March 16 - The NY Sessions Record Store Day LP

The UK based Memphis Recording Service will release the LP "RCA Studio 1 - The New York Sessions" for Record Store Day 2018 on April 21, 2018. The Limited Edition, which comes on 180 gram vinyl, contains the complete New York masters plus outtake session recordings. As a bonus the LP contains a four page pullout inside.

Tracks Side A:
 01. Blue Suede Shoes
02. My Baby Left Me
03. One-Sided Love Affair
04. So Glad Your Mine
05. I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry
06. Tutti Frutti
07. Lawdy, Miss Clawdy  
08. Shake, Rattle And Roll
09. Hound Dog
10. Don't Be Cruel
11. Anyway You Want Me

Tracks Side B:
01. Lawdy, Miss Clawdy (Take 6)
02. Lawdy, Miss Clawdy (Take 7
03. Lawdy, Miss Clawdy (Take 8 and 9)
04. Lawdy, Miss Clawdy (Take 11 and 12)
05. Shake, Rattle & Roll (Take 1-3)
06. Shake, Rattle & Roll (Take 5-7)
07. Shake, Rattle & Roll (Take 8)
08. Shake, Rattle & Roll (Take 9-11)
09. Shake, Rattle & Roll (Take 12 Undubbed Edit Master)

The Original US EP Collection Vol. 2

Due for release from the real To Reel label on march 29, 2018 is volume 2 of the "The Original US EP Collection". The set comes on 10 inch while vinyl and is limited to 1000 copies.

Heartbreak Hotel (EP) (US) RCA EPA 821 (originally released May 1956)
1. Heartbreak Hotel
2. I Was The One
3. Money Honey
4. I Forgot To Remember To Forget

Elvis Presley (EP) (US) RCA EPA 830 (originally released September 1956)
1. Shake Rattle And Roll
2. I Love You Because
3. Blue Moon
4. Lawdy Miss Clawdy

(Source: Memphis Recording Service / Amazon / Big Dipper)

March 15 - Behind The Searcher

Here is a behind the scenes look at the upcoming HBO special "The Searcher". 

March 14 - More Spliced Takes And Prices

Two new volumes were announced in the Spliced Takes series from the CMT / STAR import label cooperation; "Spliced Takes Easter Eggs" and "Spliced Takes Kissin' Cousins". The first is packed in a Deluxe Digipack Edition, the latter in a cardboard sleeve.

Details Spliced Takes Easter Eggs:

Finally a "new" Spliced take album is out now, and it was worth the wait. This one includes all tracks from the 1966 recording sessions, many gospel songs were recorded, but also some  excellent
other tracks.

CMT managed to produce a full new album with high standard spliced takes only the STAR team can deliver. To name just one highlight it has to be the new approach the team did on "Tomorrow Is A Long Time" it was re-created from scratch, gives a totally new feel to the song since the "chorus" was used only once and all "verses" were put after one and other. Also a longer intro and outro makes this an outstanding new track! Other surprises like "Fools Fall in Love" with two  saxophone solos and an alternate piano intro for "Where No One Stands Alone" confirms:  This is a must have!

Again the STAR team has done all the edits on this album, and they did an excellent job again, with lots of excellent edits, and surprises. Unlike other “import” labels, they truly were able to produce an album using many incomplete takes , to create beautiful new tracks. 

Tracks: Run On - Spliced take 3, 1, 1, 2 - How Great  Thou Art - Spliced take 1, 2, 4 - Stand By Me - Spliced take 9, 10, 2 / Where No One Stands Alone - Spliced take 1/Wp take 1 - Down in the Alley - Spliced take 1, 2 - Tomorrow is A Long Time - recreated master - Love Letters - Spliced take 5, - So High - Spliced take 2, 2, 3 - Farther Along - Spliced take 1, 2, 3 - By and By - Spliced take fs,7, 9 - In the Garden  - Spliced take 1, 2, 3 (snowbird) - Beyond the Reef - Spliced take 1, 2 - Somebody Bigger Then You And I - Spliced Take 3, 11,wp5 - Without Him Spliced Take 11, 8, 14 - If the Lord Wasn't Walking By My Side - Spliced Take 3, 2, 4, 1 - Where Could I Go But To the Lord - Spliced Master - Come What May - Spliced Take 3, 11,wp5  3, 2, 7, 6, 7, 2 - Fools Fall in Love c 1, 4, 4, 5, 4 - Oh How I Love Jesus - Spliced Home Recording

Details Kissin Cousins - Spliced Take Special

An incredible new album, featuring extended versions, alternate takes including new instrumental tracks and some pretty cool edits! Don't think you already heard these! All tracks are brand new edits and sound very rare, The title track for example starts of with an alternate opening and includes the extra verses.

