Elvis' Christmas Album

You've got to be kidding? This is it? What a let down; guess I won't be wasting my money on this latest incarnation by FTD. For a supposedly 2-CD issue this is an absolute joke. I'm sure much more could have been included on the 2nd CD. This looks like a 1-CD issue not two. I realize the lack of outtakes is a large deciding factor, but in recent FTD CD's, they've elected to include a 2nd CD, that to be honest, had nothing to do with the original first CD. This is really revolting. Are we really sure that side one and side two as noted here is really correct? Nice try FTD, but not this time.

It IS a single CD, as is Flaming Star.

no need to discourage the 2 cds set as the price doesn't go up if its one cd or two. and true fans know there are no outtakes of his first xmas lp so no surprises here to this true fan lol

I know it was announced this will be a 2-CD set but there's nothing here that suggests it is. The "Side One" and "Side Two" tags are only to illustrate the original album concept. Frankly, I don't know what they would have fitted in if it was a 2-CD set.

Apart from the session tapes I have all these tracks, the cover is nice, But I even have a CD with THAT cover. If fans want something different get the CD of Elvis Remix Christmas CD. Great remix of "I Believe" on it.

Greed! $$$$ out of all you is all they want. a big PASS

Please explain to me how something with nothing new belongs on a collectors label,i know its shiny new cover in 7inch format!!

only for the "real collectors"i guess.

They're for people who like the format and can afford to buy them. This might come as a shock to one or two people but virtually EVERY Elvis release is a re-hash. So if you're done re- buying this stuff, great but please give the rest of us a break and stop the whining. If you think about it, this site and others like it exist largely to inform about and discuss new releases. So why "fans" like our "mature" friend even bother to contribute is a mystery. I mean, has anyone ever read ANYTHING even remotely positive from this "fan".

Thanks for your sensible post, VivaLasDavies! For the rest of you glass-half-empty whiners, read and learn . . . Ernst Jorgensen can't please everyone. This release serves one main purpose, and that is to offer another piece of the puzzle towards completing the 'classic albums' on the FTD label.

There's nothing new here, but I expected nothing new because the session tapes are gone. Will I buy this anyway? Perhaps one day. But I don't need it right now. Perhaps Christmas 2015.

I wouldn't be alone in passing this one up, but with the session tapes destroyed one shouldn't expect too much either. The gospel material from binaural session tapes might be fitting for a Christmas album, but I just can't see the connection with the secular bonus tracks.

No big surprises regarding the track list. We knew that the session tapes were missing. But, one can always hope that there are snippets like the count in to White Christmas and studio banter on the binaural tracks. Personally I have looked forward to this release, not least in hope of upgraded sound. I have collected every FTD since day one, and I hope that we in the end will have all the original albums released in the classic series.

A totally redundant release, absolutely nothing new.

I'm 100% in agreement with Bajo on this .Would have been nice if they gave us the Christmas Radio Special as a bonus , but this is classic Elvis and belongs in the Classic Album series. Obviously the FTD Classic Album Series will eventually include all of the albums released during Elvis's life regardless of how much unreleased material there is to include . Some albums like this one have very little , but still need to be part of the series. I've bought them all so far and I'm in for the duration!

A real fan buys what they have,yes i have said things that are postative,dont like what i say just dont read my comments but dont try to censor me,its just silly.'I never put down other views but everytime you say something thats not postative you get the dont like it dont buy it line. I could imagine some of you in a debate,well i guess that the way of the elvis world. Put out the hampton roads show,stop holding it back or at least one of the 3 unreelased shows from on tour. Sorry shiny covers do nothing for me.

How is it whiney,i didnt say darn ernst now i cant sleep cause you didnt release what i wanted. Stop taking this so serious,my views are my views,its nothing more than trying to be a bully,and i can tell you i dont care those too much.

I think we all get that the previous "fan" isn't too keen on FTD. However, a dictionary he would definitely find useful. Then again, maybe all the weird spelling and punctuation is part of the gag.

Nice to have this. I'm guessing it probably is a single CD, but we'll know soon enough!

If it was to be a 2CD set, that would be indicated with the tracklist.

