February 17 - The Boston Elvis Trailer Released

Warner Bros. just dropped the first trailer for Baz Luhrmann’s movie 'Elvis'. Starring Austin Butler as “the King” and Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Parker, the picture is positioning itself as the first de-facto “big movie for grown-ups" in summer 2022. 

Publicity stated: The film explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Butler), seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Hanks). The story delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the most significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge).

Starring alongside Hanks and Butler, award-winning theatre actress Helen Thomson (“Top of the Lake: China Girl,” “Rake”) plays Elvis’s mother, Gladys, Richard Roxburgh (“Moulin Rouge!” “Breath,” “Hacksaw Ridge”) portrays Elvis’s father, Vernon, and DeJonge (“The Visit,” “Stray Dolls”) plays Priscilla.  Luke Bracey (“Hacksaw Ridge,” “Point Break”) plays Jerry Schilling, Natasha Bassett (“Hail, Caesar!”) plays Dixie Locke, David Wenham (“The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy, “Lion,” “300”) plays Hank Snow, Kelvin Harrison Jr. (“The Trial of the Chicago 7,” “The High Note”) plays B.B. King, Xavier Samuel (“Adore,” “Love & Friendship,” “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”) plays Scotty Moore, and Kodi Smit-McPhee (“The Power of the Dog”) plays Jimmie Rodgers Snow.

Also in the cast, Dacre Montgomery (“Stranger Things,” “The Broken Heart Gallery”) plays TV director Steve Binder, alongside Australian actors Leon Ford (“Gallipoli,” “The Pacific”) as Tom Diskin, Kate Mulvany (“The Great Gatsby,” “Hunters”) as Marion Keisker, Gareth Davies (“Peter Rabbit,” “Hunters”) as Bones Howe, Charles Grounds (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “Camp”) as Billy Smith, Josh McConville (“Fantasy Island”) as Sam Phillips, and Adam Dunn (“Home and Away”) as Bill Black.

To play additional iconic musical artists in the film, Luhrmann cast singer/songwriter Yola as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, model Alton Mason as Little Richard, Austin, Texas native Gary Clark Jr. as Arthur Crudup, and artist Shonka Dukureh as Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton.

Oscar nominee Luhrmann (“The Great Gatsby,” “Moulin Rouge!”) directed from a screenplay by Baz Luhrmann & Sam Bromell and Baz Luhrmann & Craig Pearce and Jeremy Doner, story by Baz Luhrmann and Jeremy Doner.  The film’s producers are Luhrmann, Oscar winner Catherine Martin (“The Great Gatsby,” “Moulin Rouge!”), Gail Berman, Patrick McCormick and Schuyler Weiss.  Courtenay Valenti and Kevin McCormick executive produced.

The director’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Mandy Walker (“Mulan,” “Australia”), Oscar-winning production designer and costume designer Catherine Martin (“The Great Gatsby,” “Moulin Rouge!”), production designer Karen Murphy (“A Star Is Born”), editors Matt Villa (“The Great Gatsby,” “Australia”) and Jonathan Redmond (“The Great Gatsby”), Oscar-nominated visual effects supervisor Thomas Wood (“Mad Max: Fury Road”), music supervisor Anton Monsted (“Australia,” “Moulin Rouge!”) and composer Elliott Wheeler (“The Get Down”).

Principal photography on “Elvis” took place in Queensland, Australia with the support of the Queensland Government, Screen Queensland and the Australian Government’s Producer Offset program.  

The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures. It is set to release in theaters in North America on June 24, 2022, and internationally beginning 22 June 2022.

The official site is online at >>> Elvis Movie. 

The video begins with a voiceover by Tom Hanks, who plays Parker, saying, "There are some who'd make me out to be the villain of this here story." He then said, "Are you born with destiny, or does it just come knocking at your door?"

Footage follows of Elvis as a child being exposed to gospel music, and then a pre-stardom Elvis, played by Austin Butler, taking the stage. We hear Parker say, "At that moment, I saw that skinny boy transform into a superhero."

What follows shows that the movie appears to cover Elvis' entire life - his early success, the Army, his relationship and marriage to Priscilla, the Comeback Special, the Vegas years and more - with Parker there to guide him.

At the end of the trailer, Parker says to Elvis, "We are the same, you and I. Two odd, lonely children, reaching for eternity."

