Pictures released the Blu-ray version of the movie 'King Creole' in Germany as 'Mein Leben ist der Rhythmus'. This edition comes on the European PAL-format with various language tracks (English Dolby TrueHD 5.1, English DD 2.0 Mono, Italian Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono, German Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono, French Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono, Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono). The bonus material is the same as the U.S. release.

(Source: FECC / Amazon)

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

June 17 - Bel Air California - The Home Recordings

The Elvis One label announced the release of the CD 'Bel Air California - The Home Recordings' in their 'The Bootleg Series'. The CD is limited to 500 copies.

From the press release: All available home recordings as original recorded at 10550 Rocco Place, Bel Air, California together on one great new single cd release in the best possible sound. For the first time available on a single disc and all the songs presented as original recorded, so no overdubs with the exception of the 2 extra songs which are overdubbed versions in stereo. Almost 80 minutes in total of pure Elvis magic! This new cd from the bootleg series comes with a very nice booklet with photos and recording information. Limited edition of 500 copies only.

February 1966: 01. Tennessee Waltz (#1) 1:19 02. Tumbling Tumbleweeds 4:55 03. It’s No Fun Being Lonely 1:37 04. Hide Thou Me (Rock Of Ages) (#1) 1:05 05. Tennessee Waltz (#2) 3:03 06. If I Loved You 1:50 07. I’ve Been Blue 0:54 08. After Loving You 2:26 09. Hide Thou Me (Rock Of Ages) (#2) 5:01 10. Oh, How I Love Jesus (#1) 1:36 11. Show Me Thy Way, O Lord 2:38 12. Oh, How I Love Jesus (#2) 1:58 13. Moonlight Sonata 2:19 14. I, John (incomplete) 0:25 15. Blue Hawaii 0:41 16. Mary Lou Brown 2:28 17. San Antonio Rose 1:30. 

Early 1966 (from acetate) 18. Write To Me From Naples 2:36 19. My Heart Cries For You 1:47 20. Dark Moon (#1) 3:20 21. Dark Moon (#2) 2:55 

Mid 1966 22. Indescribably Blue 2:43 23. Fools Rush In 1:21 24. It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie 2:33 25. Five Hundred Miles (#1) 2:59 26. Five Hundred Miles (#2) 3:00 27. Blowin’ In The Wind (#1) 2:05 28. Blowin’ In The Wind (#2) 2:47 29. What Now My Love (#1) 2:17 30. What Now My Love (#2) 2:47 31. Suppose (#1) 3:02 32. Suppose (#2) 2:58.

Overdubbed Versions: 33. Fools Rush In 1:55 34. Blowin' In The Wind 2:59.

(Source: FECC)

Monday, June 15, 2020

June 15 - Stage and Book Highlights

The book 'Elvis: A Plan of God and SUN The Magic of 'Without You' by Darrin Memmer has been released. It features new information and never-seen-before documents from Elvis' Humes High School talent show performance and his SUN recordings'.

The book was released with an alternate cover and title for readers who feel strongly about using God's name, as 'Elvis, The Hand of Fate & SUN: The Magic of Without You'  

"The soft cover 'ELVIS, "A Plan of God" & SUN: The Magic of Without You' by Darrin Memmer has been released. Based on months of rigorous research, access to primary source materials, and interviews with those who were there at the time, the book provides fascinating, new information and never-before-seen archival documents about Elvis’ 12th grade Carnival Variety Show performance and Sun Studio recordings. 
The front cover of this 264-page, 6x9 soft cover dramatically takes you back to the Lauderdale Courts on January 8, 1953. The precise moment in time when a Boy from Tupelo turned eighteen years old and purposefully began his transition to an entertainer of renown in Memphis.

Highlights of this new release include: "Without You" lyrics and music chart handwritten on 2 pages within a Peters’ Blank Music Book. This previously-unseen document courtesy Rose Clayton.

Twenty-five pages devoted to the "real story" of which Mildred Scrivener-produced talent show Elvis appeared on (and won) at Humes High Two long-form interviews about Elvis’ appearance on the Humes High talent show: "Elvis In Red" At The Humes Variety Show in '53 with Buzzy Forbess, and Elvis' Audition and Humes Variety Show in '53 with Mary Ruth Forbess. Incredibly, Ms. Forbess reveals that Elvis had to audition to appear on the show!

