FTDs Arrived!

Whoo hoo i can listed to 2 new outtakes and a few false starts,one of my fav Elvis albums,yet again the release could have been so much more,but you can put many new outtakes when your too busy stuffing what fans already have on to the cd's!

I have come to the conlusion that FTD should now only be for live shows. CDs that only the die-hards who want every word Elvis ever uttred on stage will buy. FTD should not be for these classic albums. These albums should be in stores or on Amazon, etc by the regular label. After all, they were before and at a normal price. An artist like Elvis should have every one of his major albums available to the public and not through a collectors label. I will repeat again, Have you seen the latest Bob Dylan release? The Essential bootleg series vol 8. See how a different label works? No FTD BS, just a release his fans want on the normal label right there on your store's CD shelf. And these are outtakes!! Now this is respectful of the artist and his fans. It seems the RCA/BMG was doing this with the Essentail Elvis series but Sony/BMG have lost their way. So now every normal LP release is relegated to the FTD label except hit compilations, duets, etc. I will not pay 35.00 for a few outtakes anymore that I will play once or twice. Those who do, enjoy.

Amen,they found a way to give little and get alot,and its working and always will,i have seen the set your speaking of,Elvis next to other artists shows the lost potential,many many fans have no idea there is even a collectors label,even fans who buy many Elvis cd's,and they treat it as those its a side project and it shows!

Yes, me too, I think FTD should release no "classic" albums, but much more live CD's. There is plenty, see what Madison is doing right now (On Tour Concerts), and beside the soundboards there are many LV concerts to be released in their complete (or almost complete) form.

i think ftd should go on the way it has been and let the customers pick what they want,whether its live or classic alblums. i have no problem spending money on a upgraded release that fits nicely in my collection.

Dont worry Ftd isnt going to change there ways,they found a way to make money without offering much new material,and its a collectors label? cheap digi packs? collectors label?

Well I wasn't born about 10,000 years ago but these new FTD's look to be top notch. Keep up the great job Ernst

If there's one facet of Elvis' career I'm sick and tired of it's Elvis "Live." I'd rather listen to anything else in Elvis' canon than "Live." The only exception would be the forthcoming "In Person" FTD.

JerryNodak--It seems I don;t get to agree with you too often, so I thought I'd chime in here and say, yep, me too!

FTD is fast becoming a rip off. Paying for the same stuff over and over again with as mature elvis fan says ' 2 new outtakes and a few false starts'. Not good enough.

I totally agree with Steve V, mature and Schemies. It's not that I don't want to have and collect "classic" Elvis albums with better sound and unheard outtakes, but why should I pay through-the-nose (£16 or around $30) for tracks that I mostly already have with just a few new outtakes that often are extremely similar to the masters? I would think that the amount of time, money and effort that has gone into the new Christmas Duets project (which, as you probably know I love) far exceeds that spent on any FTD release and yet the Duets album (because the market place dictates) is a normally priced CD whereas any FTD release is twice the price!! This is particularly galling for the live digipak releases which frankly are an embarrassment as "collector’s label" releases with virtually no detailed information on the CD content or historical context of the concert etc! Although I love the content of virtually every FTD album I do not like their price! However, I presume as long as enough collectors keep buying these albums they will continue to release them to the small niche collector’s market at hugely inflated prices to make their money, rather than go for a more mass-market approach like the Duets album when they can “afford” to sell an album for less. One shouldn’t forget that Sony/BMG are not a charitable organisation and everything they do, like every other commercial company, is designed to make them money (and milk us poor fans in the process!!).

