Review - Del Webb Presents Elvis Presley

Elvis' May 23, 1974 Dinner Show performance was previously released on CD as ‘... And The King For Dessert’ (wrongly dated on the Fort Baxter CD from 1998) and ‘Elvis As Recorded Live In Lake Tahoe’ (Elvis Concert Fan, 2014). Now, it debuts on vinyl for the first time as 'Del Webb Presents Elvis Presley'.

 

Design

 

The designer follows the format of previous Millbranch LPs, particularly with typography, but this edition stands out due to its retained background elements, creating a lighter, more natural aesthetic compared to previous, darker designs. And that picture, what a great smile! How did RCA never use it for a cover?

 

The set was intended to include printed inner sleeves, but that plan fell through. Instead, the label compensated with two LP-sized prints with pictures from the Lake Tahoe engagement. A nice gesture, though the cover photo itself would have made a great choice for one of them because - as the Petticoat import record label would say about their artwork - it is “suitable for framing”. Inside the gatefold, we find some more photographs and Tahoe memorabilia. 

 

The LP is available in traditional 140g black vinyl and translucent blue-colored vinyl, I opted for the latter. Ever since ‘Moody Blue’, an Elvis album on blue vinyl carries a special charm.

 

Audio

 

For this reissue, the label returned to its original tape copy and crafted a new Stereo presentation of the concert. And it works! The speed corrected mix breathes new life into the once-flat soundboard recordings. Elvis sound more active at the correct speed. The tambourine stands out more prominently than before, though Elvis’ vocals could have been pushed forward slightly. On ballads, he takes center stage, but when the band and orchestra join in, his voice sometimes gets absorbed into the overall mix.

 

Certain limitations of the original recording remain, for example, the finale of ‘You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me’ and ‘It’s Now or Never’ sound a bit sharp to these ears. However, JD Sumner’s signature “dive bomb” routine was surprisingly captured without distortion. This new edition brings a deeper sound, perhaps even too much at times, listen to the echo on the “well, well, well’s” before ‘I Got A Woman’, and you'll hear the pronounced effect. But compared to previous soundboards, this version delivers more richness and atmosphere.

 

Fortunately, there is plenty audience interaction audible to preserve the live concert experience. A particularly fun exchange occurs when a young girl calls out to Elvis, she’s on a mission for her mother to get a scarf, and she succeeds. Before launching into ‘You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me’, Elvis playfully responds, “I’ll get you later, mother.”

 

Content

 

During this third Tahoe stint, Elvis appeared to be in good spirits, perhaps the change of scenery from Vegas felt refreshing. May 23 also happened to be Linda Thompson’s birthday, which may have added to his festive mood. 

Still, he didn’t go all-out during the dinner show, saving ‘Blue Spanish Eyes’ for the Midnight Show, possibly for Linda herself. Some fan reports say Elvis sung more concentrated, with his eyes closed during these Dinner Shows, and saved the more expressive performances for the Midnight performances. 

 

This recording isn’t complete. ‘Also Sprach Zarathustra’ is missing, and ‘See See Rider,’ ‘Let Me Be There’, and ‘Funny How Time Slips Away’ are incomplete. Nothing to be done about that. The setlist itself reflects a standard show for the era, adjusted slightly for a Tahoe crowd, making “easy to digest” over a steak dinner … ?  Without ‘Johnny B. Goode’, ‘Steamroller Blues’, and ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, the show loses some of its swagger. These classics were swapped out for more polished pop numbers, such as ‘You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me’. On the plus side, he added ‘Big Boss Man’ and ‘Help Me’, the latter performed alongside Sherill Nielsen and Voice. 

 

But the producers helped remedy this somewhat by including two bonus tracks, ‘Steamroller Blues’ and ‘How Great Thou Art’, from May 19th.

 

Conclusion

 

This reissue of Elvis’ May 23, 1974 Dinner Show performance is an upgrade in both design and audio, offering a richer listening experience than its CD predecessors. Yet at its core, the concert remains what it is, a standard show performed during dinner service. Elvis may not be rattling the cutlery, but he’s keeping the audience entertained.

The LP is available from the >>> Bennies Fifties webshop.

May 31 - Charts May 2025 - Week 5 (Updated)

Elvis' presence on the U.K. charts stalled this week. 

