July 30 - Charts July 2022 - Week 4 (Updated Again)

This week Elvis is on the rise in the British Isles, and loosing some spots on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean on the U.S. Billboard charts. 

Collider wrote: It has been a healthy season at the summer box office. While big blockbuster films are leading the charge, they’re not the only success story worth singing about. One of the biggest success stories this summer has been Warner Brothers musical biopic Elvis starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks. Even though the film has been out for over a month, Elvis made another $6.2 million at the international box office this weekend. This brings the biopic's international total up to $105.3 million and its worldwide total up to $234.3 million.

'ELVIS' has easily past Elton John's 'Rocketman' which grossed a worldwide total of US$195.2 million but still has a long way to go to catch up with Freddie Mercury's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' with the final worldwide total gross of US$910 million - against a production budget of about US$52 million.

Elvis has been helped by the fact that it's about a historic musical legend, but this is another great example of a film in the pandemic-era having legs. Great word of mouth has carried this film to Graceland and then some. Director Baz Luhrmann made a film that not only mesmerized audiences and respected the story of Elvis, he crafted a compellingly complex tragedy that showed us sides of the legendary singer that fans have only ever read about.

U.S. Billboard charts:

• Billboard Top 200 chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #64 to #76.
• Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #34 to #47.
• Billboard Top Album Sales chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #76 to #100.
• Billboard Catalog Albums chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #4 to #7.
• Billboard Soundtrack Album Sales chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack remained steady at #3.
• Billboard Top Country Albums chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' remained steady at #8.
• Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #17 to #19.
• Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #5 to #9.  
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack remained steady at #16. 
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits dropped from #5 to #9.
• Top Christian Album chart: 'Elvis Ultimate Gospel' dropped from #36 to #45.

Billboard Canadian charts:

• Billboard Canadian Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #49 to #58.
• Billboard Canadian Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #56 to #61.

 

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #24 to #13. 
• Official Streaming Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #15 to #8. 
• Official Compilation Albums chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack is a re-entry at #97. 
• Official Download Albums chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack climbed from #27 to #18. 
• Official Album Download chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' climbed from #50 to #23.
• Official Soundtrack Album 100 chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #13 to #14.
• Official Americana Album chart: 'Elvis Back In Nashville' dropped from #27 to #37.
• Official Country Compilations chart Top 20: 'From Elvis In Nashville' dropped   from #14 to #18.
• Official Christian and Gospel Album chart: 'Where No One Stands Alone' climbed from #19 to #9.
• Official Video Top 100 chart: 'Elvis 7-Film Collection' dropped from #87 to #97.
• Official DVD Top 100 chart: 'Elvis 7-Film Collection' dropped from #60 to #68.
• Official Music DVD chart: 'Elvis The Searcher' dropped from #2 to #3. 
• Official Music DVD chart: 'The Elvis Collection' climbed from #7 to #6. 
• Official Music DVD chart: 'The King of Rock and Roll' climbed from #42 to #29.  
• Official Music DVD chart: ''68 Comeback Special' re-entry at #46.

Official Scottish charts:

• Official Album chart: 'The Real Elvis' climbed from #15 to #12.

Official Irish charts:

• Official Irish Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #18 to #14.  
• Official Irish Music DVD chart: 'The Elvis Collection' dropped from #2 to #4. 

Belgian UltraTop charts:

• Ultratop Album Top 200 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 HITS' re-entry at 196.

Austrian charts:

• Austrian Album charts: 'ELVIS 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #66 to #67.

German charts

• German Album charts: 'ELV1S 30 #1 HITS' climbed from #98 to #96. 

(Source: Official Charts / UK Mix Forum / IRMA / Martin van den Driessche / Collider)

July 29 - The King Magazine

The French Journaux magazine released the 'Elvis Presley - The King' magazine. This edition is volume 6 in a series of  collector's magazines on iconic personalities in the field of music, movies or politics. 

July 29 - YouTube and TV Guide

The TV Guide magazine featured Elvis on the cover and inside an article on TCM's "24 Hours of Elvis!". 

Keep On Pushing

Austin Butler keeps promoting the 'ELVIS' biopic, on vol. 49 of the VMAN magazine he talks about the tactics Baz Lurmann used to push him right to the edge of what he was capable of. 

News Report

Emiel Maier uploaded his August 2022 Elvis Presley news Report video to YouTube. It summarizes all the news from July 2022; the 'ELVIS' movie, On Tour' news, auctions and more. 