Details French Record Store Day Releases 

The V.P.I record label released the details of their Record Store Day releases 'Blondes, Brunes & Rousses' and 'Les Disques En Or D'Elvis' ('Elvis' Golden Records).

Details 'Blondes, Brunes & Rousses': Original Soundtrack of the early 60's Movie "It Happened At The World's Fair" ("Blondes, Brunes and Rousses" in French). 

Fantastic album made up of alternatives that for the most part have never been released on vinyl. This Deluxe edition includes a 16 pages booklet and is limited to 1,500 units Worldwide. Limited red and yellow splattered and marble colored vinyl. 

Side 1

Beyond the Bend (Take 3)

Relax (Take 7)

Take Me To The Fair (Take 7)

They Remind Me Too Much Of You (Take 7)

One Broken Heart For Sale (Take 1, Version Film)

I’m Falling In Love Tonight (Take 6)

Cotton Candy Land (Take 4)

Side 2

A World Of Our Own (Take 1, Master)

How Would You Like To Be (Take 2)

Happy Ending (Take 5)

They Remind Me Too Much Of You (Take 1)

One Broken Heart For Sale (Take 5, Master)

How Would You Like To Be (Version Film)

Happy Ending (Version Film)

Details 'Les Disques En Or D'Elvis': This 3LP Boxset includes the 3 volumes of the Elvis' Golden Records collection with alternative take, a 12 pages booklet and a memorabilia poster. 

The collectors edition in Marble vinyl is limited to 1,500 units Worldwide. Limited marble golden, translucent and red and blue colored vinyl. 

Side A: 

Hound Dog (Take 31, Master)

Loving You (Take 16)

All Shook Up (Take 10, Master)

Heartbreak Hotel (Take 6)

Jailhouse Rock (Take 4)

Love Me (Take 9, Master)

Too Much (Takes 2-12, Master)

Side B: 

Don't Be Cruel (Take 28, Master)

That’s When Your Heartaches Begin (Take 6)

Teddy Bear (Take 13, Master)

Love Me Tender (Take 2, Master)

Treat Me Nice (Take 15)

Anyway You Want Me (Take 12, Master)

I Want You, I Need You, I Love You (Take 15)

Love Me Tender (Version Finale Film)

Side C:

I Need Your Love Tonight (Take 15)

Don't (Take 7, Master)

Wear My Ring Around Your Neck (Take 22, Non Doublée)

My Wish Came True (Take 28, Master)

I Got Stung (Take 20)

One Night (Take 10, Master)

A Big Hunk O' Love (Take 20)

Side D:

I Beg Of You (Take 11)

A Fool Such As I (Take 8)

Doncha Think It's Time (Take 47)

It's Now Or Never (Take 1)

Stuck On You (Take 1)

Fame And Fortune (Take 2)

I Gotta Know (Take 2, Master)

Side E:

Surrender (Take 6)

I Feel So Bad (Take 1)

Are You Lonesome Tonight (Take 2)

His Latest Flame (Take 4)

Little Sister (Take 6)

Good Luck Charm (Take 1)

Anything That's Part Of You (Take 5)

Side F:

She's Not You (Take 2)

A Mess Of Blues (Take 1)

Lonely Man (Take 3)

Ain’t That Loving You Baby (Take 11)

Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello (Take 1)

Wooden Heart (Take 1)

Can’t Help Falling In Love (Take 13)

The Boston Garden Released

The Gravel Road Music import-label released the Deluxe 168-pages book / CD / DVD / Blu-ray set ‘The Boston Garden – November 10, 1971’.

Publicity stated: The 168-pages contains over 150 rare and unknown photos of the Boston concert, from private collections, mainly in color and also the unedited news reviews (the good and the bad ones), personal stories and little known facts on this concert.

For the first time, a brand new transfer from the soundboard tape was made for this release of the concert. It unveils much more detail and you will hear things you previously may not have noticed. The sheer richness and fullness of the audio is amazing. The idea of a mono recording is gone! And the best thing is, this is the real deal! 

You’re wondering, “Do gold CDs sound better? Are they really that much better than regular CDs?” Short answer: “You bet!”. The fact is that the gold disc's aural improvements are audible under any circumstances. Yes they can be played in any CD / DVD /  Blu-ray player. 

