Sunday, June 30, 2024

June 30 - Sold Out

The Graceland Exclusie translucent red colored vinyl edition of the upcoming 'Memphis' set was sold out, two weeks after the announcement of the release. The 2-LP, limited to 1,000 copies, will be released August 9th 2024.

Description
: This Graceland Exclusive red vinyl 2-LP highlight collection of 24 songs songs, taken from the comprehensive 'Memphis' release, features newly mixed versions of select recordings, pure and without overdubs. 

Taking listeners through the many recordings Elvis had done while in Memphis, this 2 LP set collects songs recorded at SUN Records, American Studio and Stax sessions, his 1974 hometown show and his last recordings in Graceland.

(Source: Graceland)

Saturday, June 29, 2024

June 29 - Charts June 2024 - Week 5

The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation dropped a few spots, but also hit the 200 weeks on the chart mark. 


In Ireland the "Elvis" replaced "Priscilla" on the Video chart. 








Official U.K. charts:
  • Official Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #65 to #54. 
  • Official Streaming Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #51 to #49.
  • Official Music DVD chart: 'The King of Rock and Roll' dropped off the chart after last week's re-entry at #39. 
  • Official Physical Singles chart: 'On Fire In Toledo' dropped from #35 to #81.
Irish IRMA charts: 
  • Official Irish Album chart: 'ELV1S 30#1 Hits' climbed from #91 to #89. 
  • Official Irish Video chart: 'Elvis' made a re-entry at #28. 
  • Official Irish Video chart: 'Priscilla' dropped off the chart from last wek's #18 position. 

Billboard charts:
   
  • Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #178 to #184 in its 200th week on the chart. 
  • Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' remained steady at #35. 
  • Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #44 to the bottom of the chart at #50. 

Forbes noted: 'ELV1S: 30 #1 Hits' has now spent 200 weeks on the Billboard 200.
Presley’s greatest hits set marks his first project to make it to 200 weeks on the Billboard 200. It’s noteworthy that he only reaches that number decades after his passing, and that 'ELV1S: 30 #1 Hits' has earned all of its turns on the competitive tally since his death.

Only one other collection from Presley has managed to rack up triple-digit weeks on the tally is 'The Essential Elvis Presley' with 107 weeks. 

Luminate reports that the project moved just under 8,700 equivalent album units last tracking frame. That’s down less than 1% from the period before, as consumption of the title usually doesn’t shift much during the average week.

Note: Billboard / Nielsen sometimes mess up the titles they use for their statistics referring sales - primarily based on airplay and streaming - one week to 'The Essential Elvis Presley' and a week later to 'ELV1S 30 # Hits' ... 

From FECC: The second longest stay of any Elvis album in the US Billboard 200 album charts was 'G.I. Blues'. It entered Billboard 's Top LPs chart in October 1960, at #6, the highest debut position for any Elvis LP. In six weeks it was the number one album in America. 'G.I. Blues' remained number one for 10 weeks, although they were not consecutive. The total 111-week stay on the chart was the longest for any Elvis record during his lifetime.

Other Elvis albums with a year stay or longer have been were 'Blue Hawaii' with 79 weeks, 'Elvis Golden Records' with 63 weeks and ''Aloha From Hawaii' with 52 weeks.

On the official U.K. charts the 'ELV12 30 #1 Hits' compilation is currently listed for its 246th week.

(Source: Official Charts / U.K. Mix / Billboard / IRMA / Forbes)

Friday, June 28, 2024

June 28 - In The Ghetto News Review

Sony released a second preview of the upcoming 'Memphis' box set, the undubbed version of 'In The Ghetto' in a new mix by Matt Ross-Spang. 



Long Beach Rehearsal and Studio Sessions

The Paradise Road import record label announced the release of the 2-CD-set 'Long Beach, California' featuring two live shows, recorded live at the Long Beach Arena, November 14 and 15, 1972. Also announced was the double CD 'Always On My Mind - Elvis March / April 1972 Rehearsal and Studio Sessions'. 

Publicity stated
: This new double CD from Paradise Road records contains two live shows recorded live at the Long Beach Arena, November 14 and 15, 1972. Both shows were released before many years ago but are now presented for the first time together on one great new double album and in remastered sound.

Both shows are good sounding audience recordings, but especially the sound of the November 15, 1972 show is very clear. This is the best show of the two and what makes this show extra special is that Elvis' daughter is attending an Elvis show for the first time! It is clear that Elvis is proud that Lisa is present at this show. On this day he also gives her a concert scarf signed with a special message. You'll find a photo of this scarf inside the 12-page CD booklet.

As a special bonus we've included the presentation of the USS Potomac to Danny Thomas, a recording from February 14, 1964 - now in upgraded sound quality.  

This double album is a great document from Elvis in Long Beach, including great live songs like 'One Night, 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me', 'Little Sister / Get Back', 'The Wonder Of You', and many others.  Two complete shows, 58 tracks, including some pre-show recordings and fan comments from the November 15, 1972 show.

CD 1 - Recorded at the Long Beach Arena, Long Beach CA. November 14 1972 (8:30 pm): Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Elvis Talks - Until It’s Time For You To Go - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - Polk Salad Annie - Love Me - All Shook Up - Heartbreak Hotel - Blue Suede Shoes - One Night - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Hound Dog - Love Me Tender - Little Sister / Get Back - How Great Thou Art - Suspicious Minds - Band introductions - Burning Love - Funny How Time Slips Away - You Gave Me A Mountain - Fever - A Big Hunk O’ Love - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp.