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Emiel Maier / Elvis Information Network)

July 27 - Soundtrack Released

The original motion picture soundtrack for Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS' biopic has been released (to the first dealers). It features performances by Elvis, Austin Butler and various other artists and remixes. The official release-date is July 29, 2022.

Track Listing: 1. Suspicious Minds (Vocal Intro)- Elvis Presley 2. Cotton Candy Land- Stevie Nicks & Chris Isaak 3. Vegas- Doja Cat 4. The King And I- Eminem & CeeLo Green 5. Tupelo Shuffle - Swae Lee & Diplo 6. Baby, Let's Play House- Austin Butler 7. Craw-Fever - Elvis Presley 8. Strange Things Are Happening Every Day- Yola 9. Trouble- Austin Butler 10. Can't Help Falling in Love- Kacey Musgraves 11. I Got A Feelin’ In My Body- Lenesha Randolph 12. Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child- Jazmine Sullivan 13. Edge of Reality (Tame Impala Remix)- Elvis Presley & Tame Impala 14. Power of My Love- Elvis Presley & Jack White 15. Polk Salad Annie (Film Mix)- Elvis Presley 16. Suspicious Minds (Film Edit)- Elvis Presley 17. Burning Love (Film Mix)- Elvis Presley 18. I Got A Feelin’ In My Body (Stuart Price Remix)- Elvis Presley & Stuart Price 19. Don't Fly Away (PNAU Remix)- Elvis Presley & PNAU 20. If I Can Dream- Måneskin 21. Suspicious Minds- Paravi 22. In the Ghetto (World Turns Remix)- Elvis Presley feat. Nardo Wick.

(Source: Memphis Mansion on Facebook)

July 26 - Now Dig Sold Out 16

The Pyramid import label announced the release of volume 16 in the 'Sold Out!' fan-shot concert footage DVD series. 

Publicity stated: ‘Sold Out volume 16’ is out this week, and it contains some of the rarest and most incredible Elvis 8mm footage you’ve ever seen! There are several genuine surprises on this volume, which we believe is one of the best of the entire series. This includes ultra-rare footage from the summer ’73 and ’74 Las Vegas engagements.

There’s films from seven shows from the ’74 engagement alone, which demonstrate what a remarkable series of shows this was. Elvis looks good and his performances are energetic, and his outfits like the Tiger, the Blue Eagle and the white leather look spectacular on him. The big songs from the season are there, including ‘It’s Midnight’ and ‘If You Talk In Your Sleep’. And his interplay with the audience is, as always, a true highlight. There’s also 8mm footage from various shows from Summer Festival ’73, all superb concerts with Elvis in solid form and good humour. His stageside banter is, once again, a delight. Various songs here are exclusive to this season, including a menacing ‘Trouble’ as well as the incredibly rare, one-off performance of ‘Make The World Go Away’ (and what a lovely version it is!).

But that’s not all. There’s also several really good films from the ’72 and ’73 tour concerts, and they are an essential watch. There’s much to enjoy here, including a rocking ‘Johnny B. Goode’ (neat harmonies with Charlie Hodge on this one), a tender ‘For The Good Times’ and a tentative ‘Burning Love’, with Elvis still unsure of the lyrics. Another significant film is the Los Angeles ’74 film, which gives you a front seat at one of EP’s best shows of that year. He’s in top form, and he looks spectacular in his Peacock suit. Various nice close-ups in this 30+ minute film. And yes, even the ultra-rare ‘You Can Have Her’, performed only once live in concert, is there! The December 1975 footage is another highlight on this release, and it includes the best version ever of ‘How Great Thou Art’!

Now Dig This

Elvis Presley graced the cover of the Now Dig This Rock and Roll magazine. Inside the article 'Michigan '56: Elvis And The Hillbilly (Copy) Cat'.

(Source: Pyramid / FECC / Now Dig This)

July 25 - An Elvis for Himself

Music writer Robert C. Gilbert wrote an interesting perspective on Elvis renewing his artistic fire in late-sixties in Nashville in his article 'An Elvis for Himself'. 

As the author introduced his article: With Baz Luhrmann’s 'ELVIS' hitting theateres last month, there’s been renewed interest about Elvis Presley, his legacy and whether he continues to matter (this article offers some interesting thoughts on that topic).

The essay 'An Elvis for Himself' only tangentially mentions the new Elvis biopic and instead, focuses on a series of recordings Elvis made in Nashville between May 1966 and January 1968. 

It was perhaps the most commercially fallow period of his career but amidst the diminishing returns of movies and movie soundtracks was a collection of recordings that stand as among Elvis’ most interesting and varied. 

