September 10 - Tender Rockin' and Blackjack in Poland

The JAS Record Label released the CD 'Jailhouse Rock & Love Me Tender', a double feature presentation bringing together the soundtracks from two of Elvis Presley's most celebrated 1950s motion pictures.

Publicity stated: Continuing his acclaimed restoration work, Anthony Stuchbury has once again created outstanding new Stereo Masters from the original mono recordings, offering listeners a fresh perspective while remaining faithful to the integrity of these classic performances.

For collectors who appreciate the original recordings as they were first released, the original mono masters are also included, making this a definitive edition for both mono and stereo enthusiasts.

A particular highlight of this collection is the previously unreleased 'Love Me Tender – Undubbed End Title' available here for the very first time. The release also includes the Movie Version of 'Treat Me Nice' in Stereo, making its debut on CD, together with a beautifully produced full-colour eight-page booklet featuring notes and artwork that complement the music.

Whether you are discovering these classic recordings for the first time or adding another essential title to your Elvis collection, 'Jailhouse Rock & Love Me Tender' is a fitting tribute to Elvis’ early Hollywood years.

Original Mono Masters: Love Me Tender / We're Gonna Move / Let Me / Poor Boy / Love Me Tender – Overdubbed End Title / Jailhouse Rock / Young And Beautiful / I Want To Be Free / Don't Leave Me Now / (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care / Treat Me Nice.

New Stereo Masters: Love Me Tender / We're Gonna Move / Let Me / Poor Boy / Love Me Tender – Overdubbed End Title / Jailhouse Rock / Young And Beautiful / I Want To Be Free / Don't Leave Me Now / (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care / Treat Me Nice.

Special Bonus Tracks (Stereo): Love Me Tender – Undubbed End Title (Previously Unreleased) / Treat Me Nice – Movie Version (CD Debut).

The CD is limited to 300 copies and was produced by Anthony Stuchbury, the artwork was created by Rebel Designs. It is available exclusively in the U.K. from the >>> Official UK Elvis Presley Fan Club webshop and exclusively in the EU from Memphis Mansion.

Read the interview with recently did with >>> Anthony Stuchbury. 

Elvis - The King in Hollywood

Polish elvis author Mariusz Ogiegło published his book 'Elvis. Król (w) Hollywood 1956 - 1962' ('Elvis - The King in Hollywood 1956–1962')

Description: "All my life I wanted to be an actor. And although I never even performed in school plays, deep in my heart I always hoped that one day I would get the chance to appear in a film," Elvis Presley said in one interview.

The legendary King of Rock and Roll got his chance to fulfill this dream in 1956, when he was cast in the western 'Love Me Tender' alongside stars of the era's cinema such as Richard Egan and Debra Paget. Although Presley didn't receive the lead role, it was precisely his participation that drew crowds of fans to theaters and secured the production enormous financial success. 

Meanwhile, the title song stormed to the top of the most important charts and secured its place forever in the history of world popular music.

In the years that followed, Elvis Presley appeared in as many as thirty-one feature films. In the book 'Elvis. King (in) Hollywood 1956–1962' the author examines Presley's film career, showing the reader the path the singer traveled, from a fledgling actor dreaming of becoming James Dean's successor, to one of Hollywood's best-paid stars and... the hero of low-budget romantic comedies.

The e-book and physical versions can be ordered from the publisher’s website at >>> My book Poland.

Elvis - Blackjack Beat

The double LP / 2-CD-set 'Elvis - Blackjack Beat' featuring the September 1, 1971 Dinner and Midnight Show performances, as recorded in Las Vegas, has been released. It comes on 180 gram purple or black colored vinyl.

Publicity stated: Between the mega-years and before the comeback special lay a period that is far too rarely explored. With 'Elvis Blackjack Beat', you gain access for the first time to two complete, previously unreleased concerts: the Dinner Show and the Midnight Show from the International Hotel. This is not a "greatest hits" compilation, this is Elvis, unfiltered, raw and up close.

Why this edition is a must-have for every fan:

1. Two complete concerts, released for the first time. Experience both shows complete and uncut. From the first note to the final encore. You're sitting on the first row. You hear the jokes, the announcements, the magic between Elvis and his audience. Elvis hasn't been this intimate since the 1950s.

2. A rarity that makes history. A rare, extended performance of 'I Need Your Lovin' Everyday'. A song that Elvis only very rarely played live. For collectors, this is a sensation and one of the most important discoveries of recent years.

3. Sounds like never before. Both concerts have been meticulously remastered from the original master tapes. The result: new clarity, depth, and presence. You'll hear the TCB Band, the Sweet Inspirations, and Elvis' voice with a warmth and directness that catapults you right into the International Hotel in 1971.

4. The ultimate collector's set! This strictly Limited Edition is released as a double LP plus CD set. Choose between classic black or exclusive purple vinyl. Two CDs with both complete shows for on the go and at home. Unseen photos from this era in a Deluxe booklet. A glimpse behind the scenes of an often overlooked period.

Two shows, showing two facets of Elvis. The Dinner Show gives us a relaxed, playful, with plenty of humor while the Midnight Show offers an intense and powerful Elvis, the King at his best.  

'Elvis - Blackjack Beat' is more than a live album. It's a historical document. A rare glimpse into an artist at a turning point in his career, between showman and legend.

Note: the press release doesn't mention it, but these are most likely audience recorded concerts, the cover-art has been created with A.I.. 

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

(Source: JAS Records / Bennies Fifties)

September 05 - Mississippi Live

The Panther Record import record label announced the release of the double LP 'Mississippi Live - September 5, 1976' as a Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Deluxe Foldout Edition of 200 copies on clear and on black vinyl. 

Publicity stated: It was 50 years ago, late August 1976, Elvis Presley embarked on his seventh tour of the year (counting the Lake Tahoe residency in May). Unfortunately, he kicked off the tour with some highly questionable performances, most notably the show on August 28 in Houston, Texas. However, the quality improved slightly over the following days. 

Looking back now, it is truly astonishing that Elvis delivered such a magnificent performance in Jackson, Mississippi, on September 5, 1976. The show was captured as a soundboard recording that impressed in terms of audio quality, so much so that Joan Deary considered releasing it along with other highlights from 1976 as part of the now famous ''A Golden Celebration'' boxset (though that never happened). 

