(Source: Now Dig This / Elvis - The Man & His Music)
Saturday, July 31, 2021
July 31 - Elvis Digs Philadelphia
July 31 - Chart July 2021 - Week 5
The weekly global Elvis Presley chart updates. Still no albums on the U.S. Billboard charts, but Elvis is still listed in the U.K. and recently made a re-appearance on the Australian Top 40 Audiovisual chart.
Official U.K. charts:
- Official Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 greatest Hits' dropped from #54 to #64.
- Official Streaming Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 greatest Hits' dropped from #44 to #49.
- Official Country Compilations chart: 'From Elvis In Memphis' climbed from #15 to #11.
- Official Music DVD chart: 'Elvis at the Movies' dropped from #6 to #38.
- Official Music DVD chart: 'The Elvis Collection' is a new entry at #48.
Official Scottish charts:
- Official Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' re-entry at #56.
Australian ARIA charts:
- Top 40 Audiovisual chart: ''68 Comeback Special - 50th Anniversary Edition': climbed from #33 to #26.
European iTunes Charts
- European iTunes Album Chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #99 to #103.
(Source: Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum)
Friday, July 30, 2021
July 30 - Kickin' FTD's for Christmas
Details: FTD is pleased to announce the release of 'Elvis Forth Worth Texas '74'. Released as a 5 inch digi-pack, and taken from the original soundboard source, this 2-CD set features Elvis in excellent form from the summer tour of 1974. Elvis was in great form at the two shows on Father’s Day! Songs include 'Big Boss Man', 'Funny How Time Slips Away', 'How Great Thou Art' and 'Help Me'.
FTD Vinyl is pleased to announce the release of “Girls! Girls! Girls' as a Limited Edition on 180 Gr. vinyl. The design is inspired by the original European RCA Victor ‘60s release.
The album contains masters and alternative versions of several songs from the soundtrack sessions. “Plantation Rock” and “Dainty Little Moonbeams”/ ”Girls! Girls! Girls!” End Title are here in their rightful place at last!
The Danish Memphis Mansion published volume 2 of their re-vamped Elvis Unlimited magazine.
This edition contains interesting reads on being a collector - with stories behind great items like the actual copy of 'That's All Right Mama' that was played on WHBQ-radio by Dewey Philips - being a fan - meeting Elvis and running a fan club in the old days - and an interview with B.B. King, addressing a relevant theme like 'racism' and Elvis' relation to African Americans growing up in the south and recording "black" music.
This issue comes with a flexi-disc featuring a unique movie mix of 'Flaming Star', not available anywhere else.
Visit the >>> Memphis Mansion shop for more info and subscriptions.
Christmas on Wax
The Waxtime Record label will re-issue their 'Elvis Christmas Album' on vinyl on September 17, 2021. More information when available.
Kickin' It Down In Baltimore
Ampex import label announced the release of 'Kickin' It Down In Baltimore' featuring an audience recording of the November 9, 1971 concert as recorded in Baltimore, MD. The label also announced that it had more releases in store featuring with "some brand new shows!".
From the press release:
While previously released on 'An Unforgettable Night In Baltimore' we have managed to find a much better sounding tape from a completely new source!
This is a shame because after a tiring, but successful Vegas season, Elvis reinvigorated himself and performed what could be considered his best tour of the seventies! Provided with some newly made jumpsuits and performing shows - generally lasting over one hour - and with J.D. Sumner & The Stamps Quartet replacing the imperials, good times never seemed so good!
It's great when a good sounding tape like this is found nearly 50 years later. A tape that proves what an electrifying performer Elvis really was! Featuring fantastic performances of 'It's Now Or Never', 'Are You Lonesome Tonight', 'How Great Thou Art', 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'Help Me Make It Through "The Night', 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' and many more. The CD comes as a digi-pack and is filled with photos, making this release a pleasure for your eyes and ears.
