November 15 - The Clothier For The King Died

Bernard Lansky, who along with his brother Guy founded the famous clothier Lansky Brothers, has passed away. Their store opened at 126 Beale St. in 1946 and quickly became a favorite of celebrities. Perhaps the most famous customer was Elvis Presley who became a loyal shopper when he was just a teenager.

Judy Lansky said, “Bernard was an influence in style for one of the most famous entertainers of all time. Bernard’s popularity was created from dressing this one man, who became famous, but his legacy has been solidified by more than 65 years of customer service to people from the Mid-South and around the world. Bernard was most proud of being a part of the inception of the Memphis music heritage. Besides dressing scores of musicians and performers from across American culture, Bernard built stores and worked tirelessly to keep his customers looking sharp. Within the last few years, he was honored with his own Bernard J. Lansky Street sign on Beale Street, The Peabody Hotel’s Duck Walk of Fame, and an Historical Landmark was officially placed by the Shelby County Historical Commission for Lansky Bros. contribution to Downtown Memphis’ rich history. Bernard’s retail presence still remains with Lansky at The Peabody with second and third generations continuing his vision of bringing the latest in fashions to Memphis.” Lansky’s still operates a store inside the Peabody Hotel.

His family says Bernard Lansky died peacefully at his home early this morning. He was 85 years old. A public funeral service will be held at Baron Hirsch Synagogue at 11:00 a.m. on Friday.

(Source: ElvisMatters)

November 14 - Top Notch Christmas Release

Due next week is the CD "Top Notch Hollywood" featuring recordings from Elvis at Radio Recorders Studio. According to the pressrelease the CD contains 43 official unreleased alternate takes, instrumental muskrat ramble, two #1 hit recordings and more. It comes with an 8 pages booklet with photos and recording information.

Tracklisting:
01 Mean Woman Blues (master) 02 I Beg Of You (take 2, 3, 4, 6 fs only + master) 03 Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (take 1) 04 Blueberry Hill (take 1 & 4) 05 That’s When Your Heartaches Begin (take 7) 06 I Beg Of You (take 7, 9 & 10) 07 It Is No Secret (take 4) 08 Peace In The Valley (take 5, 6, 8 + master) 09 Take My Hand, Precious Lord (master) 10 All Shook Up (master) 11 Blueberry Hill (take 5 + master) 12 Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (take 3, 4 & 5) 13 Is It So Strange (take 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 + master) 14 Blueberry Hill (take 8) 15 Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (take 8, 9, 10, 11 & 14) 16 That’s When Your Heartaches Begin (take 8 & 9) 17 That’s When Your Heartaches Begin (take 10 & 11) 18 Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (master) 19 That’s When Your Heartaches Begin (take 12 & 13) 20 It Is No Secret (take 6, 7, 8 + master) 21 It Is No Secret (take 9, 10, 11 & 12)

Bonus tracks: 22 Don’t (master) 23 Lover Doll (LP master) 24 Doncha’ Think It’s Time (LP master) 25 Lover Doll (EP master) 26 Doncha’ Think It’s Time (Single master) 27 Muskrat Ramble (Instrumental) 28 1957 RCA Commercial

The American Music Heritage Volume 2

The Fremeaux will release the 3CD Box "Elvis Presley - And The American Music Heritage: Volume 2 (1956 - 1957)" on November 26, 2012 in France.


I Believe

The Norwegian Flaming Star fan club will include a Christmas CD containing "I Believe" with volume 72 of fan club magazine.


Collecting Elvis

Volume 23 in the German "Elvis Sammlung" was released. This edition contains the movie "Harum Scarum", a magazine, memorablia reproductions and more. 

(Source: FECC / Amazon / Flaming Star / Elvis Sammlung)

November 13 - Vinyl Soldier

Rockwell Records announced the release of a new vinyl picture disc version of their "Soldier Boy" release. 

Side A:
Young Dreams - King Creole - Wear My Ring Around Your Neck - Doncha Think It’s Time - I Need Your Love Tonight - (Now And Then Theres) A Fool Such As I - A Big Hunk O’ Love - I Got Stung
Side B:
Make Me Know It - Soldier Boy - Stuck On You - Fame And Fortune - It Feels So Right - A Mess Of Blues

(Source: Rockwell Records)

November 10 - Indian Elvis Fan

Released in India is the CD "I Am An Elvis Fan". This set has the same 21 tracks listing as the editions  from Argentina, Russia, Malaysia, Korea and Brazil.

