September 22 - Retro From Behind The Curtain

The September 2022 edition of the Yours Retro magazine features Elvis on the cover and insude the article 'The Lost Army Years'.

Description: In this month’s exciting issue you can discover what life was like for Elvis while he was in the army. 

Behind The Curtain

The new Next Generation Records label released the CD 'Elvis - Behind The Curtain' featuring the January 26, 1972 Opening Show performance. 

Publicity stated: Back in 1997 the 2001 Label released the first issue of the January 26, 1972 Opening Show on soundboard. A revelation at the time as little was known about Elvis first engagement that year, so you can only imagine what thrill this unreleased soundboard brought to fans all over the world. Then in 2008 the Audionics label decided to release it in with better audio quality this time for those that couldn't get the old CD anymore.

At Next Generation Records we feel enough time has passed that we can re-release this show as our debut release, especially as 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the show taking place. With an official release not happening we decided to go back to the original tape and carefully master the show from scratch, so we could present the show as it was meant to sound, with a punchy full sound not heard before. Now younger fans have the opportunity to get this show and older fans can upgrade the show in the best possible sound without having to look very far!

This show is historic on its own as it marks the first time a very different Elvis show was presented to the audience, outside of some brand new outfits, gone was 'That's All Right' as on opening song which kicked of Elvis' career and instead Elvis would now open with 'See See Rider', a song he had sung two years earlier mid-show and was released on his classic 'On Stage' Album.

New songs were added that Elvis had not performed before including the Three Dog Nights tune 'Never Been To Spain', Elvis' latest 45RPM Single 'Until It's Time For You To Go' and bringing a song from his back catalogue by including 'A Big Hunk 'O Love', a song never performed live before, despite having been recorded back in 1958, Elvis showed his patriotism by including Mickey Newbury's 'An American Trilogy' and it would leave a lasting impression. 

The true fan knows how important this show was and is to the Elvis Presley story, with this release we hope to provide you a brand new listening experience, some rare bonus tracks from the 1972 recorded multi-tracks have been included to close out the disc which we are sure you'd enjoy.

This is a jewel case release that's presented with a 16 page booklet with information, rare newspaper reviews, eye witness reviews and some unpublished super-rare photos taken during this season!

Tracks: See See Rider (Incomplete) / Proud Mary / Never Been To Spain / You Gave Me A Mountain / Until It's Time For You To Go / Polk Salad Annie / Love Me / Little Sister - Get Back / All Shook Up / Teddy Bear - Don't Be Cruel / One Night / Hound Dog / A Big Hunk 'O Love / Bridge Over Troubled Water / Lawdy, Miss Clawdy / An American Trilogy / Introductions / I'll Remember You / Suspicious Minds / Can't Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp.

Bonus Tracks: Never Been To Spain (February 17, 1972 - Dinner Show) / Love Me (February 14, 1972 - Midnight Show) / A Big Hunk 'O Love (February 17, 1972 - Dinner Show) / An American Trilogy (February 15, 1972 - Midnight Show) / Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp (February 15, 1972 - Midnight Show) / For The Good Times (Rehearsal & Take 5 - March 30, 1972).

Note: this show was previously releasd 5 times before:

Opening Night 1972 (1997)

The Talk Of The Town (2008)

Elvis 1972 - The Real Elvis (CD 4) (2009)

Touring In The 70's - Vol 2 (CD 14) (2009)

The 1972 Elvis Experience (CD 1) (2017).

Picture Vinyl

Following the announcement from the Danish Memphis Mansion record label of volume 4 in 'The Danish Singles Collection' on colored vinyl, the label now announced the release of a picture-disc edition too. This edition is limited to 100 copies and due Spring 2023.

Side A: One Broken Heart For Sale / They Remind Me Too Much Of You / Good Luck Charm / Anything That's Part Of You / She's Not You / Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello / King Of The Whole Wide World.

Side B: Home Is Where The Heart Is / Return To Sender / Where Do You Come From / Kiss Me Quick / No More / In My Fathers House / I Believe In The Man In The Sky.

Green Vinyl

Due for release from the French V.P.I record label is the LP 'King Creole' on green colored vinyl.

Side A: Trouble / Young Dreams / Crawfish / Dixieland Rock / Danny / Hard Headed Woman.

Side B: King Creole / New Orleans / Love Doll / As Long As I Have You / King Creole (First Version - Take 3) / As Long As I Have You (Master Alternate Take 8).

Elvis Presley Une Folle Americane

The French GM Editions published the book / 45 RPM vinyl set 'Elvis Presley Une Folle Americane' ('A Crazy America') by Dicale Bertrand. The book was originally set for release on October 6, 2022.

Description: Elvis' genius is not limited to being the first icon of Rock 'n' Roll. He quickly became an immensely popular singer with the American public by blending country music, gospel, romantic variety and pop. Hero of dozens of stereotypical Hollywood movies, idol singing only to sold-out crowds, whether in Las Vegas or in stadiums and arenas throughout the United States. 