To us, this concert doesn’t need any enhancements to overwhelm the listener, it is the first row with Elvis and 15,000 fans at the Boston Garden! It sounds all new. There was additional work but it all started with the transfer and we loved it! It’s a thrill to hear it like this. 

We included due to the large demand the footage of Boston and the November tour also in HD on Blu-ray, also from a new transfer of the material. Almost 2 hours and yes, it includes little bit of new footage too. The very first release in High definition! 

We’ve chosen to use dual-layer DVD to have the best possible quality on a DVD. As a bonus we added a compilation of Boston and Tuscaloosa to have a more enjoyable viewing experience of the Boston concert. Although priority has been given to the historical content. So you’re good to go either way! 

Content: 

• 168-pages book and over 150+ mainly rare or unknown color photos of the Boston concert
• 24k Gold CD with high-end audio
• A Dual-layer DVD with 2 hours footage of Boston concert and November tour.
• A Blu-ray with the same content as the DVD same content but in High Definition (HD).
• All region free and no copy protection for personal use!

Tracks: Also Sprach Zarathustra - That's All Right - I Got A Woman / Amen - Proud Mary - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - Polk Salad Annie - Coming Home, baby’ - Love Me - Heartbreak Hotel - Blue Suede Shoes - One Night - Hound Dog - How Great Thou Art - Band Introduction - I'm Leavin' - Bridge Over Troubled Water + reprise - I Can't Stop Loving You - Love Me Tender - Suspicious Minds - Instrumental Intermezzo - Funny How Time Slips Away - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp.

(Source: Graceland / Baz Luhrman / Gravelroad / Facebook / FECC / UEPS / Juno / Warner Bros.)

February 16 - Sold Out 13

The Pyramid import label announced the late February 2022 release of volume 13 in their 'Sold Out!' concert footage DVD series. 

Publicity stated: Over the past year we have released some amazing 8mm footage that has surprised many of you, much of it unknown to most fans. Now get ready for The Best!

One of the highlights on this new release is an almost-complete 1974 concert in fantastic quality. And the concert itself is a classic, with Elvis at his finest. Until now, this much sought-after film was sold only amongst high-end collectors for large amounts of money. The Omaha July 1, 1974 footage is a fresh high resolution transfer from the actual 8mm film and it looks absolutely stunning. You can even see the details in his suit. This 48-minute film is a true delight, and one of the best 8mm films in existence. Elvis is in a great mood, he’s joking with bandmembers and the audience, and he’s singing up a storm on songs like 'Trying To Get To You' and 'I Can’t Stop Loving You'. An absolute must-see!

There are 14 different 8mm films on 'Sold Out volume 13', covering the period 1970 - 1976, starting with Mobile 1970. Plenty of footage from 1971 - 1973 that really makes you feel like you are there. Especially the June ’72 films put you right in the audience… Lights out, sound way up and you are there! 

In Chicago, he was clearly mindful of where he was, because he added a lot of blues to his setlist. The ‘Get Back’ medley is cool, with a different guitar-solo by JB. Another cool detail is that several of these films show you the inside of the arenas where Elvis played, with especially the Omni being huge, with 18,000 fans waiting in anticipation for their hero.

‘A medley of costumes’. There’s also fascinating footage from 1975 and 1976, showing Elvis in various unusual outfits, including the two-piece that he favored in April 1975. And from the ill-fated Summer Festival 1975, the one-time-only ‘Penguin suit’. Story has it that Elvis was running a bit late that night, and opted to do his show in his regular street wear. Well, late or not, his performance that night was intimate and fun, and included various concert rarities.

Teaser II

Director Baz Luhrman shared another teaser for the official trailer of the upcoming untitled Elvis biopic which will debut February 17, 2022.

Watch it on >>> Instagram.

(Source: Gravelroad / Facebook / FECC / UEPS / Baz Luhrman)

February 15 - New Vinyl, CD, DVD and Trailers

Filmdirector Baz Luhrman posted a preview of the official Elvis biopic movie online. The full trailer will be released Thursday. 

You can watch it on his official >>> TikTok account.

Colored Vinyl

The Waxtime in Color record label announced the April 1, 2022 release of the 'G.I. Blues', 'Girls! Girls! Girls!' and 'King Creole' soundtrack albums. The first title comes on blue colored vinyl, the second on red colored vinyl and the latter on orange colored vinyl. All albums contain additional bonus tracks. 