Bonus: Presentation Of The USS Potomac To Danny Thomas (14.02.1964)

CD 2: Recorded at the Long Beach Arena, Long Beach CA. November 15 1972 (8:30 pm): Announcer - Warming Up Music - Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Elvis Talks - Until It’s Time For You To Go - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - Polk Salad Annie - Musical intermezzo / Elvis Talks - Love Me - All Shook Up - Heartbreak Hotel - Blue Suede Shoes - The Wonder Of You - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Love Me Tender - Little Sister / Get Back - Hound Dog - I’ll Remember You - How Great Thou Art - Suspicious Minds - Band Introductions - Burning Love - Fever - Elvis Talks About HIs Daughter Lisa Marie - You Gave Me A Mountain - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp - Announcer - Spectators Reaction.


Sold!


Elvis Presley's "Blue Suede Shoes" have sold for more than US$150,000, slightly below the auction house estimate between $126,000 and $151,000.. The iconic item from the King of Rock 'n' Roll's wardrobe was bought by an American collector based in California as part of an auction by Henry Aldridge and Son. 

"The price for me reflects the importance of such an iconic object," auctioneer Andrew Aldridge told CBS News. "When you think of Elvis, you probably think of upturned collars, Las Vegas and blue suede shoes."

The shoes made appearances both on and offstage during Elvis' storied career, including during a performance of 'I Want You, I Need You, I Love You' on The Steve Allen Show in 1956.

Presley bought the famous footwear soon after the release of his cover of 'Blue Suede Shoes' which was originally by Carl Perkins. He donned the famed footwear throughout the 1950s, including during that infamous performance when he sang “Hound Dog” to an actual hound dog on early television.

They are as iconic as they can be,” said the auctioneer Andrew Aldridge of Henry Aldridge and Son in Devizes, Wiltshire, England. “Blue suede shoes, hound dogs, these are things that you think of immediately when you talk about Elvis Presley, they almost transcend popular culture”.

Nearly 50 years after his death, the King of Rock 'n' Roll still looms large as one of the Greatest Artist of All Time. The sale of the shoes "reflects the iconic nature and the enduring fascination in Elvis", said Aldridge.


Always On My Mind

On this album you'll find rehearsals from March 30, 31 and April 5 1972. Many of these rehearsals have now been officially released, but not all of them. This release is a collection of officially unreleased songs from these rehearsals as well as various uncut versions where you'll hear just a little more of what happens before and after the song. 

In addition, we have completed this release with officially unreleased studio versions from the same period in great sound! If you liked our album '1973 - The Memphis Record' (which is now sold out) - you will certainly like this album too. Like our previous releases this album is also an excellent addition to the official releases!

CD 1: Burning Love (Rehearsal 1) - Burning Love (Rehearsal 2) - Burning Love (Rehearsal 3) - Sweet, Sweet Spirit (Few Lines) - Time Has Made A Change In Me - I Should Have Been Crucified - The Lighthouse - Steal Away / When It’s My Time - Sweet, Sweet Spirit - For The Good Times (Rehearsal 2) - For The Good Times (Rehearsal 4) / Anytime You’re Feeling Lonely (1 Line) - I Need Your Lovin’ (Part) / A Big Hunk O'Love (Part) - Rehearsing - Studio Talk / I’m Leavin’ (Part) - Warming Up - Burning Love - Funny How Time Slips Away (Unedited) - Studio Talk / For The Good Times - The Lighthouse (Part) - I, John - I Need Your Lovin' (Part) / Talking - For The Good Times / Baby What You Want Me To Do (Part) - How The Web Was Woven (Part) - Separate Ways

CD 2: A Big Hunk O'Love (Unedited Rehearsal) - You Gave Me A Mountain / Studio Talk - Always On My Mind (Unedited Rehearsal) - Always On My Mind (Unedited Overdubbed Master) - Fool (Unedited Overdubbed Master) - It’s A Matter Of Time (Unedited Overdubbed Master) - Burning Love (Take 5) - Burning Love (Take 6) - For The Good Times (Undubbed Master) - Always On My Mind (Undubbed Master) - Burning Love (Undubbed Unedited Master) - Fool (Undubbed Master) - Always On My Mind (Unedited Take 3) - Separate Ways (Unedited Overdubbed Master)

All tracks recorded in March and April 1972.


Elvis July News Report 

Emiel Maier published his July 2024 Elvis Video News Report video with news on the upcoming ‘Elvis Memphis’ 5-CD box set, Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis concert film, Lisa Marie's upcoming book, a closer look at FTD’s new ‘Celluloid Sell Out’ book and much more news items.



Virtual Update

From a press release from Elvis Evolution: Layered Reality, creators of the forthcoming immersive experience ‘Elvis Evolution’, sign strategic partnership with Technicolor Group, home of The Mill Technicolor Group’s The Mill will first be tasked to create the most realistic and authentic Elvis using AI.

The agreement will see The Mill partner on multiple projects with Layered Reality, including using AI technology to create the most realistic and authentic version of Elvis, led by Layered Reality’s newly expanded in-house studio team. Layered Reality Studios has recently welcomed world-class talent to bring back the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Simon Reveley, Head of Layered Reality Studio says “The Mill has a history of being pioneers, innovators and world class artists. We’re thrilled to work with them, utilising the latest in Artificial Intelligence to deliver more for our audiences. The integration of AI into The Mill’s arsenal of world class VFX tools, in the hands of their global network of award-winning artists, will help us deliver truly magical moments; the kind of moments that take your breath away.”

Mark Benson, President, The Mill says “We are very excited about the potential for our partnership with Layered Reality and helping to put Elvis back in the building. We are tasked with bringing Elvis back digitally by collecting and ingesting images and film archive clips to train AI models on Elvis’s face so we can recreate famous Elvis live performances. The Mill’s outstanding creative and tech talent will once again push the boundaries of what is possible, to deliver an extraordinary, authentic and thrilling theatrical event.”

In January this year Layered Reality announced they had secured the global licensing rights to create ‘Elvis Evolution’ from the owners of Elvis’ estate Authentic Brands Group. The immersive experience will bring the global musical icon back through the power of AI, augmented reality, live theatre and multi-sensory effects in a celebration of his life and legacy. Tickets go on sale later this year and ‘Elvis Evolution’ is due to open in Spring 2025.

