Friday, September 30, 2022

September 30 - ELVIS Soundtrack Vinyl

RCA Records announced the November 18, 2022 release of the vinyl edition of the 'ELVIS' soundtrack. The album features a selection of the 37 tracks from the CD and digital releases of the soundtrack.  

Description: 'ELVIS’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is the music companion to the Warner Bros. Pictures biopic film ELVIS, from Baz Lurhmann.

This critically acclaimed film stars Austin Butler as Elvis Presley and Tom Hanks as his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

The soundtrack features a sampling of original songs from Elvis’s extraordinary body of work from the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s, and new recordings celebrating his diverse musical influence and enduring impact on popular artists of today. 
 
‘ELVIS’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack includes plenty of A-list names across the musical spectrum.  Starting with Elvis himself, additional artists included here are Doja Cat, Nardo Wick, Jack White, Chris Isaak, Eminem, Swae Lee, Diplo, Kacey Musgraves, Jazmine Sullivan, Tame Impala, Stevie Nicks, and many others 


Tracks side A:  Suspicious Minds (Vocal Intro) - Elvis Presley /  Vegas - Doja Cat / The King and I - Eminem and CeeLo Green / Tupelo Shuffle - Swae Lee and Diplo / Can't Help Falling in Love - Kacey Musgraves / Cotton Candy Land - Stevie Nicks and Chris Isaak / Edge of Reality (Tame Impala Remix) - Elvis Presley and Tame Impala / Don't Fly Away (PNAU Remix) - Elvis Presley & PNAU.


Side: B: Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child - Jazmine Sullivan / If I Can Dream - Måneskin / Power of My Love - Elvis Presley & Jack White / I Got A Feelin' In My Body - Elvis Presley & Stuart Price / Suspicious Minds - Paravi / In the Ghetto (World Turns Remix) - Elvis Presley feat. Nardo Wick.


Samtaler om Elvis Presley


Lindhardt og Ringhof published the Danish 244-page paperback 'Samtaler om Elvis Presley' by Stig Ulrichsen. 


Synopsis: "He was a very handsome man and most importantly, he had the heart to go with it. There are many beautiful people, but if they don't have something inside to back it up, then it doesn't matter. Elvis was a great kisser." - Cynthia Pepper


Stig Ulrichsen has crossed the Atlantic to talk to some of the people who were closest to Elvis Presley and who can paint a detailed and moving portrait of the world's first and greatest rock star. They talk about the man behind the myth, Elvis' struggle to live up to the world's expectations and the image that was created for him.


Stig Ulrichsen talks to Elvis' tour producer Charles Stone, Charlie Hodge, who performed with Elvis, and actress Cynthia Pepper, who starred in 'Kissin' Cousins' with Elvis and got up close and personal with him.


Stig Ulrichsen is an author, lecturer and concert promotor, he has published a number of books about Elvis Presley.



Couples et Duos de Légende du Cinéma


Released by the French RDM Edition in their 'Couples et Duos de Légende du Cinéma' series was a new volume on Hal B. Wallis and Elvis Presley


Synopsis: At a time when Rhythm and Blues was only played by black people, Elvis Presley was able to prove that music had no color. Hal Wallis, who produced some of the great masterpieces in the history the cinema wanted to cooperate with him. Hidden under that sulky face, Hal Wallis saw the image of the rebel who was going to please a generation of teenagers. Elvis Presley was not only a rock singer, he became one of the United States' most profitable movie stars.



October New Report


Emile Maier published the October 2022 Elvis news Report video, wrapping up all of last month's news. 


This almost 20-minute edition including the newly (re)discovered Elvis 56 footage, 'ELVIS' movie success, Elvis' worst mistake ever, auction results, rare Elvis possessions and much more. 






(Source: Amazon)


Thursday, September 29, 2022

September 29 - Elvis On My Mind

RCA Legacy Recording released a new official lyric video for 'Always On My Mind' to promote the new 'Elvis On Tour' 6 CD / 1 Blu-ray set which is due December 2, 2022. 

Take 3 of the song "Always On My Mind" used here was recorded March 1972 during the rehearsal/studio session recorded for the Elvis documentary 'Elvis On Tour'. 


Rock and Roll Baby

Author J. Constantine published his 60-page book titled 'Rock and Roll Baby: Elvis Presley'.

Synopsis: Fans and rockers at heart, no matter how old you are, will fall in love with the King of Rock and Roll and the music itself.

Elvis Presley is considered the founding father of Rock and Roll and he is its cornerstone. He was destined to become the hero and the King of this musical and cultural style. Little Richard commented "Elvis was an integrator, he was a blessing. They wouldn't let black music through. He opened the door for us". 

Elvis brought together two qualities that would prove essential in confronting the American racial problems of the time, he was ethnically white and he sang like a black man.

