Wednesday, November 30, 2022

November 30 - Elvis On Tour In The U.K.

Elvis will go back "On Tour" in the United Kingdom with the "The Best Of Elvis In Concert - Live On Screen". He will be accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra 7 for the dates.

Publicity stated: The King is back! One of the most unique concert experiences of recent years is set to return for 2023 having won the hearts of critics and fans a-like, as Elvis is set once again to be back, in an arena near you!

The full-scale concert brings the King up close on screen alongside the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra live on stage performing the King of Rock and Roll’s most well-known “rocking” songs and his tender, heart-wrenching ballads, with a special guest to be announced in due course. A show like no other, expect an overwhelmingly encapsulating and enthralling evening!
This is the only chance to experience the man who changed the course of popular music, selling an unparalleled 1 billion records worldwide, his popularity unwavering as the critical and commercial success of the Baz Luhrman produced biopic Elvis showed us in cinemas this year!

The collaboration between the music of Elvis and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra has spearheaded an incredible phenomenon, with new orchestral arrangements of the music of the most legendary artists of all time being presented with the original recordings of the artists’ own voice which led to three huge-selling and critically acclaimed albums ('If I Can Dream', 'The Wonder of You', and 'Christmas with Elvis and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra').

With Elvis never having toured the United Kingdom, or performing with a full sized orchestra as were two of his dreams, these shows are a chance to both honor the legacy of an icon who has defined popular culture for over half a century, and for fans to see ‘The King’ live, who never had the chance to before.

The Tour Dates (tickets available from December 2, 2022): 
25 October – Glasgow OVO Hydro
26 October – Manchester AO Arena
27 October – Birmingham Resorts World Arena
28 October – Newcastle Utilita Arena
29 October – Leeds First Direct Arena
31 October – London The O2
01 November – Cardiff International Arena

ELVIS, A Directors’ Assembly

Think this comment is proof enough that there will be no "BAZ ON TOUR" re-edit. "Baz Luhrmann knows that fans have a “Burning Love” for Austin Butler’s performance as Elvis Presley." The “Elvis” director confirmed to IndieWire at the 2022 Gotham Awards that there eventually will be a concert cut of the musical biopic.

Speaking at a recent Q&A, Luhrmann said, “As this film grows in its kind of, I suppose, success ––the fact that young audiences have come to see it, 15 and 16-year-olds are a big part of our audience, real Elvis fans, but people who go, ‘I knew nothing about Elvis, I don’t care about Elvis,’ have gone into his life––I thought it would be great for you guys to have the experience only we had, which is to watch Austin do the entire concert. So I can’t say exactly when because I have got to get through this, but I can say one thing: there will be a day when we do that concert version.”

“It’s a directors’ assembly. It’s not a cut. There’s a whole lot of material that adds up to four hours, but I have gone on record now to say not today, not tomorrow, but at some point I would do [it],” Luhrmann said. “Because Austin did his concerts full out. He did all the numbers. Austin just did it and it was an out of body experience to watch him do those full concerts, so one day I will cut those full concerts together.” Luhrmann continued, “We just had all the cameras. [Cinematographer] Mandy Walker even got the lenses reproduced from the ’60s and ’70s and ’80s to match exactly everything.”

As for which concert it may be, Luhrmann didn’t reveal, though one could presume the Las Vegas show considering how prominently it’s featured in the film. “The way that we approached every [concert performance] was, for one, Baz and I early on decided that when I was on stage, we weren’t going to have a moment where suddenly we’re talking about acting,” Butler said during the film’s press tour. “So I would come on stage, like in Vegas, do the entire concert, curtain comes down, I walk off. So every time the audience is getting the experience of the show. And if we would cut for any reason, I would entertain the crowd as Elvis. It was the same thing as him having to make jokes to keep everyone entertained.”

Chicago Blues

Joseph Tunzi published the cover-art for his upcoming book 'The Chicago Blues - Elvis Encore Performance VII'. 

Publicity stated: This book will feature photos from Elvis' performance at the Chicago Stadium on June 17, 1972. It comes with a bonus 2023 "pocket" Elvis calendar.



Un Fenomeno Mondiale 

NovAntico published the 176-page paperback 'Un Fenomeno Mondiale Nelle Cronache Italiane - 1960-1964'. 

This second volume in the series by Luca Castellino and Ernesto Zucconi covers "the Elvis phenomenon' in Italian chronicles for the 1960 to 1964.

(Source: Facebook / Elvis Information Network / Indiewire / The Film Stage / Amazon)



Tuesday, November 29, 2022

November 29 - Elvis Live 1972 and 1976

Due for release from RCA / Victor on March 24, 2023 is the double LP 'Live 1972'. More information when available. 

Shooting Star In Largo

The Straight Arrow import label announced the release of the double CD ‘Shooting Star In Largo’ containing the June 27, 1976 Afternoon and Evening show performances, as recorded from the audience in the Landover Capital Center, Largo, MD.