Andrew McGuinness, Founder and CEO of Layered Reality says “Securing the best talent and partners is crucial for us to deliver outstanding immersive experiences. The Mill has an unrivaled pedigree in creating extraordinary digital effects spanning back to one of the earliest examples of icon replacement which won them a BAFTA for their work on Gladiator, our talented new in-house team, means we are confident of delivering a superlative immersive experience for Elvis fans everywhere.”


Background Information 'Memphis' Box-set

Memphis is a comprehensive collection that takes listeners through the many recordings Elvis had done while in Memphis - from his songs at SUN Records, to his American Studio and Stax sessions, through to his 1974 hometown show and finally, his last recordings in Graceland. 

Over 111 tracks, ‘Memphis’ captures Presley from his earliest sessions at Sun Studio - which occurred 70 years ago this Summer - to his final recordings in Graceland’s Jungle Room. Along the way, the Bluff City serves as both home and muse to Presley, playing a pivotal role in the dramatic arc of his artistry as he finds creative rebirth at American Sound in 1969, overcomes personal struggles at Stax in 1973, and brings his most extravagant and spellbinding live show to the Mid-South Coliseum in 1974. Produced by noted Elvis authority Ernst Jørgensen, with rare archival material and new liner notes by Grammy-winning music historian Robert Gordon, ‘Memphis’ will be released in 5-CD, 2-LP and digital configurations, giving fresh insight into the bond between Elvis and his eternal home.

With the exception of the Sun recordings, all tracks on ‘Memphis’ were newly mixed by four-time Gramma-winner Matt Ross-Spang at Southern Grooves in Memphis, with overdubs stripped away - leaving the listener with only what Elvis heard live in the studio. With this intimacy, new revelations abound - from Elvis’ intuitive chemistry with “The Memphis Boys” at American, to the subtle way he builds his vocal phrasing around his backing singers in the Stax sessions, or the palpable joy he brings to his final sessions in the Jungle Room. Through it all, the listener is standing next to Elvis - hearing exactly what he is hearing.

This 5-CD collection of Elvis’ songs over the years features 111 tracks, 88 of which are newly mixed versions of the select recordings, pure and without overdubs. More information on this 111-track set when available.

The set is available on CD from >>> Amazon.
The set is available on LP from >>> Amazon.
(Associate links).
 
CD 1: That's All Right - 2 Blue Moon Of Kentucky - I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine - Good Rockin' Tonight - Milkcow Blues Boogie - You're A Heartbreaker - Baby, Let's Play House - I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone - I Forgot To Remember To Forge - Mystery Train - I Love You Because - Just Because - Trying To Get To You - I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin') - Blue Moon (Take 9/M) - Harbor Lights - I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (Slow Version) - When It Rains, It Really Pours - Tomorrow Night - My Happiness - That's When Your Heartaches Begin - I'll Never Stand In Your Way - It Wouldn't Be The Same Without You.

CD 2: In The Ghetto - Suspicious Minds - Don't Cry Daddy - Kentucky Rain - Mama Liked The Roses - Do You Know Who I Am - You'll Think of Me - True Love Travels On A Gravel Road - Long Black Limousine - After Loving You - I'll Hold You In My Heart (Till I Can Hold You In My Arms) - From A Jack To A King - Without Love (There Is Nothing) - Medley: It's My Way / This Time / I Can't Stop Loving You - It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin' - I'm Movin' On - Power Of My Love - Stranger In My Own Home Town - Wearin' That Loved On Look - Any Day Now - Only The Strong Survive - Gentle On My Mind - The Fair's Moving On - Hey Jude.

CD 3: Promised Land - Raised On Rock - I've Got A Thing About You Baby - If You Talk In Your Sleep - My Boy - Spanish Eyes - Help Me - I Got A Feelin' In My Body - It's Midnight  - Find Out What's Happening - If You Don't Come Back - For Ol' Times Sake - Just A Little Bit - Talk About The Good Times - Loving Arms - You Asked Me To - Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues - Your Love's Been A Long Time Coming - There's A Honky Tonk Angel (Who Will Take Me Back In) - Take Good Care Of Her - She Wears My Ring - If That Isn't Love - Three Corn Patches.

Disc 4 - (Live at Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis, TN - March 20, 1974): 
Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Trying To Get To You - All Shook Up - Steamroller Blues - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - Love Me Tender - Long Tall Sally / Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On / Your Mama Don't Dance / Flip Flop And Fly / Jailhouse Rock / Hound Dog - Fever - Polk Salad Annie - Why Me Lord - How Great Thou Art - Suspicious Minds - Introductions - Blueberry Hill / I Can't Stop Loving You - Help Me - An American Trilogy - Let Me Be There - My Baby Left Me - Lawdy, Miss Clawdy - Funny How Times Slips Away - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp.

CD 5: Hurt - Never Again  - Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain - Danny Boy - The Last Farewell - For The Heart - Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall - Solitaire - Love Coming Down - I'll Never Fall In Love Again - Moody Blue - She Thinks I Still Care - Way Down - He'll Have To Go - Pledging My Love.
 
Note from FECC: These tracks seem to be missing from the American Sound Sessions: This Is The Story / A Little Bit of Green / My Little Friend / Inherit The Wind / I'll Be There / And The Grass Won't Pay No Mind / If I'm A Fool For Loving You / Who Am I? And from the Stax these tracks seem to be missing: Girl of Mine / Mr. Songman / Thinking About You / Love Song of the Year.

Together with the 'Memphis' 5-CD-set ', a double LP edition of 'Memphis' will be released by RCA / Legacy on August 9, 2024. 

