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FTD News

January 14, 2009 | Music

If all goes according to schedule, the new FTD-release will be available February 15th. This time, the team of Ernst Jorgenson picked Blue Hawaii to re-release as a classical 2CD set and also as a limited 2LP set.

On March 15 FTD will follow up with a 2CD version of Standing Room Only. As you know the album never came out, and it’s possible that the version we create was never meant to be, but it’s the best way we can present the Las Vegas masters from February 1972 and the masters and outtakes from the March 1972 sessions at RCA.

FTD is planning two more CDs for the first half of 2009, and at this time we have scheduled them for mid-April and mid-May.

One more thing: the FTD 6363 Sunset Blvd will no longer be available, so get it while you can.

Disc 1

The Original Album, side 1

01) Blue Hawaii 2:37
(Leo Robin/Ralph Rainger)
02) Almost Always True 2:24
(Fred Wise/Ben Weisman)
03) Aloha Oe 1:55
(Arranged and adapted by Elvis Presley)
04) No More 2:24
(Don Robertson/Hal Blair)
05) Can't Help Falling In Love 3:04
(Hugo Peretti/Luigi Creatore/George Weiss)
06) Rock-A-Hula Baby 2:01
(Fred Wise/Ben Weisman/Dolores Fuller)
07) Moon¬light Swim 2:22
(Sylvia Dee/Ben Weisman)

Side 2

08) Ku-U-I-Po 2:23
(Hugo Peretti/Luigi Creatore/George Weiss)
09) Ito Eats 1:25
(Sid Tepper/Roy C. Bennett)
10) Slicin' Sand 1:37
(Sid Tepper/Roy C. Bennett)
11) Hawaiian Sunset 2:35
(Sid Tepper/Roy C. Bennett)
12) Beach Boy Blues 2:05
(Sid Tepper/Roy C. Bennett)
13) Island Of Love 2:41
(Sid Tepper/Roy C. Bennett)
14) Hawaiian Wedding Song 2:53
(Charles King/Al Hoffman/Dick Manning)

New Bonus Tracks

15) Steppin' Out Of Line (movie version) 1:56
(Fred Wise/Ben Weisman/Dolores Fuller)
16) Beach Boy Blues (movie version) 1:59
17) Can’t Help Falling In Love (movie version) 1:54
18) Moonlight Swim (undubbed master) 2:25
19) Steppin’ Out Of Line (record version) 1:57

First Takes

20) Blue Hawaii – takes 1,2,3 3:54
21) Almost Always True – take 3 2:33
22) Aloha Oe (section 2) – take 1 1:20
23) No More – take 7 2:36
24) Can’t Help Falling In Love – take 13 2:38
25) Rock-A-Hula Baby – takes 1, 2, 3 3:41
26) Moonlight Swim – take 2 2:38
27) Ku-U-I-Po – take 1 2:34
28) Ito Eats – takes 1, 2 2:36
29) Slicin’ Sand – takes 1, 2, 3 2:59
30) Hawaiian Sunset – take 1 2:42
31) Island Of Love – take 8 3:02
32) Hawaiian Wedding Song – take 1 3:00

Disc 2

1) Hawaiian Sunset – take 2 2:46
2) Hawaiian Sunset – takes 6, 3 3:18
3) Aloha Oe (section 2) – take 6 1:19
4) Aloha Oe (section 2) - takes 7/5 0:55
5) Ku-U-I-Po – takes 2, 4, 5 3:55
6) Ku-U-I-Po – takes 6, 7 2:51
7) No More – takes 1, 2, 4, 8 6:15
8) No More – takes 11, 15 (insert ending) 3:16
9) Slicin’ Sand – take 4 1:43
10) Slicin’ Sand – takes 5, 6, 7 3:32
11) Slicin Sand – takes 8, 13, 15, 16, 14 4:06
12) Blue Hawaii – takes 4, 5, 6 4:39
13) Ito Eats – takes 4, 6, 5 2:21
14) Island Of Love – takes 1, 2, 4, 6 4:31
15) Island Of Love – takes 7, 9 3:16
16) Steppin’ Out Of Line (movie version) – takes 4, 5, 7/8 3:22
17) Steppin’ Out Of Line (record version) – takes 10, 11, 16, 15 4:08
18) Steppin’ Out Of Line (tag for movie) – takes 18/19 1:15
19) Always Almost True – takes 2, 4, 5 5:11
20) Almost Always True – takes 7, 6 2:52
21) Moonlight Swim – takes 1, 4 3:54
22) Can’t Help Falling In Love – takes 14, 15, 16 3:08
23) Can’t Help Falling In Love – takes 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24 4:27
24) Can’t Help Falling In Love – takes 25, 26 2:15

