Monday, November 29, 2021

November 29 - Not Sold Out Yet

The Pyramid import label isn't sold out yet, the label announced the December release of volume 11 in their 'Sold Out!' series.

Synopsis: Relive the magic of The King in concert with this incredible 3 hour collection of rare and unreleased private footage, now available for the first time. Lovingly restored from HQ transfers… And bound to become a true collectors item.

From the press releaseThe spring of ’75 was a good period for Elvis. He was performing with renewed energy and vigor, and his joy for performing made these shows very memorable. His voice was strong and robust, the setlists were great, and his interactions with the fans were a delight. He was truly back again, and Sold Out volume 11 takes you back to those dynamite shows. This is some of the most fun & enjoyable 8mm performance footage we have of Elvis on stage in the 70s. Girlfriend Mindi Miller was there with him on that tour, and exclusively for Pyramid, she wrote a detailed account about the day-to-day life on the road with Elvis, with many fresh details. 

As always, we’ve also included plenty of unreleased film from other significant tours. There’s the raw sexuality of the November ’71 tour, the professionalism of the spring ’73 tours (lovely close-ups of EP in his Red Flower suit), the power and energy of the June ’74 shows, and at the other end of the spectrum, a man in trouble during the October ’74 tour. 

We’ve also included plenty of private footage of Elvis arriving at hotels, venues, etc. What you are getting on this release is the REAL Elvis Presley. Whether it is the rough energy of “I Got A Woman” from the November ’71 tour, or the majesty of “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, with Elvis at the piano in July ’75, singing as if his life depends on it. And there’s plenty of rare moments too, such as him improvising “Good Time Charlie’s Got The Blues”. You can see him rocking in his Peacock suit during a sensational “Polk Salad Annie”, and there’s equally spectacular footage of Elvis in his Eagle and Indian Feather suits. And again, there’s plenty of heartwarming and delightful moments, such as Elvis teasing J.D. Sumner during “Why Me Lord”, or the band surprising Elvis with an impromptu “Jingle Bells”. 

We all know that 8mm footage is not perfect, but it’s what we have from these shows, and let’s just be grateful that someone had the foresight to film these precious moments. Carefully restored and beautifully presented, “Sold Out volume 11” is a must for the true collector. Don’t miss out on these wonderful Elvis moments – almost three hours of them. Each release is quickly becoming a collectors’ item, with some of them already fetching high prices on E-bay and elsewhere. A copy of volume 5 was recently offered on E-bay for €399. While we don’t condone of such high prices, it once again underlines the collectability of these fantastic releases. Order your copy today from your favorite dealer, and have it in your home before Christmas!


Elvis Unlimited

Volume 3 of the Elvis Unlimited magazine features articles on Bill Black's upcoming biography by Paul Belard, Sandi Miller and more. 

The magazine also contains a flex-disk featuring the complete version of 'The Truth About Me', including the part missing on recent Sony / FTD releases. More details in the magazine.

(Source: Facebook)

Sunday, November 28, 2021

November 28 - "Das Verrückte Leben" of Colonel Parker

James L. Dickerson's 2001 book 'Colonel Tom Parker: The Curious Life of Elvis Presley's Eccentric Manager' will be re-issued in Germany as 'Colonel Tom Parker: Das verrückte Leben des exzentrischen Managers von Elvis Presley' on April 14, 2022. The translation was made by Waltraud Eckersberger. 

This is the book Warner Bros. purchased for Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming Elvis movie starring Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Parker. 

Based on unprecedented, original research and interviews with insiders, this authoritative biography of Colonel Tom Parker (1909-1997), Elvis Presley’s lifelong manager, includes new revelations and insights into the music industry’s most notorious and mysterious manager. Investigative journalist and music writer James L. Dickerson looks at topics such as Parker’s illegal entry into the United States, his work as a carny with Royal American Shows, and his management of country singer Eddy Arnold, his partnership with Hank Snow, and how he manipulated Elvis Presley and his family to seize control of the singer’s career.

The book examines Parker’s greed, his indebtedness to behind-the-scenes players in Las Vegas, his gambling addiction, and his fear of deportation played a role in ruining Elvis’s career. Because Colonel Parker was always there with Elvis, gazing ominously over his shoulder, the book presents behind-the-scenes glimpses of the entertainer’s career that you will read nowhere else, thanks in part to the author’s personal and professional relationship with Elvis’s first guitarist, Scotty Moore, with whom the author wrote two revealing books.

(Source: Amazon)

Saturday, November 27, 2021

November 27 - New Vinyl, Book and Tape Releases

Available soon from the Memphis Mansion record label is the 'Million Dollar Quartet’ EP, It is limited to 300 copies on black vinyl. 

Tracks side A: Blue Suede Shoes ‘Perkins’ / On The Jericho Road / Folsom Prison Blues ‘Cash’.

Side Two: Great Balls Of Fire ‘Lewis’ / You Belong To My Heart / Mystery Train ‘Presley’.

The latter song by Elvis was re-mastered from an original HMV 45 RPM single with the slightly extended ending and is therefore more complete and original. 

Also due for release is a cassette tape edition of volume 3 of 'The Danish Singles Collection' compilation. 

Paul Belard’s latest book 'Don't Be Cruel, Elvis - The Bill Black Story' is on its way to the printers and is expected to be released before Christmas. 

