Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Review Elvis Day By Day 2022 - 2

Adrian Tedeschi received his copy of ‘Elvis Day By Day 2022’ and allowed me to share his first impressions:

"Just to let you know the books arrived yesterday and all i can say is WOW! 

When I eventually opened the packages (initially thought it was the new ‘On Tour’ set) I had a quick flick through or so I thought! I was literally still reading it going back and forth over the pages 2 hours later! I don't know where the time went but that shows me what an enjoyable and great product it is.

If I can compare it to other book releases, I have never, when receiving a new Lorentzen book, spent 2 hours let alone 1 browsing it as I always feel so let down by the over promise under delivery of his books. I cannot believe the amount of products released worldwide that go largely un
noticed, sure we know all about the imports from the FECC-forum and the like, but some of the other lesser known stuff is incredible.

I must admit when you released your first volume I was really skeptical thinking why do you need a book when it’s all on the net, well I am truly converted these books are as invaluable as a discography in my eyes .

Great work Kees, SUPERB in fact!

Thanks Adrian, I really appreciate the kind words; guess you really need to read it, to get to know, understand and like :-) the concept of this series. 

Here is a little preview clip to give you an impression:



For more information on the book and previews please visit >>> Poplar Tunes webshop. The book is also available through >>> Elvis 4 Sale



 

January 31 - Sold Out, Again!

The Pyramid import label announced the re-release of volume 1 in their 'Sold Out!' fan shot 8mm series. 

Publicity statedUpon its initial release in December 2020, 'Sold Out volume 1' caused quite a furor in the Elvis world. And for many, it opened the doors to a new area of collecting. Some of the high-end collectors were dismayed with the fact this footage ‘escaped’, but many fans were thrilled that these unique 8mm films were now available to them at an affordable price.

We’ve gone back to the original high-resolution transfers to redo this classic title from scratch. No more watermarks or logos on the footage, what you get here is the best 8mm footage around in the best possible quality. No alterations, no edits – just the real deal, as originally filmed. Each of the 19 films has been newly mastered with superior results. This remains the most enjoyable release celebrating The King live, as captured on 8mm.

We have received numerous requests recently to reissue this classic title, which is now going for crazy prices in the Elvis world. Hence, we are pleased to announce this complete revamp of ‘Sold Out volume 1’.

We do realize that now that 8mm footage is suddenly being offered everywhere, that it can be confusing for some to figure out what is essential - and what is not - but many would agree that this title is all you really need. This is really the best of the best. And for the first time, the liner notes tell the inside story behind this game-changing release, with an account that will shock and surprise some of you.

We are already receiving quite a few pre-orders for this Deluxe Edition, which is printed in a very limited edition, and we expect that it will sell out fast. Packaged in a deluxe three-panel digipack, this truly is the cat’s pyjamas. 

Added later: The original Volume 1 that came out 2 years ago was done by another person who didn’t master it correctly. Volumes 2-18 were done by the same person and said person has re-done volume 1 removing all logos from the films and all the watermarks, making it much sharper

So this Deluxe Edition is the only volume to be re-done, this is the DVD that set the Elvis world alight, the films are incredible and even better now. 

After this re-issue, volume 19 is the next release in the series. 

Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday to Jerry Scheff, he celebrates his 82nd. Birthday today! 

Jerry Scheff, was the bass guitarist for Elvis Presley in the TCB band. Jerry, also played the bass guitar for The Doors and Jim Morrison, Bob Dylan, John Denver and other legendary entertainers.


Shellac at the Movies

Re-issued in France is the LP 'At The Movies'. The shellac 33 RPM disc released high fidelity disc contains a selection of the best tracks from the soundtracks of his first films 'Love Me Tender '(1956), 'Loving You' (1957), 'Jailhouse Rock' (1957), 'King's Creole' (1958) and 'G.I. Blues' (1960).

(Source: Pyramid / Facebook)

Monday, January 30, 2023

January 30 - Larry Rivera Died

Kauai entertainment icon Larry Rivera died. He was 92. Riviera could be seen alongside Elvis Presley in the movie ‘Blue Hawaii’.

He was a kind, very nice, honest and beautiful person,” Rivera said of the King of Rock n’ Roll in an interview. “He had a lot of heart and that’s why he sang so nice.

Saturday, January 28, 2023

Review Elvis Day By Day 2022 - 1

Giuseppe Castiglia shared his first impressions of the 2022 edition of ‘Elvis Day By Day’. All I can say is, “thank you, thank you very much!”, this really inspires my to continue the series.

I have to say that I have zero knowledge on design, but I can tell what looks good on the eye. First of all, the graphics within the book are excellent! I love that everything has a corresponding picture to it. Items gone at auction, magazines, records etc. The reader is never left to imagine what the subject of the article / write up, looks like. 

 

I love the use of different colors for the pages that match the background or main color of the item displayed. I enjoy also the way you take elements from a release (title or logo), blow it up and place within the article, it looks really good. Love the bright colors and the fact that you made sure the text is easy to read, very important.