The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation dropped another spot on the Official Album chart, landing at No. 63 this week, but the album won four sports on the nation's streaming album chart, closing the week at No. 46. 

The 'Elvis at the Movies' DVD re-entered the Music Video chart once more, at No. 50 this time. 

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

May 30 - EPiC (Updated)

Movie director Baz Luhrmann had teased Elvis fans with the working title 'EPiC', 'Elvis Presley in Concert' , but now he has confirmed that this will be the title for the upcoming concert movie.

He posted on social media: "I’ve teased it just a little and you’ve definitely seen the hints - now it’s time to say it out loud... #EPiC. “ELVIS PRESLEY in CONCERT: see and hear him tell his story like never before. Later today, I’ll be discussing all things EPiC at the Sony Music Vision content showcase and don’t worry! I’ll be trying to swipe a few frames to share with you all on the feed."

Later he added: "Just hopped of the stage at the SMV showcase and here’s some of those swiped frames I mentioned!! glimpses of unseen footage, along with existing footage we’ve restored in a never-before experienced quality.

As the journey of creating this film continues, I seriously can’t wait to share it with you all!"

Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis Project Announced At Sony Event

Baz Luhrmann revealed footage from his upcoming project EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert during the Sony Music Vision on May 29th. Combing through countless never-before-seen performances, unheard interview recordings and restored rarities, the acclaimed filmmaker has been developing the feature documentary alongside his longtime Academy Award-nominated editor, Jonathan Redmond, since production on his 2022 hit film Elvis. Woven together with Luhrmann’s uniquely electric style, EPiC offers audiences Elvis singing and telling his own story as we’ve never seen or heard him before.

When speaking about the film, Luhrmann said, “During the making of ELVIS, we went on a search for rumored unseen footage from the iconic 1970s concert films 'Elvis: That’s The Way It Is' and 'Elvis on Tour'. My initial thought was that we may be able to restore the unused footage (if we could find it) and use it in our Elvis feature, starring Austin Butler. 

I had researchers go into the Warners Bros. film vaults buried in underground salt mines and, to the astonishment of all, we uncovered 68 boxes of film negative, as well as unseen 8mm footage. It has taken two years to restore the footage to a quality that it has never been projected at previously, while the team had to meticulously claw back sound from the many, unconventional sources that were also unearthed. 

One of the great finds has been unheard recordings of Elvis talking about his life and his music. It was this that gave the inspiration for 'EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert', which is not specifically a documentary, nor a concert film: Elvis takes the audience through the journey of his life, weaving never-before-seen footage with iconic performances that have never been presented in this way, from the 1970 Vegas show, on tour in 1972 and even precious moments of the 1957 “gold jacket” performance in Hawaii. Most importantly, Elvis will sing and tell you about his life in first person, through both classic and contemporary musical prisms.”

Go to Baz Luhrmann's >>> Instagram page for a new clip.

Gold aus Heißer Kehle

The German Fernsehjuwelen re-issued Elvis' classic movie 'Loving You' as 'Gold aus Heißer Kehle'. 

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). 

The DVD is available from >>> Amazon Germany (associate link).

Elvis Video News Report

Emiel Maier posted the June 2025 Elvis Presley Video news report, capturing the main news from May 2025 and more: the latest concerning the Elvis concert footage film, footage of Elvis on October 29, 1956, FTD news, people we lost, the future of his channel and more. 

(Source: Baz Luhrmann / Amazon / Emile Maier)

May 29 - Elvis Sites Hack Update

Almost two weeks ago several Elvis Presley websites and Forums went off-line. The server, which hosted sites like For Elvis CD Collectors website and forum, the Phoenix Elvis Forum, Keith Flynn's Elvis Pages, the Elvis Photo Shoot Sessions, The Kings Court website and forum and various other sites, was "hacked and cracked" beyond repair. As a result these sites and their content - some of it covering over 20 years of Elvis discussions - appeared to be gone. 

This hack, apparently by someone from within the Elvis community, reveals that the Elvis Presley community we know and enjoy, also has a dark side ... 

Jordan Richie, who provided the hosting services for these websites and forums through his ElvisCities stated "On May 16, 2025 I was alerted my servers had gone down. When they came back up it was clear. A single SQL file on a cluster of servers that once held thousands of files said, "Thank you for all the business." It breaks my heart for the people who trusted me to keep their sites safe."