The 264-page book is the first detailed account of the Bill Black Story and is filled with rare images provided by the Black family, Over 175 images in total. As a bonus the first 1000 copies of the book come with a limited edition flexi-disc containing one track by the Bill Black Combo and one track by Elvis Presley. 

Available for pre-order at the >>> Memphis Mansion webshop.

Four New "Australian" Elvis Books

Australian Elvis researcher, Bob Hayden, has just published his latest books: the trilogy 'Elvis Presley Australian 45RPM Record Label Scans in Catalogue Order' (3 volumes) and 'Elvis Presley Australian 45RPM Picture Covers'. All books come on glossy stock-paper with a soft-cover.

For more information and ordering, author Bob Hayden can be contacted at: elvis2594@gmail.com. 

Rock And Blues In Vegas

The SR import label released two more Deluxe Editions their 'Rock and Blues' and 'From Tahoe To Vegas' sets.

From the press release (as far as it could be deciphered and correctly interpreted)
: The first edition of 'From Tahoe To Vegas' has been expanded with a CD and a DVD-R, housed in a super-deluxe heavy LP-sized digi-pack holding four complete shows and very rare footage from July and August 1971. 

The DVD was previously included as a bonus on the 2005 SR release 'Setting in the Standard. This release is limited to 40 copies in two variations with their own design and bonus material like a sticker and certificate. 

The original edition of 'Rock and Blues' has been expanded by adding an incredible DVD dedicated to the April 1972 tour and comes housed in a super-deluxe 21 by 21 cm digi-pack.

This release is limited to 30 copies in two variations with their own A4-sized design and bonus material like a foldout sleeve, a forex panel and certificate. 

(Source: Memphis Mansion / Sabine Vindahl / Anthony Stuchbury / Information Network / Facebook)

November 27 - Charts November 2021 - Week 4: Elvis at 1

The weekly Elvis Presley global chart update. The appearance of the new 'Elvis Back In Nashville' set was short-lived in Europe, in the U.S. the album makes its first appearances on the charts. 

A great result in Ireland where 'The Elvis Collection' hit No. 1 on the Music DVD chart!


U.S. Billboard charts:

  • Billboard Top Current Album Sales chart: 'Elvis Back In Nashville' new entry at #59.
  • Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' re-entry at #26. 
  • Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' re-entry at #37. 
  • Billboard Top Christian Album chart: 'Elvis Back In Nashville' new entry at #10. 
  • Billboard Top Holiday Album chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' dropped from #19 to #20. 

Official U.K. charts:

  • Official Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #86 to #97. 
  • Official Streaming Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #58 to #60.
  • Official Americana Album chart: 'Elvis Back In Nashville' dropped from #2 to #8. 
  • Official Country Compilations chart: 'From Elvis In  Nashville' climbed from #10 to #6. 

Official Irish IRMA chart

  • IRMA Music DVD chart: 'The Elvis Collection' climbed from #2 to #1!=

Official Dutch charts:

  • Vinyl Top 33 Album chart: 'His Ultimate Collection' re-entry at #33. 
Official Belgian Ultratop charts:
  • Official Ultratop 200 Album chart (Flanders): 'His Ultimate Collection' re-entry at #191.
  • UltraTop Album Top 200 Album chart (Wallonia): 'Elvis Back In Nashville' dropped from #32 to 182.
Another charts Elvis topped was the U.K.'s Top 35 Wedding First Dance Songs chart, beating Ed Sheeran, Adele and John Legend to the top spot with his 1961 ballad 'Can’t Help Falling in Love' 

The Top 5:
Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley
Can't Take My Eyes Off You - Frankie Valli
The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
All Of Me - John Legend
Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers

(Source: Offivial Chart Company / UK Mix Forum / UltraTop /  Dutchcharts / Daily Mail)

Friday, November 26, 2021

November 26 - Searching For A Black Vinyl Tornado

The U.K. based Memphis Recording Service published a press release on the upcoming CD 'Like A Black Tornado - Live At Boston Garden 1971', which is due for release January 28, 2022.

From the press releaseThe Deluxe CD contains a captivating performance from one of Elvis’ earliest tours of the 1970s. Performed and recorded in Boston on 10th November 1971, this show demonstrates the raw energy and spirit Elvis displayed when performing away from his Las Vegas engagements, reminding everyone that, finally, he was back! 

For the first time ever, this recording (formerly in mono) has been remastered, carefully restored, and remixed to true stereo using the most sophisticated technologies. The accompanying 40-page booklet includes rare photographs and memorabilia taken from this performance, along with introductory notes.

Tracks: Also Sprach Zarathustra / That's All Right / I Got a Woman - Amen / Proud Mary / You Don't Have to Say You Love Me / You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' / Polk Salad Annie / Coming Home Baby (instrumental) / Love Me / Heartbreak Hotel / Blue Suede Shoes / One Night / Hound Dog / How Great Thou Art (in part) / Introductions (in part) / I'm Leavin' / Bridge Over Troubled Water / I Can't Stop Loving You / Love Me Tender / Suspicious Minds / Coming Home Baby (instrumental) / Funny How Time Slips Away / Can't Help Falling in Love.

The album can be pre-orederd from the >>> Memphis Recording Service webshop.

