April 15 - More Unedited Legal Trouble In Paradise? (Updated)

According to CNN there’s a new development in the battle over Lisa Marie Presley’s estate. Michael Lockwood, the father of Lisa Marie Presley’s two youngest children, has petitioned to represent them in court after Lisa Marie’s mother, Priscilla Presley, filed a petition contesting the will.

Lockwood has been appointed legal guardian of their twin daughters, amid insider concern that this is the last thing the tragic star wanted

Lisa Marie Presley died in January after an apparent cardiac arrest at her Los Angeles home. Lockwood is challenging a 2016 amendment that removes Priscilla Presley as a co-trustee and replaces her with Lisa Marie’s two oldest children, Riley and Benjamin Keough.

Benjamin Keough died in 2020, leaving Riley Keough as the primary beneficiary.

The petition alleges that the amendment was not witnessed or notarized, thereby questioning the authenticity of Lisa Marie Presley’s signature. Attorneys for Priscilla Presley and Riley Keough have not contested Lockwood’s petition, but a formal ruling has not been announced.

Unedited Masters

The Venus Productions import record label released the CD 'Unedited Masters Volume 1'. 

Publicity stated: Venus Productions is proud to present a new CD with unreleased, unedited, overdubbed or differently mixed tracks! It’s been a while since our last release and we’re looking forward to bring you unreleased tracks in top sound again. We’ll kick off with a paper sleeve CD that we almost forgot about and has been ready for 3 years.

Tracks: The Fool (Take 1 - Different Mix) - Faded Love (Brass & String Overdubbed Master) - How The Web Was Woven (Rehearsal + Takes 1, 2)* - Mary In The Morning (Unedited Overdubbed Master) - Cindy, Cindy (Unedited Overdubbed Master) - Put Your Hand In The Hand (Unedited Master) - Sylvia (Takes 5,6,7,8,9) - That's What You Get For Lovin' Me (Unknown Take) - Fools Rush In (Unedited Master) - Until It's Time For You To Go (Unedited Master) - Burning Love (Takes 5, 6 - Unedited) - Always On My Mind (Unedited - Strings & Brass Overdub) - It's A Matter Of Time (Unedited - Strings & Brass Overdub) - Bosom Of Abraham* (Unedited Master - Different Mix) - Amazing Grace (Take 2 - No Backing Vocals Overdub) - Early Morning Rain (Take 1 - 1973 Version) - No More (Take 1 - 1973 Version) - Promised Land (Unedited Master with Harmony Overdub) - Talk About The Good Times (Unedited Overdubbed Master) - Lead Me, Guide Me* (Unedited Master - Different Mix).

* Previously unreleased by Venus in the 'Unedited Series'.

Note: The rehearsal and Take 1 of 'How The Web Was Woven' have been officially released, Take 2 appears to be new. So are the previously unreleased takes 5 an 6 of 'Silvia' (real takes or just false starts?) are also set for release on the Millbranch Music CD 'Rags To Riches – The Original Mono Mixes' announced yesterday.

An unedited version of 'Lead Me, Guide Me' can be found on Venus "Keep Rollin On". An unedited version of 'Bosom Of Abraham' can be found on Flashback "Pure Diamonds Vol.3".

Blue Hawaii Resort To Be Rebuild

The Coco Palms Resort, best known as the location where the Elvis Presley's and Joan Blackman's characters in the 1961 movie 'Blue Hawaii' married, will be rebuild after being heavily damaged by a hurricane three decades ago. It’s also the site of other key scenes in the movie, including the last where Presley sings the 'Hawaiian Wedding Song' and holds Blackman’s hand while they board a raft to cross a lagoon.

The Coco Palms Resort on the island of Kauai will be torn down for a new 350-room hotel, the reported. The US$250 million project will take three years to complete.

(Source: CNN / FECC / Pascal Matteo / Honolulu Star-Advertiser / Elvis Club berlin)

April 15 - Charts April 2023 - Week 3 (Updated)

 The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. In the United Kingdom Elvis Presley found his way up again on the album and film charts. 

In the United States Elvis' listing on the chart for the new 'Elvis On Tour' box was a "one week only event", just like on other charts around the world. 

U.S. Billboard charts:

• Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #140 to #152. 
• Billboard Soundtrack Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack' dropped from #19 to #20. 
• Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' remained steady at #20.
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #22 to #24. 
• Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack' dropped from #30 to #32.

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #32 to #27. 
• Official Streaming Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #26 to #21. 
• Official Soundtrack Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #15 to #19. 
• Official Christian and Gospel Album chart: 'Where No One Stands Alone' remains steady at #17.
• Official Film chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #8 to #3. 
• Official Video Chart Top 100: 'ELVIS' climbed from #4 to #3. 
• Official DVD chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #4 to #2. 
• Official Blu-ray chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from @10 to #11. 
• Official Films On Disc chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #4 to #3. 
• Official Music DVD chart: 'Elvis The Searcher' climbed from #11 to #10.
• Official Music DVD chart: 'The King of Rock and Roll' climbed from #35 to #34.