Tracklisting:
Don’t Be Cruel, Heartbreak Hotel, All Shook Up, Jailhouse Rock, Blue Hawaii, Viva Las Vegas, In The Ghetto, Suspicious Minds, Memories, Can't Help Falling In Love, The Wonder Of You, Always On My Mind, Welcome To My World, Guitar Man, Kentucky Rain, American Trilogy (live), Burning Love (Live), Suspicious Minds (Live), (There'll be) Peace In The Valley (For Me), How Great Thou Art, If I Can Dream.

(Source: Elvis Info)

November 09 - Madison Square Garden Released

In June of 1972, Elvis Presley played four sold-out shows at New York City’s Madison Square Garden for a total of 80,000 fans. It was his first-ever live appearance in the city and only five years before his death, but the wide-ranging set list—from “Proud Mary” to “Can’t Help Falling In Love” to “Blue Suede Shoes”—showcased why he was The King. 

Two of those MSG performances were released today, a few days before the original release-date November 13, 2012, as "Prince From Another Planet: 40th Anniversary Edition". This was the title that refers to a New York Times headline praising the show. (The Times critic Don Heckman wrote that he was “a solid professional doing a job he probably can do better than anyone in the world.”) The music was released during the ’70s as two separate albums, but it’s been newly remixed and put together as a set, including two CDs and a DVD. A vinyl release will be issued too.

And what’s maybe more exciting is what comes with it—never-before-seen Super 8 footage taken by a fan on a handheld camera. The exclusive clip featured above, of Elvis singing “It’s Alright, Mama,” shows why we’re so excited: The King’s signature swagger, his timeless voice and that blue rhinestone jumpsuit.

You can watch a preview >> here.

(Source: Various)

November 08 - Christmas Charts On Display

The "It's Christmas Time" compilation jumps from #125 to #87 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart for the week ending November 17, 2012. It also jumps from #12 to #3 on the Catalog Album chart but drops from #6 to #9 on the Holiday Album Chart. 

The CD "The Real... Elvis" climbed from #44 to #40 on the Irish Album chart. 

Elvis Presley On Display at Tennessee State Museum

Elvis fans can see a piece of history and check out some Elvis' own personal items in a new exhibit opening today in the Music City. As part of "The Guitar: An American Love Story" Exhibit, the Tennessee State Museum is featuring Elvis' guitar, favorite hand gun, and his "Blue Target" jumpsuit worn while in Nashville. The exhibit opened today and is free to the public. Other instruments on loan for the show included Eric Clapton's 1958 Gibson Explorer and singing cowboy star Roy Roger's OM-45 Deluxe guitar. There will be more than 1,560 guitars on display.


(Source: FECC / The King's World / EPE)

November 07 - Wonderful World Of The Godfather

The Godfather import label announced the release of the Christmas compilation "The Wonderful World Of Elvis" featuring (previously released) alternate takes from the May, 1971 Nashville sessions.

(Source: FECC)

November 05 - Follow Those Releases

The Follow That Dream Collector's label announced the three December 2012 releases: "3000 South Paradise Road", "G.I. Blues" (on vinyl) and "Back In Memphis" (Classic Album Series).

3000 South Paradise Road

Here is the cover of the upcoming December 2CD by FTD, dedicated to the August 1972 Las Vegas season.

This 2 disc 7” 16-pages booklet release, takes a closer look at Elvis’ engagement at the Las Vegas Hilton in August of 1972. The main disc is from the dinner show on August 12, and the second disc is culled from the rehearsals on August 4th, the date of the opening of the engagement.

As with “48 HOURS TO MEMPHIS”, this release has been prepared by Robert Frieser and Hans Slebos, who once again has done a fabulous job of collecting information and materials for the project. There will be additional information in the next few weeks.

“3000 South Paradise Road” provides a unique experience of Elvis rehearsing, 6 hours before the opening night at the Las Vegas Hilton on August 4, 1972. As disc 2 is captured on a personal tape recorder, the sonic quality is below standards, but historical significance more than compensates for its audio limitations. Disc 1 is a soundboard recording.
THE SHOW

1) See See Rider 3:00
2) Proud Mary 2:42
3) Until It's Time For You To Go 2:31
4) You Don't Have To Say You Love Me 2:00
5) You've Lost That Loving Feeling 4:34
6) Polk Salad Annie 4:00
7) What Now My Love 3:19
8) Fever 3:13
9) Love Me 2:14
10) Blue Suede Shoes 1:07
11) One Night 1:31
12) All Shook Up 1:01
13) (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel 1:47
14) Heartbreak Hotel 1:44
15) Hound Dog 2:28
16) Love Me Tender 3:01
17) Suspicious Minds 4:38
18) Introductions 1:44
19) My Way 4:14
20) An American Trilogy 4:48
21) Can't Help Falling In Love 2:10

Recorded live at The Las Vegas Hilton August 12, 1972. Midnight show.