It would take more than 30 years for the recording to finally reach fans' CD players, yet little attention was paid to properly mastering the original tape. Panther Records has happily stepped in to handle this task, releasing this wonderful show as a high-quality double LP in a Deluxe foldout sleeve to mark the 50th anniversary of the concert. What can fans expect? A noticeably broader, clearer soundstage and a far more enjoyable listening experience. It makes it much more fun to enjoy the dynamic opening, featuring a top-notch rendition of 'See See Rider' (complete with a slightly different guitar solo from James Burton). 

Elvis’s enthusiasm and joy in performing come across even more vividly on vinyl than it did on CD. The show from September 5, 1976 is virtually flawless and culminates in a powerful version of the gospel song 'How Great Thou Art', in which Elvis once again proves himself a true vocal virtuoso. Side D of the double LP-set also holds a few bonus tracks with highlights from the later part of the tour. 

Side A: Also Sprach Zarathustra / See See Rider / I Got A Woman - Amen / Love Me / Fairytale / You Gave Me A Mountain/

Side B: All Shook Up / 2. Teddy Bear - Don't Be Cruel / And I Love You So / Jailhouse Rock / America The Beautiful (with reprise) / Introductions - Early Morning Rain / What'd I Say / Johnny B. Goode / Drum Solo (by Ronnie Tutt)

Side C: The Blues (Bass Solo by Jerry Scheff) / Battle of New Orleans (Bass solo by Jerry Scheff) / Piano solo (by Tony Brown) / Electric keyboard solo (by David Briggs) / Love Letters - Introductions Continued / Hurt / Hound Dog / Danny Boy (by Sherrill Nielsen) / That's All Right / Blue Christmas - Jingle Bells (instrumental)

Side D: How Great Thou Art / Can't Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp / Polk Salad Annie (September 6, 1976 - Afternoon Show) / One Night (September 8, 1976) / Why Me Lord (September 8, 1976) / Mystery Train - Tiger Man (September 8, 1976).

Elvis Sold Out - Book 1

The Brazilian fan club O Mundo De Elvis has published the book Portugese 'Elvis Sold Out - Book 1' by Waldenir Cecon.

The publicity announcement stated: With great pride, we announce the release of the book 'Elvis Sold Out – Book 1'. More than 14 years after the publication of the  first edition back in 2012, a great deal of new information has come to light, and hundreds of new CD releases featuring shows from Elvis' tours have been issued. So the time has come the give Brazilian and Portuguese-speaking fans a fully updated edition of one of our best-selling books.

'Elvis Sold Out - Book 1' comes with 498 pages and, besides data on every show Elvis performed on tour between 1970 and 1974 - such as the setlist sung at each show, audience numbers, the jumpsuit worn, and newspaper reviews from the time - it features more than 200 photos and over 170 CD covers containing shows from that period.

'Elvis Sold Out – Book 1' is a complete guide, already released in Brazil, covering Elvis's tours between 1970 and 1974. At the end of the year, 'Elvis Sold Out - Book 2' will be released, covering the tours from 1975 – 1977, bringing the total to more than 1,000 pages packed with information.

The book can be purchased in two versions: a color edition on glossy coated paper, or a black-and-white version on polén paper (a yellowish-toned paper).

(Source: email / Waldenir Cecon)

September 02 - I Found My Thrill In Vegas and NY

The Panther Records import record label announced the release of the double CD 'I Found My Thrill In Vegas'.

Publicity stated: The autumn of 1973 was a difficult time for Elvis. Health issues, likely exacerbated by his divorce from Priscilla, which was particularly painful for him, played a role in this. It is all the more remarkable, then, that he delivered such fantastic recording sessions at Memphis’s Stax Studio in December 1973.

This positive momentum continued during his Las Vegas residency in January and February 1974. Elvis’ shows during this period were characterized by high spirits and a genuine enthusiasm for performing. 

While there was somewhat less interaction with the audience between songs, this did not detract from the overall great quality of the concerts. Two truly outstanding performances took place on February 7, the Dinner and Midnight Shows. 

Although the dinner show appeared on CD seventeen years ago, the midnight show has never before been released on CD. We are therefore offering a previously unreleased show on this new double-CD set. As always with Panther Records, the recordings have been remastered using state-of-the-art technology and feature excellent, clear audience-sourced audio. 

Disc 1 – Dinner Show: See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Trying To Get To You - Sweet Caroline - Love Me Tender - Johnny B. Goode - Hound Dog - Fever - Polk Salad Annie - Killing Me Softly (The Voice) - Spanish Eyes - Why Me Lord* - Suspicious Minds** - Band Introductions - Blueberry Hill / I Can’t Stop Loving You - Help Me - An American Trilogy - Let Me Be There (With Reprise) - Can’t Help Falling In Love (*Taken from February 8th, 1974 M.S. / **Spliced with February 8th, 1974 M.S.)

 
Disc 2 – Midnight Show: Also Sprach Zarathustra* - See See Rider** - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Trying To Get To You - Sweet Caroline - Love Me Tender - Johnny B. Goode - Hound Dog - Fever - Polk Salad Annie - Killing Me Softly (The Voice) - Spanish Eyes** - Why Me Lord** - Suspicious Minds - Introductions - I Can’t Stop Loving You - Help Me - An American Trilogy - Let Me Be There - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

New York City First Night

The VV import record label announced the late September 2026 release of the vinyl set 'New York City First Night'.

Publicity stated: 'New York City First Night' is an ambitious project that highlights Elvis' legendary performance at Madison Square Garden. This new VV Records set features the complete concert of the first night, June 09, 1972 8,30 PM show.

This double vinyl set features a high-quality ambient recording that was previously released on CD. It is now available in vinyl and has been remastered from the original source with a very good sound. The set will be packaged in a glossy gatefold, and as a bonus, we have included a special collector's card. This is a must-have for any fan!

The VV label is thrilled to be part of this significant event, showcasing Elvis at the peak of his performance. The June 1972 tour marked a high point in Elvis' career, with the first show exemplifying this pinnacle. Despite experiencing some natural nervousness, the performances at Madison Square Garden became a highlight of his career. The opening night on June 9, 1972, was particularly memorable, as he delivered intense and powerful sets featuring a diverse selection of songs that reflected the repertoire from his previous tour.
 