 

The articles are, as usual, varied and well written. I enjoyed your review ‘Boston '71 Back To Back’, very comprehensive, the "ELVIS’ soundtrack and others. I really appreciate your honest review of ‘Prodigy’ and ‘The Airplanes and the King’ books.  It is important for a book like yours to stay impartial and occasionally criticize when needed. 

 

I though the audio analysis of FTD’s ‘Aloha from Hawaii’ was exceptional! I really enjoyed that one. The best of the best for me, is the review of the movie ‘ELVIS’. Rogier Van Luyken has delivered the best and most intelligent overview of this biopic. I have found that people in the Elvis world are too emotionally attached to the subject to be able to relax for 2 hours and 40 minutes and enjoy a great performance. 

 

It makes me smile how people got upset because they're not included in the movie or they feel they should have been involved somehow. Then there are the ones that don't know the difference between a documentary and a biopic that complain about mistakes. Baz knows very well that ‘Trouble’, was recorded in '58-for example, but he needed it at that point to help the story and it's very effective. Rogier’s review is very thorough and pleasant to read. I particularly like what he says about the positive financial impact Elvis had on movie studios, something that has been forgotten. He really "got it" and does an amazing job illustrating it. Magnificent!


Alanna Nash's interview is interesting, even more when she moves on from the movie discussion. I thought ‘The Lost Session’ FTD release deserved more, but I'm being picky. It's great to read about the many books that have come out, there are so many that you need some sort of guide to decide the ones that are worth reading and your book helps immensely. Interesting interview with the Polish collector. How interesting would be talking to someone from Poland when Elvis was alive to hear what it was like back then.

 

These are some of the thing that stand out for me, on my first read. I hope you can find these comments of use to you, I know how important feedback is when we present a project that we invested a lot in. Before I go back to read the rest, let me thank you again for allowing me to share some of my thoughts in your book.

 

Giuseppe Castiglia, January 2023.


For more information on the book and previews please visit >>> Poplar Tunes webshop. The book is also available through Amazon.



January 28 - Las Vegas Hilton Presents: Opening Vinyl

The U.K. based Memphis Recording Service announced the March 17, 2023 release of the vinyl edition of 'Las Vegas Hilton Presents: Elvis Opening Night 1972'. This 180 Gr. LP follows hot on the heels of the CD edition of this set.

Description: This CD contains a thrilling new show - featuring a revised setlist - from Elvis’ Opening Night at the Las Vegas Hilton on the 26 January 1972. The soundboard recording has been remastered and restored using the most sophisticated technology available, and - for the first time ever - presented in true stereo. The accompanying booklet includes rare photographs and memorabilia along with introductory notes. 

This was the concert where Elvis premiered the classic songs 'I'll Remember You', 'You Gave Me A Mountain' (sung with a lighter arrangement), 'Never Been To Spain', 'A Big Hunk O'Love' and 'An American Trilogy' as well as the first time 'See See Rider' was used as his opening number.

This is a Limited Edition set- and will be available in both Black and Clear vinyl.
Please note, the clear vinyl is only available from fan clubs and exclusive Elvis dealers and not be available to the mainstream public stores.


AARP Awards

The 'ELVIS' biopic won 2 AARP Awards at the 21st annual Movies for Grownups Awards. Austin Butler delivered a touching introduction for Best Director winner Baz Luhrmann for Elvis; "No matter what the subject is, his intent is to create art for audiences of all ages to enjoy together," Butler said. "The stories are specific, and his messages are universal." The movie also won the award in the 'Best Time Capsule' category. 

For more than two decades, AARP's Movies for Grownups program has championed movies for grownups, by grownups, by advocating for the 50-plus audience, fighting industry ageism, and encouraging films and TV shows that resonate with older viewers. 


Heartbreak Hotel Lyrics

The original working lyrics handwritten by Mae Boren Axton was sold by GWS Kuse for US$165,000 without buyer's fees, meaning it will be recorded as a $206,000 sale. 

Description
: This wonderful piece of music history is a sheet of handwritten original working lyrics for what would be the classic Elvis Presley hit song, Heartbreak Hotel. These lyrics were written by Mae Boren Axton, a high school teacher with a background in musical promotion, and Tommy Durden, a Jacksonville singer-songwriter.

It is said by historians that Mae played a crucial part in the game plan that launched the career of Elvis Presley. Mae first met Elvis in 1955 around the time he was getting his start with SUN Records, and she was doing some PR for Colonel Parker via her TV and radio shows promoting his package shows when they would be in Florida. 

She was asked by Elvis' manager at the time, Bob Neal, for her help in getting Elvis on a Parker tour to convince Elvis that Neal had the connections to represent him well. Mae Axton taped a radio interview with Elvis in July, 1955 in Jacksonville and got Elvis onto the show which Hank Snow was headlining. "Heartbreak Hotel" was written in October 1955 and presented by Axton to Elvis Presley, who loved the song and eventually recorded it in January 1956 for his new label, RCA Victor. This was a pivotal point in Elvis' career as he had just moved to RCA and this would be his first single. 

