Press Release - Elvis Day By Day 2020 – The Year In Review

In January 2020 I released the first volume of 'Elvis Day By Day - The Year in Review'. The reactions were positive and several readers described the book as a 2.0 version of the annual Elvis Specials that were published from 1963 to 1985. 

Some reactions:

"This is an informative and easy to read book for fans and collectors, only when you read it you know what you missed. It should have been done years ago."  

"I definitely recommend this book. It offers an excellent overview of everything Elvis has done in 2019."

"It’s brilliant, nothing sure of absolutely brilliant … Get it if you can, you will not be disappointed."

 "It is extremely well laid out - in full colour, easily accessible and fully illustrated."

"There is nothing like this book, very original, and stands up to the best books out there of Elvis 10/10." 

"What an amazing book this is! … I do try to keep up with all things Elvis but was pleasantly surprised to read something new to me on nearly every page! … Of course almost all of this can be found if you want to search the internet, however the book puts it all together in a much more accessible way." 

Reason enough to do a 2020 edition!

Elvis Day By Day 2020 – The Year In Review

Poplar Tunes Publishing and the Memphis Mansion are proud to announce the release of ‘Elvis Day By Day 2020 – The Year In Review’. 

The 600 news-updates on everything that happened in the Elvis world this year clearly show that Elvis Presley still matters today! 

We compiled all the news and added over 50 in-depth reviews, articles and interviews, covering both the important as well as more odd-ball releases of the year, in one complete and fully illustrated reference-book. 

The book was compiled and written by Kees Mouwen with additional contributions by Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley - from the Elvis Information Network - and other fans from around the world, and a preface by renowned Elvis Presley author Alanna Nash.  

The full color book measures 20 x 25 cm / 8 x 10 inch and contains 300+ pages with more than 550 illustrations. 

The book will be available mid-January 2021. The price: 30 euro. 

Available at:

The book is available for pre-order at >>>http://MemphisMansion.com online shop.

For fans outside Europe the book will be made available through Amazon. 

If you want a signed copy, contact Kees Mouwen at elvis @ xs4all.nl.

If you can't wait that long or want to keep the series complete, the 'Elvis Day By Day 2019' is available >>> here. 

Description: ‘Elvis Day By Day 2020 – The Year In Review’

“A Yearbook About Him”

The year 2020 will be remembered as a ‘special' year. We saw several great Elvis releases on CD and vinyl (lots of it!), many new books, movie releases on DVD, Blu-ray and in cinemas around the world. We had to say good-bye to friends from the Elvis world and there was the Covid-19 pandemic, which had a huge impact on the Elvis world too.  

This year marked several anniversaries. We celebrated Elvis' 85th birthday with a virtual Elvis Week. 65 years ago Elvis signed his first contract with RCA Records, 60 years ago he appeared on Frank Sinatra’s 'Welcome Home Elvis’ TV-show, released the classic ‘Elvis Is Back’ album and his first gospel LP 'His Hand In Mine'.   

2020 also marked the 50th anniversary of Elvis’ ‘On Stage Season’ and album, breaking his own attendance records, the sold-out Houston Astrodome Concerts and Elvis’ legendary visit to President Nixon at the White House. 

But above all, 2020 marked the 50th anniversary of the legendary Nashville Marathon recording sessions and the release of the 'Elvis: That's The Way It Is' movie and LP. Fans were spoiled with a great box-set, books and Elvis’ return to the big screen. 

Everything Elvis Presley from 2020 (and more) is captured in this comprehensive day-by-day yearbook. Fully illustrated with new in-depth reviews, articles and interviews on the main - and odd-ball - releases of the year. 

The good, the bad, the funny and the sad, and even the news and reviews you may have missed. All packed in one complete book to revisit 2020 as it happened.

November 29 - Feelin' Fast Vibrations

The Cocky Rooster Company 'Feelin' Fast Vibrations' import CD was released. It features a newly created matrix mix of Elvis ' August 21, 1974 Midnight Show performance at the Las Vegas, Hilton Hotel.

Victoria Racimo Died

Actress Victoria Racimo died. She was 69.  

She co-wrote the book 'All the King's Horses: The Equestrian Life of Elvis Presley' with Kimberly Gatto. 

(Source: Elvis on CD / Pop Culture)

November 28 - Good Time Auctions In Las Vegas

The Touchdown import label released the 'Good Times In Las Vegas' CD. This album features a good audience-recording of Elvis Presley's August 9, 1972 Midnight Show performance at the Las Vegas Hilton. 

Sold!

Elvis Presley's 2.25 carats self-designed diamond ring TCB ring, gifted to J.D. Sumner in 1975, was sold for US$352,000. The estimate was US$500,000.

His 1976 Harley-Davidson FLH 1200 Electra Glide motorcycle did not sell. The estimate was US$1,750,000 to US$2,000,000.

Most of the other items failed to sell too, all one increment short of the minimal bids. Some of the items were household items from Elvis' Beverly Hills Home, personal belongings from Elvis, and his entourage, an  'Elvis On Tour' jacked, TCB, necklage and Charlie Hodge's Royal Blue Fred Segal stage jumpsuit. 

(Source: Elvis on CD / GWS Auctions )

November 28 - Charts November 2020 - Week 4

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart updates. Most albums found their way up. In the U.S. the Christmas albums do well while the new 'From Elvis in Nashville' set entered various European charts. 

