December 12 - Charts (Updated)

The 2007 Elvis Presley compilation CD "Elvis Presley - Original Recordings" from the Icons budget series has been re-issued. 

CD 1: Heartbreak Hotel - Hound Dog - Rip It Up - Don't Be Cruel - My Baby Left Me - Love Me - That's All Right (Mama) - Lawdy, Miss Clawdy - Poor Boy - I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine - Anyplace Is Paradise - I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone - Blue Moon - Long Tall Sally - Mystery Train - I Was The One - Trying To Get To You - Baby Let's Play House - Any Way You Want Me (That's How I Will Be) - One-Sided Love Affair - I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Over You) - Just Because - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You - Money Honey

CD 2: Good Rockin' Tonight - Blue Suede Shoes - How's The World Treating You - I Got A Woman - Paralyzed -  Ready Teddy - Let Me - First In Line - Blue Moon Of Kentucky - Shake, Rattle And Roll - You're A Heartbreaker - Old Shep - How Do You Think I Feel - We're Gonna Move - I'm Counting On You - Milkcow Blues Boogie - When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again - I Love You Because - Tutti Frutti - I Forgot To Remember To Forget - I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin') - So Glad You're Mine - Love Me Tender.

Charts

The weekly chart updates:

US Billboard chart:

• On the Billboard Album Top 200 chart the “It's Christmas Time” album climbed from #52 to #45. 
• On the Billboard Album Sales Chart the “Classic Christmas Album” dropped from #77 to #75.
• On the Billboard Rock Album Chart the “Classic Christmas Album” is a new entry at #50. 
• On the Billboard Album Sales Chart the “It's Christmas Time” album climbs from #55 to #39.
• On the Billboard Artist chart Elvis Presley climbed from #40 to #26. 
• On the US Billboard Top Country Album chart the “It's Christmas Time” album climbed from #3 to #2. 
• On the US Billboard Top Country Album chart the “Elvis ’68 Comeback Special” album climbed from #32 to #29.
• On the US Billboard Christian Album chart the “Where No One Stands Alone” album is listed at #49.
• On the US Billboard Top Country Album chart the “Elvis ’68 Comeback Special” album is a new entry at #38. 
• On the US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart Top 25 the “It’s Christmas Time” climbed from #4 to #2.
• On the US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart Top 25 the “The Classic Christmas Album” remained steady at #5. 
• On the US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart Top 25 the “Elvis: Ultimate Christmas” album climbed from #18 to #13. 
• On the US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart Top 25 the “Merry Christmas, Love Elvis” climbed from #16 to #15.
• On the US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart Top 25 the “Elvis: '68 Comeback Special: 50th Anniversary Edition” set is a new entry at #21. 
• On the US Billboard Holiday Album chart the "It's Christmas Time" album dropped from #11 to #13.
• On the US Billboard Holiday Album chart the "Classic Christmas Album"  dropped off the list from last week's #43 spot.
• On the US Billboard Holiday Song chart "Blue Christmas" remained steady  at #14 while "Here Comes Santa Claus" remained steady at #57.

Canadian chart

• On the Canadian Album Chart "The Classic Christmas Album" climbed from #80 to #49

Belgian charts:

• On the Belgium Mid-price Top 50 "Elvis Top 40 - Hit Ultimate Top 40 Collection" is a re-entry at #30 (Wallonia).

Sweden:

• On the Swedish Single Top 100 chart the song “Blue Christmas” is a re-entry at #59.

UK and Irish chart:

• On the Official UK Music DVD chart the "Elvis The Searcher" documentary DVD remained steady at #1. 
• On the Official UK Film on DVD chart the "Elvis The Searcher" documentary DVD remained steady at #1.
• On the Official UK DVD chart the "Elvis The Searcher" documentary DVD dropped from #51 to #57. 
• On the Official UK Christian and Gospel Album chart the "Where No One Stands Alone" compilation climbed to the #1 spot once more.
• On the Official UK Album Streaming chart the "50 Greatest Hits" compilation dropped from #98 to #100. 
• The song "Blue Christmas" is a re-entry on the UK Audio Streaming Songs chart at #99.
• On the Irish Music DVD chart the "Elvis The Searcher" dropped from #1 to #2.

Australian Charts:

• On the Australian ARIA Album Top 50 chart the "Elvis Christmas with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra" re-entered the chart at #35.
• On the Australian Music DVD chart the "Elvis The King of Rock and Roll" DVD dropped from #20 to #21. 