"Gold in the Mountains" has been extended and includes rare alternate musical segments. For "Tender Feeling"  they used the alternate take 1 (vocal) and combined it with an alternate musical track, the result is stunning and sound quality is much better then the master version! "Echoes of Love" includes an alternate Saxophone solo makes you feel as if it is a brandnew take! The "drums" on "Catchin On Fast" are taken from an alternate musical track and put in just at the right spot to make it sound pretty cool and different!

Another highlight must be "Kissin Cousins #1" for this song Elvis recorded two different vocal styles,  one being Josh and one being Jody (Hillbilly) both tracks were combined and we got the first "duet" ever of Elvis and ... Elvis. Here they have "reversed" the vocals, and a complete new release is born, where the master has Josh this track has Jody singing, gives the same "feel" but sounds very different! "Smokey Mountain Boy" and "Barefoot Ballad" have alternate extended intro and outros....We could go on, but one thing is for sure, this is another CMT winner!

Tracks: Kissin Cousins #2 - Spliced take 1, 2 - Smokey Mountain Boy - Alternate Master - Gold in the Mountains - Alternate Master - One Boy, Two Little Girls - Spliced take 2, 5, 2 - Catchin' On Fast - Alternate Master - Tender Feeling - Spliced take 1 (vocal) / take 1 (track) - Anyone - Spliced take 2, 3 - Barefoot Ballad - Alternate Master - Once is Enough - Spliced take 1, 7, 1, 7 - Kissin Cousins - Reversed Master - Echoes of Love - Spliced take 7, 8 - Long Lonely Highway - Spliced take 1, 2

Elvis Presley's Big Blue Mercedes-Benz On Sale

A blue 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SEL sedan that was originally purchased by The King, as in Elvis Presley, is now parked in the Daniel Schmitt & Co. Classic Car Gallery in St. Louis. The classy classic was purchased new by Presley. Originally red, he had it repainted blue. Likely to match his 1970 Mercedes-Benz 600, not his suede shoes, which he gave away a decade before.

The classy classic was purchased new by Presley. Originally red, he had it repainted blue. Likely to match his 1970 Mercedes-Benz 600, not his suede shoes, which he gave away a decade before.The classy classic was purchased new by Presley. Originally red, he had it repainted blue. Likely to match his 1970 Mercedes-Benz 600, not his suede shoes, which he gave away a decade before.

Following the star's death in 1977, the big Benz spent most of its life in the now-shuttered Smokey Mountain Car Museum and is in fantastic condition, especially considering it has over 80,000 miles on the odometer.. 
As for the price on the hood, it had been $199,900, but is now just $139,900. That’s over three times what The Hagerty Price Guide says similar cars are worth, but similar cars aren’t available in this kind of ‘royal’ blue.

EPE redevelopment  on Hold

With EPE's proposed new arena venue there was a deal to bring 1,000 full-time jobs to Whitehaven, but after the Memphis court challenges and with EPE's venue put on hold Graceland has halted the manufacturing project.

The proposed $40 million-$50 million venue had become a point of contention between EPE, the City of Memphis, Shelby County and the Memphis Grizzlies. To fund the venue, EPE wanted to increase its Graceland tax increment financing (TIF) district from 50 to 65 percent. On Oct. 9, EDGE sent out an email canceling the special board meeting to hear the EPE proposal.

In response to the meeting cancellation, Joel Weinshanker manager of Graceland Holdings decided to cease progress on the manufacturing facility.
“The manufacturing facility would have been located in Whitehaven in a site EPE had under contract at the time the 6,200-seat venue was taken off the EDGE agenda. We had spoken to EDGE and to the state about the project, and my client was prepared to move forward with a goal of having that facility opened and people working in Whitehaven by the end of this year.”

