This edition is limited to 10 unique copies. Each copy numbered edition comes with an exclusive OBI, individual 31 x 31 cm Forex Panel, an unique 90 x 30 cm poster and certificate.
(Source: Pascal Matteo)
Wednesday, April 09, 2025
April 09 - Catch A Falling Testpressing
Tuesday, April 08, 2025
April 08 - The Pope Is Coming To San Bernardino
The Infinity import record label announced the release of two new double CD sets: 'The Pope is Coming' and 'Burning In San Bernardino', both with live performances from 1972.
For years, fans only had access to the afternoon show, which is one of Elvis's finest performances during this tour, but the evening show was only known through a couple of minutes of 8mm fan footage. We were able to obtain this decent-sounding unreleased Elvis show, including part of the opening acts!
The Sweet Inspirations set the mood by performing Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine" and their song "Sweet Inspiration" before the crowd goes wild, and the taper of this show exclaims, "The Pope Is Coming!" as the 2001 theme thunders through the Chicago Stadium.
This digipack is filled with unreleased pictures from this show, and covering two discs, we present these two performances together for the first time, with the afternoon show newly remastered! Listen for great versions of "Release Me," "Reconsider Baby," "Something," "My Babe," "Little Sister / Get Back" (the second time Elvis used the original 1960s intro!), "I'll Remember You," "Hound Dog," among many other highlights!
Tracklist disc 1 - Afternoon Show
01. Also Sprach Zarathustra
02. That's All Right
03. I Got A Woman
04. Love Me Tender
05. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
06. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
07. Polk Salad Annie
08. Love Me
09. All Shook Up
10. Heartbreak Hotel
11. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel
12. One Night
13. Reconsider Baby
14. It's Now Or Never
15. Johnny B Goode (+ false start)
16. I Can't Stop Loving You
17. Hound Dog (+ false start)
18. Suspicious Minds
19. Introductions
20. My Babe
21. Something
22. Release Me
23. How Great Thou Art
24. Funny How Time Slips Away
25. An American Trilogy
26. Can't Help Falling In Love
27. Closing Vamp
Disc 2 - Evening Show
01. Ain't No Sunshine*
02. Sweet Inspiration*
03. Also Sprach Zarathustra
04. That's All Right
05. Proud Mary
06. Never Been To Spain
07. Until It's Time For You To Go
08. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
09. Polk Salad Annie
10. Love Me
11. All Shook Up
12. Heartbreak Hotel
13. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel
14. Love Me Tender
15. Little Sister / Get Back
16. I'll Remember You
17. Hound Dog
18. Suspicious Minds
19. Introductions
20. For The Good Times
21. A Big Hunk O' Love
22. An American Trilogy
23. Funny How Time Slips Away
24. I Can't Stop Loving You
25. Can't Help Falling In Love
26. Closing Vamp
* Performed by The Sweet Inspirations
We were able to obtain a different and complete source of the performance on November 13th, a show where Elvis was absolutely on fire, singing great versions of "Burning Love," "Mystery Train / Tiger Man," "What Now My Love," among others, and this source came in great quality!
We've also decided to include the November 12th show, which also comes in good quality and makes its debut on silver disc here. The last two songs of that show and a small part of the opening number were missing from the source tape, as the taper started late and still ran out near the end! So, we’ve decided to add the two missing songs from the show in Oakland, only a day before. This show also features great versions of "One Night," "You Gave Me A Mountain," and "Fever."
The digipack features some brand new photos that will excite any Elvis fan and we hope you enjoy these releases!