Taken together, they provide a vantage point to better understand the comeback that started with the famous NBC special taped in June 1968 and aired on December 3 of that year. I hope you’ll enjoy reading the essay and check out some of the music mentioned. What are some of your favorite Elvis songs from this time period?

Read >>> 'An Elvis for Himself' on the Listening Session's website.

Elvis And Me

Levi A. Martin published the 55-page book 'Review: Elvis and Me'. 

Synopsis: This Summary is for you if you'd want to enhance your knowledge, refresh your memory, or simply decide whether or not this book is for you. It gives supplemental material to 'Elvis and Me' to help you summarize the important lessons, and evaluate the book's content. 

It is written to be a complement to the original book 'Elvis and Me' and includes the executive summary of the original book and key takeaways. It isn't a replacement for the original book.

Note: The original book by Priscilla Presley will be re-issued as and e-book and CD Audio book on August 23 by Blackstone Publishing. 

(Source: Robert Gilbert / Amazon)

July 23 - Elvis In Tour Release

EPE updated the Elvis Week 2022 schedule, adding a Sony Listening Party in August 14, 2022. 

Description: Learn about the upcoming 'Elvis On Tour' release in this special panel, where Ernst Jorgensen will “unbox” this exciting new CD box set and gives the audience a detailed preview of the unreleased music included in it.

MX Magazine

Austin Butler graced the cover for The Weekend MX Magazine promoting the the 'ELVIS' biopic. 

(Source: EPE / MX Magazine)

July 23 - Charts July 2022 - Week 3 (Updated)

The 'Elvis' biopic still boosts the sales of Elvis' music although most titles seemed to have peaked already. Perhaps the physical release of the 'ELVIS' soundtrack lated this week will give Elvis music another boost on the charts. 

The 'ELVIS' movie, which is now playing in every last one of its releasing markets, added another US$6.7 million from 73 overseas territories this weekend, taking its international total to nearly US$92 million. Globally, the rock and roll biopic has amassed US$210 million (updated July 24). 

 

U.S. Billboard charts:

• Billboard Top 200 chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #47 to #64.
• Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #23 to #34.
• Billboard Top Album Sales chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #41 to #76.
• Billboard Catalog Albums chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #2 to #4.
• Billboard Soundtrack Album Sales chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack remained steady at #3.
• Billboard Top Country Albums chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #4 to #8.
• Billboard Hot Rock and Alternative Songs chart: 'Can't Help Falling in Love' dropped from #20 to #21
• Billboard Hot Rock and Alternative Songs chart: 'Suspicious minds' dropped from #19 to #23.
• Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #13 to #17.
• Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits remained steady at #5. 
• Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart: 'Can't Help Falling in Love' dropped from  #15 to #17.
• Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart: 'Suspicious minds' dropped from #14 to #19.
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #13 to #16. 
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits remained steady at #5.
• Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart: 'Suspicious minds' dropped from #9 to #16. 
• Billboard Rock Digital Songs Sales chart: 'Can't Help Falling in Love' dropped from #13 to #21. 
• Top Christian Album chart: 'Elvis Ultimate Gospel' dropped from #29 to #36.
• Billboard Artist chart: 'Elvis Presley' dropped to #80.

Billboard Canadian charts:

• Billboard Canadian Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #48 to #49.
• Billboard Canadian Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #47 to #56.

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #17 to #24. 
• Official Streaming Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #14 to #15. 
• Official Album Download chart: 'ELVIS' soundtrack dropped from #18 to #27.
• Official Album Download chart: ''The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #43 to #50.
• Official Album Download chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped #40 to #66.
• Official Soundtrack Album 100 chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #10 to #13.
• Official Americana Album chart: 'Elvis Back In Nashville' climbed from #30 to #27.
• Official Country Compilations chart Top 20: 'From Elvis In Nashville' dropped   from #11 to #14.
• Official Christian and Gospel Album chart: 'Lovin' Elvis' dropped from #13 to #18.
• Official Video Top 100 chart: 'Elvis 7-Film Collection' dropped from #71 to #87.
• Official DVD Top 100 chart: 'Elvis 7-Film Collection' dropped from #53 to #60.
• Official Music DVD chart: 'Elvis The Searcher' climbed from #3 to #2. 
• Official Music DVD chart: 'The Elvis Collection' climbed from #9 to #7. 
• Official Music DVD chart: 'The King of Rock and Roll' re-entry at #42.  

Official Scottish charts:

• Official Album chart: 'The Real Elvis' dropped from #9 to #15.

Official Irish charts:

• Official Irish Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' remained steady at #18. 
• Official Irish Music DVD chart: 'The Elvis Collection' re-entry at #2.