THE REHEARSAL
1) You Don't Have To Say You Love Me 2:08
2) Until It's Time For You To Go 4:19
3) You've Lost That Loving Feeling 4:28
4) Burning Love 4:13
5) What Now My Love (version 1) 3:25
6) What Now My Love (version 2) 4:37
7) My Babe 3:37
8) For The Good Times 3:20
9) True Love Travels On A Gravel Road 3:46
10) Fever 4:54
11) Blueberry Hill 1:46
12) Little Sister – incomplete 2:34
13) I’ll Remember You 4:00
14) An American Trilogy 4:40
15) Something 3:57
16) Faded Love 3:58
17) You Gave Me A Mountain 3:36
18) I’m Leavin’ 3:33
19) My Way (version 1) 5:38
20) My Way (version 2) 4:42

Recorded live on a cassette recorder at the Las Vegas Hilton August 4, 1972 rehearsal. Substandard audio.

Back In Memphis

The classic album by FTD will be Back In Memphis in December. Suspicious Minds will be added as bonus track.

DISC 1 THE ORIGINAL ALBUM
01) Inherit the Wind 3:00
02) This Is the Story 2:32
03) Stranger in My Own Home Town 4:27
04) A Little Bit of Green 3:26
05) And the Grass Won’t Pay No Mind 3:14
06) Do You Know Who I Am? 2:52
07) From a Jack To A King 2:28
08) The Fair’s Moving On 3:13
09) You’ll Think of Me 4:04
10) Without Love (There Is Nothing) 2:58

BONUS SONG
11) Suspicious Minds 4:24
FIRST TAKES
12) Inherit the Wind
(take 1, rehearsal, take 4/M with v.o. #1) 4:15
13) A Little Bit of Green (take 1) 3:43
14) And the Grass Won’t Pay No Mind
(takes 1-3, 5) 6:35
15) Do You Know Who I Am? (take 1) 2:40
16) From a Jack to a King (takes 1-3) 3:13
17) You’ll Think of me (takes 1-6) 6:39
18) Without Love (There is Nothing) (take 1) 3:17
19) Suspicious Minds (takes 1-5) 8:33
20) Suspicious Minds (take 6)

DISC 2 REHEARSALS
01) Stranger in My Own Home Town (jam-take 1/M) 4:55
02) A Little Bit of Green (rehearsal) 4:27*
JANUARY OUTTAKES
03) You’ll Think of Me (take 8) 4:27
04) You’ll Think of me (take 14) 4:32
05) You’ll Think of Me (take 16) 4:32
06) A Little Bit of Green (takes 2, 3/M) 5:04
07) Inherit the Wind (take 3M with v.o. #2) 3:24
08) Without Love (There is Nothing) (takes 2-4) 4:01
09) Suspicious Minds (take 7) 3:53
FEBRUARY OUTTAKES
10) And the Grass Won’t Pay No Mind (take 6/M) 3:57
11) Do You Know Who I Am? (take 4) 4:10
UNFINISHED MASTERS
12) This is the Story (takes 1-2/M) 3:27
13) You’ll Think of Me (take 23/M) 4:27
14) A Little Bit of Green (take 3/M with v.o. # 2) 3:57
15) From a Jack to a King (takes 4,5/M) 3:02**
16) Without Love (There is Nothing) (take 5/M) 2:55
17) Suspicious Minds (take 8/M) 4:06
18) And the Grass Won’t Pay No Mind (Take 6/M with v.o.) 3:32
19) Do You Know Who I Am? (take 7/M with v.o.) 3:18
20) The Fair’s Moving On (take 1/M with v.o.) 3:19

G.I. Blues

The album "G.I. Blues" will be released as a special edition on vinyl by FTD in December with the DMM Mastering done by Abbey Road Studios. 