John W. Heath authentic ticket for Humes High School Carnival Presents "The Variety Show," March 27, 1953. A sweet tenth-grader attending Humes High in 1954 recounts, in detail, being at the Porter-Leath Orphanage and hearing Elvis's debut on Dewey Phillips' radio show 'Red Hot and Blue'. It is the only such memory to ever be printed! Confirmation by Jud Phillips that Marion Keisker, not his brother, Sam, recorded Elvis' first demo The back story to the "Elvis at 18" photo taken by his mother, Ms. Presley A fresh examination of Elvis, Big Mama Thornton, and the recording of "Hound Dog" Two chapters, "A Music Man Like Nobody Ever Saw" and "Folk Music Fireball", bring you an amazing 30 pages of SUN 209 knowledge

Darrin Memmer's 'ELVIS, "A Plan of God" & SUN: The Magic of Without You' devotes sixteen pages to the Jimmy Sweeney demo "Without You" (a passion of Chris Kennedy to be made available as a full-length album by Org Music in August 2020) and why it was EP’s magic moment at Sun Records. This book is published In Memory of Marion Keisker and dedicated to Mr. Buzzy Forbess."

Stage Highligts and Rarities

Due for release from the Elvis Concert Fan import label are three volumes entitled ‘Stage Highlights and Rarities’. 

From the press release: The Elvis Concert Fan label is proud to come up with a new CD series featuring highlights and rarities from Elvis live on stage from 1969 to 1977. A great collection of songs and moments recorded in Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe and on tour from the greatest entertainer of all time!

 All tracks are taken from the best possible sources including audience recordingsand soundboard recordings. All CDs come with a booklet with photos and recording information.

Volume one features 2 versions of "I'm Leaving It Up To You" (stage rehearsal and live version), "Turn Around, Look At Me", a great show opening with "That's All Right / C.C. Rider / That's All Right", a very long version of the medley "I Got A Woman / Amen" with a much longer full version of "Amen",  rare one liners and short versions like "For Once In My Life" and "Roses Are Red", and many others. 

Volume two features "When The Snow Is On The Roses", "You Can Have Her", "(The) Mickey Mouse (Club) March",  the very first live version of "Steamroller Blues", a rare show ending with "Also Sprach Zarathustra" after the "Closing Vamp", "Why Me Lord" (solo version), a spoken version of "You Gave Me A Mountain", rare one liners like "When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano" and "I Need Your Lovin’ Every Day", and many others.

Volume three features "Folsom Prison Blues / I Walk The Line", "Oh Happy Day", "The Blue Danube (An der schönen blauen Donau)" after "Suspicious Minds", "Help Me Make It Through The Night", rare one liners like "Stop The World And Let Me Off", "That's Amore", "Higher and Higher", "Detroit City" and "Turn Around, Look At Me", and many others.

Volume One:
I’m Leaving It Up To You (25.01.1973 - Stage Rehearsal - Las Vegas) - Elvis Playing With Laughing Box (20.08.1970 MS - Las Vegas) - Crying Time 12.08.1973 MS - Las Vegas) - Young And Beautiful (19.08.1975 MS - Las Vegas) - Crying In The Chapel (19.08.1975 DS - Las Vegas) - More (20.08.1970 MS - Las Vegas) - Turn Around, Look At Me - 23.07.1975 8:30pm - Asheville) - Johnny B. Goode (04.09.19.72 - CS - Las Vegas) - One Night (24.06.1977 8:30pm - Madison) - I Couldn’t Live Without You (02.09.1974 - CS - Las Vegas) - What Now My Love (Spoken Version - 04.12.1976 DS Las Vegas) - It’s Now Or Never (Italian Version - 15.12.19.75 - CS - Las Vegas) - My Boy / What A Friend We Have In Jesus / My Boy / Release Me / My Boy (28.08.19.73 MS - Las Vegas) - America The Beautiful (09.12.1976 MS - Las Vegas) - I Just Can’t Help Believin’ (02.12.19.76 ON - Las Vegas) - Jailhouse Rock / Amen / Jailhouse Rock (10.08.19.71 MS - Las Vegas) - I John (01.08.1971 MS - Lake Tahoe) - I Got A Woman / Amen (22.07.1975 8:30pm - Asheville) - You’ll Never Walk Alone (Elvis At The Piano - 19.07.1975 8:30pm - Uniondale) - Memphis Tennessee 03.07.1973 8:30pm - Atlanta) - Opening Vamp / That’s All Right / C.C. Rider / That’s All Right (20.08.1975 CS - Las Vegas) - Suzie Q. (20.07.1975 2:30pm - Nortfolk) - Make The World Go Away (08.08.1973 MS - Las Vegas) - I’m Leaving It Up To You (10.02.1972 MS - Las Vegas)

