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.

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 Rick 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)

May 15 - Fans and Fences

Graceland erected a new fence around the Official Historic Marker outside Graceland to prevent vandalism (by fans). The marker tells the story of Elvis Presley and his estate, and is part of a network of historic plaques across Memphis, highlighting sites of local and national significance.

The fence serves one clear purpose: preventing vandalism. Over the years, despite the marker’s historical and informational value, some fans have covered it with names, messages, and other writings, much like the longstanding tradition of signing the Graceland wall itself. However, the marker was never intended to be defaced.

Earlier attempts to protect it included placing a plexiglass shield in front of the board, but that did little to deter persistent fans from leaving their marks. As a result, the marker frequently appeared cluttered with graffiti, treated in a way many would deem disrespectful. Though it undergoes professional cleaning several times a year, the effects are always temporary.

The 'Elvis Aaron Presley' marker '4E 77' was put there by the Shelby Council Tennessee Historical Commission.

It states: "Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935, the son of Vernon and Gladys Presley. He moved to Memphis in 1948. Soon after signing a contract with Sun Records in 1954 he achieved tremendous popularity. His musical and acting career in records, movies, television, and concerts made him one of the most successful and outstanding entertainers in the world. He died on August 16, 1977, and is buried here at his Memphis home, Graceland."

Note: The new fence is a fixture to the iconic wall, next to the world-famous Music Gates, taking away some of the original appearance of the famous wall. Wouldn't it have been much simpler to place the historical marker behind the wall? 

(Source: Various)

May 12 - Delayed

The Follow That Dream collectors label have announced that the upcoming release of 'Girl Happy' Special Vinyl Edition' has been delayed due to "production issues." This is the second delay for this album.

This delay also affects the 2025 re-issues of 'Elvis: The Last Tours Vol. 1' and 'The Blue Hawaii Sessions'.

The release date for all three titles has now been bumped to June 2025. The 'Elvis ’57: The Final Fifties Tours' deluxe book will be published first.

The 'Girl Happy' 2-LP set can be pre-ordered from the >>> Elvis Matters webshop here.

The 'Elvis ’57: The Final Fifties Tours' book can be pre-ordered from the >>> Elvis Matters webshop here. 

(FTD / Elvis Information Network)

May 10 - Charts May 2025 - Week 2 (Updated)

At the start of the new month Elvis dropped on the main album U.K. charts, but debuts on the Independent album chart. He is still not back on the U.S. Billboard charts.

The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation recovered from last week's loss and climbed 3 places to No. 62. on the Official Album chart. On the Streaming Album chart the album won 1 spot and climbed to No. 54.

The 'Elvis at the Houston Astrodome' album dropped off the Independent Album chart after last week's debut at No. 50.

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 again after last week's reentry at No. 34. 

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

May 10 - Lonely Blue Boy From Italy

The Satnin Music record label released the CD 'Lonely Blue Boy' as a "Bennies Fifties Exclusive".  

Tracks on the CD: Danny (Acetate, With Count-In) - Turtles, Berries And Gumbo (Full Version, Blanche Thomas On “Turtles”) - King Creole (Main Title - Instrumental With Orchestra) - Crawfish (Elvis & Kitty White - Full Version Without Fadeout /Alternative Mix) - Hard Headed Woman (Slate / Take 10 - Master) - Trouble (Slate / Take 5 - Master) - New Orleans (Slate / Take 5 - Master) - King Creole (Slate / Take 18 - First Version) - Dixieland Rock (Slate / Take 14 - Master) - King Creole (Slate / Take 13 - Revised Version) - Lover Doll (Take 7 - Undubbed / Unedited Master) - As Long As I Have You (Take 10 - Master) - Young Dreams (Take 8 - Master) - Don’t Ask Me Why (Take 12 - Master) - Steadfast Loyal And True (Slate / Take 16)

Bonus Songs: Danny (Demo) - Lonely Blue Boy (Conway Twitty) - Danny (Saint Louis) - Teenage Radio Spot

The CD is available exclusively from the >>> Bennies Fifties webshop.

Italian Update

Marco Durzu updated the English and Italian editions of his book 'Elvis Presley Songs' to version 1.5. 