Searching For Elvis

The Dutch Publisher Dato published the 400-page book 'Op Zoek Naar Elvis' ('Searching For Elvis') by Godfried Nevels. 

Synopsis: In Searching for Elvis, Godfried Nevels talks to friends and acquaintances of Elvis Presley to record their personal memories of The King. With beautiful and partly previously unpublished images!

In Searching for Elvis, Godfried Nevels talks to friends and acquaintances of Elvis Presley to record their personal memories of The King. From renowned session musicians, gospel singers, girlfriends, classmates, Hollywood actresses and American celebrities. In addition, Dutch artists like Waylon, who also wrote the foreword, Danny Vera, Barry Hay, Leo Blokhuis, George Baker and Evi Hanssen tell how much Elvis and his music means to them.


Elvis News Report December

Emiel Mayer posted his monthly Elvis Presley video news report on YouTube. December 2021 covers the first images and a cool examination of the first short trailer for Baz Lurhmann's Elvis biopic, auction results, Graceland's holiday lighting, FTD's 'Jailhouse Rock' and more.


New Vinyl

Due for release soon from the Petticoat import label is volume 3 in their LP / CD series 'The Soundboard' series. This edition comes on "virgin blue" and on "virgin purple" colored vinyl. 

From the press release: Petticoat Records mainly released studio highlights on high quality vinyl. Now Petticoat Records presents a fantastic collection of live performances. This third volume features some of the best live performances in Elvis' career. Many of these tracks were only performed live very few times and are making their vinyl debut! A must have and a great spinner for sure! 

Tracks side A: Tryin’ To Get To You (03.03. 1974 ES) - Mystery Train / Tiger Man (03.08.1969 DS)  - Never Been To Spain (26.01.1972) - Help Me (23.05.1974 DS) - My Boy (25.04.1975) - Polk Salad Annie (23.05.1974 DS) - In The Ghetto (03.08.1969 DS)

Side B: Baby, What You Want Me To Do (03.08.1969 DS) - Don’t Cry Daddy (19.02.1970 DS) - Help Me Make It Through The Night (13.05.1973 03.00am) - Only Believe (27.01.1971 MS) - Steamroller Blues (02.02.1973 MS) - I’ll Be There/You’re The Reason I’m Living (22.03.1975 MS) - America (20.03.1976 ES) - The Impossible Dream (28.01.1971 DS)

CD: Tryin’ To Get To You (03.03. 1974 ES) - Mystery Train / Tiger Man (03.08.1969 DS)  - Never Been To Spain (26.01.1972) - Help Me (23.05.1974 DS) - My Boy (25.04.1975) - Polk Salad Annie (23.05.1974 DS) - In The Ghetto (03.08.1969 DS) - Baby, What You Want Me To Do (03.08.1969 DS) - Don’t Cry Daddy (19.02.1970 DS) - Help Me Make It Through The Night (13.05.1973 03.00am) - Only Believe (27.01.1971 MS) - Steamroller Blues (02.02.1973 MS) - I’ll Be There/You’re The Reason I’m Living (22.03.1975 MS) - America (20.03.1976 ES) - The Impossible Dream (28.01.1971 DS)

On Tour, April 18, 1972

From the Golden Globe import label fans can expect 'On Tour, April 18, 1972' featuring Elvis' performance from that date at the Convention Center Arena, San Antonio, Texas. 

From the press release: Golden Globe Records presents their third deluxe 2LP set containing the fantastic April 18 1972 show recorded in San Antonio, Texas. 

In total 4 shows were recorded for the Golden Globe winning motion picture “Elvis On Tour”. The San Antonio show is the fourth show that was recorded for the award winning documentary and is also the fourth one issued in this Elvis On Tour Series. 

Presented in a beautiful deluxe gatefold cover containing 2 high quality 180 grams coloured vinyl albums. This very limited edition is available in red or blue vinyl. A CD version is also added to this package.


LP 1 - Side A: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - Proud Mary - Never Been To Spain - You Gave Me A Mountain - Until It’s Time For You To Go

Side B: Polk Salad Annie - Love Me - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Heartbreak Hotel - Hound Dog - How Great Thou Art - I Can’t Stop Loving You

LP 2 - Side C: Love Me Tender - Suspicious Minds - Introductions By Elvis - For The Good Times - Burning Love - An American Trilogy

Side D: Funny How Time Slips Away - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp - Elvis Has Left The Building

Bonus Songs - 05.04.1972 Rehearsal - Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, New York:
An American Trilogy - Funny How Time Slips Away - Light House / I, John / I Need your Lovin’ Everyday

CD: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - Proud Mary - Never Been To Spain - You Gave Me A Mountain - Until It’s Time For You To Go - Polk Salad Annie - Love Me - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Heartbreak Hotel - Hound Dog - How Great Thou Art - I Can’t Stop Loving You - Love Me Tender - Suspicious Minds - Introductions By Elvis - For The Good Times - Burning Love - An American Trilogy - Funny How Time Slips Away - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp - Elvis Has Left The Building
 
Bonus Songs - 05.04.1972 Rehearsal - Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, New York:
An American Trilogy - Funny How Time Slips Away - Light House / I, John / I Need your Lovin’ Everyday

22  Can’t Help Falling In Love
23  Closing Vamp
24  Elvis Has Left The Building
 
Bonus Tracks Rehearsal April 5, 1972- Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, New York
25  An American Trilogy
26  Funny How Time Slips Away
27  Light House / I, John / I Need your Lovin’ Everyday

(Source: Memphis Recording Service / Dato Publishing / For Elvis Vinyl Collectors Facebook)

Thursday, November 25, 2021

November 25 - The Planes and the King and More

Erik Lorentzen's Elvis Files team published the details for their December 2021 re-issue of Carlos Varrenti's ‘Los Aviones Y El Rey’ book titled ‘The Airplanes and The King’.