Graceland will release an exclusive ruby red colored edition too, limited to 1,000 copies. Publicity for this version stated: This Graceland Exclusive red vinyl 2-LP highlight collection of songs, taken from the comprehensive Memphis release, features newly mixed versions of select recordings, pure and without overdubs. Taking listeners through the many recordings Elvis had done while in Memphis, this 2 LP set collects songs recorded at SUN Records, American Studio and Stax sessions, his 1974 hometown show and his last recordings in Graceland.

The set is available on CD from >>> Amazon.
The set is available on LP from >>> Amazon.
(Associate links).

Side A - SUN Single Masters: That's All Right - Blue Moon Of Kentucky - Good Rockin' Tonight - Baby, Let's Play House - I Forgot To Remember To Forge - Mystery Train.

Side B - American '69: In The Ghetto - You'll Think Of Me - Don´t Cry Daddy - I´m Movin´ On - Any Day Now - Suspicious Minds.

Side C - Stax '73: Promised Land - If You Talk In Your Sleep - Take Goot Care Of Hear - Raised On Rock - It´s Midnight - Your Love's Been A Long Time Coming.

Side D - Graceland '76: For The Heart - Hurt - Way Down - Danny Boy - Moody Blue - How Great Thou Art (20.03.1974 - Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis, TN).

RCA / Legacy released a preview of the new set on YouTube. Losten to 'Polk Salad Annie' (Live at Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis, TN - March 20, 1974).



In the 'Behind The Box' video Matt Ross-Spang, Robert Gordon and Ernst Jørgensen discuss ‘Memphis’ and its significance.


(Source: Sony Music / YouTube / FECC / The Elvis Travel Service / Strictly UK)

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

June 26 - For Blue Suede Vinyl Collectors

Elvis Presley’s original blue suede shoes that the late singer rocked on stage and television are set to be auctioned off on Friday.

Bidding on the iconic pair of shoes will open at US$69,751, with the footwear estimated to fetch between US$126,835 and US$152,203, according to auction house Henry Aldridge and Son in Wiltshire, England.

Presley wore the shoes during the 1950s both onstage and offstage, according to the auction house. Each shoe is stamped "Nunn-Bush" on the heel, and a stamp indicating the 10.5 shoe size is on the inside.

The "Blue Suede Shoes" singer mentioned wearing the pair before performing on NBC's "The Steve Allen Show" on July 1, 1956, and again during a comedy skit with Andy Griffith during the show, the auction house says.

Presley sang "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" and "Hound Dog," which he crooned to a real hound dog during the same show.

Three documents illustrating the history of the iconic memorabilia come with the shoes, including an Elvis Presley Museum letter of authenticity signed by Jimmy Velvet. 

A third document is a letter from Alan Fortas, another close friend of Presley’s who worked as a ranch foreman at Presley’s Circle G Ranch. In the letter, Fortas describes how Elvis gifted him the famous shoes before the singer left for the Army in 1958. "The night before Elvis' army induction here in Memphis, Elvis had an all-night party at Graceland," the letter reads, in part. "Afterwards we went to the Rainbow roller rink. When we all got home Elvis called some of us upstairs and was giving away some of his clothes he didn't think he would be wearing or wanted when he came back from the army. That night Elvis gave me these blue suede shoes size 10 1/2. I've owned these all these years."


Sunny Vinyl

The five 10-inch "SUN Splattered" 78 RPM singles have been released. 

Publicity stated: To celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Elvis' first SUN record releases is a uniquely designed 5 record 'SUN-splat' 78rpm vinyl release, out on the first week of July 2024.


 Book Reprint

The German book 'Elvis Presley: Mit Selbstzeugnissen Und Bilddokumenten' (
Elvis Presley: with Personal Accounts and Photographs) is det for re-release later in 2024. 

Publicity stated: Alan and Maria Posener's popular German Elvis biography is being reissued later this year. It was originally published by Rowohlt Taschenbuch Verlag GmBH in 1993 and reprinted in 2000.

It comprises 160 pages and is available for pre-order now from Amazon stores. It is also available "now" in Kindle format. 



King of the Whole Wide World

Reality Bites Publishing released the 126-page paperback 'Elvis Presley - King of the Whole Wide World' by Deacon Archer. 

Synopsis: In the small town of Tupelo, Mississippi on the 8th of January, 1935, a legend was born.

Elvis Aron Presley, the son of Vernon Presley and Gladys Love Presley, entered the world with a powerful presence, destined to captivate the hearts of millions. His birth marked the beginning of a journey that would lead him to achieve a level of adoration we would likely never see again.

Despite his lack of formal education in music, Elvis developed a natural talent for it, and would spend hours in record stores, listening to songs on jukeboxes and in listening booths. This ignited a passion within him, and by the time he graduated high school in June of 1953, he had already set his sights on a career in music that would see him forever known as the King of Rock and Roll.

Elvis was a complex and intriguing character, but forty-six years after his untimely death, he is still regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. His energized interpretations of songs and sexually provocative performance style polarized fifties America, making him a controversial figure. But his talent knew no bounds, and his music transcended racial barriers, bringing him unparalleled success.

However, the life of this musical icon was not without its struggles. Elvis battled with drug addiction, which ultimately led to his untimely death on the 16th of August, 1977. He was pronounced dead at Baptist Memorial Hospital at 3:30 pm. He was only 42 years old. Was his untimely demise a tragedy, or a carefully orchestrated plan to remove Elvis from the public eye?


Elvis Encore Performance VIII

The book 'Elvis Encore Performance VIII - From Elvis Presley Boulevard to Chicago, Illinois Live October 14-15, 1976' has been released. 

According to the german Bear Family webshop this latest volume in Joseph Tunzi's popular pictorial 'Encore Performance' series, is "ready to ship today". 