The book presents an alphabetically ordered list of 998 songs associated with Elvis Presley. Songs he recorded, performed, or rehearsed between 1944 and 1977.

In addition to confirmed recordings, the list features songs rumored to have been rehearsed or recorded by Elvis, as well as those intended for his August 1977 tour. It also includes performances by members of his band and backing vocalists, such as Kathy Westmoreland, Sherrill Nielsen, The Stamps Quartet, and Voice, at concerts and rehearsals from 1968 to 1977.

(Source: Jaap Melessen / Elvis Information Network

Review From Florida to Hawaii

Following RCA’s ‘Summer Vacation Special’ marketing, the French RDM-Edition released the Spring compilation 'From Florida To Hawaii' featuring music from the upbeat ‘Follow That Dream’ and ‘Girls! Girls! Girls!’ soundtrack albums. Is it a good teaser for Summer 2025?

 

Piers Beagley of the >>> Elvis Information Network, and Elvis Day By Day’s Kees Mouwen got together from Australia and The Netherlands, to discuss what makes this 2025 remaster of these two soundtracks worth buying. 
 
Piers: There is an explanation as to why so many of Elvis’ movie soundtracks lacked real production values.
 
The easiest way to produce film soundtracks with the early sixties 3-track tape recorders was to record the musicians on the left channel, Elvis’ vocal center channel, and backing vocals on the right channel. For the film studios there was always the orchestra, as well as “crowd interactions” to be overdubbed to create the final cinema soundtrack so it was much easier for Paramount (or MGM) to fade down the musicians, or the backing vocals as required if they were isolated on three separate channels. 
 
However to cut a properly balanced RCA stereo soundtrack LP it would make more sense to spread the various musicians across the whole stereo spectrum. Elvis’ wonderful Nashville 1960 stereo recordings by Bill Porter for the ‘Elvis Is Back’ sessions demonstrated how well Elvis’ music could be produced for stereo release. There were even some stereo 45 RPMs released at the time. 
 
So for Elvis’ movie productions it would have been far better to record on one 3-track tape recorder with isolated musicians for Paramount production, and on a second three-track tape recorder for a properly mixed stereo RCA release.
 
However this was not the case for Elvis' movie soundtracks where Col Parker saved money by making the movie studios pay for the recording sessions. It would only be afterwards that MGM or Paramount would then hand-over their soundtrack tapes to RCA to be finalized for album release. 
 
This is also why so many of Elvis’ soundtrack session tapes have been lost since they were owned by the studios not by RCA. Adding to our woes, the tapes would often be lesser generation taped copies that were handed over to RCA making them sound even worse. 
 
Of course to create a quality RCA Master, Parker would have had to pay extra for Bill Porter to be present at the soundtrack sessions plus an extra tape-recorder and also double the magnetic tape. Cheapo Parker would never do that, for him it was always profit over quality. Thus we are left with all too many terribly mixed Elvis soundtrack releases.  The recent FTD ‘Girl Happy Sessions’ demonstrated what a terrible job MGM did in recording Elvis’ soundtrack session.
 
On this RDM-Edition release Anthony Stuchbury has thankfully done his best to rectify Paramount’s poor production job on Elvis’ ‘Girls, Girls, Girls’ session.
 
Design
 

The picture for the cover is well chosen, it shows Elvis looking very relaxed and happy in his denim jeans while the delightfully colorful CD shows Elvis wondering if his dream of being a dramatic actor has already slipped away!
 
The liner notes by David Parker set the musical context for the songs and the versions that were released, and why they have been upgraded for this CD. 
 
Context
 
Elvis’ incredible workload at the time is explained: "Keep a-moving, move along" the opening lines to the title song of the Mirisch Company feature 'Follow That Dream' could easily have been Elvis Presley's mantra back in the early sixties. When Elvis started work on the film in July 1961, just 15 months had passed since his highly anticipated discharge from the U.S. Army back in March 1960, and during that time, he had already completed two Paramount musicals and two dramatic features for 20th Century Fox, released two soundtrack albums, two studio collections, his first long playing gospel title, and a host of smash hit single sides.
 