Tracks: That's All Right / I Got A Woman - Amen / Proud Mary / Love Me Tender / You Don't Have To Say You Love Me / You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' / Polk Salad Annie / Johnny B. Goode (incomplete) / Love Me / Heartbreak Hotel / Blue Suede Shoes / It's Now Or Never / Are You Lonesome Tonight / Hound Dog / How Great Thou Art / Introductions / Lawdy Miss Clawdy / Bridge Over Troubled Water / The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face / Help Me Make It Through The Night / Suspicious Minds / Can't Help Falling In Love
(Source: Elvis Shop London / Memphis Mansion / Facebook FECC)
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
July 28 - February 5, 1975 Release
Publicity stated: Fresh from the triumph of his historic Aloha From Hawaii TV special, Elvis launched into another sold-out season at the Las Vegas Hilton, singing to sold-out audiences of 2000 a time. Although he had recently filed for divorce and was allegedly battling throat troubles, as well as taking a good number of prescription meds, he put on a typically slick and entertaining show, as captured on the broadcast recording presented here, together with background notes and images.
Note: the blurb about the "PBS broadcast" is probably added as an attempt to fi in a European copyright loophole trying to make this a legal release.
Track Listing LP / CD:
Side One
1. 2001 A Space Odyssey > Cc Rider 4:09
2. I Got A Woman > Amen 3:09
3. Until It's Time For You To Go 2:33
4. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me 2:08
5. Steamroller Blues 2:55
6. You Gave Me A Mountain 3:17
7. Fever 2:51
8. Love Me 1:32
9. Blue Suede Shoes 1:14
10. Love Me Tender 1:49
Side Two
1. Johnny B. Goode 2:17
2. Hound Dog 1:30
3. What Now My Love 3:09
4. Suspicious Minds 5:08
5. Band Introduction 1:33
6. I'll Remember You 2:37
7. I Can't Stop Loving You 2:20
8. An American Trilogy 4:39
9. Can't Help Falling In Love 1:42
(Source: Townsend Music)
Monday, July 26, 2021
July 26 - Press release: Elvis Day By Day 2018 To Be Released August 2021
Poplar Tunes Publishing is proud to announce the release of 'Elvis Day By Day 2018 - The Year In Review' this August. This third volume in the 'Elvis Day By Day' series is the first volume going back in recent Elvis history covering 'Everything Elvis Presley from 2018' on over 300 pages including 40+ in-depth reviews, interviews and articles.
The book was compiled and written by Kees Mouwen with additional contributions by Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley (>>> Elvis Information Network website), Rogier van Luyken (>>> It's Elvis Time magazine, The Netherlands) and Andreas Pendl (>>> Graceland magazine Germany) and other fans from around the world.
The foreword was written by renowned Elvis biographer Paul Bélard.
Soon after the release of the first volume in the 'Elvis Day By Day' series I received the question if I would cover more years than "just" 2019. Since that first book was an experiment, I had to let that question sink in for a while.
Released this August as a 'Summer Special' and 'by popular demand' here is 'Elvis Day By Day 2018 - The year In Review', the follow-up to the successful 'Elvis Day By Day 2019 and 2020' editions.
For more information check the >>> Elvis Day by Day 2018 page or contact me at: elvis @ xs4all.nl.
Sunday, July 25, 2021
July 25 - Virtual Sale
Plenty of Elvis fans from overseas have been asking EPE to provide a Virtual Elvis Week for those that cannot attend in person. EPE have agreed and they will soon reveal the details and prices for those who want to attend virtually.
Last year the vast majority of the content was pre-recorded but this year 'Virtual Elvis Week 2021' will give fans a chance to view concerts LIVE from the Soundstage plus special events such as 'Conversations On Elvis' also live from Memphis.
Highlights include a 50th anniv concert celebrating Elvis’ Nashville recording sessions, the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contests, Elvis in Concert on the big screen, intimate Panel Conversations on Elvis and more!
Unlike EPE's previous Virtual Elvis Week offering where all the content was pre-recorded or pulled from archival footage, this year "you’ll have the chance to experience Elvis Week as it’s happening and feel the electricity of the live shows, just as if you were on the front row here in Memphis!"
For your convenience, all shows included in each pass are available from the time they premiere and can be re-watched on demand for 72 hours following the final performance included in the pass purchased. There are three ticket options available for you to experience Virtual Elvis Week:
- Elvis Super Fan Pass - US$199 - Exclusive Virtual Tour Of Graceland + All Nine Live Events And Shows
- Elvis Tribute Artist Pass - US$119 - The Elvis Impersonator Shows
- Elvis Legacy Pass - US$119 - Access to the 5 Elvis Legacy Shows And Events, Elvis In Concert, Nashville Marathon Sessions Concert, Conversations On Elvis, plus an afternoon with Glen Hardin.