Following the remarkable success of our ‘The Moon Is Falling’ CD, it is time to move on to yet another exciting project. Straight Arrow is pleased to announce this new double CD set, featuring two concerts from the June 1976 Bicentennial tour, in topnotch audience recorded quality.

As all die-hard fans know 1976 was a somewhat problematic year for Elvis, nevertheless the June concerts from Largo are examples of really solid Presley performances, with The King sounding clear and enthusiastic and most important - in good voice. 

It is worth mentioning that Elvis met Elton John prior to his evening show in Largo. Before he left, the British singer asked Elvis to sing ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ (which Elvis did), and informed him that his parents would also be in the audience. Elton and Presley said goodbye cordially and Elton was escorted once again to his seat in the arena, but not without posing for a picture with an illustrious fan: Lisa Marie, the daughter of his idol.

Both shows were taken directly from recently found original audience-recorded master tapes and they were recorded by a famous photographer of many Elvis 70’s concerts, American superfan Harold Jean Newton (July 23, 1939 - June 10, 2009). These historic concerts were never before available in the good sound quality - until now!

The June 27th, 1976, 2:30 PM show was previously released on CD called ‘Beltway To Largo’ (2002) from an inferior and slightly incomplete source. The July 27th 8:30 PM show is previously unreleased. Every second was enhanced to achieve the optimal listening experience. The sound was remastered to the correct speed. If you have enjoyed our previous 1976 releases i.e. ‘Ononda Nights’ 2-CD, we believe that you will love this one as well. 

This special release is presented in de-luxe double digipack, accompanied with local press review. All images used for this project were taken on stage during Elvis' 1976 Largo concerts. Photos from June 27th 8:30 PM are black and white and they are rare. A couple of them have been added in spite of the problematic quality, for historic reasons.

Tracks: CD1: 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. You Gave Me A Mountain - 07. All Shook Up - 08. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 09. Love Me Tender - 10. Jailhouse Rock - 11. Fever - 12. America The Beautiful - 13. Blue Suede Shoes - 14. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 15. Early Mornin’ Rain - 16. What'd I Say - 17. Johnny B. Goode - 18. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 19. Bass Solo (Blues, Jerry Scheff) - 20. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) - 21. Electric Piano & Clavinet Solo (David Briggs) - 22. Love Letters - 23. School Day - 24. Hurt - 25. Hurt - 26. Help Me - 27. Hound Dog - 28. Funny How Time Slips Away - 29. Can't Help Falling In Love - 30. Closing Vamp and Announcements. All tracks recorded live from the audience on June 27th, 1976 Afternoon Show.

(Source: Amazon / Pascal Matteo)

Monday, November 28, 2022

November 28 - Shake, Rattle and Blue Moon

Alan R. Tranter published his 267-page book 'Shake, Rattle and Blue Moon: The Formative Recordings of Elvis Presley 1953-1960'.

Description: In 1953, Elvis Presley made his very first recording, paying around $4 for two sides of a demonstration disc at the Sun Studios in his hometown of Memphis.

It was a humble beginning, but a significant one. This book traces what came next; the local success that within a couple of years would explode into worldwide stardom, which would endure for the rest of his life, and beyond.

It is not a biography, it is more accurately a chronicle of Elvis' growth; his visits to the recording studio, his first movies, his record releases, his influences, his live performances, his TV appearances, all of which paint a picture of the artist who became, and remained, King.

When Elvis completed his National Service, in 1960, he emerged almost anew. In this book, the author draws a line from that fledgling artist to the 25 year old that emerged, poised to take on the decade that would usher in so many (as yet unknown) musical (and social) changes.

(Source: Elvis Information Network / Amazon)


Saturday, November 26, 2022

November 26 - James Burton Hurt (Updated)

James Burton’s family posted more sad news on Facebook.

“James has slipped and fell and broke his hip on Thanksgiving morning. They had to do a hip replacement at Vanderbilt in Nashville and the surgery was successful. The problem he has now is very serious, we need everyone's prayers for complete healing at this time.
The remaining kidney is struggling to process all the heavy medication that he has been given through 3 surgeries now and we're close to critical. Please pray today for a complete healing for James. We really appreciate your prayers, friendship and love. May God bless you all... the Burton Family.”

Get well soon James!

Update November 28:

When the prayers started🙏his blood levels stop taking a critical dive and STOPPED🛑!!!!!! turned around and started to go UP✝️🙏✝️🙏✝️ THANK YOU JESUS✝️ THANK YOU❤️❤️❤️ Please, please continue prayers and please share...thank you all so very much...the Burton Family.

(Source: The Burton Family)

November 26 - Charts November 2022 - Week 4

The weekly Elvis Presley chart update. The soundtrack album for the 'ELVIS' movie makes a big jump on the charts in the United Kingdom. 