Disc 1 - November 12, 1972
01. C.C. Rider (Incomplete)
02. I Got A Woman / Amen
03. Until It's Time For You To Go
04. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
05. Polk Salad Annie
06. Love Me
07. All Shook Up
08. Heartbreak Hotel
09. Blue Suede Shoes
10. One Night
11. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel
12. Hound Dog
13. I'll Remember You
14. How Great Thou Art
15. Suspicious Minds
(few seconds missing)
16. Introductions
17. What Now My Love
18. Burning Love
19. Fever
20. You Gave Me A Mountain
21. A Big Hunk O Love
22. Love Me Tender*
23. Can't Help Falling In Love*
24. Closing Vamp*
*Recorded November 11, 1972 in Oakland, CA
Disc 2 - November 13, 1972
01. C.C. Rider
02. I Got A Woman / Amen
03. Until It's Time For You To Go
04. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
05. Polk Salad Annie
06. Love Me
07. All Shook Up
08. Heartbreak Hotel
09. Blue Suede Shoes
10. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel
11. Love Me Tender
12. Little Sister / Get Back
13. I'll Remember You
14. How Great Thou Art
15. Suspicious Minds
16. Introductions
17. What Now My Love
18. Fever
19. Burning Love
20. You Gave Me A Mountain
21. Mystery Train / Tiger Man
22. Can't Help Falling In Love
23. Closing Vamp / Fan Comments
(Source: Pascal Matteo)
Monday, April 07, 2025
April 07 - Memories of an Elvis
J.K. Mullins published paperback and hardcover editions of his 101-page book 'Memories of an Elvis' fan
But what are the experiences of the Elvis fan? Elvis fans are know to be loyal and dedicated. Many may have never had the opportunity to see him let alone meet him. Many will have built up vast collections of books, records, DVDs, attended concerts and even visited Graceland and his birthplace in Tupelo.
This book describes the Elvis fan journey of a fan of 50 plus years, complete with personal photographs. There are some amusing little anecdotes on the way and some experiences that any Elvis fan would love to be a part of. If you are an Elvis fan, how do your experiences compare?
The fan memoir is available from >>> Amazon (associate link).
Elvis: How Great Thou Art
Lee Jackson published his the 212-page paperback 'Elvis: How Great Thou Art: An 'Immersive' Elvis Presley Biography'
Description: This biography delves into the remarkable life of Elvis, exploring his family background, music career, films, and enduring legacy.
More than just a musician, Elvis symbolized the rebellious spirit of a younger generation disillusioned with the rigid norms of the 1950s. In an era dominated by stars like Frank Sinatra and the early Beatles, Elvis broke the mould with his electrifying stage presence and unapologetic charisma, becoming an emblem of anti-establishment energy.
The author has transformed this biography into an interactive experience like never before. By integrating QR codes (to 3rd part public domain platforms) throughout the book, readers can instantly access videos and other multimedia content on their mobile devices. This innovative approach makes the biography not just informative but also engaging, immersive, and dynamic, bringing Elvis's story to life in a whole new way.
The book is endorsed by the former president of the British Elvis Presley fan club, Todd Slaughter.
The fan biography is available from >>> Amazon (associate link).
Record Store Day 2025 Releases
The first fans received their copies of the Record Store Day 2025 releases from the French V.P.I. record label: the triple LP-set '1960: Everybody's Got The Fever ...' on cloud colored vinyl and the single LP 'Elvis Sings Sid Tepper & Roy C. Bennett - Just For Old Time Sake' on two-colored red and blue colored vinyl. These sets are limited to 1,500 copies and will also be released on CD as vinyl replica's.
The official release-date for these albums is April 12, 2025, Record Store Day 2025.
This album brings together Alternative Takes of songs recorded between 1957 and 1962, including several from 'Blue Hawaii'. This best-of compilation showcases the impact of Elvis' cinema and the importance of these songs in his musical and film career.
Side B: Angel (Take 6) - For The Millionth And The Last Time (Take 1) - Just For Old Time Sake (Take 1) - The Walls Have Ears (Take 12, Master) - Song Of The Shrimp (Take 6, Master) - A Boy Like Me, A Girl Like You (Take 2) - Earth Boy (Take 9, Master) - Take Me To The Fair (Take 7) - Relax (Take 7).
And it’s true that Elvis knew how to sing everything! This triple album offers 54 tracks, the vast majority of which are Alternative versions A unique compilation, never made, exceptional in every way,illustrating the many different facets of the artist Elvis Presley.
LP 1 - Side A: Make Me Know It (Take 9 - 11) - Soldier Boy (Take 2 - 3 & 7) - Stuck On You (Take 1) - Fame And Fortune (Take 4 - 5) - A Mess Of Blues (Take 2 - 3) - It Feels So Right (Take 4 & 3) - Fever (Take 1) - Like A Baby (Take 3 - 4) - It’s Now Or Never (Take 2).
Side B: The Girl Of My Best Friend (Take 2 & 4 - 6) - Dirty, Dirty Feeling (Take 1) - Thrill Of Your Love (Take 1 - 2) - I Gotta Know (Take 1) - Such A Night (Take 1) - Are You Lonesome Tonight (Take 1 - 2) - The Girl Next Door (Went A’Walking) (Take 1 - 3) - I Will Be Home Again - Reconsider Baby.