(Source: FECC / Martin / Elvis Club Berlin)

December 11 - Follow That Dream Releases Available

The latest batch of Follow That Dream collectors releases are out. 
The "The Wild One '56" book by David English and Pål Granlund was already available. Now the "For LP Fans Only" double CD re-issue, the "Holiday Season In Vegas" double concert release containing the December 13, 1975  Midnight Show and December 6, 1975 (splice from DS to MS) performances and "Elvis: Cafe Europa - G.I. Blues Vol. 2" Limited Edition vinyl double LP have been released. 

The "Holiday Season In Vegas" set has a sticker that states "Audio Disclaimer" and it states that there are audio imperfections (mainly on disc two).

(Source: FECC / Memphis Mansion / Elvis Matters / FECC)

December 10 - Virginia Is For Elvis Lovers (Updated)

It appears that the Victrola import-label will have some competition on their upcoming "Elvis - April 10 1972, Richmond" CD now the Black Diamond import-label announced the release of "Virginia Is For Elvis Lovers" containing the same concert. 

From the press-release:
"Virginia Is For Elvis Lovers" is the new release from the Black Diamond label - it features Elvis' stunning Richmond show from April 10, 1972. This is the same show that is coming out soon on the Victrola label but according to Black Diamond they have a far superior sound quality.

The new label Black Diamond label kicks off with it's first release of a show originally recorded for the 1972 movie "On Tour". This show has been taken from a digital copy of a rough stereo mix made from the original multitrack tapes some years ago. The sound on this CD has been professionally remastered to achieve optimum audio quality.

We are aware that this show will also be released by the Victrola label. But after listening to their previous release of the Greensboro show, we think that the remastering has not been done properly. It simply was a digital overkill with way too much compression, muffled sound and a lack of separation. You can expect the same digital overkill on their forthcoming Richmond release! Our competitors even swapped the stereo channels which means that the piano comes out of the right speaker ... which is completely wrong!

Please note that Black Diamonds remastered this show from a digital copy of the very same source tape that our competitors used for their release. We are sure the difference is amazing. On Black Diamond the sound is crisp and clear with all instruments clearly audible. And Elvis' voice sounds much more natural than on the other label. They achieved a some kind of artificial sound. Not very enjoyable.

Champaign - 1976

After a long break author Kieran Davis, is working on updating a current title and a new project according to postings on the FECC forum. 

He confirmed a new book entitled “Champaign - 1976”, due in the first quarter of 2019 and his “November 1971” book will be updated, re-edited and expanded by an additional 100 pages. The latter  should be available in the first half of 2019.


Kieran Davis also has two other offerings ready for sale for his current customers in 2019 covering the tours from April 1972 and March 1974. Apparently these books are limited to 100 copies and not being wholesaled at present. It's in hardback with 170 photos. 

From the author:

My website has not been updated yet. There have been incompatibility issues with some browsers, which is why some links might not be working. I am trying to get this sorted out and hope to have it updated by the new year. Updates and information for all future releases will also be added.

The initial printing of 'Elvis On Tour October 1976' is indeed just 100 copies, but if there is sufficient interest then another print run can be done.

Yes, I am working on the April 1972 and March 1974 tours, also an updated and expanded edition of 'On Tour November 1971' with approximately 100 additional pages. 

The next book to be published will be a companion to 'On Tour October 1976' but will deviate from the usual format in that it is a pictorial work dedicated to just one show - the one in Champaign. I decided to publish this separately rather than unbalance 'On Tour October 1976' by including all the original photos I had available from this show. The binding and style will be identical to 'October 1976' so they can sit alongside each other on a book case, but 'Champaign' can be a stand alone book for those more interested in images than words. This will be submitted for printing in the new year. If you want to reserve a copy just send me an email.

(Source: Elvis Information Network / FECC)

December 09 - Las Vegas '56 Previews

Due for release December 2018 is a new book by Norwegian writer Erik Lorentzen in his Gold Standard Series. The book,  entitled "Las Vegas '56" covers Elvis' very first gig in Las Vegas where he made his debut on April 23, 1956 at the Venus Room at the Frontier Hotel. Here are several previews.

(Source: Paul Sweeny on FECC)

December 08 - Grammy Nomination for The King

The documentary movie "The King" by Eugene Jarecki has been nominated for a Grammy Award in the "Music Video/Film" category for the "Best Music Film" award. 