Charlie more are more people are slowy beginning to see what Ftd has turned into,and ive never heard why they put there cd's in a cheap digi pack and have no booklet,i bought a recent release of another artist and even though it did come in a digi pack which is rare it did have a booklet and the cd was 10 usd,i also cant understand why people say hey you get 2 cd's with the classic ablums,but wait the movie soundtracks have one cd as do most of the digi pack releases,and the whole we do this in out spare time comment is a insult to fans who pay there hard earned money for these releases,the releases are a mixed bag,some sound great some dont,and they never admit there mistakes,they still use people who cant mix a cd,i love the Elvis country album,but there just not enought material unreleased for me,and to have such great releases as one night in vegas be stuck in a digi pack is pathetic,again dont call yourself a collectors label unless you have the desire to act like one,the one and only reason Ftd is still going is the simple fact it makes money,if fans want to believe its for the fans then let them fool thereself,as steve has said,take a look at other artist catalog of music and then look at Elvis,hey were is all of Elvis stuido albums those fans might ask,i dont know,i guess there out of print they will assume,never knowing his best work is on a so called outpriced collectors label!

By The way steve i remember getting Essential Elvis vol.4,that is one of my fav cd's.you know it has mostly unreleased material which is what a new Elvis release used to be,and it was like 15 bucks and in the stores,hey why not have Elvis counry in the stores with original artwork and have it be a 2 cd set,how sweet that would be,oh yea and the outtakes would be unreleased,i love the Elvis country as i have said many times and im so annoyed about the Ftd version,oh yea vol 5 wasnt bad either,thats when i got excited about releases!

FTD is doing a much better job with the Classic Series than they are with the concert CD's. It's weird to be so impressed with FTD's "That's The Way It Is," while at the same time being sickened by FTD's "America." It's hard to believe that the label can do so much and so little at the same time. Will FTD change their approach to marketing? Only if there is a threat of sales dropping off to the point of loss. The caveat is that the suits are just as likely to shut FTD down as they are to invest more money into making a better product. I've settled on buying what I want to hear. If the sound is bad, or the content of the CD itself isn't to my liking, I pass it by. I never buy for the booklet or the artwork.

It doesnt matter to me if FTD shut down tomorrow. This stuff will see the light of day - just look at the fantastic releases Madison are putting out - not only great sound but fantastic booklets at the same price if not at times cheaper than the FTD. FTD has become a rip off. With the so called 'Classic album' releases (i wager only 4 or 5 of Elvis' albums can claim to be 'classic'), the likes of 'NAshville Marathon' 'Made in Memphis' and 'The Jungle Room sessions' are clearly a waste of my money.

Exactly - what is the point of those great FTDs of the past like the Nashville Marathon, Made in Memphis, Studio B, or the RCA Essential Elvis series, etc if now we are getting the classic albums with these same outtakes from those sessions with a few false starts thrown in? Paying big bucks for essentially the same thing over again. The Elvis albums should not be on FTD. Leave it for the collectors for outtakes, unreleased live shows, etc. Im gonna pass this up even though I love this album. I cant justify buying it for what it is offering at this price.

So the questions is,why do many fans have no problem buying what they have,how does a collectors label make past releases pointless buy releasing the same material again,we know why Ftd is doing the classic series,someone said hey boys we aint milking this like we use to,and boom the classic series was born,do these fans have money trees? And again why do they release the classic albums with booklets and great past releases are stuck in a cheap digi pack,i know that artwork is not the most important thing,but come on,i have bought brand new releases for about 10 bucks from other artists,and as said if Ftd shuts down then so be it,my life doesnt revolve around this stuff and as said already the imports are more than happy to [ut out quality products!

maybe the people who have complaints about the lack of unreleased stuff should wait until a review is written before buying it.same thing wiht movies today,cant ask for your money back when it stinks,lol "amercia " came out and got its reviews and thats when people should have bought it if they are going to complain.i like everything thats out there and when they were selling it for 25 as a import no one said a word about it.as for why they are in digpaks i dont like it either however they do state its because people who buyt this stuff already know about the statistics.i would love additional pics and a booklet but if its not to be i dont waste my breathe complaining,lol.and when i get everything on the small ftds on a big 2 cd package i just give it away or sell it for 15 bucks,makes it easier to buy the 7 inche one ,lol

ftd releases are available on amazon. i think 2 cds for the price of one, with great packaging is well worth the price, depends where you buy them. what difference does it make if ftd does the classic album series if you dont buy them? for your information the doors and jimi hendrix estates both have collectors labels which are not in the shops. bob dylan is different, the new cd has both outtakes and unreleased new songs. elvis outtakes dont generate the same interest. essential elvis never charted the way the new bob dylan release has done. it seems to me certain people on here will find anything to moan about. if it was not for ftd what would we be getting? .im looking forward to this and future ftd releases while there is still material available.

