Elvis Australia | Official Elvis Presley Fan Club
Elvis Australia www.elvis.com.au has the latest Elvis Presley news, reviews, articles and interviews. 'Something for everybody', we have an Elvis SongDataBase, Elvis Presley biography, Elvis videos, Elvis photos. Available via our online Shop we have a huge selection of CDs, FTD Collectors Label CDs, DVDs, books and memorabilia. www.elvis.com.au has been online and 100% dedicated to the king of rock 'n' roll since 1996.
Elvis in Hollywood | A Time to Reassess?
Elvis' Hollywood years have tended to be dismissed as a failure, both artistically and musically. Whilst some may concede that some his 1950's output is of value, and others might argue that 'GI Blues', 'Blue Hawaii' and even 'Viva Las Vegas' film and soundtracks aren't that bad, the majority of fan and general public opinion is dismissive to such an extent that this part of Elvis' musical heritage is widely ignored. This article sets out to re-visit the movie musical output to establish the truth.
Review | Love Letters FTD Special Edition 2 CD
'That's The Way It Is' and 'Elvis Country' were two of the most artistic albums in Elvis' career. What makes them special, is a true concept behind the selection of the songs. 'Love Letters' could not live up to this high standard, since it was a strange mixture of songs, that could not make it on the 'TTWII' and 'Country' releases in the first place, for reasons of available time, quality or strategy.
Elvis: Return To The Queen City of The South 3 CD Set
Return To The Queen City of The South (3 CD Set) | In 2010 Audionics label released a fantastic double CD called 'Springtime Tours '76 - '77'. We have presented a bulk of the Johnson City, TN, March 17th, 1976 tour opening show in the straight stereo mix and Charlotte, March 20th, 1976 evening show in the pure binaural sound as well as the selection of various 1977 stereo live recordings. Now, we believe, the right time has come for the ultimate upgrade of March 1976 material combined with two Charlotte shows from 1977!
Why Roustabout remains a cult classic
Elvis' 16th movie is hardly the kind of film that's going to change the world. At first glance, Roustabout is formulaic enough to understand why, in 1964, the New York Times flatly refused to review it. Many critics lamented the way this musical comedy 'totally wasted' the talents of Barbara Stanwyck, the acclaimed star of such classics as 'Ball Of Fire' and 'Cattle Queen Of Montana' (a performance that especially impressed Elvis). Yet despite a clichéd plot - hard-hearted business types try to shut down struggling carnival - and some below par songs - Roustabout has, if anything, improved with age.
Elvis: 'Summer Festival 1970 | The Rehearsals' 3CD Deluxe set from MRS
MRS will release a 3CD Deluxe set titled 'Summer Festival 1970 – The Rehearsals' on 12th March 2021. The CD's contain rehearsal highlights from one of the most memorable periods in Elvis' career - his captivating performances at The International Hotel Las Vegas in the summer of 1970. These truly historical recordings remastered and restored capture the raw and early development of songs that were performed weeks later in Las Vegas. The accompanying 40-page booklet includes rare photographs taken at some of these rehearsal sessions. As usual MRS has spared no expense in our remastering techniques. For the first time ever all, the tracks listed have had repairs and restorations having now the same mastering techniques, used on such recent MRS releases such as 'Made in Germany' and 'Such a Night in Pearl Harbor'. A sample sound of this will be available soon.
Released | Elvis: From Memphis to Taipeh Hardcover Book
From Memphis to Taipeh has been released. This is the last chance to pre-order as a re-order is unlikely. This book is a reference guide to the colorful magic of Elvis' Asian vinyl. This is the very first book about Elvis' Asian vinyl records. The hardcover book measures 28cm x 28cm, lists 500+ different records on 500+ pages and contains almost 2,500 pictures. Covers and labels are reproduced with great care so you can enjoy the many mistakes on said covers and labels, they are sometimes hilarious and often tell a lot about how and why these records were made. And such things will also be explained throughout the book.