This category is for concert / performance films or music documentaries and the goes to the artist, video director and video producer. 

Nomination for The King" (Elvis Presley): Eugene Jarecki, video director; Christopher Frierson, Georgina Hill, David Kuhn & Christopher St. John, video producers.

Other nominations in this category:

• Life In 12 Bars (Eric Clapton): Lili Fini Zanuck, video director; John Battsek, Scooter Weintraub, Larry Yelen & Lili Fini Zanuck, video producers
• Whitney (Whitney Houston): Kevin Macdonald, video director; Jonathan Chinn, Simon Chinn & Lisa Erspamer, video producers
• Quincy (Quincy Jones): Alan Hicks & Rashida Jones, video directors; Paula DuPré Pesmen, video producer
• Itzhak (Itzhak Perlman): Alison Chernick, video director; Alison Chernick, video producer

(Source: Billboard / Grammy)

December 07 - From the Dutch Parliament to EP Boulevard (Updated)

After the release of “From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis” on translucent blue vinyl last August a new re-issue of this classic album was released by the Music on Vinyl (H’Art) label was released today. 

Side A: Hurt - Never Again - Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain - Danny Boy - The Last Farewell
Side B: For The Heart - Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall - Solitaire - Love Coming Down - I'll Never Fall In Love Again

Parliaments Favorites

The Dutch members of Parliament, 150 members in total, presented their Top 150 favorite songs. Elvis Presley is featured at #54 with "Suspicious Minds" and at #89 with "Burning Love". 

Charts (permanently updated)

The weekly chart wrap-up:

Belgian charts:

• On the Belgian Album Top 200 the "Elvis: '68 Comeback Special - 50th Anniversary Edition" is a new entry at #128 (Wallonian part of the country). 
• The "Top 40 Elvis - His Ultimate Top 40 Collection" fell off the Mid-price Album chart.

US Billboard charts:

• On the US Billboard Artist chart Elvis Presley climbed from #58 to #40. 
• The "The Classic Christmas Album" dropped off the US Billboard Album Top 200 chart from last week’s #114 spot. 
• On the Billboard Top Album chart “It’s Christmas Time” climbed from #80 to #55.
• On the US Billboard Top Album chart “The Classic Christmas Album” dropped from #71 to #77.
• On the US Billboard Catalogue Album chart “It’s Christmas Time” is a re-entry at #11.
• The "It’s Christmas Time" dropped off the US Billboard Rock Album chart.
• On the US Billboard Country Album chart “It’s Christmas Time” is a re-entry at #3.
• On the US Billboard Country Album chart “The Essential Elvis” is a re-entry at #28.
• On the US Billboard Country Album chart “The Classic Christmas Album” dropped from #9 to #32.
• The "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" dropped off the US Billboard Country Album chart after last week’s re-entry at #34. 
• On the US Billboard Holiday Album chart “It’s Christmas Time” climbed from #39 to #11.
• On the US Billboard Holiday Album chart “The Classic Christmas Album” dropped from #10 to #43.
• The “Where No One Stands Alone” compilation is a re-entry at #48 on the US Billboard Top Christian Album chart.
• The "Elvis: Ultimate Gospel" compilation dropped off the US Billboard Christian Album chart. 
• On the US Billboard Music Video Sales chart the "He Touched Me - Vol. 1 and 2" is a re-entry at #5. 
• On the US Billboard Holiday Song chart the song "Blue Christmas“ is listed at #14 while "Here Comes Santa Claus" is listed at #57.

Canadian chart:

• On the Canadian Album Chart "The Classic Christmas Album" is listed at #80.

UK, Scottish and Irish Charts:

• The "Elvis The Searcher" DVD climbed to #1 on the Official UK Music DVD chart. 
• The "The Elvis Collection" dropped from #20 to #23 on the Official UK Music DVD chart. 
• On the Official UK Christian and Gospel Album chart the "Where No One Stands Alone" remains steady at #2.
• On the Official Scottish Album chart the "Christmas Peace" compilation dropped from #56 to #66. 
• On the Official Irish Album chart the "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" compilation is a re-entry at #94.
• The "Elvis The Searcher" documentary DVD remained #1 on the Irish Music DVD chart.

Australian Charts:

• On the Australian Music DVD chart the "Elvis: The King Of Rock 'N' Roll" DVD remained steady at #20. 