LP 2 - Side C: Shoppin’ Around (Version 1, Take 5) - Didja’ Ever (Take 1) - Doin’ The Best I Can (Take 1 - 3) - G. I. Blues (Take 1) - Frankfort Special (Remake, Take 6 - 8) - Tonight Is So Right For Love (Take 4) - Big Boots (Slow Version, Take 2 & 3) - What’s She Really Like (Take 12 & 13) - Blue Suede Shoes - Wooden Heart (Take 1).
Side D: Pocketful Of Rainbows (Version 1, Take 10) - Tonight Is All Right For Love (Take 1) - Black Star (Take 5) - Summer Kisses, Winter Tears (Take 10, 12, 14) - Britches (1’41) - A Cane And A High Starched Collar (Take 6 & Insert Take 1, 5, 6) - Flaming Star (Take 2) - Black Star (End Title Version - 1, 2, 4, 5) - Flaming Star (End Title Version - Take 1, 3, 4) - Milky White Way (Take 1 - 2) - I Believe In The Man In The Sky (Take 1) - His Hand In Mine (Take 4).
LP 3 - Side E: He Knows Just What I Need (Take 5 - 7) - Surrender (Take 8 - 9) - Mansion Over The Hilltop (Take 2 & 1) - In My Father’s House (Take 7) - Joshua Fit The Battle (Take 2) - Swing Down Sweet Chariot (Take 2 - 3) - I’m Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs (Take 2 - 3) - If We Never Meet Again - Known Only To Him (Take 1 - 2) - Crying In The Chapel (Take 2 - 3) - Working On The Building (Take 3 - 4).
Bonus Songs: Stuck On You (26.03.1960) - Fame And Fortune (26.03.1960) - Witchcraft & Love Me Tender (26.03.1960 - Frank Sinatra) - Love Me Tender (Reprise - 26.03.1960 - Frank Sinatra) - I Wonder I Wonder I Wonder - Sweet Leilani - Beyond The Reef - When The Swallows - Come Back To Capistrano - He Hands Off.
The 'Just For Old Time Sake' LP-set is available from >>> Bennies Fifties.
The '1960: Everybody's Got The Fever ...' is available from >>> Bennies Fifties.
(Source: Amazon / Elvis Shop London / Elvis Collectors Facebook Club)
Sunday, April 06, 2025
April 06 - No. 1 Mono II Stereo Preview
In the interview Anthony Stuchbury shares some background on his work for this release. Go to Matt Shepherd's >>> Mix Cloud page to listen to 'Follow That Dream', 'Return To Sender' and 'I Don't Wanna' Be Tied'.
The CD should be available from the >>> RDM Edition webshop around April 18, 2025.
Rock and Roll No. 2
The Waxtime record label released a re-issue of the classic U.K. HMV LP 'Rock and Roll No. 2' as a Limited Edition with 8 bonus tracks on 180 Gr. black Audiophile vinyl. The album was originally set for release on April 11, 2025.
Most of the sessions took place on September 1-3, 1956 at Radio Recorders in Hollywood.
The album spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart in 1956, making Presley the first recording artist to have two albums go straight to No. 1 in the same year.
The album is available from >>> Amazon (associate link).
(Source: Anthony Stuchbury / Facebook)
Saturday, April 05, 2025
April 05 - King of the Whole Wide World
Lathe-cut records are a type of vinyl record that is created by manually cutting grooves into a blank vinyl disc using a lathe.
A blank vinyl disc is placed on the turntable of the cutting lathe.
A cutting stylus, usually made of sapphire or diamond, is used to engrave the grooves directly into the blank disc. This is done in real-time as the audio plays. Each record is unique.
Publicity stated: Here, by request, never before available selections on LP by Elvis Presley!
And also by request are titles from his hit United Artists movie pictures 'Follow That Dream' and 'Kid Galahad'. For Elvis' countless fans, all of whom have been clamoring for a new album,, 'King of the Whole World'' answers that command.
All for all his devoted fans world-wide, 2 new selections are included, recorded at Studio B in Nashville. Here, again, is Elvis ... at his best!
Side B: Follow That Dream / What A Wonderful Life / Angel / That's Someone You Never Forget / You'll Be Gone.
