Our Memories & Faded Love out now

The Our Memories & Faded Love are out now, see complete info below.
Source: e-mail - May 31, 2010

Our Memories

OUR MEMORIES OF ELVIS VOL. 1 & 2

Revisiting the 'Our memories of Elvis' albums (a.k.a. 'More of the pure Elvis sounds') from 32 years ago, we came to realize that Joan Deary did have a vision well ahead of time. Nowadays we're craving for recordings like this.

Unfortunately, at the time most fans didn't understand the concept of these two albums. These weren't ever intended to be 'undubbed recordings'. Both 'Our Memories Of Elvis' and 'Our Memories Of Elvis - volume 2' are mainly the masters which were completely remixed and edited. Most overdubbed recordings and in a few cases also parts that were recorded at the original sessions were left out of the mix to get more out of Elvis' voice. Obviously, in some instances this left gaps in the sound, so the engineer had to remix it! With these releases, Joan Deary showed that her musical vision was right… Most songs sound much better in their stripped form.

The main reason for this project was that there were many requests at the time from fans complaining about the fact that Elvis' voice was buried under the many instruments and backings. 'Can we have a more pure Elvis…' - well, that's what they got in 1979.

Purists complained that it is tampering with 'original' recordings. (Would it have been okay if it had been done a few years earlier?). Many forget the purpose of making music… In order to survive as an artist, you need to go along with your time and the music will stay in the mainstream. Elvis is an artist who, if treated well, will survive the new eras also.

This release is a must-have and a rare one at the same time. SONY-BMG/ FTD decided that this is not an essential release, simply because it was done in 1979. They focus on the masters "as is", and the undubbed takes. This leaves out these essential remixes, which are not done anymore with the multi-track recordings. Only minor adjustments are being made these days, without the intention to redo the old job for a new / more up-to-date version of a song. Many lesser-known artists have re-releases with updated sound, why not Elvis, the King of Music himself!

We seriously remastered these two albums in detail from newly discovered Joan Deary reference tapes which included an unreleased track, "It's easy for you", which was cut out of the Volume 2 because of the total running time - likely because of the long jam "Don't Think Twice It's All Right."

The song selection is well-chosen within his concept. The slightly longer silences between the songs give you comfortable time to get into the next song.

THE WORDS THAT CAN DESCRIBE THIS RELEASE ARE BREATH-TAKING, MAGICAL, INTIMATE, PERFECT …PURE ELVIS. BRILLIANTLY REMASTERED AND NO COMPARE TO ANY OTHER RELEASE ON VINYL OR CD TO DATE! This new release is perfect introduction to a more personal encounter with Elvis.
Source e-mail - May 23, 2010

Opening Night 1971

Flaming Phoenix Productions will release soon their first CD simply titled Opening Night 1971. This album features the opening show of Elvis' fourth appearance in Las Vegas as recorded from the soundboard on January 26, 1971.
For the first time EVER all the recordings from this show are assembled together on one CD, including some previously unreleased performances such as '' Johnny B. Goode '' and '' The Wonder Of You '' . This set will be presented in a digipack . The 1971 recordings from the mixing desk are scarce and less documented than any other year between 1969 and 1977. Here's your chance to acquire one of those rare moments with The King !

Tracks


1- Introduction : Also Sprach Zarathustra ; 2- That's All Right ; 3- Mystery Train / Tiger Man ; 4- Love Me Tender ; 5- You Don't Have To Say You Love Me ; 6- Sweet Caroline ; 7- You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' ; 8- Polk Salad Annie ; 9- How Great Thou Art ( with a false start ) ; 10- Introductions ; 11- Johnny B. Goode ; 12- Introductions ; 13- The Wonder Of You ; 14- Introducing Hal B. Wallis ; 15- Can't Help Falling In Love ; 16- Make The World Go Away ; 17- Something ; 18- Heartbreak Hotel ; 19- Blue Suede Shoes ; 20- Hound Dog ; 21- One Night ; 22- Teddy Bear ; 23- Suspicious Minds ; 24- The Impossible Dream / closing vamp


Unfortunately due to recording difficulties this concert was only partly recorded, and needed to be completed with songs from two other shows from the same season.


Tracks 5-10 recorded on January 27, 1971 MS
Tracks 18-24 recorded on January 28, 1971 MS

source : e-mail - May 22, 2010

Faded Love

As recorded at the Hilton Hotel showroom in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 15th, 1973, Dinner Show.

Recently, the 'Straight Arrow' team obtained a couple of great quality Las Vegas off-line recordings. These concerts were recorded using a 1972 portable Sony high-end cassette recorder equipped with two microphones. The microphones were placed apart from each other in the balcony seating, behind the mixing desk of sound engineer Bill Porter. Usually, such tapes are called a "booth recordings" and often are used for mixing in with a multi-track recording to obtain full depth of the sound. However, we call them "TWO-MIKE AMBIENCE LIVE RECORDINGS" - because that's precisely what they are!