(Source: Elvis Fans on Facebook / Fox Business / Elvis Presley: A Life in Books; Amazon Australia / Bear Family)

Sunday, June 23, 2024

June 23 - A Whole Lotta Vinyl

The Millbranch Music import record label announced the August 16, 2024 release of no less than two double LPs; 'Back In L.A.' featuring the May 11, 1974 Evening Show as recorded at the Forum in Los Angeles, California and a vinyl version of the upcoming 'New Script, Same Stage' compilation. Both titles will be available on colored vinyl, limited to 300 copies per color.

Publicity for 'Back In L.A.' stated
: Millbranch Music continues with its ultra-high quality vinyl releases, made for the real fan. 'Back In L.A.' is a 2-LP set with an extra 20-page booklet and printed inner sleeves, containing the legendary evening show at the Forum in Los Angeles, California from May 11, 1974. It comes on black, clear and transparent red colored vinyl.

Elvis’ 1974 LA concert, with Led Zeppelin in the audience, has seen quite a few releases over the past 10+ years, starting with ‘Live in LA’ on the FTD record label in 2011. Unfortunately the tape ran too slow on this release. Subsequent releases under various labels did not fully resolve the quality issues, as they were sourced from a “low noise” Audio cassette containing a copy of an original reel-to-reel tape. Although several Import labels attempted to remaster the FTD CD, the first noteworthy release of this concert was on the “City of Angels” set which featured a direct transfer from the original reel-to-reel tape. The original tape was not in the best condition after being poorly preserved and changing owners a few times. Regrettably, it was not remastered professionally when the "City of Angels” CD was released.

Thanks to the late Edwin Meijers, a pivotal figure in the 1980s with close ties to Colonel Parker - who at the time needed funds for legal battles - we were able to obtain the original tape. Meijers relationship with Parker facilitated the acquisition of several unique, authentic recordings, now cherished by collectors.

During the production of our “Kansas City Revisited” album, we were amazed by what could be done to restore these kinds of recordings using modern studio techniques and the expertise of our sound engineer. It inspired us to release this dynamic and historical show from May 1974 once more. This release includes a 20-page booklet detailing “Elvis Back in LA” and a bonus section with performances from 1956, 1970, and 1974. We know you will enjoy this great show, which still gets “A Whole Lotta Love” from the members of Led Zeppelin fifty years later!

Tracks side A: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Trying To Get To You - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel

Side B: Love Me Tender - Steamroller Blues - Hound Dog - Fever - Polk Salad Annie - Why Me, Lord (With Reprise)

Side C: Suspicious Minds - Introductions - I Can't Stop Loving You - Help Me - An American Trilogy - Let Me Be There (With Reprise)

Side D: Funny How Time Slips Away (With False Start) - Can´t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

Bonus: 08.06.1956 Lou Irwin Interview With Elvis - Trying To Get To You (14.11.1970) - The Wonder Of You (14.11.1970) - You Can Have Her (11.05.1974 AS)

Pre-order 'Back in L.A.' (Black Vinyl) from >>> Bennies Fifties.
Pre-order 'Back in L.A.' (Red Vinyl) from >>> Bennies Fifties.
Pre-order 'Back in L.A.' (Clear Vinyl) from >>> Bennies Fifties.


Publicity for “New Script, Same Stage” stated: "New Script, Same Stage" is a 2-LP set, available on black, clear and magenta colored vinyl, with an extra 20-page booklet and printed inner-sleeves! 

We at Millbranch wanted to create an album that does justice to the recordings made at the beginning of 1972. For the part with the songs from the Opening show of January 26, 1972, we even had the opportunity to work with the original binaural tape and this clearly made an impact on the sound which presents the songs in a sound quality never heard before! 

With this impressive LP set featuring original photos coming directly from the negatives (almost perfect for framing!), we want to pay tribute to that turbulent time of the recording sessions where Elvis presented his new show in Las Vegas in January and February with a lot of new songs in his setlist and turned his feelings into music at Hollywood's RCA Studio C, given the fact that his marriage was falling apart at the time. 

The result was a very emotional output of music as only Elvis was able to create because he had put his whole heart and feelings into the recordings, probably even meant as a public apology to his lost love. At least, the songs were kind of a statement, done coincidentally or not. 

We strongly believe that the songs on our new release fits together very well! Hear Elvis at his best at the early stage of 1972 and make sure you´ll get your copy of our brandnew and very limited Millbranch vinyl release at your favorite dealer!

Side A: The Impossible Dream (16.02.1972 MS) - Until It's Time For You To Go (26.01.1972 OS) - Polk Salad Annie (26.01.1972 OS) - Love Me (14.02.1972 MS) - Never Been To Spain (14.02.14, 1972 MS) - It's Over (17.02.1972 MS) - Hound Dog (14.02.1972 MS)

Side B: Bridge Over Troubled Water (26.01.1972 OS) - Lawdy, Miss Clawdy (26.01.1972 OS) - You Gave Me A Mountain (15.02.1972 MS) - It's Impossible (16.02.1972 MS) - Little Sister / Get Back (14.02.1972 MS) - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel (14.02.1972 MS)

Side C: Burning Love (Take 2) - Where Do I Go From Here (Take 6) - A Big Hunk O Love (17.02.1972 DS) - All Shook Up (14.02.1972 MS) - For The Good Times (Orchestral Overdub) - Fool

Side D: One Night (26.01.1972, OS) - An American Trilogy (15.02.1972, MS) - Separate Ways (Orchestral Overdub) - It's A Matter Of Time (Orchestral Overdub) - Always On My Mind (Orchestral Overdub) - Can't Help Falling In Love (26.01.1972, OS) - I'll Remember You (26.01.1972, OS).

Pre-order 'New Script, Same Stage' (Magenta vinyl) 2-LP from >>> Bennies Fifties.
Pre-order 'New Script, Same Stage' (Black vinyl) 2-LP from >>> Bennies Fifties.
Pre-order 'New Script, Same Stage' (Clear Vinyl) 2-LP from >>> Bennies Fifties.
Pre-order 'New Script, Same Stage' (CD) from >>> Bennies Fifties.