In the United Stated Billboard messes things up again; the 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation suddenly disappeared from all charts and 'The Essential Elvis Presley' set makes a re-appearance on those some charts ...  

Not featured on this overview are the charts of the many on-line retailers where Elvis is ruling the various DVD and Blu-ray charts with Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS'. 

New statistics will be added over the weekend when available.


U.S. Billboard charts:

  • Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' makes a re-entry at #114. 
  • Billboard Catalog Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' makes a re-entry at #39. 
  • Billboard Soundtrack Album chart: the 'ELVIS' Soundtrack remained steady at #7. 
  • Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' makes a re-entry at #14. 
  • Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' makes a re-entry at #28. 
  • Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' makes a re-entry at #21. 
  • Billboard Top Rock Album chart: the 'The Essential Elvis Presley' makes a re-entry at #16.
  • Billboard Top Holiday Album chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' dropped from #14 to #15. 

Official U.K. charts:

  • Official Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #35 to #43.  
  • Official Compilation Albums chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack climbed from #94 to #19.  
  • Official Compilation Vinyl Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack makes a re-entry at #19.  
  • Official Streaming Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #21 to #24. 
  • Official Soundtrack Album 100 chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack album climbed from #11 to #2.   
  • Official Country Compilations chart Top 20: 'From Elvis In Nashville' climbed from #15 to #10. 
  • Official Americana Album chart: 'Elvis Back In Nashville' is a re-entry at #37.
  • Official Film Chart Top 40 chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #6 to #4. 
  • Official Video Chart Top 100 chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #3 to #2. 
  • Official Blu-ray Chart Top 100 chart: 'ELVIS' movie climbed from #10 to #6. 
  • Official DVD Chart Top 100 chart: 'ELVIS' remained steady at #2.
  • Official Film on Disc Chart Top 100 chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from#4 to #3. 
  • Official Music Video Chart Top 50: 'Elvis The Searcher' re-entered the chart at #47.
  • Official Music Video Chart Top 50: 'Elvis The King of Rock and Roll' remained steady at #50.

Official Irish IRMA charts:

  • Official Irish Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #44 to #57. 
  • Official Irish Compilation Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack album climbed from #35 to #7. 
  • Official Irish Video chart: 'ELVIS' remained steady at #2.

(Source: Official Chart Company / IRMA / UK Mix Forum / IFPI)

Friday, November 25, 2022

Review Las Vegas international Presents: Elvis Now 1971

Following the May 2022 release of the 4-CD-set ‘Las Vegas international Presents: Elvis Now 1971’ we get the 2-LP version. 

 

Design

 

As we have come to expect from the U.K. based Memphis Recording Service record label the design is top notch again. A strong picture of a slim Elvis in his Turquoise Concho suit against a black background with a touch of the “Elvis In Vegas” typography in the title. It looks both authentic and modern at the same time. 


Opening the gate-fold the design inside is more simple, just 7 pictures from the various shows. On the back we get the songs and basic information with a again a nice picture of our man. Overall it is a great looking package that will catch your eye when you see it on display in a record-store. 

 

The music is presented on traditional black and on clear vinyl. I’m spinning the latter, and although it looks great, my advice is not to look at it too much while playing the disc, you might get dizzy! The vinyl itself is good, almost no crackling sound or ticks whatsoever.

 

Content

 

The 2-LP features a selection from the original 4-CD-set, focusing on the January 28, 1971 Dinner Show performance and February 23, 1971 Closing Show. Added to that are 6 bonus tracks from the January 27th Midnight Show, the January 28th and 29th Dinner Show performances which are not part of the set-lists of the main shows on this double LP. Smart and good additions that really complete the set.

 

I’ve been playing these two discs a few times now, and they don’t disappoint. They contain great music, and upbeat Elvis, who is in control of the show and the TCB band, having fun with the musicians but at the same time directing them to deliver the music how he wants it to sound.

 

The music is presented in newly created stereo and that is what you hear while playing the album, there is enough separation between the channels and the audio sounds good. On some tracks there is a little distortion due to errors in the original tapes / CDs used to create this set. Just listen to the great ‘Johnny B. Goode’ or ‘That’s All Right’ these were recorded a little too loud and you hear it. But as they really rock, I can easily overhear that as I’m enjoying the performances! If you listen to the acapella opening of ‘How Great thou Art’ with The Imperials, you hear the mix and audio-quality are good. 

 

If you like this new stereo presentation of the original mono recordings will always be a matter of taste which I’ll leave up to each listener. Read my review of the original CD for the details and more in-depth reviews of the concerts. 

 

Conclusion

 

This double LP is a great looking and sounding representation of this first 1971 Vegas engagement that gives us a strong Elvis performing a very entertaining selection of classic hits. 

 

Go >>> here for the review of the CD edition.


The 2-LP is available from the >>> Memphis Recording Service website and Amazon.


 

November 25 - Danish Christmas News Report (Updated)

Due for release next week is the vinyl box 'Christmas: The Singles Collection' on red and on green colored vinyl.  