The Colonel's blueprint for Elvis' post army career had seen him make the seamless transition from “Rock and Roll rebel” to “all round family entertainer.” There is also a nod to the fact that while Elvis’ soundtracks initially did well in the charts (‘Girls, Girls, Girls’ out-sold ‘Pot Luck’) three movies a year was actually a lamentable plan.
 
“Hindsight tells us that the constant reliance on this tried and tested formula would ultimately lead to diminishing returns, whilst Elvis’ status as one of Rock and Roll’s prime movers would be all but lost until the filming of the NBC TV Special in 1968.”
 
 
Content Follow That Dream
 
Kees: In the past year, we have had various releases claiming to contain either the “original” ‘Follow That Dream’ Stereo Masters or newly created “True Living Stereo Mixes.” The first were quickly exposed as fake, the latter sounded great, but to these ears, have now been surpassed in audio presentation by the new Mono II Stereo mixes on this silver disc.

Although the MRS label vinyl/CD ‘Follow That Dream’ EP rightfully received a positive review, this new outing of the soundtrack music matches the authentic (Mono) sound we know from the available Stereo Outtakes. The songs simply sound more natural compared to the MRS edition. 
 
Piers: In the case of the ‘Follow That Dream’ Bill Porter July 1961 Nashville session the problem is that the well-recorded stereo ‘Masters’ were cut out of the session tapes and lost. For these tracks Anthony Stuchbury has cleverly matched the musicians’ placement to the original ‘Follow That Dream’ session tapes. I particularly enjoyed hearing Bob Moore’s defined bouncy double-bass lines and Hank Garland’s guitar work in this stereo mix.
 
For me when comparing the MRS and RDM versions I think the bristling clear percussion of the MRS version reminds me of my sixties 45rpms whereas the RDM version is subtler, sounding more similar to an original album release.  
 
Kees: Stuchbury has also managed to create a clear separation between the drum kit in the middle and the other instruments on the left, which allows the Jordanaires on the right to shine beautifully. Listen to ‘Sound Advice’ and ‘I Don’t Wanna Be Tied’ and you will hear the guitar on the right instead of the middle, where they should be, and as they are on this new CD.
 
Content Girls! Girls! Girls!
 
Piers: The original FTD classic soundtrack release back in 2007 actually disappointed me a little because there were so few lost outtakes found and the masters were still the same rather flat stereo-mix. Musicians left, Elvis center, backing-vocals right. Like many I had been hoping for better sounding ‘Return To Sender’, ‘Girls! Girls! Girls!’ and ‘Because Of Love’ outtakes.
 
But while RDM-Edition record label have no outtakes of these songs on offer, there is a real joy in at last hearing this album in stunning 2025 remastered stereo.
 

Although the material supplied was very movie-orientated the musicians including Barney Kessel and Tiny Timbrell on guitar, Ray Siegel on bass plus Hal Blaine on percussion were star Hollywood performers who, on the original release, were all mixed down onto the one audio channel. Not forgetting the other musicians Scotty Moore, D.J. Fontana, Bernie Mattinson, Dudley Brooks and Boots Randolph.
 
Kees: ‘Girls! Girls! Girls!’ was originally released in both Mono and Stereo. Many of the releases we have come to accept as “original”, were actually shaped by the technical limitations or creative decisions of the time. These choices were made by the artist, the producer, or the engineer, all aiming for a specific sound. 
 
Updating the mix for 2025 Stuchbury has used his skills and the craftsmanship familiar from his previous 50’s work. The rhythm section is now placed behind Elvis, resulting in a balanced and immersive audio presentation in which the drums serve as the foundation for the other instruments supporting the vocals.
 
Piers: And what joy it is as ‘Girls! Girls! Girls!’ is an immediate blast. Hal Blaine’s tight percussion kicks off in the center while the dual guitars of Barney Kessel and Tiny Timbrell are nice and clear on the left channel. Listen to the middle-break with Blaine’s tight cymbals driving Boots Randolph’s sax solo (right) and lovely clear Ray Siegel bass and guitars. This section was always rather flat on the album whereas now Hal Blaine’s snare riff really flashes.
 
And this is the case with most of the album. By separating out the rhythm section to fill the center along with Elvis’ lead vocal it opens up the left and right channels for the other musicians who were previously blended together.
 