U.S. Billboard chart:

• Billboard Album Top 200 chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from #180 to #140. 
• Billboard Album Top 200 chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album'' re-entry #159.
• Billboard Top Album Sales chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' dropped from #52 to #57. 
• Billboard Top Holiday Album Sales chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' climbed from #13 to #12. 
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from #26 to #23. 
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' climbed from #43 to #25. 
• Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from #18 to #12. 
• Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' climbed from #36 to #15. 
• Billboard Catalog Album Sales chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' dropped from #18 to #29. 
• Billboard Artist chart: Elvis Presley makes a re-entry at #78.

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album Top 100 chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' new-entry #70.
• Official Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #82 to #94. 
• Official Country Compilation Album chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' new-entry #2.
• Official Album Physical Sales Top 100 chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' new-entry #36.
• Official Album Physical Sales Top 100 chart: 'Christmas with Elvis and the RPO' re-entry #98.
• Official Album Sales Top 100 chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' new-entry #36.
• Official Album Sales Top 100 chart: 'Christmas with Elvis and the RPO' re-entry #100.
• Official Streaming Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' climbed from #55 to #50. 
• Official Vinyl Album Top 40 chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' new-entry #26.
• Official Music DVD chart: 'The Elvis Collection' dropped from #16 to #25.

Official Scottish charts

• Scottish Album Top 100: 'From Elvis In Nashville' new-entry at #28.

Dutch charts:

• Dutch Album Top 100 chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' new-entry #51. 
• Dutch Vinyl 33 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' re-entry #28

Belgian charts:

• Wallonian Album chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' new-entry #44. 
• Flanders Album Top 200 chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' new entry #152.
• Flanders Album Top 200 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' re-entry #155.

Danish charts:

• Danish Vinyl Album chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' new-entry #36.

German charts:

• German Album Top 100:  'From Elvis In Nashville' new-entry #25. 

Swiss charts:

• Swiss Album Top 100: 'From Elvis In Nashville' new entry at #26.

French charts:

• French Album chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' new entry at #55.
• French Physical Album Sales chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' new entry at #49.
• French Physical Album Sales plus Streams chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' new entry at #179.

Spanish charts:

• Spanish Album Top 100: 'From Elvis In Nashville' new entry at #65.

Austrian charts:

• Austrian Album Top 100: 'From Elvis In Nashville' new entry at #45.

(Source: Billboard / Official Chart Company  / UK Mix / Dutchcharts / UltraTop charts / German charts / Marin)

    

November 26 - Christmas Songs

The 2017 LP 'The Christmas Album - 12 All-Time Festive Favourites' will be re-issued by the Musicbank label 

Side A: White Christmas - Here Comes Santa Claus - I Believe - I'll Be Home For Christmas - It Is No Secret - Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem.

Side B: Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) - Santa Claus Is Back In Town - Silent Night - Take My Hand, Precious Lord - Blue Christmas - There'll Be Peace In The Valley.

Bellevue Entertainment re-issued the 2017 LP 'Elvis Presley - Christmas Album' once more.

Side A: Santa Claus is Back in Town - White Christmas - Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) - I'll Be Home for Christmas - Blue Christmas - Santa Bring My Baby (Back to Me)

Side B: Oh Little Town of Bethlehem - Silent Night - (There'll Be) Peace in the Valley (For Me) - I Believe - Take My Hand, Precious Lord - It is No Secret (What God Can Do).

Top 20 Most Streamed Christmas Songs of All Time

Spotify listed its Top 25 Most-streamed Holiday Songs of All Time. It shows how much listeners still love the classics year after year, but are also embracing the newer music that comes along. 

Elvis Presley's 1957 classic 'Blue Christmas' is listed at #19. 

Top 3:

1. Mariah Carey - 'All I Want for Christmas Is You'.

2. Wham! - 'Last Christmas'

3. Ariana Grande - 'Santa Tell Me'.

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Amazon / Spotify)

November 25 - King Creole Stereo LP

The CMT import-label announced the release of the LP 'King Creole' featuring the soundtrack album in stereo with additional bonus tracks. This re-issue comes on yellow colored vinyl and is due January 2021. 

Side 1: King Creole / Crawfish / As Long As I Have You / Hard Headed Woman / Trouble / Dixieland Rock / Don’t Ask Me Why / Lover Doll / Young Dreams / Steadfast, Loyal And True / New Orleans.  

Side 2:  Berries, Gumbo - Crawfish (Film Version) / Lover Doll  (undubbed) / Dixieland Rock (Film Version) / As Long As I Have You (Take 4) / Steadfast, Loyal And True (Slow Version) / Turtles, Berries, Gumbo (Master) / Muskat Ramble / Main Title / Radio Spot.

(Source: CMT)

November 24 - The Jewish World of Elvis

Roselle Kline Chartock published the the 276-page book 'The Jewish World of Elvis Presley'. 

Description:

Elvis and Jews: At first glance these two words may not seem to go together. But the truth is that, despite growing up in a fundamentalist Christian family in the Deep South - an area sometimes known for its anti-Semitism - Elvis Presley nevertheless developed a deep affinity to Jews. 

This book contains answers to two questions: What accounted for this deep affinity? And what was the nature of the personal relationships Elvis developed with the Jews he befriended in Memphis - including merchants and members of his inner circle, the Memphis Mafia - and those he met in the music and movie industries? 