Elvis is a romantic character whose loves and pleasures fascinate the public and the media. He amazes his country and the whole world. This Pentecostal from Tennessee, shaped and obsessed by his religion, both rigorous and exuberant, constantly confronts the "good" America. The latter looks down on the accent and cultural identity of this little white southerner, on whom fame and fortune fall. For he remains a permanent enigma. 

Why does he accept to become a "normal" G.I. during his military service? Why does he remain bound to his manager, the (false) Colonel Parker, until death? Why does he never sing abroad? What will he do at the White House when he meets President Richard Nixon? Why return to the stage after a long absence and why these years of frenetic touring? From the insolent seduction of the young Elvis to his fatal addictions.

Bertrand Dicale examines this madness of unique dimensions. He questions the text of the Bible, the essence of Rock 'n' Roll, the racial question in the South, the cynicism of the pharmaceutical industry or the economics of cinema... An adventure that, so long after the death of the King, remains mysterious.

The book includes 15 original drawings by the artist Mezzo, known for his bestseller: 'Love in Vain', a preface by Pierre Lescure and an exclusive 4-track 45 RPM 'His Hand In Mine' on blue colored vinyl. 

Vinyl Story

Released in the 'Vinyl Stories' series is the 24-page comic book / LP combo 'Elvis Presley - Vinyl Story' by Fred Beltran. 

Description: They gave him countless surnames but the most eloquent was The King. In fact, he was the greatest phenomenon in recorded music history, which made Elvis Presley King of Kings! 

In the mid Fifties he catalyzed various trends and imposed Rock ’n’ Roll around the planet, turning habits upside down with his irresistible combination of originality, charm and freshness. 

He had enough talent to make any style his own, and took full advantage of it; his legacy and influence still go deep today, with a cult following of millions of admirers who worship his personality without tiring.

Side A: Heartbreak Hotel / Blue Suede Shoes / Tutti Frutti / Hound Dog / Don’t Be Cruel / Love Me Tender / Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear / Loving You / Jailhouse Rock / Stuck on You. 

Side B: It’s Now or Never / Are you Lonesome / Surrender / Little Sister / Can’t Help Falling In Love / Kiss Me Quick / Suspicion / Return To Sender.

(Source: FECC / Elvis Club Berlin / GM Editions / Pascal Dorschner / Facebook)

Review Elvis Day By Day 2021 by Carlos Varrenti

Carlos Varrenti, author of the new 'The Airplanes and the King' book reviewed the the copy of 'Elvis Day By Day 2021' he got in Memphis during Elvis week 2022. 

Sometimes it’s hard to imagine life without the usual things we do every day in our daily routine. Since 2010, when I’ve discovered the Elvis Day by Day blog, it’s been part of my routine every morning. 

 

Every day when I wake-up I pick up my coffee and turn on my computer, read my emails and the local news and check out what’s going on in the Elvis world. Yeah I know, the guy has been dead for 45 years, so what possible can there be new? Well, let me tell you, after all those years there is almost something interesting going on in the Elvis world. And this is exactly the beauty of the project Kees Mouwen conceived with his daily Elvis Presley news blog. Elvis legacy keeps being updated, even 45 years after his death. 

 

I remember back in the early 90s I had to wait for months to read the news in the magazines I subscribed to for some Elvis news (and those magazine usually featured just a small news section), or from time to time I got an email from my usual Elvis dealer with a poorly edited newsletter, filled of new and old Elvis CDs, VCDs, DVDs and even some good old VHS tapes, books and sometimes other artists CDs like Johnny cash or Jerry Lee Lewis at the end of the newsletter.

 

When internet become popular, some great Elvis websites started with some news, but those were not updated 24/7. And then the day arrived when this amazing blog came out with this fresh new idea that make us remember at the first glance the Elvis Day by Day book by Ernst Jorgensen and Peter Guralnick. Since the very beginning, this website was not limited only to be an everyday surprise for what’s new in Elvis world, but also a unique archive of Elvis information. It covers Elvis’ modern legacy in news and reviews in much (daily) detail. A true and unique project that will give the future fans the possibility to see what happened in Elvis life after his death. 

 

And in 2019 Kees came up with the idea to publish his first book. The blog, transferred to paper, became a magnificent physical archive of Elvis legacy. 

Reading that first book, I remember buying some of the items he wrote about or reviewed. Getting my parcel from the postman and opening the package watching the King came out from the wrapper. It’s pure magic, and I love it! 

 

During Elvis week 2022 I got my copy of the 2021 yearbook in Memphis, and I really like the modern design of this edition, it’s a must for every fan that wants to have Elvis’ legacy in his library. The balance of the text, illustrations and colors of this edition it’s a true delight. 

 

As always, the objectivity that characterize Kees reviews is key to avoid spending money on the wrong items. Especially in these days when there are so many “cut-and-paste” job releases being pushed out by producers wanting to make a quick buck. Or the many books rehashing old material or being re-re-republished for the zillionth time. I was happy to buy the originals in 1995, I don’t need a new copy! 