A representative with EDGE declined to comment on the manufacturing facility, “since the Graceland performance venue project is still part of ongoing litigation.”

EPE et al. v. City of Memphis et al. was filed by EPE Nov. 15, 2017, asking Chancery Court to rule that using public incentives to help pay for its proposed 6,200-seat venue would not violate the FedExForum arena use agreement.
That case was dismissed Feb. 16 by Chancellor Jim Kyle.
The building EPE would have redeveloped for the manufacturing facility is no longer under contract.

But, McLaren said if the venue moved forward and received the necessary approvals from EDGE, the Memphis City Council and Shelby County Commission, EPE's plans for the manufacturing facility might then be revisited.

(Source: FECC / Fox News)

March 13 - Elvis 1954 - 1962 (Updated)

Due for release on April 6, 2018 from the Reel to Reel label is the 10 CD box "The Complete Releases 1954 to 1962". 

Record Store Day Vinyl

Here are the complete front and back of the upcoming Record Store Day vinyl picture single "Shake Rattle & Blue Moon" from the Sleaze Records label. It is strictly forbidden to sell this record until April 21st, which is the official date of Record Store Day 

Description:
1955 found Elvis Presley very busy because of his new management deal with Bob Neal, playing three shows in West Texas area. San Angelo, Lubbock and Midland, just prior headdin' to a new performance at The Louisiana Hayride. 

It was in Lubbock where Elvis and the boys were invited by DJ Dave Stone of KDAV to promote their show. Elvis, Scotty and Bill agreed and played live two songs, Big Joe Turner’s big hit 'Shake, Rattle & Roll', which Elvis would record for RCA one year later, and 'Fool, Fool, Fool' from The Clovers, a song that Elvis would never try on record. 

Both songs were recorded on acetate by Dave Stone, and now you can find them on this deluxe 7 inch single. Later that evening two young amateurish singers named Buddy Holly and Waylon Jennings attended to Elvis show and met him backstage. And their music changed forever. 

Tracks: Side 1: Shake, Rattle & Roll / Side 2: Fool, Fool, Fool

Charts

Australia (chart week commencing March 12, 2018)

• On the Australian Aria Album chart the "The King" compilation  climbed from #104 to #97
• On the Australian Aria Music DVD chart the "Elvis: The King of Rock And Roll" DVD dropped from #17 to #28.

USA (Billboard chart week of March 17, 2018)

• On the Classical Album chart "The Wonder of You" cooperation with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra climbed from #11 to #8.
• On the Top Christian Album chart the "Elvis: Ultimate Gospel" compilation dropped from #25 to #29.
• On the Country Catalog Album chart the "Elvis: Ultimate Gospel" compilation dropped one spot from #17 to #18. 
  On the Country Catalog Album chart the "Heart And Soul" compilation remained steady at #23.

Canada (Billboard chart week of March 17, 2018)

• On the Canadian Album chart "Elvis 40 Years On" dropped from #41 to #43.

United Kingdom and Scotland (Official Chart Company chart week commencing March 9, 2018) 

• On the Official Music Video Chart the "Elvis: The Collection" 6 DVD set dropped from #22 to #30.
• On the Official Scottish Album chart the "Loving' Elvis" compilation dropped from #39 o #55. 
• On the Official Scottish Album chart the "The Platinum Collection" climbed from #68 to #64.

Spain

• The "Elvis: El Disco De Oro" compilation dropped from #80 to #93 on the Spanish Album chart.

Croatia

• On the Croatian Foreign Artists Album chart the "The Essential Elvis Presley" compilation entered the chart at #27. 

(Source: Amazon / Laser Freak / Bear Family)

March 12 - Rock And Roll with Elvis

Due for release on April 13, 2018 from the Equinox label is the vinyl compilation "Rock and Roll with Elvis Presley".  