Irish IRMA charts:

• Official Irish Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #47 to #51.  
• Official Irish Video chart: 'ELVIS' remained steady at #5. 

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

April 14 - Vegas King of Hawaii

The Millbranch Music import record label announced the release of the CD / DVD set 'Rags To Riches - The Original Mono Mixes'. 

Publicity stated: Millbranch Music is back with its first release in 2023! After the great success of our recent CD / DVD set 'Tampa Wave' we now present a completely new CD / DVD project!

'Rags To Riches – The Original Mono Mixes' is a 2-disc set. The CD includes 20 tracks from Elvis' June and September 1970 Nashville Recording Sessions, all presented as the original mono mixes in top-notch sound! 

You may wonder why Elvis' music was still mixed in mono in 1970. Well, all of Elvis’ 45 RPM singles from those days, almost to the end of 1971, were still being released in mono. Possibly because his releases were coming out of RCA Nashville, and some of the songs were only issued as singles and not so much as LP cuts, and therefore not mixed to stereo. Also, around this time, after a decade of indifference, country music radio started paying attention to Elvis again. Most of his singles from this period made the country charts. 

During this period, RCA recording artists Charley Pride, Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton, Eddy Arnold (and every other C&W artist on RCA) released most of their singles in mono. The first Elvis stereo single in the ‘70s was Merry Christmas Baby/O Come All Ye Faithful from 1971. Promo singles for Elvis´ music continued being released in mono until 1975.

As a matter of fact those single records from 50+ years ago (especially the promos) did have a unique sound which is powered a lot by a great punch. This detail in sound was for sure intended by the producers as it made a great effect when being played by radio stations back then. Still today, collectors are partly buying these promos not only for collecting purposes, but also for playing them on vintage (or new) record players, enjoying “glorious mono sound”. Now you can enjoy all these great sounding Elvis tracks in glorious mono on this release!

The DVD in our new set has a running time of almost 100 (!!) minutes and we gave it the title 'That's The Way It Is In Motion'. While this is definitely not a re-edit of the original 'That's The Way It Is' movie, it is a musical documentary of its own, and represents the album and the songs that appeared on it. And much more! Using higher quality outtakes than ever before with footage that has no watermarks or similar impairments, we are able to present it in the highest possible quality, like you are used from us.

All of the songs on the DVD are newly edited with several different camera angles. You'll see and hear Elvis having fun rehearsing 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me' on July 15, 1970 and also doing the tune live at the Opening Night performance on August 10, which has Elvis calling out Sammy Davis Jr.. We also included an interview segment of Sammy Davis Jr. talking about what he saw on stage that night accompanies the clip. 

A newly edited version of 'I Just Can't Help Believin'' which goes from rehearsal to live is presented in split screens, using several different angles. Also on this DVD are newly edited performances of 'Make The World Go Away', 'Polk Salad Annie', 'I've Lost You' and 'The Walk Through The Audience' (which has never been edited properly before). Added to that are several split-screen performances like 'Heartbreak Hotel' from the August 12th 1970 Dinner Show and 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'. The 'Little Sister / Get Back' sit down medley has been edited properly for the first time and is for sure one of the many highlights on our DVD. 

'Blue Suede Shoes' has been re-edited, despite its appearance in the original movie. This DVD brings you a great experience in going back to Las Vegas in the summer of 1970!

Tracklist CD: Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin’ On (Master Recording) - Bridge Over Troubled Water (Without Harmony Vocal Overdub) - I Really Don’t Want To Know (Original Single Version) - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me (Original Single Version) - There Goes My Everything (Original Single Version) - Mary In The Morning (Master Recording) - Stranger In The Crowd - I’ve Lost You - Patch It Up (Original Single Version) - How The Web Was Woven (Undubbed Master, Acetate Source) - Sylvia (Take 5 - 8) - The Next Step Is Love (Master Recording) - Rags To Riches (Master Recording) - Only Believe - The Fool - Where Did They Go, Lord - Twenty Days And Twenty Nights - I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water - Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On (Mix With Horns) - Bridge Over Troubled Water (Take 1)

Summer Vinyl

The U.K. based Memphis Recording Service announced the May 17, 2023 release of a double LP of their new 'Las Vegas Summer Festival 1972' 4-CD-set. 

Publicity stated: The 2-LP set features two Midnight Shows drawn from Elvis’ seventh engagement in Las Vegas. The shows, recorded at the Hilton Hotel, took place during Elvis’ summer festival in the month of August 1972. 