One day we'll probably learn more about the details, as Elvis said: "Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain't goin' away." 

The positive news is that Keith Flynn's Elvis pages are available again at >>> www.KeithFlynn.uk - with all the original content - and some of the owners behind the other affected sites have announced that they will return with new websites in the near future. The coming weeks we'll see which site will return, and which content is lost.

I want to thank Jordan Richie for keeping the Elvis world connected for over 20 years! Thanks to his work in the background, we fans had access to invaluable information on Elvis' recordings, photoshoots, audio and video, and more. Besides that provided a place where we could discuss and talk about our favorite musician, and buy his music, keeping his legacy alive. Thank You, Jordan, Thank You Very Much!

Congratulations

Riley Keough, Elvis' grand daughter and chairwoman of Elvis Presley Enterprises, turned 35 today, congratulations!

Rock and Roll Vinyl

Hot on the heels of the release of the Japanese 10-inch 'Love me Tender' LP, the French V.P.I. record label announced the August 28, 2025 release of two classic EPs: the Belgian 'Rockin' with Elvis' and the Italian 'Rock 'n' Roll'.

Publicity stated: The Belgian 45 RPM record 'Rockin' With Elvis' (RCA 75.524), released in 1956, is a rare and highly sought-after item among collectors. Its color sleeve features Elvis surrounded by his bandmates: Scotty Moore, Bill Black, and D.J. Fontana. 

In 2010, a copy in excellent condition sold for over US$1,200 at auction. It will be available on transparent, grey, white, magenta and blue colored vinyl.

Side A: Tutti Frutti / Blue Suede Shoes Side B: Hound Dog / Don’t Be Cruel

The Italian 45 RPM record 'Rock ‘n’ Roll', released in 1957, is highly sought after by collectors. Its quirky cover features Elvis with a top-hat-wearing basset hound, taken from his appearance on the Steve Allen Show. 

Featuring four rock classics, this record is one of Elvis’s earliest Italian releases. Its unique artwork and rarity make it a prized item, often valued at several hundred euros. It will be available on yellow, white, transparent, red and blue colored vinyl.

Side A: One-Sided Love Affair /Money Honey Side B: Shake, Rattle and Roll / Lawdy, Miss Clawdy All EPs are limited to 200 copies per color.

(Source: Jordan Richie / Riley Keough, Elvis My Happiness)

May 28 - Atomic Powered Notebook

John Heath (from the EAP Society) started an online notebook for analysis and appreciation of the music of the Atomic Age (and beyond) titled 'Atomic Wax'. 

Publicity for the first one-hour show stated:  In this episode of Atomic Wax, we look at the evidence surrounding the recording of Elvis Presley's first personal demo for the Memphis Recording Service, 'My Happiness', explode most of the popular theories about when it was recorded, and try to use context clues to discover the REAL recording date.  What we find is surprising!  

Also, be sure to keep an eye on the EAP Society channel for an upcoming follow up video where Jamie Kelley and I discuss what happened to the 'My Happiness' acetate after Elvis walked out of the studio with it - it's a story with a lot of mystery!

(Source: John Heath)

May 25 - Elvis - From Memphis to Hollywood to Update

Danish author Stig Ulrichsen announced the Fall 2025 release of a third, updated version of Alanna Nash and Alan Fortas' book 'Elvis - From Memphis to Hollywood', which was originally released in 1992 and republished in 2008. 

Ulrichsen posted on Facebook: I am extremely happy and proud to share that I have just signed a book publishing contract with my good friend, award-winning author and journalist Alanna Nash and Miles Fortas - son of Alan Fortas, who was a good friend of Elvis Presley and worked closely with him for 12 years.

In the fall of 2025, our new and updated version of the long-awaited book "Elvis - From Memphis to Hollywood" will be published by my publisher Nunatak, originally written by Alanna and based on Alan Fortas' own experiences.

The original edition is almost impossible to reproduce today - and it is priced at around US$130, if you are lucky. Therefore, it is a great honor to bring this great story back to Elvis fans all over the world.

Look forward to an exciting reissue filled with photos, updated stories and a love for music history that only a few like Alanna can convey.