Source:Various

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Steve V wrote on January 14, 2009
Dare I say it? Yes I will. This is probably the most overrated album in the Elvis catalog and the one that started a downward spiral of lame soundtrack songs that lasted way too long just because it sold so well. This pales in comparison to albums by his comtemporaries like the Everlys, Darin, Orbison Gene Vincent at the time. Yes I know they werent making movies and forced to sing these songs, but the King deserved to sing better material than this. Cant Help Falling In Love is the only song worthy of his talent.
JLpResLey wrote on January 14, 2009
I am dissapointed. And Steve, as I often do, I agree with you again. It is overrated as an album. Some songs are decent, I have always loved Ku-U-I-Po. I do not like all the outtakes at all. The original album featured a lot of these boring outtakes, and that´s enough. What about standing room only then? Well, I don´t think that it´s gonna give us a lot of new material. A lot of songs from that engagement is already released
Linda Kovalcik wrote on January 14, 2009
Very bad album. 'Ito Eats','Aloha-Oe','Island Of Love'... Oh my gosh! Even 'Elvis In Concert' is much better than this crap.
HangLoose wrote on January 14, 2009
I agree,this is a bad album,except "Can't Help Falling In Love".
Chop983 wrote on January 14, 2009
I guess 'Standing room only' will be a 2CD version of the 1999 release Burning Love
Orion wrote on January 14, 2009
I guess it does deserve to be listed as a "classic" album.. I mean it was the soundtrack to one of his most popular films and the soundtrack has been reported to have sold something like a bazillion copies, but I'm on the fence as to whether I'll pick this one up or not. As far as the material, you can't argue with CHFIL and even Elvis was singing the "Hawaiian Wedding Song" on a lot of tours then there's "Rock-a-Hula" which is OK - so, maybe I will have to pick it up. The other release mentioned, SRO, could be a nice package. I'm sure I just bought the Feb. 72 Vegas recordings on a FTD release last year.... hummm. However, the March '72 studio stuff has my interest: Seperate Ways, Always On My Mind, Burning Love, Where Do I Go From Here, etc... Let's hope that "Promised Land", "Good Times", and "From Elvis Presley Blvd" are the classics that await us !!
Dan The Man wrote on January 14, 2009
This is great news. Those will be winners for sure!
Lex wrote on January 14, 2009
Even for a soundtrack a bad, boring album. Even Can't Help Falling In Love can't really please me, it sounds like a lullaby to me.
whetherman wrote on January 14, 2009
I'll have to buck the trend here and say I'm actually looking forward to this release. I know it was the start of the decline and all that but I enjoy listening to this album, outtakes and all. Its fair to say that I already have a lot of these outtakes but not in great quality for a lot of them, the best ones being on the Memory release "Best of Blue Hawaii Sessions". So I for one will buy this one and will thoroughly enjoy it. As for Standing Room Only - well just bring it on!
Orion wrote on January 14, 2009
I knew I'd remember as soon as I hit the "save" button.. The Feb. 72 recordings that will be a part of the SRO CD set were released on FTD's "An American Trilogy". Unless they release some new recordings from those sessions, I'd rather they release the outtakes from March '72 on a single CD. However, I applaud Ernst for keeping Elvis' wishes alive and releasing his idea of SRO.
Zoltan84 wrote on January 14, 2009
"Blue Hawaii" = "Elvis' Greatest Sh*t". A terrible album. Poor Elvis is rolling in his grave.
Take 1 wrote on January 14, 2009
i'm not very well informed about the plans to release "standing room only" back in '72. should it be an album like TTWII mixing live and studio recordings? although "standing" contains a reference to an pure live album. maybe someone can give me informations. blue hawaii is not my cup of tea, but for those who like it a good release.
Coronel Parker wrote on January 14, 2009
Great news !
Erika Freiburger wrote on January 14, 2009
I'm not interested in 'Blue Hawaii' at all,but 'Standing Room' will be interesting. Danke schön. All the best,Erika
OtisBlue22 wrote on January 14, 2009
Quite a lot of negative responses to Blue Hawaii. The title track, 'Can't Help Falling in Love', and 'Rock-A-Hula Baby' are all winners in my eyes. Elvis was in top form, appearing at Bloch Arena only days later and kicking up a storm. This is the voice. And a must-have (I'd rather listen to 'Ito Eats' on repeat than Standing Room Only once). ****
ttwiise wrote on January 14, 2009
What the? Steve V what is your case? You cannot change the past! FTD are re-issuing albums as deluxe versions in great sound and Blue Hawaii just happens to be the next in line. Soon there will be none left to issue and then you will complain again. I for one would rather have this than a bad '76 concert, but there again if a '76 concert is all there is why should I complain? If you don't like it then listen to something else
Mr. Songman wrote on January 14, 2009
With Elvis' albums being released by FTD, we all knew this would be one of them. While I agree that the songs were pretty weak and the start of a downward spiral, the outtakes and studio banter is always a pleasure to listen to. I'm sure this will be no exception and I welcome this release.
JimmyCool wrote on January 14, 2009
I think we had enough with the special edition of "Blue Hawaii" back in 1997 but again, it's better to have it rather to be stored in vaults, aging. About the "Standing Room Only" album, I'm sure it'll feature the Feb. 1972 live recordings we all know, because it was the original concept back in 1972... I'd rather have portions (or complete) of the shows he gave in Virgina, Hampton Roads and Greensboro in crystal clear sound! Now that would be interesting, "doncha' think it's time"? ;)
NONE000000 wrote on January 14, 2009