Short Versions, One Liners And More:
For Once In My Life (02.09.1974 CS - Las Vegas) - Take These Chains From My Heart (21.08.1974 MS - Las Vegas) - The Most Beautiful Girl (27.01.1974 10pm - Las Vegas) - The Great Pretender (01.04.1975 DS - Las Vegas) - Rip It Up (14.08.1971 MS - Las Vegas) - Ave Maria (04.09.1972 CS - Las Vegas) - Love Me Tender Sung On Teddy Bear Tune (03.09.1971 DS - Las Vegas) - If I Can Dream (01.08.1971 MS - Lake Tahoe) - Roses Are Red (22.03.1975 CS - Las Vegas) - Blue Hawaii / Hawaiian Wedding Song (06.11.1971 2:30pm - Cleveland)

Volume Two:
When The Snow Is On The Roses (24.08.1970 MS - Las Vegas) - You’re The Reason I’m Living (22.03.1975 MS - Las Vegas) - Wooden Heart (13.12.1975 DS - Las Vegas) - Such A Night (12.12.1976 CS - Las Vegas) - Loving You (19.08.1975 DS - Las Vegas) - Bathroom Story (19.08.1975 MS - Las Vegas) - Happy Birthday To Charlie Hodge (12.12.1976 CShow - Las Vegas) - Sweet Inspiration (20.08.1970 MS - Las Vegas) - You Don’t Know Me / I Got A Woman (14.08.1970 MS - Las Vegas) - Suspicious Minds (Laughing Version - 20.08.1970 MS - Las Vegas) - You Can Have Her (11.05.1974 2:30pm - Los Angeles) - I’ll Have To Go / Portrait Of My Love (03.08.1972 - Stage Rehearsal - Las Vegas) - You Gave Me A Mountain (Spoken Version - 03.07.1973 8:30pm - Atlanta) - Why Me Lord (Solo Version - 22.07.1975 8:30pm - Asheville) - Steamroller Blues (07.08.1972 MS - Las Vegas) - (The) Mickey Mouse (Club) March (01.04.1975 CS - Las Vegas) - Big Boss Man (11.05.1974 2:30pm - Los Angeles) - Hound Dog / Are You Sincere (19.08.1975 MS - Las Vegas) - Killing Me Softly (19.07.1975 2:30pm - Uniondale) - Shake A Hand (22.07.1975 8:30pm - Asheville) - Promised Land (20.07.1975 8:30pm - Norfolk) - Monologue About New Year’s Eve Show In Pontiac / Auld Lang Syne (One Line - 26.04.1976 8:30pm - Seattle) - Tiger Man (Slow Version - 11.08.1973 MS - Las Vegas) - Elvis Attacked On Stage (18.02.1973 MS - Las Vegas) - Pieces Of My Life (24.07.1975 8:30pm - Asheville)

Short Versions, One Liners And More:
I Need Your Lovin’ Every Day (14.08.1971 MS - Las Vegas) - Kentucky Rain (Instrumental - 20.02.1970 MS - Las Vegas) - San Antonio Rose (01.09.1970 DS - Las Vegas) - Carry Me Back To Old Virginia (13.02.1973 DS - Las Vegas) - The Eyes Of Texas (04.06.1975 8:30pm - Houston) - When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano (21.02.1970 DS - Las Vegas) - You Do Something To Me (01.04.1975 CS - Las Vegas) - My Wish Came True (20.02.1977 8:30pm - Charlotte) - Can’t Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp / Also Sprach Zarathustra / Closing Vamp / Announcements (13.05.1973 3:00am - Lake Tahoe)

Volume Three:
Folsum Prison Blues / I Walk The Line (14.08.1970 MS - Las Vegas) - Alright, Okay, You Win (29.09.1974 2:30pm - Detroit) - Blueberry Hill (13.02.1977 8:30pm - West Palm Beach) - Suspicious Minds / The Blue Danube (An der schönen blauen Donau) (22.08.1974 MS - Las Vegas) - Are You Lonesome Tonight (19.08.1975 MS - Las Vegas) - C. C. Rider (05.02.1970 DS - Las Vegas) - Monologue / Stop The World And Let Me Off (21.08.1974 MS - Las Vegas) - I’m Leavin’ (21.08.1974 MS - Las Vegas) - Little Sister / Get Back (27.04.1973 8:00pm - Portland) - Tiger Man (20.08.1970 DS - Las Vegas) - Trouble (28.08.1973 MS - Las Vegas) - Green Green Grass Of Home (20.08.1975 DS - Las Vegas) - Oh Happy Day (14.08.1970 MS - Las Vegas) - Softly, As I Leave You (15.12.1975 CS - Las Vegas) - Help Me Make It Through The Night (03.07.1973 8:30pm - Atlanta) - Bridge Over Troubled Water (26.07.1977 8:30pm - Indianapolis) - Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On / Blue Suede Shoes (27.08.1971 DS - Las Vegas) - Hound Dog (With Break - 26.04.1976 8:30pm - Seattle) - Auld Lang Syne (31.12.1976 9:30pm - Pittsburgh) - Bathroom Explanation / It’s Now Or Never (22.07.1975 8:30pm - Asheville) - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (30.03.1975 DS - Las Vegas) - Softly, As I Leave You (Elvis Microphone Only - Spoken Version - Edited - 03.09.1973 CS - Las Vegas) - Sweet Caroline (30.03.1975 MS - Las Vegas)