German charts:

• German Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #82 to #95.
• German Download Album chart: 'ELVIS' soundtrack dropped from #20 to #32.
• German Download Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #75 to #99.

Austrian charts:

• Austrian Album charts: 'ELVIS 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #45 to #66.

(Source: Official Charts / UK Mix Forum / IRMA)

July 22 - Platinum Priscilla

Theatre Memphis honored Priscilla Presley’s contributions to Memphis art and tourism Friday night with a gala, “Honoring Priscilla Presley: The Artist, The Woman,” featuring more than a dozen speakers and a live musical tribute.

The organization also announced the dedication of a $2,500 performing arts scholarship in Presley's name. 

The event follows the increased attention Memphis received during the promotions for Baz Luhrmann’s movie “Elvis,” including a visit to Graceland by the director and the cast, hosted by Presley herself. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the opening of Graceland to the public, a move organized by Presley which has brought Memphis millions of visitors from around the world. 

Several Memphis leaders spoke on Presley’s everlasting impact on the city and awarded her honors, including Pastor Keith Norman of First Baptist Church, US. Rep. Steve Cohen and Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland presented Presley with a key to the city. 

But, surely, a highlight of the night were the many friends of Presley, from Luhrmann to country singer TG Sheppard, who appeared, either in person or in video, to share emotional stories, glowing praise and well wishes. 

“One might ask how to describe Priscilla Presley,” said her cousin Ivy Iversen. “I say radiant, timeless, and loved.” 

And radiant she was, floating across the stage in a flowing black-and-white striped evening gown to accept her plaques and proclamations. With a humble manner and a quiet sense of humor that frequently left the audience in stitches, Presley, 77, made the room feel like a family reunion, rather than a stuffy ceremony.  

Full of laughter and sprinkled throughout with moving snippets from the live band, the evening was a love letter from a city to one of its most beloved icons, a love that is eagerly returned. 

“My time in Memphis is what drives me and always has,” Presley said in her speech closing out the night. “Memphis became the only place I could call home, and I still do. I will remember this moment and this evening forever.” 

Movie Cover Art

Amazon Italy showed three different cover for the DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD + Blu-Ray editions of the the 'ELVIS' biopic. The latter will also be available as a steel-box. The release-date is November 30, 2022. 

(Source: Metro / Baz Luhrmann / Amazon Italy / BPI / Memphis Commercial Appeal)

July 21 - Non Stop Summer

The Staight Arrow import record label announced the release of the new CD '(Seemingly) Non Stop Summer' featuring an audiencerecording of the August 25, 1974 Midnight Show performance, as recorded in The Las Vegas Hilton. 

Publicity stated: Since the launch of the Straight Arrow Label in the year 2005 many interesting concert sound tracks of Elvis’ 1974 have come into the light. And we are pleased to bring to you yet another concert show by Elvis, performed just before the cancellation of the shows scheduled for August 26th. 

Elvis was feeling under the weather at that time, he had a fever and on advice from his personal physician he took a short bed rest. To no surprise the sensation seeking journalists immediately blamed Elvis’ condition on a drug use. Elvis was obviously hurt and upset and as soon as he had recovered, he addressed these speculations sincerely, bluntly and publicly right from the stage. You are about to enjoy his last performance before „the collapse“. There is no intention to claim that Elvis’ health was rock solid and without issues. However, immerse yourselves in our unique recording from that very night and make your own opinion. An unexpected exhaustion of the King put a halt to the never-ending chain of his summer concerts in 1974. Just on August 27th he was back in the Hilton hotel showroom as a star.

The Las Vegas, August 25th, 1974 Midnight Show is previously unreleased in any form. Straight Arrow was fortunate enough to obtain an early generation copy of the original audience-recorded cassette. Every second was enhanced to achieve the optimal listening experience. If you have enjoyed our previous summer of ’74 season CDs, we believe that you will love this one as well. Ask your local CD vendor for teasers!

Presented in the usual Straight Arrow fashion with the top notch digipak including photos of Elvis in leather “Mermaid Jumpsuit” from August of ’74, this new release is the beauty that you must not miss!

The Straight Arrow team is always looking for new, unreleased audience-taped shows and for improved versions of the previously released recordings. If you have such unique tapes, even damaged or broken, do not hesitate to contact us through your local dealer.

Tracks 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. The Wonder Of You - 12. I'm Leavin' - 13. Softly As I Leave You (with Sherrill Nielsen) - 14. Hound Dog - 15. You Gave Me A Mountain - 16. Polk Salad Annie - 17. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra / Guadalajara (one line) - 18. If You Talk In Your Sleep - 19. Why Me Lord? - 20. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 21. It's Now Or Never - 22. Hawaiian Wedding Song - 23. Let Me Be There (with reprise) - 24. Sweet Caroline - 25. Monologue - 26. Can't Help Falling In Love - 27. Closing Vamp / Announcements.