(Source: Pascal Matteo)
April 05 - Charts April 2025 - Week 1
Elvis Presley's presence on the charts is still limited to the United Kingdom alone, and unfortunately sales are dropping. On the Official Album chart, the 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' selection dropped 5 spots, from No. 47 to No. 52. On the nation's Streaming Album chart the album lost 4 places and fell from No. 45 to No. 41.
The 'Elvis The Searcher' DVD set re-entered the Music Video chart once again at No. 34, while the 'Elvis at the Movies' DVD set dropped to No. 39.
(Source: Billboard / Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum)
Friday, April 04, 2025
April 04 - Lonely Blue Boy
Bonus Songs: Danny (Demo) - Lonely Blue Boy (Conway Twitty) - Danny (Saint Louis) - Teenage Radio Spot
(Source: Jaap Melessen)
Priscilla Vs. Kruse - 1: 0
Last Thursday the L.A. County judge sided with the Priscilla Presley and ruled that California was the best venue to hear the lawsuit, which claims her ex-associates had conned her out of over US$1million.
The complaint, filed last July, accused Florida-based memorabilia auctioneer Brigitte Kruse as well as Kevin Fialko, Vahe Sislyan and Lynn Walker Wright of crookedly convincing her to give them power over her and then abusing that control in efforts to steal her money. The case will now proceed with its next hearing in a few weeks.
After previously rejecting the defendants’ claims that California had no jurisdiction over them, Judge Mark H. Epstein said he considered the latest legal push “yet another in what seems to be a never-ending series of motions … to move this case out of California and into Florida.” He rebuffed the argument that Florida was the best venue in terms of preserving private and public resources. He also brushed off the claim that Presley signed contracts that agreed to litigate disputes in Florida.
“This is not really a contract-based case at its heart; it is a fraud case.”
In prior declarations to the court, the defendants claimed Priscilla willingly entered into agreements with them to lease a property in Florida and fork over the controlling interest in her publicity rights.
In her 45-page elder abuse complaint filed last July, Priscilla claimed Kruse “quickly immersed herself” in her life after meeting her in 2021, “often sending her multiple text messages a day, and telling her how much she loved her and admired her.” Priscilla’s lawsuit called Kruse a “con-artist and pathological liar” who misappropriated more than US$1 million from Presley and “fraudulently induced” her into signing contracts that gave Kruse and Fialko between 51 percent and 80 percent control over closely held companies owning and exploiting her name, image and likeness.
Priscilla said the defendants placed a “stranglehold” on her finances and withheld not only the US$500,000 she made from Sofia Coppola’s film adaptation of her biography Elvis and Me, but also the US$349,900 she received in connection with her “Cilla” cosmetics deal".
In her dueling breach of contract lawsuit, Kruse alleges that Presley illegally walked out on their various business agreements when her financial circumstances changed in the wake of her daughter Lisa Marie’s death. As Rolling Stone previously reported, Presley challenged a 2016 amendment to her daughter’s Promenade Trust that removed her as a co-trustee but then quickly reached a generous settlement with granddaughter Riley Keough that granted her a US$1 million lump-sum payment, US$100,000 annual salary, and burial rights at Graceland.
A spokesperson for Kruse noted, "It saddens all of us who dropped our lives to provide aid to a woman who needed help and she is now attempting to use her celebrity status to ruin the lives of kind, hardworking people. Thank you to all of our supporters who have stood by us during this difficult time. We will continue to focus on our business and look forward to our day in court."
(Source: Jaap Melessen / Elvis Information Network / Rolling Stone Magazine)
Thursday, April 03, 2025
April 03 - Black Mamba on Display
“In the entertainment world, there is no bigger name than Elvis Presley,” said Greg Walter, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. “To be able to showcase a piece of his personal car collection at AutoFair is to relive an iconic era of music history and pay tribute to his legendary life and career. We can’t wait to welcome fans to reconnect with Elvis through this rare piece of history.”
Unlike most of his personal collection – which Presley bought new – he made an exception for this Ferrari, which he purchased for US$21,000 in October 1976, simply because he loved the way it handled on the road.
The story of Presley’s Ferrari Dino is almost as iconic as the singer himself. After being named an honorary captain of the Memphis Police Department in 1976, he equipped the Ferrari with dashboard police lights. Staying true to his larger-than-life persona, instead of pulling people over to issue tickets, he was known to tell them to slow down and leave them with an autograph as opposed to a fine.