Steve V-- I whole-heartedly agree with you. I think of all my Elvis albums, this one may have been played the least. And I'll go one step further--I really hate this movie as well. It is one of the Elvis movies I really have trouble sitting all the way through. Even "Paradise Hawaiian Style" (as bad as it is) holds my attention a little more. A little. I do look away when he boards the helicopter with the dogs though. As always though, Elvis' voice is just such a thing of great beauty. And every once in a while I'll download some compilation and have my ipod on shuffle and a song like "Moonlight Swim" will come on and I will be blown away by just how great the man's voice is. Other than Can't Help Falling In Love, I find Steppin' Out Of Line to be ok/passable. I wish they'd locate a cut of the film that has the scene with Elvis singing in place
Steve Morse wrote on January 14, 2009
I was around when Blue Hawaii was released and it was massively popular. It is quite possibly the most beautifully recorded of all of Elvis's soundtrack albums and was made with great care. There are no really weak points, in my opinion, as Elvis was committed to the task and both the film and the album had high production values. The fact that they went on to try and reinvent the wheel too many times afterwards should not detract from the original. This is classy music from the 1961 Elvis and it added another dimension to Elvis's catalogue as did, for instance, Fun In Acapulco. Better this than another soundboard with throw-away versions of Hound Dog, Blue Suede Shoes and the interminable I Got A Woman / Amen.
Linda Kovalcik wrote on January 14, 2009
No weak points???? How about ITO EATS????
derekd wrote on January 14, 2009
1961 This was Elvis when he could do no wrong. Following on from the success of GI Blues Elvis came up with Blue Hawaii, and back in 1961 this was a monster hit. Number 1 in both the US & Uk. Yes, there were a few tracks best known as film songs, but loads of other gems. The title track, Blue Hawaii, Can't help falling in Love, Rock-a-hula-Baby, No More, Moonlight Swim, Island of Love, Ku-U-I-Po, Hawaiian Sunset, all great songs at the time of release. I never tire of listening to 'Blue Hawaii', unlike Worlds Fair, Harmen, Double Trouble. Yep, BH~this is one for me. ps to other EP fans. I'm waiting for my FTD copy of Elvis, In Person. Anyone else waiting?
JerryNodak wrote on January 14, 2009
Back in the days of vinyl I bought all Elvis releases (even Having Fun With Elvis On Stage). Of all those releases I know that over the years I played "Blue Hawaii" the most. An excelent album. Now comes the expanded FTD version. I can't wait! Life is good!
Herman wrote on January 14, 2009
I am happy with every FTD release. But I can't wait for the FTD 2 cd version of Elvis in Concert !
John4126 wrote on January 14, 2009
I remember buying the Blue HAwaii album when i became a fan in my early teens. I had heard it was his one of his most popular and a 'must have'. I was frankly disappointed and thought it more suited for my granny. I have the 1997 expanded release, that will probably do for me. As for the SRO release, please don't give me those Feb 72 live Vegas tracks that i have on Live in Vegas 4 cd set, Burning Love, Essential 70's Masters Vol5 or FTD An American Trilogy again. You know the songs i mean, Impossible Dream, It's over, It's impossible et al. I dont want to pay 15 odd quid for a handful of unreleased tracks.
dgirl wrote on January 14, 2009
This is truly a dreadful collection of songs save for CHFIL. In a way Lennon was right. Elvis' spirit died after the Army otherwise why would he record boring stuff like this, especially after the great Elvis Is Back? He sacrificed art for money and went along with the old fat guy. Thank goodness for Steve Binder or we may have never seen the real Elvis again. In the opening seconds of that special Elvis seems to say , forget Blue Hawaii, this is the real me. I can't listen or sit thru any of hs 60's musicals except Viva Las Vegas and maybe GI Blues. Too bad as his voice was at its peak in 1961, but Moonlight Swim? UGH!
Mofoca22 wrote on January 15, 2009
standing room only wasnt that elvis on tours original name and teh album they were going to realese? the reason it wasnt released was because of madison square garden. i think we finnally will have an elvis on tour album for once.
ultimix wrote on January 15, 2009
Is this the first time that FTD will be releasing one of its issues on Vinyl?? Also any clue as to who will have the vinyl version for sale, in the states. I am really love vinyl these days!!
JerryNodak wrote on January 15, 2009
I'd rather listen to Moonlight Swim from the BH soundtrack than Girl Next Door Went A Walking from EIB.
RonBaker wrote on January 15, 2009
Are we to assume that "6363 Sunset Blvd" will become redundant because the tracks will be issued on "Standing Room Only"? I have some FTDs that are now incorporated into other releases...seems very unfair to be rebuying things we've already purchased.
Linda Kovalcik wrote on January 15, 2009
"FTD" and "unfairness" are synonymes,didn't you know that?
Viva Las Chris! wrote on January 15, 2009
Have you heard that FTD are increasing prices dramatically! After the 'Christmas Duets' debacle where RCA UK did not even market the CD, ignoring fans letters, resulting in a flop. Even Finland got it right! And now, they want to seemingly profiteer! In a tough market should prices not be coming DOWN? What a way to handle their most longstanding and profitable asset. A disgrace.
SnOwMan wrote on January 15, 2009
I hate Ernst Jorgensen,no matter what he does and what he releases.
Steve V wrote on January 15, 2009
I heard about the price increase also. If that does happen, I will go on record in saying I will never buy another FTD. I think their best releases are behind them anyway. Re-issues of albums(I already have in several formats) with inferior outtakes and redundant live shows are something I dont need to pay a fortune for. I was waiting for the SUN box but if its too expensive I will pass on that also.
Jerome-the-third wrote on January 15, 2009
SRO will probably contain takes from 6363 sunset, which means I'll be buying them again. I can live with that, silly as I am, if it brings me some new alternate takes. Hopefully FTD will release some sweet day classic series of good times and promised land..
italianfan wrote on January 15, 2009
I do like the Blue Hawaii soundtrack. granted Ito eats is an early sixities version of Yoga is, but the other songs are well sung and fit a certain mood. If you want up beat then this soundtrack isnt for you, but if you want a calming soundtrack this is perfect. And concerning the 'Elvis died after the army' quote i totally disagree, if he recorded nothing else after this album i would agree, but what about his latest flame, little sister. This album just shows another side of his talents IMO.