June 1972: Elvis finally at centre of world with four sold-out shows. RCA planned to record the opening for an LP release, but due to technical reasons, they recorded both shows of the second day. Here’s your opportunity to experience an incredible sound on opening night. The ambient recording captures the live atmosphere of the show, allowing listeners to relive the experience as if they were truly present.

This previously unreleased-on-vinyl concert is presented at 45 RPM. The RPM allows for finer groove detail and improved fidelity, particularly in capturing nuances and high-frequency content. This makes 45 RPM records ideal for audiophile-grade recordings where clarity and dynamic range are prioritized.

This new VV Special Product will be housed in a deluxe 300-gram sleeve that includes the double 150-gram vinyl plus a Bonus 30x30 cm special collector card.  
 
To create a special collector’s item, the 360 copies will be presented with three different hand numbered vinyl color variations. 

LP 1 - side A: 2001 Theme - That’s All Right - Proud Mary - Never Been To Spain - Until It’s Time For You To Go - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me

Side B: You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling - Polk Salad Annie - Love Me - All Shook Up - Heartbreak Hotel - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel

LP 2 - side C: Love Me Tender - Blue Suede Shoes - Hound Dog - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds

Side D: For The Good Times - An American Trilogy - Funny How Time Slips Away - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

(Source: Elvis Shop London / Pascal Matteo)

August 30 - Live At Dell Webb's Sahara Tahoe 1974 - The Final Shows

The Webb Records import record label announced the release of new the 7-CD-set 'Live At Dell Webb's Sahara Tahoe 1974 - The Final Shows'.

Publicity stated: A superb 7-CD collector’s box set featuring Elvis Presley live at the High Sierra Room, Sahara Tahoe, Lake Tahoe, Nevada, during his May and October 1974 engagements. 'Sahara Tahoe 1974 - The Final Shows' brings together seven complete performances, including the famous 3:00 AM Closing Show from May 27, 1974.

The collection features a mixture of original Mono Soundboard Recordings and Audience Recordings, providing an extensive document of Elvis’ 1974 appearances at the Sahara Tahoe. 

Across the seven discs are Elvis favourites including 'See See Rider', 'Love Me', 'Trying To Get To You', 'All Shook Up', 'Love Me Tender', 'Hound Dog', 'Fever', 'Polk Salad Annie', 'Suspicious Minds', 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'An American Trilogy', 'Let Me Be There', 'Big Boss Man', 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'It’s Midnight' and many more. The set is limited to 200 copies.

CD 1 – May 25, 1974 Dinner Show - Original mono soundboard recording

See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Trying To Get To You - All Shook Up - Love Me Tender - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - Johnny B. Goode - Hound Dog - Fever - Polk Salad Annie - Why Me Lord - Suspicious Minds - Introductions - I Can’t Stop Loving You - Help Me - An American Trilogy - Let Me Be There - I’ll Remember You - Big Boss Man - Heartbreak Hotel - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp - Announcement - Closing Vamp / Announcements

CD 2 – May 25, 1974 Midnight Show - Original mono soundboard recording

See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Trying To Get To You - All Shook Up - Love Me Tender - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - Johnny B. Goode - Hound Dog - Fever - Polk Salad Annie - Why Me Lord - You Gave Me A Mountain - Suspicious Minds - Introductions - I Can’t Stop Loving You - I’m Leavin’ - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Let Me Be There - The Wonder Of You - Big Boss Man - Heartbreak Hotel - Funny How Time Slips Away

CD 3 – May 26, 1974 Dinner Show - Original mono soundboard recording

See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Trying To Get To You - All Shook Up - Love Me Tender - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - Hound Dog - Fever - Polk Salad Annie - Why Me Lord - You Gave Me A Mountain - Suspicious Minds - Introductions - I Can’t Stop Loving You - Help Me Make It Through The Night - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Let Me Be There - Big Boss Man - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp - Announcement

CD 4 – May 26, 1974 Midnight Show - Audience recording

Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Trying To Get To You - All Shook Up - Hound Dog - Fever - Polk Salad Annie - Why Me Lord - Suspicious Minds - Introductions - I Can’t Stop Loving You - Help Me - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Let Me Be There - Big Boss Man - The Wonder Of You - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

CD 5 – May 27, 1974 3:00 AM Closing Show - Original mono soundboard recording

See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Trying To Get To You - All Shook Up - Love Me Tender - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - Hound Dog - Fever - Polk Salad Annie - Why Me Lord - Suspicious Minds - Introductions - I Can’t Stop Loving You - Help Me - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Let Me Be There - The Wonder Of You - Big Boss Man - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - An American Trilogy - It’s Now Or Never - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

CD 6 – October 13, 1974 Dinner Show - Audience recording

Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Good Evening - Love Me - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear - Heartbreak Hotel - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - Fever - Big Boss Man - It’s Midnight - Hound Dog - Talking To The Audience - Introductions - Lawdy Miss Clawdy - Introductions - Why Me Lord - I’m Leavin’  - Johnny B. Goode - Hawaiian Wedding Song - Let Me Be There (With Reprise) - Can’t Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp

CD 7 – October 13, 1974 Midnight Show - Audience recording

Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear - Heartbreak Hotel - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - Fever - Big Boss Man - It’s Midnight - Hound Dog - Introductions - Lawdy Miss Clawdy - Introductions - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Johnny B. Goode - Hawaiian Wedding Song - Let Me Be There (With Reprise) - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

A fantastic limited-edition collection documenting Elvis at Lake Tahoe in 1974 – strictly limited to just 200 copies worldwide.

Note: All shows have been taken from previous official and bootleg releases. This is the follow up to the 'Live At Dell Webb's Sahara Tahoe 1974 - The First Shows' 8-CD-set that was released earlier this year. 

August 19 - Blue Hawaii - And Many More New Releases

The new Silver Screen Legacy record label released the the LP 'Blue Hawaii - 65th Anniversary Edition' on splattered vinyl as a Bennies Fifties Exclusive.

This LP is available for pre-order from >>> Bennies Fifties. Today the price is still the 32,99 Euro pre-order price, tomorrow the price will be the normal price of 39,99 Euro.  

Description: Celebrating 65 years of the legendary 1961 Blue Hawaii sessions, The Fifties Store announces a brand new deluxe collector’s edition dedicated to one of Elvis Presley’s most beloved soundtrack recordings.

This exclusive release features a carefully selected collection of outstanding outtakes and alternate takes from the original Radio Recorders Studio B sessions, capturing Elvis at the height of his early sixties recording career.