Officials from Elvis Presley’s Graceland will also be on site at Charlotte Motor Speedway throughout the AutoFair weekend to share history of the King, the car and other special artifacts from the legendary crooner’s career. AutoFair guests will also have the opportunity to learn about exclusive tour opportunities at Graceland.
For more about the AutoFair visit the >>> Charlotte Motorway Speedway website.
Delayed Reality
Layered Reality has announced that the highly anticipated opening of Elvis Evolution, the immersive experience centered around the life and music of Elvis Presley, has been postponed to July 18, 2025. The delay is due to the bankruptcy of a third-party supplier, which has led to unforeseen complications.
Fans who bought a ticket received this message: Dear Elvis fans, we are so deeply sorry to have to move the opening date of Elvis Evolution. This is due to unforeseen delays caused by an outside vendor going into administration. By adjusting the opening date of the experience to 18 July 2025, we will ensure we deliver the world class experience that Elvis' legacy deserves.
https://elvisevolution.seetickets.com/CustomerService
We really do sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused...
(Source: Graceland / Charlotte Motorway Speedway / Layered Reality / UEPS / ElvisMatters)
Wednesday, April 02, 2025
April 02 - Happy Vinyl Rocker
The re-issue album comes on clear gold colored vinyl, and is limited to 300 copies.
Side B: Ready Teddy / Rip It Up / Shake, Rattle And Roll / (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care / Hound Dog / My Baby Left Me (Bonus Song).
You can pre-order the LP at the >>> Memphis Mansion webshop.
Girl Happy Vinyl
Publicity stated: This unique companion edition is based on the original UK release and features the red dot RCA Victor label. The double album includes original soundtrack masters, studio outtakes, extended versions and bonus track outtakes of 'You'll Be Gone'.
Disc 1 – Side 1: Girl Happy (Take 13 + Ending Take 4/M) - Fort Lauderdale Chamber Of Commerce (Take 7 - Vocal Overdub 2/M) - Cross My Heart And Hope To Die - Wolf Call (Take 8 - Unedited Version) - Puppet On A String (Take 4 - 7) - Startin’ Tonight - I’ve Got To Find My Baby
Bonus Song: You’ll Be Gone (Take 1)
Side 2: Do The Clam (Take 5 - Vocal Overdub Take 2) - Spring Fever (Take 21) - Do Not Disturb (Take 28) - The Meanest Girl In Town (Take 6) - The Meanest Girl In Town (Take 7 - 9) - Girl Happy (Take 4) - Startin’ Tonight (Unedited Version)
LP 2 - Side C: Cross My Heart And Hope To Die (Take 6) - Spring Fever (Take 15 - 16) - I’ve Got To Find My Baby (Unedited Version) - Puppet On A String (Take 11/M) - Wolf Call (Unedited / With "The Jordanaires") - Do The Clam (Unedited Version) - Do Not Disturb (Take 36/M)
Side D: Girl Happy - Spring Fever (Take 22 - 23) - Spring Fever (Take 24) - Startin’ Tonight (Take 3 - Vocal Overdub Take 4) - Puppet On A String (Take 8 - 10) - The Meanest Girl In Town (Take 12 - 13) - Wolf Call (Spliced Master - Vocal Overdub Take 5)
Bonus Song: You’ll Be Gone (Take 4 - Alternate Master)
The 2-LP is available from the >>> ElvisMatters webshop.
(Source: Your Favourite ELVIS CD, LP, DVD & Book Facebook Group)
Tuesday, April 01, 2025
April 01 - Catching a Colored Falling Star
Description: Deke Rivers loves Rock 'n' Roll and, in his free time, travels around the country with his band. When press agent Glenda meets him, she recognizes Deke's potential and signs him for Tex Warner's band. The singer soon becomes a favorite among American teenagers. Glenda begins to take an interest in Deke, just like Susan, who sings in Tex's band ...
As a bonus this DVD features a double sided cover and a digital booklet (available on-line).
Troy Seals Died
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Troy Seals has died. He was 86. He died on March 6, 2025, but new only broke today.
Elvis Presley recorded 'Pieces of My Life' in 1975 for his album 'Today', and released as a single (with 'Bringing It Back') on September 20, 1975, the song reached number 33 on the Billboard country chart .