djm wrote on January 15, 2009
if there is a price increase then to be fair we have had a good deal with the two for one classic album series. best releases behind them? from elvis in memphis, back in memphis, promised land, jailhouse rock king creole? i dont think so. i too have previous material on ftd releases but the classic series had not started then and for me is the best way to release studio masters and outakes. plus with an artist not here anymore its bound to happen from time to time. im looking forward to SRO, should be some nice burning love outakes. whatever price the sun box will be it wont be as expensive as the great bear family releases but it will be worth it.
Steve V wrote on January 15, 2009
djm - You want Elvis In Memphis, Back In Memphis? How about the 'normal' priced Suspicious Minds, a fabulous BMG 2 cd set that has both albums plus additional outtakes. Also FTD did an additional Memphis sessions release. Thats not enough for you? You now need a classic album FTD on the same songs? Why? Also Jailhouse Rock & King Creole both had fine expanded CD releases. I dont think there are anymore outtakes left to release from these films.
Ton Bruins wrote on January 15, 2009
Blue Hawaii is a disaster. I will not buy that one. Standing Room Only could be a winner unless there will be unreleased material on that release. But I am a bit worried to be honest....
Natha wrote on January 15, 2009
The prices go up? I thought the CD market was collapsing! Though I do enjoy listening to the sound tracks every now and then, I am not sure whether I will continue to collect the FTDs this way. Of course, it is nice to have the collection complete. But not at all cost. And if SRO is just a repackaging I will consider to skip that one too.
Danny_F wrote on January 15, 2009
An album i don't own in any format so i'm not interested in the FTD release at all, in fact the film is probably one of his worst made at a time when Elvis was probably the biggest movie star around. Makes you realise just how wrong it all went. As for the FTD's i think they're reaching the end, all they seem to offer now s just out take after out take. In my opinion don't buy these lesser releases and maybe when they realise they aren't making the money they used to we might get the releases we want ( on tour for example ). I'd be happy if they released less but gave us more quality, maybe then i'd not mind paying the high prices.
EPFO wrote on January 15, 2009
Thanks Ernst for what you do and don't worry about the bad opinions. Please Follow That Dream. I like so much Elvis especially between 1960 and 1964 and for Blue Hawaii LP this is just Elvis biggest selling album in his lifetime (over 2 million just the first year), 20 weeks number 1 (5 months, almost half year, about 150 days...), oh excuse me I forgot Blue Hawaii LP stayed just 79 weeks in the charts. You can compute if you want how many years, months or days... I like very much and you can lend an ear to Blue Hawaii, Rock A Hula, No More (La Paloma), Can't Help (french song Plaisir d'Amour), Moonlight Swim, Beach Boy Blues, Hawaiian Wedding Song, Almost Always True (a traditional French song Alouette), Hawaiian Sunset etc.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on January 15, 2009
Repackage Repackage,this is a collectors label?
Take 1 wrote on January 16, 2009
believe it or not. there are new fans who don't have all the former releases. and they are glad that ftd exists. some people here bash nearly every release (ftd or bootleg). just because they have it in there own collection. what do you expect? that ernst jorgensen is calling you and asks what material you don't have and what you want to be released? i can't wait until i get my copy of Standing Room.
OtisBlue22 wrote on January 16, 2009
SRO was going to be a live record taken from his first Vegas season of 1972, with the tracks finally ending up on the lost album Burning Love. Possibly his dullest live performances. As for Blue Hawaii, I don't own it in any form, except the film. It's exciting news. And I'm not sure what else FTD should be releasing, with the possible exception of soundboards from the seventies. Has the well run dry? Are there any live 1957 recordings? When will his final Hayride show be released in full? Bring on G.I. Blues, if you will!!
John4126 wrote on January 16, 2009
I was going to suggest that sveyder has missed the point in that FTD is a collectors label aimed specifically at those who were deemed the 'more serious of fan' who probably have an extensive collection But on reflection, FTD is no longer a collectors label and is happy to reissue even material on existing FTD releases time and time again to claw every last drop of money out of us. In my opinion each new 'collectors' release should contain only 100% new material. If you want the other stuff go buy the releases that they came out on. I have. How many of those releases are now defunct or soon will be? A fair few i'd wager. I am paying twice the money for these releases for very little 'new' stuff, yet look at any other artist whether charting or not and see how much cheaper their releases are. And why are these not available to download? So i can say, 'you know what i really dont need CHFIL for the upmteenth time'!! The reason being is the likes of me any many others would only download two or three tracks at the most. No money in that for the label.
Steve V wrote on January 16, 2009
John4126 is right on the money(no pun intended!)
djm wrote on January 16, 2009
i have the memphis anthology steve v but i like the 7 inch format of the ftd series. nothing beats vinyl for packaging so this is the next best thing. a complete jailhouse rock sessions would be welcome for me but if your happy with what you have then whats the problem? repackaging is the name of the game with a departed artist. i would like to see a complete 56 sessions box set studio and outakes, live and interviews plus dvd with the 56 tv appearences. or perhaps an ftd book of live in memphis with the remaining 1970s memphis shows.
TBG wrote on January 16, 2009