Publicity statedNow available is this remarkable box set containing 8 gorgeous 45RPM singles plus a bonus CD. Actually 5 of these are extended plays. All your favorite Christmas songs are featured on this set. 

Many of these Christmas themed tracks were never issued before on a 45RPM.cReady to be played in jukeboxes or on your record player under the Christmas tree. A great collection of Christmas masterpieces. All tracks are also available on the included bonus CD.

Record 1: Blue Christmas / White Christmas (With Count In) / Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) / Silent Night.

Record 2: Winter Wonderland ( Take 7 + Master) / O Come, All Ye Faithful (Take 2).

Record 3: The Wonderful World Of Christmas (Binaural Master Incl. Count In) / Silver Bells (Take 1) /I'll Be On Christmas Day (Remake Take 3).

Record 4: O Little Town Of Bethlehem / Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) / Santa Claus Is Back In Town / I'll Be Home For Christmas.

Record 5: It Won't Seem Like Christmas (Without You) (Take 3) / If I Get Home On Christmas Day (Take 1).

Record 6: Merry Christmas Baby (Edited Undubbed Master) / Blue Christmas (Live December 13, 1975)

Record 7: Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees (Take 2) / The First Noel (Alternate Mix From Mastertape) / On A Snowy Christmas Night

Record 8: If Everyday Was Like Christmas (V.O Take 1&2 -Undubbed Master) /Santa Claus Is Back In Town (Live 1968 June 27 8.00 Pm) / Blue Christmas (Live 1968 June 27 6.00 Pm)

Tracks CD: Blue Christmas / White Christmas (With Count In) / Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) / Silent Night / Winter Wonderland ( Take 7 + Master) / O Come, All Ye Faithful (Take 2) / The Wonderful World Of Christmas (Binaural Master Incl. Count In) / Silver Bells (Take 1) / I'll Be On Christmas Day (Remake Take 3) / O Little Town Of Bethlehem / Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) / Santa Claus Is Back In Town / I'll Be Home For Christmas / It Won't Seem Like Christmas (Without You) (Take 3) / If I Get Home On Christmas Day (Take 1) / Merry Christmas Baby (Edited Undubbed Master) / Blue Christmas (Live December 13, 1975) / Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees (Take 2) / The First Noel (Alternate Mix From Mastertape) / On A Snowy Christmas Night / If Everyday Was Like Christmas (V.O Take 1&2 -Undubbed Master) / Santa Claus Is Back In Town (Live 1968 June 27 8.00 Pm) / Blue Christmas (Live 1968 June 27 6.00 Pm)


Elvis News Report 

Emiel Maier published the December 2022 Elvis News Report on his YouTube chanel. It wraps-up most of the news from November 2022 with Elvis' earnings of 2022, Graceland messing up Elvis legacy, auction news, correcting some "fake news" previews from the "Priscilla" movie, the passing of Jerry Lee Lewis and more. 


Elvis 1956

The 20th Century Masterworks (H'Art)record label released the Deluxe 31-track edition of Elvis Presley's debut album as 'Elvis 1956'. It comes with 19 bonus tracks and is presented as a 88-page hardcover booklet with specially prepared liner-notes by Elvis biographer and renowned music critic Peter Guralnick in which he explores Elvis’ records and experiences from 1956 in great detail. 

Publicity stated
: Guralnick explains why it was such a groundbreaking year in the career of the iconic Rock and Roll star. Born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1943, Guralnick specializes in the history of early rock and roll and is the author of a classic two-volume biography of Elvis Presley, 'Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley', followed by 'Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley'. 
The booklet is fully illustrated with rare and never before published photos, including numerous classic shots of Elvis by photographer Alfred Wertheimer.

More Debut Album Releases

The Vip Vop record label announced the November 25, 2022 release of a Limited Edition 10-inch pink and green colored LP of Elvis Presley's self-titled debut album. 

Publicity stated: This new Limited Edition of Elvis' debut album contains 11 remastered tracks, pressed on pink green colored vinyl. 

As a bonus it contains a 7-inch sized 16-page booklet with rare photos and liner notes by Mojo writer and author Max Decharne and a fold-out poster of the original uncropped photo from the album cover. 

Danish Releases

The Danish Memphis Mansion shared the first images of te pink colored 'I'll Be Home For Christmas' and 'Danish Singles Collection Volume 4' LPs which should be available this week. The Christmas album will also be released on cassette-tape. 

Added to the vinyl announcement is the release of the CD featuring the volumes 3 and 4 of the 'Danish Singles Collection' LPs.

(Source: Pascal Matteo / Emiel Maier / Anthony Stuchbury)

Thursday, November 24, 2022

November 24 - Elvis: From Louisiana and Memphis (Updated)

The Follow That Dream collectors label announced the December  / January 2022 release of the 4-CD set 'Elvis: From Louisiana and Memphis'. 

