October 28 - Religion and Spirituality On Sunset Boulevard

Graphic biographer Paul Belard published his new 334-page paperback 'Elvis Religion and Spirituality - As Seen through His Possessions' through his Linden Press company.

Publicity stated: Early in his career, Elvis said: “I believe in the Bible. I believe that all good things come from God. I don’t believe I’d sing the way I do if God hadn’t wanted me to.” He considered that music was like a religion: “When you experience them both, it should move you.” His devotion to music associated with religion never wavered. He described Gospel music as “the purest thing there is on this earth.”

Elvis’ relationship to faith throughout his life was infinitely more complex. He was a multi-layered individual. His Pentecostal roots ran deep and he mostly identified himself as a Christian. However, in the mid-sixties and further on, he became more of a spiritual seeker, intent on exploring the teachings of various religions. He developed an interest in different ones, including his own Jewish heritage, which came from his mother Gladys’ side of the family. In his own words, “All I want is to know and experience God. I’m a searcher, that’s what I’m all about.”

The book is available from >>> Amazon (associate link). 

By Popular Demand

The ReelTrax import record label announced a vinyl version of their new, and already sold out a 'Heading Down To Sunset Boulevard' album.

Publicity stated: This time we are focused 100% on Elvis' legendary rehearsal for the “Summer Festival” engagement in 1974. Yes, it has been released before, but ... You won ́t believe your ears when you hear the sound quality on the new ReelTrax release! It is more than likely that you will enjoy listening to it more than ever before!

The August 16th, 1974 rehearsal, presented here has been carefully and newly mixed. Previous editions suffered from a problem where the music dropped to a very low volume whenever Elvis began singing. Using the latest state-of-the-art studio technology, we have worked to create a much more balanced recording that does justice to both the musicianship and Elvis’ performance. Each song has been carefully mixed for the best presentation.

The rehearsal has also been speed-corrected, as earlier releases ran far too slow. This important correction changes the whole rehearsal in the sense of that it does not sound any longer like a tired Elvis at work, and the band having gone to waste as soon as Elvis starts singing.

The LP will be available on black and on clear vinyl, 200 copes per color and can be pre-ordered from the >>> Bennies Fifties webshop.

Side A: 01. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) – Version 1 / 02. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) – Version 2 / 03. Promised Land – Version 1 / 04. Promised Land – Version 2

05. Down In The Alley – Version 1 06. Down In The Alley – Version 2 07. It's Midnight – Version 1

Side B: 01. It's Midnight – Version 2 / 02. Your Love's Been A Long Time Coming / 03. Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues / 04. Softly, As I Leave You – Version 1 / 05. Softly, As I Leave You – Version 2 / 06. I'm Leavin’ 

Side C: 01. I ́m Leavin ́ (Reprise) / 02. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face / 

03. Proud Mary / 04. If You Talk In Your Sleep / 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) – Version 3

Side D: 01. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) – Version 4 / 02. The Twelfth Of Never / 

03. Faded Love / 04. Just Pretend / 05. The Twelfth Of Never (David Briggs overdub)

(Source: Paul Belard / ReelTrax)