I don't understand all this negativity towards Blue Hawaii. It was Elvis' most successful film, and it did have some great songs. No More is a classic, even though Elvis' version is not the original. Beach Boy Blues is very nice, also Steppin' Out of Line (too bad it's only 1:45) and Blue Hawaii. And of course Can't Help.. and Rock-A.. I just love Elvis' performance of that song in the movie. The movie itself is ok, Angela Lansbury as the worried mother is funny to watch. Sure, you can't compare this album to Elvis Is Back or the other great ones, but this is one of the best movie albums. There's a reason why it went to number 1 both in the US and UK guys..
dgirl wrote on January 16, 2009
Sure there's a reason why it went to #1. It was 1961, Elvis was still fresh out of the Army, releasing great singles, and after the flops of Flaming Star & Wild In The Country, they went back to the GI Blues formula, but added the new 50th state as a backdrop. So, how can u lose with all those stars aligned? However, if this was released just a few years later, especially after 1964, it would not nearly have been as successful. Girl Happy had a hipper soundtrack! Despite Elvis being in great voice, the songs are weak. Blue Hawaii was a Bing Crosby song for goodness sakes. Rock A Hula was a very lame rock & roll song. Also , a lot of the negativity is due to the formula movie being done from here on in & destroying Elvis' credibility as an actor and in some ways a recording artist. By the way, you dont want to know what Angela Lansbury really thinks of her role in this do you? But more to the point, FTD is releasing a lot of the same over & over again. As always, if you like buy it. FTD knows that for sure. Now raise those prices!
lray wrote on January 16, 2009
I am looking forward to Blue Hawaii. It has been high on my wish list for a long time. If you want to get an idea of how good the sound quality could be, listen to the outstanding quality of FTD Girls Girls Girls. Let's hope that GI Blues and Jalihouse Rock will follow soon.
MrB wrote on January 16, 2009
"snOwman" you're way out of order! Elvis during his life did his best to treat people with respect even when they were against him, shame you can't be the same. Ernst is a fellow fan in a position that allows him to help us obtain more unreleased material from a deceased artist than any other artist's fans have ever gotten. He works in a huge corporate company whose interest is to only make money yet he still tries to give us what we all clamour for. Noone is forcing you to buy the product & whilst personally I'd like to see everything released in complete take runs, I am grateful to him & all concerned for their efforts. If you don't like the format then get the material on bootleg, if you don't like the material, don't buy it at all but don't say you "HATE" someone you don't know, especially when that person is a fellow fan, battling against corporation rules & trying to give us something to get excited about 32 years after our man has passed.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on January 16, 2009
Steve thats what i said,a collectors label doesnt rerelease,i dont consider Ftd a collectors label anymore,the next Ftd i buy will be On Tour,for those who enjoy these other kind of releases enjoy,oh yea ernst why your at at put those book cd''s in regular packaging which for ftd means digi pack,not every one can afford or wants to pay 75 bucks for a cd,its funny its either no pics or info or 200 pages of it,as for the comments towards ernst or anyone,why not keep them cival?
Orion wrote on January 16, 2009
I don't but every FTD, and I don't complain about what I don't buy. One man's ceiling is another man's floor. I do, however, disagree with those who think FTD has lost its way. I think the classic idea is sopot on. By giving us the second disc with outtakes, undubbed, and alt. versions, it allows for a complete undestanding of that particular album, Elvis' mindset while recording, etc. This is so much better than a pot luck collection of outtakes like the early years of FTD. I think Ernst has finally found the right formula. If you don't like a particular album / CD, that's fine - but why criticize Ernst and his efforts ? I never really cared for "Raised on Rock", but the FTD release is one of my favorites. Did I criticize Ernst for picking it ? No, I trusted Lex's review and picked it up and loved it. In doing so, I now understand that when all is said and done (to quote MrB) Ernst has "helped us obtain more unreleased material from a deceased artist than any other artist's fans have ever gotten." I am aware of the fact there are no new songs to be found, but am satisfied with hearing a song evolve or hearing it without layer and layer of overdubs. For that I say thank you Ernst, rock on, and keep the classics coming.
Take 1 wrote on January 16, 2009
John4126 - it's not that i don't understand you. i also bought most of the ftd's (expect SB/AR) and become a 'more serious of fan', with less money on my bank account. if you want 100% new material on every release, the 'classic album' is dead. or do you wanna leave out the released takes? doesn't make sense. and with those 'classic albums' i win new fans in my circle of friends. they like the 7" package, beautiful to look at, takes in row, you hear how a song develops, it's a double cd and they are buying those releases. not just listening to the compilations i made for them. just want to make new fans and keep the legend going. that's what i try to say.
John4126 wrote on January 16, 2009
Sveyder - Lets take SRO. The Feb 72 Vegas tracks have been available on The 70's essential masters Vol 5, The 1999 Burning Love CD and the FTD 'American Trilogy and the 4 cd set Elvis in live in Las vegas. The masters from the RCA MArch 72 sessions have also been available on The 70's Essential masters and the Burning Love. Various outtakes have been made available on the various 4 cd sets such as Platinum, Today Tomorrow and Forever and FTD releases. These are releases that collectors would expect to have purchased. I have, like so many others. Why on earth would they want to release them again to collectors? Why do i want to buy them again?? Give me a single CD of any unreleased live stuff from Feb 72 and unreleased takes from the studio session. Thats all i am asking.
tornado wrote on January 16, 2009
