October 11 - The Final Hayride

The U.K. based Memphis Recording Service published the fnal update on their 'The Complete Louisiana Hayride Archives 1954-1956' release:


The update:
Here are the final details, artwork and track-list for the upcoming MRS release in association with ‘Joseph A Tunzi’ (JAT Productions). ‘The Complete Louisiana Hayride Archives 1954-1956’ will be released 21st November 2011.
All of the 29 tracks therein are re-mastered using the most sophisticated non commercial technology.  It includes restored and more complete versions of many of the tracks than ever before. Fans will be delighted to finally hear a much improved and richer version of tracks such as ‘Hearts of Stone’ & ‘Im Left You’re Right She’s Gone. The CD will also contain Elvis’ last performance on the Louisiana Hayride in December 1956 which again, is re-mastered, complete and pitch corrected. The set also includes a 100 page hard back book with informative text and many rare and new photographs.


Tracklisting:
First Louisiana Hayride Show - 16th October 1954
 1. Hayride Begins Jingle
 2. Introduction/ That's All Right
 3. Blue Moon of Kentucky
January 15th 1955
 4. Hearts of Stone
 5. That’s All Right
 6. Tweedle Dee
January 22nd 1955
 7. Money Honey 
 8. Blue Moon of Kentucky
 9. I Don’t Care If The Sun Don’t Shine 
 10. That’s All Right 
April 30th 1955
11. Tweedle Dee
July 16th 1955
12. I’m Left You’re Right She’s Gone
August 20th 1955
13. Baby Let’s Play House
14. Maybellene
15. That’s All Right
Last Louisiana Hayride Show - 16th December 1956
16. Heartbreak Hotel
17. Long Tall Sally
18. I Was the One
19. Love Me Tender
20. Don’t Be Cruel
21. Love Me 
22. I Got a Woman
23. When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again
24. Paralyzed
25. Hound Dog
26. Elvis Has Left the Building
27. Hayride End Jingle 
Bonus Tracks
28. June Carter Talks about Elvis on the Hayride
29. Maybellene (Tunzi Remix)

Flaming Star #67


The Norwegian Flaming Star fan-club announced that volume 67 of their fan club magazine is ready to be shipped to the subscribers. 
Subjects in this edition are news, articles on 'Follow That Dream' and 'Speedway', an interview Sam Thompson and more. 

(Source: Memphis Recording Service / Flaming Star)

October 10 - Welcome To A Wonderful Whirl

The new Uranus label just released their first CD,  entitled 'Welcome To A Wonderful Whirl', containing the May 11, 1973 Dinner Show as recorded in Lake Tahoe.


From the press-release:
Since Uranus was able to lay their hands on a first generation recording of the previously unreleased show, the sound is exceptionally good for an audience recording. Be surprised how great an Audience Recording can sound! The CD is packed in a paper sleeve like the Japanese paper sleeve collection or the double albums from the past. A 16 page booklet packed with color pictures completes this wonderful debut of a new label.


Tracklisting:
1 C.C. Rider 3:24
2 I Got A Woman /Amen 3:13
3 Love Me Tender 1:45
4 Steamroller Blues 2:51
5 Help Me Make It Through The Night 2:37
6 You Gave Me A Mountain 3:28
7 Love Me 1:40
8 Blue Suede Shoes 1:06
9 Long Tall Sally / Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On / Mama Don't Dance / Shake Rattle And Roll / Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On 3:02
10 I'm Leaving' 3:09
11 Hound Dog 1:10
12 Fever 3:08
13 What Now My Love ? 3:01
14 Suspicious Minds 3:51
15 Introductions 2:55
16 I'll Remember You 2:29
17 I Can't Stop Loving You 2:19
18 Bridge Over Troubled Water (with false start & reprise ) 6:42
19 A Big Hunk O' Love 2:07
20 Can't Help Falling In Love / closing vamp 1:49


(Source: e-mail)

October 09 - Hospital Files

Erik Lorentzen, Elvis expert and author of picture books such as The Elvis Files and King of Hawaii, has been taken to the hospital, where doctors performed a heart surgery on him. The operation was a success, Erik is doing great and doctors are optimistic about a quick and full recovery. If all goes according to schedule, he will be home by next week,


(Source: ElvisMatters)

October 08 - Golden Christmas Boy

The new Route records import label announced the release of the original vinyl albums 'Elvis Golden Boy' (1965, Germany) and 'It Won't Seem Like Christmas Without You' (1982, UK) on CD. 