In 1975 Elvis also released 'There's a Honky Tonk Angel (Who'll Take Me Back In)' on his 'Promised Land' album. It was released as the B-side of the posthumous single 'I Got a Feelin' in My Body' in 1979, which peaked at number 6 on the Hot Country Singles chart. The track was recorded at Stax Records, 15 December 1973.
While at STAX Elvis also attempted to record Seals' 'We Had It All' (co-written with Donnie Fritts and released in 1973 by Waylon Jennings) but gave up after feeling he couldn't do it justice. Sadly no tape of this has ever been found.
Johnny Tillotson Died
Johnny Tillotson, the chart-topping singer behind the Sixties hit 'Poetry in Motion' died. He was 86.
He also wrote 'It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin'' which was a major hit for him in 1962 and earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Country and Western song for 1962. Elvis Presley recorded the song on February 20, 1969 at the American Sound Studio for his 'From Elvis in Memphis' album.
Elvis famously introduced Johnny Tillotson to the audience during his midnight show in Las Vegas on February 17, 1972 — right after performing You Gave Me A Mountain — a heartfelt public tribute from one legend to another.
Catching a Falling Star
The VV records import record label has released 'Catching a Falling Star' on smoked yellow and on silver colored vinyl edition.
Description from the original press release: ‘Catching A Falling Star’ focuses on Elvis’ November 1976 tour, featuring a show from November 30, 1976, previously unreleased on vinyl.
This November concert has previously been released on CD, but this is the first time on vinyl format with an incredibly superior sound. The vinyl will be accompanied by a CD compilation that combines the best of four shows from the tour, giving us a completely new ideal fantasy show, including some previously unreleased material. All the audio for the LP and CD has been digitally restored and remastered. A must-have!
VV records wants to present Elvis at his peak, and Elvis’ final Anaheim's concert from the November 1976 tour is undoubtedly one of the best moments by Elvis from this year. The performances are very good, and the show is surely the best one from the tour.
This new double LP comes housed in a Deluxe 300 Gr. gatefold sleeve that also holds the CD.
To make it a collectable, the 500 copies of this set will come on two colors vinyl; a Limited Edition of 400 copies on smoked silver colored vinyl with a 30 x 30 cm art-card and a Deluxe Edition of 100 copies on smoked yellow colored vinyl with a 30 x 30 art-cart and other bonus items.
LP 1 - Side A: See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - If You Love Me - You Gave Me A Mountain
Side B: Jailhouse Rock - It’s Now Or Never - All Shook Up - And I Love You So - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Fever - Bridge Over Troubled Water
LP 2 - Side C: Polk Salad Annie - Introductions - Love Letters - School Day - Hurt
Side D: Hound Dog - Hawaiian Wedding Song - Blue Christmas - That’s All Right - Can’t Help Falling Love - Closing Vamp
Bonus CD. All the tracks were digitally restored and remastered (running-time 68 minutes): Beethoven's Fifth (Joe Guercio & The Hilton Horns - 25.11.1976 Eugene, OR) - Comedy Act (Jackie Kahane - Incomplete - 25.11.1976 Eugene, OR) - Sweet Inspiration (The Sweet inspirations - 25.11.1976 Eugene, OR) - If You Leave Me Now (The Sweet Inspirations - 25.11.1976 Eugene, OR) - See See Rider (25.11.1976 Eugene, OR) - I Got A Woman (26.11.196 Portland, OH) / Amen (25.11.1976 Eugene, OR) - Love Me (27.11.1976 Eugene, OR - Incomplete) - If You Love Let Me Know (26.11.1976 Portland, OH) - You Gave Me A Mountain (26.11.1976 Portland, OH) - Jailhouse Rock (26.11.1976 Portland, OH) - It’s Now Or Never (25.11.1976 Eugene, OR) - America (25.11.1976 Eugene, OR) - Steamroller Blues (27.11.1976 Eugene, OR) - Bridge Over Troubled Water (29.11.1976 San Francisco, CA) - Polk Salad Annie (28.11.1976 San Francisco, CA) - Piano & Electric Piano Solo (25.11.1976 Eugene, OR - Incomplete) - Hurt (25.11.1976 Eugene, OR) - Hound Dog (29.11.1976 San Francisco, CA) - Funny How Times Slip Away (26.11.976 Portland, OH) - Hawaii wedding Song (25.11.1976 Eugene, OR) - Blue Christmas (26.11.1976 Portland, OH) - That’s All Right (26.11.1976 Portland, OH) - Mystery Train / Tiger Man (25.11.1976 Eugene, OR) - Can’t help Falling In Love (25.11.1976 Eugene, OR)
Note: The unreleased audience recorded material appears to be taken from the CD-R release 'Kings and Ducks' and the other audience recorded material from the Memory release 'Rockin' The Nortwest' (2005).
