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Sales Wooden Heart

February 08, 2005 | Music
Wooden Heart, the seventh of RCA’s Elvis Presley reissues, has got off to a strong start since its release yesterday, according to early retail reports. His recent chart fortunes, however, hint that the Presley reissues perform better at the start of the week due to hardcore fans snapping up copies, so U2’s Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own (Island) could trigger a turnabout at the summit by the final chart’s announcement on Sunday. Elsewhere in the singles market, Doves’ Black & White Town (Heavenly) looks set to debut within the Top 5, with Destiny’s Child (Columbia), Raghav (V2) and Noise Next Door (Us & Them) making a showing within the Top 10.
Source:Music Week
joemin wrote on February 08, 2005
Wish we had sales figures. It would seem there is marginally more availability this week..let's hope so. I would imagine sales would need to be near 35,000 this week to compete for #1.
SendToTodd wrote on February 08, 2005
I think it is about time for some realism to take hold of the situation here. Other record companies are not going to roll over and let Elvis Presley dominate the top of the charts. They have an army of marketing types whose job it is to see that their acts score high positions. If you take U2 not only will they have Island's team behind the project, but so too will U2's own management, which means that Bono's ugly-mug will be popping up on every telly programme. Now with Elvis you have EPE as the management arm who if we are honest don't give two-short-ones about Elvis' UK chart success, and although they will never admit it past performance is proof enough. You might ask, "Is there anything we can do?" I have to say that other than buying the singles, not a lot, apart from bullying your local radio station into getting some air-play. To give you an idea of what we are up against, last week, prior to release U2 scored 1,433 plays (and Eminem 1,440). Elvis is off the scale, but I would think no more than 100 plays nation-wide. BMG have stuck to their word and with "Wooden Heart" onwards there will be around 35,000 cds and 10,000 vinyl copies out there. And if you think that it should have happened a couple of weeks ago just take onboard the fact that the manufacturing process for a complex product like these very attractive singles is not instant. When these singles were first proposed, charting was all important, but no one, not even at BMG, thought that there would be a string of number one and number two chart positions. Now we as fans are expecting number 1s every time and as I said at the beginning other record companies promoting their acts are going to try to stop this happening because thats their job. Fan power has given Elvis this wonderful success in 2005, and long may it continue. What Elvis' success has done is made the music industry think again about the "single", a format which was almost dead and buried. Now everytone is talking about Elvis' success, so lets give thanks and forget the bitching. You know we need the support of BMG and the record retailers in future years. We don't want they to say, "Oh God not another Elvis release - forget it!" So when you buy your next Elvis single, take a minute and ask to see the boss and thank the store manager for stocking it. Your thanks could go a long long way, because I bet no one thanks him for anything these days. Todd Slaughter
joemin wrote on February 08, 2005
Todd, don't be angry with us for being greedy. No matter how much success Elvis has we will always want more. Elvis fans will deliver several more #1's if the product is on the shelves. Many fans are annoyed that AYLT cd's were kept in off the shelves last week, and are there now. #1 could have been achieved easily. This week there is sufficient demand for over 50,000 singles. If most of the 35,000 cd's and 10,000 vinyls get to the selves before saturday we wil have another #1, simple as that. My main concern is that there should be enough of A Little Less Converstaion available when the time comes. That will get airplay, and it will sell BIG.
pacer1965 wrote on February 08, 2005
All that airplay Eminen had and he only sold 996 more than Elvis.Thats one big joke. I dont expect Elvis to get to number one every week. But it would be nice to go in a record shop and beable to get these singles. I thought thats what the fan club wanted us to do on the week of release ! We all know EPE is rubbish.Did they answer your email Todd the one you sent to them. No luck with Wooden Heart for me this week again. I must be going in the wrong shops again. They do sell singles in record shops dont they (haha) ? Oh well i will try again at the end of the week.Happy hunting Elvis fans. I always so thank you to them.
Son Of Mark 64 wrote on February 08, 2005
In answer to todd I went to woolies yesterday and today no stock of wooden heart on cd and was told they dont stock vinyl whats this all about then
shakyelvis wrote on February 08, 2005
Mark R, Woolies have not stocked vinyl for over a decade. HMV and Virgin are the only outlets selling the 10", I believe. Anyway, moving on, does anyone know when the 10" singles will be available as I believe there were problems pressing it. My cd came today but my vinyl is still on special order. Hope they arrive by saturday morning. Long Live the King.