Details: Elvis Golden Boy 
Golden Boy is the ultimate album from Germany and was released in August 1965 by the major german TV guide HÖRZU and TELDEC, the record company who handled Elvis´ publishing rights in Germany. The album is highly sought after by collectors from all over the world, as it was taken off the market within a week, when The Colonel got aware of it. This produced a real monster collectible.


This album was also available with yellow backround as a swiss book club release back in 1965, wich is even much rarer than the original german HÖRZU release and is valued around 1.500 - 2.000$. A limited reprint of the swiss edition was recently available. The original HÖRZU album was official reprinted and available by RCA in 1981. This classic album with the beautiful cover was never released on CD.


But now, if only for nostalgic reasons, this great album is finally available on factory pressed silver CD. Housed in a stunning glossy 3 panel digipack, this release contains both the very rare original 1965 first pressing album artwork, and the cover of the limited edition yellow swiss edition.
Besides the original tracklist (all taken from the latest superb Vic Anesini masters) we added some hard to find bonus tracks to make this stunning release complete. Please notice...this is a limited edtion of only 500 copies!


Tracklisting:
1. She's Not You
2. Return To Sender
3. Joshua Fit The Battle
4. Don't
5. Tutti Fruitti
6. It's Now Or Never
7. Surrender
8. Do The Clam
9. Kiss Me Quick
10. Such A Night
11. Blueberry Hill
12. Don't Be Cruel
13. Heartbreak Hotel
14. Fun In Acapulco
15. Hound Dog
16. Muss I Denn (Wooden Heart)
Hard To Find Bonus Tracks:
17. Can't Help Falling in Love – take 24
18. Doncha Think Its Time – take 48
19. Jailhouse Rock – Spliced take ( unreleased )
20. Wild in the Country – take 13
21. I Believe in the Man in the Sky – take 1
22. So Close Yet So Far – take 3
23. I Beg of You – take 11 (mono)
24. Devil in Disguise – take 3
25. Viva Las Vegas – rehearsal


Details: It Won't Seem Like Christmas Without You

The vinyl album was released in 1982 in the UK . It featured some great gems, that are very hard to find these days. Some highlights are take 2 of "O Come, All Ye Faithful". Running more than a minute longer than the original version, it has Elvis singing the first verse one more time, to the accompaniment of an organ, lending the song an almost sacred character. And the ending is dynamic, with Elvis raising his voice one octave higher than on the original. Another highlight is the (then) unreleased master of the remake of "I'll Be Home On Christmas Day."


Also, there's the alternate version of "If Every Day Was Like Christmas," , the very hard to find duet versions of '' Winter Wonderland'' with Hanna Pakarinen and '' Blue Christmas'' with Martina McBride ( this is the famous '68 comeback show' version, never released on CD before and now available in stunning sound quality ).


And, ofcourse, theres many, many more... for the first time you have a single disc with all Elvis' christmas / gospel highlights. No endless takes, no endless chatter... put the disc in your cd player and you will have a marvelous christmas! Coming in a superb longbox digipack sleeve, this is the ultimate 2011 Elvis christmas gift.