Dazman wrote -- "I just can't see the connection with the secular bonus tracks." Dazman, the three bonus tracks were recorded at the same sessions in September of 1957. It was Millie Kirkham's first studio work with Elvis and her voice is highlighted in "Blue Christmas" & "My Wish Came True"... and others. Recorded in Hollywood, California at Radio Recorders September 5, 1957 - Treat Me Nice, Blue Christmas September 6, 1957 - My Wish Came True, White Christmas, Here Comes Santa Claus, Silent Night, Don't September 7, 1957 - O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Santa Bring My Baby Back, Santa Claus Is Back In Town, I'll Be Home For Christmas

Let me give my true opinion here. Whether or not you agree with me is fine. Some may, probably most wont. I love the concept of FTD. When it started I thought it was great. Elvis outtakes assembled from different recording sessions, Hollywood sessions, etc. I bought them all. Then they started with the classic album series. Soon you were buying redundant outtakes and many of the older FTDs went out of print. Now there is nothing wrong with the classic album series and it’s a good idea and should be done. But it is done to death! In reality, Elvis only really had a handful of classic albums. To start throwing Clambake & other soundtracks into the mix as classic albums, that’s when FTD turned me off. They knew they had the Elvis buying crowd in the palm of their hand. They just had to release everything as a classic album because they know a certain fan base will buy em all. Ok fair game, some love this stuff. So this brings us to this release. Is it a classic album? Yes. But this classic album has been released on cd before. The songs have been on numerous comps. The outtakes here do nothing for me, and have nothing to do with Christmas. Again people will buy it, but will they play it? Maybe a few times, and as Jerry said, many prefer to play them on other releases. I don’t know. Maybe I’d just rather spend on really something new. Obviously that won’t be Elvis. But if I had the money I spent on redundant Elvis music over the years, I would probably have enough money to really upgrade my Sun 209. Something I would have taken my more pride in for my collection than a bunch of dust collecting CDs. Ok, now, bang away at me! (hope there are no typos or grammar errors lol)

I'll wade in first - some people just like the format, pure and simple. It's these people they are aimed at not people like you who find them "redundant". You may as well call EVERY release redundant using the "nothing new" argument. What really puzzles me is why it matters a damn to you and others if some of us value them. ( you did ok with the spelling/punctuation by the way)

I agree with Viva Las Davis I love the format and I want all the masters outtakes and concerts that FTD are willing to put out there. I have been an Elvis fan for 40 years and I know what I like what is out there what has already been released in the past and also what is possibly left to be released. Sometimes Steve v when you use the phrase FTD has us in the palm of their hand it's as if your saying we are being duped or having the wool pulled over are eyes. I could be wrong but that's the way it comes across to me that you have the best judgement where Elvis buying is concerned. I know what I want and what i am buying at all times . Yes FTD have sometimes made some mistakes as far as their producing but the good far exceeds the bad and I for one are very thankful for this label and it's content so far. I am however as envious as can be of you that you had the opportunity to see Elvis in concert more than once and that is something I will never know as to how fantastic that must have been.

Ok, this topic, or actually - comments got me thinking, so I've decided I'll share some of mu thoughts with You all. First, I'd like to say this is only MY point of view, so I'm not going to convince anybody to fell the same. So here it goes: I'm an Elvis fan for 20+ years. That's a lot of time (at least for me, cause I'm 29 now). When I fisrt heard about FTD Label - it was something about 2004 - I thought we are so lucky, we can get outtakes - which for dead artist are something like 'new material'. My financial situation wasn't very good at the time, so bootlegs were unavailable to me. Having this in mind, I really loved the concept of a label that's going to serve dedicated fans. Like we all can remember, first outings by FTD were 1 CD releases in 5" packaging. When I foud this very site and became member here (somewhere in 2004 - wow, time flies!), I was astonished about amount of releases per year. Keep in mind that for me any unreleased outtakes was pure gold. Actually my first source of alternate takes was Essential Elvis series (on MCs!), and then - Collectors Gold (od CDs, wchich I still rgard as wonderful release!), Today, Tomorrow &Forever or Close-Up. Getting back to FTD's... My only wish then was to be able to afford certain releases. I didn't pay much attention to live CDs, concerts, as my dream was to collect studio outtakes (also soundtracks). When the first studio 2CD's were issued, I liked the idea of what later was to be called "Classic Album" - the packaging, double amount of disc space, etc. I really loved the idea. In few years it became apparent, that on certain releases some outtakes are definetely going to be repeated. And I didn't have then, nor have I now no problem with that - I have accepted this thing like for example fact that I couldn't afford them being a teenager... Then at some point I started buying them - not all, mailny due to financial dificulties. But every album I got, I find worth the price - otherwise I wouldn't buy them. So that's my philosophy about it - like it or don't, but I think it's fair. Sure, I do understand those of You, who actually paid great deal of money for first FTDs (single CD releases) and now seem to pay for them again. But this is life - how many of you paid for LPs, 8-tracks, MCs and CDs that contained the same material? Or how many of you bought The Complete Masters set having them already in numerous other releases? We are always going to be advertised with 'new material' or "upgraded sound" or even "upgraded artwork" or "classy package" (like with this very release) - but it doesn't mean we are forced to buy them all as devoted fans. I'm gonna pass on this release, but at the same time I believe there are poeple, who are going to buy it and I'm happy with them, and I know they'll be satisfied. And to me - it's goal of FTD Team. Sorry for such long and personal opinion ;) Take care! ;)