Alanna has received numerous awards for her work, including the CMA Media Achievement Award, Belmont Book Award, and the Charlie Lamb Award for Excellence in Country Music Journalism. She is one of the most respected writers in the field of music journalism, so it is a special honor to work with her on this reissue. More information coming soon - stay tuned!

(Source: Anthony Stuchbury)

May 24 - Charts May 2025 - Week 4 (Updated)

Elvis' presence on the U.K. charts stalled this week. 

The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation lost the one spot it had won last week on the Official Album chart, dropping to No. 62 again. while the album remained steady at No. 50 on the Streaming Album chart. 

The 'Elvis at the Movies' DVD set fell off the Music Video chart. 

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

May 24 - Congratulations

Priscilla Presley celebrates her 80th birthday today, congratulations!

Her granddaughter Riley Keough posted: "HBD queen" she wrote alongside a vintage photo of her grandmother in the 1960s posing in the driver’s seat of a car.

In four months Priscilla will publish her second memoir 'Softly, As I Leave You', covering the years after het divorce from Elvis Presley. 

Publicity states: The long-awaited memoir by Priscilla Presley chronicling her difficult, inspiring journey beyond the walls of Graceland and behind the elegant image the world sees.

Priscilla Presley's divorce from Elvis left his fans incredulous. How could she leave the man every woman wanted? From the outside, life in Elvis's mansion looked glamorous and enviable, and in many respects, it was. But inside the mansion, her husband was constantly surrounded by a male entourage while at the gates, lines of beautiful women waited hopefully for an audience with the King. From the time she was seventeen years-old, that life was all Priscilla had known. During her ten years with Elvis, it became painfully apparent that she had no idea who she was outside Elvis's world. The only way to find herself was to leave that world and seek a new life of her own, because leaving was the only way to survive, for herself and for her daughter.

'Softly, As I Leave You', is the deeply personal story of what Priscilla lost and what she found when she walked away from the man she loved. Despite the legal separation, their love for one another transformed into a touching and tender dynamic that endured until Elvis's untimely death four years later. Shattered by Elvis's passing, she had to reinvent herself a second time as the single mother of a talented, often headstrong daughter who never really recovered from her father's death. Priscilla's dedication to motherhood was enriched by the birth of her second child, and she gradually found her footing as a businesswoman, actress, designer, and legislative advocate. She transformed Graceland into an international destination and helped guide the development of Elvis Presley Enterprises. But the unexpected, shattering loss of three immediate family members years later brought Priscilla to her knees. She shares her journey with a quiet dignity that will comfort and reassure anyone who has suffered - and survived - seemingly unbearable loss.

A passionate, compassionate, and inspiring story of finding your place in the world, 'Softly, As I Leave You', is a sweet Southern melody that will take the reader with Priscilla on her long road home.

The book is available for pre-order from >>> Amazon (associate link).

May 23 - Alien at Graceland

Stitch, the co-star of 'Lilo and Stitch' visited Graceland earlier today. The lovable renegade alien, who happens to love the music of Elvis Presley, arrived at the gates to Graceland Mansion in a pink convertible before going across the street to view the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s jumpsuits and pink Cadillac at Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex. 

The 2025 remake, scored again by Alan Silvestri, features many of the same classic songs from the original 2002 version: 'Devil in Disguise', 'Hound Dog' and 'Heartbreak Hotel', along with a new cover of 'Burning Love' produced by Bruno Mars and performed by Nyjah Music and Zyah Rhythm.

A special screening of the film is scheduled to take place this evening at the theater at Graceland’s resort hotel, The Guest House at Graceland.

The live-action reimagining of Disney’s 2002 animated classic, 'Lilo and Stitch' premiered May 17, 2025 in the United States and hit the movie theaters on May 23rd.

Memorial Day Weekend

Also at Graceland, for the Memorial Day Weekend, Graceland will honor Elvis Presley's U.S. Army service (1958-1960) with special tours of Graceland Mansion. Private Presley Graceland Tours, offered for the first time to Graceland visitors, will run from May 23 to 26, daily between 2 PM and 4 PM.

The tours will feature live guides throughout the mansion sharing stories of his military service and how Graceland was a part of the journey - from receiving his draft notice during Christmas 1957 to his homecoming press conference in his father's office. Special artifact displays commemorating his time in the U.S. Army will also be featured throughout the mansion during the weekend.  