Special care has been taken with both sound and presentation. The recordings for this release were carefully mastered by Petrushka for the best possible listening experience. They are not copied from previously released CDs, but sourced from collector material and prepared with warmth, clarity and depth in mind. The result is a sound quality that stands proudly alongside respected earlier releases.

Pressed on spectacular splatter vinyl and limited to only 200 copies worldwide, this edition was created especially for serious Elvis collectors and lovers of high quality vinyl productions.

The deluxe presentation includes beautifully designed full colour printed inner sleeves featuring rare photographs made from original negatives, together with extensive liner notes exploring the cultural phenomenon of Hawaii in America during the late fifties and early sixties, the legendary recording sessions themselves and Elvis’ unique connection with the islands.

Inspired by the classic RCA Living Stereo era, the artwork combines vintage atmosphere with modern collector quality, making this release feel like a lost premium Presley album from the golden age of vinyl.

Features:

• Strictly limited to 200 copies

• Exclusive splatter vinyl pressing

• Deluxe printed inner sleeves

• Rare photographs from original negatives

• Extensive liner notes

• Carefully selected outtakes and alternate takes

• Newly mastered audio prepared from collector sources

More than sixty five years after the original sessions, Blue Hawaii continues to capture the romance, atmosphere and musical magic that made Elvis Presley the soundtrack of an American dream. Carefully selected from the original 1961 recording sessions at Radio Recorders Studio B, Hollywood.

Tracklisting side A: Steppin’ Out Of Line (Unedited Movie Version, Spliced Takes 8 and 19) / Almost Always True (Take 5) / Beach Boy Blues (Take 3, Movie Version) / No More (Take 11) / Hawaiian Sunset (Take 7) / Ku-U-I-Po (Take 1) / Island Of Love (Take 8).

Side B: Rock A Hula Baby (Take 3) / Ito Eats (Take 5) / Moonlight Swim (Take 2) / Can’t Help Falling In Love (Take 16, Movie Version) / Hawaiian Wedding Song (Take 1) / Aloha Oe (Section 2, Take 3).

More Vinyl

Three new LPs were announced: ‘From a Jack to a King’ on the Petticoat import record label, ‘For The Asking - The Alternate Lost Album’ and ‘The European Side of Elvis - The Alternate Album’ on the Victory import record label. All albums come on colored vinyl with either a bonus CD or photo. 

 

Publicity for ‘‘From a Jack to a King’ stated: Petticoat Records returns with another carefully selected release for the serious Elvis Presley collector.

Known for presenting rare, alternate and previously overlooked Elvis recordings on high-quality vinyl, Petticoat Records has built a distinctive reputation among collectors for combining fascinating archival material with beautifully produced, limited-edition vinyl releases. Previous Petticoat editions have explored everything from studio outtakes and alternate mixes to live performances and recordings that made their vinyl debut.

This latest release continues that tradition with 14 outstanding rare and alternate country recordings, offering a fascinating opportunity to hear Elvis in a different light. Carefully selected for their rarity and collector appeal, these performances provide an essential addition to any serious Elvis Presley collection.

The album is presented as a deluxe LP plus bonus CD edition, allowing collectors to enjoy the material in both classic vinyl format and on CD. As with previous Petticoat releases, the album is housed in a stunning full-colour sleeve, beautifully presented and suitable for framing.

Deluxe Collector’s Edition: 

• 14 rare and alternate country recordings

• Bonus CD included

• 180-gram virgin vinyl

• Available on YELLOW or CLEAR vinyl

• Stunning full-colour collector's sleeve

• Limited edition

Petticoat Records has always been about giving collectors something beyond the ordinary, and this release is no exception. Don't miss this latest Petticoat Records edition. Add it to your collection and keep your Petticoat Records series complete!

 

Tracklisting Side A: Green, Green Grass Of Home (Take 1) / Kentucky Rain (Take 3) / Snowbird (Take 2) / Release Me (Recorded Live, February 18, 1977) / Pieces Of My Life (Take 1) / Your Cheatin’ Heart (Take 9, Alternate Master) / He’ll Have To Go (Undubbed Master).

Side B: Fairytale (Take 2) / I Really Don’t Want To Know (Take 2) / From A Jack To A King (Undubbed Master) / Gentle On My Mind (Vocal Repair Version) / Just Call Me Lonesome (Take 6) / Help Me Make It Through The Night (Take 10) / Faded Love (Take 3, Alternate Master). 

 

The CD has the same content. 

Publicity for ‘For The Asking’ stated: In 1963, Elvis Presley was at a fascinating turning point in his career. Following the success of ‘Pot Luck’, Elvis returned to RCA’s famous Studio B in Nashville in May 1963 to record what was intended to become his next major studio album.

Over two days, Elvis recorded a remarkable collection of songs, including ‘Devil In Disguise’, ‘Please Don’t Drag That String Around’, ‘Long Lonely Highway,’ ‘Witchcraft’, ‘Echoes Of Love’, ‘Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers’ and ‘Never Ending’. ‘Devil In Disguise’ was the hit single from the 14 masters that were created during the sessions. But then something extraordinary happened. the planned album was shelved.

As Elvis’s movie career accelerated, the demands for soundtrack albums began to dominate RCA’s release schedule. Instead of issuing a brand-new Elvis studio album, the company increasingly relied on movie soundtracks, greatest-hits collections and singles. The recordings from the Nashville sessions were gradually broken up, with individual songs appearing as single B-sides or as bonus selections on soundtrack albums.

The result was an album that existed in the recording vaults, but never appeared as an official Elvis album during his lifetime. For Elvis fans, this makes ‘For The Asking’ something truly special: a glimpse of the studio album that might have been. 

At last, decades after the original recordings were made, the collection was assembled and released in 1990 in Europe, under the title ‘For The Asking - The Lost Album’, with the American release following in 1991 as ‘The Lost Album’. Featuring Elvis in the Nashville studio during one of the most intriguing periods of his 1960s career, For The Asking brings together a collection of recordings that were never given the opportunity to stand together as an album when they were new.

The European version of this album came out in 1990 and has one of the nicest album covers in the Elvis catalogue. This album is highly sought after by collectors and is becoming increasingly difficult to find. Victory Records proudly presents an alternate album edition featuring 15 rare and hard-to-find recordings, offering collectors a unique opportunity to discover an album that, in our opinion, should have been available many decades ago.