In this vivid description of Elvis' Jewish world - that also reflects his humanitarian and philosophical interests - Roselle Kline Chartock reveals a little-known side of this rock 'n' roll icon, including Presley's own Jewish heritage. There is within this book ample evidence that Presley's personality as well as his musical gifts were, in part, shaped by his Jewish world.

(Source: Amazon)

November 21 - The Danish Elvis Tapes

The Danish Memphis Mansion released the two volumes in their 'The Danish Singles Collection' on cassette-tapes. Both volumes limited to 50 copies each. 

(Source: Sabine Vindahl Andersen - Memphis Mansion)

November 21 - Charts November 2020 - Week 3

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart-update. Elvis drops in the U.K. and rising a bit in the U.S. with his latest Christmas re-issue entering several charts. 

U.S. Billboard charts:

• Billboard Album Top 200 chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from #184 to #180.
• Billboard Top Album Sales chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' climbed from #67 to #52.
• Billboard Top Holiday Album chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' remained steady at #13. 
• Billboard Album Top Rock Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from #30 to #26.
• Billboard Album Top Rock Album chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' re-entry #43.
• Billboard Album Top Country Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' dropped from #17 to #18. 
• Billboard Album Top Country Album chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' re-entry #36.
• Billboard Catalog Album sales chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' climbed from #23 to #18. 
• Billboard Holiday Digital Song Sales chart: ' Blue Christmas' re-entry #38.

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #67 to #82. 
• Official Streaming Album chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #47 to #55. 
• Official Music DVD chart: 'The Elvis Collection' climbed from #17 to #16. 

Official Scottish charts: 

• Official Scottish Album chart: 'Party' dropped from #53 to #95.

(Source: U.K. Mix  / Official Chart Company)

November 20 - Nashville and Debut Vinyl Releases

Sony Legacy released the 'From Elvis In Nashville' 4-CD and 2-LP sets. A special blue and pink vinyl edition was released through the Graceland store. 

From the press release: For Elvis' first recordings of the 1970s, Elvis revisited the blueprint that made his 1969 American Sound sessions so successful—he cut loose live in the studio with a band in sync with his sensibility. Freed from obligations to music publishers, Elvis was able to pick and record songs that were contemporary, relevant and meaningful to him, from covers—including his transcendent interpretation of "Bridge Over Trouble Water"—to the epic material then powering his Las Vegas residencies and return to live performing. (In 1970 alone, Elvis performed two-month-long engagements at the International, playing two shows a night.)

Recorded live in RCA's Studio B in Nashville over the course of an epic five day/night run in June 1970 (with an additional session on September 22), Elvis' performances from those sessions formed the core of three of his most successful studio album releases from the 1970s: Elvis: That's the Way It Is, Elvis Country (I'm 10,000 Years Old) and Love Letters from Elvis. 

Now, for the first time, the master recordings from the 1970 Studio B sessions may be enjoyed together as a single official Elvis album! On From Elvis In Nashville, Presley's studio tracks from the 1970 marathon sessions are presented in pristine audio, newly mixed by acclaimed engineer Matt Ross-Spring (John Prine, Jason Isbell) without the added overdubs or orchestration appearing on earlier releases.

White Vinyl

Sony Legacy re-issued Elvis Presley's self titled debut album once m ore, this time on 200 Gr. white colored vinyl. 

Budget Box

The Audio Vaults label released the 3-CD set 'The Complete US & UK Singles Collection 1954-1962'.

Heartbreak Hotel

Original handwritten lyrics to the classic 1956 Elvis Presley hit song 'Heartbreak Hotel', written in 1955 by Mae Boren Axton, a high school teacher, and Tommy Durden, a singer-songwriter, were up for auction, but failed to sell.

The reserve was US$20,000 and highest bid fell US$500 short. 

(Source: Sony Legacy / Amazon)

November 19 - Christmas At Graceland

The holiday season kicked off at Graceland with the time-honored tradition of Graceland's annual Holiday Lighting, where the lights come alive for another special holiday season. 

This year the ceremony took place virtually and was broadcasted on-line. The decoration of the mansion and surrounding grounds took the Graceland employees several days. 

Alan White Died

Author Nosmo Claphanger, better known as Alan White, has died. He wrote books on Elvis' releases on the HMV label from both the UK and abroad, R.I.P. 

(Source: Graceland / Facebook - Elvis The Man and His Music)

November 18 - Analogue Elvis

Analogue Productions announced the re-release of their high resolution editions of the LPs 'Elvis is Back' and 'Stereo '57'. These albums come as 45RPM, 200g vinyl and are due December 4, 2020. 

Tracks 'Stereo '57': 

Side A: I Beg Of You (Take 1) - Is It So Strange (Take 1) - Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (Take 2) - It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) (Take 1, 2, 3)

Side B: Blueberry Hill (Take 2) - Mean Woman Blues (Take 14) - There’ll Be Peace In The Valley (Take 2, 3) - Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (Take 6)

Side C: Blueberry Hill (Take 7) - That’s When Your Heartaches Begin (Take 4, 5, 6) - Is It So Strange (Take 7, 11)

Side D:cI Beg Of You (Take 6, 8) - There’ll Be Peace In The Valley (Take 7) - Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (Take 12, 13) - I Beg Of You (Take 12).