Tony C wrote on February 08, 2005
I agree with Todd, we should not be disappointed or angry when Elvis does not get to number one. Most of Elvis' singles released during his lifetime never made number one, which made it even more special when he did. One of the main problems is the amount of these records on sale on ebay before they are released. These copies do not count towards the chart. This is not the fault of BMG/Sony or EPE, they cannot stand guard over the boxes of records until the shops open on Monday morning!
ranger wrote on February 08, 2005
As U2's 'new' single is taken from their 'old' album, despite their perceived stature, I don't think copies of it will be flying off the shelf. It'll probably result in the album picking up extra sales rather than a No.1 single. It's a sobering thought but as U2's first (Irish) single was released in 1979 (I think) their recording career has now lasted about three more years than Elvis Presley's!
RobIreland wrote on February 08, 2005
Seems like all the Wooden Heart pressings were sent to Belfast this week, sorry but both Virgin and HMV had lots, got my vinyl too. I do agree with Todd, the bitchimg is getting a wee bit much, no matter what story is posted on Elvisnews theres a plathera of negative postings. Hey Elvis has always made us feel good so lets feel good about Elvis again !
data wrote on February 08, 2005
Radio stations don't play the Elvis singles, Eminem get's a lot of airplay and takes the number 1 because the Elvis singles are not in the shops. That is the only conclusion i can make, if a record sells the most it should be number 1 and Elvis could have done so. You can push your act as much as you want it is up to the people to buy the record. Up until now Elvis could have gone to number 1 five times he only made it 3 times, why because shops had no records or because they dit not want Elvis to make it to number 1. For me there is only one thing that counts, fair is fair. I repeat, i don't know and nobody will,how many singles could be sold if radio and TV dit for Elvis what they do for other acts in the charts.So in fact competition never was fair in the first place. And still Elvis made it to the top. So to ALL Elvis fans in the UK don't give up, you still can get him to number 1 a few times.
glynalone wrote on February 08, 2005
Todd, if you could point me in the direction of a store manager within fourty miles of my location here in North Wales who has stocks of any of the singles I'd gladly thank them. As of today such a store manager doesn't exist!
data wrote on February 08, 2005
There is an intresting story on the Elvis australia site. "Elvis the record sales debate" It gives you an idea why Elvis records dit not score higher in the US Billboard charts in the late 1960s and afther 1972.
ElFan wrote on February 08, 2005
Just a few thoughts: A few weeks ago we would have been over the moon with the thought that the first 5 singles would produce 3 #1 hits and 2 #2 hits. I know the stock situation is annoying, but something is going right somewhere along the line to produce the successes so far. I am more confident than ever that we will all eventually complete our box sets - and we will treasure them forever. It looks like the bottom has fallen out of the e-bay market. Most of the singles are now selling for only a fraction more than the shop price. Another week or two and the profiteers will give up completely. Wouldn't it be nice if BMG/SONY released a bonus single at the end of the campaign as a thank you to all the fans. It is too late to contemplate a 'remix' but a couple of strong tracks that have never been issued as a single before would work and perhaps produce one more 'monster' hit before the download charts come into force.
joemin wrote on February 08, 2005
Nice idea elfan. I'm hoping that there will be over 100,000 copies of A Little Less Conversation available, a sure-fired #1.
pacer1965 wrote on February 08, 2005
only got another 12 weeks to go and it will all be over.Thank god for that my heart cannot take the strain much longer.Anyone know what the sales are for Wooden Heart ? I dont think Elvis will get to number one this week. U2 will surely get it. I hope they sell 50,000 then I will feel alot happier.
data wrote on February 08, 2005
Again a good reason why BMG should start with a remix. The download charts, if they make a new sound we will also have a reaso to download Elvis music. So don't fall asleep BMG get some good people in and start working,and don't forget,promotion. Treat us Elvis fans nice.You can only win by doing so.