The lyrics are handwritten in pencil and signed by Mae Boren Axton and Tommy Durden, and also have various edits and corrections. The lyrics come with a letter of authenticity from James Spence Authentication.

Kevin O'Neal Died

Kevin O'Neal, the younger brother of Hollywood star Ryan O'Neal died. He was 77. He played Yale in the 1969 movie 'Change of habit'. 


Elvis Video News Report

Emiel Maier uploaded his monthly Elvis Presley video news report. The February 2023 edition looks back on the sad start of the year and all the other news that happened in the first month of 2023. 


Trouble? 

The U.S. based TMZ website mentioned that apparently there was a dispute going on between Lisa's mother and her eldest daughter. Priscilla Presley has filed legal documents, asking a judge to override an amendment to Lisa’s 2010 Trust, and money is at stake. 

Priscilla was named trustee, along with Lisa's former business manager Barry Siegel, to manage things. Priscilla says she discovered what appears to be an amendment to the Trust, removing both her and Siegel as Trustees and naming Riley and Benjamin Keough as Trustees.

According to legal documents, obtained by TMZ, Priscilla questions the validity and authenticity of the amendment, claiming it was never delivered to her, the date on the document is suspicious, the document misposes Priscilla's name and Lisa Marie's signature "seems inconsistent with her usual and usual sign".
Benjamin committed suicide in 2020 and Lisa broke ties with Siegel after claiming he gutted his assets.

Since Benjamin passed away, the amendment would leave Riley as the sole trustee. Apparently Priscilla wants the amendment to be declared invalid and this puts Priscilla directly at odds with her granddaughter.

(Source: Memphis Recording Service / Pascal Matteo / Emiel Maier / TMZ / AARP / PR Newswire / Elvis Information Network / Elvis the man and His Music)

January 28 - Charts January 2023 - Week 4

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. Following the death of Lisa Marie, Elvis' music climbed on the charts, with the 'Where No One Stands Alone' duet by Elvis and Lisa Marie re-entered the Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart at #11.

'ELVIS' took the Top spot in Ireland!

Elvis Presley returned to the Canadian Album charts and is currently also listed on the charts in Greece and Ireland.


U.S. Billboard charts:

  • Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from #101 to #49. 
  • Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack album re-entry at #188.
  • Billboard Top Current Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack album climbed from #86 to #55.
  • Billboard Catalog Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from #37 to #13. 
  • Billboard Soundtrack Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack' climbed from #7 to #6.
  • Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from #12 to #10.  
  • Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from #15 to #9. 
  • Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack album re-entry at #37.
  • Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from #10 to #8.
  • Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart: 'Suspicious Minds' re-entry at #10.
  • Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart: 'Where No One Stands Alone (Duet with Lisa Marie)' re-entry at #11.
  • Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart: 'Can't Help Falling In Love' ' re-entry at #13.
  • Billboard Hot Dance / Electronic Songs chart: 'Toxic Las Vegas' dropped from #26 to #34.
Billboard Canadian charts:
  • Billboard Canadian Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' re-entry at #36.

Official U.K. charts:

  • Official Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #20 to #25. 
  • Official Compilation Albums chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #52 to #63.
  • Official Download Album chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #45 to #65.
  • Official Streaming Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #15 to #21. 
  • Official Soundtrack Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #5 to #8. 
  • Official Country Compilations Chart Top 20: 'From Elvis In Nashville' climbed from #12 to #10. 
  • Official Americana Album chart: 'Back In Nashville' dropped from #32 to #37.
  • Official Americana Album chart: 'Back In Nashville' makes a re-entry at #32.
  • Official Video Chart Top 100: 'ELVIS' climbed from #3 to #2. 
  • Official DVD chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #3 to #2.
  • Official Films On Disc chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #3 to #2.
  • Official Film chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #1 to #3.
  • Official Blu-ray chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #4 to #3.
  • Official Music DVD chart: 'Elvis The Searcher' climbed from #49 to #31.
Irish IRMA charts:

  • Official Irish Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #21 to #29.  
  • Official Irish Compilation Album Top 100 chart: 'ELVIS' soundtrack dropped from 19 to #21. 
  • Official Irish Video Chart Top 50: 'ELVIS' climbed from #2 to #1.
Greek charts:

  • Official IFPI Top-75 Albums Sales Chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #10 to #50. 

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

Friday, January 27, 2023

January 27 - On Tour In Binghamton and Awards

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and his longtime producing partner and collaborator, Oscar-winning production and costume designer Catherine Martin, received the 2023 Art Directors Guild’s Cinematic Imagery Award at the 27th Annual ADG Awards on Feb. 18 at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown.

The award, which recognizes “those whose body of work in the film and television industry has richly enhanced the visual aspects of the viewer’s experience”.


On Tour Set

Originally planned for release in 2022, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Elvis Presley's monumental 1972 concert trek, RCA / Sony Legacy (finally) released the physical 6-CD / 1-DVD edition of 'Elvis On Tour'. The digital edition with just the music, was released December 2, 2022. Several lucky fans received their copies earlier this week.