(Source: Amazon / RTL Nieuws / Official Charts / Ultrotop / IRMA / Martin)

December 06 - Friday Vinyl

The Friday Music label will re-issue several Elvis titles on vinyl in various versions. 

Already available is a Limited Edition 180 Gr. Audiophile vinyl of the “Blue Hawaii” soundtrack packed in a gatefold cover. Also available is a translucent  blue vinyl limited edition of this soundtrack. “A much anticipated audiophile dream release for Elvis fans everywhere!” According to the press-release.

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 edition 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl release of the RCA Records classic Blue Hawaii by Elvis Presley.

As we further continue our exciting Elvis Presley 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl Series, we are pleased to present this masterwork in all its high fidelity glory. Mastered impeccably by Joe Reagoso at Friday Music Studios and pressed at R.T.I., Blue Hawaii will be a much anticipated audiophile dream release for Elvis fans everywhere!

For this exclusive release, we are also including a first time limited edition gatefold album artwork presentation. We are also enclosing a poly inner sleeve to help keep your limited edition Elvis Blue Hawaii vinyl album in mint shape.

Side 1: Blue Hawaii / Almost Always True / Aloha Oe / No More / Can’t Help Falling in Love / Rock-A-Hula Baby / Moonlight Swim

Side 2: 1. Ku-u-i-po / Ito Eats / Slicin’ Sand / Hawaiian Sunset / Beach Boy Blues / Island of Love / Hawaiian Wedding Song

Due on January 2, 2019 is a re-issue of the “G.I. Blues” soundtrack on 180 Gr. Audiophile colored vinyl packed in a gatefold cover. On January 30, 2019  this release will be available on yellow 180 Gr. Vinyl as a Limited Anniversary Edition. 

From the press-release:
Elvis Aaron Presley was born during the great depression into a poor family in Mississippi. They moved to Memphis during the early fifties. He cut some demos at Sun Studios as a gift for his beloved mother Gladys, which would become the beginnings of a soon to be worldwide superstar unlike the world has ever known.

The folks at RCA Victor knew that this young fellow named Elvis was destined for super stardom. They quickly bought out his contract and signed the legend to a long-term deal, forever etched “The King of Rock and Roll” trademark to his name. 

Over the next three decades, Elvis Presley would release dozens of hit albums and tons of smash singles, spend time in the Army, star in over 35 top charting films, as well as sell out concert tours around the states and Canada making him the most successful solo artist of all time. 

Upon his release from the Army, his career ignited even further thanks to his highly successful "G.I. Blues" movie and companion multi-million selling soundtrack album. Already gaining popularity in thanks to two single smashes "Tonight Is So Right For Love" and Bert Kaempfert's (future Beatles' producer) "Wooden Heart", this masterwork soundtrack album also included a treasure trove of Elvis Presley tracks that captured a very great time in the musical history of this iconic legend. 

As the movie would become a major box office smash, The King kept his audience wanting more as the LP would go on to become one of the biggest soundtracks album of his career and one of the biggest soundtracks of the sixties. Even more hits abound with the sensational classic title track "G.I. Blues", the blues rocker revisit of Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes", and the powerful rockers "Shoppin' Around" and "Frankfort Special." 

All in all, 11 huge Presley smash recordings, all on one sensational album. This amazing soundtrack has been out of print on vinyl for several decades…that is until now! 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 edition 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl release of the RCA Records classic "G.I. Blues" by Elvis Presley. 

As we further continue our exciting Elvis Presley 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl Series, we are pleased to present this masterwork now mastered impeccably by Joe Reagoso at Friday Music Studios and Capitol Mastering and pressed at R.T.I. for a super limited time on stunning Yellow Vinyl. 

"G.I. Blues" will be a much anticipated audiophile dream release for Elvis fans everywhere! For this exclusive release, we are also including a first time limited edition gate fold album artwork presentation, and a striking 24 x 24 inch full color poster. Elvis Presley’s #1 "G.I. Blues”, a history making album from a historic legend, an audiophile dream release. First time 180 Gram Yellow Audiophile vinyl, is now an audiophile vinyl dream come true, from your friends at Friday Music!

(Source: Friday Music)

December 05 - Elvis, Stop and Go!

The King is back. He's helping pedestrians cross the road in Friedberg, north of Frankfurt, with his trademark swinging hips. The Wetterauer Zeitung reported Wednesday that Elvis Presley had been immortalized in three pedestrian lights in the Hessian city.