I read a lot this forum. And I'm always surprise by the level of critics of certains so called fans and the way they can't accept that there are many ways to appreciate Elvis musical legacy. Now we get Blue Hawaii from FTD, next Standing Room Only. Something that RCA should have done back in 1972. it's kind of rewriting history, gathering together the 1972 studiio recordings and live stuff of that period. What's wrong with that? FTD will release everything that is available within certains constraints. No project can be totally complete. But we can expect to get all there is. Now are we going to dispute about a few takes here and there that are not included. For example, take 9 of Can't Help Falling In Love will not be including in this coming set. Takes from 1 t0 12 are all false starts, except take 9, But are we ready pay extra money for a third disc to make it really complete? And for what? For a 12 minutes lenght of time?. May I remind everybody here that disc 1 will tilt at 76'21 while disc two will run 79'25. Do we miss that much those false starts? And Do we miss that much take 9? wich probably is the same as the others and probably not as polished. Personnaly I don't, There will be plenty to enjoy and take 9 won't make any difference. Now some of you don't care anyway about Blue Hawaii. So they couldn't care less. I can understand that, but others do. So let's us be tolerant here. Soon or later everything will come outo or almost and we will have a super collectors series of our man uncompared to any other artist. Like many of you I wish On Tour would be made available without waiting for MGM to revamp the movie, and I'm confident it will come out. If uou're a real fan of Elvis you should welcome all the good stuff that is coming from FTD. I mean the professionnaly recorded song either studio or live should come first. They are the real legacy before everything else, and before any soundboards in my opinion, wich, we know were only meant to be witnesses in case of legal problems, not intended to be made available to the public. But FTD decided, to please everybody, and to release them. So we should be thankful. Personnally, I don't really dig these, but I know others do. It's just that to me, Ernst should put aside the soundbaords for a while and bring us the real stuff. And if something doesn't please us, well friends, nobody forces anybody to buy them. It's a free market. We should not be shocked or disleased that one day we will see the two 1972 live show from Madison Square Gardens on a double cd set from FTD, It has to come out, same with the 1973 Aloha shows. Now it may not be a priority for you or me, but it needs to be adressed and given the super 7 inches package treatment by the collectors label. Some solution will have to be found also for the small sessions : like Stay Away Joe and Charro. I would favor to add as bonus track to Tomorrow is a long time the Stay Away Joe sessions, But I'm not sure there will be space enough on two cds, and I don't think the 7 inches format should have 3 cds. I'm sure FTD will come up with a reasonable option. In conclusion, what ever our tastes, preferences, or disregards, we should all ask Ernst and Roger to give us all there is within the next three years and put aside the soundboards to give way to all the studios (movies and non-movies), lives shows that are left to be released. I counted about 15 to 20 classics yet to come out before the barrel runs dry. And who knows FTD could concluded the series with all that is left here and there that they weren't able to jam in the orginal project: take 9 of Can't Help Falling In Love and Fountain of Love and other outtakes that are not officially released, even stuff from I Was The One and Elvis Medley. Actually the one cd a month schedule is in my opinion very interesting, Let's hope every month of 2009 will bring us a new one.
genedin wrote on January 16, 2009
tornado although your remarks went on for a long time ,lol,i agree with you 100 percent. i love each and every ftd release whether its my fave or not i find something in all of them (yes even "spring tours"). now what i find may differ but that's to each and every single one of us as fans. i welcome the aloha and garden cds in one package and hope that they will use different photos out of the 60 thousand they have(this was on the graceland tour dvd with angie marchese)so for the booklets and remastered sound and to have it all under one cover i applaud it. ad like i say many times over...if you don't like it,don't buy it.
Orion wrote on January 17, 2009
I think most of us despise having to pay for outtakes that we already have, but I think most of us (yes, I said "most") are starting to understand Ernst's decision to implement the classic series and in doing so it's inevitable that we'll pay for some tracks that we already have. However, in doing so, we are able to finally have them assembled where they belong. For example, I look forward to SRO even though I already have two outtakes of "Burning Love", but now I'll be able to hear how the song progressed and possibly an undubbed master on the album/CD that Elvis intended it to be released on. That gives me something to look forward to on that one. The same thing applies to the future release of "Promised Land" - I have "Rhythm and Country", but it's not a complete look at the sessions that led to "PL." With the release of "Blue Hawaii" and SRO, I think 2009 is off to a rocking start.
Ton Bruins wrote on January 17, 2009
John4126 is absolutely right. Probable too much of the same again with he upcoming Standing Room Only release..Collectors need unreleased stuff. Why buy the same again and again...? But maybe Ernst will surprise us..
John4126 wrote on January 17, 2009
Orion - I can understand people's need for completeness and to have the recordings 'where they belong'. In that vein, you only have to compile your own compilations from the assortment of releases i have mentioned and burn them to CD. Indeed, this notion of completeness is rather weak as there will be outtakes/ Alt takes tracks left off the FTD releases. I did chuckle when i saw Blue Hawaii and Rocking in the same line of your post!
Take 1 wrote on January 17, 2009
John4126 - on the subject 'Brightest Star On Sunset Boulevard' you welcomed the opportunity for fans who didn't get the original release, to buy the re-release. looks like your opinion changed on this on. oh, even SnOwman is happy about the re-release of 'Brighest Star'. but of course, an ftd re-release is something completely different. hope you'll get an satisfying release in 2009.