Description: A seven-disc set, with the audio selections available in digital and physical configurations, the Elvis On Tour box set includes six audio discs (premiering previously unreleased Elvis concert performances and studio rehearsals) and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment's Blu-ray edition of the MGM Film, 'Elvis On Tour', winner of Best Documentary Film at the 30th Golden Globes Awards in 1973 and the last feature film starring Elvis Presley to be released during the artist's lifetime.

RCA/Legacy's Elvis On Tour box set is produced by Ernst Mikael Jørgensen and mixed by Grammy Award-winning Memphis-based producer Matt Ross-Spang. The original recordings were made by Felton Jarvis and Al Pachucki.

Disc 1 was recorded live on April 9, 1972, at Hampton Roads Coliseum, Hampton, Virginia, and contains all previously unreleased material.

Disc 2 was recorded live on April 10, 1972, at Richmond Coliseum, Richmond, Virginia, and contains all previously unreleased material.

Disc 3 was recorded live on April 14, 1972, at Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, North Carolina, and contains all previously unreleased material.

Disc 4 was recorded live on April 18, 1972, at Convention Center Arena, San Antonio, Texas, and includes previously released material (from 2003's Elvis: Close-Up box set), remixed for this release.

Disc 5 features the tour rehearsals, recorded live at RCA Recording Studios in Hollywood, California, on March 30 and 31, 1972. The disc is comprised primarily of previously unreleased tracks in addition to performances previously available on the official Elvis Presley collector's releases Elvis On Tour - The Rehearsals (Follow That Dream CD 2004) and 6363 Sunset Boulevard(Follow That Dream CD 2001) as well as The Great Performances (RCA 1990).

Disc 6 completes Elvis' rehearsals with his band at RCA Recordings Studios with performances recorded March 31, 1972. The disc includes previously unreleased takes on Kris Kristofferson's "For The Good Times" as well as performances previously available only on 6363 Sunset Boulevard, Elvis On Tour - The Rehearsals and Amazing Grace (RCA 2CD 1994).

As Elvis Presley’s national tour played to sold-out secondary markets across the country in 1972, Elvis was enjoying himself on-stage and finding electrifying new ways of connecting to audiences at every show. Working with a band and set lists of his choosing, Elvis was channeling the music he loved most--from pop and gospel and traditional country to blues and rock and contemporary hits--while transforming his own greatest hits with fresh arrangements, turning nostalgia into an unforgettable concert experience packed with immediacy. 

Award-winning filmmakers Pierre Adidge and Robert Abel went on the road with Elvis Presley and his band with all-access passes, cameras and crew to chronicle the King of Rock & Roll at his on-stage peak in MGM’s Elvis On Tour documentary film. The film captures Elvis, the human being driving the myth, behind-the-scenes backstage with his eyes open and his defenses down.  According to MGM's original press release, the Elvis On Tour film "offers the first intimate look at the enigmatic country boy who became the world's most celebrated musician."  Both documentary and concert film, Elvis On Tour features montage sequences supervised by Martin Scorsese. The film was released on November 1, 1972. 

The Elvis On Tour box set includes fascinating behind-the-scenes liner notes by Jerry Schilling, a longtime personal friend and member of Elvis' inner circle. 

The set also features an illuminating essay by rock historian/musician Warren Zanes, founding member of The Del Fuegos and Professor at New York University. According to Zanes: "The set lists and the performances of the Elvis On Tour period bring a rare thing: a fifties legend working in the early seventies who was still taking his audiences to new places...

The core band, including Ronnie Tutt, James Burton, Glen D. Hardin, Jerry Scheff, John Wilkinson, Charlie Hodge, the Sweet Inspirations, J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, and an orchestra led by Joe Guercio, had gotten to a place at which Elvis could inject spontaneity, allowing the arena shows to have a measure of the unexpected.... 

1972 was a year of one-hundred-sixty-five performances. In Jorgensen's words, it was a 'climax of his career.' While the '68 Comeback Special marked the significant point at which Presley returned to live performance, 1972 was the year in which the artist revealed most completely what he wanted to do with the creative energy such a return kicked off."


Two Nights In Binghamton

The BJ Records import record label released the double CD 'Two Nights In Binghamton', featuring the May 26th and 27th, 1977 shows from Binghamton.  

Publicity stated: Back in 1999 the Coast To Coast label released the CD 'Why Me, Lord' featuring the May 26th 1977 concert in Binghamton, NY.

While in reasonable sound at the time, it was released in much better sound the following year on the Krypton Label, both of these releases showed that there were still nights where Elvis could pull it off and leave a mesmerizing performance when the moment was right, it took until 2006 for the second show to become available on the Graceland Records label under the name 'Second Night' that release showed us that Elvis did not run out of steam after the previous night, if anything he was giving even more during the second show! Just listen to one of the best versions of 'Unchained Melody' as Elvis pours his heart out.