 

On a personal note, the review that Kees did of my Book “The Airplanes & The King” was so good-natured and truly objective. It’s a true honor to be featured in this 2021 edition of ‘Elvis Day By Day’. 

 

The ‘Elvis Day by Day’ books are here to stay and I’m truly anxious to get my hand on the 2022 edition. Keep flying high Kees! 

 

TCB forever!

Carlos Varrenti

Thanks for the kind words Carlos, I appreciate it!

For more details and previews of 'Elvis Day By Day 2021 - The Year In Review' go to the >>> DBD 2021 page. You can also read more reviews on my >>> Poplar Tunes webshop. Of course you can pick up a copy on-line too! 

You can read my review of Carlos' 'The Airplanes and The King' books using the links below. 

Review: "The Airplanes and the King" (released August 2022).

Review: "Los Aviones Y el Rey" (released July 2021).

Carlos' book is available from the >>> Elvis Files website or directly from the >>> author.

September 21 - The Moon Is Falling

The Straight Arrow import label announced the release of the CD 'The Moon Is Falling' featuring the August 6th 1973 Opening Night performance, as recorded from the audience at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Publicity stated: Straight Arrow has released quite a few of Elvis Summer '73 headline shows, however, the Opening and Closing show performances were always remarkable events and this one is no exception! 

'Also Sprach Zarathustra" was played in famous Eumir Deodato arrangement. Elvis performed the 'Trouble' from the 'King Creole' movie for the first time since his 1968 Comeback and blended it with his forthcoming single record 'Raised On Rock'. He surprised his audience with another rarity, 'Memphis Tennessee' and the premiere of 'My Boy', which was recorded later in December 1973 and released on another hit single in January 1975. He often performed this song during this season, but only seldom after that. 

When the 'American Trilogy' began, a round projection screen has descended and Elvis was turning and seeing it but obviously not expecting it, saying "Good God, the moon is falling. Wish they'd tell me these things". They showed slides of Abraham Lincoln, the declaration of independence and the American eagle. Elvis was obviously not comfortable with it and that was the only night the "moon" was used. 

The Las Vegas, August 6th, 1973 Opening Night was previously released in 1993 by the Peaf label as 'Fire In Vegas' and later in a clearer, but flat sound by Memory Records 'Raised On Vegas' (2008). The sound, nevertheless, was still far from the best. 

Straight Arrow was fortunate enough to obtain two independent tapes of this concert which are not in circulation (one of them from Rex Martin's personal collection). For this ultimate release both tapes were combined to get the best possible result. Every second was enhanced to achieve the optimal listening experience. The sound was remastered to the correct speed. 

If you have enjoyed our previous Summer of '73 season CDs, we believe that you will love this one as well. Presented in the usual Straight Arrow fashion with the top notch digipak including the photos of Elvis in Summer of '73, excerpts from "World-Wide Elvis News Service" magazine and reprint of souvenir menu, this new release is the beauty that you must not miss! The Straight Arrow team is always looking for new, New from Straight Arrow, unreleased audience-taped shows and for improved versions of the previously released recordings. 

Tracks: 01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra (Eumir Deodato arrangement) - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. Trouble (1st live version) - 04. Raised On Rock (only live version) - 05. Love Me - 06. Steamroller Blues - 07. What Now My Love - 08. Blue Suede Shoes - 09. Memphis Tennessee - 10. Long Tall Sally/Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On/Mama Can't Dance/Flip, Flop And Fly/Jailhouse Rock/Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On (medley) - 11. Love Me Tender - 12. Hound Dog - 13. Fever - 14. My Boy (1st live version) - 15. Suspicious Minds - 16. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 17. Introduction of Petula Clark, Guy March, Phillis McGuire, Liza Minelli - 18. I Can't Stop Loving You - 19. An American Trilogy - 20. Bridge Over Troubled Water - 21. How Great Thou Art - 22. A Big Hunk O' Love - 23. Help Me Make It Through The Night - 24. Can't Help Falling In Love - 25. Closing Vamp / Announcements. All tracks recorded live from audience on August 6th, 1973 Opening Show.

(Seemingly) Non-Stop Summer Releases

The Straight Arrow import release '(Seemingly) Non-Stop Summer' was released. It features the August 25th, 1974 Midnight Show performance, as recorded from the audience.  

September 20 - Amor Descuidado from Brasil (Updated)

Due for release in Brazil on August 13, 2023 from Belas Letras is the 864-page Portuguese edition of Peter Guralnick's 'Careless Love' as 'Amor Descuidado'.

Elvis On Tour

Due from the Brazilian Elvis Presley's World Fan Club in  September 2022 is the 'Elvis On Tour and Madison Square Garden - 50 Years'. 

Publicity stated that "the biggest release ever made by a fan club in Brazil" contains a 240-page book, a 50-page picture book, a card and a fridge magnet.