From the press releaseCarlos Varrenti teamed up with Robert van Beek of the Elvis Files team to investigate a never-before-documented side of Elvis and his passion for airplanes. This fascinating story runs like a thread through the King’s life and career. 

 

“As an Aeronautical Engineer, and a huge Elvis Presley fan, I have always wanted to write a book on planes and the King. Ever since my first visit to Graceland in 2001, I have been intrigued by Elvis' history with his aircrafts and his link to aeronautics in general. Looking at those impressive flying machines, exhibited at Graceland as a testimony of the greatness of the Artist of the Century, led me to believe that there was more behind this story. And there was! 

 

After several years of collecting every little detail, every short paragraph, every video, every photograph and everything else related to Elvis and his planes, I was able to write the story of my two great passions: Elvis Presley and Aeronautics”.

 

This book is intended both for fans of the King, who want to learn more about this unknown facet of Elvis, as for aviation fans who are interested in Elvis’ link with the exciting world of aeronautics.”

 

The original 198-page Spanish reference book ‘Los Aviones Y El Rey’ was translated into English and expanded to 400 pages with hundreds of pages containing information and pictures about Elvis and his planes. 

 

This new edition contains all the technical details on the planes that Elvis has used and owned from 1956 to 1977 and “illustrated” with fascinating stories from Elvis' musicians, friends and family, and relevant photos from Erik Lorentzen’s collection. This topic has never been covered before, and that makes this book unique in its approach and content. The foreword was written by Elvis expert and author Carlos R. Ares. 

 

This is the version Carlos Varrenti originally envisioned when he wrote ‘Los Aviones Y El Rey’. Take a seat, buckle up for an unforgettable flight!

 
You can now pre-order your copy at >>> The Elvis Files website, which offers worldwide shipping via ‘airmail’. The first 100 copies come with a personally signed "thank you” card from Carlos Varrenti.

The Elvis Files team website also mentions the December 2021 release of the 400-page hardcover book 'And Then There Was Elvis; a superfan's adventures in the Elvis world' A memoir by Elaine Christan with Virginia Coons and the Summer 2022 release of "an absolute stunning 2-book project for fifties fans, a long awaited sequel to ...". 


More info on >>> Carlos Varentti's website.


Below a preview of the book:



Mono To Stereo

The U.K. based Memphis Recording Service released 'Mono to Stereo - The Complete RCA Studio Masters 1956' featuring both the original mono and newly created stereo version of those studio masters on two CDs. 
The stereo versions were created using DES (Digitally Extracted Stereo) creating new authentic stereo mixes from original mono recordings.
(Source: Carlos Varentti / The Elvis Files / Memphis Recording Service)


Wednesday, November 24, 2021

November 24 - Auction Time For The Greatest

Gotta Have Rock and Roll will hold another 'Rock & Roll Pop Culture Auction' from December 1 to 10, 2021. The eye-catcher for Elvis Presley fans is the Sun Records studio piano that was used at the famous “Million Dollar Quartet” session.

The second most historical item is Elvis Presley's third oldest Sun Records recording contract from 1954, signed by Elvis Presley and and Sam Phillips. Both items originate from the From the Sam Phillips Sun Records Collection.

Description: A vintage 1949 Wurlitzer spinet with a decade-long head-spinning “Sun Records who’s-who” on its discography. The "Million Dollar Quartet”, coined by Sam Phillips, refers to the legendary impromptu Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash 1956 recording session at the Studio. The estimate for this item is US$800,000 - US$1,000,000.

Description: An incredibly rare, historic contract, this is the Elvis Presley and Sam Phillips signed November 15, 1954 Sun Records recording contract - Elvis' third oldest recording contract with Sun Records. The contract has been beautifully signed by both black inkt. 

This Memphis Federation of Musicians contract between Elvis Presley and Sun Record Company, Inc. is for his recording of 'Good Rockin' Tonight' and 'Milkcow Blues Boogie'. The contract, which has been part of Sam Phillips personal collection since the day it was signed, also has resided at the venerable Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for 35 years. The estimate for this item is US$100,000 - US$150,000.

Go the >>> Gotta Have Rock and Roll website for the catalogue.


The Elvis Presley Story

The second volume in 'The Elvis Presley Story' has been released. This volume with 4 CDs features chapters 5 to 8 from this legendary radio-special on Elvis' life and career as narrated by Wink Martindale. 


Billboard Greatest Artists of all Time

Billboard magazine released a list of their Greatest of All Time Hot 100 Artists list. 

The Beatles continue to hold the top position of the newly updated version of the list. They were followed by Madonna, with 38 Hot 100 top 10s, on the number 2 spot. She was closely followed by Elton John on #3, while Elvis Presley took the number 4 spot, followed by Mariah Carey on #5. 