Interview with Jerry Weintraub | Elvis' Concert Promoter
I started to call Tom Parker who was Elvis' manager every morning at 8:30 in the morning. 'Good morning, Colonel, this is Jerry Weintraub. I want to take Elvis on tour'. Finally, one morning he said to me, 'You still want to take my boy on tour'. I said, 'Yes'. He said, 'Okay, you be in Vegas tomorrow at 11:00 o'clock with a million dollars and we'll talk a deal' .... I said, 'Okay I'll get it and I'll be there'.
'Elvis On Stage' LP Record 2500 copies limited edition
Music on Vinyl will release a limited edition of 2500 individually numbered copies on transparent red vinyl of 'Elvis On Stage' with printed inner sleeve and including a poster of Elvis.
Elvis: A Valentine Gift For You - Volume I & II CDs
A Valentine Gift For You - Volume I & II is a great way to celebrate Valentine's day! Two limited edition cd releases with some of Elvis' best love songs - for Valentine's Day! Including the original masters, alternate takes and home recordings. All tracks on these 2 albums are newly remastered/remixed (no overdubs) with some real surprises. You'll enjoy the 50's and 60's masters with more focus on Elvis' voice! And of course the home recordings which never sounded better... enjoy great versions of 'Her Hand In Mine', 'Earth Angel', 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?' and a short version of 'Return To Me'. A great gift for yourself or your loved one...
Elvis Presley Sings Flaming Star CD
Elvis Presley Sings Flaming Star is a special edition release from the Elvis One label with 38 tracks from the movie FLAMING STAR and includes 'Flaming Star' and 'Summer Kisses, Winter Tears' (mono and stereo masters), the unedited master of 'Flaming Star', many alternate takes, seven original radio spots from the movie, the acetate recording of the composite master of 'Black Star', and more! All tracks in the best possible sound.
'Oh, Happy Day' | Elvis live at the International hotel in Las Vegas CD
Paradise Road Records presents 'Oh, Happy Day'- Elvis live at the International hotel in Las Vegas. This cd contains a great audience recording from the August 14, 1970 Midnight Show PLUS camera sound recordings from this show (from the MGM tapes). Elvis is singing great songs like 'Oh, Happy Day', 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'Folsom Prison Blues' and 'I Walk The Line'... A very remarkable show. Elvis was in a really goofy mood and introduced himself as Johnny Cash. He seemed to be really enjoying this show, despite the cameras and the house lights being up so MGM could film him. He changed the words to the several songs and really had fun messing them up.
Re-print | American Sessions 1969 5 CD Boxset from FTD
FTD are doing a limited re-print of the 'American Sound 1969' 5 CD Set along with several other Classic Album titles. Elvis' pivotal Year of 1969 celebrated with Elvis: American Sound 1969 featuring over 90 tracks of rare and unreleased material from Elvis' 1969 legendary American Sound Studio sessions, including 'In The Ghetto' and 'Suspicious Minds'. FTD also advises that they will only be manufacturing to satisfy initial orders.
Marty Lacker on Elvis' 1969 Memphis recording sessions
One of Elvis' trusted friends, Marty Lacker was instrumental in arranging Elvis' seminal recording sessions at American Sound Studios with producer Chips Moman in January and February of 1969. Marty shares the genesis behind those historic sessions, which yielded the hits, 'Suspicious Minds', 'In The Ghetto', 'Don't Cry Daddy', and 'Kentucky Rain' and marked an artistic rebirth for the singer.
'Elvis: The His Hand In Mine Sessions' 3 CD Box Set from Follow That Dream
Follow That Dream is pleased to announce the release of 'Elvis: The His Hand In Mine Sessions' in the 'Elvis Sessions' series scheduled for late February. This 8" deluxe 3-CD package features a 28-page booklet with an insightful essay, recording data, memorabilia and rare photos.
Jack Lord's Special Memory of Elvis
Elvis Presley had the ability to touch others' lives as few human beings ever could. Just as people were magnetically drawn to him, so too, he had an almost fan-like devotion to those he admired. Among that group was Hawaii 5-0's Jack Lord and his wife, Marie. Theirs was a relatively brief but extremely intense friendship so illustrative of the rapid magnet-like attraction Elvis had for those comparatively few people he ever really got close to once fame had crowded in on him.
John Bramlett remembers his friend, Elvis Presley
John Bramlett grew up with Elvis in the same neighborhood in Memphis. They spent time playing football, going to the movies and more.