Steve, your opinion has to be respected and there is not a single reason why you should be bashed. I can understand your point of view and I'm sure you do understand the other opinions, not always sharing yours. As long as the discussions take place in a friendly and civilized way without personal attacks or less or more rude phrasing there's no problem at all. There are many reasons why a collector buys some stuff over and over again. A different cover, a different tracklist, another country where the CD was pressed, another picture...etc...etc.. you name it !Nothing wrong with that, it's their hobby, their passion, their money. But your explanation why you are buying less FTD's is OK too, that's how YOU see things and nobody should critisize your way of reasoning. All of you, pros or cons :take care. Always El

FTD gets my goat! Just cancelled my pre-order...

Thanks Benny. I was more worried about my grammar & spelling than getting bashed after seeing the previous post lol. Hey I understand the collecting thing. That used to be as well. Different cover, wording on the sleeve, etc. I bought em all so I get it but I stopped doing that back in the 90's and I am glad I did as I feel the real collectibles only truly came out in his lifetime and many of the releases since have been for one sole purpose, to get the fan to spend. There have been some fine releases, dont get me wrong, some essential , but many are not, especially the non-FTD endless comps which I am sure a lot of fans buy because it is a 'new' release. I think the label knows it has a core audience for a lot of their releases while really offering nothing new. FTD certainly knows this. My opinion as you say.

The FTD market is a totally different one to that of the "endless comps" which I imagine most serious long term fans/collectors pay little attention to. However, when yet another one comes out I've got better things to do than come on here endlessly moaning about perceived "rip offs". I mean, who cares.

Well the point Viva, is, I don't think anyone really cares anymore about another Elvis release exactly BECAUSE of all the comps. So in truth you are correct, who cares. They flooded the market , made the catalog a mess, and the general public doesn't give a hoot about a 'new' Elvis release, thus the lackluster sales & poor promotion the last few years. Yes agreed, FTD is a different situation, but they are flooding their own market as well.

Surely the purpose of this message board is to be able to discuss new releases and to give an opinion either way as to the merits of the release. Nobody should be bashed either way. I'm with Steve and feel that FTD holds no value anymore and has diluted it's impact by the sheer number of releases and a number of poor products ( content wise I mean). Nobody should be told not to buy and I completely understand the collectors out there who want to have everything but unfortunately so do Sony and I feel that's why I and others feel that some releases are just out there to cash in and don't add any real value to Elvis's legacy. Maybe less is more and it would be good to have just a couple of really good releases each year instead of several below par ones?

Right you are Andy. The number of FTDs is indeed mind boggling considering the concept of the label when they started. On another Elvis forum, a month goes by and members start asking where is the next FTD? Oh my its been a whole month! Such is the way they have manipulated the fan base. Its sad actually.

It's not sad, and we are not being "manipulated". I've long had a theory that some of the people who relentlessly criticize FTD would quite like to have them but basically can't afford them. Want proof - read the previous post - FTD is really getting under this guys skin. Talk about get a life. Some want these discs, you don't , what's your problem?

It's quite pathetic when you have to resort to picking people up on their spelling or punctuation(Viva - you missed a ? on a previous post) and then suggest that those who have a negative opinion about FTD can't afford the releases. I can comfortably afford the releases and have no beef with anyone who wishes to buy. We all have different wants when it comes to collecting. There have been several instances where i have felt shortchanged by the label. Examples of which are: Paying for FTD '48 hours from Memphis' and 'Elvis recorded live on stage in Memphis' to find they are subsequently released on the Legacy label at fraction of the cost. The second CD of 'Elvis for everyone' being outtakes of songs that should have appeared on the original 'classic' album where they belong. (There's plenty of room on those CD's). I've not seen the cost of this Christmas or Flaming Star single CD releases but will be surprised if they are sold cheaper than normal. (The single CD's should be as a matter of course). No obvious release strategy communicated to the fans in the early days. If there had been it would have been unlikely that i would have bought the now redundent 'Studio B' and a few others.