Tracks 'Elvis Is Back':

Side A: Make Me Know It - Fever - The Girl Of My Best Friend - I Will Be Home Again - Dirty, Dirty Feeling - Thrill Of Your Love

Side B:cSoldier Boy - Such A Night - It Feels So Right - Girl Next Door Went A'Walking - Like A Baby - Reconsider Baby

(Sounds Haarlem)

November 17 - The Highest-Paid Dead Celebrities Of 2020

Forbes published the 'Highest Paid Dead Celebrities Of 2020' list. Elvis Presley is listed at No. 5, earning US$23 million. In 2019 he was listed at No. 2. 

The magazine notes: "The coronavirus shook up Elvis’ empire. Graceland, his home-turned-museum, typically accounts for more than $10 million of Presley’s earnings, but was closed for two months this year and is now operating at reduced capacity". A deal with Netflix for an animated series featuring Elvis Presley contributed to the estates earnings.

The Top 3:

3. Charles Schulz - US$32.5 million

2. Dr. Seuss - US$33 million

1. Michael Jackson - US$48 million

(Source: Forbes)

November 16 - Walk A Lonely Street with A Daragon

Author Tony Plews updated the cover of his upcoming book 'Walk A Lonely Street' which is due early December.

Night of the Dragon

The Straight Arrow import label announced the release of the 2-CD ‘Night of the Dragon‘ containing August 28, 1974 Dinner and Midnight show performances. 

From the press release: Straight Arrow is pleased to bring you a new double CD dedicated to Elvis' 1974 Las Vegas Summer season, which was always rated as controversial due to Elvis in-between-songs comments in several shows. Nevertheless, musically, all shows were very good. 

Straight Arrow has released only 2 shows from this engagement so far, ‘Karate Fever’ (August 31, 1974 Dinner show) and ‘Stormy Weather Ahead’ (September 2, 1974 Dinner show).

The August 28th recordings are sourced from recently discovered first generation copies of the original audience-recorded tapes, which have never been in circulation. These fascinating, previously unreleased concerts, were never before available in such an excellent sound quality! 

Both setlists included several songs unique to this season: ‘It's Midnight’, ‘Big Boss Man’ and ‘If You Talk in Your Sleep’, the latter with a karate demo half way the song. The song selection clearly shows our man’s great variety of musical genres. From the sexy styling of ‘Fever’, the poignancy of ‘I'm Leavin'’, and the feel-good of two Olivia Newton John songs ‘If You Love Me (Let Me Know)’ and ‘Let Me Be There’. Most of all, perhaps, 

Elvis touched first base musically with the stirring performances of ‘How Great Thou Art’. Also worth mentioning is the rare inclusion of ‘My Boy’ which was performed only once in 1974 (by request).

As usual, this release comes in a deluxe 4-panel double digi-pack with a collection of images of Elvis on stage from the 1974 Las Vegas Summer season. If you have enjoyed our previous August and September 1974 releases, we believe that you will love this one as well. 

CD1 – Wednesday, August 28, 1974 Dinner Show:

01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 06. It's Midnight - 07. Big Boss Man - 08. Fever - 09. Love Me Tender - 10. All Shook Up - 11. I'm Leavin' - 12. Softly As I Leave You (with Sherrill Nielsen) - 13. Hound Dog - 14. An American Trilogy - 15. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 16. If You Talk In Your Sleep - 17. Help Me - 18. My Boy - 19. How Great Thou Art  - 20. Let Me Be There (with reprise) - 21. Hawaiian Wedding Song - 22. Can't Help Falling In Love - 23. Closing Vamp.

Bonus tracks (recorded from soundboard, August 28th, 1974 D/S): 24. Help Me - 25. My Boy - 26. How Great Thou Art.

CD2 – Wednesday, August 28, 1974 Midnight Show:

01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 06. It's Midnight - 07. Big Boss Man - 08. Fever - 09. Love Me Tender - 10. All Shook Up - 11. I'm Leavin' - 12. Softly As I Leave You (with Sherrill Nielsen) - 13. Hound Dog - 14. An American Trilogy - 15. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 16. Introduction of Tom Jones - 17. If You Talk In Your Sleep - 18. Why Me, Lord? - 19. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 20. How Great Thou Art - 21. Let Me Be There (with reprise) - 22. Hawaiian Wedding Song - 23. Monologue - 24. Can't Help Falling In Love - 25. Closing Vamp.

Four More New releases

The new Gold Standard import-label announced the release of the CDs ‘Easy Come, Easy Go’, ‘Stay Away, Joe’ and ‘Girl Happy’. 

From the press release: The Gold Standard label presents ‘Easy Come, Easy Go’ (27 tracks), ‘Stay Away, Joe’ (28 tracks) and ‘Girl Happy’ (29 tracks). New CD releases with tracks related to the movies. All include great sounding alternate takes, movie versions, demos and more!  Also, for the first time on cd the original radio spots for the movie! These releases are limited to 500 copies each.