The first volume of our mini-series is titled "FADED LOVE" (SA/SP 2010-01-02) and will feature the infamous February 15th, 1973 Dinner show. Elvis had the flu and appeared on stage against his doctor's advice. There was no Midnight show on this day. He was trying hard, but after seven songs he called the Stamps to the spotlight to sing a couple of gospels, and left the stage. During that time Charlie Hodge - true professional as always - introduced each song, adding  a couple of jokes too. Elvis returned after some 20 minutes, and apologized for his voice problems. He finished with "Can't Help Falling In Love" and he was about to leave the stage, but he suddenly decided that this would  disappoint his fans. To the audience’s surprise, he continued the show and tried to make up for his restricted vocal abilities with several rare performances. "Faded Love" is the very first known live-performance of his 1970 country-rocker, while country weeper "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" is sung on stage for the last time. "Polk Salad Annie" was performed only twice in 1973 (listen to the only  other live-version on 2009’s Straight Arrow's release "A Change Of Mind"!). During "An American Trilogy" Elvis changed the lyrics to: "Oh I wish I was - in the doctor's office" but otherwise sung a straight version of the song. Finally "Can't Help Falling In Love" was performed for the 2nd time and that made this show even more special. We decided to add an edit of post-concert fan's comments related to this show for historic reasons, too.

Unlike previous releases from Straight Arrow, this mini-series will be presented in cool looking digipacks with all necessary information and rare photographs.

Note: the Straight Arrow team is aware that this concert was released in 1992 on the CD "Las Vegas Dinner Show". However, it was a below-average quality audience-recording, in no way comparable with two-mike ambiance live recordings. Forget the original inferior outing and enjoy this new, clear, warm and ambient stereo sound!

"FADED LOVE" will be released on May 24, 2010.

Tracks:

01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me Tender - 05. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me (with false start) - 06. Steamroller Blues - 07. You Gave Me A Mountain - 08. Fever / Elvis left the stage - 09. Walk That Lonesome Road (J. D. Sumner & The Stamps) - 10. Sweet Sweet Spirit (The Stamps) - 11. When It's My Time (Bill Baize & The Stamps) - 12. How Great Thou Art (Donnie Sumner & The Stamps) - 13. I Should Have Been Crucified (Ed Enoch & The Stamps) - 14. Can't Help Falling In Love #1 - 15. Faded Love (first live version) - 16. I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry (last live version) - 17. Polk Salad Annie (first of two versions performed in 1973) - 18. An American Trilogy (with false start) - 19. Can't Help Falling In Love #2 - 20. Closing Vamp / Announcements - 21. After show comments.

Approx. running time: 76:34

source : e-mail - May 20, 2010

Never-Ending Demand Vol.1 and Vol.2

Soon to be released: Rainbow Records proudly presents a new CD set (two separate cds) called “Never-Ending Demand” Vol.1 + Vol.2, featuring the complete performances of February 16, 1977 Montgomery, AL (Vol. 1) and February 17, 1977 Savannah, GA (Vol. 2).
The newspaper headlines titled it „Emperor Elvis Still Has It: Memphis Music. Vegas Touch“ and „Elvis Wows 'Em“ – can you ask for more? Even the reporters were entertained and satisfied with the shows they attended – their reviews and comments can be found along with dozens of pictures from the actual shows in the accompanying booklets of the 2 new releases. The Montgomery performance has never been released in its entirety until this day. Only a handful of songs were released in 1999 on the CD „Coming On Strong“ featuring the rare performance of „Where No One Stands Alone“. For the new Rainbow Records release (Vol. 1) the producers obtained a first generation tape that has never circulated before and unlike all other audience recordings from this date features „My Way“ as an uncut, complete version and includes the complete Opening Act by the Stamps Quartet. The quality of the show recording is very clear and even the fans that usually avoid audience recordings should give this CD a try – they won’t be disappointed. The booklet features also a review by the person who taped the show plus some interesting and official paperwork from the tour itself.

For the second cd, the Savannah show the producers had access to the archive of Savannah’s press & staff photographer Bob Morris who made some high class shots of Elvis in action. He also took a couple of shots of the audience - you can even see the band setting up the stage and tuning the guitars. A total of four newspaper articles are included which set a great spotlight on the situation of Elvis‘ arriving, his security and the show itself. Elvis himself is in a good mood and gives more than a solid performance with highlights like „Little Sister“, „Tryin‘ To Get To You“ and „Polk Salad Annie“. Again the sound on this cd is exceptionally good for an audience recording.

Tracklistings:

1977-02-16
(Opening Act by the Stamps Quartet) : Great, Great Morning / Gone At Last / Get Me Jesus On The Line / Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

(The Elvis Presley Show) ; 2001 Theme / See See Rider / I Got A Woman - Amen / Love Me / If You Love Me / You Gave Me A Mountain / O Sole Mio (by Sherrill Nielsen) - It‘s Now Or Never / Little Sister / Teddy Bear – Don‘t Be Cruel (+ 2 false starts) / My Way / Polk Salad Annie / Band Introductions / Early Morning Rain ( featuring John Wilkinson ) / What‘d I Say ( featuring James Burton ) / Johnny B. Goode ( featuring James Burton ) / Drum Solo ( featuring Ronnie Tutt ) / Bass Solo ( featuring Jerry Scheff ) / Love Letters / School Days / Hurt / Hound Dog / Instrumental / Where No One Stands Alone / Unchained Melody / Can‘t Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp

1977-02-17
2001 Theme / See See Rider / I Got A Woman - Amen / Love Me / Fairytale / Jailhouse Rock / You Gave Me A Mountain / O Sole Mio (by Sherrill Nielsen) – It‘s Now Or Never / Little Sister / Teddy Bear - Dont Be Cruel (+ 1 false start) / Tryin‘ To Get To You / My Way (+ 1 false start) / Polk Salad Annie / Band Introductions / Early Morning Rain ( featuring John Wilkinson ) / What‘d I Say ( featuring James Burton ) / Johnny B. Goode ( featuring James Burton ) / Chicken Pickin‘ ( featuring James Burton ) / Drum Solo ( featuring Ronnie Tutt ) / Bass Solo ( featuring Jerry Scheff ) / Piano Solo ( featuring Tony Brown ) / Love Letters (+ 1 false start) / School Days / Hurt (+ reprise) / Hound Dog / Unchained Melody / Can‘t Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp

source : e-mail - May 19, 2010

 

Setting The Season Out Now

Another CD set that has been released is "Setting the Season" from the SR Records label that focus on Elvis’ live performances in Las Vegas between February 19 and February 21, 1971. This deluxe long digipack , double CD pack is the first SR release dedicated onto Vegas' fourth season. In spite of the fact that Elvis is getting bored of Las Vegas, he is still able to the end the season by giving life to some terrific shows. Here they are presented in great audio quality , the CD 1 with the complete show from February 19 midnight show and the CD 2 with the unreleased February 22 midnight show taken from an early generation copy of the original master tape, as recorded by a member of the audience. All tracks were digitally restored for your best possible listening pleasure; the sound quality is incredibly good considering the early Vegas Season. The shows are linked from the highlight of February 21 midnight show. We are proud to give life to a unique view with almost 160 minutes of great music with Elvis at his best for that season. As a first time for this label, the double CD will come in a deluxe LONG six panel DIGIPACK, containing a collection of live RARE photographs of the Vegas February 1971 season.
Source: e-mail - May 17, 2010

Greatest Hits Vol. 1 & Karate Fever released.

Out now is the 25th anniversary of "Greatest Hits Vol. 1". All material on this album dates from Elvis’ comeback period, 1967 – ’73. It’s an album that makes sense: the songs fit well together and the performances are uniformly strong on a wide variety of material, with Elvis putting his own indelible stamp on them, regardless of the genre. In fact, if you would want to introduce a friend to the magic of The King’s music, then this album would be a very good starting point. It’s interesting to note that several of the mixes / versions heard here are unavailable elsewhere. In some instances, these mixes are far superior, a case in point being "Steamroller Blues" from the Aloha rehearsal show (01-12-’73). This mix really captures the excitement of Elvis’ original performance, whereas the mix as released on "The Alternate Aloha" in 1988 is best forgotten.

This album also contains what is arguably the best-ever Elvis version of "What’d I Say", a cleverly edited live-recording from Elvis’ August 23rd, 1969 Midnight Show performance at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. Since this was usually the penultimate song of the show, Elvis and the band would really let loose, creating a true frenzy at the shows by extending the song with repeated verses and extra solos. Though this was a real showstopper at those early Vegas shows, the excitement of these long versions does not really come across as well on record, and it was a sensible decision by Joan Deary to edit it for release. This track really captures the intensity and raw energy of Elvis’ 1969 comeback. Another highlight is Elvis’ tremendous revival of "Big Hunk O’ Love" from the February 17th, 1972 Dinner Show at the Las Vegas Hilton. Listen out for Elvis’ humming along to Glen D. Hardin’s piano-solo! In 1989, RCA Australia released "Greatest Hits Vol. 1" on CD in a limited edition, but that release is now very hard to get. There have been many requests for this album to be issued again, and Victrola is proud to be able to present this release in a deluxe fold-out digipack, with relevant photos and in-depth liner-notes. We were able to work from an original mastertape as sent by RCA to one of its international offices, and the sound quality is exceptional. All tracks were digitally remastered using 24 bit technology. This deluxe edition will be pressed in very limited quantities, so it’s bound to become a true collector’s item. Order your copy now in order to avoid disappointment – this beauty is a keeper!

Also released is the new "Straight Arrow's" Karate Fever featuring the Las Vegas August 31st, 1974 Dinner show.
Tracks:
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. Opening Vamp / C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 06. It's Midnight - 07. Big Boss Man - 08. Fever - 09. All Shook Up- 10. Softly As I Leave You - 11. Hound Dog (with reprise) - 12. An American Trilogy - 13. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 14. Introductions by Elvis of Singers, Musicians - 15. If You Talk In Your Sleep - 16. Karate Monologue - 17. Until It's Time For You To Go - 18. Let Me Be There (with reprise) - 19. Hawaiian Wedding Song - 20. Heartbreak Hotel - 21. How Great Thou Art - 22. Can't Help Falling In Love - 23. Closing Vamp / Announcements.
Approximate running time: 79:01
May 17, 2010

Christmas TodayChristmas Today

Christmas Today Released

The "Christmas Today" CD is out now. We have received a copy today and we can tell you that the Venus label didn't say anything too much. The sound is stunning with many highlights, and comes with a beautiful 16 page booklet. We can say that this 2 CD set is highly recommended. We lifted a review from our forum, so you can read this over here.