‘I Don’t Wanna Be Tied’ similarly has a better hard-focused rhythm section and the mix also elevates Dudley Brooks’ lovely rolling piano (right channel) and there’s some fabulous tic-tac guitar groove going on that I had never noticed before (check at 0:45). While I always considered this song a typical “movie faux-rocker” there’s more going on from the musicians than I had originally thought.
 
Another joy of hearing these new “Stereo” mixes is when they allow you to spot mistakes you’ve never noticed before. Here when the band stops (at 1:48) for the “blues ending”, you can now easily hear Dudley Brooks accidentally keep going for a couple of notes! This was obviously not bad enough to warrant another take but it’s these little discoveries that make these newly updated remasters so enjoyable.
 
‘Where Do You Come From’ sounds beautiful with Elvis’ vocal neatly focused (as if he is singing in your ear) plus delightful Ray Siegel bass-work.
 
‘I Don’t Want To’ was previously a rather muddy mix whereas here (guitars left, piano right, rhythm center middle) all the players are no longer hidden. The percussion, acoustic guitar and piano, which were all lost in the original mix, are now clear.
 
‘We’ll Be Together’ this was a fascinating Spanish-influenced track that was added to the soundtrack after ‘Mama’ (also composed by Charles O'Curran / Dudley Brooks) was not considered strong enough for release. It was recorded in May 1962, two months after the main session. The backing-vocals by The Amigos were oddly placed left channel on the original version whereas now they are right-channel with the dueling flamenco guitars sounding brilliant. Elvis sings in Spanish on the chorus and rather well too! I for one would have been happy if they had dumped the rather routine ‘World’s Fair’ movie that followed and gone straight to ‘Fun In Acapulco.’ 
 
The old-fashioned ‘A Boy Like Me’ benefits from the clarity of the percussion (celeste, chimes and bongos) and power of Elvis’ vocal but it was always soundtrack-filler. ‘
 
‘Earth Boy’ required for the “Chinese” section of the movie sounds very odd 62 years later when we hear Elvis singing a bad Chin-glish lyric. This stereo mix however gives you a chance to enjoy the walking-bass and odd oriental percussion.
 
Kees: You are right that in today's world composers wouldn't write lyrics as heard on 'Earth Boy' and ... and let's be honest, while possibly acceptable in 1962 they sound ridiculous now. And even in a movie about Elvis as fisherman, what is it with him singing songs about shrimps all in his movies?!?
 
The fabulous ‘Return To Sender’ remix had been posted on YouTube so we knew how good this would sound. Fans can thank God for Elvis mono singles as the stereo album mix was appallingly weak with all the musicians mixed to the left channel. Now the centered rhythm section really drives the song with a really tight Hal Blaine percussion and a deep Ray Siegel bass. Boots Randolph’s sax is left channel with subtle Tiny Timbrell guitar on the right channel. It all sounds so smooth and with the required stereo punch.
 
Kees: It’s notable that in some cases Stuchbury diverged from the general mix to create a more balanced sound, for instance on ‘Return To Sender’ where Boots Randolph’s saxophone can now be heard on the left. Moving that instrument to the middle or right side would have left the left channel uncomfortably empty. This is the kind of nuanced decision-making involved in creating a pleasant and well-balanced listening experience. While some of this is certainly subjective, I for one, think these mixes really work. 
 
‘Because Of Love’ remix benefits from the delightful driving bass-line while Elvis’ vocal is so clear, soaring above as the Jordanaires harmonies. U.K. rocker Billy Fury spent a day on the set of Girls! Girls! Girls! and sneakily decided to record his own version of ‘Because of Love’ which would become a Top 20 UK single before Elvis’ album was even released! 
 

While not strong enough for a classic Elvis ‘A-Side’ ‘Because Of Love’, with its Latino feel, was far better than the usual soundtrack filler. Composer Ruth Batchelor also supplied Elvis with ‘King of the Whole Wide World’, ‘Thanks to the Rolling Sea’ and ‘Where Do You Come From?’.
 
With the soundtrack already having a Latino and Chinese inspiration ‘Thanks to the Rolling Sea’ then added the Sea-Shanty ambiance. A lesser album-filler, this version really benefits from the boosted centered percussion and clear guitars.
 