Tracks ‘Easy Come, Easy Go’:

Easy Come, Easy Go (Radio Spot #1) - Easy Come, Easy Go (Take 9 - Unedited Master) - She’s A Machine (Take 14) - She’s A Machine (Take 15 - Master) - The Love Machine (Take 14 - Movie Version - Master) - Sing You Children (Take 22 - Unedited Master) - I’ll Take Love (Take 1 & 2A) - Yoga Is As Yoga Does (Take 1) - Yoga Is As Yoga Does (Take 2) - Yoga Is As Yoga Does (Take 3) - Yoga Is As Yoga Does (Take 4) - You Gotta Stop (Take 5 -  Master) - Intro / Easy Come, Easy Go (Movie Opening) - You Gotta Stop (Movie Version) - Yoga Is As Yoga Does (Movie Version - Duet With Elsa Lanchester) - Go Away Gow (Dialogue) - The Love Machine (Movie Version) - I’ll Take Love (Movie Version) - Easy Come, Easy Go (Movie Final) - Easy Come, Easy Go (Radio Spot #2) - Easy Come, Easy Go (Radio Spot #3) - Easy Come, Easy Go (Radio Spot #4) - Easy Come, Easy Go (Radio Spot #5) - Easy Come, Easy Go (Radio Spot #6) - Easy Come, Easy Go (Radio Spot #7) - Easy Come, Easy Go (Demo) - Love On The Rocks (Demo)

Tracks ‘Stay Away, Joe’:

Stay Away, Joe (Radio Spot #1) - Intro / Stay Away (Movie Version) - Stay Away, Joe (Movie Version - Take 1 & 2) - 4. Stay Away, Joe (Movie Version - Take 3 & 4) - Stay Away, Joe (Movie Version - Take 5 & 6) - Stay Away, Joe (Movie Version - Take 8) - Stay Away, Joe (Movie Version - Take 9) - Stay Away (Take 1) - Stay Away (Take 3 & 4) - Stay Away (Take 7, 8 & 9) - Stay Away (Take 10) - Stay Away (Take 12 & 13) - Stay Away (Take 15 - Unubbed Master) - Goin’ Home (Take 16, 17 & 18) - Goin’ Home (Take 19 & 20) - Goin’ Home (Take 25, 26 & 28) - Stay Away (Guitar Overdub - Take 1) - Stay Away (Guitar Overdub - Take 2) - Stay Away, Joe (Score #1) - Stay Away, Joe (Score #2) - Practice (Dialogue) - You Got A Lot Of Guts Lady (Dialogue) - Stay Away, Joe (Score #3) - All I Needed Was The Rain (Movie Version) - Stay Away, Joe (Radio Spot #2) - Stay Away, Joe (Radio Spot #3)

Tracks  ‘Girl Happy’:

Girl Happy(Radio Spot #1) - Do The Clam (Movie Version) - Fort Lauderdale Chamber Of Commerce (Movie Version) - Spring Fever (Composite Movie Version) - Wolf Call (Overdubbed Movie Version) - I’ve Go To Find My Baby (Movie Version) - Puppet On A String (Movie Version) - Girl Happy (Movie Version) - Girl Happy (Movie Version - End Title) - Girl Happy (Orchestra Movie Version / End Title) - Cross My Heart And Hope To Die (Take 8) - The Meanest Girl In Town (Take 4, 5 & 6) - Spring Fever (Take 1, 2 & 3) - Girl Happy (Original Composite Master) - I’ve Got To Find My Baby (Movie Version - Transfer - Unedited Master) - Do The Clam (Master Track - Take 5) - Fort Lauderdale Chamber Of Commerce (Alternate Master - Take 5) - Fort Lauderdale Chamber Of Commerce (Master - Take 7) - I’ve Got To Find My Baby (Alternate Master - Take 1) - Puppet On A String (Movie Version With Dialogue) - Until Next Year (Dialogue) - Girl Happy (Score #1) - Rusty (Dialogue) - Let’s Go Back To Work (Dialogue) - Chicken (Dialogue) - Girl Happy (Score #2) - Girl Happy (Radio Spot #2) - Gril Happy (Radio Spot #3) - Gril Happy (Radio Spot #4)

A Legendary Christmas

The Elvis One label announced the release of ‘A Legendary Christmas’.

From the press release: The 2020 Elvis One Christmas CD is a special alternate Elvis Christmas CD. The compilation features 16 tracks, all tracks newly remastered and remixed versions with the main focus on the legendary and unique voice of Elvis Presley. 

Hear special and beautiful versions from ‘I Believe’ and ‘Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem’. No extra overdubs but only the original recordings were used for this release. Also included are 2 home-recordings (including ‘The Lord's Prayer’), a spliced take version from ‘It Is No Secret’,  a recording from the ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ and the Red West version of ‘If Every Day Was Like Christmas’ with Elvis supposedly singing background vocals. This release is limited to 500 copies.

Tracks ‘A Legendary Christmas’:

Santa Claus Is Back In Town - Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem - I Believe - White Christmas - Blue Christmas - Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) - Silent Night - Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) - Take My Hand, Precious Lord - It Is No Secret (Spliced From Take 6, 8, 12 & 4) - I’ll Be Home For Christmas (Homerecording - December 1958) - The Lord’s Prayer (Homerecording - November 1960) - Jingle Bells / White Christmas (Informal Session - “Million Dollar Quartet” - 04.12.1956) - If Everyday Was Like Christmas (Red West With Elvis Supposedly Singing Background Vocals) - Christmas Message From Elvis

(Source: Tony Plews / FECC) 

November 15 - Ol’ Swivel Country Ballads

The new Tupelo Productions import label announced the release of the 4-CD set 'Stage Power - A Special 50th Anniversary Edition'.

From the press release: 1970 was a fantastic year for The King. He has set a new audience record at the Houston Astrodome, filmed his summer engagement is Las Vegas for a documentary and did his first live concert tour since the 1950's. 