Publicity stated: As part of its ongoing live on tour series, FTD is pleased to announce the release of 'Elvis: From Louisiana and Memphis'. 

Released as a 4-CD set, housed in a 5-inch digi-pack, this set features three 1976 concerts recorded at Hirsch Coliseum, Shreveport, Louisiana July 1, 1976, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana July 2, 1976 and the Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis, Tennessee July 5, 1976. 

Every effort has been made to optimise the audio of these original soundboard recordings. Priority is given to historical content.

Disc 1 1 Also Sprach Zarathustra 0:52 2 See See Rider 4:34 3 I Got A Woman / Amen 5:17 4 Love Me 2:46 5 If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 2:57 6 You Gave Me A Mountain 3:20 7 All Shook Up 1:01 8 (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel 2:07 09 And I Love You So 3:22 10 Jailhouse Rock 1:44 11 Fever 3:34 12 America 2:37 13 Polk Salad Annie 4:05 14 Introductions/Early Mornin’ Rain 2:54 15 Introductions / What’d I Say / Johnny B. Goode 7:12 16 Love Letters 3:11 17 School Days 0:58 18 Hurt 3:49 19 Hound Dog 1:59 21 Funny How Time Slips Away 3:03 22 Happy Birthday 0:25 23 It’s Now Or Never 3:00 24 Can’t Help Falling In Love 1:38 25 Closing Vamp 1:23 Recorded live at Hirsch Coliseum, Shreveport, Louisiana July 1, 1976.

Disc 2: Baton Rouge 1 Also Sprach Zarathustra 1:05 2 See See Rider 3:34 3 I Got A Woman / Amen 7:44 4 Love Me 2:26 5 Fairytale 3:13 6 You Gave Me A Mountain 3:28 7 All Shook Up 1:24 8 (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel 2:08 09 And I Love You So 3:23 10 Jailhouse Rock 1:30 11 Fever 2:59 12 America 2:22 13 Polk Salad Annie 4:09 14 Introductions/Early Mornin’ Rain 3:51 15 Introductions / What’d I Say / Johnny B. Goode 5:06 16 Love Letters 3:15 17 School Days 0:55 18 Hurt 3:12 19 Funny How Time Slips Away 2:25 20 Can’t Help Falling In Love 1:39 21 Closing Vamp 0:50 Recorded live at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana July 2, 1976.

Disc 3: Memphis 1 Also Sprach Zarathustra 1:08 2 See See Rider 4:44 3 I Got A Woman / Amen 7:16 4 Love Me 2:29 5 Fairytale 2:40 6 You Gave Me A Mountain 3:19 7 All Shook Up 1:03 8 (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel 2:05 09 And I Love You So 3:26 10 Jailhouse Rock 1:35 11 Fever 3:19 12 America 2:48 13 One Night 2:37 14 That’s All Right 1:47 15 Blue Christmas 1:42.

Disc 4: Memphis (continued) 1 Introductions/Early Mornin’ Rain 4:54 2 Introductions / What’d I Say / Johnny B. Goode 6:48 3 Love Letters 3:25 4 School Days 1:01 5 Hurt 3:53 6 Hound Dog 2:24 7 Funny How Time Slips Away 3:56 8 Help Me 2:49 9 How Great Thou Art 3:24 10 Softly As I Leave You 4:31 11 Polk Salad Annie 4:11 12 Jambalaya 0:20 13 It’s Now Or Never 2:18 14 Can’t Help Falling In Love 1:36 25 Closing Vamp 1:50 Recorded live at Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis, Tennessee July 5, 1976.


1968 Fender Rosewood Tele For Sale

A 1968 Fender Rosewood Tele built for and played by Elvis Presley has been listed for sale on Reverb.

The guitar is a sister six-string to George Harrison's iconic Rosewood Tele – and currently boasts a price tag of US$295,000. 

A prototype 1968 Fender Rosewood Telecaster built for Elvis Presley has been listed for sale on Reverb.

According to the music marketplace, the electric guitar is one of six prototypes, and a sister six-string to the Rosewood Tele beloved by George Harrison, who used his during the Beatles’ iconic 1969 rooftop gig atop the Apple Corps headquarters in London.

The listing states that the King of Rock and Roll used the ‘68 Rosewood Tele “intermittently” for a period of a few months, but at 9lbs and 9oz, Elvis ultimately deemed it too heavy for him, and so sent it back to Eddie Miller, Fender’s Nashville rep at the time.

Currently listed for $295,000, the guitar looks to share the same spec sheet as George Harrison’s Rosewood Tele, with a chambered rosewood body and maple veneer center with a poly finish, rosewood neck and fretboard, two single-coil pickups – the bridge with staggered pole pieces and the neck featuring a chrome-plated cover – and controls pots dating back to 1964.

The guitar also comes with a letter written by Eddie Miller dated September 16, 1969, verifying its provenance, as well as its original hardshell case and additional photo documentation.