Lex wrote on February 09, 2005
I get a bit tired of those remix demands. It is obvious that Elvis' own versions are good enough to make big hits too. Rubberneckin' didn't do as well as the recent singles... Don't ruin anymore of them please! If you insist on a ruined Elvis song, screw them up yourself on your pc or such, or listen to Elvis in 1977 :-)
Eddie White wrote on February 09, 2005
Lex, ALLC was not ruined it was catapulted into modern stream music. You must be a dinosaur to think that Elvis music is ruined be focusing on re-mixes. Get your head out of the sand, wake up and listen to what Elvis fans are saying. I can tell you this, that when I last went to Graceland in 2002 nobody thought like you. Everyone loved the re-mix and this was endorsed by the record buying public. Lex wake up for Gods sake.
dailyone wrote on February 09, 2005
the new version of rubberneckin wasnt produced properly that is why it didnt sound so good but it did go well look at all the countries that it got into the charts and more important it got airplay not like the singles that are out today . allc was the greatest single ever produced by elvis , forget the sales look at how many countries it was number 1 . and how quickly it went on the charts and stayed . forget usa elvis there is a legend and a image as well as a recording artist and they go to graceland so not much money to spend on elvis . nothing is compared . bring on more of these singles please and they are produced better than elvis '
dailyone wrote on February 09, 2005
sorry irish elvis was so sick in the 70's and really bad music . i was there no one bought these albums then . i was hiding when i heard them . poor elvis his days were coming to an end and we didnt even was given a hint at all .
vegaselvisfan wrote on February 09, 2005
here in the usa, i am so excited to see elvis at the top of the charts. i bet it is exciting to hear him on the radio with an actual hit and not on an 'oldies' show. and then to go to a music shop and buy it (if you can find it!) i remember as a fan in the 70s i was so happy when i heard elvis on the radio, but yes, as the years went on, i didnt hear him as much. i do still vividly remember hearing Moody Blue being played a lot, climbing the charts -- just before Elvis died. Then of course, it became an big song because of his passing. Elfan, i like your idea of a special release at the end of this all. speaking of remixes, i loved rubberneckin' redone. i also VERY MUCH like Born to Rock, the remix of Cmon Everybody. i played that at a recent party and the El fans there went nuts! :) i used to hate the idea of remixes, but now that i can see how well done they can be, i'm for 'em, if the sound is 'true' to elvis. i would like to see BTR released as a radio hit. best regards from Las Vegas....
Julian Grant wrote on February 09, 2005
Never heard so much crap in my life eagleone: The Wonder Of You, Burning Love, My Boy, Promised Land, T-R-O-U-B-L-E, Moody Blue, Way Down, the entire TTWII album, Sylvia, the entire Elvis Country album, a great 'live' album in MSG not to mention Memphis 74' - Need I go on? Maybe you were listening to the Brotherhood Of Man, or Baccara and missed out! You wrote: Sorry irish elvis was so sick in the 70's and really bad music . i was there no one bought these albums then . i was hiding when i heard them . poor elvis his days were coming to an end and we didnt even was given a hint at all .
data wrote on February 09, 2005
To each his own, but for me a remix is the only way to get Elvis out of the spin of releasing time afther time the same thing. And it is nice to see the singles doing well but it ats nothing new. And for me the remixes where good look at rthe dance charts and they also had number 1 positions in sales in the US and gave Elvis music a chance with younger people. But as always you have pro's and contra's but i am sure we all wouls buy them or as i wrote before download them and this brings Elvis music to the year 2005. You have to keep up with the time nobody can stop it and this is a way to do it.
Lex wrote on February 09, 2005
I agree to disagree. But please don’t call me names, not that I can’t handle it, but it underlines the common opinion on Elvis fans so strongly. You never know who - besides us - might read this site. I do not like remixes, but I am guilty of making ALLC a hit too. Just for collecting reasons I bought 4 or 5 copies of the thing, but that doesn’t make me like it. Besides that I think ALLC wasn’t a hit by Elvis, but by Nike, because of a very strong ad campaign. I would say it was in spite of Elvis :-). To me those remixes are like putting arms on the Venus of Milo, or painting an ear on Van Gogh’s self portraits. Maybe this is a wrong example, since most fellow fans probably have no idea what I’m talking about. Taking Elvis into main stream music is a hell of a fall to me.
joemin wrote on February 09, 2005
The only thing that matters on Elvis music is the Elvis voice. All the backing voices, backing music, mixing etc. are just packaging for the voice. A Little Less Conversation is the same voice, just packaged differently. Most of the 60's stuff sounds dated because of how it is "packaged". That appeals to millons, including me, and that is fine. But there are 10's of millions who would enjoy Elvis singing much, much more if new backing music was added. There is no question that ALLC and RN benefitted enormously from the remix, the origonal music did not do justice to Elvis' voice. Remixes are going to happen. Either Sony/BMG will do them, or another company will do them in a few years when the copyright expires.