JerryNodak wrote on January 17, 2009
My life is too busy with other things to make my own compilations. I prefer to pay Sony & FTD. That's why they're is business. Besides CD-Rs sound like crap.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on January 17, 2009
The cdr's i have made of my favorites by no means sounds like crap,in fact they sound great,if fans are ok with buying what they have then thats there view and right,but let me tell you this many many fans i know are not buying every Ftd anymore and some wont buy another one unless its something like On Tour,Someone mentioned the cd's that the feb 72 songs have appeared on,wasnt songs from writing for the king from feb 72? There r some projects that i thought by now would have came from Ftd,things like the rehearsals from july 70,On Tour shows,were now in the 10th year of Ftd and no sing of releases such as this,now its about repackaging,and its either all or nothing,with classic cd's you get a booklet but with the digi pack cd's you get bad artwork unreadable text(anyone try reading the text on nevada nights?)and no booklet,no info,come on dont you want quality for your money,is it just enough to have releases? is it all about quanity and not quality? have fun folks!
Orion wrote on January 17, 2009
You got me - I surrender on that one. John - you're right in that "Blue Hawaii" doesn't really equate itself to "rocking", but it's a better way to start than others I can think of. I have to disagree with your idea that the FTD classic CDs are not a "complete" look into the session. Granted they do not contain every false start or studio conversation recorded, but they are as complete as we'll (as fans) will ever get. I have made several compilations through the years, but even they are not as complete as these classic releases because each release comes with something "new". Ernst and company are really trying to make them as complete, enjoyable, and insightful as possible. I was told from a pretty reliable source that the reason the rough cut mixes of "When I'm Over You", "The Next Step Is Love", and "Love Letters" were added to "Elvis Country" because they were recently discovered on a reel that was though to only have the Undubbed Mixes/Masters for "Elvis Country". Even though they didn't belong (obviously) on "ELvis Country" they were from the same sessions. That's why they were added especially since FTD has just put out TTWII and "Love Letters." That shows me Ernst's aim for completeness.
Dan The Man wrote on January 17, 2009
First of, I'll give my Hail to Ernst and FTD. Life without 'em ain't no life. Now... to each his own, its called "to be selective", pro or con. What I don't get here is the cons, why not enjoy your saving and let me and others enjoy the ride. Ton Bruins wrote" collectors need unreleased stuff". I consider myself as a collector(for 35 years) and I have e.g; 10 different vinyl versions of Blue Hawaiii, several CD versions, not to mention EP's ans singles. This should show that there's different angles and you're not equal to the title "collector". Mature Elvis, you're having troubles reading FTD's cover text, I have to say it's more easy with FTD than reading your comments. All my sayings are intended to make some think twice before accusations. Have a Nice day!
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on January 17, 2009
Is there any way people could stick to a topic and not get into silly personal attacks? Next Ftd i buy will be On Tour Or a rehearsals Set,for those who like paying 30 plus for very little then by all means continue,but how the hect someone gets upset over someones views is beyond me,people get mad if you attack the label etc,but have no problem attacking others on here,think i will go sell off some of my Ftd's now,have fun all!
John4126 wrote on January 18, 2009
sveyder - i did indeed say that about Brightest star on hollywood boulevard. I have the original and for me i dont think the sound improverment is minimal so therefore does not warrant me buying the latest release. My point, which you failed to grasp is that i dont have the few tracks that are unreleased from the FTD Blue Hawaii and have to pay a lot of money for them - i dont want the original album and released tracks again and again - now if they were available to download, that would suit me just fine and those who wanted the nice sleeve and the the pretty little pictures they can go and buy the cd - which lets face it is a dying concept in the music world. Orion - Go and take a look at your soudtrack FTD's and tell me if they are as complete as complete can be. No. They are not. "I prefer to pay sony/BMG" gave us all here the biggest laugh in ages - this guy must be the chap Brad Paisley sings about in his song 'Online'!!!
JerryNodak wrote on January 19, 2009
Glad I could brighten your day (or night) with a chuckle. This chap? Isn't that a term used across the "pond" as they say. I like Brad Paisley, but I haven't heard that song. I'll have to give it a listen. Perhaps it will give me a chuckle. Yes, I'll continue paying Sony/FTD for the 'classic' series.
ImmerElvis wrote on January 19, 2009
Do like the news and altough I have several outtakes on bootlegs from BHawaii, I will probably also buy this new FTD release in Feb. But having said this, I agree with lots of the comments voiced by serious fans who not only complain but also share their ideas withus. ENews should print out more pro-active fans' comments, not just arbitrarily kick those out that they don't like. Remember that daily comments of (Dutch ?) certain friends/fans are always published as if it is Bible what they say, and I must say that they are often, very often wrong and one-sided views. Not to be generalized. More importantly is the SROnly upcoming release. While I dig the releases of ECountry, In Person & also LLetters, I still believe that Ernst could have done a much better job with those. Let's hope he reads some of our comments in order to avoid mishaps and unrealistic/non-commercial releases (like 9 versions of FGoodTimes, Always on Mind etc) and concentrate on those missing classic albums that are not yet released on FTD label. Also think it is a good suggestion to add the FOOL album's studio songs onto a Good Times digipack. Then I would add those NOW album songs (except Jude and Sylvia) onto a strong PromLand FTD digipack. Personally I'd like also to see the Burning Love CD on BMG's main label enhanced by adding all available outtakes of those studio songs onto it and release it in digipack format on FTD Linda as well as ttwiise and JimCool have the right approach and have my support. All positive but realistic comments from smart EP fans as we are.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on January 19, 2009