1-I'll Be Home On Christmas Day Take 6 4:03 ; 2- Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees Take 3 2:30 ; 3- On A Snowy Christmas Night undubbed master * 2:27 ; 4- The Wonderful World Of Christmas  undubbed master * 1:59 ; 5- Silver Bells Take 1 3:05 ; 6- I'll Be Home On Christmas Day Takes 1-2  2:37 ; 7- The Lord's Prayer  2:36 ; 8- Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees  Takes 1-2  3:04 ; 9- The First Noel  undubbed master * 2:12 ; 10- Winter Wonderland  Take 7  2:33 ; 11- I'll Be Home On Christmas Day  Takes 5,7,3  6:56 ; 12- Merry Christmas Baby Fs, undubbed master * 7:55 ; 13- If I Get Home On Christmas Day undubbed master *  2:52 ; 14- Silver Bells  undubbed master * 2:28 ; 15- Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees  Takes 5,6,7,4  3:53 ; 16- Winter Wonderland  undubbed master * 2:19 ; 17- It Won't Seem Like Christmas Without You undubbed master *  2:40 ; 18-  I'll Be Home On Christmas Day  undubbed master * 3:48 ; 19-Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees  undubbed master * 2:21 ; 20- O Come, All Ye Faithful undubbed master *  2:58 ; 21- I'll Be Home On Christmas Day  Take 4  5:06 ; 22- Silver Bells  Fs,Tk2 (original session recording),Tk3 (Fs) 5:07
* from acetate

1 - T-R-O-U-B-LE  Take 4  3:10 ; 2- Green Green Grass Of Home  Fs, Take 1 4:21 ; 3- Fairytale Take 3  3:37 ; 4- Bringing It Back  Takes 2,3  3:28; 5- Susan When She Tried  Take 6  2:55 ; 6- I Can Help  Fs, Take 2  5:11 ; 7- And I Love You So  Take 5  3:51 ; 8- Green Green Grass Of Home  Takes 2,3  4:23 ; 9- Woman Without Love  Take 1  3:44 ; 10- Tiger Man  session jam 3:15 ; 11- Bringing It Back Take 4   3:08 ; 12- And I Love You So  Take 1  3:56 ; 13- Shake A Hand Take 3  4:00 ; 14- Green Green Grass Of Home  Takes 4,5  4:15 ; 15- Pieces Of My Life  Takes 4  3:57 ; 16-  Bringing It Back Take 1  3:18
Update May 4, 2010

NEW STAR DVD RELEASE - ELVIS COMING HOME - FACTORY PRESSED DVD

For the first time in over a year, an all new Star DVD release titled ‘ELVIS COMING HOME’ will be available during the month of May. This Star DVD collection will feature an all new mixture of Elvis songs and clips from the late sixties. This is Pure Elvis Magic featuring typical Star video edits and mixes.

This is the first time that an all new Star DVD release will be factory pressed and available on a professional commercial DVD disc. These will be available through your favourite local Elvis dealer and a trailer promo clip for this release can be seen shortly.

The excellent sharp video mixes include the following songs:
Guitar Man Big Boss Man Edge of Reality Going Home Just Call Me Lonesome Wonderful World Fools Fall in Love You Don’t Know Me Clean Up Your Own Backyard Rubberneckin’ A Little Less Conversation It Hurts Me Let Yourself Go Power of My Love Tomorrow is A Long Time Singing Tree I’m Movin’ On Come What May All I Needed Was the Rain Charro!Almost in Love U.S. Male Too Much Monkey Business Stay Away Almost
Source: e-mail - May 1, 2010

Christmas Today

Christmas is coming early in 2010 !!! Soon available from Venus Productions a new double CD set titled Christmas Today. The red CD features Nashville recordings from May 1971 with various out-takes and undubbed masters taken from great quality acetates. This inspiring music will move you and bring you back into the Holiday Season mood. The blue CD may sound unessential to most of you, but we predict it will become one your favorite CDs straight away. The recording sessions for the album Elvis Today took place at RCA’s studio on Sunset Boulevard, and Elvis was really up for it and his lively enthusiasm can be heard throughout the sessions.

Besides the great sound quality of both CDs, the blue one contains some unheard highlights. By example the master take of ‘’ Fairytale ‘’ runs about 40 seconds longer, the one from ‘’ Susan When She Tried ‘’ runs a bit longer with his original ending, plus there are several bits and pieces that will make you value this CD more than you think. This Holiday delight will be released in a standard jewel case with a 16 page booklet. The booklet will feature two front/back covers you may use according to your taste or season. Get a copy and bring it back home as it’s Christmas Today !!!