For more information about the listing, head to >>> Reverb

Following George Harrison’s championing of the Fender Rosewood Tele, regular production of the guitar commenced in 1969, with a few changes from the prototype models. These alterations included a bolder mid-’60s ‘transition’ logo, instead of a black CBS-era decal, which was trickier to see against dark rosewood.


Vintage Rock

Elvis Presley has a small spot in volume 60 of the Vintage Rock magazine which features Jerry lee Lewis on the cover. Inside the Elvis article 'Elvis In 1972: At The Peak Of His Onstage Powers'. 




TCB Elvis

Afnil Published the 193-page paperback 'TCB Elvis' by Laura De Simone

Synopsis: Laura De Simone, a passionate Elvis Presley fan, takes you into a colorful and illustrated universe to rediscover the legend of this not-to-be-missed music icon. Each page is a unique rendez-vous, where you will willingly stick around to contemplate Elvis from an original artistic angle.

The author relies on her own experience, drawing from her personal collection which started in her childhood and was then enriched by her travels in the footsteps of Elvis and her encounters with those close to the singer, such as Scotty Moore, D.J. Fontana, John Wilkinson, James Burton, Glen Hardin, Terry Blackwood, J.D. Sumner, Joe Esposito, Richard Davis, Kang Rhee, and many others.

From Tupelo to Memphis, passing through Las Vegas, this biography full of rare and little known anecdotes, sounds like a vibrant tribute to the great Elvis, the one and only king of Rock 'n' Roll, the one we still call the King.

Note: Buyer beware, the book looks like a home-made scarp-book. 


Elvis Photo Book

Clyde Colley published the 24-page 'Elvis Presley Photo Book'. 

Note: buyer beware, another fake author quick cash grab release.  

(Source: FTD / Guitar World / Amazon / Elvis Club Berlin)

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

November 23 - Pot Luck

Due for release from the Not Now re-issue label is 'Pot Luck'. This re-issue comes on 180 Gr. grey colored vinyl. 

Publicity stated: Following his discharge from Army Service in 1960, Elvis Presley and his Manager Colonel Tom Parker had eschewed live performance and concentrated instead on Elvis’s burgeoning film career. A steady stream of record releases kept Elvis’s worldwide audience of fans happy, and June 1962 saw the release of this non-soundtrack LP. 'Pot Luck' reached No.1 in the U.K. and No. 4 in the U.S.A. due to the compositions 'Kiss Me Quick', 'Suspicion' (which went on to become one of his outstanding songs of the period), 'I’m Yours' and 'That’s Someone You Never Forget' (co-written by Elvis with Red West). 

By the end of 1962, Elvis was set to remain at the top of the tree. But this was the year which saw The Beatles and Bob Dylan make their recording debuts. The times were, indeed, a-changin’!

Side 1: Kiss Me Quick / Just For Old Time Sake / Gonna Get Back Home Somehow / (Such An) Easy Question / Steppin’ Out Of Line / I’m Yours.

Side 2: Something Blue / Suspicion / I Feel That I’ve Known You Forever / Night Rider / Fountain Of Love / That’s Someone You Never Forget.


Tracklisting Sold Out 18

Here is the content for volume 18 in the 'Sold Out! Ultimate 8MM Collection' series. Click on the image to enlarge.

(Source: Amazon / Not Now Music / Bear Family)

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

November 22 - Elvis And Me

Berkley announced the August 1, 2023 re-release of the paperback 'Elvis and Me: The True Story of the Love Between Priscilla Presley and the King of Rock and Roll'  by Priscilla Presley and Sandra Harmon.

Publicity stated: The #1 New York Times bestselling memoir that reveals the intimate story of Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley, told by the woman who lived it. 

This new edition comes with an exclusive new introduction by the author. 


Follow That Dream Session Sets Re-issued

Once again available from the Follow That Dream collectors label are the sessions sets 'American Sound Sessions', 'Elvis Is Back Sessions', 'Pot Luck Sessions', 'Something For Everybody Sessions' and the 'Viva Las Vegas Sessions'. 

(Source: Amazon / Various)

Monday, November 21, 2022

November 21 - Congratulations

Dean Street Press announced the March 6, 2023 release of the 98-page paperback 'Happy Birthday - Love, Elvis'. 

Synopsis: Birthdays come but once a year. Who better to help celebrate yours than someone equally legendary? On your special day, enjoy the gift of wit and wisdom from Elvis Presley - The King of Rock'n'Roll.

He might notice an older lady looking in a jewelry store window, only to go in and buy her a wonderful gift. Or set off US$15,000 worth of fireworks, horsing around with his friends. Elvis never forgot his father's words on his fourteenth birthday: "May your birthday be sprinkled through 'n' through with joy and love and good times too". 

And The Winner Is ...