(Source: Elvis Chanel YouTube / Amzon)



Wednesday, September 28, 2022

September 28 - Blue Hawaii Vinyl

Mobile Fidelity released a vinyl edition of Elvis' 'Blue Hawaii' soundtrack. This new edition comes
as a double LP on 180 Gr. at 45 RPM. Mastered from 1/4" / 15 IPS analog master to DSD 256 to analog console to lathe.

Publicity stated: The old adage about Elvis Presley is that his soundtrack work never held a candle next to his studio albums. Though true for a majority of his film-related outings, the traditional notion is forever disproved by his 'Blue Hawaii' set. 

Originally released in 1961 in support of the film in which he starred, the triple-platinum LP spent nearly five months at the top of the Billboard album charts; outsold his two prior studio efforts; and ultimately, remains the second-best-selling soundtrack of the musical-dominant 1960s. And now, it has received sonic treatment befitting rock royalty.

Mastered from the original master tapes and pressed at RTI, Mobile Fidelity's numbered-edition 180g 45RPM 2LP set of 'Blue Hawaii' transports listeners to both the carefree innocent escapism of the early '60s and calming, breezy atmospherics of the famous Pacific Islands. If you've ever wondered what it might be like to have Presley inhabit your room, this collectible reissue helps make it happen with superb presence, clarity, immediacy, and transparency.

Recorded before the King started to burn out on soundtracks and go into a creative tailspin, 'Blue Hawaii' presents him in tremendous voice. The newly uncovered layers of detail, body, emotionalism, and tonality on this 2LP set bring that treasured element - as well as the brilliance of the arrangements and accompaniment - to light like never before. Presley's warm crooning alone warrants unmitigated attention. It's not for nothing that this record - replete with panache, whimsy, romance, and seriousness - forever altered the course of his career.

Much like the film itself, the music on Blue Hawaii subscribes to a feel-good aesthetic. Presley plunges into a stylistic deep end with equal parts fearlessness and fun. He delves into early rock 'n' roll ('Rock-A-Hula Baby"); touching balladry ('Hawaiian Wedding Song'); playful rumba ('Beach Boy Blues'); relaxing luaus ('Hawaiian Sunset'); and naturally, island-inspired fare ('Ku-U-I-Po'). It becomes immediately evident that the King is enjoying himself and committed to the mission. Is 'Blue Hawaii' all serious art? No, but it was never intended to be. Rather, it serves as a showcase of Presley's outgoing personality and chameleon-like ability - like that of Frank Sinatra - to inhabit different roles and entertain.

Of course, 'Blue Hawaii' remains timeless for another reason: The inclusion of the timeless, gorgeous, and still-untouchable staple 'Can't Help Falling in Love'. Penned by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss, the love song quickly transformed into an international standard - with Presley's definitive version hitting No. 2 on the charts and ultimately becoming the closing song to his concerts. Ranked among the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time by Rolling Stone, its conviction, sentiment, and depth testify on behalf of why Presley still reigns as the King.

However subtly, the staple also underscores another reason 'Blue Hawaii' should never be overlooked in Presley's canon: the ace musicians involved in its creation. Guitarists Scotty Moore and Hank Garland; drummer D.J. Fontana; percussionist Hal Blaine; pianist Floyd Cramer; bassist Bob Moore; and iconic gospel backing vocalists the Jordanaires all contribute masterful performances. Hearing them with such expressiveness, openness, and realism on this reissue should forever alter how Presley's 1961 soundtrack - the finest of his career - is viewed. As he sings in the title track, dreams come true, indeed.

Songs: Blue Hawaii / Almost Always True / Aloha Oe / No More / Can't Help Falling in Love / Rock-a-Hula Baby / Moonlight Swim / Ku-U-I-Po / Ito Eats / Slicin' Sand / Hawaiian Sunset / Beach Boy Blues / Island of Love / Hawaiian Wedding Song.

The LP is available from the >>> Mobile Fidelity webshop.

(Source: Mobile Fidelity)

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

September 27 - Blaues Hawaii

Due for release from Paramount Pictures (Universal Pictures) on November 17, 2022 in Germany are 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD editions of 'Blaues Hawaii'.

Hayride Shows Live 1955

Following the previous announcement of 'The Elvis Tapes' LP, the Blue Day record label announced the March 10, 2023 release of the green colored LP 'Elvis Presley - Hayride Shows Live 1955'. 

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Amazon)

September 27 - Review From the Acetates

After its disappointing ‘A Legendary Performer Vol.9’ release in 2021, the Madison import label needed to make something up to their fans and customers. 

The label returned with ‘From The Acetates’ - is this another quality release as we have come to expect from Madison?

We listened to the CD and did some investigative work on the (unfinished) reference recordings presented on this silver disc.

 

Design

 

This set looks great, with a rare picture of Elvis gracing the cover. Inside, there is a quality design like we’re used to from this label. The informal candid pictures match the content of the album - unfinished / informal recordings - and the liner notes detail the background and importance of these reference recordings in general, also highlighting some of the tracks presented on this set by the label.