Prophet For Sale
This is the first time this copy has been placed on sale in the U.K.. Presley had presented it to his friend Ed Parker, founder of American Kenpo Karate, in 1960, according to Fine Books Magazine.
Elvis was known to have a passion for reading, and The Prophet, which consists of 26 prose poetry fables, was one of his favorite books, so much so that he memorized it, according to Parker’s memoir.
“A singer can sing his songs but they must have an ear to receive the song. You have within yourself all possibilities to unlock all the answers that plague one’s inner heart. God will give you the knowledge if you only seek it,” Presley’s annotations on this particular copy say.
Another copy of Elvis' The Prophet that he gave to Billy Smith sold at Graceland Auction in 2018 for US$4,750. Another copy that Elvis gave to his friend Gary Pepper sold for US$5,320.
(Source: Elvis Information Network / ElvisMatters)
Saturday, July 24, 2021
July 24 - King Of The Rings and Photos
From the press- release:
Elvis liked expensive things: cars, motorcycles, clothes, and jewelry. His jewels befitted a king. He wore sumptuous pendants hung on heavy gold chains; huge and lavish rings set with rubies, sapphires, lapis lazuli, and emeralds; bracelets of gold and precious gems. Like Elvis himself, they were at times dazzlingly tasteful and beautiful, and at other times flashy and ostentatious. Occasionally, he would design the jewels himself, such as the famous TCB – Taking Care of Business – pendant and ring.
He loved to give his possessions away to people close to him, as well as to complete strangers. The value of the item was of no concern to him. An expensive horseshoe ring was designed by Memphis jeweller Lowell Hayes, specifically for Elvis to wear on stage during his televised Aloha from Hawaii performance in 1973. Elvis gave the ring away a few years later. It eventually sold at auction in 2017 for $204,800.
I always wondered why Elvis was giving away so many of his things? Yes, he was rich. He had everything he could want. But plenty of well-to-do people do not give anything away. As a matter of fact, for some enough is never enough. So I remained puzzled. Then I read a book by David Brooks, a journalist and columnist for the New York Times. He offered the thought that happiness that comes from accumulation is fleeting. But but there is another emotion, he calls it joy, that comes from helping others. He writes: “Happiness comes from accomplishments; joy comes from offering gifts. Happiness fades; we get used to the things that used to make us happy. Joy doesn’t fade. To live with joy is to live with wonder, gratitude and hope.”
The singer Robert Goulet described Elvis’ penchant for generosity: “I remember once we sat together backstage for two hours. And he was a charming, delightful man. And at one point I said, “That’s a beautiful ring you have there.” He said “You like it?” I said, “It’s beautiful!” He took it off his hand and put it on mine. He gave me his ring.”
The book is available from the Memphis Mansion >>> on-line shop.
Read the review of the first edition >>> here.
Elvis and the Birth of the Cover Art
Here is the updated cover-art of Alfred Wertheimers classic 2013 book 'Elvis and the Birth of Rock and Roll'. The book is due for release September 9, 2021.
Elvis who? was photographer Alfred Wertheimer's response when, in early 1956, an RCA Victor publicist asked him to photograph an up-and-coming crooner from Memphis. Little did Wertheimer know that this would be the job of his life: just 21 years old, Elvis Presley was-as we now know-about to become a legend.
Trailing Presley like a shadow, Wertheimer took nearly 3,000 photographs of Presley that year, creating a penetrating portrait of a man poised on the brink of superstardom. Extraordinary in its intimacy and unparalleled in its scope, Wertheimer's Elvis project immortalized a young man in the very process of making history.
Now available as a Taschen standard edition, 'Elvis and the Birth of Rock and Roll' collects Wertheimer's most remarkable Elvis shots from that magical year, along with a selection of his historic 1958 pictures of the star being shipped off to an army base in Germany. Each chapter is illustrated with a poster by Hatch Show Print, one of the oldest letterpress print shops in America, which created many early Elvis posters in the 1950s.