Tracks :

 

CD RED

1-I'll Be Home On Christmas Day Take 6 4:03 ; 2- Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees Take 3 2:30 ; 3- On A Snowy Christmas Night undubbed master * 2:27 ; 4- The Wonderful World Of Christmas  undubbed master * 1:59 ; 5- Silver Bells Take 1 3:05 ; 6- I'll Be Home On Christmas Day Takes 1-2  2:37 ; 7- The Lord's Prayer  2:36 ; 8- Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees  Takes 1-2  3:04 ; 9- The First Noel  undubbed master * 2:12 ; 10- Winter Wonderland  Take 7  2:33 ; 11- I'll Be Home On Christmas Day  Takes 5,7,3  6:56 ; 12- Merry Christmas Baby Fs, undubbed master * 7:55 ; 13- If I Get Home On Christmas Day undubbed master *  2:52 ; 14- Silver Bells  undubbed master * 2:28 ; 15- Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees  Takes 5,6,7,4  3:53 ; 16- Winter Wonderland  undubbed master * 2:19 ; 17- It Won't Seem Like Christmas Without You undubbed master *  2:40 ; 18-  I'll Be Home On Christmas Day  undubbed master * 3:48 ; 19-Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees  undubbed master * 2:21 ; 20- O Come, All Ye Faithful undubbed master *  2:58 ; 21- I'll Be Home On Christmas Day  Take 4  5:06 ; 22- Silver Bells  Fs,Tk2 (original session recording),Tk3 (Fs) 5:07

* from acetate

CD BLUE

1 - T-R-O-U-B-LE  Take 4  3:10 ; 2- Green Green Grass Of Home  Fs, Take 1 4:21 ; 3- Fairytale Take 3  3:37 ; 4- Bringing It Back  Takes 2,3  3:28; 5- Susan When She Tried  Take 6  2:55 ; 6- I Can Help  Fs, Take 2  5:11 ; 7- And I Love You So  Take 5  3:51 ; 8- Green Green Grass Of Home  Takes 2,3  4:23 ; 9- Woman Without Love  Take 1  3:44 ; 10- Tiger Man  session jam 3:15 ; 11- Bringing It Back Take 4   3:08 ; 12- And I Love You So  Take 1  3:56 ; 13- Shake A Hand Take 3  4:00 ; 14- Green Green Grass Of Home  Takes 4,5  4:15 ; 15- Pieces Of My Life  Takes 4  3:57 ; 16-  Bringing It Back Take 1  3:18

source: e-mail - April 28, 2010

Black Diamond

Black Diamond

In late May the Northern Star label will re-release Elvis' last Las Vegas concert. We're trying to make the sound quality a little bit better than it was on the previous releases of this historic concert. No more bad noise reduction,vinyl source and things like these. We have the first generation copy of the master tape and every single second will be carefully remastered. The 2 CD-set will come with a 16-page booklet,containing photographs and memorabilia from the last Vegas engagement. More infos and sound samples will be available soon.

Track-list: CD 1 :
2001 - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - My Way (with false start) - Fairytale - You Gave Me A Mountain - Jailhouse Rock - Little Sister - O Sole Mio / It's Now Or Never - Trying To Get To You - Happy Birthday To Charlie Hodge - Blue Suede Shoes - Elvis Talks About His Black Diamond Ring - Blue Christmas - Softly As I Leave You - Are You Lonesome Tonight ? - That's All Right - Bridge Over Troubled Water

CD 2 :
Band Introductions - Early Morning Rain - What'd I Say - Johnny B. Goode - Drum / Bass / Electric Piano Solos - Love Letters - School Days - Hurt - Such A Night - Sweet Caroline - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp
Source: e-mail - April 19, 2010



Karate Fever

The next release from Straight Arrow (SA 2010-15-02), will be the Las Vegas August 31st, 1974 Dinner show. Elvis Summer '74 Las Vegas engagement was quite memorable not only due to the inclusion of many new or unusual songs, but also due to the long monologues on various themes. In 1974, Elvis’ main 'non-singing' interest was karate and he was awarded with an 8th black belt degree from the Korean karate master Kang Rhee. During many of these summer '74 concerts, he tried to explain his audience what karate mean to him. Nevertheless, he was also singing more than ever and his voice was in excellent shape - he gave many memorable performances.

This is a previously unreleased audience recording. An early generation copy of the original mastertape was obtained and completely restored using today's advanced technology. The sound quality is remarkable for an off-line audio source.

Just like all previous releases from this label, this new CD will come in a deluxe package with a 16-page booklet, containing a collection of photographs taken in August / September 1974 as well as informative liner notes. This CD is set for release near the end of April 2010.

Tracks:

01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. Opening Vamp / C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 06. It's Midnight - 07. Big Boss Man - 08. Fever - 09. All Shook Up- 10. Softly As I Leave You - 11. Hound Dog (with reprise) - 12. An American Trilogy - 13. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 14. Introductions by Elvis of Singers, Musicians - 15. If You Talk In Your Sleep - 16. Karate Monologue - 17. Until It's Time For You To Go - 18. Let Me Be There (with reprise) - 19. Hawaiian Wedding Song - 20. Heartbreak Hotel - 21. How Great Thou Art - 22. Can't Help Falling In Love - 23. Closing Vamp / Announcements.