 

An interesting observation was made regarding the famous Wertheimer photo of Elvis returning home from New York, listening to an acetate of ‘Hound Dog’, 'Don’t Be Cruel' and ‘Any Way You Want Me’. Asking Elvis why he was listening to these acetates on a portable player instead of to the masters on professional equipment in the studio, Wertheimer stated that Elvis replied that “he was evaluating the sound carefully and considering how it might sound on someone’s domestic record player, before okaying it with RCA”. If only he would have kept up this level of interest in his work (and career for that matter) in years to come …

 

The Audio

 

Many acetate versions of undubbed seventies masters have been released over the years on various bootleg LPs and CDs. We always liked the fresh sound of these recordings despite their scratchy background noise. On this new CD the crackling of these discs varies from track to track. Some “sound-experts” claim that various tracks have been taken from the actual acetates while others may have been sourced from tape copies of acetates.

 

In the end it is the content that matters. Having been sourced from an original acetate or a copy of an acetate does not matter in our opinion, as we're glad to be able to listen to these “acetates” as they are not generally available and offer a rare insight in the recording process. This is especially the case  for the seventies tracks which were sometimes heavily overdubbed by Felton Jarvis after Elvis recorded his parts with the band.

 

Overall the sound is equally good and coherent throughout the entire CD, all tracks have a nice "crispy" stereo sound. Fortunately the producers decided not to try to remove the crackling with any computer programs or audio filters, keeping the authentic “acetate sound”.

 

Content

 

This CD is a compilation of acetates recorded in the studio in Nashville, at the STAX studio in Memphis and at home at Graceland’s Jungle Room.

 

The recording of ‘Heart of Rome’ is almost identical to the version we know from ‘Our Memories Of Elvis Vol. 3’ (Victrola and FTD), but on that album the left and right channels are swapped. The mix hardly differs audibly, the guitar seems a tad more shifted to the left side. However, the typical "acetate" sound on this CD is superior to both existing versions.

 

There are of course critical fans, claiming that this version, as well as the version of 'Hurt' that we will discuss later, could have been made from the FTD versions by adding crackling with software and changing the sound with an equalizer. Technically it might be possible, but what sense would it make? To our ears it sounds more like a real acetate, especially since we know from the ‘More Pure Elvis’ (Bilko) and ‘Songs To Sing’ (Whitehaven) bootlegs that acetates from this LP exist.

 

‘Don't Think Twice’ is the original full length version that has already been released on FTD’s 'Elvis Now' and the Sony ‘Back In Nashville’ set. The beginning and the end of the song have a fade-in and fade-out on these previous releases, even though nothing was really missing or cut-off. Now we can finally hear it in the original mix without those fades and with drums on the left. Yet this mix is not identical to FTD’s 'Elvis Now', as the guitar on the right seems a bit more in the background and the piano, also on the right side, seems far more up-front in the mix, which gives the whole song the feel of a new sound experience.

 

On the gospels ‘Lead Me, Guide Me’ and ‘Seeing Is Believing’ we hear the original mix with the drums on the left and the backing vocals on the right side. Since the 'He Touched Me' LP used the masters without overdubs, there isn't too much new offered here. The mix is slightly different, left and right channels are moved more to the middle, which is an improvement to the overall sound. 'Seeing Is Believing' features the female backup singers on the far right side, whereas on the LP mix they have been placed more in the middle. Furthermore, it is the unedited version with “that's a gas” at the end. We heard that on the ‘Keep Rollin' On’ (Venus) release, but in a different mix where the drums were centered. On 'Back in Nashville' “that's a gas” faded out.

 

The version of ‘Miracle of the Rosary’ is completely new. The additional Harmony Vocal Overdub by Elvis runs until the 0:33 mark and can be heard on the right channel. Although this overdub can also be heard placed in the center on the LP version, here it is especially emphasized by the spatial separation, creating a nice stereo effect. It is interesting that Keith Flynn didn't add this track to the 1:49 Harmony Vocal acetate listed on his website, which is why one could assume that a full length Harmony OD might exist and only a part of that was used for this new version.

 

The previous acetate version that we know from the ‘For The Good Times’ (Rock Legends) release came without the Harmony Vocals and faded out at 1:20 minutes. Also missing were the Vocal Overdubs, which were recorded on the same day, and these can also be heard here on the right channel. So in this form, ‘Miracle of the Rosary’ is previously unreleased.

 

One of our favorite tracks on the ‘Rough Cut Diamonds Vol. 2’ LP was ‘Help Me Make It Through The Night’, even if it came with mediocre sound quality and in mono. The beginning was slightly cut off and the back vocals and some instruments were missing. In fact, that version corresponds almost exactly to the left channel of the new version on this Madison release. So here we get the Undubbed Master in the original mix (drums on the left) with both channels and in excellent stereo sound. It is the highlight of this CD.

 

We had unedited and undubbed versions of ‘It's Still Here’ and ‘I Will Be True’ on the ‘Unedited Masters Nashville 1971’ (Venus) and the 'Back In Nashville' (Sony) releases, but in both cases the piano was centered in the middle. Madison presents mixes with the piano placed on the right side. This emphasizes Elvis' voice and creates an even more intimate feeling.