Leaving the Building
The 352-page hardback book 'Leaving the Building: The Lucrative Afterlife of Music Estates' by Dr. Eamonn Forde is due for release from Omnibus Press on August 19, 2021.
While death can propel megastars to even further success, artists overlooked in their lifetime might also find a new type of fame. But a badly timed move or the wrong deal can see the artist die all over again. Colonel Tom Parker, the former carnival huckster, understood this high-wire act implicitly and the posthumous career of Elvis Presley has provided a template for everyone else.
Estates have two jobs: keeping the artist’s name alive and ensuring they continue to make money. These can sometimes be compatible goals, but often they spark a tension that is unique in the music business.
Drawing on interviews with those running music estates as well as music lawyers, record company executives and archivists, Leaving the Building reveals how the music industry is constantly striving to perfect the business of death.
Josh Roberts published his 51-page paperback book 'My Dream: A Story About My Dream Holiday To Graceland'.
Synopsis: A fan sees his dream fulfilled going on his dream holiday to Memphis.
(Source: Memphis Mansion / Amazon)
July 24 - Chart July 2021 - Week 4 (Updated)
The weekly Elvis Presley chart updates. For the first time in a long while Elvis Presley dropped off the main Billboard charts. On the British Isles he still moves enough copies and streams for a listing on various album and DVD charts.
Official U.K. charts:
- Official Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' climbed from #57 to #54.
- Official Streaming Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' climbed from #46 to #44.
- Official Country Compilations chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' dropped from #13 to #15.
- Official Music DVD chart: 'The Elvis Collection' re-entry #6.
- Official Budget Albums Chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #6 to #7.
Official Scottish charts:
- Official Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #39 to #62.
Official Irish IRMA charts:
- Irma Music DVD chart: 'The Elvis Collection' new entry #4.
- Irma Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' re-entry at #92.
Australian ARIA charts:
- Top 40 Audiovisual: ''68 Comeback Special - 50th Anniversary Edition': climbed from #33 to #26.
iTunes - Worldwide
- Worldwide iTunes Album Chart Top 100: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' re-entry #99.
(Source: Official Chart Company / IRMA / Billboard)
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
July 21 - On Tour Trilogy Ready
Description: Lorentzen - in collaboration with Jerry Luckenbach - was able to buy hundreds of unseen and unpublished photos from the 1972 April, June and November tours according to the press release. This set features extensive information on all shows and sessions and newspaper reviews from every performance.
The MGM film was a musical documentary directed by Robert Abel and Pierre Adidge. It provided a behind-the-scenes perspective on Elvis on a 15-city U.S. tour as well as footage from his legendary live performances. Elvis' final film shot in 1972 proved to be a critical success, winning a 1973 Golden Globe award for Best Documentary Film.
Rockabilly Elvis
Due for release on August 16, 2021 from Shinko-Mook is the Japanese magazine 'Rockabilly Presents Elvis'.
It features articles on the birth of Rock 'N' Roll (it all started with Elvis), Elvis' fashion, Elvis merchandise, Elvis (best) music, movies and books, the day Elvis came closest to Japan ('Aloha From Hawaii'), Elvis and karate and more.
Elvis Sings ... In The Fall of '61
The main label released the double CD ‘Fall ’61 – 60th Anniversary Edition – The October Sessions’, a Special Limited Edition in the ‘The Bootleg Series’.
From the press release:
These audience recordings give you the best impression of these shows. You hear how the audience reacts. Elvis sings songs like 'Don't Cry Daddy', 'Kentucky Rain', 'Long Tall Sally' and many others.
The February 23, 1970 Dinner Show was first released on the 2nd CD from the album 'Rock In Black' (released in 2007) but wrongly dated as the February 22, 1970 Midnight Show.
The double CD 'Fall '61 - The October Sessions' is a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the October 1961 sessions at RCA's Studio B in Nashville and Radio Recorders Studio B in Hollywood . Including many alternate takes in great sound, the original mono masters, radio spots from the movie 'Kid Galahad' and more! A total of 42 tracks on 2 CDs.