Carefully selected for their rarity and quality, these recordings make this a truly fascinating release for every serious collector. Available as a strictly limited edition on Red or Blue vinyl, this special release also includes a bonus CD

 

Tracks side A: Long Lonely Highway (Take 1 / Single Master) / Western Union (Take 3) / 

Witchcraft (Take 2) / Love Me Tonight (Take 5) / What Now, What Next, Where To (Original 2- Track Stereo Mix) / Please Don’t Drag That String Around (Take 5) / Blue River (Takes 1 And 2) / Never Ending (Take 1).

Side B: (You’re The) Devil In Disguise (Take 3) / Finders Keepers Losers Weepers (Take 1) / Echoes Of Love (Takes 2 And 3) / Slowly But Surely (Take 1) / It Hurts Me (Take 1) / Memphis Tennessee (Take 5) / Ask Me (Take 7).

The CD holds the same tracks.

Publicity for ‘The European Side Of Elvis’ stated: Discover a side of Elvis Presley you may never have heard quite this way before. Every song on ‘The European Side of Elvis - The Alternate Album’ has a connection to Europe. Some were written by European songwriters. Others feature European words, phrases or expressions woven into the lyrics. And some reveal an intriguing musical connection, English-language adaptations of songs originally recorded or written in Italian.

Together, these songs tell a fascinating story of the relationship between Elvis Presley and European music and culture, a connection that can be heard not only in the melodies, but in the words, the writers and the origins behind the songs. From rock ’n’ roll to romance, from Italy to the wider European continent, The European Side of Elvis uncovers the international influences hidden within the music of The King. Different songs, different stories, one unmistakable voice.

This ‘Alternate Album’ version is limited to only 100 copies per color. Each album contains a bonus CD or bonus photo, and is Available in Red or Orange vinyl.

Side A: It’s Now Or Never (Undubbed Master) / Surrender (Spliced Take 7) / You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me (Take 2) / Ask Me (Rejected 1963 Master) / Santa Lucia (Vocal Overdub Take 3) / Tonight’s All Right For Love (Take 1) / My Way (Live 04-05-77) / What Now My Love (Live 01-14-73) / I Love Only One Girl (Take 1) / Almost Always True (Take 6).

Side B: Wooden Heart (Take 4) / Tonight Is So Right For Love (Take 7).

Side B Bonus Songs: Yesterday (Live, February 1970) / It’s Easy For You (Take 1) / My Boy (Take 2) / Wonderful World (Take 15) / The Last Farewell (Take 2) / Heart Of Rome (Different Mix).

The CD holds the same tracks.

New Follow That Dream Collector Label Releases

The Follow that Dream Collector’s label announced no less than four new book, CD and vinyl sets: the ‘Paradise, Hawaiian Style’ double LP, the ‘The Frankie And Johnny Sessions’ triple CD set, the 'Elvis: Memphis In March ‘74’ triple CD set and the book / 2-CD combo 'Celluloid Sell-Out 1968-1969'. The titles are due for release September 21, 2026.

Publicity for ‘Paradise, Hawaiian Style’ stated: FTD Vinyl is pleased to announce the release of ‘Paradise, Hawaiian Style’. This edition contains a selection of original soundtrack Masters and Studio Outtakes. It may have taken 60 years, but finally the cover features an appropriate portrait photo from the production itself as opposed to 'Fun In Acapulco!'.

Side A: Paradise, Hawaiian Style - This Is My Heaven - Stop Where You Are - A Dog’s Life (Take 5, 6) - House Of SAnd (Master With Movie Intro) - Datin’ (Take 5, 9) - Sand Castles:

Side B: Drums Of The Islands - Scratch My Back (Then I’ll Scratch Yours) - Stop Where You Are (Take 1) - A Dog’s Life (Take 8) - Queenie Wahine’s Papaya (Take 4) - This Is My Heaven (Take 1 - 3) - Paradise, Hawaiian Style (Take 1)

Side C: A Dog’s Life (Take 7) - Datin’ (Take 11, 12) - Drums Of The Islands (Take 1) - Sand Castles (Electric Guitar Version Take 4 - 6) - Queenie Wahine’s Papaya - House Of Sand (Take 2, 3) - Scratch My Back (Then I’ll Scratch Yours) (Take 1)

Side D: Paradise, Hawaiian Style (Take 2, 3) - Paradise, Hawaiian Style (Take 4) - Datin’ (Take 13, 14) - Stop Where You Are (Take 2, 3) - This Is My Heaven (Take 4) - Drums Of The Islands (Take 4, 5) - Sand Castles (A Capella).

Designer Jimmy Carpenter wrote about his work for this cover: This is my gatefold sleeve design and label art for the Sony Music/FTD 2-LP set soundtrack companion to Elvis' 1966 'Paradise, Hawaiian Style' album. This FTD limited edition is based on the design style of the original UK release, and features the Red Dot RCA Victor label. FTD is Sony Music's 'Follow That Dream' custom Elvis label. 

Carpenter also noted: Someone on social media has created an edited version of this album art, showing my rear cover design altered with only two sides and with a song from "Blue Hawaii" added. This is obviously a troublemaker with nothing better to do with their time than to try to cause confusion and mayhem. Rest assured, this is the official package shot created by me for FTD.)

Publicity for 'The Frankie And Johnny Sessions' stated: As part of its successful 'Sessions' series, FTD is pleased to announce the release of 'The Frankie And Johnny Sessions - the 60th Anniversary Edition' newly mixed and mastered by Sebastian Jeansson and Vic Anesini, the Masters and Outtakes now offer superior audio to the original 1966 soundtrack album. The 24-page booklet contains many rare photos, memorabilia, movie trivia, recording data and insightful essay.