How quickly many have you forgotten that when "the jungle room sessions" and "Studio B" were released there were NO "classic album" series. I do realize it does get irritating when you already have "Nashville Marathon" and then you buy the classic album of "TTWII." However, when all is said and done, if you can afford the classic albums, you will have a collection unlike most music buyers have on any other artist. I really love having the classic album series with it's outtakes. It's great to listen to a song's progression and get a sense of Elvis' mood and seriousness or lack of in the studio. I really feel Ernst has realized that the double classic CD is the best way to release a CD - after all the single studio outtake CDs seems to have stopped after "I sing All kinds". I'm sure we'll all be happy when "From E.P. Blvd", "Good Times", "Promised Land" etc, are released on the classic series. Pass on the ones you don't want, but I'm sure many of you will be kicking yourself when you see the prices they fetch after FTD closes shop.

Is that you ernst lol,no ill be just fine,and of course the outtake cd's were before the classic series,thats the point,the label has lost the meaning of collecotrs label from all of the greed,and on i wont be happy when the classic albums of etc etc are released,i have lost interest,how can anyone say they are happy to pay for 5 new outtakes,mostly false starts instead of a cd of unreleased material,were are you poeple getting your money trees?

Could we leave out the moaning comments and such,that argument is as tired and worn out as this collecotors label,if we dont buy the classic albums series why should we moan? Um lets see because we would like a better product and less milking,but dont worry enough fans have the same view,i will buy what they put out and not say a word and so what if there is no real artwork,id be asking to much and might get the label shut down if i make such a request,this is a hobby to me and nothing more,i want quality and i dont wont what i already have,but as someone who has spent alot of monyey on Ftds,your darn right im going to give my view,thats the whole point of this board, most here do it in a mature way,thats refreshing,some dont and thats well that will never change!

I see your point - to a degree - Mature Elvis 75. I don't think you get my point. FTD is still (and will until it closes shop) a work in progress. I just think Ernst has finally figured the best way to present Elvis outtakes and that's on a "classic album" issue keeping them in correct context. On a collector's label is where belong. I am sure any Beatles fan would enjoy a remastered version of St. Pepper's with outtakes and studio chat on a second CD from a Beatles' collector's label. I don't think Ernst had envisioned this concept when "studio B" and "Sunset" etc. were issued. But - Hot Damn !! He's finally got it figured out.

"better product and less milking" is your argument against FTD, huh ? Well, again you make a valid point in the milking aspect. But as I said in my previous post the milking took place when the regular releases were an odd collection of outtakes and then reissued on their proper place - a classic album issue. Can you honestly tell me you haven't enjoyed the classic isues of: "Elvis Presley", "Elvis Is Back", "Pot Luck", "ROR", "TTWII" etc. The outtakes really show us the work that went into those albums. As far as better product, I would love more outtakes and unreleased songs, but Ernst can't give us what isn't here. What he can and will give us is the best of what is available on future classic issues of "From E.P. Blvd", "Good Times", "Promised Land" - and yes I know I have outtakes from those sessions on various other CDs, but with the classic album issue they will be assembled in a proper setting.

please Ernst, I'll give everything, except my life and wife and children, for a classic album series of elvis good times and promised land!! help me..

FTD IS giving me what I want. The 'Classic' series. I'm no longer interested in a CD of random outtakes. More 'classics,' Ernst. I want them all before I'm too old to care. Hurry! The 'classics' rule!

They give you outtakes you already have and they leave unreleased stuff off of the sets,i dontl ike the classic albums anymore,and one big reason is theres too much i already have and the sound is a gamble!