Less than two months after his first tour , Elvis continued his triumphant march through eight new cities. The conquest of the United States had begun. Experience Elvis at the peak of his career, on tour November 1970.

The audio has been remastered and the set is comes in a deluxe package. 

Ol’ Swivel Hips Still Wov’s Em

The 6-CD set ‘Ol’ Swivel Hips Still Wov’s Em – April – May 1977’ has been released. 

From the press release: This deluxe box set is focused on the third tour of 1977. Elvis’ live performances in 1977 are often criticized and not without a reason. But Elvis was still offering his fans an enjoying time, the magic of seeing Elvis in person probably exceeded the fact he often delivered a standard and sometimes even mediocre performance. 

 The reactions of the spectators are very telling. They scream, shout and get wild for their hero. While listening to the recordings of these shows you cannot draw any other conclusion than that the shows were below par. But the charisma of Elvis was enormous, which probably made this unnoticed by most of the fans present. 

 

This set mostly contains soundboard & multitrack recordings but also contains two rare audience recordings. These high-quality audience recordings of the April 27 and 30 performances deserve a place in this box set. Both being first class audience recordings and remastered from scratch to achieve an optimal listening experience. 

 

This 6-CD set includes a wonderful booklet with many rare and unpublished photos.

 

CD 1 - 23.04.1977 - University Of Toledo, Centennial Hall, Toledo, Ohio:

O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never - Little Sister - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - And I Love You So - Fever - Polk Salad Annie - My Way - Introductions - School Days - Hurt - Hound Dog - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

Bonus Songs - 23.04.1977 (Stereo / Multitrack):

Polk Salad Annie - My Way

Bonus Songs:

Unchained Melody (Overdubbed Master 24.04.1977) - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) (Overdubbed Master 26.04.1977) - Little Darlin’ (Overdubbed Master 24.04.1977)

CD 2 - 24.04.1977 - Crisler Arena, Ann Arbor, Michigan:

Love Me - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - You Gave Me A Mountain - Tryin’ To Get To You - O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never - Little Sister - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Help Me - My Way - Polk Salad Annie - Hurt - Hound Dog - Unchained Melody - Little Darlin’ - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

Bonus - 24.04.1977 (Stereo / Multitrack):

Blue Hawaii / Little Sister - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Help Me - Unchained Melody - Little Darlin’

25.04.1977 - Civic Center Saginaw, Michigan:

Heartbreak Hotel - My Way

CD 3 - 26.04.1977 - Wings Stadium, Kalamazoo, Michigan:

Love Me - Fairytale - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - You Gave Me A Mountain - Jailhouse Rock - O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never - Big Boss Man - Heartbreak Hotel - Blue Suede Shoes - And I Love You So - My Way - Hound Dog - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

Bonus 26.04.1977 (Stereo / Multitrack):

If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never

27.04.1977 - Auditorium Arena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin:

Polk Salad Annie

29.04.1977 - Arena, Duluth, Minnesota:

Bridge Over Troubled Water - Big Boss Man

30.04.1977 - Civic Center, St. Paul, Minnesota:

Hound Dog

01.05.1977 - Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois:

My Way

02.05.1977 - Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois:

Fairytale - My Way

CD 4 - 03.05.1977 - Saginaw Center, Saginaw, Michigan:

That’s All Right - Trouble - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Happy Birthday / Big Boss Man - Hound Dog - Tryin’ To Get To You - Jailhouse Rock - My Way - Little Sister - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Help Me - O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never - Love Me Tender - Why Me Lord - Polk Salad Annie - Mystery Train / Tiger Man - Can’t Help Falling In Love

Bonus Songs - 03.05.1977 (Stereo / Multitrack):

Help Me - Mystery Train / Tiger Man (Different Source) - Can’t Help Falling In Love (Different Source)

CD 5 - 27.04.1977 - Auditorium Arena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Audience Recorded Concert):

Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - If You Love Me Let Me Know - You Gave Me A Mountain - Jailhouse Rock - O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never - Little Sister - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - And I Love You So - My Way - Polk Salad Annie - Introductions - Early Morning Rain (John Wilkinson) - What’d I Say (James Burton) - Johnny B. Goode - Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff) - Piano Solo (Tony Brown) - Electric Keyboard Solo (Bobby Ogdin) - School Days - Hurt (With Reprise) - Hound Dog - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp - Elvis Has Left The Building

CD 6 - 30.04.1977 - Civic Center, Centennial Hall, St. Paul, Minnesota (Audience Recorded Concert):

Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Rip It Up - Love Me - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - You Gave Me A Mountain - Jailhouse Rock - It’s Now Or Never - My Way - Hound Dog - My Heavenly Father (Kathy Westmoreland) - Polk Salad Annie - Early Mornin’ Rain (John Wilkinson) - Delta Lady (James Burton) - Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff) - Piano Solo (Tony Brown) - Electric Keyboard Solo (Bobby Ogdin) - Talking With The Audience - The Wonder Of You - Blue Suede Shoes - Hawaiian Wedding Song - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

 

It’s The Elvis Sound of the Sixties

 

The Petticoat Records import label released the LP / CD set ‘It’s The Elvis Sound of the Sixties’.

 

From the press release:  Petticoat Records is back! This time with a fantastic vinyl album full of early to mid-sixties classics. This high-quality album, includes 18 rare and hard to find alternate versions of these beautiful sixties ballads as well as some great rockers!

 

This limited edition compilation comes on 180 Gr. Red and blue colored vinyl, housed in a stunning cover. 