Side A: Hound Dog - Heartbreak Hotel - Jailhouse Rock - Long Tall Sally - That's All Right - Mystery Train - Blue Suede Shoes - Shake, Rattle and Roll

Side B: I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone - Lawdy Miss Clawdy - Blue Moon Of Kentucky - Good Rockin' Tonight - Tutti Frutti - I Got A Woman - Hard Headed Woman - All Shook Up

(Source: Amazon)

March 09 - Return of the Tunzi

The book "Return Of The Dragon" by Joe Tunzi has been released through his JAT Publishing company. The book contains around 150 images from Elvis Presley's concert performances at South Bend, Indiana from 1974 and 1976. 

Rock And Roll With Elvis Presley

Due for release from the Equinox label on April 6, 2018 is the vinyl compilation “Rock And Roll With Elvis Presley”. 

Donna Butterworth Died

Donna Butterworth, a child actress and singer who co-starred with Elvis Presley in the 1966 movie “Paradise, Hawaiian Style,” died Tuesday at Hilo Medical Center following a long illness. She was 62.

In “Paradise, Hawaiian Style,” Butterworth played Jan Kohana, daughter of the business partner of Elvis’ character. Butterworth sang several duets with the King of Rock ’n’ Roll and gained a cult following, but her acting career was short-lived.

Elvis' Gold Records Volume 5

Released today is the Friday Music vinyl edition of Elvis Presley' "Elvis' Gold Records Volume 5". This limited edition re-issue comes on 180 Gram audiophile translucent gold colored vinyl, packed in a gatefold cover. 

Descriotion:
Elvis Aaron Presley was born during the Great Depression into a poor family in Mississippi. They moved to Memphis during the early fifties, and as a struggling young truck driver, Elvis cut some demos as a gift for his beloved mother Gladys. The folks at RCA Victor knew that this young fellow named Elvis was destined for superstardom. They quickly signed the legend to a long-term deal, forever etching “The King Of Rock And Roll” trademark to his name. He would eventually become the most successful solo artist of all time! Throughout the late 60’s into the early 70’s, Elvis returned triumphantly to the studios of Memphis and would go on to record many chart topping singles and smash albums, as well as numerous appearances on stage and television that have kept his legacy alive now for over 7 decades.

In 1984, RCA Records created another chapter in his Golden Records franchise with the stellar Elvis’ Gold Records Volume 5. Ever proving that he was always on top of his game, the amazing album featured a treasure trove of his most important later works like Burnin’ Love, Suspicious Minds and If I Can Dream which was also featured in his Elvis NBC TV Special (also on Friday Music Vinyl). The early 80’s collection soon went on to achieve gold and platinum status and become one of his most memorable hits collections in his huge arsenal of masterful albums.

Thanks to more great hits like his important Mac Davis interpretation In The Ghetto, his vocal prowess on the rocker Way Down and of course the soul drenched Kentucky Rain, this collection of Elvis Presley’s hits were just what the fans were screaming for, and the entire album was built around the framework of hit singles and album tracks that spanned his later career.

In honor of the Man, the Music, the Legend, the King Of Rock And Roll, Friday Music is very proud and honored to announce the first time limited 180 Gram Gold Audiophile Vinyl release of the RCA Victor classic Elvis’ Gold Records Volume 5 by Elvis Presley. As another installment in our exciting Elvis Presley/Friday Music 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl Series, we are pleased to present this masterwork in all its stereophonic and monophonic glory.

Mastered impeccably by Joe Reagoso at Friday Music Studios and manufactured for a very limited time at R.T.I. on first time translucent gold vinyl, Elvis’ Gold Records Volume 5 will be a much anticipated audiophile dream release for Elvis fans everywhere!

We are also including rare gatefold artwork presentation including the original 1984 artwork elements, truly enhancing your Elvis Presley listening hours.

As usual, we are also enclosing a poly bag to protect your album cover and poly sleeve to help keep your Elvis vinyl in mint shape. Elvis’ Gold Records Volume 5 … A history making rock album from an historic legend, an audiophile dream release … now an audiophile gold vinyl dream come true… 

Tracklist:
Suspicious Minds
Kentucky Rain
In the Ghetto
Clean Up Your Own Backyard
If I Can Dream
Burning Love
If You Talk In Your Sleep
For the Heart
Moody Blue
Way Down

(Source: Various / Amazon / Hawaii Tribune-Herald / Friday Music)

March 08 - Elvis Presley's RIAA Certified Album Update

Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, and RCA Records acknowledge the astounding ongoing impact of the music and artistry of Elvis Presley, whose all time RIAA certified album awards in the US now top 146.5 million units. 