  

At Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex, located across the street from the mansion, guests will also be able to visit our Private Presley exhibit, a permanent exhibit that expands on the story of Elvis’ military service through photos, videos and additional artifacts. 

For more details, visit the >>> Graceland website.

The Definitive Vinyl Artwork of Elvis Presley, Vol. 2

Joseph Tunzi's book 'The Definitive Vinyl Artwork of Elvis Presley, Vol. 2: The Back Covers' should be available from June 5, 2025. The book was originally scheduled to be releases in February this year.

Publicity stated: This is a follow up to The Definitive Vinyl Artwork, which focused on all front cover artwork and photographs that were part of 45 RPM singles, extended play and long play albums.

This new volume takes you on a journey of those same albums, focusing this time, on back cover  artwork. Also featured on the 200-plus pages are over 800 rare photos, including the original photos (not altered), documents, letters, rejected artwork which contains some fascinating covers not used or modified by RCA and much more! 

Note: The back covers were included in the first volume, for 45 singles only. The price-tag for the book is between US$146 to US$195.00.

Congratulations

Elvis' former girlfriend Linda Thompson celebrates her 75th birthday, congratulations!

(Source: Graceland / Remind / Bear Family)

May 22 - The Million Dollar Quartet and the Challenges of Oral Testimony

Steven K. Rogstad published his 72-page paperback 'The Million Dollar Quartet and the Challenges of Oral Testimony'.

Description: An event like it had never happened before. The probability of it ever occurring again remains slim to none. It was a brief episode in the origins of rock and roll music that has achieved mythical proportions and inspired a major Broadway musical that continues to tour the United States to large audiences. Some events occur as a result of a collision of unforeseen or spontaneous circumstances, which preclude them from being repeated or chronicled. 

When something fun or exciting happens extemporaneously, the people involved rarely notice that what is taking place may be significant or worthy of remembrance. What they do recall afterwards - especially if it has been clothed in historical significance - is often filtered through the distorted lens of time and influenced by their role in it. This story is about such an occurrence, when four young recording artists - Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley - grouped around a piano and sang themselves into music history.

It started when Elvis Presley unexpectedly walked into the recording studio at Sun Records in Memphis and sat down on a bench in front of a piano, playing and singing “Blueberry Hill.” He caught the attention of his friends Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash, who also happened to be in the room and began harmonizing with him on a few gospel songs. Then Jerry Lee Lewis appeared and joined the trio, adding his high vocals to more songs Elvis was in the mood to sing. Perkins would later describe the group as “scooting around the piano” with his band “kinda knocking along.” 

As Presley played the piano and sang lead for the quartet, a technician eventually turned on a taping machine, while someone else called a local newspaper for a reporter and a photographer to capture the event for posterity. A few hours later the impromptu jam session was over and the group went their separate ways. But a few photographs had been taken and numerous songs had been recorded. It would be the only time the four men would ever sing together as a quartet. “It could have happened only at Sun Records,” one music historian has determined, “and probably only in Memphis….”

You can check this out yourself, the book is available through >>> Amazon (associate link).

(Source: Elvis Information Network)

Review - Jailhouse Rock LP

Just three weeks ago, I received the 2025 Danish reissue of the ‘Girls! Girls! Girls!’ soundtrack LP, retitled ‘Piger! Piger! Piger!’ from the Danish Memphis Mansion record label. And now the producers take us to South Africa with their reissue of the only original full 33 RPM LP release of the ‘Jailhouse Rock’ soundtrack album.

 

The warden threw a party in the county jail, and you’re all invited, according to the press release. Let’s give this album a spin and see if it is a criminally good release … or if the producers need to be sent to jail for messing with a classic!

 

Design

 

Where the design of the ‘Piger! Piger! Piger!’ soundtrack was a variation of the original LP, the design for this new release follows the label’s 2023 design for their version of the ‘Blue Hawaii’ soundtrack.

 

And I can only say that designer Søren Karstensen deserves a “get out of jail free” card again. The gatefold cover is a beauty! He turned well-known photographic elements from the movie into drawings which together form an attractive and well-balanced picture.

 

Inside is a coffee table with pictures from the movie and a copy of The Middlehaven Herald newspaper containing the liner notes and recording information. 