 

Side A:  (It’s) A Long Lonely Highway – Take 1 / Puppet On A String – Take 10 / In Your Arms – Take 1 / Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers – Take 1 / Are You Lonesome Tonight – Take 5 / What A Wonderful Life – Take 1 / Kiss Me Quick – Take 10 / Home Is Where The Heart Is – Take 7 / Put The Blame On Me – Take 2

 

Side B: Gonna Get Back Home Somehow – Take 4 / Tender Feeling – New Mix / Slowly But Surely – Take 1 / I Need Somebody To Lean On – Take 5 / Bossa Nova Baby – Take 6 / What’s She Really Like – Take 5 / Anything That’s Part Of You – Take 3 / Little Egypt – Movie Version / Come What May – Take 7

 

Country Ballads

 

Released in the ‘Ballads’ series in the ‘Country’ installment. As a follow-up to ‘California Ballads’ and after the great success of the previous released ‘Nashville’, ’Memphis’ and ‘Vegas’ albums this compilation contains some of his best country style ballads.

 This set comes housed in a beautiful deluxe 6 panel digi-pack.

 

Tracks:  Just Call Me Lonesome – take 4 / Pieces Of My Life – take 4 - undubbed master, incl. count in / Charro – undubbed master / Loving Arms – string overdub of undubbed master / This Is The Story – backup vocal overdub of undubbed master / Never Again – take 4 / Gentle On My Mind – repaired undubbed master, different mix / Early Morning Rain – 1973 version - take 1 / And I Love You So – take 1, incl. count in / There’s A Honky Tonk Angel – unedited take 1 / Green Green Grass Of Home – take 5  undubbed master / Let’s Forget About The Stars – master take 5 rough mix / If I’m A Fool (FOR Loving You) – take 9  unedited undubbed master / Help Me Make It Through The Night – fs and take 10 / Kentucky Rain – take 10 undubbed master /  She Thinks I Still Care 1980 mix no backup vocals / Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain – 1980 mix / Funny How Time Slips Away – 1980 mix / I Really Don’t Want To Know – live June 19 1977.

Silver Screen Treasures

This marvelous 3-LP / 5-CD set is something special and takes you back to the old days of CD / vinyl packaging. It contains 5 jewel-cases, housed in a LP- sized box with an oversized booklet. 

 

This release features mostly alternate versions from all of Elvis movie sessions from 1962 -1965. Disc 5 features rejected acetates of songs written for Elvis movies, but (most) were never used. A fantastic release with a lot of surprises, in fantastic sound and running order.

 

Tracks Silver Screen Treasures:

 

CD 1 - Silver Screen Treasures:

(It Happened At The World’s Fair - Take Me To The Fair (Take 1 - 3) - Beyond The Bend (Take 2) - Happy Ending (Take 8 - Master Take) - Cotton Candy Land (Take 1 - 4) - Happy Ending (Take 6) - They Remind Me Too Much Of You (Take 1) - A World Of Our Own (Master) - Take Me To The Fair (Take 7) - Happy Ending (Take 9 - Master Take - Movie Version) - I’m Falling In Love Tonight (Take 7 & 6) - How Would You Like To Be (Take 3 & 2) - Relax (Take 12 & 13 - Master Take) - One Broken Heart For Sale (Take 1 - Master Take - Movie Version)

Fun In Acapulco:

Fun In Acapulco (Master) - El Toro (Spliced Master) - I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here (Take 15) - The Bullfighter Was A Lady (Take 10) - Vino, Dinero Y Amor (Take 1) - Bossa Nova Baby (Take 2) - Guadalajara (Vocal Overdub - Take 4) - You Can’t Say No In Acapulco (Take 4) - Mexico (Take 7) - Bossa Nova Baby (Extended Master) - Marguerita (Take 7 & 6) - Guadalajara (Vocal Overdub - Take 2) - Vino, Dinero Y Amor (Movie Version) - No Room To Rhumba (Movie Version)

CD 2 - Viva Las Vegas:

Viva Las Vegas (Demo Arrangement - Take 1) - Santa Lucia (Master) - The Lady Loves Me (Take 2) - Night Life (Unedited Take 14 - Master Take) - C’mon Everybody (Record Version - Take 2 & 3) - If You Think I Don’t Need You (Take 2) - I Need Somebody To Lean On (Take 8) - You’re The Boss (Take 3) - Night Life (Take 3) - Do The Vega (Take 7 - No Echo Master Take) - Yellow Rose Of Texas / The Eyes Of Texas (Take 9) - Today Tomorrow & Forever (Take 3 & 4) - What’d I Say (Take 3) - I Need Somebody To Lean On (Movie Version) - Today Tomorrow And Forever (Edited Movie Version) - Viva Las Vegas (Movie Version)

Kissin’ Cousins:

Kissin’ Cousins No. 2 (Edited Master) - Once Is Enough (Master) - Anyone Could Fall In Love With You (Master) - Cathcin’ On Fast (Master) - One Boy Two Little Girls (Master) - Tender Feeling (Master) - Kissin’ Cousins (Hillbilly Vocal Overdub - Take 1 - Master Take) - Smokey Mountain Boy (Movie Version) - There’s Gold In The Mountain (Movie Version) - One Boy Two Little Girls (Movie Version) - Once Is Enough (Movie Version) - Barefoot Ballad (Movie Version) - Kissin’ Cousins (Movie Version