This is a Limited Edition gatefold set and will be available in both black and clear vinyl. Please note, the clear vinyl is only available from Elvis fan clubs and exclusive Elvis dealers and not be available to the mainstream public stores.

LP 1 - Las Vegas Hilton - August 11, 1972 Midnight Show: 

Side A: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider -  I Got A Woman / Amen - Proud Mary - Until It's Time For You To - You've Lost That Loving Feeling - Polk Salad Annie - What Now My Love - Fever - Love Me - All Shook Up.                  

Side B: Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - Heartbreak Hotel - Blue Suede Shoes - Little Sister / Get Back - Hound Dog - Its Over - Suspicious Minds - My Way - A Big Hunk O' Love - An American Trilogy - Can't Help Falling In Love.            

LP 2 - Las Vegas Hilton - August 12, 1972 Midnight Show:

Side C: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Proud Mary - Never Been To Spain - Until It's Time For You To - You've Lost That Loving Feeling - Polk Salad Annie - What Now My Love - Fever.                                         

Side D: Love Me - Blue Suede Shoes - One Night - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - Heartbreak Hotel - Hound Dog - For The Good Times - Suspicious Minds - My Way - An American Trilogy - A Big Hunk O' Love.

Summer Festival 1972 Released

According to a Facebook post from the Elvis Shop London the Memphis Recording Service 'Summer Festival 1972 Released' 4-CD-set has been released and all pre-orders have been shipped. The official release date is April 28th, 2023.

Description: The 4-CD set contains a varied selection of live performances drawn from Elvis’ seventh engagement in Las Vegas. The shows, recorded at the Hilton Hotel, took place during Elvis’ summer festival in the month of August 1972. Bonus rehearsal tracks, recorded days before the engagement began, are also included. 

The accompanying 40-page booklet includes rare photographs, memorabilia and liner notes to set the scene.

• CD 1: Las Vegas Hilton - August 11, 1972 (Dinner Show) with bonus rehearsal tracks from August 2, 1972 (Room Cassette Recording).
• CD 2: Las Vegas Hilton - August 11, 1972 (Midnight Show) with bonus rehearsal tracks from August 3, 1972 (Room Cassette Recording, Part 1).
• CD 3: Las Vegas Hilton - August 12, 1972 (Dinner Show) with bonus rehearsal tracks from August 3, 1972 (Room Cassette Recording, Part 2).
• CD 4: -Las Vegas Hilton - August 12, 1972 (Midnight Show).

Not Now Vinyl

The Not Now Music record label released the 'King Creole' soundtrack on 180 gr. transparant vinyl and the 'Blue Hawaii' soundtrack on 180 Gr. electric blue colored vinyl. 

Description: 'King Creole' was the fourth of Elvis Presley’s Hollywood movies, released in June 1958. Loosely based on Harold Robbins’ novel A Stone For Danny Fisher, about a struggling young Boxer. Producer Hal Wallis decided it would make a perfect vehicle for Elvis Presley, and so the lead character became a Singer instead of a boxer, and the whole project was promptly transformed into a musical. 

It’s one of the best of the Presley soundtracks opening with the title track King Creole penned by Leiber & Stoller, followed by R&B number Crawfish, and the contrasting Rock’n’Roll track Dixieland Rock which is reminiscent of Jailhouse Rock. Sadly, it was to be the last truly dramatic role Elvis was ever given, and Presley himself would always cite King Creole as his personal favorite out of all the films he made.

Side A: King Creole - As Long As I Have You - Hard Headed Woman - Trouble - Dixieland Rock.

Side B: Don’t Ask Me Why - Lover Doll - Crawfish - Young Dreams - Steadfast, Loyal And True - New Orleans.

Description: 'Blue Hawaii' was Elvis’ 8th film, and on its release in 1961 became one of that year’s most successful titles at the box office. It remained one of the singer’s all-time favorite movies, and began a love affair with the island, which had become America’s 50th state in 1959. 

'Blue Hawaii' was the usual Elvis mix of exotic locations, beautiful girls and lots of songs. The soundtrack of 'Blue Hawaii' did not disappoint - the sleeve boasting “14 Great Songs”. The title track was a perfect introduction, while the Hawaiian setting meant that space was found for the atmospheric 'Hawaiian Sunset' and 'Island Of Love (Kauai)'. Room was also found for two other island-related songs - 'Aloha Oe' and 'Hawaiian Wedding Song', both of which had been hits for Bing Crosby back in the 1930s. 

But where 'Blue Hawaii' really scored for fans was the inclusion of the boisterous 'Rock-A-Hula Baby' and a song which would go on to become one of the singer’s best-loved ballads, 'Can’t Help Falling In Love'. Based in part on an 18th Century French melody, for many years this became Elvis’ in-concert finale.