Review | Elvis (Fool) Special Edition 2 CD from FTD
In the 'Behind the scenes' section of the booklet accompanying Elvis (Fool) it states that the original LP 'is in essence an album of leftovers'. I guess the same can be said when it comes to 'Elvis Now', although to a lesser extent. But the FTD treatments of these two albums are essential, as they together include outtakes of all the non gospel and non Christmas songs Elvis recorded during the March–June 1971 Nashville sessions. Buy Elvis (Fool) : FTD Special Edition 2 CD you won't regret it!!!
Preview | Elvis Portraits Large Hardcover Book by Erik Lorentzen
View a preview of some of the 1970s photos from the new large hardcover book 'Elvis Portraits - 1935 A Life In Photos 1977' by Erik Lorenzen and Robert van Beek. Here you will see more than 500 beautiful publicity photos spread over approximately 400 pages, taken from 1953 to 1977. The best photo material from the greatest and most famous photographers such as Alfred Wertheimer, William Speer, Sean Shaver, Virgil Apger.
The Making of 'From Elvis In Nashville'
For a few freewheeling days in June of 1970, Elvis Presley assembled some of Nashville's best session players to jam in RCA Studio B on Music Row. Elvis chose the songs himself, everything from Simon & Garfunkel's 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' and Bob Wills' 'Faded Love' to Willie Nelson's 'Funny How Time Slips Away' and Eddie Rabbitt's 'Patch It Up'. The sessions were marathon affairs, and naturally the musicians - and Elvis - would get hungry. Charlie McCoy, the multi-tool player who first recorded with Elvis on the soundtrack to 1965's awful Harum Scarum, vividly recalls trays of cheeseburgers and fries laid out cafeteria-style in the studio's control room. McCoy and his colleagues - like drummer Jerry Carrigan and bassist Norbert Putnam - would get in line and fill their plates.
Elvis Portraits Large Hardcover Book by Erik Lorentzen
For release in February is a new large hardcover book 'Elvis Portraits - 1935 A Life In Photos 1977' by Erik Lorenzen and Robert van Beek. Here you will see more than 500 beautiful publicity photos spread over approximately 400 pages, taken from 1953 to 1977. The best photo material from the greatest and most famous photographers such as Alfred Wertheimer, William Speer, Sean Shaver, Virgil Apger aso. Elvis up-close and personal.
Elvis On Tour: The Singles Collection 6 45 RPM EP + CD Set
MGM's Golden Globe-winning movie ELVIS ON TOUR was released in 1972. On the movie poster was mentioned: 'MGM presents a very different motion picture that captures all the excitement of ELVIS LIVE!'. This catchphrase says it all. Unfortunately, there never was a soundtrack album available for this movie. Now available is Elvis On Tour: The Singles Collection deluxe 45RPM boxset containing 6 beautiful 45's & a bonus CD containing some of the musical highlights from this movie. Available in RED of BLUE vinyl.
Christmas With Elvis
The arrival of winter at Graceland was always a special time of year for Elvis. It meant the holiday season was fast approaching and the anticipation of all the fun things the season would bring, including decorating for Christmas, opening Christmas presents with friends and family, the annual New Year's Eve party, Elvis' birthday, building snowmen in the front yard of Graceland and more.
Interview with Elvis Presley's Sound Engineer, Bill Porter by Michael Fremer
This is an interview I conducted with the great recording engineer Bill Porter back in 1987. I met up with Porter at Denver audio dealer Listen Up! We chatted and listened to some of his recordings. In one week of 1960, Bill Porter-engineered recordings accounted for 15 of Billboard's Top 100 Singles. You could chalk it up to his having folks like Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Chet Atkins and the Everly Brothers to record, but then you'd have to explain why, with Porter out of the picture, so many of their careers took a nose-dive. The fact is, the original pressings of many of those classic Porter recordings possess a natural, spacious, jump-out-at-you 'live' feel that today's engineers don't seem capable of achieving.