The record label deserves a mention too, it is a lock, with the spindle of the record player “unlocking” your music. A great detail that shows that illustrates the dedication from the label to deliver a top-notch album.

The album comes on red-colored vinyl and transparent pink marble-colored vinyl. And because I already saw a translucent yellow-colored vinyl test pressing, I expect that variation to pop up soon too. As for the vinyl itself, Nordsø Records knows their vinyl, and they delivered again. 

 

Content

 

The musical part of the LP is newly created Stereo Mixes by the label’s favorite engineer, Anthony Stuchbury. We have praised his mixes plenty of times, and he doesn’t disappoint here either. In part, that's because the album contains mixes previously available on his ‘Essential 50’s Master’s box set, released here by “popular demand,” but also because he has added some nice surprises for the audio freaks out there.

 

New here is the Stereo Version of the Movie Version of ‘Treat Me Nice’, and as technology evolves, Stuchbury has created new mixes of ‘Baby I Don’t Care’ and ‘Good Rockin’ Tonight’. 

The latter is the engineer’s favorite because, for the first time, he was able to do what until now only Peter Jackson’s team (that worked on the Beatles' material) was able to do, separate the acoustic guitar so it can really shine. Compared to ‘Shake, Rattle and Roll’ - kind-of the same type of song - it is indeed higher in the mix, so you can hear that he had more instruments to play with. 

Overall it is an album that demand to be played loud! So, here too, no reason to send someone to jail.

 

The Verdict

 

Warden Henrik Knudsen, the “executive producer” of this ‘Jailhouse Rock’ party album, delivered together with his team. This is a great-looking and great-sounding LP of the soundtrack that should have been released back in 1958; it would have been a classic album in 50’s Rock and Roll history. 

Fortunately, that has been corrected 2025 style, with a touch of authenticity in both the design and the presentation of the upgraded audio. So if you always wanted to add a full 'Jailhouse Rock' album to your collection, this edition is certainly worth considering. 

The album is available from the >>> Memphis Mansion webshop. 

May 21 - Teasing Some More

It looks like Baz Luhrmann is starting the "buzz" for his new Elvis Presley in Concert (working title 'EPiC') movie. Today he posted another teaser: "Midweek sneak-peek from the workspace ... 👀".

King Creole Teaser

Anthony Stuchbury announced the release of a 10-inch vinyl edition of 'King Creole' on the French RDM-Edition. The release-date is to follow later.

He stated: This new Mono II Stereo 'King Creole' movie soundtrack release is remixed and sequenced to better represent the movie itself. Also included are the movie versions of five songs which haven’t officially been available elsewhere. 

This release is 45 percent previously unreleased on any of the productions I’ve produced in collaboration with David Parker and RDM-Edition, and it is RDM’s very first Elvis vinyl release!

It’s been a very rough ride to get this release to this point, but let me give major credit to David Parker for his outstanding patience and artwork creation. Just look at it, in fact you did, before you even read this, and it really caught your eye, didn’t it?

Side 1: 01 Turtles, Berries and Gumbo - King Creole instrumental - Crawfish - Movie Version / 02 Steadfast, Loyal and True - Undubbed Movie Edit / 03 Lover Doll - Movie Version / 04 Trouble / 05 Dixieland Rock.

Side 2: 01 Young Dreams / 02 New Orleans - Movie Version / 03 Hard Headed Woman / 04 King Creole - Movie Version / 05 Don't Ask Me Why / 06 As Long As I Have You. 

(Source: Baz Luhrman / Anthony Stuchbury)

May 20 - The Harum Scarum Sessions

The Follow That Dream collectors label announced the June 2025 release of the 'Harum Scarum Sessions' triple CD-set. 

Publicity stated: FTD is pleased to announce the release of 'The Harum Scarum Sessions – the 60th Anniversary Edition!'

Newly mixed and mastered by Sebastian Jeansson and Vic Anesini, the masters and outtakes now offer far superior audio to the original 1965 soundtrack album. For purists, the original Masters are also featured on Disc 3.

As always, the set is packaged in a beautifully designed 8-inch digipack with a booklet containing the backstory on the sessions, recording information and rare photos, memorabilia and documents from the sessions.

Tracks CD 1 - Remixed Masters: Harem Holiday - My Desert Serenade - Go East, Young Man - Mirage - Kismet - Shake That Tambourine - Hey Little Girl - Golden Coins - So Close, Yet So Far (From Paradise) - Animal Instinct - Wisdom Of The Ages.