Disc 1 - Album Masters: Frankie And Johnny - Come Along - Petunia, The Gardener’s Daughter - Chesay - What Every Woman Lives For - Look Out, Broadway - Beginner’s Luck - Down By The Riverside And When The Saints Go Marching In - Shout It Out - Hard Luck - Please Don’t Stop Loving Me - Everybody Come Aboard                                              

 

Outtakes - May 12 - 13, 1965 Sessions: Come Along (Track, Take 6/M) - Beginner’s Luck (Track, Take 5/M) - Down By The Riverside And When The Saints Go Marching In (Track, Take 7/M)

 

May 13 - 14, 1965 Sessions: Come Along (Vocal Overdub Take 1 To Track 6/M) - Beginner’s Luck (Vocal Overdub Take 2 To Track 5/M) - Down By The Riverside And When The Saints Go Marching In (Vocal Overdub Take 4 To Track 7/M) - Please Don’t Stop Loving Me (Take 1 - 3) - Please Don’t Stop Loving Me (Take 4 - 7) - Please Don’t Stop Loving Me (Take 8 - 9) - Please Don’t Stop Loving Me (Take 10) - Please Don’t Stop Loving Me (Take 11 - 16) - Please Don’t Stop Loving Me (Take 17) - Please Don’t Stop Loving Me (Take 18) - Please Don’t Stop Loving Me (Take 19/M)

Disc 2 - Sessions: Shout It Out (Take 1) - Shout It Out (Take 2 - 6) - Shout It Out (Take 7/M) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 1, Track Take 1) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 1, Track Take 2 - 3/M) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 2, Track Take 1/M) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 3, Track Take 1) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 3, Track Take 2/M) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 4, Tracks Take 1 - 2) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 4, Track Take 3/M) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 5, Track Take 1) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 5, Track Take 2/M) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 6, Track Take 1/M & Wild Piano Take 1/M) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 7, Track Take 1 - 2) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 7, Track Take 3 - 4/M)

 

May 14 - 15, 1965 Sessions (Tracks 17 to 20 And 22 To 23 Recorded the night before): Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Vocal Overdub From Acetate Source) - What Every Woman Lives For (Track, Take 1) - What Every Woman Lives For (Track, Take 2) - What Every Woman Lives For (Track, Take 3 - 5) - What Every Woman Lives For (Track, Take 6/M) - What Every Woman Lives For (Vocal Overdub Take 8 To Track, Take 6/M) - Hard Luck (Track, Take 1) - Hard Luck (Track, Take 2 - 5 & Ending Tag Take 1 - 2) - Petunia, The Gardener’s Daughter (Take 1) - Petunia, The Gardener’s Daughter (Take 2) - Petunia, The Gardener’s Daughter (Take 3)

 

Disc 3 - May 14 - 15,  1965 Sessions: Petunia, The Gardener’s Daughter (Take 4) - Petunia, The Gardener’s Daughter (Insert, Take 1 - 3) - Petunia, The Gardener’s Daughter (Take 5) - Petunia, The Gardener’s Daughter (Take 6/M) - Look Out, Broadway (Take 1 - 5) - Look Out, Broadway (Take 6 - 8) - Look Out, Broadway (Take 9) - Look Out, Broadway (Take 10 - 12/M) - Everybody Come Aboard (Take 1 - 2A) - Everybody Come Aboard (Take 2B - 4) - Everybody Come Aboard (Take 5 - 10) - Everybody Come Aboard (Take 11 - 13) - Everybody Come Aboard (Take 14 - 15/M) - Everybody Come Aboard (Take 16) - Chesay (Take 1) - Chesay (Take 2 - 4) - Chesay (Take 5 - 6) - Chesay (Take 7/M) - Frankie And Johnny (Record Version, Take 1) - Frankie And Johnny (Record Version, Take 2 - 4) - Frankie And Johnny (Record Version, Take 5 - 6M)

 

May 19,1965 Session - Elvis Vocal Overdub Session At The Samuel Goldwyn Studio: Hard Luck (Vocal Overdub Take 3 To Composite Track Take 5 And End Ending Takes 2 and 1/M) 3:00.

The Elvis Information Network noted: In a similar fashion to 'Paradise Hawaiian Style', Elvis failed to turn up on the first day of the session ("he threw a temper tantrum") and five tracks 'Come Along', 'Beginners Luck', 'Down By The Riverside / When The Saints Go Marchin' In', 'What Every Woman Lives For' and 'Hard Luck' are Vocal Overdubs. 

The previously unreleased official outtakes mostly feature the musicians backing-tracks without Elvis singing. 21 of the sessions 62 'Outtakes' are backing-tracks only. Twelve of those are various versions of the title song!  

Sadly most session tapes of Elvis' vocal overdubs have been lost and FTD only have the master overdub. Hence 'Hard Luck' and 'What Every Woman Lives For' have multiple backing-tracks but only the one master Elvis overdub. The highlight of this release has to be the 13 unreleased takes of 'Please Don’t Stop Loving Me' which includes four complete versions. The 11 unreleased takes of 'Everybody Come Aboard' includes three complete versions. The vast majority of 'new' outtakes have been previously released on bootleg. 

Publicity for ‘Elvis: Memphis In March ‘74’ stated: As part of its ongoing live on tour series, FTD is pleased to announce the release of ‘Elvis: Memphis In March ‘74’. 

Released as a 3-CD 5-Inch digipack, this set features three hometown concert performances from the Mid-South Coliseum.  The concerts feature all of the songs that were recorded by the engineer during the March 1974 tour. Recorded in Mono.

Disc 1 - March 16 Show - Afternoon Show: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman /Amen - Love Me - Trying To Get To You - All Shook Up - Steamroller Blues - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Love Me Tender - Johnny B. Goode - Hound Dog - Fever - Polk Salad Annie - Why Me Lord - Suspicious Minds - Introductions - I Can’t Stop Loving You - Help Me - American Trilogy - Let Me Be There - Funny How Time Slips Away - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

 

Disc 2 - March 16 Show - Evening Show: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman /Amen - Love Me - Trying To Get To You - All Shook Up - Steamroller Blues - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Love Me Tender - Johnny B. Goode - Hound Dog 1:13Fever - Polk Salad Annie - Why Me Lord - Suspicious Minds - Introductions - I Can’t Stop Loving You - Help Me - American Trilogy - Let Me Be There - Funny How Time Slips Away - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

 

Disc 3 - March 17 Show - Afternoon Show: See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Trying To Get To You - All Shook Up - Steamroller Blues - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Love Me Tender - Johnny B. Goode - Hound Dog - Heartbreak Hotel - Fever - Polk Salad Annie - Why Me Lord - Suspicious Minds - Introductions - I Can’t Stop Loving You - Help Me - American Trilogy - Let Me Be There - Funny How Time Slips Away - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

Note: The March 17, 1974 is previously unreleased. 

Publicity for ‘Celluloid Sell-Out 1968-1969’ stated: FTD Books is pleased to announce the release of the Limited Edition book ‘Celluloid Sell Out 1968-1969’ by Bob Pakes.