As Presley's catalog achieves new Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum sales awards as certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Elvis continues to inspire, inform and transform popular culture.

Elvis - the second most awarded solo performer and third most awarded act in RIAA history (after the Beatles at #1 and Garth Brooks at #2) - has racked up more Gold Records (101) than any other act and is the only artist still earning RIAA certifications whose connection to the association dates back to its founding. In 1958, the inaugural year of the RIAA Gold & Platinum program, Elvis' "Hard Headed Woman" became one of the RIAA's first three Gold singles and the very first in Elvis' ongoing string of Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum certifications.

Over the past year, 17 Elvis Presley catalog titles have been awarded RIAA certifications, with 11 of those albums reaching Gold (or Platinum) status for the very first time (*first time certification). 

• Elvis Presley Christmas Duets - Gold Album* (certified July 31, 2017)
• An Afternoon In The Garden - Gold Album* (certified July 31, 2017)
• Elvis' Greatest Jukebox Hits - Gold Album* (certified January 12, 2018)
• Elvis Rock - Gold Album* (certified January 12, 2018)
• The Great Performances - Gold Album* (certified January 12, 2018)
• White Christmas - Gold Album* (certified January 12, 2018)
• He Touched Me - Gold Multi-Disc Set* (certified September 13, 2017)
• Artist Of the Century - Gold Multi-Disc Set* (certified January 12, 2018)
• Peace in the Valley - Gold Multi-Disc Set* (certified January 12, 2018)
• Christmas Peace - Gold Multi-Disc Set* (certified January 12, 2018)
• HITstory - Gold & Platinum Multi-Disc Set* (certified January 12, 2018)
• Heart And Soul - Platinum Album (certified September 13, 2017)
• That's The Way It Is - Platinum Album (certified September 13, 2017)
• Elvis Ultimate Gospel - Platinum Album (certified January 12, 2018)
• Elvis: A Legendary Performer Vol. 1 - Multi-Platinum (3X) Album (certified July 31, 2017)
• It's Christmas Time - Multi-Platinum (4X) Album (certified September 13, 2017)
• Elvis 30 #1 Hits - Multi-Platinum (6X) Album (certified September 13, 2017)

(Source: Sony Legacy Recordings)

March 07 - Elvis Presley And The Blue Moon Boys

Due for release from the Spanish Sleazy Records label is the Record Store Day 2018 release "Elvis Presley And The Blue Moon Boys - January 1955, Lubbock, Texas".

Side A: Shake, Rattle And Roll (06.01.1955 - KDAV Radio - Lubbock, Texas)
Side B: Fool, Fool, Fool (06.01.1955 - KDAV Radio - Lubbock, Texas)

Charts

The US Billboard for the week ending March 10, 2018: 

• On the Country Catalog chart the "Elvis: Ultimate Gospel" compilation dropped from #12 to #17.
• On the Country Catalog chart the "Heart And Soul" compilation climbed from #24 to #23. 
• On the Classical Album chart the "The Wonder of You" cooperation with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra dropped fro m #7 top #11. 
• On the Top Christian Album chart the "Elvis: Ultimate Gospel" dropped from #23 to #25 in it's 140th. week on the chart. 

Canadian Chart

• The "40 Years on" compilation climbed from #44 to #41 on the Canadian Album chart, the best position so far.

Australia (for the week March 5th. to March 11, 2018)

• The "The King of Rock And Roll" DVD re-entered the Australian Aria Music DVD chart once more, this time at #17. This marks the 275th. week on the chart for this 5X Platinum DVD. 
• The "The King" album dropped out of the Australian Album Top 100 chart from #99 to #104. 

Spain

• The album "Elvis: El Disco De Oro" dropped from #68 to #80 in it's 20th. week on the Spanish Album chart. 