Side A: Blue Hawaii - Almost Always True - Aloha Oe - No More - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Rock-A-Hula Baby - Moonlight Swim.

Side B: Ku-U-I-Po (Hawaiian Sweetheart) - Ito Eats - Slicin’ Sand - Hawaiian Sunset - Beach Boys Blue - Island Of Love (Kauai) - Hawaiian Wedding Song.

(Source: Sounds / Memphis Recording Service / Facebook Elvis Shop London / Facebook Your Favourite ELVIS CD, LP, DVD & Book / FECC)

April 13 - Southbend to Wichita (Updated)

Just released by an unknown label is the 5-CD-set 'Southbend to Wichita' featuring five concerts recorded in Southbend, St. Paul, Dayton and Witchita during the September - October Tour of 1974.

Publicity stated: In 1974 Elvis had a busy year, coming hot on the heels of yet another successful engagement in Las Vegas in January/February Elvis went back on tour. Elvis would do nothing but touring between March and August 1974, with the exception of an engagement in Lake Tahoe squeezed in between the tours. 

When Elvis tried to reinvent his setlist in August for yet another engagement in Las Vegas, it turned out to be a failed attempt. The crowd did not like the changes Elvis had made trying to get rid of most of his original material and replacing it with newer material or material he hadn't performed on stage before. 
After this season Elvis would take rest for two and a half weeks before going back on tour and giving one of his worst performances in College Park, MD on September 27th and 28th. 

This limited 5-disc digipack compiles all available soundboards from the last week of the tour. The set starts with the show from October 1st. in Southbend and ends with the October 7, 1974 performance from Wichita. Listening to these concerts you can enjoy some great and rare versions of 'Promised Land', 'That's All Right,' 'Until It's Time For You To Go', a serious rendition of 'Why Me Lord' and stunning versions of 'It's Midnight' among others. 

All the shows have been digitally remastered for the best and most optimal sound quality and this digipack is presented with rare photos taken during this tour.  

CD 1: See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Blue Suede Shoes - It's Midnight - Big Boss Man - Fever - Love Me Tender - Hound Dog - Heartbreak Hotel - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Introductions - Guitar Solo - Drum Solo - Bass Solo - Lawdy, Miss Clawdy - Introductions Continued / Orchestra Solo - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - Killing Me Softly (By The Voice) - Let Me Be There - It's Now Or Never - You Gave Me A Mountain - Johnny B. Goode - Hawaiian Wedding Song - Steamroller Blues - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

CD 2: See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Blue Suede Shoes - Until It's Time For You To Go - Big Boss Man - Fever - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - Love Me Tender - Hound Dog - Introductions - Guitar Solo - Drum Solo - Bass Solo - Lawdy, Miss Clawdy - Introductions Continued / Orchestra Solo - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - The Wonder Of You - Why Me Lord - Heartbreak Hotel - Let Me Be There - Hawaiian Wedding Song - An American Trilogy - Johnny B. Goode - You Gave Me A Mountain - Dialogue / Can't Help Falling In Love (28.09.1974) - Closing Vamp (28.09.1974)

CD 3: See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - If You Love Me Let Me Know - It's Midnight - Big Boss Man - Fever - Love Me Tender - Hound Dog - Introductions - Guitar Solo - Drum Solo - Bass Solo - Lawdy, Miss Clawdy - Introductions Continued / Orchestra Solo - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - Heartbreak Hotel - Why Me Lord - Promised Land - You Gave Me A Mountain - Let Me Be There - Hawaiian Wedding Song - Can't Help Falling In Love

CD 4: See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - If You Love Me Let Me Know - Fever - Big Boss Man - Love Me Tender - Hound Dog - The Wonder Of You - Blue Suede Shoes - Introductions - Guitar Solo - Drum Solo - Bass Solo - Lawdy, Miss Clawdy - Introductions Continued / Orchestra - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - Heartbreak Hotel - Why Me Lord - That's All Right - Blue Christmas - Let Me Be There - Hawaiian Wedding Song - Johnny B. Goode - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

CD 5: See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Blue Suede Shoes - The Wonder Of You - Big Boss Man - Fever - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - Love Me Tender - Hound Dog - Introductions - Guitar Solo - Drum Solo - Bass Solo - Lawdy, Miss Clawdy - Introductions Continued / Orchestra Solo - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Why Me Lord - Let Me Be There - When It’s My Time (By Bill Baize) - Johnny B. Goode - Heartbreak Hotel - Hawaiian Wedding Song - Polk Salad Annie - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

Note: all concerts have previously been released on bootleg and on the Follow That Dream collectors label: 

October 1, Southbend - 'Dragonheart' (Follow That Dream).

October 3, St. Paul - 'St. Paul To Wichita' (Follow That Dream).

