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EIN
E-Alert #166.........Monday 11 April 2005
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Hi
everyone
A
little late with this edition of the E-Alert as I was away
celebrating my 10th wedding anniversary in Melbourne.
Check
out our great Elvis DVD competition. Courtesy of Warner Bros
we have five (5) sets to give away of the 8 new Elvis DVDs
being released this week in Australia (details below).
Nigel
(& Piers)
Some
of the items added to
www.elvisinfonet.com this
week:
News
- EPE
tells EIN it doesn't own rights to "Roses" song
allegedly co-written by Elvis
- Elvis
By The Presleys update
- Crying
In The Chapel debuts at #2
- Candle
In The Wind - last days to pre-order at special price
- "Elvis"
in grand final of Australia's Starstruck show - vote
closes today (see below)
- Finnish
Elvis fan to launch Pope tribute
- Fight
breaks out at Presley gig
- All
Shook Up cast to record album
- Director
Norman Taurog's Tickle Me shooting script for sale
- Elvis
inspired cult films selling well
- Latest
Lisa Presley news
- Latest
CD, DVD and book releases
Articles
- Spotlight
on "Elvis Is Back"
- Elvis:
Hero with a thousand faces
Reviews
- Greg
Page, Mick Gerace & TCB Band in Sydney - EIN was there!
- In
The King's Shadow (CD)
Win
an Elvis 5 DVD set!
Breaking
News
Elvis
Special 1962 -
rare
Elvis book sells
One
of the world's most sought after Elvis books, the softcover
edition of Elvis Special 1962 has sold on eBay for more
than US$100.00. Following a recent sale in Australia
of the little seen book, it was surprising to see a
second copy appear on eBay. Surprisingly, only five
bids were received but the $100.00 mark was reached
very quickly. Many Elvis book collectors have complete
sets of the Elvis Special hardback series. Released
by the Elvis Monthly group, the hardbacks were published
for the years 1963 to 1985 with an extra "undated"
edition being published in 1977 following Elvis' death.
(News, Source: ElvisBookResearch)
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Early
Elvis contract for sale
Houle
Rare Books & Autographs, USA
Price:
US$ 20000.00
Description: New York, William Morris Agency, January
31, 1956. Document Signed ("Elvis Presley"), New York, January
31, 1956, on William Morris Agency letterhead. Also signed
by a Morris Agency representative. 1 page.
William
Morris Agency letter of understanding between Elvis Presley,
William Morris Agency and Colonel Tom Parker, giving Parker
final approval of all contracts to be entered in to for Elvis
Presley during the term of the respective exclusive agency
agreement. Parker did no officially become Elvis full time
manager until March 15, 1956, whereupon he received 25% of
his earnings. This was later increased to 50% on January 2,
1967.
The
agencies specified include: American Federation of Musicians,
American Federation of Television & Radio Artist, American
Guild of Variety Artist (Television), Screen Actors Guild
(Theatrical Motion Pictures), General Services, General Material
& Packages.
This
may be the most important contract ever signed by Elvis Presley;
Presley signed this contract with the William Morris Agency
just as his career was beginning to accelerate. Parker had
arranged for some of Elvis' appearances as early as August,
1955. He had already made his television debut on the "Louisiana
Hayride" (March 5, 1955). However, he wouldn't make his major
television appearance on the Ed Sullivan show until September
9, 1956 (following
the signing of this major career contract).
Dress
Up Elvis
Ariel
Publishing, June 2005 release
| Product
Description: Elvis was the king of rock 'n' roll .
. . and with his bellbottom pants and sequined capes,
he always looked the part. This outrageously fun kit includes
an Elvis figure, plastic display base, eight possible
outfits, and a booklet tracing the style icon's look from
the 1950s through the late 1970s, ranging from film costumes
to the famous Vegas glitter jumpsuit. Viva Las Vegas!
Elvis and Elvis Presley are registered trademarks of Elvis
Presley Enterprises, Inc. c 2005 EPE. |
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| "Elvis"
in grand final of Starstruck: After "Elvis" won the
2005 Grand Final of the UK show, Stars In Their Eyes,
another "Elvis", Anthony Petrucci, is one of the five
finalists in the Australian version of the show, Starstruck.
The young "Elvis" is pitted against Pavarotti,
Kylie Minogue, Roy Orbison and Barry White. The Grand
Final will be telecast on Saturday 16 April. Voting closes
in a few hours time (23.59 Eastern Standard Time, Australia).