All tracks recorded live from audience on August 25th, 1974 Midnight Show.

Shonka Dukureh Died

Actress and singer Shonka Dukureh has died at the age of 44 of a heart disease. R.I.P.

The entertainer made her film debut last month in the blockbuster 'ELVIS', the Elvis Presley biopic that also starred Austin Butler and Yom Hanks, playing Big Mama Thornton.

Metropolitan Nashville Police Department has said Dukureh was found in the bedroom of her apartment and that no foul play is suspected.

Director Baz Luhrmann posted on Instagram: 

"A special light went out today and all of the Elvis movie family are heartbroken by the loss of Shonka Dukureh. 

From the moment she came into our world, Shonka brought joy, spirit and of course her voice and her music. Whenever she was on set, on stage or even just in the room, everyone always felt uplifted. Shonka was just starting to find a larger audience for her tremendous talent, and I got to see her uplift whole crowds of people at Coachella and beyond. 

A favorite word of Shonka’s, in daily use, was “blessings,” and I, along with the entire Elvis cast, crew and musical collaborators, feel truly blessed to have had time with her. We send all our love and support to Shonka’s children and family at this time."

(Source: Your Favorite Elvis CD LP, DVD and Book Facebook Group)

July 20 - Non-Sport Update

Elvis Presley graces the cover of the the August / September issue of the Non-Sport Update magazine, a magazine for collectors of non-sport trading cards. Inside the article 'All Shook Up - Elvis's Rich History Lives On In Trading Cards'. 

>>> more info on the Elvis cards.

The September 2022 issue of U.K. MOJO music magazine  features the article 'The Real Elvis Presley'.

Described as: "Elvis Presley: As Panto Presley hits the screens, the King comes to life in the jaw-dropping photographs of Alfred Wertheimer. MOJO gets first dibs from a new book".

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Non Sports Update / Elvis Information Network)

July 18 - Elvis Quotes That Will Leave You All Shook Up

Harry West published his 39-page paperback '240+ Best Elvis Presley Quotes That Will Leave You All Shook Up' featuring inspirational words of wisdom from one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, 'The King of Rock and Roll'. 

Description: Elvis Presley is regarded as the most iconic face in history of American music and culture and also referred to as “The King of Rock And Roll”. From his swiveling hips to his rubbery legs, Elvis Presley sure had the moves which made him a global phenomenon around the world. With a vicious baritone coupled with a tenor and killer looks, Elvis created a huge female fan following across the globe. People would stand in line for hours to get a glimpse of the man. 

He ruled the entire music industry in the 50s and 60s. Elvis has been inducted in the Hollywood Hall of Fame at Hollywood Boulevard. Along with his on-stage persona and iconic stature, Elvis was also responsible for cultural impact in the American Society by redefining musical genres across all races and instigating youth rebellion. 

Just like his music, his work, thoughts, sayings and quotes are till date cherished by people from all walks of life. We all remember him primarily for his great music, but he also spoke eloquently in his interviews, which became his popular quotes. Read through these famous Elvis Presley quotations, sayings and thoughts. 

Note: This book appears to be an updated version of the "Elvis Quotes" book by Josephine Clark, released a couple of months ago (and now deleted). Thanks for spotting this Nigel Patterson. 

(Source: Amazon)

July 17 - ELVIS Vinyl

Baz Luhrman confirmed that there will be a vinyl edition of the soundtrack album for the 'ELVIS' biopic' in an Instagram post today. 

More information when available. Illustrations are not the actual LP but promotional inages from the movie and the soundtrack.

Watch >>> Baz Luhrman on Instagram.

Update: the House of Iona / RCA Records will release the soundtrack, containing a variety of artists, mixing different genres and sounds to create something special alongside the movie. It features tracks from some of the biggest stars – Eminem & CeeLo Green (“The King and I’), Tame Impala (“Edge of Reality (Remix)” with Elvis Presley), Stevie Nicks & Chris Isaak (“Cotton Candy Man”) and Jack White’s duet with Elvis Presley (“Power of My Love”). From Kacey Musgraves’ angelic version of “Can’t Help Falling In Love” to Doja Cat’s “Vegas” the album blends the old classics with a unique flare that brings new life to these Elvis Presley classics.

More at >>> Elvis The Music.