We will buy these new FTD CDs but somewhat hesitantly...Do agree with most fans' opinion and strong comments (often too negative--be more pro-active giving your creative ideas to Ernst) but do not agree with Steve who hopes they ONLY release live shows in the future on FTD. Put on your commercial hat Steve. They gotta put on more Bonus songs on those Classic albums when they release those on an FTD digipack (with outtakes of course) ! That will definetely sell more than those Camden CDs or the Collectors Box or those expensive FTDs like TMe, WiCountry a.o.(with only 4 songs on it) available at a horrendously high price. They should "freeze" from now on all future prices of FTDs (no more milking us, please). Also glad to notice that Jerome, Steve, Orion and many more of you saw the light and admitted openly that we now expect FTD to release those MISSING classics like PromL, GoodT, NOW (with bonus hits of those days--see former ideas we sent in), the same for FOOL (+bonus hits) and EPBlvd (plus the six studio tracks from MBlue album). And they should not forget the 67 & 68 studio sessions with those monster hits like GuitarM, BBossM, USMale, Monkey Buzz (plus Down Alley). Maybe Ernst should buy them back from whomever posesses those master tapes, hint hint

When can we have the IN PERSON new digipack Double CD "tracklisting" Ernst ?? Will it include those MISSING (on FTD) songs like Sweet Inspirations, Oh happy days live, More, Everybody loves somebody, Matter of time, Trouble from KCreole, Memphis TN, Loving you a.o. Does anyone know more about this?? Please share it with us NOW.

Again my point is misunderstood. I dont buy live albums. If I ever hear another live show thats the same, I will scream. My point was, I dont think FTD should be for classic albums. Those should be in the mainstream. There are only a handful of classic Elvis albums anyway. If FTD really have nothing else to release, they can release live albums for the fans who want every show that Elvis ever did. I do not. I want to see the classic albums in regular stores with the proper outtakes for a normal price. That was my point. Id rather see FTD shut down if there is nothing else to release. I dont care at all for live shows, but for fans who want them, fine. In fact, FTD lost a lot of respect for me when they released Clambake as a classic album! One of the worst albums by anyone ever. I knew then I would not be buying many more releases.

Steve, I can understand why you skip the live soundboards by Elvis. They are not for everyone - hence, the collector's label as the place to release them. As for your other thought, I think you are taking the term "classic" too literally. Of course, "Clambake" and "Spinout" etc.. were not classics, but you have to understand the general buying public isn't interested in a regular release of them, or many other Elvis titles. Sony/BMG won't print 'em if the stores/outlets won't carry them. So, why not give the fans those albums complete with outtakes, and studio chat. It's a great concept for the fans who want to have that fly on the wall perspective on a particular album. I think it's a dream come true for any true fan - with a thick wallet. lol

Bottom line is this: Release the Sun CD/book set announced 2 years ago, Louisiana Hayride 56 complete in an amazing package commercially and finish the soundtracks on FTD 7" series complete. It is a disapointment to find an FTD release becoming pointless because it has been replaced with a classic album with not much difference. Anyway, after 60 plus releases, I finally have had to pass on releases such as America, Nevada, & probably now Elvis Country. Just an honest opinion from a collector who has been devoted from the beginning at $30 plus a piece!

By the way, will someone do me a favor and tell me if the That's the Way It Is Classic Edition is useless if one already owns Nashville Marathon? or are there enough outtakes on there to justify? Thanks!

But steve we both know why they released clambake and others and why the classic albums are now there main goal,its one word guess what that word is!

SPK's reaction to these upcoming releases is a testimonial that $35 is too much. They turn off lots of fans who won't buy "everything" anymore. As simple as that Ernst. Then you'll have problems to codntinue with the FTD project and stores will start discounting those Elvis releases. BMG sales strategy should revise this and select a number of music stores (like one in each city for instance) for distribution of those FTD releases; or, sell those only to recognized Elvis shops and EPFanClubs. Outtakes should NOT be sold thru the mainstream music stores. When does Ernst plan to release the GuitarMan and Monkey Buizz sessions + outtakes, referring to it in the booklet to the great late Jerry Reed. Perfect timing boys at FTD...like a Digipack in 2008 of King Creole movie plus the unheard/unpublished outtakes of Trouble, DixieRock, YDreams, NOrleans !?And last bu not least, do any of you have confidential access to the tracklisting of the upcoming IN PERSON Double CD ? (see more comments hereunder)? Anyone into the FTD secrets today ?