Billboard notes the chart is based on performance on the weekly Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard 200 album chart in both charts’ entire histories. The “Greatest of All Time Hot 100 Artists” chart first launched in 2008 and was updated in 2013 and 2018. The Beatles have remained atop the chart since 2008 with 20 number one hits and 34 top ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100.

Billboard explained how the chart was put together in a statement. “Billboard‘s Greatest Of All-Time Hot 100 Songs and Artists rankings are based on weekly performance on the Hot 100 (from its inception on Aug. 4, 1958, through Nov. 6, 2021)," the magazine noted on its website. "Songs are ranked based on an inverse point system, with weeks at No. 1 earning the greatest value and weeks at lower spots earning the least. Due to changes in chart methodology over the years, eras are weighted differently to account for chart turnover rates during various periods. Artists are ranked based on a formula blending performance, as outlined above, of all their Hot 100 chart entries.”

(Source: Gotta Have Rock and Roll / Billboard)

Sunday, November 21, 2021

November 21 - Colonel Parker - Hero or Heel?

With Baz Luhrmann's new Elvis film in mind, Todd Slaughter announced the release of a book about Colonel Parker. The book, titled ‘Colonel Parker - Hero or Heel?’, has “Godverdomme" (Dutch for "God damn") as the subtitle and should be out April 2022. 

As fan-club president Todd Slaughter corresponded with the Colonel, met him  several times in Las Vegas and Indianapolis and had many visit with Colonel and his wife Loanne at their home in Las Vegas. 

In the book Slaughter delves deeper into the stories Parker told him, his childhood and life in the Netherlands, his travels to England and on to the United States where he eventually became Elvis Presley's manager.

Like A Black Tornado

Here is the cover-art for the new Memphis Recording Service CD set titled '
Like A Black Tornado - Live At Boston Garden 1971', due January 28, 2022.

This concert was previously released on bootleg as 'The Power of Shazaam' on the Captain Marvell JR. label (1997), 'One Night Only' by the Madison label (2006) and officially as as 'As Recorded At Boston Garden '71' by the FTD label (2010). 

(Source: UEPS / Memphis Recording Service / Todd Slaughter)

Saturday, November 20, 2021

November 20 - Opaque White Christmas

The U.S. based Target released an exclusive "Opaque White" edition of 'The Classic Christmas Album'. 

Side A: I'll Be Home for Christmas (with Carrie Underwood) / Blue Christmas (with Martina McBride) Winter Wonderland / The First Noel / The Wonderful World of Christmas / Holly Leaves and Christmas Trees / O Come, All Ye Faithful / Merry Christmas Baby 

Side B: I'll Be Home On Christmas Day / If Every Day Was Like Christmas / White Christmas / Silent Night / Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) / O Little Town of Bethlehem / Santa Claus Is Back In Town / Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)

(Source: Target / Facebook)

November 20 - Charts November 2021 - Week 3 (Updated)

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart updates. The new 'Elvis: Back In Nashville' set made the charts in the U.K., Scotland, Belgium, Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Austria, Switzerland and The Netherlands this week. In the U.K. the album sold 1,971 copies. In Ireland 'The Elvis Collection' made a strong re-entry. 

It is strange to see how chart rules are applied as the 2020 Nashville set is listed on the U.K. Country Compilation chart and not on the U.K. Americana Album chart and the new 2021 Nashville set isn't listen on the U.K. Country Compilation chart but does make an appearance on the U.K. Americana Album chart ...


Official U.S. Billboard charts:

  • Billboard Top Holiday Album charts: 'The Classic Christmas Album' climbed from #21 to #19. 
  • Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #50 to #48. 
  • Billboard Country Rock Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #26 to #36. 


Official U.K. charts:

  • Official Album Top 100 chart: 'Elvis Back In Nashville' new entry at #63.
  • Official Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits': dropped from #85 to #86.
  • Official Streaming Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits': remained steady at #58.
  • Official Physical Album Top 100 chart: 'Elvis Back In Nashville' new entry at #22.
  • Official Album Sales Top 100 chart: 'Elvis Back In Nashville' new entry at #22.
  • Official Vinyl Album Top 40 chart: 'Elvis Back In Nashville' new entry at #30.
  • Official Americana Albums Chart Top 40:  'Elvis Back In Nashville' new entry at #2.
  • Official Country Compilations Chart Top 20: 'From Elvis In Nashville' remained steady at #10.
  • Official Music DVD chart: 'The Elvis Collection' re-entry at #39.


Official Scottish Album charts:

  • Official Album Top 100 chart: 'Elvis Back In Nashville' new entry at #18.


Official Irish IRMA charts:

  • Official IRMA Music DVD chart: 'The Elvis Collection' re-entry #2.


Official German charts:

  • Official German Album Top 100 chart: 'Elvis Back In Nashville' new entry #25.


Official French SNEP charts:

  • Official French SNEP Album Top 200 chart: 'Elvis Back In Nashville' new entry #174.


Official Dutch Chart:

  • Official Dutch Album Top 100 chart: 'Elvis Back In Nashville' new entry #42.
  • Official Dutch Vinyl Top 33 chart: 'Elvis Back In Nashville' new entry #23.

Official Swiss charts:
  • Swiss Album Top 100 chart: 'Elvis Back In Nashville' new entry at #39.