The two Binghamton shows are a good example of some of those special moments where Elvis got it together, Elvis performs a varied setlist with a couple of songs that hadn't been performed very often at the time, this includes the last live version of Kris Kristofferson's 'Why Me, Lord', Simon and Garfunkel's 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' and even 'Blue Suede Shoes' and 'Heartbreak Hotel' were performed whilst not a standard anymore at the time, it made for a nice surprise!

BJ Records felt it was time to re-release these two shows because of their historic place in representing Elvis his final year of performing on stage, with the original releases out of print we've put both shows together in a neat package, this allows older and newer fans to have both shows in the same place, while also enjoying the improved sound quality. 

This digi-pack has been filled with some great photos of Elvis taken during these two shows, and newspaper reviews. It’s a very limited edition set.

Tracklist CD1 - Binghamton, NY May 26th, 1977Also Sprach Zarathustra / See See Rider / I Got A Woman - Amen / Love Me / If You Love Me Let Me Know / You Gave Me A Mountain / O Sole Mio -  It’s Now Or Never / Little Sister / Teddy Bear - Don’t Be Cruel / And I Love You So / Why Me Lord? / Polk Salad Annie / Band Introductions / Early Mornin' Rain / What'd I Say - Johnny B. Goode / Hurt / Hound Dog / Can’t Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp 

CD2 - Binghamton, NY May 27th, 1977: Also Sprach Zarathustra / See See Rider / I Got A Woman - Amen / Love Me / If You Love Me Let Me Know / You Gave Me A Mountain / Blue Suede Shoes / Teddy Bear - Don’t Be Cruel / Heartbreak Hotel / Bridge Over Troubled Water / O Sole Mio - It’s Now Or Never / Love Me Tender / Band Introductions / Early Mornin' Rain / What'd I Say / Band Solos / School Day / Hurt / Hound Dog / Unchained Melody / Can’t Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp. 


Debut and Christmas Vinyl

The 20th Century Masterworks (H'Art) recordlabel will re-issue Elvis' debut album on green colored vinyl (once more) on March 31, 2023. 

Blue Suede Shoes / I'm Counting On You / I Got A Woman / One-Sided Love Affair / I Love You Because / Just Because / Don't Be Cruel / Hound Dog / Love Me Tender / Tutti Frutti / Tryin' To Get To You / I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry Over You / I'll Never Let You Go / Blue Moon / Money Honey / Shake, Rattle And Roll / I Want You, I Need You, I Love You / Heartbreak Hotel.

Due for release from the German ZYX Music recordlabel on May 26, 2023 on CD and on LP is 'Greatest Christmas Songs'.

(Source: Deadline / RCA / Sony Legacy / Amazon France / Elvis Club Berlin / Plastic Head)

Thursday, January 26, 2023

January 26 - Beyond RCA, Beyond Paper

Co-writers and friends, John Townson and Gordon Minto published the digital flip-book 'Elvis UK - Beyond RCA - The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley’s British Non RCA LPs 1974 - 1997'. 

This digital book, a newly written 377 page, fully comprehensive text, follows on from their previous publications in the 'Elvis UK' series, each of them acclaimed by collectors according to the press- release. 

This new edition provides the ultimate guide to Elvis’s non-RCA LP album releases issued in the UK between 1974 and 1997. 

This new volume:

  • Complements - and extends considerably - information relating to these particular releases included in our original books Elvis UK, published in 1987, and Elvis UK2, published in 2002.
  • Is extensively illustrated in full colour.
  • Features a host of background information including a chronological list of all the albums included.
  • Deals with each album individually, in a detailed and forensic way, while the text is amply illustrated with scans of every known cover and label variation, relevant photographs, and scans of contemporaneous newspaper and magazine articles.
  • Includes background information about each release including historically significant events of the period.
  • Contains hitherto unpublished information from company files.
  • Features a header block for each album release comprising information about the songs or spoken word material included, along with details about the writers, as well as showing the record modes.
  • Includes a detailed Song Index, showing recording dates, which album(s) each song has been featured on, along with details of outtakes used, as well as a Spoken Word Index referencing when and where the material was recorded.

And as readers have come to expect from each of the Elvis UK publications, there is a wealth of background information relating to the record industry incorporated throughout the text. Please note: this definitive work is only available as a downloadable digital flip book and stored on your own device. And why a digital flip book?

  • A flip book provides a highly intuitive, multi-faceted search facility allowing the reader to access whatever they are looking for quickly and easily, by typing in key words or page numbers
  • The sensitive zoom facility allows for zooming in and out of text or images quickly
  • It makes invaluable research material available to fellow collectors throughout the world at an extremely modest cost when compared to physical books – crucially, there are no postage costs!
  • There are no storage issues – the files can be accessed wherever you are
  • It can be held on multiple devices and will not deteriorate at all
  • And, importantly, pages – or the whole document - can be printed off, if so required

Elvis UK – Beyond RCA costs just £20 and can be ordered via the >>> Elvis UK Books.co.uk website.