 

With 448 pages and over 2000 images, it also includes worldwide movie memorabilia and two soundtrack CDs. This volume focusses on the years movies 1968 to 1969 and the movies 'Speedway', 'Stay Away, Joe', 'Live A Little, Love A Little', 'Charro', 'The Trouble With Girls' and 'Change Of Habit'. 

The book is loaded with movie posters, lobby cards, press-books, publicity stills, standees, heralds and much more!

CD 1: There Ain't Nothing Like A Song (With Nancy Sinatra) - Your Time Hasn´t Come Yet, Baby - Five Sleepy Heads - Who Are You? (Who Am I?) - Speedway - Suppose - Let Yourself Go - He's Your Uncle Not Your Dad - Stay Away - Stay Away, Joe - Dominic - All I Needed Was The Rain - Goin´ Home - Too Much Monkey Business - U. S. Male - Wonderful World - Edge Of Reality - A Little Less Conversation- Almost In Love.

CD 2: Change Of Habit - Rubberneckin' - Let's Be Friends - Have A Happy - Let Us Pray - Clean Up Your Own Backyard - Almost - Charro - Let's Forget About The Stars  - Let's Forget About The Stars (Rough Mix) - Charro (Rough Mix) - Clean Up Your Own Backyard (Undubbed Master) - Almost (Undubbed Master) - Swing Down Sweet Chariot (Movie Version) - Swing Down Sweet Chariot (Female Vocals and Brass Overdub) - Signs Of The Zodiac (With Marlyn Mason) - College Songs Medley: Far Above Cayuga's Waters (Featuring Elvis) / Boola Boola / Dartmouth's In Town Again - The Eyes Of Texas - On, Wisconsin / The Wiffenpoof Song (Featuring Elvis) / Fair Harvard / Notre Dame / Violet (Featuring Elvis) - Almost (Take 1, 2, 3) - Almost (Take 4, 6) - Almost (Take 10, 11) - Almost (Take 13) - Almost (Take 14, 15, 16) - Almost (Take 22, 23, 24, 25) - Almost (Take 27, 28) - Almost (Take 29) - Let Us Pray (Alternate Vocal Overdub) - Let Us Pray (Master Vocal Only).

Note: CD 2 is a copy of the 'The Last Movies' FTD compilation. 

Go to the ElvisMatters webshop to pre-order:

>>> the ‘Paradise, Hawaiian Style’ double LP.

>>> the ‘The Frankie And Johnny Sessions’ triple CD set.

>>> the 'Elvis: Memphis In March ‘74’ triple CD set.

>>> the 'Celluloid Sell-Out 1968-1969'.book / 2-CD-set.

Ryman Auditorium Named ACM Theater of the Year

Nashville hosted the 19th annual ACM Honors tonight at The Pinnacle, the Academy of Country Music's yearly celebration of Country Music.

The world-famous Ryman Auditorium was named 'ACM Theater of the Year'. During the presentation, the venue's storied history was celebrated, including a nod to Elvis Presley, one of the legends who once stepped on its stage.

Opened in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle church, the Ryman later became home to the Grand Ole Opry in 1943. It was there, on October 2, 1954, that a then-unknown 19-year-old Elvis made his only Opry appearance, enough to secure his place in the building's legendary history.

(Source: Bennies Fifties / FTD / ElvisMatters)

August 11 - EPiC Conversations with Scotty Moore

Jim Berkenstadt published his 120-page paperback 'Elvis Presley: Conversations with Scotty Moore', with a foreword by Albert Lee.

Description: July 4, 1954, was no ordinary Independence Day. It was the day a young delivery truck driver named Elvis Presley walked into guitarist Scotty Moore’s Memphis living room to sing, and change popular music forever. Only three men were there: Elvis, Scotty, and bassist Bill Black. From that moment came a new kind of independence for American youth: the birth of Rock and Roll.

In 'Elvis Presley: Conversations with Scotty Moore', Elvis’s first guitarist, manager, and close confidante, reveals how a shy kid from Memphis became the King of Rock and Roll.

Scotty recalls their early days at Memphis Recording Service, the wild tours, tangling with Colonel Tom Parker, making Hollywood films, and Elvis’ historic 1968 Comeback Special. Scotty’s pioneering guitar work on Presley’s records inspired a generation of great guitar slingers. This is Scotty Moore’s personal, inside story of the man - and the music - that set the world on fire.

The book is available from >>> Amazon.

Releases That Linger In My Heart

The new Panther records import record label released the double CD set 'Memories That Linger In My Heart', featuring the December 10, 1975 performance as recorded from the audience in Las Vegas.

Publicity stated: December in Las Vegas in the 1970´s has not really been a time where it would be easy to sell out concert venues. Unless you were considering bringing a musical phenomenon to town for the holiday season. Exactly this happened in 1975. When Elvis played Vegas in August of this year, it was a short-lived engagement as the “King” gave up after just 5 appearances because of pure exhaustion. Fans who eagerly awaited his iconic presence were disappointed, yet hope remained alive that Elvis would be back soon. And the contract had to be fulfilled anyway, so the Colonel and the Hilton management decided to bring Elvis back in December of the same year.

To make it short, the whole engagement in December of 1975 was nothing less than a rescheduled triumph! What you will hear on our new double CD set is (for the first time) the complete show of December 10 (there was only 1 show that day, at 10.00 PM). On previous releases of this concert the producers were not willing to invest in a second CD so they simply cut out some dialogue – which is a shame of course.

There are many highlights in the very good sounding audience recording of this evening. A more loose show with Elvis seemingly having a good time interacting with the audience. Plus the one or the other surprise, such as Elvis obviously playing a prank on people at the beginning of the show by going from 'See See Rider' into 'Can't Help Falling In Love' (including the so-called 'Closing Vamp'!) – as if the show would already be over after just 2 songs! And then, when you could have expected that he would go straight into 'I Got A Woman' after the usual “Wells” he presented another surprise: a spontaneous, nice version of 'When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again'. A hilarious moment indeed! 

The song 'Just Pretend', a musical pearl from 1970 was brought back this season as a regular in the setlist after not having been performed since November 72 in Hawaii. A seemingly spontaneous request shortly before the end of the show, the “dramatic” tune 'My Way' became a duet between Sherill Nielsen and Elvis because Elvis did not remember the lyrics and made Sherill sing for him in certain parts. 