Tracklisting:
1. It Wont Seem Like Christmas Without You
2. On A Snowy Christmas Night
3. If Everyday Was Like Christmas - alternate version
4. Where No One Stands Alone
5. Ill Be Home On Christmas Day - alternate master
6. If We Never Meet Again
7. The Wonderful World Of Christmas
8. He Touched Me
9. Merry Christmas Baby - complete studio performance
10. Reach Out To Jesus
11. If I Get Home On Christmas Day
12. His Hand In Mine
13. O Come All Ye Faithfull - take 2
14. Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees
15. Silent Night
16. We Call On Him - take 3
17. White Christmas (with count in)
18. Somebody Bigger Then You and I - take 12
19. Here Comes Santa Claus
20. Silver Bells - take 1
21. Santa Bring My Baby Back (Remix version)
22. O Little Town of Bethlehem - Duet with Karen Fairchild/Kimberly Schlapman
23. Winter Wonderland - Duet with Hanna Pakarinen
24. The Christmas Song/Oh Holy Night (one liners)
25. The First Noel - (2008 Remix)
26. Santa Claus is Back in Town (June 27, 1968 - 8 p.m.)
27. Blue Christmas - Unreleased -comeback version- Duet with Martina McBride
28. Christmas Message From Elvis/Ill Be Home for Christmas Duet with Carrie Underwood
29. Jingle Bells (instrumental) - informal recording, december 4, 1956

C&A Advertisement


Clothing chain C&A has a new news paper and magazine ad featuring Elvis. Earlier this year, C&A surprised the fans with a TV commercial (footage taken from the movie 'Spinout') that shows Elvis performing at a party with some lovely ladies. This time the "Love and Kiss" campaign is inspired by Elvis's 1957 movie "Jailhouse Rock".


(Source: EPG / ElvisMatters)

October 07 - Unedited Record Collector

The Venus import label announced the release of 'Nashville 1970' in their new 'Unedited Masters' series. 


From the pressrelease:
After the huge success and great reviews of our first release in the "Unedited Masters" series, we are proud to inform you about our, soon to be released, new volume: 'Unedited Masters: Nashville 1970'. Again we are able to present to you more undubbed and unedited masters, this time as recorded in Nashville, Tennessee 1970. As always, we deliver all songs without any fade-ins, fade-outs or cut-outs. Everything is presented the way it was recorded in the studio. The sound quality on this wonderful release is again "from outer space". Hear Elvis in his prime in a way you never heard him before! Don't you dare miss this great and limited edition and ... If it sounds like from outer space, you can be sure it's from Venus. 


Tracklisting:
1 Got My Mojo Working / Keep Your Hands Off of It unedited O.V. master 5:37 2 You Don't Have To Say You Love Me unedited O.V. master 2:34 3 Just Pretend unedited O.V. master 4:13 4 Faded Love Brass & Stings O.V. master 4:09 5 The Next Step Is Love unedited O.V. master 3:48 6 Make The World Go Away Take 3 O.V. /work part Tk.1 O.V. 5:01 7 I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water unedited overdubbed master 5:24 8 Twenty Days And Twenty Nights unedited O.V. master 3:40 9 I've Lost You unedited O.V. master 4:01 10 I Was Born About Ten Thousand Years Ago unedited master 3:29 11 The Sound Of Your Cry unedited O.V. master 4:36 12 The Fool unedited undubbed master 2:33 13 Cindy, Cindy unedited O.V. master 3:16 14 It's Your Baby, You Rock It unedited alternate master 3:23 15 Stranger In The Crowd unedited O.V. master 4:35 16 Mary In The Morning unedited O.V. master 4:25 17 This is Our Dance backup vocal overdub master 3:14 18 Only Believe O.V. master (featuring horns) 2:58 19 Patch It Up unedited alternate master 3:28 20 The Fool Take 1 (different mix) 2:24 
Total running time 76:57 / O.V. = overdubbed.


Elvis On The Cover Of Record Collector

Elvis is on the front cover of the latest edition of the UK music magazine, the "Record Collector" with an article entitled "Kneeling at Graceland's Altar". 


From the website: 

Elvis: the single name resonates like no other. But is it still possible to feel the presence of the man who drew the blueprint for the music we love? Patrick Humphries took a trip to Tupelo and Memphis to find out what remains… and if it moves you. Plus we hear from a man who counted Elvis as a close friend, and look at current Elvis collecting trends.