‘Elvis Sings Johnny B. Goode’ features the almost complete September 5, 1970 Midnight Show and a selection of the best performances from a day earlier. Both shows a are a lot of fun with a lot of great live versions and some rare one-lines like 'La Bamba' and 'My Way'.
Elvis also sings a part of 'Crying Time' and does a Bob Dylan impersonation. This release is an updated release from 'The Midnight Hour' (2005) CD.
Songs included are 'Night Rider', 'Anything That's Part Of You', 'For The Millionth And The Last Time', 'I Met Her Today' and others... Many of the alternate takes are still unreleased by Elvis' record company. Also the 'Kid Galahad' radio spots are previously unreleased on CD and are taken from the rare original promotional record for the movie..
All CDs are limited to the usual 500 copies per title and come with a small booklet containing some pictures and in formation.
Tracks Elvis Sings Let It Be Me (Recorded February 23, 1970 Dinner Show):
Opening Vamp - All Shook Up - I Got A Woman - Long Tall Sally - Don’t Cry Daddy - Hound Dog - Love Me Tender - Kentucky Rain - Let It Be Me - I Can’t Stop Loving You - Walk A Mile In My Shoes - See See Rider - Sweet Caroline - Polk Salad Annie - Introductions - Suspicious Minds - Can’t Help Falling In Love.
Bonus Songs:
Proud Mary (February 3, 1970 Dinner Show)
Walk A Mile In My Shoes (Intro) / See See Rider (February 22, 1970 Midnight Show)
Sweet Caroline(February 22, 1970 Midnight Show)
Polk Salad Annie(February 22, 1970 Midnight Show)
(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel (February 3, 1970 Dinner Show)
Long Tall Sally(February 3, 1970 Dinner Show)
Tracks ‘Elvis Sings Johnny B. Goode’ (Recorded On September 5, 1970, Midnight Show):
Orchestra Intro - Opening Vamp - That’s All Right - I Got A Woman / Amen / I Got A Woman - I Walk The Line (Excerpt) / Monologue - Love Me Tender (With False Start) - The Flu - I’ve Lost You - I Just Can’t Help Believin’ - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling - Polk Salad Annie - Introductions - Johnny B. Goode - Introductions - Bob Dylan Impersonations / Celebrity Introductions - The Wonder Of You - Monologue / Heartbreak Hotel - All Shook Up (2 False Starts Only) - Blue Suede Shoes - Hound Dog (Incomplete) - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp
Bonus Songs - Recorded On September 4, 1970, Midnight Show:
La Bamba / I Walk The Line (Excerpts) - I’ve Lost You - I Just Can’t Help Believin’ - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling - Polk Salad Annie - Crying Time - Johnny B. Goode - My Way (Excerpt) - One Night (With False Start)
All Tracks Recorded Live At The Showroom, International Hotel,
Las Vegas, Nevada.
Tracks 'Fall '61 - The October Sessions':
Disc One - Masters & Outtakes: Night Rider - Anything That’s Part Of You - For The Millionth And The Last Time (Take 2) - I Met Her Today (Take 2 & 3) - I Met Her Today (Take 7) - Good Luck Charm - Anything That’s Part Of You (Take 3) - For The Millionth And The Last Time (Take 9 & 11) - For The Millionth And The Last Time (Take 6) - I Met Her Today (Take 10, 11, 12 & 13) - Anything That’s Part Of You (Take 6 & 7) - For The Millionth And The Last Time (Take 5) - I Met Her Today (Take 14) - Home Is Where The Heart Is (Take 12) - King Of The Whole Wide World (Take 6) - Riding The Rainbow (Take 6) - This Is Living (Take 8) - Riding The Rainbow (M4, Take 9) - For The Millionth And The Last Time (Take 3 & 4) - For The Millionth And The Last Time (Take 8) - I Met Her Today (Take 5 & 6) - I Met Her Today (Take 15 & 17) - I Met Her Today (Take 19 & 20)
CD 2 - Mono Masters & Radio Spots: For The Millionth And The Last Time - Good Luck Charm - Anything That’s Part Of You - I Met Her Today - Night Rider - A Whistling Tune - Home Is Where The Heart Is - Riding The Rainbow - I Got Lucky - This Is Living - King Of The Whole Wide World - Kid Galahad (Radio Spot #1 To #8)
(Source: ElvisMatters / Elvis Information Network / Elvis Club Berlin / FECC)
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
July 20 - Vintage Rocker
In the latest August 2021 issue they take an in-depth look at how TV tried to tame Elvis following his controversial appearances on the small screen in 1956.