Rethinking Elvis

Mark Duffett's 'Rethinking Elvis' book was originally dus late 2023, the new releas date has been rescheduled to October 28, 2024, but the cover-art and description of the content for the latest academic examination of Elvis has been released. 

Edited by Mark Duffett, Associate Professor Communication Screen & Performance at the University of Chester in England, the book contains 384 pages and will be available in both hard and softcover formats. The book is now available to pre-order from Amazon sites. It is published by Oxford University Press and is described as:

"Decades after his passing, Elvis Presley remains one of popular music's greatest icons. He was among the most successful, influential, socially significant, and controversial performers of the twentieth century, with a celebrity so indelible that every recent American president has negotiated its orbit. While much of the coverage of Elvis' life concerns his personal history and musical ability, 'Rethinking Elvis' pushes beyond the familiar to address Elvis' branding, historical and geographic reception, heritage, and fan phenomenon. 
Using Elvis' iconography as a point of departure, popular music scholars and historians contend with issues related to the performer's whiteness, Southern identity, and gender, among others, in turn offering myriad opportunities to pursue new approaches in the emergent field of Elvis studies."

Pre-order Mark Duffett's 'Rethinking Elvis' (paperback) at >>> Amazon (associate link)
Pre-order Mark Duffett's 'Rethinking Elvis' (hardcover) at >>> Amazon (associate link)

(Source: Millbranch / Nigel patterson / Amazon)

Saturday, June 22, 2024

June 22 - Charts June 2022 - Week 4 (Updated)

The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped on most charts in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States.  

In the U.K. 'the King of Rock and Roll' Ireland the "Priscilla" movie climbed back up on the movie charts. 








Official U.K. charts:
  • Official Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #58 to #65. 
  • Official Streaming Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #47 to #51.
  • Official DVD chart: 'ELVIS' dropped off the chart.
  • Official Music DVD chart: 'The King of Rock and Roll' re-entered the Music DVD chart at #39.
  • Official Physical Singles chart: 'On Fire In Toledo' climbed from #41 to #35.
  • Official Physical Singles chart: 'Welcome Home Elvis' dropped from #57 to #58.

Irish IRMA charts: 
  • Official Irish Album chart: 'ELV1S 30#1 Hits' dropped from #72 to #91. 
  • Official Irish Video chart: 'Elvis' dropped off the chart. 
  • Official Irish Video chart: 'Priscilla' climbed from #43 to #18. 

Billboard charts:
   
  • Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #182 to #178.
  • Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #33 to #35.
  • Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #45 to #44. 
(Source: Official Charts / U.K. Mix / Billboard/ IRMA)

June 22 - More Legal Woes For Riley Keough

The News website reported that Riley Keough’s legal woes are not over yet as Lisa Marie Presley’s ex-husband Michael Lockwood filed new demand on behalf of his daughters.

Apparently Michael Lockwood, who shares two twin daughters with the late Lisa Marie, is pleading for his request for US$150k in legal fees to be reimbursed by Elvis Presley’s trust, per court documents obtained by InTouch Weekly.

Keough was appointed as sole administrator of The Promenade Trust, which holds most of Elvis’ estate, after her grandmother Priscilla Presley dropped her court fight to be named coadministrator back in March.

During the legal proceedings, Lockwood was appointed as guardian for his 15-year-old twins to represent their interests. “Through the significant efforts and contributions of the parties, including Mr. Lockwood and his counsel, all disputes surrounding Lisa Marie’s estate were amicably and efficiently resolved, and that settlement was approved by this Court on August 4, 2023,” Lockwood’s lawyer said. The attorney added that “from the outset, Michael and his counsel played a central role in helping keep the parties focused on resolving those issues with minimal court intervention.”

Now, Lockwood is asking the asked the court to approve his request to be reimbursed $153,647.32 spent in legal fees. Lockwood is expecting that the legal fee will be reimbursed from the Promenade Trust, which is under Riley, which would be deducted from the “shares of the Promenade Trust established for Finley Aaron Love Lockwood and Harper Vivienne Ann Lockwood in equal shares.”

Meanwhile, the judge is waiting for “additional evidence” before he decides to make a ruling.


Elvis Week 2024 More Guests 

EPE have announced some new special guests for this year's Elvis Week. They include:
  • Norbert Putnam, Bass player at numerous Elvis recording sessions including Nashville in 1970, Stax and in the Jungle Room at Graceland.
  • Jim Murray, Former member of The Imperials who performed both on-stage and in the studio with Elvis.
  • Mike Moran, RCA recording engineer on several Elvis albums including STAX sessions and Jungle Room sessions.
  • Ron Strauss, Co-pilot for Elvis’ Lisa Marie airplane.
  • Robert Gordon, Grammy-winning music historian who wrote the liner notes for the newly announced Elvis release 'Memphis'.
Previously announced guests announced are Linda Thompson, Sam Thompson, Shirley Dieu (Joe Esposito's girlfriend), Jerome Stump Monroe (drummer for Sweet Inspirations) and Larry Geller. 

Once again there is no sign of Priscilla being present at Elvis Week. Linda Thompson is again playing the major role.

Go to the >>> Graceland website for full schedule & tickets

(Source: International News / InTouch / Elvis Information Network / EPE)

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Review: A Stereo Date with Elvis

The French RDM-Edition record label released the third installment in Elvis’ ‘Mono II Stereo’ series; a double date of ‘For LP Fans Only & A Date with Elvis’, featuring newly created Stereo mixes of the original U.S. albums. 

By Rogier van Luyken and Kees Mouwen.

Design

The idea behind the design was to create a completely new cover, not a homage to the original cover art, as done on the first two releases. We understand the logic of the army picture of Elvis at hotel Grunewald, but it isn’t as appealing as the original artwork for the album on this set. The disc is a factory printed black vinyl CDR, the same Sony used for their single boxes. 