Short Versions, One Liners And More:
24 That’s Amore (29.03.1975 DS Las Vegas) - Amazing Grace (14.08.1973 DS - Las Vegas) - Blueberry Hill (11.11.1970 8:30pm - Portland) - Turn Around, Look At Me (28.06.1974 8:30pm - Milwaukee) - Introduction Of Billy Swan / I Can Help (29.03.1975 MS - Las Vegas) - Introduction Of Paul Anka / My Way (04.09.1970 MS - Las Vegas) - Monologue/ La Bamba (04.09.1970 MS - Las Vegas) - Memphis Tennessee (20.08.1970 DS - Las Vegas) - ‘No Jailhouse Rock’ (17.02.1970 MS - Las Vegas) - Santa Claus Is Back In Town (18.11.1972 2:30pm - Honolulu) - Introduction Of Freddy Cannon / Higher And Higher / Introduction Of Jackie Wilson (20.08.1974 MS - Las Vegas) - Rip It Up (29.03.1975 MS - Las Vegas) - Detroit City (11.09.1970 8:30pm - Detroit) - Auld Lang Syne (31.12.1975 8:30pm - Pontiac)

(Source: Elvis Information Network / Various)

   

Saturday, June 13, 2020

June 13 - Charts June 2020 - Week 2

The weekly Elvis Presley chart update. Again the same three titles are featured on the U.S. and U.K. charts. This list will be updated when new charts become available Monday.

Billboard charts:
  • Billboard Album Top 200 chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ dropped from #158 to #170. 
  • Billboard Top Christian Album chart: ‘Elvis: Ultimate Gospel’ remained steady at #36. 
  • Billboard Top Rock Album chart: ‘ The Essential Elvis Presley’ dropped from #20 to #22. 
  • Billboard Top Country Album chart: ‘ The Essential Elvis Presley’ dropped from #19 to #20.
Elvis Presley’s The Essential Elvis Presley (1/0) ends a 10 week run on the Catalog chart during which it reached #37.

Official UK charts
  • Official UK Album chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ dropped from #64 to #66. 
  • Official UK Streaming Album chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ remained steady at #54. 
  • Official Music DVD chart: ‘Elvis The Searcher’ dropped from #11 to #12.
  • Official Music DVD chart: ‘Elvis Lives - Live From Memphis’ dropped off the chart from last week’s re-entry at #34. 
(Source: UK Mix / Billboard / Official Chart Company)

Thursday, June 11, 2020

June 11 - Tickle Me with Vinyl

Due for release from the Follow That Dream Collectors label at the end of June / beginning of July is the double LP 'Tickle Me'. This 55th Anniversary Edition contains the mono and stereo version, alternative takes  and radio spots.

LP 1 - Side A: (It’s A) Long Lonely Highway (Single Master) - It Feels So Right - (Such An) Easy Question - Dirty, Dirty Feeling - Put The Blame On Me - I´m Yours (Undubbed Single Master) - Night Rider


Side B: I Feel That I´ve Known You Forever - Slowly But Surely

Bonus Songs:  Just For Old Time Sake - Gonna Get Back Home Somehow - There´s Always Me - Make Me Know It - Something Blue - Allied Artists Radio Spot (Version 1)


LP 2 - Side C - Outtakes: (Such An) Easy Question (Take 1) - Night Rider (Remake - Take 5) - Put The Blame On Me (Take 1 & 2) - Dirty, Dirty Feeling (Take 1) - It Feels So Right (Take 2) - I Feel That I´ve Known You Forever (Take 3) - Slowly But Surely (Take 1) - Allied Artists Radio Spot (Version 2)


Side D - Mono Masters: 

US EP (Side 1): I Feel That I've Known You Forever - Slowly But Surely

US EP (Side 2): Night Rider - Put The Blame On Me - Dirty, Dirty Feeling

UK EP - Volume 2 - (Side 1): It Feels So Right - (Such An) Easy Question

UK EP - Volume 2 (Side 2): (It’s A) Long Loney Highway (Single Master) - I'm Yours (Undubbed Single Master)


Deleted


The FTD label also announced that the titles 'Elvis At The International Hotel', 'Takin' Tahoe Tonight', 'The Wonder Of You', 'Live in Las Vegas 1969', 'Las Vegas 1974' and 'Elvis In Atlanta'.