‘Song Of The Shrimp’ while often flagged as one of Elvis’ worst soundtrack songs, on this RDM release with the calypso vibe nicely emphasized with the bongos, clap-sticks and marimba no longer compressed onto the one left channel, it is actually quite fun.
 
‘The Walls Have Ears’ was previously released with all the instruments compressed onto the left channel, but sounds much better now with centered percussion, very fine Spanish guitar work and clicking castanets. Take 12 was the Master and even with the trite lyrics Elvis sounds far more involved than you would imagine... “So come on baby... Don’t fight tonight, just dim the lights.”
 
‘We’re Coming In Loaded’ building up from the delightful boat-engine bass-riff this lightweight song has a surprisingly fine gospel feel. Written by the great Otis Blackwell / Winfield Scott it’s a shame that it runs only 90 seconds. Elvis sounds committed and with the percussion and tambourine nicely centered and funky guitar left channel, this new mix has an ever better groove emphasizing the Jordanaires call and response. A delight.
 
Kees: I rarely hear anything strange on these new mixes but here the instruments sound louder when the backing vocals join in. On checking the original version I realized that this change in volume was also present. Still, I wouldn't have minded a small correction on this new mix as it doesn’t sound quite right.
 
 
The last ‘bonus track’ is a previously unreleased recording of the Dainty Little Moonbeams End Title. This version includes a female harmony not heard before. It runs 2.20 compared to the FTD alternate release of 1.57 and includes two extra choruses that were edited out of the final cut. A lovely bonus for collectors.  
 
Kees: Listen to it closely and you will hear tape splices - present in the original source provided by Keith Flynn - which were actually used in the film.   
 
Conclusion
 
Once again RDM have released a real collectable and fun summer compilation featuring remixes of two previously dull soundtrack releases in a new updated Stereo audio mix.
 
The concept of creating a more colorful presentation within the stereo spectrum is more than an audible improvement. This may very well be the next step in presenting Elvis’ music in a new – and for the purists among us, alternative – way.
 
RCA have similarly been doing recent “remixes” with the Nashville sessions and MEMPHIS box-sets that go back to how Elvis recorded them in the studio. However on this release Anthony Stuchbury has kept to the original recordings as they were released back in the day, and purely opened up the dull mono/Paramount mixes to create new STEREO versions that really sparkle. We have moved from Mono to Stereo to Stereo Remixing, with A.I. and craftsmanship breathing new life into Elvis’ music.
 
We can see why this set was quickly Sold Out and immediately re-printed as it is an audible delight and includes the dynamic mixes that Cheapo Parker, or RCA , should have no doubt paid for in the first place.  

    
The CD is available from the >>> Bennies Fifties webshop. Go >>> here to RDM to order only 16.20€ (with 40% off) and check the STEREO audio samples.

May 09 - The Eternal Flame at 10550 Rocca Place

The Petticoat Records import record label released the Limited Edition LP 'As Recorded at 10550 Rocca Place, Bel Air California'.

Publicity stated: Petticoat Records is back! This time with a fantastic vinyl album full of Home- recordings recorded early 1966 at his rented mansion in California.

This high-quality album features 20 of these homerecordings. The complete available recordings are available on the Bonus CD . The most renowned recording made at Rocca Place is undoubtedly 'Suppose'. Elvis and Charlie Hodge's home recording served as the foundation for the bonus track released on the 'Speedway' album in 1968.

This is the ultimate fly on the wall experience. It’s a pleasure to listen to Elvis having fun with his friends at his newly rented home in Bel Air California. Most tracks debut on this Deluxe Vinyl Edition.

This album comes on high quality 180 Gr. clear and purple colored virgin vinyl, and as always, housed in a stunning full-color sleeve suitable for framing! Of course a Bonus CD featuring all tracks is included.