shaneleebrown wrote on February 09, 2005
I have to say that I often don't agree with what is written on these boards, although I do find the comments interesting. However, there are some problems here with the whole reissued singles saga. Firstly, half of the reason why these singles are doing so well, is that many Elvis fans want to have everything that is ever released - it doesn't matter if they have the same tracks twenty times over or not. I, for one, am not going to spend my hard earned cash on tracks I have on numerous compilations. For collectors they are great, no denying it. However, the interest in collecting them is now not so great as they aren't as much of a limited issue as they were intended to be! Also, without a doubt, many fans are buying up more than one copy, which is probably making it look as if more people are buying these singles than really are. Don't get me wrong, it's great to see Elvis at the top of the charts, and to get the 1000th number one was extremely apt and a great achievement. However, times have moved on and when this current run of reissues has finished, Elvis will be out of the news and public eye once more. It's the way of the world. The man is simply not around to publicise his material and, what's more, classic hits though they may be, they are not going to be bought by many people other than the die-hard fans. Although I am relatively open-minded about the whole remix thing, at least ALLC made Elvis once more a driving force in modern pop music - something which these reissues are not doing. This was a record that made youngsters sit up and take notice as it showed them that Elvis had a place in the modern charts, rather than being there simply through nostalgia.
ElFan wrote on February 09, 2005
Good points Shaneleebrown. I would like to know exactly how many numbered copies of each single has been pressed - can anyone help? It looks like Sony/Bmg will have sold close to 500,000 singles by the end of the campaign. That is an excellent result in todays market. On another post somebody mentioned that Bing Crosby had 39 #1 hits in the USA. I have to tell you that the majority of those were for sales of sheet music and not actual records. Elvis still leads the way in America with 17 or 18 #1 hits - depending on which chart you use.
Jim Semple wrote on February 09, 2005
I was in Birmingham this morning, and absolutely nothing still, they just laughed when I asked ! I'll be the first to pat the manager on the back Todd...when I actually get to buy something ! The point is, its not rocket science surely, to produce another 20, 000 copies or so, for the records that are due out in say, 3 to 4 weeks time, that will give the record company enough time. We can't keep going on like this every single week. PS - Shaneleebrown - good comments, I agree.
PaulFromFrance wrote on February 09, 2005
Lex, you wrote: "To me those remixes are like putting arms on the Venus of Milo, or painting an ear on Van Gogh’s self portraits.". I'm sure you don't believe me, but I understand what you mean. :-) May I add: "It's like colorizing 'Love me Tender', 'Jailhouse Rock', or 'King Creole'" ? Ok, I'm stupid to think someone could do this, because it would show a total contempt for authors and artists who created this work. Sounds impossible, isn't ?
Lex wrote on February 09, 2005
Paul, you are one of very few over here who I believe when saying that... (geez, that I say that to a Frenchman :-)). I totally agree, but I bet "they" will say "but Elvis would have loved it" (as if they can read the mind of a guy who's dead for almost three decades) and throw in phrases like "walk a mile in my shoes". Well, that's life.
data wrote on February 09, 2005
Well Lex why do you buy a FTD record, that is also not the way Elvis would have liked it. And why do you keep on buying the same things over and over again, for the new foto on the cover? Do you believe Elvis would have liked the idea of alt. takes on albums?Do you believe music from classic composers is always played in the same way, it is how the conducter feels it and he tells the orchestra how to play it. Elvis had producers for that part of the record, so why not have a young producer make a new backing for Elvis songs? The voice is there and will always stay but the music, i don't see a reason why it can not be updated. As i told you before, it is never so that all fans will agree, but you will buy it just as you buy everything els and it is the only way to get younger people more interested in the Presley music. And you also get something new, some you like some you don't , that's live.
joemin wrote on February 09, 2005
"To me those remixes are like putting arms on the Venus of Milo, or painting an ear on Van Gogh’s self portraits"?? Nothing could be further from the truth.. A better analogy would be the Mona Lisa, which has had its Frame changed on numerous occassions through the centuries. In fact it is on display in a way Leonardo would never have imagined. But the basic painting is still the same. That is what is special. Just as Elvis voice is what matters, not the music....
Elvis girl wrote on February 09, 2005
I agree with pacer1965. it would be VERY nice and would also be a novelty to walk into a record shop and find copies of these singles on the shelves. I have still had no luck in getting copies of AYLt or Wooden Heart. my husband checked the record shops in Cambridge first thing Monday morning and had no luck, i shall try again at the end of the week. fingers crossed!!