The label also announced the April 1, 2022 re-issue of the classis 'His Hand in Mine' gospel album. This LP comes on brown colored vinyl. 

Description: 'His Hand In Mine' is Elvis Presley's famous gospel album - recorded within 14 hours on October 30 and 31, 1960, the album was released in November 1960 and was almost as successful as his previous albums. 

Tracks 'His hand in Mine': 

Side A: His Hand In Mine - I'm Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs - In My Father's House - Milky White Way - Known Only To Him - I Believe In The Man In The Sky - Crying In The Chapel (Bonus Song) - Don't (Bonus Song).

Side B: Joshua Fit The Battle - He Knows Just What I Need - Swing Down Sweet Chariot - Mansion Over The Hilltop - If We Never Meet Again - Working On The Building - When The Saints Go Marching In (Demo)  (Bonus Song) - I Asked The Lord (Bonus Song).

Tracks 'King Creole': 

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

Bonus Songs: Fame And Fortune - One Night - I Got Stung - I Need Your Love Tonight - Big Hunk O´Love.

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

Bonus Song: Wear My Ring Around Your Neck - Doncha´ Think It's Time - (Now And Then There's) A Fool Such As I - My Wish Came True.

Tracks 'G.I. Blues': 

Side A: Tonight Is So Right For Love - What’s She Really Like - Frankfort Special - Wooden Heart - G. I. Blues- Surrender (Bonus Song) - I Feel So Bad (Bonus Song).

Side B: Pocketful Of Rainbows - Shoppin' Around - Big Boots - Didja' Ever - Blue Suede Shoes - Doin’ The Best I Can - Little Sister (Bonus Song) - I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell (Bonus Song).

Tracks  'Girls! Girls! Girls!: 

Side A: Girls! Girls! Girls! - I Don't Wanna Be Tied - Where Do You Come From - I Don't Want To - We'll Be Together - A Boy Like Me, A Girl Like You - Earth Boy

Bonus Song: Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello.

Side B: Return To Sender - Because Of Love - Thanks To The Rolling Sea - Song Of The Shrimp - THe Walls Have Ears - We're Comin´ In Loaded - Good Luck Charm (Bonus Song).

Hawaiian Vinyl

The Glamourama record label announced the April 1, 2022 release of a Limited Edition LP of 'Blue Hawaii'. This edition comes with bonus tracks on blue colored 180 Gr. vinyl, housed in a gate-fold sleeve. It contains the EP 'Kid Galahad' with six songs on yellow colored vinyl as a bonus.

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 - Ito Eats - Slicin' Sand - Hawaiian Sunset - Beach Boy Blues - Island Of Love - Hawaiian Wedding Song - Steppin´ Out Of Line (Bonus Song).

CD Re-issues

The Music On CD record label announced the the April 1, 2022 rel-issue of the albums 'Elvis is Back' and 'Something For Everyone' albums as one 2-CD-set. This release contains 12 hit-singles as bonus tracks. 

Description: Recorded soon after Elvis‘ discharge from the US army in 1960, this is completely different to what he had done previously or what he was to do later. 

‘Elvis Is Back’ was Presley‘s first album issued in stereophonic sound. And he’s back in style! This is may be one of the five best Elvis studio albums. He’s back recording with the best Nashville musicians including Bob Moore, Floyd Cramer, Hank Garland, Buddy Harman, The Jordanaires, Scotty Moore and Boots Randolph plays that wild sax. 

1961’s ‘Something For Everybody’ is also a decent piece of work and is the result of just one night in the studio!!! If you have some rhythm and soul in your body you’ll love this. Two of Elvis’ best albums plus as bonus tracks 12 hit-singles!

Note: Like the 'From Elvis In Memphis' re-issue by this label this is the 'Legacy Edition' of 'Elvis is back', previously released in 2011. 

CD 1 - Elvis Is Back!: Make Me Know It - Fever - The Girl Of My Best Friend - I Will Be Home Again - Dirty, Dirty Feeling - Thrill Of You Love - Soldier Boy - Such A Night - It Feels So Right - Girl Next Door (Went A' Walking) - Like A Baby - Reconsider Baby.

Bonus Songs: Stuck On You - Fame And Fortune - It's Now Or Never - A Mess Of Blues - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - I Gotta Know - Surrender.