Jerry Scheff Ill

Jerry Scheff had to cancel the concert with The Mark which was planned for October 30, 2022 because of medical reasons according to an update from the band. Get well soon Jerry!

(Source: Elvis Triunfal / Llivraria Da Vila / Elvis Presley's World Fan Club / The Mark)

September 19 - Elvis Is Back (Again)

The Soul Jam record label re-issued the The Definitive Remastered CD Edition of 'A Date with Elvis + Elvis Is Back'. It comes with a 16-page booklet.

Publicity stated: This quintessential release features two of Elvis Presley’s finest LPs, which were originally released on the RCA label: 'A Date with Elvis' (1959), and 'Elvis Is Back!' (1960). Both masterpieces helped define the exact nature of early rock & roll and contain the commercial successes with which the King of Rock made his name, such as 'Good Rockin’ Tonight', 'Blue Moon of Kentucky', 'It Feels So Right', and 'Such a Night', among other hits. 

These albums have been packaged together in this very special collector’s edition, which also includes 6 bonus tracks. The music is striking for its raw and visceral quality. In fact, it was more exciting than the material on his last pre-Army LP release, the 'King Creole' soundtrack. This is as rebellious, engaging and rousing as early Rock and Roll can sound.

A Date With Elvis: Blue Moon Of Kentucky - Young And Beautiful - (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care - Milkcow Blues Boogie - Baby Let's Play House - Good Rockin' Tonight - Is It So Strange - We're Gonna Move - I Want To Be Free - I Forgot To Remember To Forget

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

Bonus Songs: It's Now Or Never -  Hands Off (Demo) - Stuck On You - Paralyzed - I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone - Lawdy, Miss Clawdy.

Revised edition - Elvis The Biography

The revised, re-issue, of Jerry Hopkins' 'Elvis' biography has finally been released by Plexus Publishing Ltd. It was delayed due to the pandemic. The single volume book comprises Hopkins' two biographical works on Elvis - Elvis and Elvis The Final Years. Being the original Elvis biography(ies) and less narratively dense than the two Peter Guralnick Elvis biographical volumes, the Hopkins' release (with new information) is an easier journey for those not looking for a less intense day-by-day account.

The suggested new additions to the 2022 edition are: Featuring newly published first-hand interviews with people close to Elvis - including high school teachers, girlfriends, directors, agents, recording engineers, bodyguards, sidemen, karate instructors, medical professionals, and even his personal jeweler - Elvis presents a comprehensive and amazingly intimate look at this cultural icon.

The Elvis Information Network notes that this newly "revised" edition is 416 pages, whereas the previous 2007 version was 416 pages. Is this really an expanded version? We have Suspicious Minds - and we are checking.

(Source: Amazon / Wlvis Information Network)

September 18 - New Magazine

Released by 360 Media Specials is the stand-alone magazine 'Elvis', featuring over 225 photographs, articles on Elvis, his Memphis Mansion, his music, memories of Priscilla, how Austin Butler brought his hero Elvis Presley to back life and more. The magazine is on display on U.S. newsstands until the end of 2022. 

(Source: Pascal Matteo)

September 17 - Chips Moman In Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Next month, the late Chips Moman will be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame at the organization’s 52nd Anniversary gala. Moman was elected in the Hall of Fame's new Legacy category which was designed specifically to honor Hall of Fame-worthy candidates who are deceased.

Raised on a farm near LaGrange, Georgia, Lincoln Wayne “Chips” Moman left school at 14 to hitchhike to Memphis where he spent time as a session guitarist before diving into record producing and songwriting. As a songwriter, he scored R&B and pop hits in 1961 with 'Last Night' by The Mar-Keys and 'This Time' by Troy Shondell. In 1967, Moman and Dan Penn created the classics 'The Dark End Of The Street' by James Carr and 'Do Right Woman, Do Right Man' by Aretha Franklin, which was later a top 20 for Barbara Mandrell.

After moving to Nashville in the early ’70s, Moman earned the 1976 Grammy for Best Country Song for B.J. Thomas’ multi-genre No. 1 '(Hey, Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song'. In 1977, Waylon Jennings debuted Moman’s outlaw country classic 'Luckenbach, Texas (Back To The Basics Of Love)'. In 1978, Thomas topped the AC charts again with 'Everybody Loves A Rain Song'. Other songs from Moman’s catalog include 'Love Looks Good On You' by David Houston, 'The Wurlitzer Prize (I Don’t Want To Get Over You)' by Jennings and 'So Much Like My Dad' by George Strait.

Moman will be inducted alongside the previously announced members of the Class of 2022: Hillary Lindsey, David Malloy, Gary Nicholson, Shania Twain, and Steve Wariner. Taking place on Sunday, Oct. 30 at Nashville’s Music City Center, the new inductees-elect will join the 229 existing members of the Hall, which was established in 1970.