(Source: Pascal Matteo / Elvis Club Berlin / Fernsehjuwelen)
Sunday, March 30, 2025
March 30 - It's Elvis Time
Next te thoughtful reviews of 'The Making of King Creole', 'The Girls Happy Sessions' and FTD's 'The Last Tours Vol. 2' this colorful magazine features interesting reads on being Elvis' girlfriend, Elvis and his mother, revisiting Elvis in Nashville in the summer of 1970 with highlights such as 'Twenty Days and Twenty Nights' and 'I've Lost You' and his 1956 television appearances.
Added to that is a special card from graphic artist Sabine van Haren. Enough to get you through the weekend.
For more information on the magazine and the fan club, visit the >>> It's Elvis Time website.
(Source: It's Elvis Time)
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Review Elvis UK Compact Vol 2
If you have read the previous reviews of the original digital flipbook edition and the first softbound physical re-issue, you know exactly what to expect from the Elvis U.K. team.
Design
The design is exactly the same as the first volume, so you get a text-heavy book with plenty of functional illustrations. It is crammed with functional and detailed background information - in part provided by those who were originally involved, and all cross-referenced with other versions - more than a normal person can absorb. So for me, a few more graphical pages would have made this encyclopedia a little more appealing. I would have loved to see some more original advertisements printed full-page, as this book is a trip down memory lane for a fan like me who grew up in the CD era.
This book is volume 2 in a trilogy that covers the years 1983 up to 2005. In this volume, we get all the CDs released between May 1997 and December 2004.
It starts with page 476, so the index presented in volume 1 remains the starting point for this and the upcoming third volume. Duplication of the index would have been helpful when reading just this volume, but I can follow the author's perspective to present this as a trilogy. It does mean that it isn’t a stand-alone book, you need all volumes to enjoy all the functionality of the original digital flipbook.
Content
Reading the book, it is nice to see that the authors treat these silver discs almost the same as they do vinyl releases. But there are differences. Where vinyl releases with variations in text, design, tax code, or pressings are presented as variations, many CDs with small differences are presented as different releases, with their own place in the Elvis CD catalog. So there is a difference in collecting vinyl and CDs according to these authors. In a way I agree, a first pressing of a vinyl or CD release doesn't feel the same.
A good example is the 'Original Elvis Presley Collection' from 1997 that opens the book. The discs in that 50-CD set were sold as a set, but some titles were sold separately (with their own barcode or catalogue number), while others had the same design but contained more tracks. The 'Loving You' CD in the box had 12 tracks, while a later version with the same design contained 20 tracks. Reading all the investigative work by these two experts on the individual discs in this set, it appears that almost none of the discs was released as originally intended.
Another fun observation that illustrates the eye for detail: the authors spotted a different number of "Elvises" on the '50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can’t Be Wrong' CD as released in 1997 and in 2013. Reading the book, you will find many more in-depth observations from these two experts.
And while we fans normally mainly focus on the official catalog, the authors also added the official (mechanical rights paid) CDs released in the United Kingdom. I was surprised to see the Follow That Dream releases (the label started in 1999), as they originate from Denmark and were only released through fan clubs. Does that qualify as an official U.K. release?
And if those releases qualify for a place in the book, I did miss the promotional CDs that were kind of a rage among the Nordic fan clubs in the timeframe of this second volume.
Conclusion
The conclusion for this second volume is the same as for volume 1: this is the definitive record - or "ultimate guide" as the authors stated on the cover - on Elvis U.K. CD releases. I would love to read Ernst Jorgensen’s reaction to this compendium of part of his work, I think that John and Gordon may have uncovered more details on his work than he is aware of.
My personal conclusion, leafing through the book and looking at the CD covers, is that apparently, I am an avid (U.K.) CD collector, as I heard myself thinking, "I have that one" or "I must play that one again; it has been years since I took it off the shelf" over and over again. I didn’t have that insight browsing through the original digital edition.