I have plenty of Ftd secrets but hey there secrets so you know i have to keep them!

Why not open those secrets Mature Pal ? It can't be that secret...and fans want to know today, rather than tomorrow, says Jody. We think it is unfair to hold them back from those loyal thousands of fans. Why don't more fans request the 2009 FTD releases planning ? Ernst should send us all a press release to inform us (competition will not curtail Ernst) In reply to Greg, Steve and others: He should use those fantastic colored photos that were shot by Bob Heis or Keith Alverson or Ed Bonja/Ed Hill on future FTD live show releases !.Great unpublished material that should be in those digipack booklets. Too bad the America CD is not released in digipack format with plenty of those great unpublished pics ! From Memphis 74 had those great unpublished pics that we loved !! Why not release an enhanced and better quality digipack on FTD of those two NY shows at the MSqG and maybe also the Aloha (and its rehearsal show) They are due, like many fans asked for a long time ago. It is a valuable request and in a Double CD digipack it would sell thousands of copies Ernst ! But as there were NO comments from nobody, we believe fans are not interested in those studio outtakes we mentionned before re Nevada Nights, FTDs that should arrive, Trying to get to you etc Nobody picked up on that idea to release those fab 67&68 studio sessions (with Jerry Reed). Folks, if you all complain only about the bad pricing, may we suggest you kindly but firmly request/demand E&R to release those missing PRIOIRTY sessions (Gma, USMale, KCreole a.o.) and then the rest of the FTD movie digipacks like KCousins, Roust, Sppedw & his last 5 movies). We also believe that Ernst was right a long time ago by releasing those Classic Double Albums...except he should have ADDED bonus songs to those to make it more successful for the general public. He should also have coupled those albums differently (why not do it again, this time the right way Ernst) i.e.: Prom Land with RonRock + bonus songs on one CD; GTimes with Fool album on one CD+bonus, Love letters with Now plus bonus; EPBlvd with Moody Blue plus bonus songs. A rip of according to some fans...well if you want to keep E's image & sales up high in the eyes/interest of the general public worldwide you gotta compromise...we fear.

1.Where is the tracklisting of songs for IN PERSON scheduled for Dec release ? 2. When will King Creole be available with outtakes in FTD digipack format ? 3. What is the FTD release planning for 2009 ??

J&J - do you really think you are going to get a gangbusters King Creole on FTD? Did you not buy the King Creole CD that came out when RCA/BMG was releasing normal CDs to the public? It contained numerous outtakes. How many more do you think exist? I doubt many if any. I cant see any FTD on King Creole being better than what was already normally released. A practice that should have continued on all Elvis releases by the way and not on FTD! Can you imagine The Beatles having Abbey Road only available on a collectors label? See how silly this all is?

No, it's not silly Steve ! There seems to be another 6 outtakes of the title song, 3 outt of Young Dreams and 4 of Trouble and 8 of Dixieland rock available, hidden and full of dust in the barril way down deep into the Kansas saltmine...How about that buddy? So it's not what you think, is it? Better check with people that know their way in the vault Steve, before you talk. And Charlie an MaturePal, you might be right that the FTD's strategy is from now on to release at extremely high price those MISSING materials that we so long have been screeming for (EonTour 72, complete Am Studios sessions with ALL outtakes, Prom L, Now, GTimes, Fool album and EPBlvd (hopefully together with those 6 songs from MBlue); and of course, the 67 & 68 studio sessions with Jerry !! Plus all remaining MISSING movie sessions plus oputtakes...Will we have to pay an absorbitantly high price for all those in the future ($45 or Euros 40) ?? We wonder and are very worried that Elvis' record company would milk and rip off all those loyal life-long fans (their clientela for many many years mind you).

4 outtakes of Trouble , 3 of Young dreams and 8 of Dixieland Rock? If thats true, than an FTD of King Creole should be of top priority, now! Where did you get these facts from?