“We’re so proud to see Chips Moman memorialized in this year’s class,” says Sarah Cates, Chair of the organization’s Board of Directors. “As demonstrated by classics such as ‘(Hey, Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song’ by B.J. Thomas and ‘Luckenbach, Texas (Back To The Basics Of Love)’ by Waylon Jennings, Chips’ enduring work as a songwriter is outstanding, unforgettable and incredibly deserving of our ultimate recognition.”

Moman was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 2014.

(Source: Music Row)

September 17 - Charts September 2022 - Week 3 (Updated)

The weekly Elvis Presley chart update, Elvis found his way up in the U.S. Billboard chart, really bouncing back after last week's decline.   

In the United States rapper Lil Baby achieved another milestone with his single 'Detox'. He now has the same number of Billboard Hot 100 hits as Elvis Presley, 109 in total. Both are ninth on the list of musicians with the most Hot 100 hits, after Drake (278), Lil Wayne (183), Future (152), Kanye West (141), and Nicki Minaj (124).

In the United Kingdom Robbie Williams broke an Official Chart record as his 'XXV' album topped the Official U.K. albums chart, becoming Robbie’s 14th number 1 solo album. He overtakes Elvis Presley (13 number 1’s), to become the solo artist with the most U.K. Number 1 albums ever.

Elvis biopic #1 on streaming channels and best-selling Blu-Ray charts:The Baz Luhrmann biopic is streaming on HBO in 27 countries and was the #1 streaming film in all 27 over its first week. The countries are Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Malaysia, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, and the US.  
Data was not available for the biopic's streaming in the UK on HBO Max. ELVIS was also the #1 film globally on Hulu.

Film earnings at the box-office:

DOMESTIC (53%) US$150,471,216

INTERNATIONAL (47%) US $133,700,000

WORLDWIDE: US$284,171,216

U.S. Billboard charts:

• Billboard Top 200 chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack climbed from #81 to #73.
• Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #73 to #32.
• Billboard Top Album Sales chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' re-entry at #70.
• Billboard Top Album Sales chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack re-entry at #72.
• Billboard Top Album Sales chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' re-entry at #90. 
• Billboard Top Current Album Sales chart: 'ELV1S' Soundtrack album climbed from #76 to #38. 
• Billboard Catalog Albums chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #16 to #3. 
• Billboard Soundtrack Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack remained steady at #3. 
• Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Song chart: 'Suspicious Minds' re-entry at #23. 
• Billboard Hot Rock and Alternative Song chart: 'Suspicious Minds' re-entry at #20. 
• Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #11 to #6. 
• Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack remained steady at #14.
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #12 to #13. 
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits climbed from #10 to #05.
• Billboard Top Christian Album chart: 'Elvis Ultimate Gospel' climbed from #48 to #42.
• Billboard Artist chart: Elvis Presley is a re-entry at #52.

Billboard Canadian charts:

• Billboard Canadian Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack climbed from #66 to #59.
• Billboard Canadian Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #58 to #47.

   

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #9 to #16. 
• Official Compilation Albums chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #31 to #34.
• Official Album Download charts: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #52 to #99.  
• Official Album Download charts: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #82 to #51 
• Official Albums Sales chart: 'The Real Elvis' dropped from #28 to #33.
• Official Album Sales Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #62 to #73.  
• Official Album Sales Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #69 to #96.
• Official Streaming Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #6 to #12.   
• Official Physical Albums chart: 'The Real Elvis' dropped from #25 to #31.
• Official Soundtrack Album 100 chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #3 to #4. 
• Official Americana Album chart: 'Elvis Back In Nashville' dropped from #33 to #35.
• Official Country Compilations chart Top 20: 'From Elvis In Nashville' dropped from #9 to #13.
• Official DVD Top 100 chart: '7 Movie Collection' dropped from #67 to #74.
• Official Music DVD Top 50 chart: 'Elvis The Searcher' climbed from # to #4.
• Official Music DVD Top 50 chart: 'The Elvis Collection' re-entry at #33.

Official Scottish charts:

• Official Album chart: 'The Real Elvis' climbed from #37 to #36.

Official Irish IRMA charts:

• Official Irish Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #15 to #19.
• Official Irish Compilation Album Top 100 chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack climbed from #21 to #14.

Austrian charts:

• Austrian Album Top 75 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #63 to #45.

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

September 16 - From A Sea to A Shining Sold Out Sea

The Millbranch Music import record label announced the release of the 3 CD / DVD package ‘From Sea to Shining Sea’. 

 

Publicity stated: Millbranch Music is back on track after receiving raving reviews for our 2021 mega-release ‘Kansas City´74 Revisited’. And we nail it again with a great concept of “Music & Video” in one set! We have worked for months to make sure that our latest product matches the high standard we set for ourselves. The result is that we are now able to present a new 3 CD plus 1 DVD digipack release for every serious “Elvis live in the 70´s” collector! If you liked our last year’s release, you will like this new one, too!