The American Music Awards have announced Elvis as the winner for favorite soundtrack of the year! The soundtracks for 'Encanto', 'Sing 2', 'Stranger Things: Soundtrack from the Netflix Series, Season 4', and 'Top Gun: Maverick' were nominated alongside 'ELVIS' for the award.

Congratulations to the artists and team behind the album!

More Nominations

Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS' movie is nominated in four categories for the 2022 Sunset Circle Awards: Top Film of 2022, Best Actor (Austin Butler), Best Cinematography and Best Editing. The nominations for the Best Movie of 2022 will be announced on November 29, 2022, along with the winners in all categories. 

(Source: Amazon / Facebook / FECC / Sunset Circle Awards)

  

Sunday, November 20, 2022

November 20 - Burning in Tahoe '76

Due for release from the MxF import record label early December 2022 is the 2CD 'Burning in Tahoe '76', featuring the May 5, 1976 08:00 PM performance as recorded at Late Tahoe. 

Publicity stated: 'Burning Tahoe ‘76' will focus on Elvis’ Lake Tahoe 1976 season, featuring the complete evening show from May 05th. This show is previously unreleased and taken directly from the original ambiance high-quality tape.

Elvis worked hard during this last Tahoe season in spite has not been an impressive vision he fought very hard to deliver a good show. The choice of songs was more varied with respect to the regular tour and the intimate showroom seemed to inspire Elvis to deliver longer and more solid shows.

The 05th May Evening Show here presented doesn’t make an exception Elvis delivered 18 solid songs reaching the top with the bluesy 'Trying To Get To You', the anthem 'America', and the very sensitive 'Hawaiian Wedding Song', at the same time in spite of the poor shape He still able to perform rockers like the classic 'Polk Salad Annie' and overall the fast 'Burning Love'.

We are happy to be able to present this great performance with a very good audio quality in order to be able to obtain a result that you can enjoy too. The ambiance tape is of very good quality, as you can appreciate both Elvis and the band and at the same time, you can feel and live the atmosphere of the intimate Lake Tahoe Showroom, where the limit of the ambiance became the force of the recording giving to you the possibility to listen to the great enthusiasm of the public. 

This new MxF double CD set comes housed in a deluxe Long Digipack. To make this a collectable release for fans we created a standard edition in with four different covers variations - 100 copies each -  and a Limited Deluxe Edition of 100 copies with exclusive content.

CD 1: Recorded Live At Tahoe Hotel, Like Tahoe NV May 05th, 1976 8.00 PM
01. You’ll Never Walk Alone 02. When The Saints Go Marching In (JD & Stamps) 03. Starry Night 04. Nothing But A Party (The Sweet Inspiration) 05. 2001 Intro 06. See See Rider 07. I Got A Woman/Amen 08. Love Me 09. You Gave A Mountain 10. All Shook Up 11. Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel 12. Trying To Get To You 13. Polk Salad Annie.
CD Time 48 min.

CD 2: Recorded Live At Tahoe Hotel, Like Tahoe NV May 05th, 1976 8.00 PM
01. Hound Dog 02. Happy Birthday 03. Band Introductions 04. Early Morning Rain 05. What’d I Say 06. Drum Solo 07. Bass Solo 08. Piano Solo 09. Electric Piano Solo 10. Love Letters 11. Hail Hail Rock ’n’ Roll 12. Hurt + Reprise 13. Burning Love 14. Hawaiian Wedding Song 15. How Great Thou Art 16. It’s Now Or Never 17. Love Me Tender 18. America 19. Can’t Help Falling In Love 20. Closing Vamp. 
CD Time 48 min.

(Source: Facebook / FECC)

Saturday, November 19, 2022

November 19 - Las Vegas International Presents Elvis – Out Now

The U.K. based Memphis Recording Service delivered the first copies of the ‘Las Vegas International Presents Elvis – Now 1971’ 2-LP - on clear and on traditional black vinyl - at the dealers. 

Publicity stated: This 180 Gr. double LP contains live performances from the January 28, 1971 Midnight Show and the February 23, 1971 Closing Show, both recorded during Elvis' engagement at the Las Vegas International Hotel, and a selection of bonus tracks. 

The release is a Limited Edition which will be available in both black and clear vinyl. The clear vinyl is only available from Elvis fan clubs and exclusive Elvis dealers and will not be available to the mainstream public and stores.

Side A: January 28, 1971 – Midnight Show: Also Sprach Zarathustra - That’s All Right - I Got A Woman - Love Me Tender - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - Sweet Caroline - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling - Polk Salad Annie - Johnny B. Goode - Something.

Side B: January 28, 1971 – Midnight Show: The Wonder Of You - Heartbreak Hotel - Blue Suede Shoes - Hound Dog - One Night - Teddy Bear - Suspicious Minds - Come Home Baby (Instrumental Vamp) - The Impossible Dream - Impossible Dream. 

Bonus Tracks - January 27, 1971 – Midnight Show: There Goes My Everything - Only Believe.