David Hess Died



David Hess, a songwriter for the likes of Elvis Presley, Pat Boone and Andy Williams in his teens before he became renowned as a horror film actor, died on Oct. 8 at his home in Tiburon. The cause of Hess’s death was a heart attack, according to the New York Times, citing his brother Jeremy.
He was 75. Best known for his role as the unrepentant serial killer in Wes Craven's classic slasher film ‘Last House on the Left,’ artist had success as both an actor and musician. 
Hess’s official Facebook page was updated Oct. 8 with a note from his children reading: "It is with great sadness that we have said our last goodbyes to our beloved dad and friend to all. David passed away peacefully last night. The Mad Hessian lives on in his family, friends, and all of his devoted fans. Sing a song in celebration of his life."


From his official site:
David began his professional career as a songwriter for Shalimar Music in 1957, under the pseudonym of David Hill. David's first recording was a quick hit, which was later performed and credited to Elvis Presley. The song: "All Shook Up." 
David continued to write songs for Elvis Presley throughout the '50s and '60s, (notable Presley hit "I Got Stung" was later covered by The Beatles) Other Hess tunes performed by The King include "Frankie and Johnny", "Come Along," "Make Me Know You're Mine" (first performed by Conway Twitty), "Sand Castles," "Blue Lagoon." "Your Hand, Your Heart, Your Love" became a 60s hit when it was performed by Andy Williams.


Billboard Chart



The CD 'An Afternoon In The Garden' is still listed on the Billboard Album Top 200. The album climbed from #176 to #165 on the Billboard Album Top 200 chart. 

(Source: FECC / ElvisMatters / Record Collector Magazine / The King's World)

October 06 - Shreveport '75

The Touchdown import label announced the release of the CD 'Shreveport 75' featuring a recording of the June 7, 1975 Afternoon Show, as recorded in Shreveport, Louisiana.


Tracklisting:
Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman/Amen - Love Me - If You Love Me - Love Me Tender - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel - Hound Dog - The Wonder Of You - Burning Love - introductions - Johnny B. Goode - School Days - T-R-O-U-B-L-E - Why Me, Lord? - How Great Thou Art - Funny How Time Slips Away - Little Darlin' - Mystery Train/Tiger Man - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp.



(Source: FECC)

October 05 - Ok, You Win

The Straight Arrow import label shared the cover-art for their upcoming CD release 'Alright, Okay, You Win'.


From the press-release:
Since the late 70s, there were rumours that the tour opening in College Park was a complete disaster - one of the worst Elvis concerts ever. This rumour was first published in Jerry Hopkins' book, and it was repeated in various publications so many times that almost nobody had any doubt. In 2006, Straight Arrow released a CD called "Chaos In College Park" which was an eye-opener, and proof that it was rather decent concert with some fine performances, too.
According to several books, the Detroit, MI, September 29th, 1974 afternoon performance was another of the most controversial Elvis Presley events. In a recent book, "Day By Day", it's said that Elvis was on stage for 30 minutes only, giving his worst concert of the tour. 
In August, Straight Arrow obtained a bunch of tapes, among them a 1st generation copy of a previously unknown audience recording of this Detroit concert. The producers decided to release this particular recording because it is an interesting show in good sound quality. Will another myth be shattered? Is the show as bad as its reputation? Judge for yourself. It's worth pointing out that the running time is about an hour, and not 30 minutes. 
As you've come to expect from Straight Arrow, the tape was completely restored for your enjoyable listening. The disc is accompanied with a deluxe 16-page booklet, including critical liner notes and a collection of photos taken in Detroit on Sept. 29th, October 4th and in South Bend on September 30th, 1974. 
"Alright, Okay, You Win" will be released in early October.


Tracklisting:
01. Opening Vamp / C. C. Rider - 02. I Got A Woman / Amen - 03. Love Me 04. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 05. It's Midnight - 06. Big Boss Man - 07. Fever - 08. Love Me Tender - 09. Hound Dog - 10. All Shook Up - 11. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel / Hound Dog - 12. Don't Be Cruel (reprise) - 12. Introductions of singers, musicians - 13. When It's My Time (by Voice) - 14. Why Me Lord - 15. Introductions of singers, musicians continues - 16. Lead Guitar Solo (James Burton) - 17. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 18. Bass Solo (Duke Bardwell) - 19. Alright, Okay, You Win (Glen D. Hardin, sung by Elvis) - 20. Killing Me Softly (by Voice, incomplete) - 21. Let Me Be There (with reprise) - 22. Hawaiian Wedding Song - 23. Can't Help Falling In Love 24. Closing Vamp.
Bonus: Alright, Okay, You Win (taken from soundboard).