CD 2 - Something For Everybody: There's Always Me - Give Me The Night - It's A Sin - Sentimental Me - Starting Today - Gently - I'm Coming Home - In Your Arms - Put The Blame On Me - Judy - I Want You With Me - I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell.

Bonus Songs: I Feel So Bad - (Marie's The Name) His Last Flame - Little Sister - Good Luck Charm - Anything That's Part Of You.

Preview French Vinyl

The French V.P.I. record label previously announced the release of the 3-LP set 'Les Disques En Or' (Elvis' Golden Records) on red, gold and blue colored vinyl and 'Blondes, Brunes & Rousses' (It Happened At The World's Fair)' on splattered vinyl. Here are the first previews.

Double DVD 

The documentaries 'The Final Chapter' and 'Elvis Lives On' will be re-issued as a double DVD-pack titled 'Elvis: The Final Years' on May 30, 2022. 

Synopsis: 'Elvis - The Final Chapter': The story of the last years of Elvis Presley's life - as told by the people who were there with him 24 hours a day. Sheila Ryan, Elvis' long term lover speaks about her years with the star in Las Vegas, on tour, and at Graceland, as Presley entered a destructive spiral of substance abuse. Elvis' friend and personal assistant Joe Esposito talks about the star's obsession with guns, karate, his extreme generosity and the women in his life. Don Wilson, one of Elvis' boyhood pals talks of their friendship along with many other close friends and co-stars including Sheree North, Mary Ann Mobley and Diane McBain. Find out about the extraordinary control that Colonel Tom Parker had over Elvis, and the real story of why Priscilla finally left Elvis for the Karate instructor Mike Stone.

'Elvis Lives On': Elvis Aaron Presley, also known simply as Elvis, was an American singer, musician and actor. He is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century and is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King". His energised interpretations of songs and provocative performance style, combined with a singularly potent mix of influences across colour lines during a transformative era in race relations, led him to great success. This film showcases the Elvis phenomenon; and how the "King" controversially gave birth to Rock and Roll in an era of conservatism and conformity. Includes Bonus Material: Elvis performing 'Blue Suede Shoes and Heartbreak Hotel.

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Music On CD / Fan Shop Poland)

February 13 - Review Like A Black Tornado

This great show was first released by the Captain Marvel import label as 'The Power Of Shazam' in 1996. Ten years later the Madison import label released the show as 'One Night Only' with really improved sound quality. The same title was used for another release of this concert as part of the 'Live Soundboard Collection by the LSD-004 import label in 2006. 

In 2010 the concert was released officially as 'Elvis As Recorded At Boston Garden '71' by the Follow That Dream Collectors label. The SR import label released the concert on CD and vinyl as 'Rocks The Garden' in 2017 while the Venus Productions import label released this concert as part of their ‘Tearing 'Em Up’ book / CD / DVD set in 2018.

In 2022 the Redemption import label released this concert as part of 'The 1971 Soundboard Collection & More', and Gravelroad Music released the book / CD / DVD / Blu-ray combo 'The Boston Garden' - which should contain a completely newly remastered mono version that was  taken from the original reel. The Memphis Recording Service released ‘Like A Black Tornado - Live At Boston Garden 1971'. 

Over the last 25 years fans have had plenty releases to choose from, but what makes this MRS re-issue interesting is that the label remixed this original mono recording to stereo. 

Design

The label stuck to its deluxe cardboard digi-pack, a bit thinner than usual as this is a single CD release. The design by Kev Reape looks smashing with a great picture from the Boston concert, and inside are to the point liner notes, pictures and some newspaper clippings. All illustrated with some elements from his suit.

As this is an official release the packaging stands out from the usual low-budget releases fans and casual buyers will find when visiting a record-store. 

Content 

After playing Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe since his return to live performing in 1969, this 14 show 1971 tour was Elvis’ first tour crisscrossing across the country since 1957. Elvis took his Vegas show on the road, including the TCB Band, two backing groups and an orchestra, and it worked! Not only for the audience, but also for The King. 

He responded to the crowd with an energetic performance, and he was really putting on a show with a set-list that was very strong. If his set-list would have been the track listing for a "best of" album only the '2001-theme' and the 'Coming Home Baby' instrumental would be the odd-balls.