October 6, Dayton (Afternoon Show) - 'Dayton Reloaded' (Boxcar and other releases).

October 6, Dayton (Evening Show) - 'Dayton Reloaded' (Boxcar and other releases).

October 7, Wichita - 'St. Paul To Wichita' (Follow That Dream).

Prodigy of SUN Vinyl Due Soon

The Elvis Files team posted an update on their Facebook page that the cover for the long-awaited companion album to the 2022 book 'The Prodigy of SUN Records' is ready to be printed. Erik Lorenzen gave his approval for the minor design changes a few days ago. It looks slick. . . within a few weeks buyers of the book should receive an update when the 10 inch LP is ready to ship. 

The publisher also announced that, after a very long delay, there is light at the end of the tunnel for the 400 page "coffee table" hardcover book '... And Then There Was Elvis' by Elaine Christan (Coons) from the diary of her mother Virginia Coons, which should finally be available May 2023.

Description: A superfan's personal adventure - Virginia Coons was a super-SUPER-fan. Her interest started with Elvis’ breakthrough in the mid-fities and continued to her very last day. She has met Elvis multiple times and was the direct link between America and England (Europe). She maintained contacts and ensured that the latest releases of LPs and 45s found their way overseas. She not only had contact with Elvis but with everyone close to him including Priscilla, Col. Parker's office and RCA. There are so many fun-to-read stories its incredible.

Virginia has hundreds of memories now curated by her daughter - Elaine Christan - in a 400 page hardback book. Many personal stories summarized in a beautiful book with many high resolution photos, personal candids etc . . . made available by MEGA collector Erik Lorentzen. Erik's photo collection is known worldwide and sky high.

Elaine translated her mother's journey into writing, so many beautiful stories brought together in one book. Anyone who reads The Elvis Files magazine will be familiar the way Virginia remembered Elvis and penned her memories.

To find out more: https://www.theelvisfiles.com/

In memory of Lisa Marie Presley

The Tupelo Elvis Fan Club dedicated a bench in the memory of Lisa Marie Presley to the the Elvis Presley Birthplace. 

(Source: FECC / Elvis Files / Nigel Patterson / Tupelo Elvis Presley fan club)

April 12 - Chauvel Award

Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin will be honored with the prestigious Chauvel Award for their outstanding contribution and influence on film has made a significant impact on the screen industry in Queensland and around the world. The couple worked there, filming the 'ELVIS' movie, following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Baz Luhrmann has a big affection for Australia's Gold Coast where he and Martin shot and post-produced 'ELVIS' which went on to win multiple awards. 

Luhrmann noted, “Having lived and worked here on the Gold Coast creating our film ELVIS there is no doubt that this is a town that loves movies and is uniquely suited to making them. ... I am deeply honored to receive the Chauvel Award, alongside my wife Catherine Martin".

Martin will accept the prize in person on behalf of herself and Luhrmann at the Gold Coast Film Festival’s Screen Industry Gala Awards, to be held at Warner. Bros Movie World April 20.

(Source: Facebook / Goldywood)

April 08 - Charts April 2023 - Week 1 (Updated)

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. A bad week for Elvis Presley on the U.K. charts, he dropped off the download, physical and vinyl chart. On the U.K. movie and DVD charts, our man found his way up again.

Our man also dropped off the Belgian, Dutch German, Scottish and Swiss charts. 

In the United States Elvis' Elvis also dropped off several charts, but the new 'On Tour' set also entered the chart. 

U.S. Billboard charts:

• Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #135 to #140. 
• Billboard Top Current Sales chart: 'Elvis On Tour' a new entry at #56.
• Billboard Soundtrack Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack' dropped from #19 to #20.  
• Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack' dropped from #27 to #30.
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #21 to #22. 
• Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' is listed at #20.

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #24 to #28. 
• Official Streaming Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #22 to #26
• Official Soundtrack Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #13 to #15. 
• Official Christian and Gospel Album chart: 'Where No One Stands Alone' makes a re-entry at #17.
• Official Film chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #4 to #8. 
• Official Video Chart Top 100: 'ELVIS' climbed from #8 to #4. 
• Official DVD chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #7 to #4. 
• Official Blu-ray chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #19 to #10. 
• Official Films On Disc chart: 'ELVIS' remained steady at #4. 
• Official Music DVD chart: 'Elvis The Searcher' dropped from #7 to #11.
• Official Music DVD chart: 'The King of Rock and Roll' re-entered the chart once more at #35.
• Official Music DVD chart: 'Elvis The Complete Story' re-entered the chart once more at #48.

Irish IRMA charts:

• Official Irish Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #44 to #47.  
• Official Irish Video chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #6 to #5. 