CD 3 - Roustabout:

Hard Knocks (Movie Version - Vocal Overdub - Take 4 - Master Take) - Roustabout (Vocal Overdub - Take 13) - I’m A Roustabout (Take 10 - Stereo Version) - Carny Town (Master) - It’s A Wonderful World (Master) - Poison Ivy League (Movie Version) - Little Egypt (Take 21 - Master Take) - One Track Heart (Master) - Roustabout (Vocal Overdub - Take 6) - Big Love Big Heartache (Movie Version) - It’s Carnival Time (Movie Version - Take12) - Wheels On My Heels (Movie Version) - There’s A Brand New Day On The Horizon (Overdubbed Movie Edit) - Roustabout (Movie Version) - Little Egypt (Movie Version)

Girl Happy:

Girl Happy (Take 4) - I’ve Got To Find My Baby (Edited Master) - Puppet On A String (Take 7) - Do The Clam (Master) - Wolf Call (Edited Master) - Do Not Disturb (Take 35) - Spring Fever (Take 1 - 4) - Puppet On A String (Take 10) - Starting Tonight (Master) - Cross My Heart And Hope To Die (Take 8 & 6) - The Meanest Girl In Town (Take 4 - 6) - Puppet On A String (Take 11 - Master Take) - Fort Lauderdale Chamber Of Commerce (Movie Version) - Spring Fever (Composite Movie Master) - Girl Happy (Movie Version) - Wolf Call (Movie Version)

Tickle Me:

Dirty, Dirty Feeling (Take 1) - Slowly But Surely (Take 1) - I’m Yours (Composite Master) - Night Rider (Take 1) - It Feels So Right (Movie Version)

CD 4 - Tickle Me:

Long Lonely Highway (Movie Version) - Put The Blame On Me (Movie Version) - (Such An) Easy Question (Movie Version)

Harum Scarum:

Hey Little Girl (Take 4 & 5 - Master Take) - Shake That Tambourine (Take 14 - 16) - Wisdom Of The Ages (Take 1 & 2) - Golden Coins (Take 1,2 & 4) - So Close, Yet So Far (Take 2 & 3) - My Desert Serenade (Take 1 & 10) - Wisdom Of The Ages (Take 4) - Animal Instinct (Take 3 & 4) - Kismet (Take 1 - 5 - Master Take) - So Close, Yet So Far (Take 4) - Harem Holiday (Take 2) - Mirage (Vocal Overdub Spliced Master) - Go East Young Man (Vocal Overdub Spliced Master)

Frankie & Johnny:

Frankie & Johnny (Master) - What Every Woman Lives For (Master) - Down By The Riverside (When The Saints Go Marchin’ In (Master) - Beginner’s Luck (Master With Extra Intro) - Please Don’t Stop Loving Me (Take 9) - Petunia, The Gardener’s Daughter (Take 1) - Look Out Broadway (Take 9) - Everybody Come Aboard (Take 4 & 5) - Shout It Out (Take 1) - Chesay (Take 4) - Come Along (Movie Version) - Hard Luck (Movie Version)

When a new Elvis movie was created, Colonel Parker used to ask several songwriters to write songs for the movie. The Colonel gave them a title or a description of the scene and the songwriters understood what kind of a song the he needed.

 

These so called ‘demos’ were recorded (at expenses of the songwriters) on an acetate disc and send to the Colonel for approval. Obviously there was competition between the different songwriters as the songs were either recorded by Elvis or … rejected. 

 

The actual demos are unique. Usually only one or two acetates made and, due to the material (wax on a metal plate), they were very fragile and could only be played a few times.

 

This CD contains newly discovered demo recordings, all recorded and written for Elvis movies.

 

Some were not used for obvious reasons, simply because they were not good enough, and some you can actually imagine Elvis singing. ‘Fun in Acapulco’ is almost a copy of the demo, except for some lyrics that were changed during the recording session.

 

Most of these acetates come from the Dolores Fuller collection. Most have her lyrics with music composed by Ben Weissman. Exceptions are ‘Fun in Acapulco’ (Ben Weisman / Sid Wayne), ‘Night Life’ (Giant / Baume / Kaye), ‘I Need Somebody To Lean on’ (Pomus / Shuman) and ‘Love On The Rocks (Tepper / Bennett).

 

Some of these songs might turn out to be completely different then you expect. Sit back and enjoy!

CD 5 - The Demo Acetates - Fun In Acapulco:

Fun In The Sun - Fun In Acapulco - Bottoms Up - Make My Marguerita

Viva Las Vegas:

Night Life - I Need Somebody To Lean On - Don’t Fool A Fool In Love - Sweet Dreams Baby

Kissin’ Cousins:

Kissin Cousins No. 3

Roustabout:

Hard Knocks - You Can’t Hate Me For That

Harum Scarum:

Wisdom Of The Ages - A Slave To Your Kiss

Frankie & Johnny:

Mississippi Sue - Better Believe It Baby - My Gypsy Heart- My Bittersweet- You’re For Me

Paradise Hawaiian Style:

Kamehemea

Spinout:

Classy Chassy - You Can’t Win ‘Em All - Messed Up World

Double Trouble:

Just U Wait And See - Please Stay Out Of My Dreams

Easy Come Easy Go:

Easy Come Easy Go - Love On The Rocks

Viva Las Vegas (Bonus):

This Way To Paradise

(Source: FECC)