Elvis found new energy reconnecting with the 15,500 crowd in Boston as this was a really different audience compared to the Casino crowd. These people were fans that bought a ticket for Elvis, not just a Vegas show. Listen to the fabulous ‘You've Lost that Lovin' Feeling’, you really hear Elvis working the Boston crowd as he growls, "Baby, baby, I get down on my knees for you" and with a great response from The Sweets it really works well. The crowd roars its voice too; listen to their response as during ‘Funny How Time Slips Away’ Elvis sings "Gotta go now" and the crowd shrieks "no!" back at him. 

His performances even impressed Rolling Stone writer Jon Landau who wrote about witnessing this 1971 Boston Garden show: 

"What surprised me at the concert was how much I did get involved with Elvis, how much I could relate to his need to be the way he is, and how much sheer artistry and talent manages to pour through the tightly drawn lines of his very stagey production … He sang ‘That's All Right Mama’ with enough verve to scare the unsuspecting. He marched right into ‘I've Got A Woman’ and then segued into a false ending built around ‘Amen’ only to launch back into "Woman". Without coming up for air he was lost in ‘Proud Mary’, and when he hit the chorus, he rolled his body right through "We're rolling, rolling, rolling on the river", with a series of startling knee bends. He did it all in ten minutes and it was a tour de force of theatrics, professionalism, and, happily, music …

He sings like an angel and moves like a ballerina, and he left me struck dumb … he went into what I thought was the finale, ‘Suspicious Minds’. Here, he did with an up- tempo song what he had earlier done with a slow one; he got everything out of it that is there ... and by the time he finished you knew that underneath the control and the lightness of most of the evening's music there stood a man with more natural ability, talent, and soul than I expect to see on the stage at any rock concert … Not through yet, he moved like a locomotive through the last four numbers, all recent hits, climaxing with a fine version of ‘I Can't Help Falling In Love With You’ …

For one of the few times in my recent memory, I had witnessed a performance that had left me completely satisfied.”

The Audio

What distinguishes this release of the Boston performance from other outings of this show is that the Memphis Recording Service used Digital Extracted Stereo technique (DES) to create a new stereo mix from an original mono recorded soundboard. 

The producer had to work with the limitations of the soundboard tape which itself has some limitations and damage. And you have to consider that it was not recorded with the intent to do a commercial release. For that purpose RCA would have used professional multi-track equipment, so on this tape ‘How Great Thou Art' is incomplete, as the cassette had to be turned over, and the ending is a bit abrupt. Overall the recording suffers from some high frequency distortion as well as loud backing vocals, and the sometimes too loud trumpets and horns. 

Contrary to the general assumption of many fans, soundboard recordings are usually “just reference recordings", taken directly from the mixing deck. These recordings were made for various reasons like experimenting and validating the audio set up, as Elvis’ audio engineer Bruce Jackson did (read the FTD book ‘On The Road with Elvis’), or new musicians wanting to learn their part to use the tape as a reference for a new gig, or even RCA Victor investigating possible new releases and so on.

Apparently RCA / FTD has little to none soundboard recordings prior to March 1974 with the exception of this one, so we should be glad we actually have this good quality mono cassette tape that sounds pretty clear and captured the reactions from the crowd, something that is lacking on most soundboards. You do at least get the overall feeling that you’re at a concert.

The first release of this show on ‘The Power Of Shazam’ was good for a 1996 release, but the first real improvement was done by the Madison label 10 years later on their ‘One Night Only’ release. The instruments sounded clearer and Elvis voice was more up-front. The Venus release that followed was a copy of this show. The FTD release is pretty similar to the Madison release too, but sounds a bit smoother to the ears as they turned down the high (trumpets / horns) a bit. All these versions of this show are mono.

Listening to the MRS outing of the show the sound-engineer did a nice job creating a stereo experience. The drums are clearly present in the mix, positioned a bit to the left; Elvis is positioned nicely in the middle of the stage, and the guitars slightly to the right. The trumpets claim their rightful place on stage, but are still a bit sharp. The rest of the band, backing vocalists and orchestra do remain ‘one block’. Perhaps he used a bit too much reverb or compression? 

Overall this CD offers an enjoyable stereo sound picture, but on the bombastic and show numbers, when everything on stage comes together, you can still hear that it gets harder to extract all the different elements and place them "individually" in the mix. 