Official Austrian charts:
  • Official Austrian Album chart: 'Elvis Back In Nashville' new entry at #31.

Official Belgian Ultratop charts:
  • UltraTop Album Top 200 Album chart (Wallonia): 'Elvis Back In Nashville' new entry at #32.
  • UltraTop Album Top 200 Album chart (Flanders): 'Elvis Back In Nashville' new entry at #69.

Official Spanish charts:
  • Official Album Top 100 chart: 'Elvis Back in Nashville' new entry at #46.
  • Official Vinyl Album Top 100 chart: 'Elvis Back in Nashville' new entry at #34.

(Source: Official Chart Company / U.K. Mix Forum / MTV / Dutch Charts / IRMA / Ultratop / Snep)


    

Friday, November 19, 2021

November 19 - A Black FTD Tornado for Christmas

The Bellevue Entertainment budget label re-issued their 12-track 'Elvis Christmas Album' once more on LP and on CD.

Like A Black Tornado

A new release from the U.K. based Memphis Recording Service appeared in an on-line store. Due January 28, 2022 is a Deluxe CD set titled 'Like A Black Tornado - Live At Boston Garden 1971'. More information when available. 

FTD's Released

The November Follow That Dream CD releases 'Elvis: South Bound - Tampa / Atlanta ‘75' and 'The Pot Luck Sessions' have been shipped to dealers. The vinyl re-issue of 'Raised On Rock' was postponed to December 2021. 

The 'Elvis: South Bound - Tampa / Atlanta ‘75' 2-CD set features two shows: Curtis Hixon Convention Center, Tampa, April 26, 1975 (2:30 PM) and Omni Coliseum, Atlanta, May 2, 1975 (8:30 PM).

The 5-CD 'Pot Luck Sessions' set features one of the most commercially successful recording sessions of Elvis’ career. It is without doubt the ultimate triumph for Hill & Range’s song plugger Freddy Bienstock. Superbly crafted hits like 'Little Sister', '(Marie’s The Name) His Latest Flame', 'Good Luck Charm' and 'She’s Not You' dominated pop charts throughout the world in the early ‘60s and Elvis’ flawless performances accompanied by Nashville’s finest musicians still resonate today some 60 years later.

If 'Easy Question', 'Suspicion', 'I’m Yours' and 'Kiss Me Quick' had been released as 45 rpm singles during this fertile period, and not years after, undoubtably each could have matched the chartbusting success of the others.

This remastered 5-CD boxed set includes a 28-page booklet featuring an insightful essay, rare photographs, memorabila, and recording data. 

News included with notification of the new releases, FTD lost everything in the recent fire. There will no longer be any back stock orders taken and the new South Bound CD has already sold out on pre orders.

Sold!

Various Elvis Presley items were auctioned at Julien's Icons and Idols: Rock 'N'N Roll auction. The most prominent item was Elvis' 1972 Martin D-28 acoustic guitar that was played on stage by Elvis Presley during the mid-to late 1970s both on and off stage. 

The guitar (serial number 296978) was given by Presley to his friend Norman Taurog, who directed many films for him. The estimate was US$90,000, but it sold for US$187,500. 


Digital Earnings

Money.co.uk shared a new study that reveals how much money Elvis Presley and other legendary musicians would be earning through Spotify and social media in 2021/22. 

As modern musicians make impressive sums from the likes of Spotify, Instagram and YouTube alongside their record sales and touring, the study wanted to find what legendary musicians from the 20th century would earn on these platforms. After estimating the earnings for each using their official accounts and specialist analysis tools, Elvis ranked as the second highest earner, just behind reggae superstar Bob Marley.

Elvis would be earning an estimated US$1,604,033 each year, from streaming and his social posts alone! With more than 13 million streams of his music on Spotify every single month, and a million strong Instagram following, the study shows just how influential Elvis still is to fans both new and old. 

The Top 5:
1. Bob Marley (annual earnings: US$1,667,878) 
2. Elvis Presley (annual earnings: US$1,604,033) 
3. David Bowie (annual earnings: US$1,396,461) 
4. Frank Sinatra (annual earnings: $1,360,528) 
5. Johnny Cash (annual earnings: $1,083,196)

(Source: FNAC / Sounds / Amazon / Elvis Club Berlin / Fan Shop / Memphis Mansion / Money.co.uk)

Thursday, November 18, 2021

November 18 - The Making of Jailhouse Rock

The Follow That Dream collectors label announced the December 2021 release of 'The Making Of Jailhouse Rock', a double book-set holding 3 CDs and a 45 RPM vinyl single. 

From the press-release: David English and Pål Granlund bring you the ultimate backstory on how the MGM movie 'Jailhouse Rock' starring Elvis Presley and Judy Tyler was made. This ultimate collector's edition includes two hardback books, providing a fascinating and comprehensive insight from script to screen into the making of the film, 3 CDs and a single. 

The first book, titles 'The Making of Jailhouse Rock The Movie' is a 365-page deluxe hardback book featuring many newly discovered photographs, details of deleted scenes, pages from the script, shooting schedule, memos, contracts, and cast and crew memories. The second book, titled 'The Making of Jailhouse Rock The Music' is a book filled with 85 pages of photos, documents and detailed session information, including pages from a newly found MGM recording session log. 