 

Unfortunately the new version of ‘It's Still Here’ has some cracks at the beginning. This version of the Uncut Master doesn't feature the additional bass by Norbert Putnam, which is remarkable, since it wasn't an overdub, but recorded live with Elvis in the studio. Some critical voices complained that the bootleggers might have removed the bass with software, which we think is technically rather impossible. To remove the bass completely you would have to go back to the original studio tapes. It seems that Felton Jarvis was experimenting with the piano songs and mixed a “try-out” version with only piano that wasn't used in the end. This kind of experimenting we could already hear on the 'For The Good Times' (Rock Legends) version of 'I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen', where the piano has been placed on the far left side. Listening to an “in-between” version illustrates the beauty of these acetates.

 

The versions of ‘Help Me’, ‘My Boy’, ‘Loving Arms’, ‘It's Midnight’ and 'If You Talk In Your Sleep’ on this Madison release were previously released on the bootleg ‘By Special Request! From Louisiana To Tennessee’ (Rock Legends). The audio quality is marginally better on the original, on the Madison CD they sound a bit muffled as the high frequencies are missing. This may be due to the mastering of the CD. The songs still might have been taken from the same source. 'Rock Legends' tried to remove the crackling of the acetates using software, which compromised the beginning of ‘Loving Arms’. Since most of the fans might be familiar with these versions, we don't go any deeper into details here.

 

‘I Got A Feeling In My Body’ is placed between the other '73 tracks, which gives the impression that it might come from the same acetate source, but we’re not sure it is. Unfortunately it is the only track of the CD that leaves us with a strange feeling. What we hear is the undubbed master as was heard on the FTD 'Good Times' CD, but the left and right channels are completely moved to the middle. It is not completely mono, but sounds almost mono to us. If you press the mono button on your amplifier, the FTD and the new version are exactly the same. So what version / mix is this? An almost monaural acetate mix? The crackling can be heard on the left and right side.

 

The Undubbed Master mix of ‘Hurt’, without the vocal backings that were present in the Jungle Room session, was originally created for a third volume of ‘Our Memories Of Elvis’, which wasn’t released until we got it through the Victrola and Follow That Dream labels. Just as on ‘Heart Of Rome’, it appears to be the same mix as on the FTD CD, but with the left and right channels swapped again.

 

Two other acetate versions of this song were previously released: a Mono Mix on ‘More Pure Elvis’ (Bilko) that runs slightly too slow, and a Stereo Mix on ‘Songs To Sing’ (Whitehaven) that sounds rather poor. Here we hear the same mix as on the latter bootleg, but now in excellent sound-quality! It's great that this version comes without the reverb which was added to the original master version. Elvis sounds pure and close-by! This acetate version sounds more raw and crispy compared to the version we know from FTD - another highlight on this album!

 

Conclusion

 

With this release, the Madison label has recovered from their previous miss. This is an original release and it brings us various previously unreleased versions / mixes. The crackling of the vinyl adds to the general vinyl acetate atmosphere and offers many fans who never owned an original acetate that “acetate experience”.

 

Even for listeners, who are satisfied with the official undubbed releases as on 'Back In Nashville', there are at least four remarkable versions - 'Don't Think Twice, It's All Right', 'Miracle Of The Rosary', 'Help Me Make It Through The Night' and 'It's Still Here' - that make this CD a worthwhile addition to their collection.

 

Overall, the producers behind the Madison import label have managed to present a sonically homogeneous and coherent album and made up for their not so legendary previous CD. We are looking forward to volume 2 in this series!


Review by Michael Sander and Kees Mouwen. 

Thanks to Nigel Patterson for the edits.

Monday, September 26, 2022

September 27 - Prodigy of SUN Records

The Elvis Files team updated their release schedule. The ‘Prodigy of SUN Records’ book / LP set is due December 10, 2022, the ‘…Then There Was Elvis’ will be released later.

Publicity stated: A stunning two volume 800-page book project by Erik Lorentzen and Robert van Beek.

 

Many hours of research through digital libraries emerged new facts and interesting anecdotes from Elvis' early life and career dated 1935 till 1955. From Old Saltillo Road to the magic of SUN recording studios, the first Louisiana Hayride appearances and everything in between. This book is filled with a string of never-before-seen photos dated from 1935 till 1955. 

 

But wait, that’s not all. A 10-inch vinyl bonus LP with ten songs also comes with this release! The early Elvis SUN recordings in the best possible sound. The world's first atomic powered singer mixed blues, pop and hillbilly / country to create an electrifying new music that was called Rock ‘n Roll and changed the influence of music in the world forever. Also included are 9 glossy early SUN promotional photos, suitable for framing presented in a printed paper sleeve.