And regarding the quality of our new CD: needless to say that the recording of this show is newly remastered and speed-corrected. Enjoy this show with its very entertaining nature, and make sure early to get your copy of this new Panther Records release from your favorite dealer!

Tracks CD 1: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - Can’t Help Falling In Love (#1)- Closing Vamp (#1) - When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Fairytale - And I Love You So - Trying To Get To You - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - You Gave Me A Mountain - Polk Salad Annie.

Disc 2: Introductions / Johnny B. Goode -  Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff) - Piano Solo (Glen D. Hardin) - School Day - School Day (Reprise) - Just Pretend - How Great Thou Art (With Reprise) - Softly As I Leave You - America The Beautiful - Mystery Train / Tiger Man - My Way - Blue Christmas - Can’t Help Falling In Love (#2) -  Closing Vamp (#2).

EPiC Blu-ray Release

NEON and Universal Pictures International released the 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD editions of 'EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert' in the United States.

Publicity stated: Fans around the world can now experience the magic of Elvis Presley ... at home. Following its enormously successful global theatrical release, Baz Luhrmann’s 'EPiC: Elvis Presley In Concert' gives audiences the opportunity to experience Elvis Presley like never before at home, with breathtaking picture quality and immersive sound. 

Get your copy from >>> Amazon.

(Source: Amazon)

August 10 - You Won’t Be Alone at the Holiday Inn

The Knock Out Records import label released the CD 'You Won’t Be Alone at the Holiday Inn'. 

Publicity stated: This title presents the June 23, 1973 8:30 PM show from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, sourced from a newly uncovered audience recording offering significantly higher fidelity than all previous outings, the sound has never been this clear!

The performance captures Elvis in lively, playful form, delivering a humorous re-imagining of 'Heartbreak Hotel' centered around the Holiday Inn. The show also features a commanding 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', a moving 'An American Trilogy' and a high-energy 'A Big Hunk ’O Love'. A vibrant and special concert, worthy of being in every Elvis fan's collection.

Tracks: Also Sprach Zarathustra / See See Rider / I Got A Woman - Amen / Love Me Tender (with false start) / Steamroller Blues / You Gave Me A Mountain / Love Me / Blue Suede Shoes / Rock Medley / Heartbreak Hotel / Bridge Over Troubled Water / Fever / Hound Dog / What Now My Love / Suspicious Minds / Introductions / All Shook Up / I Can’t Stop Loving You / An American Trilogy / A Big Hunk ‘O Love / Can’t Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp and Announcements.

Happy Birthday

Elvis's former backing vocalist Kathy Westmoreland celebrated her 81st. birthday, while Elvis' former bass player Norbert Putnam turned 84, congratulations!

(Source: email)

July 27 - Summer Releases

The Dutch Almost in Elvis fan club published the English edition of their themed magazine series. This 22nd volume is based on the old "green book" from the segregated U.S. society of the mid of the previous century. 

Publicity stated: Let yourself be carried away to the sultry South of the United States in the 1950s, an era full of contrasts, tension, and unprecedented creativity.

In this unique, culturally and musically artistic booklet, a world comes to life where stark opposites laid the foundation for something revolutionary: the birth of Rock and Roll. While segregation divided society, music brought connection and introduced an entirely new sound.

This beautifully designed 120-page book contains approximately seventy color and black-and-white photos and is a feast for the eye and the mind. Twelve writers, music journalists, poets, and artists draw inspiration from this fascinating period. Their essays, short stories, poems, and columns touch, surprise, and provoke thought.

'Almost in Elvis' is an irregular publication where style and form vary with each issue, always inspired by the theme of that edition. The series remains faithful to its muse: Elvis Presley.

For more than two decades, Dennis van Tiel in the Netherlands has been publishing an 'Almost in Elvis' volume almost every year. Each book has a different Elvis related theme and its format and content have been strikingly eclectic. They are among the most creative and interesting releases in the Elvis literary canon.

Go >>> here to read my review of the Dutch version. The book features an article by Nigel Patterson from the Elvis Information Network and yours truly. 

The book is available from the >>> Almost in Elvis website.

Bootleg Re-Issues

Several upgraded re-issues have been released by the ElvisOne record label.

'Inside Elvis' is a Deluxe Edition double CD set, limited to 150 copies.

Publicity stated: This CD was only available with the book “Inside Elvis” from many years ago. For this deluxe edition release we’ve included a bonus disc with some rare recordings like a tour-end party from July 5 1976 were Felton Jarvis imitates Elvis, the Hawaiian Village Hotel Press Conference from November 20, 1972, some rare interviews and show excerpts, and much more! A nice addition to the original Elvis Inside CD.

The CD is available from >>> Bennies Fifties. 

The January / February Soundboard Recordings

Publicity for this set stated: The CDs feature the soundboard recordings from January/February 1971 as originally recorded, plus some bonus recordings. Not all recordings from Opening Night (January 26) were released by the FTD label like ‘Love Me Tender’, ‘The Wonder of You’, ‘Make The World Go Away’ and others, plus the recordings from Closing Night (February 23) were not available through the label. However, they can be heard on this set, making it a nice addition to the FTD label. 

We prefer the original sound, so we have not applied any fake stereo effects. Together with the extras such as replica postcards, etc., this has become a fine set for collectors and fans.

Concerts on this set:  

• CD 1 features the Closing Show from February 23, 1971, and the Opening Show from January 26, 1971.
• CD 2 features the Midnight Show from January 27, 1971, and the Dinner Show from January 28, 1971.
• CD 3 features the Midnight Show from January 28, 1971, and the Memphis, Tennessee, performance from January 16, 1971.
• CD 4 features the Dinner Show from January 29, 1971.

The CD is available from >>> Bennies Fifties.

Publicity for this set stated: 'Elvis In G.I. Blues' is a limited edition of only 150 copies with various extras related to the film! This set is a perfect addition to the FTD set ‘The Making of G.I. Blues’ because the original film score recorded for the movie can be heard on this set. It can be heard in a quality unlike on any other CD and is much more complete. 

Additionally, this set features the album in original Mono sound plus various extras such as film spots that cannot be heard on the FTD set. It has turned out to be a fantastic set with new artwork and various extras like an unique film cell from the movie!

The CD is available from >>> Bennies Fifties.

(Source: Facebook)