Outtakes: Shake That Tambourine (Take 2001 - 2008) - Shake That Tambourine (Take 2009 - 2011) - Shake That Tambourine (Take 2012 - 2017) - Shake That Tambourine (Take 2018 - 2019) - Shake That Tambourine (Take 2020 - 2024) - Shake That Tambourine (Take 2025) - Shake That Tambourine (Take 2026 - 2027)

CD 2 - Outtakes: Shake That Tambourine (Take 2028 - 2032) - Shake That Tambourine (Take 2033) - Shake That Tambourine (Take 2034 - 2040) - Shake That Tambourine (Take 2041) - Shake That Tambourine (Splice Of Take 2041 And 2027 / Master) - So Close, Yet So Far (From Paradise) (Take 2042) - So Close, Yet So Far (From Paradise) (Take 2043 - 2044) - So Close, Yet So Far (From Paradise) (Take 2045) - So Close, Yet So Far (From Paradise) (Splice Of Take 2044 And 2045 / Master) - My Desert Serenade (Take 2046 - 2048) - My Desert Serenade (Take 2049 - 2051) - My Desert Serenade (Take 2052) - My Desert Serenade (Take 2053) - My Desert Serenade (Take 2054 - 2055) - My Desert Serenade (Take 2056 - 2057 / Master) - Wisdom Of The Ages (Take 2058 - 2059) - Wisdom Of The Ages (Take 2060) - Wisdom Of The Ages (Take 2061) - Wisdom Of The Ages (Take 2062 / Master) - Kismet (Take 2063 - 64) - Kismet (Take 2065 - 2067 / Master) - Hey Little Girl (Take 2068 - 2069) - Hey Little Girl (Take 2070) - Hey Little Girl (Take 2071 - 2072 / Master) - Golden Coins (Take 2073 - 2076) - Golden Coins (Take 2077 - 2078) - Golden Coins (Take 2079 - 2080).

CD 3 - Outtakes: Golden Coins (Take 2081 - 2082) - Golden Coins (Take 2083) - Golden Coins (Take 2084 - 2088) - Golden Coins (Splice Of Take 2088 And 2083 / Master) - Animal Instinct (Take 2089 - 2091) - Animal Instinct (Take 2092) - Animal Instinct (Take 2093) - Animal Instinct (Take 2094 / Master) - Harem Holiday (Take 2095 - 2096) - Harem Holiday (Vocal Replacement Of 2096 / Unedited Master) - Go East, Young Man (Track: Take 2097 - 2098) - Go East, Young Man (Track: Take 2099) - Go East, Young Man (Vocal Overdub To Take 2099 / Master) - Mirage (Track: Take 2100 - 2104) - Mirage (Vocal Overdub To 2104 / Master).

Original 1965 Stereo Album Masters: Harem Holiday - My Desert Serenade - Go East, Young Man - Mirage - Kismet - Shake That Tambourine - Hey Little Girl - Golden Coins - So Close, Yet So Far (From Paradise) - Animal Instinct - Wisdom Of The Ages.

Regarding the tracklisting, the Elvis Information Network noted: This  sessions set includes 30 previously unreleased Outtakes of 'Shake That Tambourine', 6 new outtakes of 'My Desert Serenade', 4 new (previously available on bootleg) of 'Wisdom Of The Ages', 4 new (previously available on bootleg) 'Kismet', 1 of 'Hey Little Girl', 12 unreleased 'Golden Coins' Outtakes and one  of 'Animal Instinct'. The vast majority of these Outtakes are, of course, False Starts. 

Additionally, the set contains the backing tracks for 'Go East, Young Man' and 'Mirage'.

The new set is available for pre-order from the >>> ElvisMatters webshop.

(Pascal Matteo / Now Dig This / Elvis Information Network / Pascal Matteo / Memphis Mansion)

May 19 - Elvis Site Off-line (Updated)

Many fans were inconvenienced this weekend because some key Elvis websites were inaccessible: the For Elvis Collector's website and Forum, the Phoenix Elvis Forum, Keith Flynn's Elvis site and the London Elvis shop.