 

A collection of stories: many of Elvis' early childhood friends sharing their memories in these two books. Elvis' time in primary and secondary school is extensively discussed as well as his first loves (not only girls) and his roots for Gospel music. Tupeloans share their stories about their childhood friend who became the future King. A collection of jaw-dropping photos and, of course, the near to  complete story from Elvis' birth until his big break in 1955. An unmissable reference book for all fans.

 

At the moment we are only waiting for the pressing of the 10 inch single with 10 numbers. There are only 4 plants worldwide that press vinyl. Our supplier is located in Poland and is working hard on this order. If the 10 inch single is not pressed in time, we will send out the books and the single afterwards so that everyone can assume that this dream edition will be in your home well before Christmas. Earlier we had placed an advertisement with 12 numbers. Unfortunately, twelve songs don't fit on a 10 inch disc.

 

Paper for the books and the cardboard for the box is on reservation, there is no delay. We know how miserable things went with the printing of Varrenti's book ‘The Airplanes and The King’ and ‘…Then There Was Elvis’. We learned our lesson with this! For those who had to wait 9 months for Varrenti's book, we have a plaster for the wound. For those who had to wait 9 months for Varrenti's book we offer a 10% discount on this edition. You only have to provide proof of payment to Erik and state this when ordering. For you who request a discount: do not use the Pay-Now button, which is set to €260. Place your order directly to Erik's Pay-Pal account (minus 10% €234).


At the moment the writing is in full swing, part 1 on the 1935 to1954’ needs a few more weeks and part 2 on the year 1955 is almost done.

There are 10 promo singles to be distributed among all pre-orders. You will be notified via the site. Good luck, the promo is a gem.


What can you expect from this release? Two books printed on high quality paper as you are used to from The Elvis Files author Erik Lorentzen. 9 glossy photos to frame, a 10-inch album with 10 songs in the best possible sound quality and many hours of reading pleasure with 'Elvis: Prodigy of SUN Records'. Lorentzen has already delivered big projects in recent years but I can assure you that this release is the icing on the cake. No expense has been spared to make this travelogue a success. For you of course, the fans.


The complete overview in word and image from Elvis’ birth until he [Elvis] signed for RCA. 800 pages packed with unique material and documentation interspersed with beautiful photos.


Hundreds of hours of research gives an overall picture of the boy who became a king. Many new and/or higher/better quality photos have been purchased and distributed through these two issues. You will be amazed at the mass of information that has come to light through newspaper articles, through those who befriended Elvis over the years and much more info via the web. This project is not a photo book but a day-by-day travelogue.

 

The books are available for pre-order at the >>> Elvis Files webshop

September 26 - Alternate Elvis In 16 Universi Possibili

Due for release from Direct Book is the 180-page Italian book 'Alternate Elvis In 16 Universi Possibili (1933-2068)' by Livio Horrakh.

Description: Is Elvis really dead? No, we do not believe he is. Not because he is living in a secret facility in a vegetative state assisted by mechanical supports, or  hiding undercover somewhere on this planet, but because of the many "worlds interpretation". 

According to physicist Hugh Everett-III, in each circumstance of reality infinite states coexist simultaneously in a sub-quantum cloud of indistinct possibilities. These infinite worlds actualize at each instant in the pluriverse. This could mean that on the night of August 16, 1977, Elvis was rescued in time by ambulance attendants, while in another world Presley is a retired truck driver, and in yet another he was singing in a dance hall with his twin brother or is divorcing his fifth wife ... Or NASA's first moon landing has resulted in a tragic catastrophe, and the first radio signal from extra-human intelligences is picked up by the Palomar-II telescope or .... 

Note: I guess this book will take some close and serious reading. 


Venetia Stevenson Died

Model and actress Venetia Stevenson died. She was 84. Once selected as “the most photogenic girl in the world”. 

In August 1957 she was romantically linked to Elvis and featured in the papers. Elvis met her off the plane when she flew into Memphis. He took Stevenson, Lamar Fike, George Klein, and some others to the Memphis Fairgrounds and then to a private midnight showing of 'Loving You' at the Strand.

In a later interview Elvis admitted to  still seeing Venitia and riding with her  - "I still see Venetia once in a while. I own three horses, take her riding."

(Source: Amazon / Yahoo News / Direct Book) 


Sunday, September 25, 2022

September 25 - Viva Las Vegas - Britney Spears Mix

A mash-up of Elvis Presley‘s 'Viva Las Vegas' with Britney Spears‘ 2004 hit single 'Toxic' can be heard in the blockbuster biopic 'ELVIS', but the buzzy remix hasn’t been released outside of the movie, at least not yet.

In a new interview with Rolling Stone, director Baz Luhrmann revealed that he’s working to officially release the fan-favorite, Britney-flavored 'Viva Las Vegas' remix.

The track is a remix featuring both tunes and featured in the film during a montage depicting Elvis’ film career in the 1960s. 

An official version of the song is “done” according to Luhreman, he is “just trying to unravel it”.“There’s a lot of love, a lot of intense love for the Britney / Elvis track in the movie, and it’s my commitment to try (to release the song),” Luhrmann told Rolling Stone.