Plus they also feature an article on the King’s partner of four-and-a-half years, Linda Thompson, who reveals all about her life with Presley in the 70s.
Also features a look at 'The Wild One' and Marlon Brando.
Jerry Lee Lewis’ eponymous 1979 debut for Elektra is the classic album and they also profile King Curtis and Bobby Lewis.
The Strange Medical Saga of Elvis Presley
Released through the Tennant Foundation was the 229-page book 'The Strange Medical Saga of Elvis Presley' by Dr. Forest Tennant. He was the major defense witness at Dr. Nick’s trial in 1980 and also authored controversial articles about Elvis.
His full medical saga has only recently begun to be thoroughly examined. After all these years people still want to know what happened to the “King.”
Three years after his death, I served as the major expert defense witness for Elvis’ doctor, Dr. George C. Nichopolous. The District Attorney of Shelby County originally wanted to charge him with murder/manslaughter for “intentionally prescribing to harm Elvis Presley,” but the charges were changed to “prescribing without a legitimate medical purpose.” The jury promptly acquitted him, but I was left with many questions about what exactly was physically wrong with Elvis.
The question of “was it heart or was it drugs” remained unanswered. In the years since his death, medical research has advanced to the point that we have new insights regarding his underling health problems and untimely death. Many of the mysteries of Elvis’ life and death, which I hope to unveil in this book, can now be answered. I am in the unique position of being the only physician in the country who still has Elvis’ full medical records from the trial.
With expertise in internal medicine, addiction, and pain medicine along with having personally known his physicians, I am in a unique position to help uncover his mysterious medical saga. My hope is to shed some light on his health issues, and hopefully, with the help of medical science and common sense, solve the mystery of what really happened to Elvis!
(Source: Facebook / Amazon)
Saturday, July 17, 2021
July 17 - Charts July 2021 - Week 3
The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. Little movement this week, all titles gain a few places.
U.S. Billboard charts:
- Billboard Top Christian Album chart: 'Elvis: Ultimate Gospel' climbed from #48 to #45.
Official U.K. charts:
- Official Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' climbed from #58 to #57.
- Official Streaming Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' climbed from #48 to #47.
- Official Country Compilations Album chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' dropped from #9 to #13.
- Official Music DVD chart:' Elvis Presley: The Searcher' re-entry at #34.
- Official UK Budget Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #4 to #6.
Official Scottish charts:
- Official Scottish Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hots' climbed from #47 to #39.
Australian ARIA charts:
- Top 40 Audiovisual: ''68 Comeback Special - 50th Anniversary Edition': dropped from #30 to #33.
(Source: Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum)
Friday, July 16, 2021
July 16 - New Vinyl
Statement from the Pyramid Import Label
The Pyramid import label recently released volume 7 in their 8mm concert footage 'Sold Out!' series. In reaction to discussions on-line, the label posted the following statement:
We’ve gotten used to the fact that certain parties with vested interests have done everything to undermine Pyramid, by trying to sabotage our releases, and by spreading misinformation. That continues even today. We see comments on this forum that are sometimes so bizarre that they defy all logic. We realize that much of this is agenda-driven, but still, we would like to comment on some of it.
About the 'authoring issue'. We want people to savour and enjoy each clip, because in most cases it has cost us a lot of effort to obtain these. It is not an authoring issue, it is a choice and a quite simple matter of settings.