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

April 06 - For SACD Fans From Memphis Only

It looks like the Mobile Fidelity record label may finally release the 'From Elvis in Memphis' album as a SACD on April 28th. 

The "coming soon" label changed to "pre-order now". Various on-line webshops have this title on pre-order. A 180g 45RPM 2-LP box-set was already announced almost 2 years ago, perhaps this will be released soon too. More info on the >>> Mobile Fidelity site.

For LP Fans Only

Due for re-release on September 1, 2023 from Speakers Corner is 'For LP Fans Only'.

Tracks: That's Alright Mama / Lawdy Miss Clawdy / Mystery Train / Playing For Keeps / Poor Boy / Money Honey / I'm Counting On You / My Baby Left Me / I Was The One / Shake Rattle And Roll / I'm Left You're Right She's Gone / You're A Heartbreaker / Trying To Get To You /Blue Suede Shoes.

Elvis is Everywhere

Elvis Presley made a small appearance on the cover of History Net's Vietnam magazine (May 2023 edition). Not as  G.I. but in a reference to what happened back home, where Elvis married Priscilla. 

(Amazon / Fan Shop Poland / Mobile Fidelity / Bol / History Net Facebook)

April 03 - The Making of Blue Hawaii Details

Last week the Follow That Dream collectors label announced the release of 'The Making of Blue Hawaii' double book, 4 CD and and a 33 RPM vinyl EP.

The set features the music from the soundtrack recording sessions, which are newly mixed from the original 3-track tapes, including 50 unreleased takes, the songs are sequenced in recording order for the first time.

All twenty-nine takes of 'Can't Help Falling In Love' are included from Elvis' March 23 1961 session plus plenty of other outakes and false-starts. For those fans who can't afford or are not interested in the books, a big box like this, the label has already announced it will release the audio as a single release at a later moment. 

The complete tracklistings:

CD 1 The Masters: 

01. Blue Hawaii (2:34) (Lee Robin/Ralph Rainger) 02. Almost Always True (2:22) (Fred Wise/Ben Weisman) 03. Aloha Oe (1:53) (Arranged and adapted by Elvis Presley) 04. No More (2:20) (Don Robertson/Hal Blair) 05. Can’t Help Falling In Love (3:01) (Hugo Peretti/Luigi Creatore/George Weiss) 06. Rock-A-Hula Baby (1:56) (Fred Wise/Ben Weisman/Dolores Fuller) 07. Moonlight Swim (2:18) (Sylvia Dee/Ben Weisman) 08. Ku-U-I-Po (2:21) (Hugo Peretti/Luigi Creatore/George Weiss) 09. Ito Eats (1:23) (Sid Tepper/Roy C. Bennett) 10. Slicin’ Sand (1:35) (Sid Tepper/Roy C. Bennett) 11. Hawaiian Sunset (2:33) (Sid Tepper/Roy C. Bennett) 12. Beach Boy Blues (2:03) (Sid Tepper/Roy C. Bennett) 13. Island Of Love (2:38) (Sid Tepper/Roy C. Bennett) 14. Hawaiian Wedding Song (2:49) (Charles King/Al Hoffman/Dick Manning) 15. Steppin’ Out of Line (1:52) (Fred Wise/Ben Weisman/Dolores Fuller) 

March 21, 1961 - Radio Recorders, Hollywood:

16. Hawaiian Sunset (AO) take 1 17. Hawaiian Sunset (AO) take 2 18. Hawaiian Sunset (AO) take 3 19. Hawaiian Sunset (AO) take 4 (used for master) 20. Hawaiian Sunset (AO) takes 5-6, 7 (used for master) 21. Hawaiian Sunset (AO) (final master) (splice of take 4 & 7) 

CD 2 March 21, 1961 - Radio Recorders, Hollywood:

01. Aloha Oe (BO section 2) take 1 02. Aloha Oe (BO section 2) take 2 03. Aloha Oe (BO section 2) take 3 04. Aloha Oe (BO section 2) takes 4, 5 (used for master) 05. Aloha Oe (BO section 2) take 6 06. Aloha Oe (BO section 2) take 7 (used for master) 07. Aloha Oe (BO 1 - master) (take 4) & (BO 2 - master) (splice of take 7 & 5) 08. Ku-U-I-Po (CO) take 1 09. Ku-U-I-Po (CO) takes 2,4,5 10. Ku-U-I-Po (CO) takes 6-7 11. Ku-U-I-Po (CO) takes 8, 9 (master) 12. No More (DO) takes 1-2 13. No More (DO) takes 4, 5, 7 14. No More (DO) take 8 15. No More (DO) take 9 16. No More (DO) takes 10-11 17. No More (DO) takes 12,13 (used for master) 18. No More (DO-1) (insert ending) takes 14-16 19. No More (DO & DO-1) (master) (splice of take 13 & ending take 16) 20. Slicin’ Sand (EO) takes 1-3 21. Slicin’ Sand (EO) take 4 22. Slicin’ Sand (EO) takes 5-7 23. Slicin’ Sand (EO) takes 8-9 24. Slicin’ Sand (EO) take 10 25. Slicin’ Sand (EO) takes 11-12 26. Slicin’ Sand (EO) takes 13-14 27. Slicin’ Sand (EO) takes 15-18 28. Slicin’ Sand (EO) take 19 (master) 