Destined to be Released

Sally Hoedel published her book 'Destined to Fly – The Story of Pilot Ron Strauss'. 

Description: The book retraces the extraordinary life of an ordinary boy from Iowa as he leaves home and sets out for a life of unknown adventures. What began as a desire to be involved in aviation, quickly turned into a 12-year military career in the United States Air Force. Often choosing an unconventional route, Ron Strauss achieved his dream of becoming a pilot. With Elvis Presley as his boss, he even co-piloted one of the most famous airplanes in existence, the Lisa Marie.

Ron Strauss certainly cannot be reduced to the nearly two years he flew Elvis Presley. His story is more vast than that short period from 1975-1977. However, the book does capture Elvis Presley as a boss and a leader within a very unique organization. Elvis fans will walk away with new information about the Lisa Marie and what it was like to be called up in the middle of the night for an unscheduled destination at the request of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

The book is available from >>> Sally Hoedel's website.

(Source: Billboard)



Review Blue Hawaii (SACD)

The ‘Blue Hawaii’ soundtrack album was originally released in a mono and a stereo version on October 20, 1961. It spent almost a year on the Billboard Album Top 10, including 20 weeks at the top spot, making it the second best-selling album of 1961. 

 

The success of this Grammy nominated soundtrack - which included the classic ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ - and its predecessor ‘G.I. Blues’ pretty much set the pace for Elvis Presley releases for the remainder of the decade as both soundtracks sold way better than Presley's two regular releases of the time, ‘Elvis Is Back!’ and ‘Something for Everybody’.

 

In 2022, both the soundtrack and the movie received a High Definition re-issue, respectively on 4K HD / Blu-ray by Paramount and as a Super Audio CD by Mobile Fidelity. A “sonic treatment befitting rock royalty” according to the publicity. 

 

Design

 

The designer from Mobile Fidelity created a modern replica design for this gate-fold mini LP edition of the original. The CD comes housed in a felt-like fabric, protecting the golden disc. The only thing missing are the sleeve-notes, especially on the work the label did on the audio for this high-end release. This release is limited to 3,000 copies worldwide.

 

Content

 

The recording sessions for the songs on the ‘Blue Hawaii’ LP took place on March 21, 22, and 23, 1961 at Radio Recorders in Hollywood. It involved contributions by top musicians and backing vocalists like The Jordanaires and The Surfers (backing vocals), Boots Randolph (saxophone), Hank Garland, Tiny Timbrell, Scotty Moore and Alvino Rey (guitars), Floyd Cramer and Dudley Brooks (piano, celeste), Bob Moore (double bass), D.J. Fontana, Bernie Mattinson and Hal Blaine (drums, percussion). Everything in place to guarantee quality musical and vocal backing for Elvis’ voice.

 

The songs on this album varied from up-tempo Rock and Roll (‘Rock-A-Hula Baby’), smooth ballads (‘No More’, ‘Can't Help Falling In Love’ and ‘Island Of Love’), Hawaiian classics (‘Aloha Oe’ and ‘Ku-U-I-Po’), personal “guilty pleasures” (‘No More’ and ‘Moonlight Swim’), movie fluff (‘Slicin’ Sand’, ‘Beach Boy Blues’) and unfortunately “crap” like ‘Ito Eats’). As with more Elvis releases, there is ‘something for everyone’ on the album. 

 

Overall it is a pretty enjoyable album to play as it only takes the first ten seconds of this album to transport yourself to the calming, breezy atmospherics beaches of the famous Pacific Islands

 

Audio

 

It’s the audio that should make the difference for this release, and which should be the reason to consider adding it to your collection. Spoiler alert, its good! 

 

The original album already was a very well recorded soundtrack with engineer Thorne Nogar and Joseph Lilley as the producer for Paramount, so the bar was set high for the Mobile Fidelity team. 

 

Over the past sixty years several producers and engineers worked with this material for the many re-releases of this album. Most recent in 2007 (Sony repaired as many clicks, pops, bad edits and dropouts as they could) for the ‘The Complete Elvis Presley Masters’ collection, the ‘Franklin Mint’ set and most of the commercial releases that were released in years to come. For the Follow That Dream label audio engineers Vic Anesini and Sebastian Jeansson worked on the tapes for the FTD release of the album (2009), the Memphis Recording Service also worked on their expanded edition of the soundtrack (2012) and finally, the Radio Recorder bootleg label issued their remastered set ‘The Blue Hawaii Recording Sessions’ (2022). So plenty options to choose from.

 

Each “engineer” working on these tapes has their own (signature) settings on the equalizer, adding some color to the mix or trying to perfect the mix for a special mono, stereo, vinyl CD or even SACD release. As each format has its own characteristics and some engineers created mixes to fit those specifics. Just listen to recent mixes of Elvis’ material, most have some added reverb, giving them “some punch” as many fans stream their music to smaller stereo speakers. This way the songs don’t sound too thin or low-quality. 