Also included with this release are 3 CDs containing the entire recording sessions mixed for the first time, from the original binaural tapes to mono sequences in recording order. And officially released for the first time - the complete instrumental versions of '(You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care', featuring Elvis on Bass Guitar. The 45rpm vinyl single is a special collectible, with a photo sleeve that recreates the Vince Everett single 'Treat Me Nice' as seen in the movie 'Jailhouse Rock'. 

CD 1 - Jailhouse Rock - 30.04.1957 - Radio Recorders, Hollywood: Jailhouse Rock (Take 1 - 4 / 2001) - Jailhouse Rock (Take 5 / 2001) - Jailhouse Rock (Take 6 / 2001) - Jailhouse Rock (Take 7, 8 / 2001) - Jailhouse Rock (Ending - Take 1, 2 / 2002) - Treat Me Nice (Movie Version - Take 1 - 3 / 2003) - Treat Me Nice (Movie Version - Take 4, 5 / 2003) - Treat Me Nice (Movie Version - Take 6, 7 / 2003) - Treat Me Nice (Movie Version - Take 8, 9 / 2003) - Treat Me Nice (Movie Version - Take 10 - 13 / 2003) - Treat Me Nice (Movie Version - Take 14 - 15 / 2003) - Treat Me Nice (Movie Version - Take 16 - 19 / 2003) - Young And Beautiful (Record - Take 1 - 3 / 2004) - Young And Beautiful (Record - Take 4, 5 / 2004) - Young And Beautiful (Record - Take 6 / 2004) - Young And Beautiful (Record - Take 7, 8 / 2004) - Young And Beautiful (Record - Take 9 - 11 / 2004) - Young And Beautiful (Record - Take 12 / 2004) - Young And Beautiful (Record - Take 13 - 18 / 2004) - Young And Beautiful (Record - Take 19 / 2004) - Young And Beautiful (Record - Take 20 - 22 / 2004) - Young And Beautiful (Solo / Jail version - Take 1 / 2005) - Young And Beautiful (Solo / Jail version - Take 2 / 2005) - Young And Beautiful (Solo / Jail version - Take 3 / 2005).

CD 2 . Jailhouse Rock - 30.04.1957 - Radio Recorders, Hollywood: Young And Beautiful (Florita Club version - Take 1 / 2006) - Young And Beautiful (Florita Club version - Take 2 / 2006) - Young And Beautiful (Florita Club version - Take 3, 4 / 2006) - Young And Beautiful (Florita Club version - Take 5, 6 / 2006) - Young And Beautiful (Florita Club version - Take 7 / 2006) 

03.05.1957 - Radio Recorders, Hollywood: Treat Me Nice (Second Movie version - Take 1, 2 / 2008) - Treat Me Nice (Second Movie version - Take 3 - 5 / 2008) - Treat Me Nice (Second Movie version - Take 6 / 2008) - Treat Me Nice (Second Movie version - Take 7 / 2008) - Treat Me Nice (Second Movie version - Take 8 / 2008) - Treat Me Nice (Second Movie version - Take 9, 10 / 2008) - Treat Me Nice (Second Movie version - Take 11 / 2008) - Treat Me Nice (Second Movie version - Take 12, 13 / 2008) - I Want To Be Free (Prison TV-Version - Take 1 - 4 / 2009) - I Want To Be Free (Prison TV-Version - Take 5, 6 / 2009) - I Want To Be Free (Prison TV-Version - Take 7 - 9 / 2009) - I Want To Be Free (Prison TV-Version - Take 10 / 2009) - I Want To Be Free (Prison TV-Version - Take 11 / 2009) - I Want To Be Free (Prison TV-Version - Take 12 / 2009) - I Want To Be Free (Prison TV-Version - Take 13 / 2009) - I Want To Be Free (Record version - Take 1 - 8 / 2010) - I Want To Be Free (Record version - Take 9 / 2010) - I Want To Be Free (First Ending - Take 1, 2 / 2011) - I Want To Be Free (Second Ending - Take 1 - 5 / 2012) - I Want To Be Free (Record version - Take 10, 11 / 2010).

CD 3 - Jailhouse Rock - 03.05.1957 - Radio Recorders, Hollywood: 
(You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care (Rhythm track Only - Take 1, 2 / 2013) - (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care (Rhythm track Only - Take 3 / 2013) - (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care (Rhythm track Only - Take 4 - 7 / 2013) - (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care (Rhythm track Only - Take 8, 9 / 2013) - (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care (Rhythm track Only - Take 10 - 14 / 2013) - (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care (Rhythm track Only - Take 15, 16 / 2013) - (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care (First Vocal Overdub - Take 1 / 2015) - (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care (First Vocal Overdub - Take 2 - 4 / 2015) - Don’t Leave Me Now (First Version - Take 1 / 2016) - Don’t Leave Me Now (First Version - Take 2 / 2016) - Don’t Leave Me Now (Second Version - Take 1 - 6 / 2017) - Don’t Leave Me Now (Second Version - Take 7, 8/ 2017) - Don’t Leave Me Now (Second Version - Take 9, 10/ 2017) - Don’t Leave Me Now (Second Version - Take 11 - 13/ 2017) - Don’t Leave Me Now (Second Version - (Take 14 - 18/ 2017) - Don’t Leave Me Now (Second Version - Take 19 - 21 / 2017) 

08.05.1957 - MGM Soundstage: (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care (Second Vocal Overdub - Take 6 / 2021) 

09.05.1957 - MGM Soundstage: Don’t Leave Me Now - (Second Movie version - Take 12 / 2022) MGM Movie / RCA Record Version Master: Don’t Leave Me Now (First Movie version - Take 2 - MGM Movie Version First Master / 2023) 

Mono Masters: Jailhouse Rock - Young And Beautiful - I Want To Be Free - Don’t Leave Me Now - (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care. 