 

Introducing our latest “soundboard” release, we present three complete shows by Elvis and his exciting group of musicians from 1976 on audio CD. That alone makes a great listen but hey, there is one more disc in this set and that is the “cream of the crop”: 134 minutes of rare and for most parts unreleased(!) film footage in stunning and never before seen quality of Elvis'  concert journey ‘From Sea to Shining Sea’ between his two historic New Year’s Eve performances in 1976. The DVD details the story of the ‘Elvis On Tour’ during the bicentennial year on stage and on the road! 

 

Taken from the very best sources available, including a lot of footage taken from original film-reels, you´ll see highlights from his concerts in Pontiac, MI - Johnson City, TN (featuring the very first live version of ‘Hurt’) - Charlotte, NC - Largo, MD - Hartford, CT - Chicago, IL Birmingham, AL - Atlanta, GA and Pittsburgh, PA, with very special and lengthy features of his concerts in Fort Worth, TX (June 3), Philadelphia, PA (June 28) and Anaheim, CA (November 30).

 

Over the last years we invested in acquiring lot of original film-reels and early this year we had the opportunity to buy Elvis’ Fort Worth performance (June 3, 1976) - and so we did. 

 

The 30 minutes of pleasantly steady, and pretty close to the stage filmed footage, was worth every dollar we have spent on it. The film-reel has been scanned in 4K Ultra HD resolution, so we could extract as much detail as possible from the analogue film. The outcome of the scan has then been carefully processed to retrieve the best possible result from the original film which was a little overexposed. If you compare the starting material and the end result after processing with the best available technology you would not believe how much of information still is there in the original film which of course had to be worked on carefully (and time-consuming) to finally enjoy it as not even the guy who filmed it back then could. 

So you can expect something special from this release, and that’s the main reason why we chose to put Elvis´ two 1976 concert dates in Fort Worth as the main audio selections on two of the CDs. 

 

And there is a third bonus CD that, presented in its own sleeve next tot the digi-pack featuring the November 30, 1976 performance as recorded at Anaheim, we chose this concert as it has its own special feature on the DVD.

 

Talking about audio: We decided that for our first “soundboard” release, we  would use today’s techniques to squeeze the very best out of those treasured old tapes. So we have used all of our experience and knowledge and professional equipment to make sure that the audio would sound more balanced and clear than ever before. Needless to say that speed issues are a thing of the past too. While processing the audio we had to separate the various elements, allowing us to create a stereo mix as a nice side-effect. Give it a listen and you will hear what we mean, you will enjoy it!

 

Tracklist CD 1: Fort Worth, TX - June 3, 1976:

Introduction by Bruce Jackson / Theme from SWAT – Love Me Tender (Joe Guercio Orchestra) / Also Sprach Zarathustra / See See Rider / I Got A Woman – Amen / Love Me / If You Love Me (Let Me Know) / You Gave Me A Mountain / All Shook Up / Teddy Bear – Don´t Be Cruel / Heartbreak Hotel / Help Me / Jailhouse Rock / Fever / Polk Salad Annie / Group Introductions / Early Morning Rain / What´d I Say / Johnny B. Goode / Drum Solo / Bass Solo / Piano Solo / Electric Clavinet Solo / Love Letters / School Days / Happy Birthday To Bruce Jackson / Hurt (With Full Reprise) / Hound Dog / Funny How Time Slips Away / Can´t Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp – Announcement.

 

Tracklist CD 2: Fort Worth, TX - July 3, 1976:

Also Sprach Zarathustra / See See Rider / I Got A Woman – Amen / Love Me / If You Love Me (Let Me Know) / You Gave Me A Mountain / All Shook Up / Teddy Bear – Don´t Be Cruel / And I Love You So / Jailhouse Rock / Fever / America The Beautiful / Polk Salad Annie / 

Group Introductions / Early Morning Rain / What´d I Say / Johnny B. Goode / Bass Solo / Piano Solo / Electric Clavinet Solo / Love Letters / School Days / Hurt (With Reprise) / Hound Dog / Funny How Time Slips Away / Can´t Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp.

 

Tracklist Bonus CD: Anaheim, CA - November 30, 1976:

See See Rider / I Got A Woman - Amen / Love Me / If You Love Me (Let Me Know) / You Gave Me A Mountain / Jailhouse Rock / It´s Now Or Never / All Shook Up / Teddy Bear – Don´t Be Cruel / And I Love You So / Fever / Bridge Over Troubled Water (With Break) / Polk Salad Annie / Introductions I / Early Morning Rain (incomplete) / What´d I Say / Johnny B. Goode / Drum Solo / Bass Solo / Piano Solo / Electric Clavinet Solo / Love Letters / Introductions II / School Days / Hurt / Hound Dog / Hawaiian Wedding Song / Blue Christmas / That´s All Right / Can´t Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp

 

Content DVD: ‘Elvis on Tour in 1976’ documentary: 

Featuring facts, airport footage, news footage and most of all great 8mm film-footage from Pontiac, MI - Johnson City, TN - Charlotte, NC - Hartford, CT - Chicago, IL - Birmingham, AL - Atlanta, GA and Pittsburgh, PA, with very special and lengthy features of his concerts in Fort Worth, TX (June 3), Philadelphia, PA (June 28) and Anaheim, CA (November 30).