Aussie fans can vote for Anthony by phoning 1902555802
or texting "Elvis" to 19999900. (News,
Source: Chris amford/ninemsn.com) |
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Billboard
Weekly chart update
(courtesy
of www.ElvisCharts.com)
April
16, 2005
(sg
- sales gainer, gg - greatest sales gainer, ne - new entry,
re - re-entry)
Top
Christian Albums - Ultimate Gospel down 6 to #33
Top
Country Albums - Ultimate Gospel down 3 to #59
Top
Pop Catalog Albums - Elvis 30 #1's up 7 to #39
Top
Country Catalog Albums - Elvis 30 #1's up 1 to #7
Did
you know?
- Mario
Lanza was a big influence on Elvis' musical development
- Otis
Blackwell got the title inspiration for All Shook Up
after a friend fizzed up a bottle of Coke
- In
1991, Robbie Williams said that the secret to his continued
abstinence from drink and drugs was regular prayer to Elvis
- In
1969 Elvis gave singer Roy Hamilton a song Elvis was himself
supposed to record...Angelica
- Elvis
saw the James Dean film, Rebel Without A Cause more than
40 times in 1956
FTD
Review:
‘One
Night In Vegas’
"an
essential opening night"
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Elvis’
third season in Las Vegas & the excitement was still
there for him. While every Elvis Opening Show captures
something unique & exciting, this time the MGM cameras
were also there to film every move.
The reputation of Elvis’ new live concerts had spread
far & wide and not only was every ticket sold-out but
showbiz celebrities were also clamouring to see Elvis
in action.
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The
last season had been recorded for his ‘On Stage’ LP and Elvis
was keen to modify the set-list adding new material as well
as featuring his recent hit singles. To demonstrate just how
different Elvis’ plans were, his classics ‘Hound Dog’, ‘Heartbreak
Hotel’ and even his recent number one ‘Suspicious Minds’ did
not make the set-list of the first show!
Instead
Elvis wanted to feature more challenging compositions including
‘The Next Step Is Love’ (Elvis’ only live performance), ‘I
Just Can’t Help Believin’ and used his groundbreaking first
single ‘That’s All Right’ to make a definitive statement as
the opening number. This season was also the first time that
Elvis used the Joe Guercio orchestra, which added impressive,
new backing arrangements to the outstanding songs.
These
new arrangements (with the help of Glen D Hardin) can be appreciated
in the fullness of ‘I Can’t Stop Loving You’, ‘Bridge Over
Troubled Water’ and the exquisite ‘I Just Can’t Help Believin’.
While this Las Vegas season has to be well-known to all Elvis
fans, we have to remember that this was the Opening Night,
with Elvis as the consummate, professional performer. With
the full TCB band - Ronnie Tutt was back this season - as
well as the Joe Guercio orchestra the set-up would hardly
vary for the rest of Elvis’ live career.
Being
the first show there are some moments where the songs do feel
a little unrehearsed (2 nights later, the Midnight show of
August 12th is often regarded as Elvis’ best ever) but this
is concert Number One and what an important show it is. Incredibly,
out of the sixteen songs Elvis performed eight of them were
brand new! As well as ‘The Next Step Is Love’, this was also
the very first time that Elvis performed ‘I Just Can’t Help
Believin’, ‘Something’, ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling’,
‘I’ve Lost You’, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, ‘You Don’t
Have To Say You Love Me’ and ‘Patch It Up’.
Elvis
sets the scene using ‘That’s All Right’ for the first time
as his introductory number following it with a powerful ‘Mystery
Train/Tiger Man.’ He was out there to perform to the cameras
& audience and nothing was going to stop him. In a delightful
aside Elvis whoops and comments, “I feel Like Johnny Cash”!
Having heard & seen so many of these August concerts it’s
hard to recollect just how historic and important this show
really is.
As
Elvis says hello, he makes the appropriate comment, “This
is my third visit here. Hello you big muttha! Let me see you
put that in the film!” His new single was ‘I’ve Lost You/The
Next Step Is Love’ and he performs both sides here. While
the arrangement of ‘Next step’ is a little rushed, it does
feature some great wah-wah guitar work from James Burton,
as well as an excellent orchestral arrangement.
Sadly
Elvis would not attempt this song again making this is a must
for any fan. Elvis introduces ‘I’ve Lost You’ as, “My new
record it just came out about a week and a half ago.” This
first version, while a little un-rehearsed, is still a delight.
The TTWII film featured the version from 2 nights later. Elvis
would continue to perform this passionate song during his
first US Tour but would sadly drop it from his set-list after
September.
Disappointingly
the single only made #32 in the US charts but was more appreciated
overseas where it made the Top Ten. ‘Words’ gets a very different,
fuller orchestral treatment from the previous year and ‘Sweet
Caroline’ also benefits from the power of Ronnie Tutt’s percussion
making it one of Elvis’ best-ever performances of the song.