(Source: Baz Luhrman on Instagram / Elvis Infonet / Elvis The Music)

July 16 - Postponed Prodigy

The Elvis Files team updated the information on the release of 'Elvis Prodigy of SUN Records' book / vinyl set. The expected publication was Summer 2022, and has been postponed to "around October" 2022. This two part book comes with a series of SUN promo photos (10 x 8 inch) and a 33 RPM LP with 12 songs. 

Before this book will be published KJ Consulting will release the books 'The Airplanes and The King' by Carlos Varrenti and '...And Then There Was Elvis' by Elaine Christan. These two books were originally set for release December 2021.

Publicity stated: We like to draw your attention to the latest book to be published later this year: 'ELVIS Prodigy of SUN Records'. The ultimate reference and reading experience for all 50’s fans since the release of 'A Boy From Tupelo'. 'Prodigy of SUN Records' tells the complete story from the birth of Elvis to his big break in 1955. 

This two volume book takes you back to the first 20 years in Elvis' turbulent life and the road he followed to create a recognizable person and become a successful singer. Many new photos will delight your eyes as well as the extensive documentation that is available. A journey where Elvis takes you and shows himself from a completely different side than we are used to. 

The Elvis Files makes a big splash with this edition because we believe in the success of these two-book edition. Thousands of words of text interspersed with hundreds of photos, many of which have never been published before in this quality. The Elvis Files is known for publishing alternative and never before seen photos and we are really going 100% in this publication. 

The Elvis Files has outdone itself to bring you the best in your collection. Never before had Elvis 1935-1955 been portrayed so extensively in word, image and sound. We are very proud of this publication, which are a milestone for THe Elvis Files in its lustrum of books.

(Source: The Elvis Files Team on Facebook)

July 16 - Charts July 2022 - Week 3 (Updated)

The 'Elvis' biopic still stimulates sales of Elvis' music. The digital release of the soundtrack album appears to have peaked already while the classic 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation is holding on strong. With the physical release of the soundtrack album on July 29 the results may be up again. 

The PNAU dance mash-up of Elvis' 'Suspicious Minds' and 'Any Day Now', titled 'Don't Fly Away' has officially given Elvis his first charting hit on the Billboard Hot Dance / Electronic Music chart. 

 

Baz Luhrmann’s movie also topped the US$100 million mark at the domestic box office in the U.S. on Friday, becoming one of the rare films without superheroes or dinosaurs to reach that mark. Globally, the Warner Bros. film has made over US$170 million, an impressive result for this kind of material.

'ELVIS' has brought in an estimated US$9.8m at 72 markets, including the openings in Mexico, Brazil, and Korea. Currently, the international total is US$79.4m and the worldwide total is US$185.6m. Overall, Elvis has had an incredible -32% in holdover markets with the holdovers ranging with Denmark (-15%), Spain (-20%), Australia (-25%), the UK (-27%), New Zealand (-29%) Italy (-30%), Holland (-33%), Japan (-36%), and Germany (-39%).

There are still three final markets that have yet to receive the film and Elvis is opening there on July 21. So the box office totals for the film are nowhere near finished yet and the final three markets could continue to make new records for Luhrmann as a director in these countries and so on and so forth.

To be fair, 'Elvis' was expensive. The movie which looks at Elvis Presley’s rise to become one of the hottest acts in rock ‘n’ roll, as well as his struggles with drugs and changing tastes, cost US$85 million to produce and tens of millions more to market.

“We are not only pleased to cross this milestone, but truly thrilled to see it happen with a film like ‘Elvis,'” Jeff Goldstein, president of domestic distribution at Warner Bros., said in a statement. “In today’s market and especially in the summer corridor, to see a non-branded IP with an up-and-coming lead create not just box office noise but also result in a significant spike in other areas is so gratifying and speaks to the quality of the film on every level. With strong playability, positive word of mouth and cross-generational multiple viewings, we expect ‘Elvis’ to continue to deliver and we congratulate Baz, Austin and everyone involved in the film and the soundtrack on its ongoing success.”

But that's not its only achievement, as the film has made over US$65 million at the international box office and has boosted Elvis' music to the top of the charts resulting in a cross-genre reverberation from dance to hip-hop and more, and sales of the Elvis Presley catalog rising, with streaming of his music up 90%, according to a press release from Warner Bros. Pictures.

"Elvis continues to drive box office in part because younger audiences—none of whom were born during Elvis’s lifetime—are embracing the film and leading the enthusiastic social media conversation," the press release read.

The film's soundtrack is topping Billboard's chart, with Doja Cat's 'Vegas' currently at No. 7 on the U.S. Spotify chart and No. 14 on Billboard's, but the singer is generating most of his buzz on TikTok - where "engagement has more than doubled since the film's release." The release cited 238 million views of Elvis-related content on the platform.