Approximate running time: 79:01 

source: e-mail - April 18, 2010




Greatest Hits Volume One

An old friend is back with a new name…  The brand-new Victrola label is planning a number of very interesting releases for the Elvis fan & collector. Our first release is a CD reissue of the 1981 release "Greatest Hits vol. 1" (AHL1-2347) from 1981. Despite the forgettable title, this is a superb album that is highly sought-after today. We’re excited about being able to present this album in its full glory, digitally improved from the original album masters and with superior packaging.   

Even now, 25 years after its original release, "Greatest Hits vol. 1" still holds up extremely well. All material on this album dates from Elvis’ comeback period, 1967 – ’73. It’s an album that makes sense: the songs fit well together and the performances are uniformly strong on a wide variety of material, with Elvis putting his own indelible stamp on them, regardless of the genre. In fact, if you would want to introduce a friend to the magic of The King’s music, then this album would be a very good starting point.

It’s interesting to note that several of the mixes / versions heard here are unavailable elsewhere. In some instances, these mixes are far superior, a case in point being "Steamroller Blues" from the Aloha rehearsal show (01-12-’73). This mix really captures the excitement of Elvis’ original performance, whereas the mix as released on "The Alternate Aloha" in 1988 is best forgotten. 

This album also contains what is arguably the best-ever Elvis version of "What’d I Say", a cleverly edited live-recording from Elvis’ August 23rd, 1969 Midnight Show performance at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. Since this was usually the penultimate song of the show, Elvis and the band would really let loose, creating a true frenzy at the shows by extending the song with repeated verses and extra solos. Though this was a real showstopper at those early Vegas shows, the excitement of these long versions does not really come across as well on record, and it was a sensible decision by Joan Deary to edit it for release. This track really captures the intensity and raw energy of Elvis’ 1969 comeback. Another highlight is Elvis’ tremendous revival of "Big Hunk O’ Love" from the February 17th, 1972 Dinner Show at the Las Vegas Hilton. Listen out for Elvis’ humming along to Glen D. Hardin’s piano-solo! 

 In 1989, RCA Australia released "Greatest Hits Vol. 1" on CD in a limited edition, but that release is now very hard to get.  There have been many requests for this album to be issued again, and Victrola is proud to be able to present this release in a deluxe fold-out digipack, with relevant photos and in-depth liner-notes. We were able to work from an original mastertape as sent by RCA to one of its international offices, and the sound quality is exceptional. All tracks were digitally remastered using 24 bit technology. This deluxe edition will be pressed in very limited quantities, so it’s bound to become a true collector’s item. Order your copy now in order to avoid disappointment – this beauty is a keeper!   

This CD is expected to be released in 2 weeks.    

source : e-mail - April 18, 2010



I'm Gonna Leave The Stage !

Le Freak Records will soon re-release Elvis' February 15th 1973 D/S , originally issued on a now hard to find 1992 CD : Las Vegas Dinner Show. This is the (in)famous concert where Elvis walked off-stage in the middle of singing "Fever" for 18 minutes, leaving J.D. Sumner and The Stamps singing whatever they could to fill the show while Elvis is being off-stage. Elvis returns , performs "Can't Help Falling In Love" and suddenly decides  to continue the show. He does 5 more songs , ( including "Can't Help Falling In Love" for the second time ! ) and closes the show.

We managed to improve the sound quality significantly for your listening pleasure and we hope that you'll enjoy the final result. As a bonus we proudly give you 3 extra tracks from the previously unreleased February 21 D/S .This show wasn't available in any form previously , not even on CD-R. Even better , this material was taken from a first generation booth recording and the sound quality is excellent !  ( We will release the complete show later in this year )

Track - list :  1 - 2001 Theme , 2 - See See Rider , 3 - I Got A Woman / Amen , 4 - Love Me Tender , 5 - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me , 6 - Steamroller Blues , 7 - You Gave Me A Mountain , 8 - Fever , 9 - Walk That Lonesome Road ( by Stamps Quartet ) , 10 - Sweet Sweet Spirit ( by Stamps Quartet ) , 11 - When It's My Time ( by Bill Baise) , 12 - How Great Thou Art ( by Stamps Quartet) , 13 -  I Sould Have Been Crucified ( by Stamps Quartet) , 14 - Can't Help Falling In Love , 15 - Faded Love , 16 - I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry , 17 - Polk Salad Annie , 18 - An American Trilogy , 19 - Can't Help Falling In Love , 20 - Closing Vamp / Announcements , BONUS TRACKS: 21 - Suspicious Minds , 22 - I Can't Stop Loving You , 23 - What Now My Love ( with 2 false starts & reprise )

source: e-mail - April 17, 2010



Elvis Live

Captain Video will re-release the Messiah Productions DVD simply titled ‘Elvis Live Live Live’ in May 2010. The original DVD was released on a DVD-R back in January but this time, it will be a factory pressed commercial DVD and will contain even more unreleased footage than before. The extra bonus footage highlights will include for the first time ever, the complete ‘Always on my mind’ rehearsal from ‘Elvis on Tour’. This was only ever seen before in part, on the movie ‘This Is Elvis’. 

The factory pressed DVD will also include the “Rock n’ Roll Medley” rehearsal from Hollywood in 1972 in exceptional quality plus much more. Other highlights include all of the ‘Charro’ nude scenes, Elvis live at ‘Madison Square Garden in 1972 with the  Press Conference, the complete documentary on the 1971 Jaycees Awards and, the complete 1970 Houston Press Conference. 