There
is also a delightful, rare, moment in ‘Words’ @ 1.00 when
Elvis’ voice slips off-key but manages an immediate recovery
– Cute! Any version of ‘I Just Can’t Help Believin’ must be
a treat but of course this is the very first and it is absolutely
stunning. The audio mix is lighter than the TTWII single version,
Elvis growls an immaculate, “Yeah Baby” @ 2.40 and is really
into the song. There is a great delicacy & care here, and
this version also doesn’t feature the harmony vocal of the
single. It is pure Elvis and pure magic.
Elvis’
first version of George Harrison’s ‘Something’ is another
delight. How extraordinary that Elvis’ gorgeous version of
this soulful song wouldn’t be released until Aloha 3 years
later. These earlier versions definitely have a more passionate
& sensitive feel. ‘You Lost That Loving Feeling’ is extraordinary
as the first live version. While there can be no doubt that
the August 12th version (with that outstanding reprise) is
the ultimate performance, this composition is just perfect
for Elvis’ 1970 soulfulness.
‘You
Don’t Have To Say You Love Me’, yet another first, follows.
This was a preview of Elvis’ next single release but lasting
only 2 minutes it does seem a little rushed compared to the
single. However when you contrast the audio mix of this concert
to the Madison Square shows, the richness of the mix & orchestra
makes it a treat - as it would have been for the audience.
To the delight of the crowd Elvis announces, “We’re going
to get dirty on you ladies & gentlemen.” While the supreme
‘Polk Salad Annie’ versions would be filmed later in the season
there is still the lovely comment in the middle, “I feel like
an old stripper!” Again it is great to have Ronnie Tutt back
on drums.
‘Bridge
Over Troubled Water’ is another live first. This arrangement
is beautiful and you have to consider that no one in the audience
would have ever heard Elvis sing this before! To them it would
still be the classic ‘Simon & Garfunkel’ song as Elvis’ record
version wouldn’t be out for another 3 months. From the sensitive
& touching start through to the melodramatic ending, this
is an absolute stunner. The TTWII film version comes from
the following night.
On
this first show Elvis decided to use ‘Patch It Up’ (his soon
to be released new single) as the show’s energetic finale
rather than ‘Suspicious Minds.’ Being the finale Elvis seems
to works harder on the call & responses than the TTWII version.
The mix here is very rich & full of Jerry Scheff’s bass which
also benefits the song. (Elvis only sang this song twice in
concert). And with ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ that follows
this classic opening night ended.
The
concert itself is reason enough to make this CD an essential
purchase but FTD have treated us to even more, with 5 bonus
rehearsal tracks. These are taken from the (professionally
recorded) rehearsals in the International Hotel’s Convention
Centre that were featured in the film of TTWII. Apart from
capturing the fun of Elvis yodelling, these are beautiful
versions of the stage numbers but without the orchestra.
Eavesdropping
on Elvis & the band as they perfect ‘Twenty Days & Twenty
Nights’ as well as hearing ‘You Don’t Have To Say You Love
Me’ & ‘Words’ without their dramatic orchestration is a real
joy.
Verdict:
If there is one minor complaint it has to be that the
band introductions are missing making it an incomplete show.
However, since this leaves room on the CD for the delightful
rehearsal tracks it is a minor quibble. The audio mix is astoundingly
good which is just one more excellent reason to make this
an absolutely essential FTD purchase.
Elvis
says during the show, “I really can’t thank you enough for
coming in to see the show.” Hearing his charming comment makes
me want to thank Elvis for such an amazing season of intense
concerts, as well as FTD for giving us a chance to hear this
important show.
Track
listing:
1.
That's All Right
2.
Mystery Train/Tiger Man
3.
I Can't Stop Loving You
4.
Love Me Tender
5.
The Next Step Is Love
6.
Words
7.
I Just Can't Help Believin'
8.
Something
9.
Sweet Caroline
10.You've
Lost That Loving Feeling
11.You
Don't Have To Say You Love Me
12.Polk
Salad Annie
13.I've
Lost You
14.Bridge
Over Troubled Water
15.Patch
It Up
16.Can't
Help Falling In Love Rehearsal Bonus songs
17.Words
18.Cattle
Call/Yodel
19.Twenty
Days And Twenty Nights
20.You
Don't Have To Say You Love Me
21.Bridge
Over Troubled Water
Click
to comment on this review
Elvis
Trivia Question
What was the name of Elvis' favorite amusement park in Memphis?
(Last
week's answer: In The Ghetto or Suspicious Minds)
Contact
EIN
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