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Elvis – The Ultimate 50

September 18, 2007 | Music
After the fans in The Netherlands and Austria the Elvis fans in South Africa were able to vote for their favourite Elvis songs to be added to a special compilation. This resulted in “The Ultimate 50” compilation which was released September 10, 2007.

Synopsis:

Elvis – The Ultimate 50 - Creating A Unique Album

When, in the year of the 30th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley, the prospect of releasing a double album of Elvis’ greatest hits came on to the drawing board, a unique opportunity presented itself. With permission from the Elvis Estate, SONYBMG Africa was given the opportunity to create the first ever South African compiled collection of Elvis material, and what better way to reach the fans than through the pages of “YOU” and “HUISGENOOT”.

With the assistance of the magazines, a competition was created whereby the fans could compile their own list of favourite tracks, and by sending in an entry, could not only participate in creating an Elvis album, but also stand a chance to win a trip to Graceland.

While we expected a good response, we were simply overwhelmed by the almost 11000 entries the decorated envelopes, the "postman, postman don't be slow, be like Elvis, go man go!" slogans that adorned some entries, the sacks of mail, the deluge of faxes and e-mail entries, and the very obvious huge base of fans in this country.

In our history as a music company, we have never received such a massive response, and the creation of Elvis The Ultimate 50 has been a product of much interest from the South African Elvis fans, as well as the obvious reach of two national institutions “YOU” and “Huisgenoot”.

Tracks CD 1:

1. Moody Blue
2. How Great Thou Art - Live 1974
3. Always On My Mind
4. Burning Love
5. The Impossible Dream (Live)
6. I Just Can't Help Believing
7. There Goes My Everything
8. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
9. Bridge Over Troubled Water (Live)
10. Don't Cry Daddy
11. Let It Be Me (Live)
12. The Wonder Of You
13. You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling (Live)
14. Suspicious Minds
15. If I Can Dream
16. Crying In The Chapel
17. Viva Las Vegas
18. (You're The) Devil In Disguise
19. Good Luck Charm
20. Kiss Me Quick
21. Return To Sender
22. Suspicion
23. She's Not You
24. Are You Lonesome Tonight?
25. Can't Help Falling In Love With You

Tracks CD 2:
1. Rock-A-Hula Baby
2. Surrender
3. Fever
4. G.I. Blues
5. It's Now Or Never
6. Stuck On You
7. Such A Night
8. Wooden Heart
9. The Girl Of My Best Friend
10. (Now And Then There's) A Fool Such As I
11. (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care
12. Jailhouse Rock
13. King Creole
14. Treat Me Nice
15. Wear My Ring Around Your Neck
16. All Shook Up
17. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
18. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear
19. When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again
20. Blue Moon
21. Blue Suede Shoes
22. Don't Be Cruel
23. Hound Dog
24. Love Me Tender
25. Heartbreak Hotel
Source:Luyken
Elvisnites wrote on September 18, 2007
Love the line up. In my opinion "Good Job"
theoldscudder wrote on September 18, 2007
Another redundant unnessary release. I guess it's a necessary purchase for someone that dosent have a greatest hits package. However I'd venture to guess there is nobody on this planet earth that collects Elvis that dosent have a greatest hits package. And the die hards don't enen get an unreleased photo. WHO BUYS THIS & WHY??
Elvisnites wrote on September 18, 2007
I would have to say the people in South Africa. It's not on my list to buy, I just liked their choice of songs. Maybe this is their greatest hit package. As I'm learning, not everyone can get everything everywhere.
jean michel wrote on September 19, 2007
let's hope this set will do well in South Africa.
Steve V wrote on September 20, 2007
the old scudder is right - totally uneccessary release. After all this time there is no greatest hits package better than this in South Africa? Just more fodder to confuse the consumer. The Impossible Dream , ultimate for whom, Perry Como? I dont want to see this on the same release as other Elvis classic songs.