PaulFromFrance wrote on February 09, 2005
Data: There is a difference. And a huge one. I don't know if Elvis would have loved FTD releasing alternate takes, and to tell you the truth: I don't care. What I care: do they alter these takes ? Do they change something ? If yes, I don't agree, if no, I'm happy to hear them. Lex and I, we're talking about someone altering someone else's work. You talk about classical music, but this is not the same problem. If (and this is a big IF) Mozart had recorded a symphony, it would be a crime to change something in this record. BUT, any artist can interpret this symphony the way he wants. I don't want someone adding any instrumental gimmick to the Elvis version of "Hound dog" to make it more "trendy", but I don't care if an artist wants to sing this song his way. He can change the tempo, the words, whatever he wants. And, by the way, this is what Elvis did: take a song already recorded by another artists, and make it his own. He did this often (even for "Hound dog"). This is an artist work, and it has nothing to do with altering a record. Hope I make things clearer.
Lex wrote on February 09, 2005
Joemin, I agree with you about the frame... that's why I don't mind if they re-release something in a different cover, or even new compilation. As long as they keep their hands off of the original art (= Elvis' version of a song). Data: Anyone who read more about Elvis than tabloids and cd-booklets knows that E was very much involved in the producing of most his records. And, no, I do not care what Elvis might have thought about it. I only know there were several outtakes released during his life. If he had really bothered he would have done something about it, I guess.
phantom3428 wrote on February 09, 2005
All I can say is..if you don't like it, then don't buy it. It's that simple. If you want the original songs then listen to the original albums, if you want the remixes then listen to them too. It's almost the same as people who moan about violence or sex on TV...just switch it off. The remix is not changing the original music permanently(as in the analogy of adding arms to statues etc), the originals are there to buy, it's personal taste, there is no right or wrong in this argument.
Jim Semple wrote on February 09, 2005
We need to find something that will appeal to the younger generations coming through, this is the vital area. Yes these Number Ones and Twos chart hits have been great to see, but only hardcore Elvis fans have bought them, I doubt very much if anyone else has (mind you, some of us still can't get them ourselves!). I think Elvis and an orchestra or something similar, would be a disaster myself. Who would that appeal to ? I'll tell you, the same 28,000 of us hardcore fans who buy the singles every week !. For me, the route to go down, and I stress, at limited intervals, is Re-mixes. ALLC was an absolute worldwide smash, and was played on every station, every dance floor, you name it. Yes, of course it helped, when its tied in with the World Cup and NIKE, but come on, it was Elvis's talent that shone through and made people go out and buy it. Personally, this re-release campaign, I think has been a shambles. You can make mistakes with sales estimates on week 1 or week 2, but its getting beyond a joke now. We can't get any radio play, EPE refuse video footage, and most importantly, the vast majority of youngsters who we want to try and convert into liking Elvis, hate his music even more now (different story perhaps, if EPE were not such idiots, and would allow some 68 footage to be shown etc). I don't agree with Todd, when it comes to promotion etc, its been generally appalling throughout the years, which is a great shame. PS - If you think Im an idiot for moaning when Elvis has had 3 number 1s and 2 number 2s, put it into perspective. Its the quietest time of the year for record sales, the quality of music in the charts, is at an absolute low, and its only us, 20,000 - 30,000 hardcore fans snapping up the records. Yes it looks great from a '''chart success scenario'', but come on, it hasn't taken an awful lot to do. We must look at the bigger picture and bring new generations to Elvis's music, its absolutely essential.
ranger wrote on February 09, 2005
I'm also very dubious about re-mixes. Why on earth do recordings from the 50s and 60s need updating? The absolute Golden Age of popular music is the 50s and the 60s. The recording values since then, especially in the abysmal 1980s, beggar belief. If people want to listen to recordings with no resonance, which sound like they were recorded inside a baked-bean tin, let them. I'm sure Madonna will be only too pleased to oblige. I feel better now.
phantom3428 wrote on February 09, 2005
Well said Jim, I totally agree with every word you've written
Lex wrote on February 09, 2005
I think the whole thought of new fans because of remixes is very much overrated. The average teenager that loved ALLC will be disappointed by the real art. I know there will be some that become fan, but overall the "gain" will be pretty low. A teenager that gets interested because of the original work has a much bigger chance to get "conquered" by the rest of Elvis' work. Besides that, I don't really give a damn about new fans. I guess the bottom of interesting material is more or less reached, so what is the use of new fans? There won't be more intesting releases because of them...