Sold Out Volume 17

The Pyramid import label announced the release of volume 17 in their 'Sold Out!' fan shot concert footage series. 

Publicity stated: Now that you’ve seen the Luhrmann movie, it’s time to see the real Elvis again! And you get plenty of that on 'Sold Out volume 17'. 

Once again we’ve amassed three hours of rare 8mm footage from concerts ranging from 1970 to 1976, and again there are plenty of surprises, even for hardcore fans. 

We know that the July ’75 shows are a big favorite, and we have found a 25-minutes from one of the shows early on in that tour. His voice was unbelievable, and the energy levels at these shows were amazing. It’s always cool to see him joke with the band, like Voice (“I call them a lot of things!”), and his interaction with the female members of the audience shows us again why he is still remembered so fondly. High energy versions of songs like ‘Big Boss Man’ and ‘Burning Love’ are some of the highlights.

There’s also three films from the December ’76 tour, and once again he was brimming with energy. The Atlanta footage especially is great to see. You really get the feel of a great Elvis Presley show. The audience goes apeshit! Elvis even includes rarities like ‘Such A Night’ and ‘Reconsider Baby’, as well as a spirited ‘That’s All Right Mama’, the latter two while accompanying himself on the acoustic. His stance and attitude during the last song especially captures the very essence of rock & roll. He’s cooler than a fridge here! 

At the other end of the spectrum, there’s a lackluster Vegas ’75 performance where he’s clearly not into it.  But that too is part of the history, and even in those situations he could still surprise people with a masterful performance of a song like ‘My Boy’.

There’s also two interesting pre-show clips, which show the band tuning their instruments, Al Dvorin testing his microphone, Charlie Hodge center stage and more. This is a lot of fun to see, and it really gives you the feeling of being there, moments before the concert. You can almost sense the excitement that people felt at the time. Elvis’ girlfriend Linda Thompson is also visible in the footage.

From 1973, there’s neat footage of him performing in the Aloha outfit. It’s interesting to note that he is far more dynamic that during the Aloha show. By this time, he had developed a routine for ‘Steamroller Blues’, which brought forth a lot of screams from the ladies in the audience! ‘American Trilogy’ is performed with lots of passion by Elvis, and at one point he is actually marching to the beat. Goosebumps! There’s much more to enjoy on the new 'Sold Out', way too much to list all of it here.

Elvis Presley: Rock and Roll, Píldoras Y Chicas

The 2021 book 'Elvis Presley: Rock and Roll, Píldoras Y Chicas' ('Elvis Presley: Rock and Roll, Pills And Girls') by Sergio Gaspar Mosqueda was re-issued as a 170-page hardcover book.

 

Another Gold Record Award

The British Phonographic Industries awarded Elvis Presley a Gold Award Single for selling over 400,000 copies of the single 'Always On My Mind' for sales since November 14, 2004 ((streams plus digital downloads plus physical sales). This is the third B.P.I. this year.

The Life Of A Legend

Published by Elvis Presley is the 46-page book 'The Life Of A Legend' by Matthew J. Thiessen. The book is listed on Amazon with 5 covers and four different descriptions. So buyer beware. 

Description: The incredible Elvis Presley life story began when Elvis Aaron Presley was born to Vernon and Gladys Presley in a two-room house in Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935. His twin brother, Jessie Garon, was stillborn, leaving Elvis to grow up as an only child. He and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1948, and Elvis graduated from Humes High School there in 1953.

Elvis’ musical influences were the pop and country music of the time, the gospel music he heard in church and at the all-night gospel sings he frequently attended, and the black R&B he absorbed on historic Beale Street as a Memphis teenager.

His music career began there in 1954, recording at Sun Records with producer Sam Phillips, who wanted to bring the sound of African-American music to a wider audience.

In late 1955, his recording contract was sold to RCA Victor. By 1956, he was an international sensation. With a sound and style that uniquely combined his diverse musical influences and blurred and challenged the social and racial barriers of the time, he ushered in a whole new era of American music and popular culture.

This biography tell the full Elvis Presley life story and an inside look at Elvis’ life.

(Source: Various / Amazon / B.P.I.)

September 15 - New Danish Vinyl and More

The Danish Memphis Mansion record label announced the November 2022 release of volume 4 in 'The Danish Singles Collection' LP series. The 4th volume will be the last volume in this series. It is limited to 300 copies on colored vinyl, the color of the vinyl will be a surprise.

Tracks side A: One Broken Heart For Sale / They Remind Me Too much Of You / Good Luck Charm / 

Anything That's Part Of You / She's Not You / 

Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello / King Of The Whole Wide World.

Side B: Home Is Where The Heart Is / Return To Sender / Where Do You Come From / Kiss Me Quick / No More / In My Fathers House / I Believe In The Man In The Sky.

The LP is available for pre-order from the >>> Memphis Mansion webshop.