Nothing is perfect and that includes FTD. I think over a period of 15 years they are entitled to change their release strategy, often for the better, sometimes not. As for my spelling jibe, this was aimed at a certain individual whose puerile comments are becoming a joke - and not of the funny variety. (Ernie anyone?)

Steve V and "would want them but basically can't afford them (FTDs) " ? What a (sad) joke ! The guy has been buying Elvis-stuff for DECADES , even owns original Sun 45 rpm . He probably spent more money on our man's music than you'll ever be able to earn in your whole life. He gave an honest, open view about how he sees things now, and no, FTD is not getting under his skin, he never, ever posted a personal attack as far as I remember since I beca

since I became a member in 2005. I'm a huge FTD fan myself but can live 100% with the fact some members skip a couple of them or even all of them. Steve condemns nobody for buying stuff released a zillion times , so remarks about "get a life" are rude and inappropriate. By the way, it's not the first time this "get a life" b..sh..t is used by the same "fan". I clearly remember the time he tried to ridicule the British female singer Susan Boyle when it was announced she'd record a duet with Elvis. I also got the same reaction of "get a....." after I posted my opinion . I dare to write that I always try to calm things down and being diplomatic when I take part in a discussion, put I'm really p...ssed off when friendly and honest guys have to undergo unfair treatment by some....well, I won't go further ! Steve has no problem, I know who's the problem. Living in the USA and me living in a small European country Steve and I will probably never have the chance to meet , thousands of miles bewteen 2 older but incredably dedicated Elvis fans, and thank God, there are many more on this site. Viva Las ..Who ??? if the 3rd word should, by any chance, be Davies then we have the perfect example of self-admiration. Steve, my deepest respect ! Always El.

You're privy to my earnings, that's puzzling I must say!

In a manner of speaking ! I couldn't care less what or how much you earn. I even wish you a huge income and all the wealth in the world (and I do hope you stay healthy cause a good health is the most precious possession imho ) but get off some people's back. Always El.

Benny - thanks. You get where I am coming from. I have been spending on Elvis since childhood. If I had what I spent on Elvis product over the years, well, wow is all I can say. Id probably move to Tuscany! With FTD, I have stated my views, I feel they know they have a cash cow with that classic Elvis series. Its kind of a shame because Elvis' classic albums should be in the Legacy series and in stores and not on a collectors label. Well thats my opinion anyway. I try and get a new Christmas CD every year, with 'new' being the key word. Obviously, this wont be my purchase this year. (BTW, I have all the Suns)

Without wishing to inflame you even further Ben, I couldn't care what you or your mates buy. What some of us find irritating is being told if we do buy them we're being exploited etc. THAT is my argument. To give an analogy : I collect live soundboard bootlegs but not audience recorded concerts. However I fully respect those who do and wouldn't dream of criticizing them or implying they are being duped. I intend to leave it there. Do enjoy your S Boyle records by the way.

For your Info : I don't have a single record of Susan Boyle .Cross my heart and I hope to die ! It's the way you tried to make fun of her that bothered me. You may consider me being old-fashioned but as long as I live I'll stick to my principles : don't try to make people look ridiculous , and that's not written with you especially in mind, it's just a general remark. When I look at our man: he was always a gentleman in public, friendly and polite, hurting nobody. He was and is a good exemple of how people should behave. Always El.

I see Stevev commented about Sun 209. I can help. I am seriously thinking selling my 5 Sun records (45 rpm). If interested Stevev or anyone else in them contact theoldscudder.

Well, here I go again; after voicing my opinion about another FTD CD issue taking we "old timers" for another monetary ride, I end up ordering this upcoming CD regardless. They (FTD) know they got a good thing in Elvis Presley reissues upon reissue. These so called classic album reissues group everything together in a more coherent manner which does make sense especially for "die hards" like me. Thanks again FTD, you got me again.

I'm an "old timer" (56) and I didn't purchase this release. FTD has never taken me for a monetary ride because I only buy the ones I want. I'm glad that they give us so many choices!

It would be great for FTD to release this on double disc vinyl - and include the original album on one LP and outtakes on the other. my album is worn out.

Why ? Just why ?