Interesting to read was David Parker’s essay inside the booklet, detailing the history and business side behind the two original albums. Where we thought that that old Dutch guy did something right keeping Elvis name in the spotlight while abroad serving Uncle Sam, it almost seems like he remained visible despite the Colonel’s efforts …

Content 

The new CD features the original ‘For LP Fans Only’ and ‘A Date with Elvis’ compilation albums, featuring (left-over) material originating from SUN, soundtrack material and RCA recordings from the past few years. You could think that this would make these compilation sound a little uneven - perhaps literally as the songs were recorded in various studio’s and equipment and with different musicians, resulting in a different sound - but somehow it works. Not topping the charts like previous LP releases, but steady sellers since the day they were released. 

Since both albums have been reviewed over and over, let’s focus on what’s new, the Mono II Stereo Mixes. Looking at the tracklist one might think that - part of - this album is a repetition of previously released mixes, but it isn’t. The producers simply follow the timeline of the original releases, therefore the repetition of some titles is historically inevitable. 

But a closer listen reveals that there are some differences, starting with the album opener, ‘That’s All Right’. Contrary to the ‘Elvis at SUN’ set, the producer chose the original dry version for this release, a little stereo gem. Perhaps unintended, but a fitting choice, as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the release of this song this year. 

But there is more. In a recent edition of the Golden Years radio show the producer and designer talked about the album. They revealed that ‘Mystery Train’ is a different mix to the one on ‘From Elvis at SUN’. Some fans who heard that version “complained” that it had lost some of its power, so Anthony had another go at it … and you hear the difference. He gave the song a little boost by remixing it with a little more emphasis on the bass, making it sound more powerful. Just play these back-to-back and you’ll hear it. This goes for the other SUN tracks tracks on the CD.


Faron Young’s ‘It’s So Strange’ is another favorite of the producers, and we can understand why. Just listen how clear it sounds; not only Elvis’ voice sounds pristine, but the guitar sounds very clear too. This instrument, just like the piano, is very difficult to isolate from an original Mono source. And listen to the Jordanaires filling in their adlibs in the background, were tastefully mixed into the sound presentation. Another real gem on this release is the great sounding ‘Young And Beautiful’, wow, it blew us away!

As Stuchbury decided to remain as close as possible to the original sound, using all elements from the original source, and not of over-cleaning it. The sound is bright, dynamic and full. Stuchbury managed to breathe some life into the sound quality of these recordings, opening op the audio, and allowing us to experience these classics in a new way. This allows us to hear things we hadn't noticed before. The downside of these mixes is that they also reveal some of the elements which were not played to perfection. Just listen to ‘You’re Right, I’m left You’re Gone’ and ‘You’re a Heartbreaker’, the bass is very low in the mix, almost too subtle for our ears, but you also hear it wasn’t played as a steady basis throughout the song. 

He started doing these mixes as he wasn’t happy with the first newly recreated Stereo mixes that appeared around 5 years ago. Investing a little money in “two cans and a piece of string” as he puts it, he managed to create a listening experience that comes pretty close to how it must have sounded in the studio when these classics were originally recorded. 

It was not his intention to replace Elvis’ classic Mono recordings, but to try to recreate the original sound of Elvis in the studio. That is what makes these new cleverly reconstructed Stereo Mixes impressive compared to other attempts and worth listening to. Sold for around 15 Euro, there is no reason not to give these new mixes a chance (spoiler: you won’t be disappointed).

Radio DJ Fred van Veen, presenter of the weekly Elvis Extra radio show said about these mixes "If you dare to use your Eustachian tubes on these new stereo versions of many Elvis songs, your ears will vibrate with pleasure ... these stereo mixes are, as far as I'm concerned, a breath of fresh air, with more detail, and a somewhat "lighter" character. And above all: real stereo, nowhere to discover that it was never recorded that way ...".

And despite some discussions on  forums, these mixes aren’t all too different from the mixes created by RCA, BMG and Sony over the past 65 years. ‘Love Me Tender’ was mixed to stereo using mono tracks of Elvis’ and the Jordanaires vocals, piano and guitar, panning the latter to the right, Elvis dead center and the nicely in the Jordanaires in the back. 

Actually, the first real attempt at a Stereo mix was done in the nineties, as the ‘Electronically Reprocessed Stereo’ versions aren’t really stereo. Stuchbury did the same, only using AI to separate the elements, not to create a mix, that was done by “hand and ear”, using the beforementioned “two cans and a piece of string”. Listening to this CD you hear that this producer understands what Elvis’ sessions were all about and really knows his Elvis recordings. 

For us fans, these mixes give add real depth to these classics, while keeping the original sound. Like we said in previous releases, the go to versions at the moment, and a great alternative to the original versions. We don’t know how he did it, but for us he set the standard for these new Stereo mixes.

Conclusion

With the producers already having announced that a next Mono II Stereo CD is due after the summer, one could see this new CD as a sweetener to bridge the time, just like the original albums were when Elvis was in the army. But that wouldn't do justice to the music on this entertaining compilation. It is strong selection of 50’s songs - with the light-weight ‘Poor Boy’ as the exception - in great sound. We would like to state that on this release Anthony has managed to deliver the definitive, to go to masters for ‘Is It So Strange’ and ‘Young And Beautiful’: they both are really beautiful and sound awesome. Let’s hope that Anthony will do more 1957 material for release in the near future! 

This CD will certainly blast through our speakers for some time!

The new Mono II Stereo album is available from >>> Bennies Fifties

June 20 - Jack Soden in Memphis Hall of Fame

Memphis Music Hall of Fame announced its 2024 inductees. Besides various musicians like Wilson Pickett, the 2024 Memphis Music Hall of Fame class also includes veteran Memphis music businessmen Jack Soden, head of Graceland / Elvis Presley Enterprises. 