 

For this Super Audio release the audio was mastered by Rob LaVerde at the Audio Fidelity Sound Lab, and he returned to the original mater tapes (probably a high quality digital copy). The gatefold mentions: “Any sonic artifacts present are a product of the original master tape. Attempts to eliminate them would have negatively impacted the integrity of the presentation.” There are some small errors on that tape you hear on this disc too. Try to spot the little drop out on the backing vocals on the ‘Hawaiian Wedding Song’ (you may need some “golden ears” for that though). 

 

Other “evidence” is that the Jordanaires are placed on the left in the mix, an anomaly on the original ‘Blue Hawaii’ LP, as these singers would usually find a place on the right side of our man. 

 

You need to realize that the mix and mastering you hear on this gold colored disc is the original master that was used for the 1961 stereo LP release. Not having some of the added “punch” like modern mixes, you may think the sound on this SACD may sound different or perhaps even “thinner”, but this is exactly what record buyers in 1961 heard when they bought this soundtrack. So for some fans this MoFi-mix may provide a slightly different or even new listening experience.

 

Listening closely to the disc on my headphones I must say I enjoyed it. The audio is very clear with good stereo separation, Elvis’ vocal nicely centered with some echo creating the special Hawaiian sound for this soundtrack (using tubular reverb for the sound experts), richness and many details audible. You can hear the fingers of the guitar player going over the strings ('Rock-A-Hula Baby’), the brushes on the drum ('Can't Help Falling In Love') or the air going over the reed of Booth Randolph's saxophone ('Almost Always True'). 

 

These little details illustrate the extra you get from an HD release. Online a fan described the experience of listening to the SACD on the For Elvis CD Collectors Forum as: “The difference is just as you listen to the CD sound in a small room on tiny speakers and switching to the Super Audio sound you are listening to in a much bigger room on very big loud speakers. Just "wow".”

 

Conclusion

 

In the end it comes down to personal preference and the audio-equipment used to listen to an high-end release like this one. For me this release may become the go-to CD as it features the original stereo mix in great audio-quality, combining the best of both worlds. 

 

I look forward to the Mobile Fidelity vinyl edition of this soundtrack, which is due later this year according to the pre-order options from some on-line retailers. This quality audio from old fashioned vinyl may make this project come full circle.


For more information on the album and SACDs visit the >>> Mobile Fidelity website.



 

Saturday, September 24, 2022

September 24 - Having Fun on DVD and Vinyl

The Star importlabel released the new DVD '(It's Fun) Having Elvis On Stage'. This new disc is limited to 500 copies. 

Publicity stated: A brandnew STAR dvd is out now, and it is just the thing the fans have been waiting for!

Lots and lots of footage has been released in the last months, great stuff to collect, but it is simply no fun watching it due to bad edits, out of synch sound or both.

The Star labelhas used some of the best performances out there and combined them into a great new release.Most of these performances are complete, the ones that are not have been put in very nicely for you to enjoy.

We see and hear Elvis do lots of great songs including rarities like 'I'm Leavin'', 'Bosom Of Abraham / You Better Run' and 'Big Boss Man'. 

Not only do we get great songs from soundboard, some tracks even have multi-track audio, like 'Fairytale' (Spring Tours) it is a great version and you can see and hear Elvis frustration at the end when there is a problem with the mike, he runs over to Charlie and throws the damn thing on the ground, you can hear it fall.

Other Multitrack recordings included are: 'If You Love Me' (Spring Tours), 'That's All Right / Proud Mary' (MSG Evening Show), 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'I’ve Lost You', 'Love Me Tender', ' Words' and 'Sweet Caroline" (August 1970)

The StarS team also wanted to show in this release Elvis connection with the crowd, funny moments, getting gifts etc, to give you the total "Elvis Experience"

Including performances from different tours and years. It really shows it's fun having Elvis on Stage. A total of 33 tracks and some bonustracks will blow you away!

Tracks: Also Sprach Zarathustra / That’s All Right / Proud Mary / I Got A Woman - Amen / Love Me / Let Me Be There / Steamroller Blues / Hound Dog / Heartbreak Hotel / See See Rider / I Got A Woman - Amen / Teddy Bear - Don’t Be Cruel / All Shook Up / Polk Salad Annie / Trying To Get To You / Big Boss Man / I’m Leavin' / You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me / Heartbreak Hotel / I’ve Lost You / Love Me Tender / Words / Sweet Caroline / Jailhouse Rock / Lawdy, Miss Clawdy / Bosom of Abraham - You Better Run / If You Love Me (Let Me Know) / Fairytale 

Bonustracks (audience recorded sound): That's All Right / Blue Christmas / Are You Lonesome Tonight?

Elvis 45 Single

The first 1,000 visitors of the Graceland Mansion received the free 45 RPM single  'Memphis, Tennessee' coupled with 'That’s All Right'. The single features a custom 'Elvis 45' jacket and only be available by touring Graceland on this date.