This illustrates the value of the physical product for me; you take in the content much better. So, John and Gordon, thanks for doing a physical edition, it made me look at some of the CDs in my collection again, while learning a lot reading the background of those albums.
When the third volume will be added, this will be one helluva reference!
The book is available online from the authors' webshop for the reasonable price of 50GBP at the >>> ELVIS UK Books webshop.
You can read the reviews of >>> volume 1 and the >>> flipbook edition here.
March 29 - The Black Roots of Elvis Presley
The U.K. based Jasmine Records budget label announced the April 11, 2025 release of the CD ‘The Black Roots of Elvis Presley’.
At the outset of his career there were few suitable original songs being submitted by music publishers, so it was inevitable that he would reach back and revive old favourites. This compilation presents thirty examples, exploring Elvis’ Black music roots and featuring some of the memorable Blues, Gospel, R&B and Doo Wop numbers that he recorded.
Other featured artists include Wynonie Harris, The Clovers, Little Junior Parker, Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters, Roy Hamilton, Lloyd Price, Little Richard, Smiley Lewis, Ivory Joe Hunter, Chuck Willis, The Coasters, and more.
Track CD:That's When Your Heartaches Begin (Billy Bunn & His Buddies) - That's All Right Mama (Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup) - Good Rockin' Tonight (Wynonie Harris) - Fool, Fool, Fool (The Clovers) - Baby Let's Play House (Arthur Gunter) - Mystery Train (Little Junior's Blue Flames) - Tryin' To Get To You (The Eagles) - My Baby Left Me (Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup) - Money Honey (Clyde Mcphatter & The Drifters) - I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry Over You (Roy Hamilton) - So Glad You're Mine (Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup) - Lawdy Miss Clawdy (Lloyd Price) - Love Me (Willy & Ruth) - Long Tall Sally (Little Richard) - Too Much (Bernard Hardison) - Rip It Up (Little Richard) - Tell Me Why (Marie Knight) - Peace In The Valley (Flying Clouds Of Detroit) - One Night (Smiley Lewis) - I Need You So (Ivory Joe Hunter) - (Now And Then There's) A Fool Such As I (The Robins) - Like A Baby (Vikki Nelson) - Such A Night (Clyde Mcphatter & The Drifters) - Reconsider Baby (Lowell Fulson) - I Feel So Bad (Chuck Willis) - Girls! Girls! Girls! (The Coasters) - Bossa Nova Baby (Tippy & The Clovers) - Little Egypt (The Coasters) - Love Letters (Ketty Lester) - Rags To Riches (Billy Ward & His Dominoes).
The CD is available from >>> Amazon (associate link)
March 29 - Charts March 2025 - Week 5 (Updated)
Elvis Presley's physical sales and digital streams in the U.S. are still not high enough for any title to hit the charts, that leaves us the Official U.K. charts.In the U.K. his sales make more impact on the charts. On the Official Album chart, the 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' selection rose 8 more spots on the chart, climbing to No. 47. The album gained another 4 spots on the nation's Streaming Album chart and climbed to No. 41.
The 'Elvis at the Movies' DVD set re-entered the Music Video chart once again at No. 34.
Despite declining sales in the U.S. Elvis still made it to the No. 1 spot on MSN's "Greatest Musician of All Time" list, with The Beatles at No. 2 and Elvis former 'son-in-law' Michael Jackson at No. 3.
MSN noted: Elvis Presley is often hailed as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, a title he earned through his unique ability to blend various musical genres, including blues, country, and gospel. His electrifying stage presence and signature dance moves captivated audiences worldwide, making him a cultural icon. Songs like "Hound Dog' and 'Jailhouse Rock' not only topped charts but also defined an era in music history.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) lists Elvis as one of the best-selling solo artists of all time, with over 146.5 million certified units sold in the U.S. alone. His influence on music and pop culture is undeniable, paving the way for future rock artists and remaining a symbol of the genre.
Elvis' charisma and groundbreaking approach to music continue to resonate with fans and artists alike.
The remaining artist in the Top 10 were: 4. Whitney Houston, 5. Freddie Mercury, 6. Bob Dylan, 7. Aretha Franklin, 8. Prince, 9. Beyoncé and 10. Johnny Cash.
(Source: Billboard / Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum / MSN / Elvis Information Network)