Pyramid is a true labor of love. Most people on the inside know that the sales of Elvis releases have plummeted, especially in the last three years. Elvis fans are now dying off at a fast rate, and there are no new ones. Moreover, in recent years, allegations about Elvis being a ‘racist’ and a ‘cultural appropriator’ have harmed the whole brand. As a result, Elvis is not selling anymore. The sales of Elvis imports are a joke these days. You can count yourself lucky if you can sell three to four hundred copies. So comments about us doing this for a quick buck are grotesque and quite simply not true. We are having these films restored basically for our own enjoyment, and we are happy to share with others, unlike certain individuals. We see the ‘Sold Out’ series as the ultimate resource for this type of footage, presented in a manner and in a price range that makes it accessible for all fans. We have personally paid thousands of euros to obtain this footage from various sources, and now the fans can buy it at a fraction of that price. We are not saying that we are a couple of Santa Clauses, but some of the venom here is uncalled for and inappropriate. If you are one of these, then you are just a cheerleader for the people who never wanted you to have this in the first place, or only wanted you to have it at €20 per minute. So owning the same material that is now released on each DVD would have cost you a whopping €5000., and for what has been released so far a total of €35.000! And, as we know now, much of the material sold by these two collectors from the UK & Germany was manipulated in various ways: degraded, edited, movement added… Simply because they don’t want you to get what they have. They just want your money. Pyramid on the other hand is offering the fans value for money by releasing about three hours each time, at a price of ca. €37 per set. And most of the footage is presented in the best way possible. As stated previously, all footage is restored, and original audio is added. Usually we have two or three versions of each clip, and of these we chose the best one. The aim of Pyramid is always to respect the authenticity of the material, and not add or change anything. We just want to present these films as originally filmed. In various cases, we have been lucky to have worked with the original filmers, and we paid them for their work. We have also contacted various of Elvis’ friends and musicians, to get them to write liner-notes for us. Who else does that in the Elvis world? Not even the official label.
Someone asked why we didn’t release everything in chronological order. Well, the first master we made was actually in chronological order, but after having watched it, we decided that this was just not the right format for this material. Since Elvis never really changed his setlist much on each tour, it would just be the same again and again, like an Elvis ‘Groundhog Day’. It would just not be very enjoyable. So we chose the current format, with each release basically containing footage from all the concert years, because the DVD’s are more varied and enjoyable that way.
It may well be true that we have used material from the aforementioned contaminated two sources, which we do try to avoid. In the case of Johnson City, we had two versions. One that was a bit blurry, and another was much better and longer, but it had some shaking during ‘C.C. Rider’. We opted to use that one. These are the realities we work with. But we try to do the best we can, because we feel that this is a beautiful project, from fans for fans. If better versions pop up of certain clips we’ve already used, then we will just use them again. As stated previously, we want this series to be like a data bank where all of this footage gets a home.
We always welcome any criticism, as long as it’s fair and not agenda driven. We know from some of the people posting trash about us here is that they are involved with other import labels. It’s always amusing to us when they post reviews and comments about a release that’s not even out yet. This has happened several times already. Or when factually incorrect stuff is posted time and again by the same individuals (just like their praise for their own product). The Elvis world is a pretty strange place sometimes. Other collectors warned us about this, and we understand why some of them choose to keep their rarities to themselves. This is what they have told us. As some of you know, we have indeed been the victims of disinformation, personal attacks and libel. Remember ‘cease and desist’, the insane YouTube videos, etc? All the product of sick, twisted minds.
Fact is that ‘Sold Out’ has changed the whole game. In recent years, most import releases were just repeats of previously released material. It was just the same stuff again & again, in a slightly nicer packaging, in improved quality, or in ‘new stereo’. Pyramid surprised everybody with its first release, and since then has released more than 20 hours of rare 8mm footage that most had never seen before. And we will continue releasing more footage. We are still buying great stuff, material that none of us knew even existed! Granted, with 8mm material there are limitations due to the nature of home movie filming back in the seventies. We all know that. But, having said that, there are some real treasures and surprises, as each release so far has demonstrated. And we will make it all available.
(Source: Facebook / FECC)
Thursday, July 15, 2021
July 15 - Las Vegas International Presents Elvis - September 1970
The label also released a limited edition promo CD containing containing 5 songs from the September 1970 Matinee Show.
From the press release:
The formats include a 2-CD deluxe that will feature a new unreleased soundboard from September 2, 1970 and a bonus CD, that will cover the final rehearsals at the International Hotel on August 10th before the start of the summer festival with great technological improvements upgrades.
Other formats include 2 separate 180-gram LPs of the above on black and on clear vinyl, and a very limited-edition cassette of the September show.
The accompanying 40-page booklet of the CD deluxe includes rare photographs and memorabilia taken during these engagements along with introductory notes.