Belgium

• The double album "Top 40 Elvis – His Ultimate Top 40 Collection" re-entered the Belgian Album chart at #50.

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Laser Freak)

March 06- The King In The Ring

Due for release on Record Store Day 2018 from Sony Legacy is the double LP "Elvis Presley, The King In The Ring". A double LP,  individually numbered on red vinyl. 

Synopsis:
Elvis Presley re-established himself as The King of Rock and Roll with ELVIS, the widely-seen “comeback special” broadcast on NBC at the end of 1968. The show’s many highlights included laid-back live performances recorded in the round before a small audience and featuring a powerful ensemble—including guitarist Scotty Moore and drummer D.J. Fontana, both part of Elvis’ original, classic backing band. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of ELVIS, both electrifying, intimate “sit-down” sets will be released on vinyl for the first time in an individually numbered 2LP package with a newly created gatefold sleeve, pressed on red vinyl. The history of Presley’s amazing “comeback special” is told in Elvis Presley: The Searcher, the new documentary premiering April 14 on HBO.

Tracks: 1 Heartbreak Hotel 2 Baby What You Want Me To Do 3 Introductions 8pm 4 That's All Right 5 Are You Lonesome Tonight? 6 Baby What You Want Me To Do 7 Blue Suede Shoes 8 One Night 9 Love Me 10 Trying To Get To You11 Lawdy Miss Clawdy 12 Santa Claus Is Back In Town 13 Blue Christmas 14 Tiger Man 15 When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again 16 Memories

Other Elvis Record Store Day releases are "Girls! Girls! Girls!" on red vinyl with 5 bonus tracks and "Loving You" on blue vinyl with 5 bonus tracks from the Culture Factory label and finally "RCA Studio 1: The New York Sessions" from the Memphis Recording Service. 

(Source: Sony Legacy  FECC)

March 03 - Elvis: Colored Vinyl Good Times (Updated)

Due for release from the UK based Vee Tones Records on April 9, 2018 is "Elvis Presley - The 50s In Stereo" containing twelve tracks in "neophonic" stereo in green and orange vinyl. 

Product descripton:
This special collector’s edition vinyl offering from Vee-Tone Records, comes in two stunning coloured vinyl options (500 x green vinyl and 500 x orange vinyl). Hot on the heels of the neophonic stereo single "My Baby Left Me", "Elvis Presley - The 50s In Stereo" features 12 specially selected mono recordings given the neophonic stereo makeover. Individually numbered 001 – 500 of each vinyl colour, this limited edition album will not re-pressed.

Side A: 1a Mystery Train (Neophonic Stereo Version - 2018) - 2a Baby, Let's Play House (Neophonic Stereo Version - 2018) - 3a Blue Moon Of Kentucky* (Neophonic Stereo Version - 2017) - 4a Good Rockin' Tonight (NeophonicStereo Version - 2018) - 5a One Sided Love Affair (Neophonic Stereo Version - 2018) - 6a Any Way You Want Me (That's How I Will Be) (Neophonic Stereo Version - 2018)

Side B: 1b I Got A Woman (Neophonic Stereo Version - 2018) - 2b Lawdy Miss Clawdy (Neophonic Stereo Version - 2018) - 3b My Baby Left Me* (Neophonic Stereo Version – 2017) - 4b Don't (Neophonic Stereo Version - 2018) - 5b Dixieland Rock (Neophonic Stereo Version - 2018) - 6b I Got Stung (Neophonic Stereo Version - 2018)
*45 rpm single version.

Elvis: Country 

Due for release on March 18, 2018 in the US from Cracker Barrel is the 12 track country compilation "Elvis: Country Good Times". 

Tracks: When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again (Mono) / Let Me (Mono) / What A Wonderful Life (Mono) / Once Is Enough / U.S. Male / From A Jack To A King / Three Corn Patches / Cindy, Cindy / I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water / T-R-O-U-B-L-E / For The Good Times / Talk About The Good Times

UK Charts

On the Official Scottish Album charts the “Lovin’ Elvis” set dropped from #31 to #39.
On the Official Scottish Album charts the “The Platinum Collection” set makes a re-entry at #68. 


(Source: Phoenix Elvis Forum / Official Chart Company)