CD 3 March 22, 1961 - Radio Recorders, Hollywood:

01. Blue Hawaii (FO) takes 1-3 02. Blue Hawaii (FO) takes 4-6 03. Blue Hawaii (FO) take 7 (master) 04. Ito Eats (GO) takes 1-2 05. Ito Eats (GO) takes 3-5 06. Ito Eats (GO) takes 6-8, 9 (master) 07. Hawaiian Wedding Song (JO) take 1 08. Hawaiian Wedding Song (JO) take 2 (master) 09. Island of Love (KO) takes 1-4 10. Island Of Love (KO) takes 5-7 11. Island Of Love (KO) take 8 12. Island Of Love (KO) take 9-10 13. Island Of Love (KO) takes 11-12 14. Island Of Love (KO) take 13 (master) 15. Steppin’ Out Of Line (LO) (movie version) takes 1-5 16. Steppin’ Out Of Line (LO) (movie version) takes 6-7, 8 (master) 17. Steppin’ Out Of Line (LO) (record version) takes 9-11 18. Steppin’ Out Of Line (LO) (record version) takes 12-15 19. Steppin’ Out Of Line (LO) (record version) takes 16, 17 (master) 20. Steppin’ Out Of Line (LO) (movie version) (tag) takes 18-19 21. Steppin’ Out Of Line (LO) (movie version) (master) 22. Almost Always True (MO) takes 1-3 23. Almost Always True (MO) takes 4-5 24. Almost Always True (MO) takes 6-7 25. Almost Always True (MO) take 8 (master) 

CD 4 

01. Moonlight Swim (NO) takes 1-2 02. Moonlight Swim (NO) take 3 (master without female vocals overdub) 03. Moonlight Swim (NO) take 4 March 23, 1961 - Radio Recorders, Hollywood 04. Can’t Help Falling In Love (RO) (movie version) takes 1-5 05. Can’t Help Falling In Love (RO) (movie version) takes 6-8 06. Can’t Help Falling In Love (RO) (movie version) take 9 07. Can’t Help Falling In Love (RO) (movie version) takes 10-12 08. Can’t Help Falling In Love (RO) (movie version) take 13 09. Can’t Help Falling In Love (RO) (movie version) takes 14-16 10. Can’t Help Falling In Love (RO) (movie version) takes 17-20 11. Can’t Help Falling In Love (RO) (movie version) takes 21-22, 23 (master) 12. Can’t Help Falling In Love (RO) (movie version) takes 24 13. Can’t Help Falling In Love (RO) (movie version) takes 25-26 14. Can’t Help Falling In Love (RO) (record version) takes 27-29 (master) 15. Beach Boy Blues SO (record version) takes 1, 2 (master) 3 16. Beach Boy Blues SO (movie version) take 4 (master) 17. Rock-A-Hula Baby TO (record version) takes 1-3 18. Rock-A-Hula Baby TO (record version) Takes 4, 5 (master).

E.P.: No More, Blue Hawaii, Moonlight Swim, Almost Always True.

Musicians: Guitar: Scotty Moore Guitar: Hank Garland Guitar: Tiny Timbrell Bass guitar: Bob Moore Drums: D.J. Fontana Drums: Hal Blaine Drums: Bernie Mattinson Piano: Floyd Cramer Piano & Celeste: Dudley Brooks Saxophone: Boots Randolph Steel guitar: Alvino Rey Harmonica: George Fields Ukelele: Freddie Tavares Ukelele: Bernie Lewis 

Vocals: The Jordanaires: Gordon Stoker, Neal Matthews, Hoyt Hawkins, Ray Walker. The Surfers: Pat Sylva, Bernie Ching, Clay Naluai, Al Naluai. Overdubbed later: Vocals: Dorothy McCarty, Virginia Rees, Loulie Norman, Jacqueline Allen (Moonlight Swim). 

Original musical arranger: Joseph J. Lilley. Original engineer: Thorne Nogar. Original editor: Dave Wiechman. Mixed from 3-track to 2-track stereo by Vic Anesini at Battery Studios, New York, 2022. Edited and mastered by Jan Eliasson at Audio Planet, Denmark. Produced by Ernst Mikael Jørgensen.