Variety Named the 2023 ARTISAN Award Recipians 


Catherine Martin, costume designer, production designer and producer of the 'ELVIS' movie is among among the recipients of Variety’s Artisans Awards which will be handed out at the Santa Barbara Film Festival on February 13, 2023 at the Arlington Theatre.

Now in its ninth year, Variety‘s partnership with the Santa Barbara Film Festival celebrates the artisans who have showcased the most innovative work of the year in their craft. Catherine Martin will receive the award for her work as the costume designer for 'ELVIS'.

(Source: Gordon Minto / Variety)

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

January 25 - The Hero Of

Gerrit de Jong announced the April 2023 release of his second comic book 'Elvis Still the Hero of the Comic Book'. It includes some special tributes to Lisa Marie Presley and a full color back cover of the Colonel imitating Elvis.

Due for re-release from Time Magazine on February 10, 2023 is the 112-page 'Elvis Remembered' magazine. In addition to the article 'The King, Forever', this also includes the articles 'Lisa Marie Presley: 1968 - 2023' and 'The Movie And Its Star'.

(Source: Elvis Inside on Facebook / Amazon)











  

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

January 24 - Elvis Movie Scores 8 Oscar Nominations

Just two days after Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin attended a memorial service for Lisa Marie Presley, their grief turned to celebrations when their 'ELVIS' movie scooped up eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Austin Butler in the title role. 

The good news dovetailed neatly with the birthday of director Baz Luhrmann’s wife and producing partner Catherine Martin, and their wedding anniversary.

We’ve had some really difficult days,” Luhrmann said, “and it was good to just get away and be here for this.” Both Luhrmann and Martin give huge credit to Butler for his nominated performance.

“Obviously this isn’t a documentary, this is a storytelling, but to get as close to a human story and to find that humanity in Elvis, I think that is what Austin really has given to the world. He found Elvis’s humanity and put it on screen,” said Martin, who also is nominated for costume design and production design.

If there’s one thing I couldn’t bear not happening it would be him not being recognized for his almost almost unearthly achievement in revealing the soul of that character,” Luhrmann added. Austin Butler said he was dedicating this nomination to her. The 31-year -old actor said in an interview: "A moment like today is bittersweet because I wish Lisa Marie were here with us to celebrate. I also know how much this film meant to Lisa Marie and how much her father's legacy meant to her, so I feel so proud and so humbled to be a part of that story."

In May 2022 Lisa Marie posted on Facebook "In my humble opinion, his performance is unprecedented and FINALLY done accurately and respectfully (If he doesn’t get an Oscar for this, I will eat my own foot, haha)."

Luhrmann also highlighted DP Mandy Walker - only the third woman ever to be nominated in that category. “I mean, it’s just shocking to me that in 90 years, only three women have been nominated as a DP,” he said.

And he delighted in the nomination for his editors. “I think about the faces of the people that I spend hours and hours and hours in rooms with, or on sets with, like Jonathan Redmond and Matt Villa,” Luhrmann said. “Those ones that don’t get the recognition. To me that’s a thrilling part. It really is a great end to an epic journey.”

The Australian director and his four-time Oscar winning wife are both producers of the Elvis Presley biopic, which is up for 8 Golden Statues at the 95th Academy Awards: 

  • Best Actor – Austin Butler
  • Costume Design - Catherine Martin
  • Production Design – Catherine Martin and Karen Murphy (Production Design) and Bev Dunn (Set Decoration)
  • Make-Up and Hairstyle – Mark Coulier, Jason Baird, Aldo Signoretti
  • Best Film Editing – Matt Villa and Jonathan Redmond
  • Best Sound – David Lee, Wayne Pashley, Andy Nelson and Michael Keller
  • Best Picture – Baz Luhrmann, Catherine Martin, Gail Berman, Patrick McCormick and Schuyler Weiss, producers
  • Best Cinematography – Mandy Walker

With Jimmy Kimmel taking over from Rock as host, the Oscars will take place on March 13, 2023.


A terrible Dutch accent and a latex face mask in the movie Elvis could earn Tom Hanks a Golden Raspberry Award, the satirical counterpart of the Oscars. The American actor got nominated in the Worst Supporting Actor and Worst Interplay categories for his portrayal of Elvis’ manager Tom Parker.


(Source: Variety / Deadline / TMZ / Razzies / NOS / Elvis Presley News)

Sunday, January 22, 2023

January 22 - A Celebration of the Life of Lisa Marie (Updated)

Today we say goodbye to Lisa Marie Presley by celebrating her life on Sunday, January 22, at 9:00 am on Graceland’s Front Lawn

In addition to family and friends, Graceland invited the general public to attend. Following the service, there was a procession to view Lisa’s final resting place in Meditation Garden.

For those unable to attend the service in Memphis, the ceremony was available to watch online via >>> Graceland’s Livestream pageIf you missed the emotionally very moving event, you can watch it below. 