Side 1 – The Companion Album
1. Tonight Is So Right For Love (take 4) (2:19)
2. What’s She Really Like (takes 12, 13) (3.00)
3. Frankfort Special (version 1, take 12) (2:16)
4. Wooden Heart (takes 2-4M) (3.49)
5. G. I. Blues (take 5) (2:41)
6. Tonight Is So Right For Love (instrumental)
(2:14) (Barcarolle from “The Tales Of Hoffman”
by Jacques Offenbach)
7. Tonight’s All Right For Love (alternative version, take1) (1:22)
8. Big Boots (medium tempo version) (1.00)

Side 2 – The Companion Album
1. Pocketful Of Rainbows (version 1, take 10)
(2:36)
2. Shoppin’ Around (version 1, take 5) (2:16)
3. Big Boots (slow version, takes 2, 3) (2.25)
4. Didja’ Ever (take 1) (2:46)
5. Shoppin’ Around (instrumental, take 4) (1.43)
6. Doin’ The Best I Can (takes 1-3) (4.53)
7. Doin’ The Best I Can (takes 4-7) (2.19)

Side 3 – The Original Album
1. Tonight Is So Right For Love (2:13)
2. What’s She Really Like (2.18)
3. Frankfort Special (2:55)
4. Wooden Heart (2.03)
5. G. I. Blues (2:37)
Bonus Tracks
6. Tonight Is So Right For Love (alternative version) (1:21)
7. G. I. Blues (take 1) (2:56)
8 .Wooden Heart (take 1) (2.01)

Side 4 – The Original Album
1 Pocketful Of Rainbows (2:35)
2 Shoppin’ Around (2:22)
3 Big Boots (1.31)
4 Didja’ Ever (2:37)
5 Blue Suede Shoes (2.07)
6 Doin’ The Best I Can (3.12)
Bonus Track
7 Doin’ The Best I Can (takes 8, 9) (3.33)


(Source: Various)

November 02 - Chart Files 1

A new release for audiophile fans was announced; "The Elvis Files 1.1". For collectors this isn't interesting, all material is taken from earlier releases or created for this CD.

From the press-release:
Audiophile fans will like the great sounding stereo masters from Kid Galahad (The stereo masters as featured on the FTD album were muddied and with annoying added reverb.) and Hound Dog is from a master tape source – You won’t believe your ears! Also the Louisiana Hayride live broadcast on this CD is without any overdubs (the MRS label released this with a bass overdub from the original master). 
The 1960 home demos presented on this CD are in stereo (with the exception of track 22). These recordings were recorded with two microphones. You’ll Never Walk Alone is an audience recording – on this CD in the best possible sound! The 1977 live recordings all recorded from soundboard and once again in the best sound available!
The authenticity of the WHBQ broadcast is questionable but it’s a very nice addition to this CD. Sun Studios sold this recording on cassettes in the late ’80s. Also a very nice addition are the 3 overdubbed tracks from the Blue Suede Shoes ballet.
Includes an 8-pages booklet with recording information and photos.

Tracklisting:
That’s All Right (WHBQ ‘Red Hot & Blue Radio Broadcast - Sommer 1954) - I Forgot To Remember To Forget (Louisiana Hayride - 01.10.1955)

Master Take:
Hound Dog (From Master Tape source)

'Blue Suede Shoes'-Elvis-Ballet:
Young And Beautiful (Overdubbed‘) - One Night (Overdubbed) - Frankfurt Special (Overdubbed)

Kid Galahad - Original Edited Masters In Stereo:
A Whistling Tune - This Is Living - Home Is Where The Heart Is - Riding The Rainbow - I Got Lucky - King Of The Whole Wide World

1960 Home Demos - Stereo:
You’ll Never Walk Alone (Partial) - If I Loved You - The Lord’s Prayer / If I Loved You (Reprise) - I Wonder, I Wonder, I Wonder - An Evening Prayer (Partial) - Make Believe - She Wears My Ring - Sweet Leilani (#1) - Sweet Leilani (#2) - Sweet Leilani (Reprise)

19.07.1975 E/S Nassau:
You’ll Never Walk Alone (Elvis At The Piano)

1977 Live Recordings:
Release Me (18.02.1977 - Columbia) - Tryin’ To Get To You (18.02.1977 - Columbia) - Blue Christmas (26.03.1977 - Norman) - Bossom Of Abraham / You Better Run (29.03.1977 - Alexandria) - Mystery Train / Tiger Man (03.05.1977 - Saginaw) - Can’t Help Falling In Love (03.05.1977 - Saginaw) - Polk Salad Annie (23.04.1977 - Toledo) - Big Boss Man (29.04.1977 - Duluth) - Bridge Over Troubled Water (29.04.1977) - My Way (01.05.1977 - Chicago)

Weekend Chart

The CD "It’s Christmas Time" climbed from #149 to #124 on the American Album chart. On the Holiday Albums chart the CD climbed from #7 to #6. 
The "The Real... Elvis" compilation dropped from #31 to #44 on the Irish Album chart. The CD "La Collection RTL" fell off the Compilation Albums chart.