Side C – February 23, 1971 – Closing Show: Also Sprach Zarathustra - That’s All Right - I Got A Woman - Love Me - Mystery Train / Tiger Man - Sweet Caroline - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling - Polk Salad Annie - Something - Johnny B. Goode. 

Side D: February 23, 1971 – Closing Show (Partially Recorded): How Great Thou Art - Don’t Be Cruel - Heartbreak Hotel - Blue Suede Shoes - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Little Sister / Get Back - Hound Dog. 

Bonus tracks January 28, 1971 – Dinner Show: Release Me - It’s Now or Never.

January 29, 1971 – Dinner Show: Snowbird - The Impossible Dream.

(Source: Facebook: Chris Giles and Elvis For Sale)

November 19 - Charts November 2022 - Week 3 (Updated)

The weekly Elvis Presley chart update. Elvis' chart-run seems to be almost over, dropping on most - and off some Irish and Greek - charts. The exception is the new 'ELVIS' movie on the U.K. video charts.

In the U.S. Elvis made a little jump on the Billboard Holiday Album chart. 

Not featured on this overview are the charts of the many on-line retailers where Elvis is ruling the various DVD and Blu-ray charts with Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS'. 

New statistics will be added when available.


U.S. Billboard charts:

  • Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #110 to #127.
  • Billboard Catalog Albums chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #30 to #49.
  • Billboard Soundtrack Album chart: the 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #5 to #7. 
  • Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #13 to #16. 
  • Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #20 to #26.
  • Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: the 'ELV1S' Soundtrack dropped from #43 to #47.
  • Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #16 to #20.  
  • Billboard Top Holiday Album chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' climbed  from #21 to #14. 

Official U.K. charts:

  • Official Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' remained steady at #35. 
  • Official Compilation Albums chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #81 to #94.  
  • Official Streaming Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #23 to #21. 
  • Official Soundtrack Album 100 chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack album dropped from #8 to #11.  
  • Official Country Compilations chart Top 20: 'From Elvis In Nashville' dropped from #12 to #15. 
  • Official Americana Album chart: 'Elvis Back In Nashville' climbed from #37 to #35.  
  • Official Film Chart Top 40 chart: 'ELVIS' climber from #5 to #4. 
  • Official Video Chart Top 100 chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #5 to #3. 
  • Official Blu-ray Chart Top 100 chart: 'ELVIS' movie climbed from #17 to #10. 
  • Official DVD Chart Top 100 chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #5 to #2. 
  • Official Film on Disc Chart Top 100 chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from#4 to #3. 
  • Official Music Video Chart Top 50: 'Elvis The King of Rock and Roll' re-entered the chart at #50.  

Official Irish IRMA charts:

  • Official Irish Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #34 to #44.

(Source: Official Chart Company / IRMA / UK Mix Forum / IFPI)

Friday, November 18, 2022

November 18 - From Memphis To Tokyo But Not To Spain

Elvis authors Dick Dekker (‘Bootleg Elvis’, ‘From Memphis To Taipeh’) and David Ward (‘From Elvis in Japan: Elvis Presley Japanese LPs 1956 - 2018’) announced the May 2023 release of their new book ‘From Memphis To Tokyo – A Reference Guide To The Absolute Mastery Of Elvis’ Japanese Vinyl’. 

The authors stated: The book will combine the best of both authors, following the quality format of Dekker’s Asian vinyl book, combined with David Ward’s in-depth details on the Japanese Elvis Presley vinyl.

The 700-page hardcover book is divided in a text and photo section featuring all kinds of info about the Japanese 78rpm, singles, EPs, 10 and 12 inch vinyl records and the different pressings with large and easy to read photos of all releases.Written by two experts of Asian vinyl, and with the contributions by collectors like Chris Giles and others, who opened their archives and collections for this release, it includes front and back labels, inserts and more.

For pre-orders you can contact the authors by >>> email.


White Platinum

The Not Now Music record label re-issued the 'Platinum Collection' compilation CD-set as a 3-LP on white colored vinyl, housed in a gate-fold sleeve. 


Hollywood Vinyl

The French Big Beat Records announced the November 18, 2022 re-release of the box sets '1956-1957 In Hollywood Volume 1' and '1957-1958 In Hollywood Volume 2'.   

Publicity stated: The sets contain the complete alternative album collection for the albums 'Jailhouse Rock', 'King Creole', 'Love Me Tender' and 'Loving You. The boxes contain two 10-inch LPs, a black vinyl LP and a picture discs, both housed in a gate-fold cover,  2 CDs, and two posters. 


Silver Single Award

The single 'Heartbreak Hotel', coupled with 'I Was The One', was awarded a Silver Sales Award by the British Phonographic Industries for selling over 200,000 copies, streams and / or downloads) of the single since March 5, 2005.

Never Been To Spain

Sony / EPE published an official lyric video for "Never Been to Spain', this version was recorded live on stage at Richmond Coliseum.

(Source: Dick Dekker / YouTube)