Priscilla read a text, written by Lisa Marie's daughters: "Lisa Marie Presley was an icon, a role model, a superhero to many people all over the world," she read. "But mama was my icon, my role model, my superhero, in much more ways than one. Even now, I can’t get across everything there is to be understood or known about her. But as she always said, ‘I’ll do my best.’”

Two days later Priscilla posted a thank you online: Thank you all for your condolences, you have touched me with your words. It has been a very difficult time but just knowing your love is out there makes a difference.

There was some surprising news too, apparently Lisa Marie Presley was a grandmother. During the memorial when Riley Keough's husband, Ben Smith-Petersen, was reading the speech written by Riley in tribute to her mother, which said: "I hope I can love my daughter the way you loved me, the way you loved my brother and my sisters. Thank you for giving me strength, my heart, my empathy, my courage, my sense of humor, my manners, my temper, my wildness, my tenacity. I'm a product of your heart, my sisters are a product of your heart, my brother is a product of your heart.

The Presley bloodline continues, unbroken.

Lansky posted: A beautiful and fitting tribute this morning to Lisa Marie Presley on the grounds of Graceland. We will forever remember your beautiful soul.

People magazine then confirmed with a rep for Keough  that the couple welcomed a baby girl in 2022. However, no details were given on exactly when the baby was born or her name.

Here are pictures of the service which were shared on Facebook. Guests Axl Rose (Guns 'n Roses), Jerry Schilling, Sarah Ferguson, Alanis Morissette, Billy Corgan (of the Smashing Pumpkins), Baz Luhrmann, Austin Butler, Latoya Jackson and even James Burton (in a wheelchair) was present at the service too!  






Today our hearts go out to the family, friends and fans of Lisa Marie Presley.

(Source: Graceland / Facebook /People)

Saturday, January 21, 2023

January 21 - Elvis Opening Night 1972

The U.K. based memphis Recording Service released 'Las vegas International Presents - Elvis Opening Night 1972'. A Deluxe single CD set featuring the January 26, 1972 Las Vegas Opening Show in a newly created "True Stereo" mix. The accompanying booklet includes rare photographs and memorabilia along with introductory notes.

The CD is available a week earlier than originally announced. 

Tracks: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - Proud Mary - Never Been To Spain - You Gave Me A Mountain - Until It's Time For You To Go - Polk Salad Annie - Love Me - Little Sister / Get Back - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - One Night - Hound Dog - A Big Hunk O' Love - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Lawdy Miss Clawdy - An American Trilogy - Introductions - I'll Remember You - Suspicious Minds - Can't Help Falling in Love.


Greatest Hits... Live

The Get Yer Vinyl Out record label released the 'Greatest Hits... Live' compilation on eco-colored vinyl (made from randomly mixed color vinyl compound). The LP is available a week earlier than originally announced. 

Publicity statedHear the immortal sounds of Elvis Presley rockin' the USA from Virginia to Rhode Island, through to North Carolina and Nevada. 

'Greatest Hits Live' is a stunning set that charts his colossal, hitmaking journey from his formative years in Memphis to a worldwide stage as the King of rock 'n' roll. This is a golden opportunity to hear these legendary hits performed in their heyday, live on stage, in front of his adoring fans. As one of the most renowned cultural icons of the 20th century, Elvis may have 'left the building’, but he's here in all his glory for a new generation to enjoy. '‘til we meet again, may God bless you. Goodbye.' 

Get Yer Vinyl Out brings together these greatest hits performed by the man himself during his reign in the 70s as the all-time king of rock ‘n’ roll. Superb, professionally remastered original broadcasts, pressed on Eco Mixed 180g Vinyl and presented in a deluxe gatefold sleeve with background liners and timeline photos.

Tracks side 1: 1. That's All Right * (1:56) / 2. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel (Medley) **** (2:04) / 3. Hound Dog **** (1:25) / 4. Blue Suede Shoes *** (1:14) / 5. Love Me Tender *** (1:49) / 6. All Shook Up **** (1:02) / 7. Jailhouse Rock **** (1:35) / 8. It's Now Or Never **** (2:19) / 9. Are You Lonesome Tonight ***** (3:49) / 10. Can't Help Falling In Love * (1:52) / 11. Return To Sender ** (1:45) / 12. Love Letters **** (2:47) / 13. In The Ghetto * (2:40). 

Side 2: 1. Suspicious Minds * (5:43) / 2. Sweet Caroline * (3:55) / 3. Proud Mary * (2:16) / 4. Kentucky Rain * (3:13) / 5. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me *** (2:03) / 6. An American Trilogy *** (4:24) / 7. Polk Salad Annie * (5:03) / 8. Hurt **** (1:52). 

Recordings are from *: International Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, NV, 26th January 1970 (PBS-TV) / **: Hampton Coliseum, Hampton, VA, 9th April 1972 (WNBC-TV) / ***: International Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, NV, 5th February 1973 (PBS-TV) / ****: Providence Civic Centre, Providence, RI, 26th June 1976 (WPRO-FM) / *****: Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, NC, 21st February 1977 (WBXT-FM)

(Source: Elvis 4 Sale / Amazon / Facebook)

 

January 21 - Charts January 2023 - Week 3 (Updated)

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. Following the death of Lisa Marie, the music was streamed more than usual and appeared on several streaming charts.