(Source: FTD / FECC / UEPS)

Tuesday, June 09, 2020

June 09 - Bonnie Pointer Died

Bonnie Pointer, one of the founding members of the Pointer Sisters,  died. She was 69. Together with her sister Anita Pointer she wrote the song ‘Fairytale’ which Elvis recorded March 10, 1970 for the ’Today’ album. 

(Source: UEPS / CNN)

Monday, June 08, 2020

June 08 - That’s The Way It Is Returns

The classic concert rockumentary ‘Elvis: That’s The Way It Is’ returned to the big screens after being delayed due to the Corona outbreak. The movie was shown in The Netherlands from June 8th to Jun 17th. 

Synopsis:
To celebrate 85 years of Elvis Presley and 50 years since the film’s original 1970 release, the King returns to cinemas – remastered - with Elvis: That’s The Way It Is, an unmissable event for fans around the world.  

On July 31, 1969, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Elvis Presley staged a triumphant return to the concert stage from which he had been absent for almost a decade. His series of concerts broke all box office records and completely reenergised the career of the King of Rock 'n' Roll.    


This feature-length documentary and concert film features performances including Love Me Tender, Blue Suede Shoes, Heartbreak Hotel and Suspicious Minds. Crossing the footlights, revealing the legendary singer as a man preparing for an emotional career comeback, the fans who travelled from all over the world for this history-making event.... and the electrifying live performance of the man who gave us rock 'n' roll.

(Source: UEPS / Pathe)

Sunday, June 07, 2020

June 07 - Graceland Celebrated 38th Anniversary

On June 7, 1982 EPE opened Elvis' home Graceland to his fans and the general public. 38 years later, the incomparable legacy of Elvis Presley continues to thrive. 

Saturday, June 06, 2020

June 06 - Classic Movies, Broadcasts and Bootlegs

Bayview Films announced the release of the DVD ‘Classic Broadcasts’ with August 20 2020 as the release date. 

From the press release: This is the definitive filmed proof of Elvis Presley as a live phenomenon. None of these performances were pre-recorded. They were all broadcast live with no edits or overdubs. For these amazing shows there was no safety net, no retakes, or the chance to correct a mistake. What you see here is the most honest picture of the most remarkable performer in history. From the excitement of the live broadcasts during the rock 'n' roll years to the sheer majesty of the King at his peak in '73; this is the confirmation of his true greatness.

Elvis, Technicolor in Black and White (Updated)

The French Elvis My Happiness delayed the release of the book ‘Elvis, Technicolor in Black and White’ by Jean-Marie Pouzenc to August 18, 2020. The book focuses on the movies ‘Blue Hawaii’ and ‘Fun in Acapulco’ in over 1000 - mainly unpublished - pictures and documents from the Paramount archives and Cinémonde magazine. 

The author also documents Elvis movies is France, film by film through photos, posters, reviews, advertisements, stories, songs, records, magazine covers, rare French documents and more. 

The book contains a CD with 29 alternative versions and other film rarities from 1956 to 1962 and a LP containing 8 alternate versions. 

There’s A Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On

The Circle G import label released the classic bootleg title ‘There’s A Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On’ on a double LP / CD set. 

 From the press release: To mark the 50th anniversary of the 1970 Nashville recordings this classic release is reissued on a high quality double vinyl album on blue and red vinyl. The original CD issued in 1995 has always been considered one of the finest Elvis releases. This album features raw uncut and undubbed versions of some of his finest performances. 

Side A: Warming Up - Little Cabin On The Hill - A Hundred Years From Now - Faded Love - The Fool - There Goes My Everything - It Ain’t No Big Thing

Side B: Got My Mojo Working / Keep Your Hands Off Her - Yellow Rose Of Texas - If I Were You - Snowbird - Cindy, Cindy - Where Did They Go Lord ? - Patch It Up

Side C: Running Scared - Tomorrow Never Comes - Faded Love - I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water - Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On

Side D: Bridge Over Troubled Water - Bonus Songs - 04/06/1970:
Mystery Train / Tiger Man (Jam) - I Was Born About Ten Thousand Years Ago
07/06/1970: I Really Don’t Want To Know (Undubbed Master)
06 and 07/06/1970: Just Pretend (Take 1 & 2) - Heart Of Rome (Take 1)

CD: Warming Up - Little Cabin On The Hill - A Hundred Years From Now - Faded Love - The Fool - There Goes My Everything - It Ain’t No Big Thing - Got My Mojo Working / Keep Your Hands Off Her - Yellow Rose Of Texas - If I Were You - Snowbird - Cindy, Cindy -  Where Did They Go Lord? - Patch It Up - Running Scared - Tomorrow Never Comes - Faded Love - I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water - Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On - Bridge Over Troubled Water

Bonus Songs: 
June 4/5, 1970 
21.  Mystery Train / Tiger Man (Jam) 
22.  I Was Born About Ten Thousand Years Ago 
June 7/8, 1970
23.  I Really Don’t Want To Know - Undubbed Master 
June 6/7, 1970
24.  Just Pretend – Take 1, 2   
25.  Heart Of Rome – Take 1  

Golden Records - The Alternate Album Collection

The 5-CD-set ‘Golden Records - The Alternate Album Collection’ was released. 