U.S. Billboard charts:

• Billboard Top 200 chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #26 to #47.
• Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #33 to #23.
• Billboard Top Album Sales chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #47 to #41.
• Billboard Top Current Album Sales chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack  dropped from #30 to #58.
• Billboard Catalog Albums chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #1 to #2.
• Billboard Soundtrack Album Sales chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #1 to #3.
• Billboard Top Country Albums chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #7 to #4.
• Billboard Hot Rock and Alternative Songs chart: 'Can't Help Falling in Love' dropped from #16 to #20
• Billboard Hot Rock and Alternative Songs chart: 'Suspicious minds' dropped from #17 to #19.
• Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #4 to #13.
• Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits remained steady at #5.
• Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart: 'Can't Help Falling in Love' dropped from  #11 to #15.
• Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart: 'Suspicious minds' dropped from #12 to #14.
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #4 to #13. 
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits remained steady at #5.
• Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart: 'Suspicious minds' dropped from #3 to #9. 
• Billboard Rock Digital Songs Sales chart: 'Unchained Melody (Film Mix) dropped from #5 to #15. 
• Billboard Rock Digital Songs Sales chart: 'Can't Help Falling in Love' dropped from #8 to #13.
• Top Christian Album chart: 'Elvis Ultimate Gospel' climbed from #38 to #29.

Billboard Canadian charts:

• Billboard Canadian Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #44 to #47.
• Billboard Canadian Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #57 to #48.

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #12 to #17. 
• Official Streaming Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #9 to #14. 
• Official Album Download chart: 'ELVIS' soundtrack dropped from #10 to #18.
• Official Album Download chart: ''The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #18 to #43.
• Official Album Download chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped #29 to #40.
• Official Soundtrack Album 100 chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #7 to #10.
• Official Top 100 Sales charts: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #63 to #93.
• Official Top 100 Sales charts: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' re-entry at #93.
• Official Americana Album chart: 'Elvis Back In Nashville' dropped from #29 to #30.
• Official Country Compilations chart Top 20: 'From Elvis In Nashville' climbed  from #14 to #11.
• Official Country Compilations chart Top 20: 'Elvis Country' dropped from #15 to #16.
• Official Christian and Gospel Music Album chart: 'Lovin' Elvis' dropped from #9 to #13.
• Official Music DVD chart: 'Elvis The Searcher' dropped from #2 to #3.
• Official Music DVD chart: 'The Elvis 
• Official Music DVD chart: ''68 Comeback Special' re-entry at #40.
• Collection' dropped from #6 to #9.
• Official Blu-ray Top 100 chart: 'Elvis The Searcher' dropped from #85 to #88. 
• Official Music DVD chart: 'Elvis The Searcher' dropped from #2 to #3.
• Official DVD chart: '7-Film Collection' dropped from #45 to #53.

Official Scottish charts:

• Official Album chart: 'The Real Elvis' climbed from #13 to #9.

Official Irish charts:

• Official Irish Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #13 to #18. 

Official Australian ARIA chart:

• Album Top 50 chart: 'Elvis' soundtrack dropped from #33 to #45

Belgian Ultratop charts:

• Ultratop Album Top 200 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #174 to #165.

German charts:

• German Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #50 to #82.

Austrian charts:

• Austrian Album charts: 'ELVIS 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #51 to #45.

(Source: Official Charts / UK Mix Forum / IRMA / ARIA / Variety / IGN / Ultratop / Collider)

July 15 - Chansons Originales

RDM Edition will release the 3-CD set 'Elvis - Chansons Originales de Ses Films 1956 - 1962'. 

This box-set contains 84 songs from Elvis' first films. The versions on this CD were taken from the movies and may differ from the album versions you know. Sometimes extra orchestration was added to the performances, sometimes different arrangements were made for the film. 

These songs are listed in order of appearance in the movies and are in their original mono version.

Disc 1: 1. We're Gonna Move / 2. Love Me Tender / 3. Watch Me / 4. Poor Boy / 5. Love Me Tender (ending title) / 6. Loving You (open title) / 7. Got a Lot o' Livin' to Do (version 1) / 8. Party (version 1) / 9. Party (version 2) / 10. Lonesome Cowboy / 11. Hot Dog / 12. Mean Woman Blues/ 13. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / 14. Loving You / 15. Got a Lot o' Livin' to Do (version 2) / 16.Young and Beautiful/ 17. I Want to Be Free/ 18. Don't Leave Me Now / 19. Treat Me Nice/ 20. Jailhouse Rock/ 21. (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care/ 22. Young and Beautiful (final title) / 23. Crawfish (avec Kitty White) / 24. Steadfast, Loyal and True/ 25. Lover Doll/ 26.Trouble / 27. Dixieland Rock / 28.Young Dreams / 29.New Orleans / 30.King Creole / 31. Don't Ask Me Why / 32. As Long As I Have You.