The factory pressed DVD has only a Limited Edition run of only 1000 copies and is available during the month of May through your favorite Elvis dealer. Clips will be made available soon.

source: e-mail - April 16, 2010



BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER

Soon to be released by the recently founded NEW MOON label is a previously unreleased soundboard recording of Elvis' March 31. 1975 M/S. Five tracks has already been released by the FTD label but all the other tracks are unreleased. The source used was a second generation soundboard tape which was remastered by NEW MOON for optimum sound quality. This new release will come in a beautifully designed packaging with a 12-page booklet, containing a selection of live photographs from the March 1975 engagement as well as informative liner notes.

Tracks: 01. Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen (medley) - 04. Love Me - 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 06. And I Love You So (with false start) - 07. Big Boss Man (false start only) - 08. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - 09. The Wonder Of You - 10. Burning Love - 11. Band Introductions (incomplete) - 12.School Days (incomplete) - 13. Fairytale - 14- I'll Remember You - 15. Let Me Be There (with reprise) - 16. Hound Dog - 17. Bridge Over Troubled Water - 18. Little Darlin' (with false starts) - 19. Introduction of Liberace - 20. Hawaiian Wedding Song - 21. Can't Help Falling In Love - 22. Closing Vamp
Running time: 58:21
Source: e-mail - April 15, 2010

Final artwork 1971 Summer Festival

Here we have the final artwork for the upcoming "1971 Summer Festival"box set.
Source: e-mail - March 24, 2010

1971 Summer Festival

Coming soon from the Showroom Label is this 4 CD Longbox with Booklet. It contains 4 Shows from the 1971 Summer Festival. All 4 Shows are good Audience Recordings and 3 of them never before released on factory made CD's.
Source: e-mail - March 21, 1010

Complete track listing of Get Down And Dirty

Here we have the track listing for the upcoming CD "Get Down And Dirty" (Gravelroad Music, 2010) featuring the rehearsal of 15 July, 1970 Culver City, LA.

Reel 1
01 Stagger Lee/Any day now 02 I Got my mojo working 03 Mary in the morning 04 I’ve lost you 05 I’ve lost you 06 Stranger in the crowd 07 The next step is love 08 You don’t have to say you love me 09 You don’t have to say you love me 10 You don’t have to say you love me 11 Sweet Caroline 12 Yesterday 13 Hey Jude 14 I can’t stop loving you 15 It’s your baby you rock it 16 Crying time 17 Riders in the sky / Surrender 18 Runaway 19 It’s now or never / Danny Boy 20 Peter Gunn theme

Reel 2
01 Walk a mile in my shoes 02 Love me 03 One night 04 Alla en el rancho grande / Twenty days and twenty nights 05 Thats’s all right 06 Twenty days and twenty nights 07 That’s all right 08 Roll out the barrel / That’s “Warner brothers”theme / I could have danced all night / Danny boy 09 Twenty days and twenty nights 10 Twenty days and twenty nights / I never fal in love again 11 Suzie Q 12 Patch it up 13 Cotton fields 14 Sylvia 15 Stranger in the crowd 16 Stranger in the crowd 17 Mona Lisa 18 How the web was woven 19 I’ll take you home again Kathleen / My wish came true

Source: e-mail - March 5, 2010

Setting The Season

Soon available, Setting the Season (SR Records) with focus on Elvis’ live performances in Las Vegas between February 19 and February 21, 1971. This deluxe long digipack , double CD pack is the first SR release dedicated onto Vegas' fourth season.

In spite of the fact that Elvis is getting bored of Las Vegas, he is still able to the end the season by giving life to some terrific shows. Here they are presented in great audio quality , the CD 1 with the complete show from February 19 midnight show and the CD 2 with the unreleased February 22 midnight show taken from an early generation copy of the original master tape, as recorded by a member of the audience. All tracks were digitally restored for your best possible listening pleasure; the sound quality is incredibly good considering the early Vegas Season. The shows are linked from the highlight of February 21 midnight show.

We are proud to give life to a unique view with almost 160 minutes of great music with Elvis at his best for that season. As a first time for this label, the double CD will come in a deluxe LONG six panel DIGIPACK, containing a collection of live RARE photographs of the Vegas February 1971 season.
Source: e-mail - March 4, 2010

Get Down And Dirty

Soon available, Get Down And Dirty (Gravelroad Music, 2010) rehearsal of 15 July, 1970 Culver City, LA. This deluxe, double CD pack with booklet is the third Gravelroad Music (GRM) release spotlighting Elvis Presley's wild rehearsals in the summer of 1970, filmed for the MGM documentary “ Elvis: That’s The Way It Is.”

The character of the rehearsal is different from the 2 previous acclaimed releases, “The brightest star on sunset boulevard (2cd)" & “Plugged in and Geared up” by GRM. Its the second day of the rehearsal shooting, Elvis is studying songs, malfunctioning microphones, uncensored talking & singing. That’s one of the reasons to rename this historical rehearsal “Get down and dirty”, Includes more than 25 minutes unreleased material!
Source: e-mail - February 20, 2010

Vegas Variety Vol. 3

Soon to be released is the latest production from “Rainbow Records”. This release will feature the complete performance of Elvis Presley´s Las Vegas Dinner Show from exactly one week after his triumphant return to live appearances on July 31st, 1969.