You can buy the single on >>> Amazon

Following Elvis Week 2023, Elvis' music climbed on most U.K. and U.S. charts. 

The Elvis vs Britney Spears 'Toxic Las Vegas (Jamieson Shaw Remix)' mash-up debuted on Billboard's Hot Dance / Electronic Songs chart, the second listing by Elvis on that chart, and track from the 'ELVIS' soundtrack to do so.

U.S. Billboard charts:

  • Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from #114 to #101. 
  • Billboard Top Current Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack album climbed from #99 to #86.
  • Billboard Catalog Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from #41 to #37. 
  • Billboard Soundtrack Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack ' dropped from #6 to #7.
  • Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from #14 to #12.  
  • Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from #19to #15. 
  • Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from #14 to #10.
  • Billboard Hot Dance / Electronic Songs chart: 'Toxic Las Vegas' new entry at #26.

Official U.K. charts:

The King is back on top! Elvis returns to Number 1 on the Official Film Chart in the U.K. following its success at the Golden Globes last week.

After its star Austin Butler won the award for Best Actor - Motion Picture – Drama in the biopic at this year’s ceremony, the film enjoyed a rise in both digital download and physical sales, placing it firmly back into the position of the UK’s Number 1 film.

  • Official Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #29 to #20.
  • Official Compilation Albums chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack climbed from #64 to #52.
  • Official Download Album chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' climbed from #90 to #45.
  • Official Download Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' re-entry at #46.
  • Official Streaming Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #23 to #15. 
  • Official Soundtrack Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack climbed from #6 to #5. 
  • Official Country Compilations Chart Top 20: 'From Elvis In Nashville' remained steady at #12. 
  • Official Christian and Gospel Music Album chart: 'Where No One Stands Alone' climbed from #17 to #5.
  • Official Americana Album chart: 'Back In Nashville' makes a re-entry at #32.
  • Official DVD chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #1 to #3.
  • Official Film chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #1 to #3.
  • Official Blu-ray chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #4 to #3.
  • Official Music DVD chart: 'Elvis The Searcher' dropped from #30 to #49.

Irish IRMA charts:

  • Official Irish Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #45 to #21. 
  • Official Irish Compilation Album Top 100 chart: 'ELVIS' soundtrack listed at #19. 
  • Official Irish Video Chart Top 50: 'ELVIS' dropped from #1 to #2.
Greek charts:

  • Official IFPI Top-75 Albums Sales Chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' re-entry at #10.

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

Friday, January 20, 2023

January 20 - Lisa Marie Presley Laid to Rest at Graceland

Lisa Marie Presley has been laid to rest on Thursday January 19, 2022 in a private ceremony. She has been buried next to her son, Benjamin Keough, in the Meditation Garden at Graceland. In addition to Lisa Marie and Ben, Lisa Marie's father, Elvis Presley, and his parents, Vernon and Gladys, are also buried in the Meditation Garden. 

The news of Lisa Marie's final resting place comes ahead of her public memorial service set to take place on Sunday. Following her death, the family confirmed that a public memorial service will be held in the late singer's honor at Graceland. The service will be livestreamed via Graceland's livestream page.

Following the service, there will be a procession to view Lisa Marie's final resting place in the Meditation Garden. All guests on the north lawn will be able to join the procession following friends and family.


Jailhouse Rock

The U.K. based British Phonographic Industries awarded Elvis Presley a new Platinum Single Award for 'Jailhouse Rock' for selling over 600,000 copies (streams plus digital downloads plus physical sales). 


My Army Days with Elvis

Xulon Press published the 116-page paperback 'My Army Days with Elvis: Friendship, Football & Follies' by Johnny Lang. The Foreword was written by Jeffrey Lang and Elvis' former girlfriend Elizabeth Mansfield also contributed to the book. 

Synopsis: What was Elvis like in those early Army Days? The question I get most is 'what was he like?' It's hard to give a blanket answer because I knew the 22-year-old version of what everyone else sees in the media and those tell all books. We were kids, clowning around having fun, playing football, chasing girls. 

I didn't know him in his turbulent years or have exposure to any prescription pill use or so-called mood swings. I only knew the young, very funny, unvarnished version of him. Hopefully the stories in this book shed more light on what he was really like. A number of years ago, The National Enquirer wanted to pay me for an interview and was looking for dirt. Not a chance. I enjoyed being Elvis' friend in those early days of his career. For decades, many people have asked me to write this book, so now in my 80s here it is. I had fun telling these stories and you will laugh or even find it touching, but simply enjoy the real Elvis in the Army. 

I have also included for you some stories by his singing buddy, Wes Daniels, as well as some romantic stuff shared by his early girlfriend and first secretary, Elisabeth Mansfield.

(Source: Entertainment Tonight / US Weekly / WikiPedia / Amazon / B.P.I.)