Everything You Need to Know about The King

Desmond Turner published his 50-page book 'The Elvis Presley Handbook: Everything You Need to Know about The King Paperback'.

Description: Uncovering the Untold Stories of The King: A Deep Dive into Elvis Presley's Life and Career

Are you a fan of The King of Rock and Roll? Do you want to know everything there is to know about Elvis Presley? Then look no further! The Elvis Presley Handbook is the ultimate guide to everything you need to know about the life and legacy of this iconic musician.

In this book, you'll find:

• A comprehensive biography of Elvis Presley's life, from his humble beginnings to his rise to fame and beyond.
• A concise timeline of Elvis's life, from his birth in Tupelo, Mississippi, to his untimely death at Graceland.
• A detailed analysis of Elvis Presley's music, including his biggest hits, lesser-known gems, and the evolution of his sound.
• An exploration of Elvis Presley's impact on popular culture, including his movies, fashion, and influence on other musicians.
• A look at his most famous songs and albums.
• Fun facts that even the most die-hard Elvis fan might not know!
• Whether you're a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the world of Elvis Presley, The Elvis Presley Handbook is the ultimate guide to The King.

So get your copy now and immerse yourself in the life and legacy of one of the greatest entertainers of all time!

(Source: The Elvis Shop London)

April 01 - A New Gold Single Award

The British Phonographic Industries certified the single 'If I Can Dream' with a Gold Single Award for selling over 400,000 copies (streams plus digital downloads plus physical sales) since November 15, 2004. This is the 6th B.P.I Award for Elvis Presley in 2023.

Red Robinson Died

Legendary Vancouver DJ Red Robinson passes away. He was 86.

His family said in a post: With deep sadness and broken hearts, we bring the news that our beloved Dad, Red Robinson, passed this morning at 8:15 am after a brief illness.

Robinson had Vancouver’s first rock and roll radio show on November 13, 1954, when he was just 17 years old. He was the MC of the first rock and roll concert in the city, featuring Bill Haley, on June 27, 1956. He also was the MC of the Elvis Presley show at Empire Stadium on August 31, 1957 and the Beatles gig at Empire August 22, 1964.

The old bootleg 'Got A Lot O Livin To Do', that contained the few recorded snippets of the Vancouver Elvis concert in 1957, were from him. As was the dressing Room press conference recording released on 1977 LP 'The Elvis Tapes'. 

These recordings were re-issued by the Blue Day record label on clear vinyl in February 2023.

(Source: B.P.I. / FECC / Vancouver Sun  / Paul Sweeny)

April 01 - Charts April 2023 - Week 1 (Updated)

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. 

In the United Kingdom the 'Live 1972' compilation entered the Albums Sales chart, while the 'ELVIS' soundtrack and 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped off the album charts. 'From Elvis In Nashville' dropped off the Country Compilations chart. On the Americana Album chart Elvis made a comeback. Elvis also lost the No.1 spot on the Film chart. 

In the United States, Elvis' albums lost several spots on the various charts while our man dropped off the Catalog Album chart entirely. 

The 'Live 1972' LP also entered the charts in Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands. 

U.S. Billboard charts:

• Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #123 to #135. 
• Billboard Soundtrack Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack' dropped from #13 to #15.  
• Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack' dropped from #16 to #19.  
• Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #22 to #27.  
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #18 to #21. 

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #24 to #28. 
• Official Download Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #67 to #73. 
• Official Album Sales chart: 'Live 1972' is a new entry at #27. 
• Official Streaming Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #19 to #22. 
• Official Physical Album Sales chart: 'Live 1972' is a new entry at #25.
• Official Vinyl Album chart: 'Live 1972' is a new entry at #14.
• Official Soundtrack Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #7 to #13. 
• Official Americana Album chart 'Elvis Back In Nashville' is a re-entry at #34.
• Official Film chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #1 to #4. 
• Official Video Chart Top 100: 'ELVIS' dropped from #4 to #8. 
• Official DVD chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #4 to #7. 
• Official Blu-ray chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #13 to #19. 
• Official Films On Disc chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #2 to #4. 
• Official Music DVD chart: 'Elvis The Searcher' dropped from #6 to #7.

Official Scottish charts:

• Official Scottish Album chart: 'Live 1972' is a new entry at #38.

Irish IRMA charts:

• Official Irish Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #39 to #44. 
• Official Irish Video chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #3 to #6. 

Dutch charts

• Dutch Vinyl 33 chart: 'Live 1972' is a new entry at #16.

Mtv German Charts:

• Mtv German Album chart: 'Live 1972' new entry at #88.

Belgian UltraTop charts:

• UltraTop Album Top 200 chart (Wallonia): 'Live 1972' new entry at #192. 

Swiss Charts

• Swiss Album Top 100 chart: 'Elvis Live 1972' is a new entry at #93

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