Hot Shots And Cool Clips Released

Volume 6 in the "Elvis Hot Shots And Cool Clips Vol. 6" series from JAT Publishing was released. This volume will be housed inside a reproduction of a rare 1975 Hilton Showroom Menu. The DVD will include Las Vegas 1972, Kansas City 1972, Chicago 1972, afternoon show and more (but no Elvis Presley singing).


Wednesday Night Roll Over!

The Straight Arrow importrelease "Wednesday Night Roll Over!", containing an audiencerecording of the March 26, 1975 Midnight Show as recorded at the Las Vegas Hilton, was released. 

(Source: Essential Elvis / The King's World / Billboard / FECC)

November 01 - A Matter Of Spring Gold

The ShowRoom Records and management 3 import labels announced the release of two new CDs entitled "Spring Spirit ´74" and "A Matter Of Duty".

From the press-release Spring Spirit ´74:
Here´s the next new release from Showroom Rec. The title is "Spring Spirit ´74" It is an audience recorded Dinner Show from February 9,1974 in Las Vegas and comes in a 16 page booklet. 

Tracklisting:
01 See See Rider 2:52 02 When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again 0:15 03 I Got A Woman / Amen 4:26 04 The Lord's Prayer 0:07 05 Love Me 1:30 06 Trying To Get To You 2:01 07 Sweet Caroline 2:12 08 Love Me Tender 1:48 09 Fever 2:50 10 Johnny B. Goode 1:36 11 Hound Dog 1:18 12 Polk Salad Annie [incl. false start] 3:29 13 Killing Me Softly [Voice] 2:53 14 Spanish Eyes 3:09 15 Why Me Lord [Voice] 2:48 16 Suspicious Minds 3:32 17 Band Introductions 1:46 18 Introduction of Pierre Adidge 0:28 19 I Can't Stop Loving You 2:14 20 Help Me 2:35 21 An American Trilogy 3:49 22 Let Me Be There [incl. reprise] 3:26 23 Can't Help Falling In Love 1:38 24 Closing Vamp 0:37 

A Matter Of Duty
Here we have another new release due to be released soon from the "management" label titled "A Matter Of Duty" that is recorded live on stage in Mobile, Alabama on August 29,1976 Evening Show and comes with a 12 page booklet. 

Tracklisting:
01 Also sprach Zarathustra 1:04 02 See See Rider 3:29 03 Elvis talks 1:44 04 I Got A Woman / Amen 5:58 05 Elvis talks 1:52 06 Love Me 2:22 07 If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 3:14 08 You Gave Me A Mountain 3:49 09 All Shook 1:02 10 Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel 2:14 11 And I Love You So 3:19 12 Jailhouse Rock 1:53 13 Fever 3:02 14 America The Beautiful 3:06 15 Band Introductions 2:21 16 Early Morning Rain 1:00 17 What'd I Say 0:46 18 Johnny B. Goode 1:05 19 Drum Solo [Ronnie Tutt] 1:27 20 Bass Solo #1 [Jerry Scheff] 1:32 21 Bass Solo #2 [Jerry Scheff] 1:04 22 Piano Solo [Tony Brown] 1:36 23 Electric Clavinet Solo [David Briggs] 1:06 24 Love Letters 2:47 25 School Days 1:04 26 Hurt #1 1:52 27 Hurt #2 1:57 28 Hound Dog 1:20 29 My Heavenly Father [Kathy Westmoreland] 3:29 30 Elvis talks 0:49 31 That's All Right 2:20 32 Mystery Train / Tiger Man 3:13 33 Can't Help Falling In Love 1:38 34 Closing Vamp 1:45
total playing time 72:21
Bonus tracks: 25.11.1976 ES, Eugene / Oregon , 35 It's Now Or Never 2:57 36 Hurt 2:03 37 Hawaiian Wedding Song 2:33 

Going For Gold

Going on previous rate of sales for 'An Afternoon In The Garden' and 'The Essential Elvis' (2CD) Brian Quinn made a conservative extrapolation and estimate their sales as of this week are:

• 'An Afternoon In The Garden' - 498,098 Units. Estimated gold qualification within 2 weeks.
• 'The Essential Elvis' (2 CD) - 972,734 Units (including double sales under RIAA rules). Estimated platinum qualification around March, 2013.
• The 'Christmas Duets' sales are difficult to predict but as of 8th September, 2012 were 490,322 Units.

(Source: FECC / ElvisMatters)