The new signal system has been installed around the city's Elvis Presley Square. Local politician Marion Götz told the paper that the Elvis traffic lights, which were designed by an artist, cost around €900.

So why has Elvis become an 'Ampelmann' or traffic light man? Well, because the rock 'n' roll star was stationed as a soldier in Friedberg from October 1958 to March 1960, and lived in neighbouring Bad Nauheim during this time. The King is therefore a big deal in both these cities.

Elvis Presley: A Moment in Time

The FTD book 'Elvis Presley: A Moment in Time: 4 Days in '56' by Michael Rose was published as a Kindle edition by Water Street Press.

At the time the book featured a cache of never-before-seen Elvis photos from his late spring tour in 1956. These remarkable photos show the singer as he was just on the cusp of becoming a star. They’re wonderful candid shots of him performing, meeting his fans, relaxing between shows at a local arcade and at home with his family in Memphis. 

Ernst Jørgensen stated about the book, “In the 20 years I have been privileged to work with Elvis Presley CDs and books there have been a number of great discoveries. One was when I was approached by Michael Rose, who said that he had found a treasure of photos from 1956. I was absolutely not prepared for the quantity and quality of these historic images. It was one of these situations where you forget all about financial logic, and just KNOW that this has to be shared with all the fans."

(The Local / Elvis Club Berlin / Elvis Information Network)

December 03 - All-Star Tribute to Elvis Presley’s ’68 Comeback Special

NBC will mark the 50th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s 1968 “Comeback Special” with “Elvis All-Star Tribute Special,” to air on Sunday, February 17, 2019. The host will be Blake Shelton.

The original “Singer Presents…. Elvis” special aired on Dec. 3, 1968 and was sponsored by the sewing machine company. Later known as the “’68 Comeback Special,” the appearance marked Presley’s first live television performance since 1961 and featured the iconic artist, dressed in a black leather jumpsuit, accompanied by his band in the famed, intimate “boxing ring without ropes.” It was shot in front of a studio audience, in-the-round 360-degree style.

“I’ve always wanted to do a tribute to these shows, and the 50th anniversary marks the perfect occasion,” says veteran Grammy producer Ken Ehrlich. When mega-attorney John Branca approached him a year ago with the idea, Ehrlich jumped right in. “There are only a few moments in television history as iconic,” he says, having previously helmed a special on the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”

And while the official line-up of performers won’t be announced until next week, expect plenty of the kind of unique stylistic and artist pairings that Ehrlich has become used to.

“We’ve really tried to be as authentic as we could to that original look,” says Ehrlich, who slightly enlarged the original production’s 12 x 12-foot stage on NBC’s Burbank lot to 14 x 14. “I’ve used that in-the-round look on many occasions in my career,” hinting he might even use the technique on this year’s Grammys.

The likes of original director Steve Binder (who is interviewed during the program) and songwriter Mike Stoller were among the invited guests to view the tapings on a sound stage at Universal last month, which was supplemented by set pieces that evoke the original gospel and opera segments, as well as the famous scene set against that flashing neon-lit ELVIS backdrop.

The complete list of performers will be officially announced next year, but the line-up ranges from younger performers to veterans, and more than a fair share of Ken Ehrlich’s famed “mash-ups.”

December 02 - A Deluxe Set for Huntsville

The VV import label decided to produce three different editions of their “First Time In Huntsville” release.

The standard edition of 300 copies includes a gatefold glossy sleeve, the concert on double black 180 Gr. vinyl and CD, 90x60 cm double sided poster. 

The first 100 copies come as a limited set including an exclusive glossy sticker, an exclusive glossy hand numbered over-sleeve, a gatefold glossy sleeve, the concert on 180 Gr. double marble green colored vinyl 180 gram and CD, a high-quality 90x60 cm doubled sided art print and three different 20x15 cm sized poster, a 60x30 cm poster and a flexi-magnet. Each set is hand-numbered and individually sealed.

And finally a special deluxe 31x31 cm sized box set (100 copies) including two exclusive glossy large art stickers, the concert on 180 Gr. double marble blue colored vinyl, an exclusive high quality paper art card, an exclusive high-quality personalized t-shirt (sizes L and XL), a 12 inch glossy 44 page softcover book, an e of 44 pages, an exclusive large 5,5 cm sized pin, the unreleased ambiance recording of the opening show from May 30, 1975 as recorded in Huntsville on cassette in two different colors. This set is also hand-numbered and individually sealed.

(Source: various)