From the press release: ‘The Elvis’ Golden Records’ albums spanning a period of 26 years are true classic albums. The first two volumes focusing on his early career, volume 3 and 4 mainly on the 1960’s. The posthumous released volume 5 is focussing on his career from the end 60’s to the late 70’s. 

Most Elvis fans have started their collection with buying these classic albums. Being a compilation of success 45RPM releases (both A and B sides) this series contained the regular master versions, just as the fans knew the songs so well.

This 5 CD boxset including a 20-page booklet contains only rare alternate and hard to find versions. The same line-up but a very different listening experience. 

Volume 1:
Hound Dog - Loving You (Fast Movie Version Take 9 & 10 Stereo / KX) - All Shook Up (Master / Count In & Dialogue) - Heartbreak Hotel (Take 5) - Jailhouse Rock (Take 3 & 4) - Love Me (28.10.1956 Ed Sullivan Show) - Too Much (06.01.1957 Ed Sullivan Show) - Don’t Be Cruel - That’s When Your Heartaches Begin (Take 1) - Teddy Bear (Electronic Stereo Version) - Love Me Tender (Stereo Master) - Treat Me Nice ( First Movie Version Take 8 & 9 / 2003) - Anyway You Want Me (Master Less Reverb) - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You (Take 17) - Heartbreak Hotel (Take 6) - Jailhouse Rock (Composite Master) - Loving You (Slow Movie Version Take 5 / HZ) - That’s When Your Heartaches Begin (Take 6) - Treat Me Nice (Second Movie Version 2008 - Take 7) - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You (Take 16 - 1981 Overdub Version For "This Is Elvis")

Volume 2:
I Need Your Love Tonight (Take 3 & 4) - Don’t (Take 7 / Count In) - Wear My Ring Around Your Neck (Undubbed Master) - My Wish Came True (Master / Count In) - I Got Stung (Take 20) - One Night Of Sin - A Big Hunk O’ Love (Take 1) - I Beg Of You (Take 1) - A Fool Such As I (Take 2 & 3) - Doncha’ Think It’s Time (Take 40) - I Need Your Love Tonight (Take 14) - Wear My Ring Around Your Neck - Don’t - I Got Stung (Take 11) - A Big Hunk O’ Love (Take 2) - I Beg Of You (Take 6) - A Fool Such As I (Take 5) - Doncha’ Think It’s Time (Take 47) - One Night (27.06.1968 6.00pm Sitdown Show - 1981 Overdub Version For The "I Was The One"-Album)

Volume 3:
It’s Now Or Never (Take 1) - Stuck On You (Take 1) - Fame And Fortune (Take 2) - I Gotta Know (Take 1 & 2) - Surrender (Take 2) - I Feel So Bad (Take 1) - Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Take 5) - His Latest Flame (Take 4) - Little Sister (Take 6) - Good Luck Charm (Take 1) - Anything That’s Part Of You (Take 1) - She’s Not You (Take 1) - It’s Now Or Never (Take 4) - Stuck On You (Take 2) - Fame And Fortune (Take 15) - I Gotta Know (No Backing Vocals) - Surrender (Take 6) - His Latest Flame (Take 6) - Little Sister (Take 9) - Anything That’s Part Of You (Take 5) - She’s Not You (Take 2) - Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Home Recording)

Volume 4:
Love Letters (1966 / Take 7) - Witchcraft (Take 1) - It Hurts Me (Take 1) - What’d I Say (Take 1 & 2) - Please Don’t Drag That String Around (Take 5) - Indescribably Blue (Vocal Overdub Take 1) - Devil In Disguise (Take 5 & 6) - Lonely Man ( Take 9 / Record Version) - A Mess Of Blues (Take 1) - Ask Me (Take 6) - Ain’t That Loving You Baby (Take 1 - Medium Tempo) - Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello (Take 5) - Love Letters (1966 / Take 8) - Witchcraft (Take 2) - It Hurts Me (Mono Master / No Backing Vocals) - Devil In Disguise (Take 3) - Ask Me (Take 4) - Ain’t That Loving You Baby (Take 11 / Fast Version) - Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello (Take 1 / Slow Version)