Side A - All tracks recorded early 1966, featuring: Elvis Presley, Red West, Charlie Hodge & friends

01. After Loving You / 02. Show Me Thy Ways, O’ Lord / 03. Tumbling Tumbleweeds / 04. San Antonio Rose / 05. Tennessee Waltz / 06. Tennessee Waltz #2 / 07. I’ve Been Blue / 08. Mary Lou Brown / 09. Blue Hawaii / 10. Oh How I Love Jesus / To Me, It’s So Wonderful / 11. Write To Me From Naples

Side B: 01. My Heart Cries For You / 02. Dark Moon / 03. Indescribably Blue / 04. What Now My Love #2 / 05. 500 Hundred Miles / 06. 500 Hundred Miles #2 / 07. Blowin’ In The Wind #2 / 08. Suppose #1 / 09. Suppose #2

CD -  All tracks recorded early 1966, featuring: Elvis Presley. Red West, Charlie Hodge and others:

01. After Loving You / 02. All My Love, All My Life (excerpt) - If I Loved You / 03. Show Me Thy Ways, O’ Lord / 04. Tumbling Tumbleweeds / 05. Hide Thou Me / 06, Hide Thou Me #2 / 07. It’s No Fun Being Lonely / 08. San Antonio Rose / 09. Tennessee Waltz / 10. Tennessee Waltz #2 / 11. I’ve Been Blue / 12. Mary Lou Brown / 13. Blue Hawaii / 14. Moonlight Sonata / 15. Oh How I Love Jesus - To Me, It’s So Wonderful / 16. Oh How I Love Jesus - To Me, It’s So Wonderful #2 / 17. I, John

Recorded on another occasion in 1966, featuring: Elvis Presley, Red West and Charlie Hodge:

18. Write To Me From Naples / 19. My Heart Cries For You / 20. Dark Moon / 21. Dark Moon #2 / 

Recorded on  another occasion in 1966, featuring: Elvis Presley and various friends:

22. Indescribably Blue / 23. Fools Rush In / 24. It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie / 25. What Now My Love / 

26. What Now My Love #2 / 27. 500 Hundred Miles / 28. 500 Hundred Miles #2 / 29. Blowin’ In The Wind #1 / 30. Blowin’ In The Wind #2 / 31. Suppose #1 / 32. Suppose #2

Bonus song: 33. My Heart Cries For You (original complete version). 

Eternal Flame

An unknown import record label released the Limited Edition 2-LP / CD package 'Eternal Flame'. 

Publicity stated: Out now is the double LP set called 'Eternal Flame'. It features the October 20, 1976 performance, as recorded at the Notre Dame University Athlectic and Convention Center in South Bend Indiana. Carefully remastered for maximum listening pleasure. This recording is of exceptionally high quality. 

This Deluxe double LP is packed in a gorgeous gatefold cover and is available in yellow and orange 180 Gr. vinyl. The additional bonus CD features the same concert. 

Side A: 01. Also Sprach Zarathustra / 02. See See Rider / 03. I Got A Woman - Amen / 04. Love Me / 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) / 06. You Gave Me A Mountain / 07. Jailhouse Rock

Side B: 01. Help Me / 02. All Shook Up / 03. Teddy Bear - Don't Be Cruel / 04. And I Love You So / 

05. Fever / 06. Steamroller Blues / 07. Band Introductions / 08. Early Mornin’ Rain - John Wilkinson introduction / 09. What'd I Say - James Burton introduction / 10. Johnny B. Goode / 11. Ronnie Tutt Drum Solo.

Side C: 01. Jerry Scheff Bass Solo / 02. Tony Brown Piano Solo / 03. Love Letters - David Briggs introduction / 04. School Day - Joe Guercio introduction / 05. Hurt (with reprise) / 06. Hound Dog / 07. Funny How Time Slips Away / 08. Little Darlin’ / 09. Can't Help Falling In Love / 10. Closing Vamp

11. Elvis Has Left The Building - Announcements

Side D - Bonus Tracks - November 25, 1976 - University of Oregon McArthur Court, Eugene, Oregon:

01. It’s Now Or Never

02. America

03. Mystery Train / Tiger Man

November 27, 1976 - University of Oregon McArthur Court, Eugene, Oregon:

04. Love Me Tender

05. Steamroller Blues

November 30, 1976 - Convention Center, Anaheim, California:

06. Bridge Over Troubled Water

07. Polk Salad Annie

CD: 01. Also Sprach Zarathustra / 02. See See Rider / 03. I Got A Woman / Amen / 04. Love Me / 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) / 06. You Gave Me A Mountain / 07. Jailhouse Rock / 08. Help Me / 09. All Shook Up / 10. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel / 11. And I Love You So / 12. Fever / 13. Steamroller Blues / 14. Band Introductions / 15. Early Mornin’ Rain / John Wilkinson introduction / 16. What'd I Say / James Burton introduction / 17. Johnny B. Goode / 18. Ronnie Tutt Drum Solo / 19. Jerry Scheff Bass Solo / 20. Tony Brown Piano Solo / 21. Love Letters / David Briggs introduction / 22. School Day / Joe Guercio introduction / 23. Hurt (with reprise) / 24. Hound Dog / 25. Funny How Time Slips Away / 26. Little Darlin’ / 27. Can't Help Falling In Love / 28. Closing Vamp / 29. Elvis Has Left The Building / announcements.

Bonus November 25, 1976 - University of Oregon McArthur Court, Eugene, Oregon: 30. It’s Now Or Never / 31. America / 32. Mystery Train / Tiger Man / November 27, 1976 - University of Oregon McArthur Court, Eugene, Oregon: 33. Love Me Tender / 34. Steamroller Blues / November 30, 1976 - Convention Center, Anaheim, California 35. Bridge Over Troubled Water / 36. Polk Salad Annie.

Platinum

The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' was certified 8 x Platinum in the United Kingdom by the British Phonographic Industry for selling over 4,8 million copies (streams plus digital downloads plus physical sales) since its release on September 23, 2002. 

Japanese Vinyl From France

Following the success of the 'Golden Record', the French V.P.I. record label re-issued  the ultra-rare Japanese 10-inch of 'Love Me Tender' (LS-548). 

Publicity stated: Originally released in 1957 by Victor in Japan, this record is one of the rarest 10-inch LPs ever produced, and highly sought after by collectors worldwide. 

This new edition, limited to 1,000 copies, retains all the elegance of the original while adding an extra touch of exclusivity: a Double Split Vinyl in transparent red and silver, offering a unique and refined presentation. 

The LP is available from the >>> Culture Factory webshop.

(Source: Pascal Matteo / Phoenix Elvis Forum / B.P.I.)

May 08 - Summer Festival - Reflections of '71

The Stage Recordings import record label released volume 4 in their 'Summer Festival: Reflections of '71', containing three Audience recorded live shows from August 1971.

Publicity stated: Volume 3 of the 'Summer Festival' series featured 3 rockin' shows from his Summer Festival season in Las Vegas, August 1971.  This follow up contains 3 more rockin' shows from the very same season. 

This set contains many highlights like Perry Como’s ‘It’s Impossible’ and Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ to beautiful renditions of songs like ‘I'm Leavin’, ‘Proud Mary’ and ‘Suspicious Minds’. Neil Diamond's 'Sweet Caroline' became an almost steady on the setlist during this August season, but did not return on the setlist in 1972. 

Especially knowing no soundboard recordings have yet surfaced, these audience recorded shows are all we are able to enjoy.  A total of 3 shows are included in this set.  All recordings have been painstakingly remastered and repaired.

August 23, 1971 Dinner Show - Las Vegas Hilton Las Vegas, Nevada:

01. Also Sprach Zarathustra

02. That’s All Right

03. Proud Mary

04. I Got A Woman/Amen

05. Sweet Caroline

06. Polk Salad Annie

07. Johnny B. Goode

08. It’s Impossible

09. Love Me

10. Blue Suede Shoes - Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On

11. Heartbreak Hotel

12. Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel

13. Talking About The Steve Allen Show

14. Hound Dog

15. Love Me Tender

16. Suspicious Minds

17. Band Introductions (incomplete)

18. I’m Leavin’

19. Lawdy Miss Clawdy

20. Can’t Help Falling In Love

21. Closing Vamp

August 23, 1971 - Midnight Show - Las Vegas Hilton Las Vegas, Nevada

01. That’s All Right

02. I Got A Woman/Amen

03. Proud Mary

04. Sweet Caroline

05. Polk Salad Annie

06. Johnny B. Goode

07. It’s Impossible

08. Love Me

09. Blue Suede Shoes - Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On

10. Heartbreak Hotel

11. Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel

12. Talking About Ed Sullivan

13. Hound Dog

14. Love Me Tender

15. Bridge Over Troubled Water

16. Band Introductions

17. I’m Leavin’

18. Suspicious Minds

19. Introductions 

20. Lawdy Miss Clawdy

21. Can’t Help Falling In Love

August 24, 1971 Dinner Show - Las Vegas Hilton Las Vegas, Nevada

01. Also Sprach Zarathustra

02. That’s All Right

03. Proud Mary

04. Sweet Caroline

05. Polk Salad Annie

06. Intermezzo

07. Johnny B. Goode

08. It’s Impossible

09. Love Me

10. Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On

11. Heartbreak Hotel

12. Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel

13. Talking About Ed Sullivan

14. Hound Dog

15. Love Me Tender

16. I’m Leavin’

17. Suspicious Minds

18. Band Introductions

19. Mystery Train/Tiger Man

20. Can’t Help Falling In Love

21. Closing Vamp

Hits In Red from Germany

The Magic on Vinyl record label will re-issue their 'Hits In Red' compilation LP on 180 Gr. red colored vinyl and their 'G.I. In Germany' compilation on marble colored vinyl. 

Tracks 'Elvis In Red': Jailhouse Rock / Hard Headed Woman / Hound Dog / Don't Be Cruel / (Now and Then There's) A Fool Such As I / Stuck On You / Return To Sender / (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame / Good Luck Charm / Can't Help Falling In Love / It's Now Or Never / One Night / Are You Lonesome Tonight / Don't / Heartbreak Hotel / Love Me Tender / Surrender / She's Not You.

Tracks 'G.I. in Germany': Arrival In Friedberg Germany / Wooden Heart / Frankfort Special / Tonight Is So Right For Love / Blue Suede Shoes / Jailhouse Rock / Tutti Frutti / A Big Hunk O' Love / Don't / She's Not You / Good Luck Charm / G.I. Blues / My Wish Came True / Fool Such As I / No More (La Paloma) / I Need Your Love Tonight / What's She Really Like / Return To Sender / Stuck On You / Surrender / Spanish Eyes (Bonus track). 

Charlotte Coliseum

The Homespun record label will release the CD 'Charlotte Coliseum' on June 6, 2025. 

Description: Step back into the spotlight of Elvis Presley's legendary final tour with this rare and electrifying live performance from the Charlotte Coliseum. Recorded on February 21st, 1977, this show captures The King of Rock and Roll in one of his most passionate and vocally compelling appearances of the year.

Despite the toll of the late '70s, Elvis delivered a performance filled with raw emotion, vocal power, and heartfelt moments. From early rock classics and heartfelt ballads to soaring gospel numbers, this setlist is a masterclass in musical range and stage presence. Highlights include the stirring 'My Way', the bluesy swagger of 'Reconsider Baby', and the intimate 'Unchained Melody', performed from the piano. 

The audio was remastered from the original WBXT-FM broadcast.

Note: the reference to the WBXT broadcast is fake, trying to use a legal loophole in EU copyright legislation to release the concert recording "legally", as there never was a broadcast of this concert. 

Bubba Ho-Tep

The Waxwork Records is thrilled to announce the May 23, 2025 release of the Original Motion Picture soundtrack of 'Bubba Ho-Tep' as a Deluxe Album on Egyptian Sand and Silver swirl colored vinyl. The soundtrack comes housed in a heavyweight gatefold packaging, with new artwork by J.J. Harrison, and a with Matte Satin Coating 11 x 11 inch art print insert.

'Bubba Ho-Tep' is a 2002 American Comedy Horror film written, co-produced, and directed by Don Coscarelli (Phantasm). It stars Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead 1 & 2, Army of Darkness) as Sebastian Haff, a man residing in a nursing home who claims to be the real Elvis Presley. The film also stars Ossie Davis as Jack, a black man who claims to be John F. Kennedy.

While the novella of the same name by Joe R. Lansdale and the film revolve around an ancient Egyptian mummy terrorizing a retirement home, Bubba Ho-Tep also deals with the deeper theme of aging, identity, mortality, and existentialism. The film also features a cameo by Reggie Bannister from Coscarelli's Phantasm series.

(Source: Pascal Matteo / Juno)