data wrote on February 09, 2005
First of all Lex, i don't need lessons about what Elvis dit or dit not do in his live, i know it all. And don't give me a lesson about Van Gogh or anything els, who do you thik you are my tutor, forget it. I like a remix and so do a lot of other fans. I don't care what you think about it you keep in your world and i 'll live in mine. And i am going to tell you something to, anyone who read more than tabloids should know that Elvis dit not even know what records of him where out there in shops only the colonel and the wise guys from RCA dit and they used it all, just because it was Elvis, not because they where interested in making a good album. Don't try to tell me anything about Elvis because you will have to stay a long way behind.
data wrote on February 09, 2005
And to Jim Semple i could not have told it better. That is also what i believe, you can not go on and on milking the same cow. ALLC was good and new, and for those who like the old version , it was on the record to so why complain about it.
data wrote on February 09, 2005
Well Lex it seems you don't care about anything, So why bother about what Lex thinks he could not care less. For those who do care,come on BMG start working with some good producers and give us a great remixe.
Crawfish wrote on February 09, 2005
Hey what's all this arguing about! The title of this particular section is: Sales Wooden Heart: so let's not get too personal and stick with the subject. Getting far too bitchy lately but Lex how can you say you don't give a damn about new fans! That is a bad reflection on an Elvis fan! Whilst you are entitled to your opinion you sound too angry to think things through properly, in MY opinion! We all still want to see Elvis at No. 1 surely; we should be here for him as he was for us.
PaulFromFrance wrote on February 09, 2005
What I think is that we don't need other new fans attracted by crap like ALLC. They will never love the real thing anyway. I wonder if they alter Louis Armstong or Ella Fitzgerald work, just to please the Rap generation. For some people here, Elvis is a product. For me, he is an Artist. This make a difference. How sad !
Bert wrote on February 09, 2005
Paul it would have been nice of you if you had said in your opinnion, cause 99% of people in here dont share your point of view. Spinout if those other singles are readily available but the current one isnt , well theres something up, what are thos chaps up to i wonder?
joemin wrote on February 09, 2005
Hey, lighten up!! These are great times. Lex/Paulfrom France, ALLC is the reason these singles are doing so well now. Rememeber suspicious minds was released as a limited edition prior to ALLC and it barely scraped in at #15. The fanbase is much stronger now, lapsed fans have come back into the fold.
Lex wrote on February 09, 2005
Spinout: oh, is that Rob_Irish banned? What a loss! And FYI I have Elvis In Concert, already had it back in '77, and I DID listen to it. That's the way I formed my opinion. I don't judge by the name and think... oh it is Elvis so it must be good. Same goes for the remixes. I do not argue for the sake of it, I do have an opinion and I am entitled to give it. I can't help that others can't disagree without getting nasty. And Crawfish, I am not angry... I'm just having a good time. But I really do not see why we need new fans, certainly not if they are all shouting for remixes. ;-)
joemin wrote on February 09, 2005
Has anyone heard any sales figures for Wooden Heart??
Lex wrote on February 09, 2005
Joemin, Suspicious Minds did not as good because there were more concurrents back then.
data wrote on February 09, 2005
Well PAul from France? Elvis made albums during his live i believe you got them all. And the way they are produced on the album is the way Elvis wanted you to hear them, that is i think what you believe, well since you have them all keep playing them and why should RCA BMG even bother to put a new Elvis album in the shops. We fans have it all. Elvis made sometimes 10, 20, 30 and more takes of one song and decided to put take 2 on the record, so that was his chioce, why should you buy an FTD record,that is or are not the takes Elvis wanted you to hear. I always liked the FTD records for fans but if you look at it from an artistic point of vieuw, those takes where not the ones Elvis wanted you to hear and not what came out on the original record. You don't believe in the power of a remix, i do. I will buy them and i believe a lot of other fans and if promotion is good a lot of other people and radiostations will play the records. You don't believe other people will keep on buying the same things over and over again just because there is a new pic of Elvis on the cover like fans do, do you. If you do , well i don't.
data wrote on February 09, 2005
Rob Irish banned, well that is a shame, i don't always agree with Rob but he has some great ideas and i believe we think about a lot of things the same way. I hope he will be back soon. Rob , from me to you all the best and hope to hear from you soon here on ELvis news.