The newly minted hall of famers will be formally inducted Sept. 27 during public ceremonies at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. Carr and Pickett will be enshrined posthumously.


The Memphis Music Hall of Fame stated: "A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Soden was working in money management when he met Priscilla Presley in the early 1980s and helped the Presley family develop a plan for opening Graceland. 

Forty years later, Graceland has become one of the nation’s premier tourist attractions with more than 600,000 visitors annually. Under Soden’s leadership the company has grown to more than 400 employees, bringing an estimated US$200 million per year to the Memphis economy - while Elvis Presley Enterprises has steadily grown into a entertainment, licensing, merchandising and music publishing juggernaut."


Elvis Almanaque 2023

Brazilian author Waldenir Cecon published his 220-page Portuguese book 'Elvis Almonaque 2023'. The book is available in a colored and as a cheaper B&W edition. 

Publicity stated
: In this book you will find special articles about Elvis Presley, such as: a review of the main albums released by Elvis in Brazil, 'On the Road with Elvis' by Joe Esposito, 'My First and Last Meeting with Elvis' by Linda Thompson, a 2023 retrospective of the 2023 Elvis news, book and CD releases and a special feature on Elvis' daughter Lisa Marie. All illustrated with colorful photos. 

(Source: Commercial Appeal)

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

June 19 - My Time With ... Mike Stone (Updated)

Elvis' former karate instructor and Priscilla Presley's ex-partner Mike Stone announced the release of a new book, which should be out August 2024. 

He posted on Facebook: Aloha Friends, A busy day in Paradise. How Blessed are we? Setting the Record Straight.

The idea of writing this book has existed for a long time. I write it now with clarity, wisdom, and a clear conscience.

The world has been subjected to untrue sensationalism through the media, gossip shows, and thousands of tabloids for over fifty years. I am telling the truth about my time with Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley. Although our time together was brief, it was filled with love, joy, and happiness. 

It only fits that Priscilla and I can set the record straight. I’ve heard that Priscilla has already stated her position on our relationship. For those looking to read trash-talk, name-calling, and accusations, save your money. Haters will find some satisfaction in my stories about the stupid, petty, childish attitudes I demonstrated occasionally.  Some people would love for me to find fault with Priscilla or Lisa Marie, but I can’t do it. They were both a joy to be around. What could I possibly say that was negative, disrespectful, or untrue about a beautiful woman who only wanted to create a life of her choosing? What could I say negatively about the loving, pretty, innocent 6-year-old gem that was Lisa Marie? Nothing. If you look closely at the photo of how Lisa and I looked at each other, it's obvious how we felt about each other. What cruel, unkind lie could I write? Haven’t they all suffered enough?

The only issues I had were never with Priscilla or Lisa Marie but with my naïve ignorance. I had an instinctive dislike for the stupid attitude and mentally bankrupt Hollywood insiders who saw Priscilla as prey. I feared that, in her vulnerable condition, she might jump from the frying pan into the fire. History has a way of repeating itself.

Priscilla is free to choose any lifestyle, but I cautioned her of the consequences of her choices. The past fifty years have revealed the harsh reality, cruelties, and challenges of life with significant loss and sadness. Everyone has the right to choose how they prefer to live. My spirit agreed never to interfere with my choices. Who am I to question anyone else’s choice of how to live? We must allow each soul to walk its chosen path, even if that soul decides to end its own life. Ever notice that the Creator never interferes with a soul who chooses to end its earthly experiences? 

I have written about my time with Priscilla and Lisa Marie, remembering the beautiful times and joys we shared. I was truly blessed.

I encourage you to read about these experiences. They are meant to reveal, motivate, and inspire you to remember the wonderful times you shared with loved ones and friends.

We plan to have the book available through Amazon by the middle of August. 

Love and Light

Stoneman


Vinyl Re-issues

Due for release on August 30, 2024 from the French V.P.I record label in their 'EP Etranger EP' re-issue series are volume 13, 'Corazon De Madera' ('Wooden heart' as originally released in Spain) and volume 14 'Love Me Tender' (EP, originally from Belgium).

Publicity for 'Love Me Tender' stated: This iconic album features romantic, melodious songs, highlighting Elvis' suave voice and sensitivity. It includes the legendary "Love Me Tender", perfectly illustrating his lasting impact on music and popular culture. Limited edition translucent vinyl. 

Tracks side A: 1. Love Me Tender / 2. Let Me.
Side B: 1. Poor Boy / 2. We're Gonna Move.

Publicity for 'Corazon De Madera' stated: Rediscover the Spanish version of this album featuring Elvis' gentle voice and sensitivity. It combines driving rhythms and emotional ballads, marking a distinctive moment in his musical career. 

Tracks side A: Wooden Heart.
Side B: What's She Really Like.

The Spanish EP will be released on black, blue, red, white and translucent colored vinyl while the Belgium re-issue EP comes on black, red, white, yellow and translucent colored vinyl.


Bootleg Discography

Marco Durzu published his fourth book, the 549-page 'Elvis Presley Bootleg Discography A - R' covering the 'Elvis Presley Bootleg Discography (alphabet letters from A to R)'.

Publicity stated: The book lists all Elvis' bootleg releases (from "alternative" record companies to the official ones) and their catalogs relating to their audio releases of Elvis Presley's music. 
This is the sequel to Durzu's previous Elvis' books,“Elvis Presley Concerts and Rehearsals from 1944 to 1977” (2023), “Elvis Presley Songs” (2024) and“Canzoni di Elvis Presley” (2024).

The book features each Elvis Presley's bootleg discography label for a total of 232 labels and 1008 titles. At the end of the book there is a Guide to listening to Analog/ Digital Music, which illustrates the fundamental theoretical concepts for listening to it, the digital formats used (WAVE, FLAC, DSD, DXD) in their most updated forms in order to listen to the music with the highest possible quality.

(Mike Stone on Facebook / HHV / Amazon / Elvis Information Network)