(Source: Pascal Matteo)

September 24 - Charts September 2022 - Week 4 and #1 Again

The weekly Elvis Presley chart update, Elvis found his way up in the U.S. Billboard chart, really bouncing back after last week's decline. 'The Essential Elvis Presley' compilation replaced the 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation on various charts where the later had just re-entered to top regions last week. 

In the U.K. the 'ELVIS' soundtrack is the Top Selling Soundtrack album this week, Elvis is back at #1! And the DVD is the top selling title on the Official Film, DVD, Official Film On Disc and Blu-Ray Charts!

'ELVIS' is the 2022 biopic about Elvis Presley makes a showstopping Number 1 debut on the Official Film Chart. Documenting the highs and lows of Elvis’s (Austin Butler) life, from childhood, to his unprecedented stardom as he became the King of Rock’n’Roll – framed through his complicated relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks) – Elvis enters at Number 1 to oust Top Gun: Maverick (2) from its four-week stint at the top.

Documenting the highs and lows of Elvis’s (Austin Butler) life, from childhood, to his unprecedented stardom as he became the King of Rock’n’Roll – framed through his complicated relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks) – Elvis enters at Number 1 to oust Top Gun: Maverick (2) from its four-week stint at the top.

Charts will be updated when new positions and box-office results become available over the weekend. 

The U.S. Box-office for the 'ELVIS' movie:
Domestic Box Office US$150,802,702.
International Box Office US$134,495,717.
Worldwide Box Office: US$285,298,419.


U.S. Billboard charts:

  • Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' re-entry at #45.
  • Billboard Top 200 chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack climbed from #73 to #64.
  • Billboard Top Album Sales chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #70 to #98.
  • Billboard Top Current Album Sales chart: 'ELV1S' Soundtrack dropped from #78 to #59. 
  • Billboard Catalog Albums chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' is a new-entry at #7. 
  • Billboard Soundtrack Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack climbed from #3 to #2. 
  • Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' re-entry at #8.
  • Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' re-entry at #8.
  • Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack climbed from #14 to #13.
  • Billboard Top Rock Album chart: ''The Essential Elvis Presley' is a re-entry at #6.
  • Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack climbed from #13 to #11. 

Billboard Canadian charts:

  • Billboard Canadian Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #59 to #62.
  • Billboard Canadian Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #47 to #70.

    


Official U.K. charts:

  • Official Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #16 to #19. 
  • Official Compilation Albums chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack climbed from #34 to #25.
  • Official Album Download charts: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #51 to #63. 
  • Official Albums Sales chart: 'The Real Elvis' dropped from #33 to #47.
  • Official Album Sales Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #62 to #73.  
  • Official Album Sales Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #69 to #96.
  • Official Streaming Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #12 to #14.   
  • Official Physical Albums chart: 'The Real Elvis' dropped from #31 to #39.
  • Official Soundtrack Album 100 chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack album climbed from #4 to #1. 
  • Official Country Compilations chart Top 20: 'From Elvis In Nashville' climbed from #13 to #11.
  • Official DVD Chart Top 100 chart: 'ELVIS' movie is a new entry at #1.
  • Official DVD Chart Top 100 chart: 'Elvis - 7 Film Collection' climbed from #74 to #58. 
  • Official Blu-ray Chart Top 100 chart: 'ELVIS' movie is a new entry at #1.
  • Official Film Chart Top 40 chart: 'ELVIS' movie new entry at #1.
  • Official Film on Disc Chart Top 100 chart: 'ELVIS' movie is a new entry at #1.
  • Official Video Chart Top 100 chart: 'Elvis - 7 Film Collection' is a re-entry at #86.
  • Official Music Video Chart Top 50: 'Elvis The Searcher' climbed from #5 to #3.
  • Official Music Video Chart Top 50: 'The Elvis Collection' climbed from #33 to #26.

Official Scottish charts:

  • Official Album chart: 'The Real Elvis' dropped from #36 to #38.

Official Irish IRMA charts:

  • Official Irish Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #19 to #20.
  • Official Irish Album chart: 'The Real Elvis' is a re-entry at #89.
  • Official Irish Compilation album chart: 'ELVIS' soundtrack climbed from #21 to #6.
Austrian charts:
  • Austrian Album Top 75 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #45 to #71.

(Source: Official Chart Company / IRMA / UK Mix Forum  / Billboard  Austrian Charts)

Friday, September 23, 2022

September 23 - Always On My Mind Preview

RCA Victor / Sony Legacy released a rehearsal take of 'Always On My Mind' for the new 'Elvis on Tour' box-set. 

Elvis On Tour celebrates the 50th anniversary of Elvis' monumental 1972 concert trek. The 6 CD + 1 Blu-ray box set is comprised of audio from four of the shows and two rehearsals that were part of Elvis' 1972 North American tour. 

Originally recorded for the Elvis On Tour concert film that was released later that year, the set features a total of 145 tracks, including 91 tracks that have been previously unreleased, as well as the award-winning concert film on Blu-ray.