Just compare ‘You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ or ‘Suspicious Minds’ with ‘Love Me’. The result of DES sounds better on the latter. This is no criticism as the mono releases sound distorted too, but you can only do so much using the original mono recording (most likely taken from the FTD release of this concert).

Conclusion

So did the Memphis Recording Service succeed? That will remain a matter of taste and opinion. 

There can be little discussion on the concert itself, it is a dynamic show, Elvis rocks the Boston Garden with passion and the crown responds. The newly created stereo mix will probably remain a matter of taste. Yes there is an overall stereo experience, so this outing of the show by the MRS label really adds something new, but it is all within the limitations of the original mono recorded cassette.

Using the DES technique you can’t extract what’s not there in the original, and that has already been captured in good mono quality on the Madison or FTD outings of this show. 

The label did succeed in creating a more commercial sounding concert in line with an official release that gives you a concert vibe. As a physical commercial release it puts Elvis in the public eye, and even on the album charts in England, Scotland and Switzerland, and with a cover like this, an LP version (which will probably see the light, looking at the labels past releases) will really stand out in record stores around Europe.

Did You Order Your Copy?

Did you order your copy of the 'Elvis Day By Day 2021' yearbook yet? 

Everything Elvis Presley from 2021 on 350 pages, including 60 in-depth reviews on the main book, music and movie releases by fans and experts from around the world. 

Find out what you've missed and if it's worth getting it. 

The book contains reviews of official and bootleg releases and the Follow That Dream collectors label including the recent 'The Making of Jailhouse Rock' set. 

For more details and previews go to the >>> Day By Day 2021 page. 

Order your copy at the >>> Poplar Tunes webshop. 

February 12 - Exclusive Give-A-Way

The first 1,000 visitors of the Graceland complex received the 45 RPM 'Can’t Help Falling in Love / Rock-a-Hula Baby', as part of EPE's 'ELVIS 45 Record Giveaways" in 2022. 

(Source: Graceland) 

February 12 - Charts February 2022 - Week 2

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart-update. The recent the chart appearance of the 'Like A Black Tornado - Live at Boston' CD int he U.K. and Scotland lasted only one week, but in Switzerland the Album debuted on the charts.

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits': dropped from #62 to #61.
• Official Streaming Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #46 to #50.
• Official Americana Album Top 40 chart: 'Elvis: Back In Nashville' climbed from #38 to #32.
• Official Country Compilations Album Top 20 chart: 'From Elvis in Nashville' climbed from #13 to #10.
• Official Music DVD chart: 'Elvis at the Movies' re-entry at #48.

Official U.S. Billboard charts:

• Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' remained steady at #29.

Official Swiss charts:

• Swiss Album Top 100 chart: 'Like A Black Tornado' is a new entry at #76.
• Swiss Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' is a re-entry at #85.

(Source: Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum / Janne Hokkanen)

February 11 - Vinyl Guide

Elvis Presley graces the cover of the Dutch BNN/Vara TV-Guide with inside the article 'De ultieme Elvis' ('The Ultimate Elvis') in which five Dutch entertainers select their favorite Elvis photo. 

Budget Vinyl

The Bellevue budget record label re-issued the 'The King Of Rock 'n' Roll' LP and the '40 Golden Classics' compilation 2-LP. 

(Source: Vara / ElvisMatters / Sounds)

February 08 - Happy Birthday Collection

The Danish Memphis Mansion announced the release of the exclusive fan club CD 'Happy Birthday, Elvis! - The Elvis Presley Birthday Collection'. More information when available.

The Greatest Love Of All

With Valentine day coming up the the Top 20 Love Songs of All Time was compiled in the United Kingdom (based on a study of 2,000 people). Elvis was the only artist with two songs in the Top 10.

1. I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston

2. Unchained Melody – Righteous Brothers

3. Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley

10. Love Me Tender – Elvis Presley

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Memphis Mansion Yahoo / FECC)

February 07 - Sold Out! Vol. 12 Released

The Pyramid import-label released volume 12 in their 'Sold Out!' 8mm concert footage series.

According to the the publicity this volume contains footage of Elvis from the early touring years 1971 and 1972 to the final concerts in Cincinnati and Indianapolis. In between fans get to watch Elvis singing gospels with his favorite gospel group J.D. Sumner & The Stamps joining him center stage and footage of a raunchy ‘One Night’, filmed in May 1977 and more.

(Source: Facebook)