John on your point on the soundtracks,may i ask a silly question why were they not 2 cd's also?spinout one of my fav movie soundtracks was a rip off,the best outtakes are still only on bootleg,quite frankly i think every Ftd should be 2 cd's why not? And i still wonder how they will approach the On Tour shows,i think there should be a 4 cd set on Ftd,but with the upcoming Standing room only Ftd i guess the rehearslas will be put there,or am i wrong?
Orion wrote on January 19, 2009
John4126 - I can't really say how complete the countrack FTDs are as I've only purchased the following: "Spinout", "Girl Happy", "Double Trouble", and "Clambake." I'm not disappointed in those at all. I mean most of the time Elvis was only minimally interested in recording the songs, and to make matters worse the majority of them were recorded on a soundstage and not in a proper studio. So, I'm not concerned about how the song "ol MacDonald" evolved. What I am interested in is "Your Love's Been A Long Time Coming" or "if You Talk In Your Sleep," etc.. However, I'm aware enough to know that there might only be two-three complete takes of each of these and in some cases that one or two of these might have already been released. If that's the case, I'm content with a rehearsal or a few false starts to show how the song was approached and changed through each take. Then there's "It's Midnight" that took 19 takes to satisfy Elvis. I'm anxious to hear him try this one again and again - fo that I don't mind spending my money along with the rest of the CD in a remastered approach. If Ernst cheats me out of that, I'll be the first to cry foul. Until then, I've been satisfied with the classic releases and a majority of the soundboards I've purchased. Bring on "Blue Hawaii" and SRO.
livingstonsn wrote on January 21, 2009
I'm okay with the Blue Hawaii release since I only ever owned the late '90s CD and have heard very few of the outtakes. For somebody who doesn't have multiple outtakes in his collection, this is a pretty good deal. I'm a little concerned with the STO release since we just got Feb. '72 Vegas recordings a year ago with the American Trilogy CD. Is it going to be rendered obsolete??? Plus, I think FTD needs to stick with releasing the actual classic albums for the time being and not these made up releases like Memphis (which I love BTW) and SRO. I'm really hoping for FTD's of From Elvis in Memphis and Back to Memphis sometime in the not-too-distant future. The SQ of the Suspicious Minds compilation has always seemed too muffled to me. Just my two cents....
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on January 23, 2009
Ok how about track listing to Sanding Room Only,is it possible there will be anything outside of feb vegas on this set for the live recordings?
ImmerElvis wrote on January 23, 2009
Will buy this release BHaw as soon as it is released and I hope that they will release those 'missing' outtakess from other movies quickly in view of the bad news of Sony/BMG. Readers should know that Sony lost 2.9 billion dollars worldwide due to the financial and economical crisis we live these days...they will lay off 800 workers. will Jorgensen or Roger be affected or will the whole FTD program be cancelled ??? I wunder and hope not. That is why many fans have been pushing to get more FTD digipacks of stuio and movie outtakes...so that we are not left behind....You understand now Folks ?? Some of you didn't understand then;well, you will now, I'm afraid.
livingstonsn wrote on January 23, 2009
mature - From what I understand, the live tracks will only be from the Jan-Feb tapes. Pretty underwhelming stuff (I've never been a big fan of Feb '72).
JerryNodak wrote on January 24, 2009
Yes, Sony lost big bucks and laid off many workers. What major corp. hasn't? That doesn't mean they're going out of business. Perhaps the pace of FTD releases will slow down, but I fully expect Ernst and Roger to remain gainfully employed and FTD product to keep flowing. FYI: I work for Clear Channel Communications. This past Monday they laid off more than 1,800 workers. They say this will save them around 400 million USD. Me? Thankfully, I'm still employed.
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on January 26, 2009
Will the Feb72 material from Writing for the king be on here? what a horrible mix that cd had! Another Ftd clunker!
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on January 26, 2009
Will Standing Room Only have the Feb72 material that was on the poorly mixed Writing for the king Ftd?
JerryNodak wrote on January 26, 2009
All will be made clear when the "Great Dane" reveals the tracklisting.
Cruiser621 wrote on January 26, 2009
Although there are a few good selections, the soundtrack Blue Hawaii is so lame. Save your money. Why do I constantly see the same e-mail addresses over and over?
schemies wrote on January 26, 2009
Oh no, not February 1972 again. I hoped the "Standing Room only" will have at least some highlights from the April 1972 tour. Better: 2nd CD with complete concert ! Maybe Hampton Roads :-) Why is this so difficult, Mr. Jorgensen ??
mature_elvis_fan75 wrote on January 27, 2009
You ask why? Because we here at Ftd like to milk milk milk!
POLKfreak wrote on January 29, 2009
I will buy this BHaw FTD release "but" hope that it will come with a fancy super good 20 page booklet with lots of coloured photos in it. This is FTDs big opportunity !And their excuse to offset the enormous price increase of 30%..commercially speaking.Do strongly believe that their FTD sales are gonna hurt them as most of us are going to be faced with the crisis and can no longer spend so much on FTD product (while other labels are bringing better product bootlegs on the market at a lower price).Hurry up Ernst and bring us those missing studio and movie outtakes that we are longing for. Doncha' think it's time ?? Also do release very soon a Box with EonTour 72 CDs