Review | Good Times FTD Special Edition 2 CD Classic Album
Good Times marked the second album released from Elvis' 1973 sessions at Stax studio in Memphis. This version from the Follow That Dream collectors label includes all ten tracks from the original album and thirty-seven additional tracks of alternate takes and undubbed masters. FTD's Classic Album series serves as the best possible format for this album, with sound quality in most cases as good or better than previous releases. FTD's version of 'Good Times' turns out to be a fine upgrade of the original album.
Review | Moody Blue 2 CD Set from FTD
There's a great moment on CD-2 of the new FTD 'Moody Blue' release - two fabulous rehearsals of the funky 'Way Down' start the disc - with Elvis and his band joking amid jamming and a throbbing bass guitar. Take 1 is reminiscent in feel to the funky jam intro to, 'I Got A Feeling In My Body' (Elvis At Stax 3-CD). After the first breakdown, Elvis say's: 'When Briggs fingers start bleeding' see, we know we've got it!' Ronnie Tutt's thumping drums herald take 2A, followed by David Briggs electric piano, and Norbert Putnam's supercool bass - fabulous! Again Ernst Jorgensen and the Follow That Dream team deserve credit for this magnum opus - 'Moody Blue' is the sound of the mature Elvis. Most highly recommended.
Interview with John Wilkinson
John Wilkinson was Elvis' rhythm guitarist from 1969 to 1977 and - along with lead guitarist James Burton - was the only one of the TCB Band never to miss a single show in all those years, notching up over 1100 performances with the King on stage. He's had a long and distinguished career in the music business, and has been playing the guitar since he was five. I spoke to John via telephone from his home in Springfield Missouri.
Elvis Presley's Cars | Cadillacs | Stutz Blackhawk | BMW | Rolls Royce
Elvis Presley had a life-long love affair with motor cars. Beginning in the '50s with Cadillacs, including the Pink Cadillac that he eventually gave to his mother - probably the most famous car in the world - to a second hand Volkswagen and two BMW 507s in Germany. In the '60s there where more Cadillacs, Ford Lincoln's and a Rolls Royce among many others. In the '70s, again Elvis purchased Cadillacs, a Mercedes-Benz 600, even a Ford T-Bird - but his most prized cars of the 1970s were his Stutz Blackhawk's. Elvis was the first person to own a Stutz Blackhawk, and there can be no doubt his favourite car of the 1970s was his 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III.
Paul McCartney Remembers Elvis Presley
Paul McCartney: 'Elvis is a truly great vocalist, and you can hear why on this song. His phrasing, his use of echo, it's all so beautiful. It's the way he sings it, too. As if he's singing it from the depths of Hell. It's a perfect example of a singer being in command of the song. Musically it's perfect, too. The double-bass and the walk-in piano create this incredibly haunting atmosphere. It's so full of mystery, and it's never lost that for me. The echo is just stunning. When The Beatles were recording, we'd often ask George Martin for 'the Elvis echo. I think we got it down perfectly on A Day in the Life'.
Ben Weisman | Why Elvis Recorded 57 Of My Songs
'I approached writing for Elvis differently than I did for any other artist. The songs had to have acombination of blues, country, rock and pop [what came to becalled 'rockabilly']. It was like walking in his musical shoes. With each new Elvis movie, more of my songs were being recorded. It became more and more exciting, for I was becoming the only songwriter to have so many songs recorded by him.
Released | Elvis: The Something For Everybody Sessions 4 CD Box Set
FTD has released 'The Something For Everybody Sessions' (including 'The Wild In The Country Session') 4 CD Box Set that includes REMIXED and REMASTERED UNRELEASED STUDIO outtakes. This 8" deluxe 4-CD package features a 28-page booklet with an insightful essay, record and movie data, memorabilia and rare photos.
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Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD
Never before have we seen an Elvis Presley concert from the 1950's with sound. Until Now! The DVD Contains recently discovered unreleased film of Elvis performing 6 songs, including Heartbreak Hotel and Don't Be Cruel, live in Tupelo Mississippi 1956. Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. + Plus Bonus DVD Audio.
This is an excellent release no fan should be without it.
The 'parade' footage is good to see as it puts you in the right context with color and b&w footage. The interviews of Elvis' Parents are well worth hearing too. The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying : Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. Highly recommended.
Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD Video with Sound.