The server hosting these sites has been compromised due to "external infringement", but webmaster Jordan Richie hopes the make the sites available within a week in the worst case scenario.

Update: Keith's Elvis Pages are available again at a new url >>> www.keithflynn.uk. Please update your bookmarks and feel free to share this new link with others who may be looking for it. All content has been safely moved over.

The webmaster of the For Elvis CD Collectors Only website and forum informed visitors that they are working on building a new and improved version.

Teaser

Director Baz Luhrmann has Elvis on his mind as he revealed a never-before-seen color photograph of Elvis Presley, showcasing him in his iconic gold lamé jacket, likely from his historic concert on November 10, 1957, at Honolulu Stadium in Hawaii.

The event drew over 14,000 enthusiastic fans as Elvis performed twice that day, at 3:00 PM and 8:15 PM, dressed in his signature golden jacket, black shirt, and black trousers. He was joined on stage by his band and vocal group The Jordanaires.

Luhrmann posted on Facebook: "Staring at this screen day and night, can't wait to share it with you!!"

(Source: Jordan Richie / Baz Luhrmann)

May 17 - Norwegian Vinyl

The two debut releases on Erik Lorentzen's new TCB Records record label are finally being pressed according to pictures found on Facebook. 

The albums were first announced almost 10 months ago, but still have May 2025 as the release date on Lorenzen's website. Part of the delay was caused by the bankruptcy of the pressing plant.

Live in Concert - March 16th and 17th 1974 Mid-South Coliseum' and 'Live in Concert - March 14th and 19th 1974 Murfreesboro' contain newly created Stereo mixes of these concerts, pressed on black, white and blue splattered vinyl, housed in two separate sleeves per title, with and additional 45 RPM bonus single.

(Source: Patrick Van de Walle on Facebook)

May 17 - Charts May 2025 - Week 3 (Updated)

Elvis seems to have found his way up the charts again in the United Kingdom, but he is still not back on the U.S. Billboard charts.

The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation won one spot on the Official Album chart this week, climbing to No. 61. The album gained four places on the countries' Streaming Album chart and climbed to No. 50. 

Last week the 'Elvis at the Movies' DVD-set re-entered the Music DVD chart at No. 34, replacing 'Elvis - The King of Rock and Roll' DVD which fell off the chart. This week it is the other way around with 'Elvis at the Movies' made another re-entry at No. 36 on the chart, replacing 'Elvis - The King of Rock and Roll'. 

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

May 16 - Jailhouse Rock

The warden threw a party in the county jail, and you’re all invited! The Danish Memphis Mansion record label released the LP 'Jailhouse Rock'. 

You can listen to a preview and interview with Anthony Stuchbury on Matt Shepherd's >>> Golden Years radio show.

Publicity stated: Based on the original South African release, the only place in the world that released a 'Jailhouse Rock' long playing 33 RPM album in 1958, this new Memphis Mansion LP pays tribute to that classic album. 

This 2025 edition comes on red colored vinyl (300 copies) and transparent pink marble colored vinyl (100 copies), housed in a gatefold sleeve, and features newly created Stereo Mixes by Anthony Stuchbury of the original tracks and several bonus tracks, including the Stereo debut of the movie version of ‘Treat Me Nice’. This LP is limited to 300 copies worldwide. The label also has a small number of "test pressings" available for fans, on black, on transparent pink marble and translucent yellow colored vinyl. 

Tracks side A: Jailhouse Rock / Young and Beautiful / I Want To Be Free / Baby I Don't Care / Don't Leave Me Now / Treat Me Nice.

Side B: I Beg of You / Don't / Playing For Keeps / Shake, Rattle and Roll / Good Rockin' Tonight / I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine / Treat Me Nice (Bonus Movie Stereo Version).

The album is available soon from the >>> Memphis Mansion webshop. For the test-pressings you can contact producer Henrik Knudsen by >>> mail. 

Anthony Stuchbury posted on Facebook: "Throughout Elvis’ career you’d see Colonel Parker using phrases like ‘By Request’ and ‘By Popular Demand!’ 

With that it mind I’m going to explain that I’ve recently completed a couple of projects that I had no intention of moving forward with, until now.

People have asked, people have pestered, so there is clearly a demand for them. So, now, by request and by popular demand, here is the first of them."

(Source: Henrik Knudsen / Anthony Stuchbury)