The Captivating Life History Of Elvis Presley

Daniel Ogbonna published his 75-page book 'The Biography Of Elvis Presley: The Captivating Life History Of Elvis Presley, The King Of Rock And Roll'. 

Synopsis: Elvis Presley was substantially more than a social symbol; he was a dependable gauge of the world he experienced as a child. Years before the social revolutions of the '60s and '70s, Elvis was ignited the first cultural revolution in American culture through his music. 

Inside the book you will learn about 'Elvis and His Twin Brother', 'That is All Right', 'Presley's Controversial Rise', 'Elvis Joins the Army', 'Rebound in Las Vegas', 'Last Years and Death' and much more. 

Elvis 19

The 20th Century Masterworks record label (a Jazz Messengers sub-label) announced the release of the double CD 'Elvis 19'.

The Elemental Music Records record label announced the October 28, 2022 release of the 88-page book / CD set 'Elvis 1956'. The set is available in an English and a French version.

Description: In this impressive 88-page book, renowned music critic, author, screenwriter, and Elvis Presley authority Peter Guralnick explores Elvis’ records and experiences from 1956 in great detail.

Guralnick explains why it was such a groundbreaking year in the career of the iconic rock & roll star. Born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1943, Guralnick specializes in the history of early rock and roll and is the author of a classic two-volume biography of Elvis Presley, Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley, followed by Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley.

This book is fully illustrated with rare and never before published photos, including numerous classic shots of Elvis by photographer Alfred Wertheimer. Also included inside is a 79-minute-long CD containing 31 of Elvis’ most important songs from 1956 carefully selected by Guralnick to accompany this book."

Dancin' Hits

The 2019 compilation 'Dancin' Hits' will be re-issued on red colored vinyl by Waxtime In Color label. Each LP has its own unique sticker!! “Rock and roll music, if you like it, if you feel it, you can’t help but move to it. That’s what happens to me. I can’t help it.” – Elvis Presley

Jailhouse Rock

The French Collection Music Legends record label announced the (re)release of  the LP 'Jailhouse Rock'.

Christmas Songs

Cult Legends Source 1 Media announced the release of the 19-track 'Christmas Songs' compilation.

Tracks: Here Comes Santa Claus (Right down Santa Claus Lane) / Blue Christmas / I'll Be Home For Christmas / Silent Night / I Believe / Where Do You Come From / Angel / My Wish Came True / It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) / His Hand In Mine / Santa Claus Is Back In Town / Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) / (There'll Be) Peace in the Valley (For Me) / Have I Told You Lately That I Love You / Known Only To Him / Mansion Over The Hilltop / Take My Hand, Precious Lord / O Little Town of Bethlehem / White Christmas.

Elvis Presley’s 1971 Stutz Blackhawk Is For Sale

Presley is said to have owned four Stutz Blackhawks during his life. The second one was this 1971 model, a production model this time that was delivered to his home on Monavale Street in Beverly Hills on September 9, 1971.

Elvis owned this Stutz Blackhawk for a few years before he gifted it to one of his personal physicians at the Las Vegas Hilton, Dr. Elias Ghanem. The singer even had the car fitted with a special plaque that read “Elias Ghanem A True Friend”.

It currently has just 31,856 miles (51,267 km) on the odometer and is set to hit the auction block via Mecum in November in Las Vegas. It is offered with a copy of the 1971 State of California New Vehicle ID registered to Elvis Presley. 

The Blackhawks that Elvis owned became icons in their own right, it’s believed that he had four in total, all in the 1970s. There can be no denying that the Stutz was his favorite car in the 1970s and it would be the last car he would ever drive – with a fan snapping a picture of him returning to Graceland in a Blackhawk on the night that he died.

Elvis release rated the #1 Greatest Live Album!

The latest issue of Vintage Rock is an article discussing the 20 Greatest Live Albums. At #1 is the 2001 boxset, 'Elvis Live in Las Vegas'. 

The magazine quoted: "this fantastic 4CD compilation inarguably stands as an essential document of the singer’s mastery across three decades of live performance. There is no filler here. Presley is on top form and the song selection is impeccable……At his best, Presley live was second to none, and here is the literal proof." 

For the record The Beatles Live! At the Star Club, Hamburg was #19, while at #2 and #3 respectively were Jerry Lee Lewis – Live At the Star Club, Hamburg and Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison. 

Hall of Fame

Priscilla Presley holds up her award after she is inducted during the Memphis Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in Memphis.

Priscilla Presley expressed love for Memphis that seemed so sincere — she called Graceland "the first place that I really called home" —  that only a churl could begrudge the addition of this non-musician to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. The audience beamed.

Corrected

Someone at Paramount seems to read Elvis sites as the movie company updated the erroneous cover art for the upcoming 'Blue Hawaii' 4K HD release. 

(Source: Anthony Stuchbury / Memphis Mansion / Pascal Matteo / Amazon / Auto Evolution / Elvis Club Berlin / Vintage rock / Elvis Information Network / Commercial Appeal)