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Elvis Matters / Follow That Dream)

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

November 16 - Elvis and the Arizona

The documentary 'Elvis and the Arizona' by filmmaker Tim Gray, was screened on the PBS channels and on-line. It documents Elvis Presley's role in helping to bring the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor to fruition by doing a concert at Pearl Harbor’s Bloch Arena on March 25, 1961.

The documentary was created by the nonprofit World War II Foundation, that produces films on individual personal stories from World War II as part of its mission to educate younger generations about the war. 

You can watch'Elvis and the Arizona' online:
 

(Source: World War II Foundation)

Monday, November 15, 2021

November 15 - Teaser Elvis Biopic

Filmmaker Baz Luhrmann posted the first small teaser for the upcoming Elvis film on his Instagram account. He wrote "Made a little something to let you good people know we are taking care of business on June 24, 2022." 

Watch the teaser on >>> Instagram.

Elvis was originally supposed to release on June 3rd, 2022, but thanks to Luhrmann's tweet, it's been confirmed the film has been pushed back to June 24th, 2022. Luhrmann's latest film will be released only in theaters and not in a hybrid fashion. 

The Moulin Rouge! and Australia director has penned the script with longtime collaborator Craig Pearce, along with Sam Bromell. The film also boasts an impressive cast that includes Tom Hanks, David Wenham and Olivia DeJonge.

Luhrmann dips back into his musical roots as he tells the life story of Presley (Butler), as seen through the complicated relationship that Presley had with his enigmatic manager Colonel Tom Parker (Hanks). The story spans over 20 years, diving into the complexities of Presley and Parker's relationship, highlighting his rise to fame, setting it against the backdrop of the cultural landscape shifting in America and the country discovering they were no longer so innocent. At the core of Presley's journey will be the most significant and influential person in his life - Priscilla Presley (DeJonge).


(Source: Baz Luhrmann / Collider)


Saturday, November 13, 2021

November 13 - Ugly Things Review

Bill Shute reviewed ‘Elvis Day By Day 2018’ for the November 2021 edition of the U.S. based Ugly Things magazine (you got to love that name!). 

Shute considered the Day By Day blog as “an invaluable resource documenting everything that happens which is Elvis-related on a daily basis” and found the ‘Day By Day’ books “to be an invaluable resource”. Also great to read is that he valued the contributions of all the guest-writers without whom I couldn't have created these books.

On the 2018 volume he noted: “if you are looking for a book that includes exhaustive analysis of significant new Elvis releases … and new discoveries and new archival projects, Elvis Day By Day 2018 should be an essential purchase” and “I don’t care who The King dated or what he ate, but I do care about his music, and the Elvis Day By Day series of books treats that work with the care, respect, accuracy, and knowledge that it deserves”. 

Thanks you for these kind words Bill!

The complete review is featured in the November 2021 edition of Ugly Things magazine and available from the magazine's >>> website.

For more information on the book go to the >>> Day By Day 2018 page.

Bill Shute's own publications van be found at >>> Kendra Steiner Editions website.

November 13 - Charts November 2021 - Week 2 (Updated)

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart updates. Elvis makes two (re-)appearances on the Billboard charts.


U.S. Billboard charts:

  • Billboard Top Holiday Album chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' re-entry #21.
  • Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' re-entry at #50.
  • Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #32 to #26. 


Official U.K. charts:

  • Official Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #75 to #85
  • Official Streaming Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #48 to #58. 
  • Official Country Compilations chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' climbed from #11 to #10. 
Official Greek IFPI Charts
  • IFPI Top-75 Combined Albums Sales Chart: 'Essential Elvis Presley' dropped from #3 to #7. 

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

Friday, November 12, 2021

November 12 - That's Allright

The Reel To Reel Record label released the 7-inch single 'That's Allright Mama' on white colored vinyl and as a picture disc. The sets are limited to 500 copies. 


Side A: Elvis Presley - That's All Right Mama (taken from the SUN 209 single)

Side B: The Beatles - That's All Right Mama (taken from 'Pop Go The Beatles')


Back In Nashville


Sony Legacy officially released the 'Back in Nashville' 4-De and 2-LP-sets. 


DescriptionWhat turned out to be Elvis Presley’s final Nashville session brought music that was originally overlooked. The original recordings found their way on the holiday themed 'Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas '(1971), the gospel 'He Touched Me' (1972), 'Elvis Now' (1972) and 'Elvis' (1973). 


Yet, to hear this music, a half century after it was recorded - now wiped of overdubs - reveals some of the most compelling singing of Presley’s career. There may not be a better set of tracks in his catalog that benefits more from un-dubbing the masters. No longer weighted down, Elvis shines.


(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Discogs / Sony Legacy)