Volume 5:
Suspicious Minds (Undubbed Master) - Kentucky Rain (Take 9) - In The Ghetto (Take 1) - Clean Up Your Own Back Yard (Undubbed Movie Master) - If I Can Dream (Vocal Overdub Take 1 & 2) - Burning Love (Take 4) - If You Talk In Your Sleep (Early Dubbed Master) - For The Heart (Undubbed Master) - Moody Blue (Take 3) - Way Down (Take 2A) - Suspicious Minds (21.08.1969 M/S) - Kentucky Rain (23.02.1970) - Burning Love (14.04.1972 / Stereo) - Moody Blue (21.02.1977) - In The Ghetto (1980 Overdub Version / No Backup) - If You Talk In Your Sleep  (1980 Overdub Version / Early Mix) - For The Heart (Take 5B) - Way Down (Take 2C) - If I Can Dream (Vocal Overdub Take 3)

The Alternate Golden Records: Extended Play Collection

Also released is a limited edition vinyl edition ‘The Alternate Golden Records: Extended Play Collection’ containing 5 EPs on yellow and green vinyl and one CD. 

Volume 1 - Side A: Jailhouse Rock (Take 3 & 4) - Loving You (KX Take 9 & 10 - Stereo)

Side B: I Want You I Need You I Love You (Take 16) - Treat Me Nice (2003 First Movie Version Take 8 & 9)

Volume 2 - Side A: I Need Your Love Tonight (Take 3 & 4) - I Got Stung (Take 20)
Side B: A Fool Such As I (Take 5) - I Beg Of You (Take 5 & 6)

Volume 3 - Side A: Stuck On You (Take 1) - Little Sister (Take 9)
Side B: I Feel So Bad (Take 1) - His Latest Flame (Take 4)

Volume 4 - Side A: Indescribably Blue (V.O - Take 1) - Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello (Take 1 - Slow)
Side B: Please Don’t Drag That String Around (Take 5) - Devil In Disguise (Take 3 - False Start + Complete)

Volume 5 - Side A: If You Talk In Your Sleep (Brass Overdubbed Of Undubbed Master) - Burning Love (14.04.1972 Greensboro - Stereo) - If I Can Dream (TV Soundtrack Version V.O Take 1 & 2)

Bonus CD: Jailhouse Rock (Take 3 & 4) - Loving You (KX Take 9 & 10 - Stereo) - I Want You I Need You I Love You (Take 16) - Treat Me Nice (2003 First Movie Version Take 8 & 9) - I Need Your Love Tonight (Take 3 & 4) - I Got Stung (Take 20) - A Fool Such As I (Take 5) - I Beg Of You (Take 5 & 6) - Stuck On You (Take 1) - Little Sister (Take 9) - I Feel So Bad (Take 1) - His Latest Flame (Take 4) - Indescribably Blue (V.O - Take 1) - Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello (Take 1 - Slow) - Please Don’t Drag That String Around (Take 5) - Devil In Disguise (Take 3 - False Start + Complete) - If You Talk In Your Sleep (Brass Overdubbed Of Undubbed Master) - Burning Love (14.04.1972 Greensboro - Stereo) - If I Can Dream (TV Soundtrack Version V.O Take 1 & 2)

(Source: Amazon / Elvis My Happiness / FECC)

May 06 - Charts May 2020 - Week 1

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. Again, Elvis Presley is currently only featured in the U.A. and U.K. charts. 

U.S. Billboard charts:
  • Billboard Top 200 Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ dropped from #153 to #158. 
  • Billboard Catalog Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ dropped from #42 to #49.
  • Billboard Top Christian Album chart: ‘Elvis: Ultimate Gospel’ remained steady at #36.  
  • Billboard Top Rock Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ climbed from #21 to #20. 

Official UK charts:
  • Official UK Album chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ dropped from #53 to #64. 
  • Official UK Streaming Album chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ dropped from #45 to #54. 
  • Official Music Video chart: ‘Elvis The Searcher’ climbed from #27 to #11.
  • Official Music Video chart: ‘Elvis Lives - Live From Memphis’ re-entry at #34.
(Source: UK Mix / Billboard / Official Chart Company)

Friday, June 05, 2020

June 05 - Elvis 1956 Released

The book 'Elvis 1956 – September 9 First Ed Sullivan Show' by Paul Belard has been released. 

The “limited edition” first pressing focuses on one of the most significant events in the Elvis story, his first appearance on America’s most popular television entertainment program, The Ed Sullivan Show.

Elvis was reviewed at the time as "Anything more outrageously offensive to good taste, is hard to imagine – within the limits of the law. The young man seems devoid of talent, unless one recognises such a thing as a talent for vulgarity". How then, does he happen to appear again and again on a program allegedly governed by the American family’s sovereign demand for things of good taste?

On the >>> Elvis Information Network you can read a review by Nigel Patterson.