'Elvis and Us' Opened
 
Opening today, 'Elvis and Us' is a unique exhibition that unites The Fab Four with the King of Rock 'n' Roll at The Beatles Story in Liverpool, England. The exhibit features rare artifacts from the Graceland archives on display in the UK for the first time, including the shirt worn by Elvis in "Jailhouse Rock," telegrams from Colonel Parker and Elvis to Ed Sullivan, rare video footage from the earliest days of Elvis' career, and much more.


The exhibit is catching the attention of many people around the world, and photos of part of the exhibit can be seen online. Here are some great photos of the finished exhibit at the Elvis and Us website as well as photos taken by BBC News.



(Source: FECC / ElvisMatters)

October 04 - Social Elvis

Social and casual game developer and publisher Entertainment Games, Inc. (OTC Pink: EGAM) announced today a licensing agreement with Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. (EPE) that will see Elvis become a character within a soon-to-be launched, story-driven online game.


Under the agreement, EPE will license to EGAM photographs from the archives at Graceland for its upcoming social game for Facebook, Google+, mobile devices and the open web. Today’s announcement is the latest of many key celebrity licensing deals supporting EGAM’s ambitious new social game that is being developed on the company’s proprietary Heyday platform.


Additionally, a variety of Elvis-related, in-game merchandise will also be available for players to purchase. “Entertainment Games’ mission is to create a totally unique social game experience in which players engage in rich, interactive stories and games that evoke the spirit of past decades and are brought to life by authentic photos and nostalgic celebrity imagery,” said F.J. Lennon, Chief Creative Officer of Entertainment Games. “Working with Elvis is a career highlight and a dream-come-true for the entire Entertainment Games team.”


Currently, Elvis Presley is an entertainer who has a very significant presence in social networking.


“Elvis has nearly five million fans on Facebook and one of the most popular entertainment websites online, Elvis.com,” said Scott Williams, Vice President of Marketing and Media for EPE. “We’re excited that Entertainment Games is creating a whole new place for Elvis’ fans to express their love for the king.”


(Source: EPE)

October 03 - Kitchen Elvis

WMF introduced a new line of kitchen furniture entitled 'Only You!'. With the household equipment came a three track CD with the tracks 'It's Now Or Never', 'Always On My Mind' and 'Viva Las Vegas'.


(Source: FECC)

October 01 - Pink ElvisLists

Import And Follow That Dream Top 40 September 2011


In the import Top 40 'A Hot Winter Night' and 'From Sunset Blvd.' swapped places. From the recent releases 'Rebooked' and 'Sittin'On Top', 'Good To Be Back' and 'Spanish Eyes By Request' entered the list, but got not enough points to enter the top 40.


The September 2011 Top 5:
1 (1) A Greensboro Revolution! (2008)
2 (2) American Crown Jewels (1996)
3 (3) Finding The Way Home (1999)
4 (5) A Hot Winter Night In Dallas (1998)
5 (4) From Sunset Blvd to Paradise Rd (1996)


No changes in the top 5, Elvis Is Back remained on the #1 spot. 


The September 2011 Top 5:
1 (1) Elvis Is Back! (2005)
2 (2) The Jungle Room Sessions (2000)
3 (3) Good Times (2009)
4 (4) Elvis Country (I'm 10,000 Years Old) (2008)
5 (5) That's The Way It Is (2008)



Graceland Goes Pink For National Breast Cancer Awareness Month


Graceland is showing its support for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by illuminating the Mansion in pink through the end of October.


As part of the 2011 BCA Campaign's Global Landmark Illuminations Initiative, Graceland joins hundreds of famous buildings, monuments and other landmarks around the world that are shining pink lights as symbols of hope and empowerment. The initiative is to remind millions of women and men everywhere of the benefits of early detection in the battle against breast cancer.



(Source: ElvisNews / EPE)