CD Track list for the LP and Cassette for the September 1970 show
CD 1 – September 2, 1970 (Matinee Show
That’s All Right - I Got A Woman - Elvis Welcomes The Audience - Love Me Tender - I’ve Lost You - I Just Can’t Help Believin’ - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - Polk Salad Annie - Elvis Introduces Band - Johnny B. Goode - The Wonder Of You - Elvis Talks About 'Heartbreak Hotel' - One Night - Blue Suede Shoes - Hound Dog - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds (MS) - Can’t Help Falling in Love (MS)
CD 2 - Final Rehearsals Main Stage - August 10, 1970
You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me (1) - I Just Can’t Help Believin’ - Something - Sweet Caroline - Polk Salad Annie - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ (1) - I’ve Lost You - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Patch It Up - Can’t Help Falling In Love - You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me (2) - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ (2)
Bonus Songs - August 8, 1970: I’ve Lost You (1) - I’ve Lost You (2) - Something - Don’t Cry Daddy.
The LP and Cassette for the September 1970 show is the same as the track list of CD 1.
Tracks promo CD 'September 1970': That’s All Right - The Wonder of You - Elvis talks about Heartbreak Hotel - One Night - Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On.
LP 1 - August 10, 1970 - Rehearsals
Side A: You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me (1) - I Just Can’t Help Believin’ - Something - Sweet Caroline - Polk Salad Annie - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ (1) - I’ve Lost You
Side B: Bridge Over Troubled Water - Patch It Up - Can’t Help Falling In Love - You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me (2) - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ (2)
Bonus Songs: August 4, 1970: I’ve Lost You (1) - I’ve Lost You (2) - Something - Don’t Cry Daddy / August 7, 1970: You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - Twenty Days And Twenty Nights.
LP 2 - September 2, 1970 - Matinee Show
Side A: That’s All Right - I Got A Woman - Elvis Welcomes The Audience - Love Me Tender - I’ve Lost You - I Just Can’t Help Believin’ - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - Polk Salad Annie
Side B: Elvis Introduces Band - Johnny B. Goode - The Wonder Of You - Elvis Talks About 'Heartbreak Hotel' - One Night - Blue Suede Shoes - Hound Dog - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds(MS) - Can’t Help Falling in Love(MS)
For more information and pre-order visit the >>> Memphis Recording Service website.
(Source: Memphis Recording Service)
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
July 14 - Becky Hartley Yancey Died
She knew Elvis a long time before she started to work for him and his father in 1962 and stopped in 1975.
Becky attended Elvis' earliest appearances in Memphis and saw his rise to stardom firsthand.
"When Dewey Phillips first played "That's All Right, Mama" on his WHBQ radio show "Red, Hot and Blue" was the first time that I heard Elvis. I hadn't seen him at the the time, but I fell in love with him though. You know, just his voice and all. I listened to "Red, Hot and Blue every night. The first time I saw Elvis was when he played at Katz Drug Store down Airways and Lamar - on a flat bed truck in 1954. I was 14 years old at the time."
"I had been going up to Graceland a few times and one night I just happen to sit by Elvis downstairs in the TV room and I just looked at him and said, 'Elvis, Do you need a maid?' He said 'No, But I may need a secretary.' So, that's how I got the job. He didn't call me to tell me that I got the job, Alan Fortas did. He knew I knew Alan real well. I started working for him in 1962, I was 21 then."
She started working on her book 'My Life With Elvis' (with Cliff Linedecker) in 1975. When Elvis died, the released of the book was rushed up by St. Martin's Press.
Read complete interview on >>> the Elvis Beat blog.
The Elvis Collector
Harry Carrigan published his 282-page hardcover book 'The Elvis Collector - An Introductory Guide To UK Film Memorabilia 1956-1977'.
With over 800 images including cinema posters, press and campaign books and front of house stills for each of the films, other memorabilia and a selection of relevant magazines, newspapers and books.
Also, the soundtrack recording sessions, information on production and U.K. releases of each of the films, "For The First Time" - all the U.K. cinema release dates and the first known television screening dates.
(Source: Facebook / The Elvis Shop London / Quotes from Don Wilson interview on The Elvis Beat)