(Source: Elvis Information Network)

Thursday, June 04, 2020

Elvis Day By Day Reviewed in TMAHM

The ‘Elvis Day By Day 2019’ book was reviewed in the latest Elvis The Man And His Music (vol. 128) complimenting the design: ‘It is extremely well laid out - in full color, easily accessible and fully illustrated’.

For more details, visit the >>> 'Elvis Day By Day 2019' book page

June 04 - Perfect American Male


The French Rouge Profond announced the release of the 140-page book ‘Perfect American Male: Elvis Presley et le Cinéma’ by Jan Jouvert with August 20th as the release date. The book takes a closer look at the 31 pictures Elvis Presley made between 1956 and 1969. 


(Source: Decors / Amazon)

Tuesday, June 02, 2020

June 02 - Gaynel Hodge Died

Gaynel Hodge died. He was co-author of ‘Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine)’ which Elvis recorded at home in Germany in 1959.

(Source: Elvis The man and His Music)

Monday, June 01, 2020

June 01 - Time Is Slipping Away

The E.P. Collector label released an audience recording of the March 25, 1977 concert entitled 'Time Is Slipping Away'. This release is an upgrade of the CD-R fan-release ‘The Norman Conquest’.

The Design

The CD comes housed in a double fold-out digi-pack with a good looking design featuring a good 1977 shot of our man from The Oklahoman newspaper which covered the concert. A major upgrade compared to the previous release.

Inside more pictures from the concert, liner-notes on the tape(s) used, original tickets and the original concert review complete the package.
A nice touch is the typography of Elvis name. That is taken from the ‘Welcome To Me World’ LP, released March 1977.

The Content

This CD contains the March 25, 1977 Evening Show performance as recorded from the audience at Norman's Lloyd Noble Arena at the University of Oklahoma. This show was part of Elvis Presley’s 26th tour since 1969.
It is a mix of audience-recordings as British fan Rex Martin was caught filming and taping the performance. The producers mixed his recording with other recordings of this concert. The result is a complete concert, but in mixed - audience recorded - audio quality.

The producers chose to create a complete concert performance, but the tape used for the opening of the show slips and it is not very enjoyable. The audio improves quickly, but it remains an audience-recording and you have to concentrate on the concert to enjoy it.

Professional audio of this concert is still locked in the archives of the record company. Felton Jarvis decided to bring with him the 8-track recording equipment this time hoping to record some new songs by Elvis on stage. RCA had given up on the idea to get Elvis to record in studio. The first time he set up the 8-track recorder was in Norman.

The record company already released 'Are You Lonesome Tonight', 'Blue Christmas', 'That's Alright' and 'Blue Suede Shoes' from March 26, 1977 on the 2002 Follow That Dream CD ‘Spring Tours 77’. The company also released 'Trying To Get To You' and 'Lawdy, Miss Clawdy' recorded the day after is in Abilene, Texas.

The concert itself was covered in The Daily Oklahoman on March 26, 1976: ‘Elvis "The King" Presley Delights Audience in Lloyd Noble Arena’.

"The King" Elvis Presley opened, as might be expected, to a sold-out house of nearly 13,000 at Norman's Lloyd Noble Arena Friday. The show was the first of a rare two-performance date by Presley in the arena.

Lines stretched outside the front of the arena one and a half hours before the concert started. Scalpers sold $15 seats for $40. But the arena erupted in one consolidated primal scream when Presley swaggered onto the stage at 10 PM after three warm-up acts.

He stands and leers often at his screaming fans. He moves slower now. Gone are the provocative gyrations which were scandalous in years past. He gives out lots of scarves and kisses. He also wiles away minutes characteristically mumbling. He kids excessively. But he still drives the crowd wild.
Presley's repertoire has ample progressive country and pop songs such as ‘Ain't It Funny How Time Slips Away’ and ‘Tell Me If You Love Me’. His block-busting staples remain with ‘Jailhouse Rock’, ‘It's Now Or Never’ and ‘Don't Be Cruel’.

The Elvis magic was ever present wide though his voice range isn't as wide as before. But he's forever in the minds of his devoted following. And that's just as it should be with the living legend.

Conclusion

Elvis in 1977 will remain difficult. To enjoy a show like this you probably should be in the same room - or should I say arena - as Elvis, experiencing the magic he brings to the stage by being there.

The E.P. Collectors label captured this experience from the perspective of the audience. It is nice to hear the excitement of Elvis Presley appearing on stage, the crowd goes wild, no matter how our man looked and performed less than five months before his untimely and unfortunate passing.
This release is a big upgrade of the previous outing of this show, but, in line with the name of the label, for E.P. collectors only. Until we get the professionally recorded material will be released this is the best we have.