How many times does BMG expect faithful fans to purchase the same Elvis albums? Every year they re-issue existing albums with bonus singles or alternate takes and charge $18 (USD).
A fan can't truly "upgrade" their collection because BMG often alters something on the CD so the old version can't be dumped at the used record store. When BMG re-issued "Moody Blue" with "From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis Tennessee," they left off "Let Me Be There" since it's from "… On Stage In Memphis." And maybe I'd obtain the cd for "On Stage In Memphis" except according to Ernst Jorgensen's book; there are 8 tracks from the concert missing on the album. I know that as soon I buy the current version, BMG will put out "The Complete Memphis Homecoming Concert." So the old copy of "Moody Blue" remains in the rack with the new and improved version.
I'm not bitter since I didn't pay full price for the old or the revamped "Moody Blue." Both of them showed up at my house courtesy of the record clubs and their "12 CDs for the price of 1 CD" deal. Both BMG Music Service and CDHQ (a side club of Columbia House) have carried a large selection of Elvis CDs over the years.
While fans groused about BMG putting out the remastered "Blue Hawaii" soundtrack that featured "22 Great Tracks" instead of the original "14 Great Songs" along with four other supped-up early soundtrack albums into the stores. I merely waited a couple months until BMGMS and CDHQ listed them in their catalogues and "rejoined" the clubs.
While CDHQ only allowed you to only pick from single and double cds, BMGMS's online site allowed new members to order box sets as part of their initial seven selections. There would be no budget cut backs to peanut butter sandwiches to afford the "Silver," "Gold" and "Platinum" collections when BMGMS listed them. But the rules of the record club game are changing.
BMGMS has altered its freebie policy so sets of 3 CDs or more are now off limits. Luckily I grabbed the Special Edition of "That's The Way It Is" and "Peace In the Valley - The Complete Gospel Recordings" before they slipped into the "verboten" list. Columbia House recently shuttered CDHQ so to access the Columbia House catalogue; you must sign up under a 12 for 5 deal. This is a shame since CDHQ did a better job at getting the new Elvis titles than BMGMS.
This bad news is tempered by the fact that the clubs have cut back on their Elvis titles. BMGMS once carried nearly 50 titles for their new members to select. Today that total is down to 22. Columbia House has even less at 16 - mostly hits collections. The days of sitting back and getting a massive Elvis collection in the mail are nearly over. I have fond memories of ordering 9 of the 10 "Double Features" soundtracks as freebies instead of spending $150 for them.
Rumors swirl that the 12 for 1 offer at BMGMS will end any day now. If the record clubs retool their membership deals, I will get bitter when BMG repackages all of Elvis' '70s cds with alternate takes and live versions and I'll be forced to pay retail if I care to upgrade my collection. But until that day, I'm joining and quitting and joining and quitting the record clubs to boost my Elvis collection. Since each CD cost me only a few bucks in shipping and handling, I won't complain about ordering revamped copies of "Aloha From Hawaii," "Promised Land," "King Creole," "G.I. Blues"… but that's just my opinion.
120 Elvis CDs For The Price Of 10
By Joe Corey, June 02, 2002 | Otheruntamedhawk wrote on
November 23, 2003
Well all of that depends. I have about one thousand and five hundred albums of Elvis presley. ALL FREE. Just waiting to be shared. FREE, good luck finding me. I get about 30 every day.
DannyB wrote on
July 24, 2004
I think it's about time we stop harazzing BMG/RCA. I would've agreed if we where in the '80s. But just look at all the great releases we've had these past 10 years. It's amazing!! Who care about "Love Songs", "Movie Songs" etc etc etc. If you don't want them, don't buy them!! BMG is releasing some stuff for the fans, some stuff for the general public. And these "Love Songs"-compilations actually sells. The general public don't wanna hear 10 outtakes of Elvis recording Can't Help Falling In Love. So stop complaining, and enjoy the wonderful FTD-releases. Some Elvis-fans don't have a clue how lucky we are!! Thanks Ernst, you are doing a F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C job. Just hope the Anthology-series he's working on will turn out great.
Eduardo wrote on
May 19, 2005
asesorev May 19. Yeah Joe Corey - you are right man, more & more it start smelling like another rip off and we should react. In earlier replies and comments we have stated all along that it is not permitted that we have to pay for the same materials so many times over and over...outtakes (while appreciated and liked very much....but Tickle Me...a.o.?) To some degree also Elvis is Back and the upcoming Elvis Today....after that I am sure than BMG will bring out in 2006 or 07 Pot Luck or Something for everybody. get ready guys & gals to spend. Now, another rip off is the book from the Presleys. There is "nothing" in there that we already didn't know...just opinions and bathroom comments from Lisa and her mom...wanting to make more money by ripping us off in a grant Hollywood style. Who is listening here? Your comments please. Also, BMG should bring out "first" the exciting new unreleased outtakes from GirlsGG, KCreole, Roust, KCousins etc and the Guitar Man sessions, the Washed my hands/LLetters/Now sessions....then we are listening and getting value for our money, right fellows?! Reactions from silent elvis fans awaited and expected, yes Sir !
Mystery Rider wrote on
February 05, 2007
there's a sucker out there for everything, and Elvis fans seem to be right in the number one spot.
Jumpin Jehosaphat wrote on
January 18, 2008
Elvis fans just love getting their pockets picked. The more junk the more they spend. They dont care how bad it is or how many times it's been reissued elvis fans are actually Junkies for garbage issued by BMG (buy my Garbage)