While the Elvis-World has just finished celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Elvis' stunning 1969 engagement in Las Vegas, Rainbow Records proudly presents a complete concert which has been recorded during that famous season. With its 10th release Rainbow Records continues their series titled "Vegas Variety". On the latest release "Vegas Variety - Vol.3" you will find the August 6, 1969 Dinner Show performance. In the early 1990's this concert was featured on a vinyl release called "The Return of the Tigerman". Unfortunately that release had several cuts and the sound was mediocre. The new Rainbow Records CD used a superior source to create a fresh but warm sound and all missing parts were carefully repaired. Compared to the "famous" Opening Night 1969 CD by Fort Baxter recorded just 3 days prior to the show on this release, this new CD offers more atmosphere because the reactions of the audience are present.

There are a lot of highlights - you can't name them all. Beautiful versions of "Memories" or "Yesterday", great renditions of "Runaway" or "Suspicious Minds" - it's just the magic of 1969.

Even the owners of Ken Sharp's "Elvis In Vegas '69" book will find some unreleased shots and memorabilia in the 20-pages booklet. The official album "Elvis In Person" featured some recordings from the end of this 1969 engagement, but to hear the pure Elvis, raw and powerful you really have to jump to the beginning of this season. So with "Vegas Variety - Vol.3" this is your chance to enjoy a great and powerful show of Elvis Presley in 1969!

Tracklisting:
01. 00:41 – Opening Intro 02. 02:31 - Blue Suede Shoes 03. 02:25 - I Got A Woman 04. 01:49 - All Shook Up 05. 01:21 - Talking 06. 03:17 - Love Me Tender 07. 02:09 - Jailhouse Rock / Don't Be Cruel 08. 03:01 - Heartbreak Hotel 09. 02:50 - Hound Dog 10. 04:39 - Memories 11. 04:07 - Mystery Train / Tiger Man 12. 00:10 - Blue Hawaii (excerpt) 13. 04:59 - Monologue 14. 02:21 - Baby What You Want Me To Do 15. 02:25 - Runaway 16. 02:58 - Are You Lonesome Tonight? 17. 02:21 - Yesterday 18. 01:54 - Hey Jude 19. 03:17 - Band Introductions 20. 03:00 - In The Ghetto 21. 07:18 - Suspicious Minds 22. 04:15 - What'd I Say 23. 02:09 - Can't Help Falling In Love

Source: e-mail - February 19, 2010

At Full Force

By popular demand! For those who missed Fort Baxter's 1998 "A HOT WINTER NIGHT IN DALLAS" СD, Audionics will release the strictly limited edition CD “AT FULL FORCE" (AUDIONICS 2010-02-2). This release will contain the dynamic December 28th, 1976 show as recorded live from the mixing desk at the Dallas Convention Center.

To achieve the best possible sound quality, Audionics worked with a 1st generation DAT copy of the original soundboard tape, that was also used for the 1998 release. The sound was restored in a renowned studio and is a significant improvement over the original release.

As you’ve come to expect from us, this new release will come in a beautifully designed package with a 16-page booklet, containing a selection of live photographs from Elvis Presley appearances in Dallas in 1956, 1971, 1976 and 1976 as well as informative liner notes. This CD is set for release in late February. Don't miss your opportunity to get the ultimate release of that legendary concert recording! Those that are a bit weary of hearing another ’76 show following the release of several substandard ’76 shows of late, are in for a real surprise. The way he attacks “C.C. Rider” sets the tone for an action-packed evening with Presley in great mood ("If I die tonight, it will only take a year to get the smile off my face"), with the highlight being the first version of “Unchained Melody” that we have – he’d started doing it the night before, but it’s still uncertain whether that 1st version exists. It’s great to hear this fantastic song in such embryo-like fashion, with Elvis still not being entirely ‘at home’ with it, exploring its possibilities and making it his own.

Once again, the next Audionics release will contain some previously unreleased soundboard material. More details very soon.
Tracklist:
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. Fairytale - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain (with false start, incomplete) - 07. Jailhouse Rock (incomplete) - 08. O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now Or Never / O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen) - 09. Tryin' To Get To You - 10. Blue Suede Shoes - 11. My Way - 12. Polk Salad Annie - 13. Introductions by Elvis of Singers, Musicians - 14. Early Morning Rain (John Wilkinson) - 15. What'd I Say (James Burton) - 16. Johnny B. Goode - 17. Drum Solo w/"Hey Bo Diddley" one-liner (Ronnie Tutt) - 18. Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff) - 19. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) - 20. Electric Piano Keyboard Solo (David Briggs) - 21. Love Letters - 22. School Day (Joe Guercio Orchestra) - 23. Hurt (with reprise) - 24. Unchained Melody - 25. Can't Help Falling In Love - 26. Closing Vamp.
Approx. running time: 61:06
Source: e-mail - February 17, 2010