Disc 2 / 1. G.I. blues / 2. Doin' the Best I Can / 3. Frankfurt Special / 4. Shoppin' Around/ 5. Tonight Is So Right for Love / 6. Wooden Heart / 7. Pocketful of Rainbows / 8. Big Boots / 9. Didja' Ever / 10. Flaming Star / 11. A Cane and a High Starched Collar / 12. Wild in the Country/ 13. I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell/ 14. In My Way / 15. Husky Dusky Day (Avec Hope Lange) / 16.Blue Hawaii/ 17. Almost Always True/ 18. Aloha 'Oo / 19. No More / 20. Can't Help Falling in Love/ 21. Rock-A-Hula Baby / 22. Moonlight Swim/ 23. Ku-U-I-Po/ 24. Ito Eats/ 25. Slicin' Sand/ 26. Hawaiian Sunset / 27. Beach Boy Blues / 28.Island of Love / 29. Hawaiian Wedding Song.

Disc 3 / 1. What a Wonderful Life / 2. I'm Not the Marrying Kind/ 3. Sound Advice / 4. Follow That Dream / 5. Angel / 6. King of the Whole Wide World / 7. This Is Living / 8. Riding the Rainbow / 9. Home Is Where The Heart Is / 10. I Got Lucky / 11. A Whistling Tune / 12. Girls! Girls! girls! girls! † 13. I Don't Wanna Be Tied/ 14. We'll Be Together/ 15. A Boy Like Me, A Girl Like You/ 16. Earth Boy / 17. Return to Sender / 18. Because of Love / 19. Thanks to the Rolling Sea/ 20. Song of the Shrimp / 21. The Walls Have Ears / 22. We're Comin' In Loaded / 23. Girls! Girls! Girls! (end title).

Classic Billboard Hits

The HooDoo record label announced the September 16, 2022 vinyl re-release of the 2009 'Classic Billboard Hits' CD. 

Tracks: Heartbreak Hotel / I Was The One / Blue Suede Shoes / I Want You, I Need You, I Love You / Don't Be Cruel / Hound Dog / Anyway You Want Me (That's How I Will Be) / Love Me Tender / Love Me / When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again / Too Much / All Shook Up / (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / I Beg Of You / One Night / Loving You / Jailhouse Rock / Treat Me Nice / Don't / Wear My Ring Around Your Neck / Doncha' Think It's Time / Hard Headed Woman / I Got Stung / Don't Ask Me Why / My Baby Left Me.

Amber SUN

The Danish Memphis Mansion released an Amber and a Magenta colored edition of their 'Million Dollar Quartet' double LP. 

The label also released a very limited number of Amber / Black colored vinyl. 

(Source: Amazon Spain / Anthony Stuchbury)

July 15 - Follow That Dream CDs Released

The Follow That Dream 3-CD sets 'From Vegas To Tahoe' and 'Devil In Disguise - The Lost Album Sessions' have been released. 

The latter comes as a 8-inch digi-pack with 3 CDs containing songs that were recorded, for the most part, over two days in July 1963. These varied and excellent performances ended up being scattered over several RCA Victor releases between 1963 and 1968. 

It would not be until 1990 that the songs finally appeared as originally intended on a proper RCA vinyl album. Almost 60-years later, FTD presents all of the masters and outtakes available from the session(s).

All the tracks except 'Love Me Tonight'  take 7 false start were previously released on FTD's 'Memphis Tennessee' 2008 Classic Album. Hopefully there will be more unreleased 'count-ins' and snippets of studio banter but there is not much more here that hasn't already been released.

The live-set is a 3-CD set, housed in a 5-inch digi-pack, containing three 1973 Midnight Shows which were recorded on January 27 / February 21 (Las Vegas Hilton) and May 12 (High Sierra Theatre, Sahara Hotel, Lake Tahoe).

Two tracks from May 12 1973 concert have been previously released by FTD on 2003’s ‘Takin’ Tahoe Tonight’ and they were rather good. See review here. Elvis was still in good form in 1973 and all three are ‘Midnight Shows’ making them all the more interesting. Some fans are disappointed that the first two CDs are 'sound-booth' audience recordings and not ‘soundboards’.

(Source: Memphis Mansion / Elvis Information Network)