Bert wrote on February 09, 2005
data i agree wif u, rob has some great remix ideas and i dont think Lex has ever had an idea, just my opinion.
data wrote on February 09, 2005
Yes and i like it,and keep up the good work. To me it still is Elvis.
pacer1965 wrote on February 09, 2005
Anyone know the sales of Wooden Heart this week ? They seem to be keeping a bit quiet about the sales this week.Did you notice how nice the papers were to Elvis when ALLC got to no 1.And this year since these singles came out the papers have been saying horrible things about Elvis instead in the uk. I like the remix of ALLC and I know alot of the younger generation liked it as well.Its great to dance too.At least Nike advertised this single because we dont get no help from EPE or BMG do we ? And radio one loved it as well thats a first for them.As somebody said it is still Elvis' vocals and thats the thing what matters the most.
Lex wrote on February 09, 2005
RU Serious? Yes I am! I wish ElvisNews would keep a closer eye on their guidelines. They should remove every contribution that starts rambling about remixes again, if it has nothing to do with the topic ;-). I know, I know, I contributed that way too... but I think someone must show that not all Elvis fans are frustrated.
data wrote on February 09, 2005
DEAR Lex take a good look in the mirror. There is only one frustrated person here, you will see him looking back at you in that mirror. A good advice smile.
pacer1965 wrote on February 09, 2005
Maybe they should do a remix of Wooden Heart ( lol )
Lex wrote on February 09, 2005
Nope, way too afraid the mirror will break. But I am not the one complaining about conspiricies from the shops, Sony-BMG, EPE or whoever...
data wrote on February 09, 2005
Why oh why Lex should you complain , YOU DON'T CARE remember.
Bert wrote on February 09, 2005
Elvisnews I have an offical complaint to make, This LEX?PAUL person is ruining this site for the regulars. I would like to request this person is removed as he is hindering the progress of the forum. Does anyone else agree with me on this ?
data wrote on February 09, 2005
And Lex you have an open mind? But Elvis news should remove everything YOU don't like. A lot of dictators think the same way.
Loesje wrote on February 09, 2005
No Bert, please don't ask such a thing! I enjoy this argument very much!! I thought only women were capable of these kind of comments :-))
Loesje wrote on February 09, 2005
Hey Data, when you start like that...who is the dictator then?
Lex wrote on February 09, 2005
Data: I am only pointing out the guidelines ElvisNews put on themselves: rule #1 (!) There is no relation with the article. In my humble opinion remixes doesn't have a thing to do with the sales of Wooden Heart. Bert: I know there are a lot of schizophrenic people in the Elvis-world, but I am not. Paul is from France, and I am NOT. And this is not a forum, you can find them on that other great Elvis-site, For CD Collectors Only...
Loesje wrote on February 09, 2005
Let's go back to this topic: I always have hated Wooden Heart. It's even worse than June 26th, 1977.
PaulFromFrance wrote on February 09, 2005
Bert, I don't know if 99% of the people don't agree with me, and to be honest, this is not a problem, because I feel good in the 1% group. ;-) Sometimes 1% is right and 99% are wrong. May I add the, often (not allways, don't be afraid), the majority is wrong ? So, telling me 99% think otherwise is the worst reason you can invoke. I've just wrote the way I feel about those infamous remixes, nothing more. Do you think that because I'm in this 1%, I have to shut my mouth ? What about people asking to ban people not thinking like them ? Hell, this "politically correct" thing is devastating!
Lex wrote on February 09, 2005
Loesje: I happen to like Wooden Heart. Not that I think it is among Elvis' best, but still... it is a catchy tune. Too bad it has German in it :-), but even that can't really ruin it for me. I can name tons of worse Elvis songs, like e.g. the remixed version of A Little Less Conversation :-D
data wrote on February 09, 2005
Don't ban Lex, i love him , he is afther all an Elvis fan. But there are a few things we disagree on. Lex want's no new fans, he just don't care. I would like to see Elvis gain new fans. Lex is not interested if the singles are in shops or not,he thinks it is stupid of fans to complain about it,and promotion, Lex he just don't care. I would like to see Elvis getting a fair chance to get to number 1, and if it could be and sales put him there well i like to see him there 18 times,but as it is, well we all know how it is. Lex loves Elvis records as they are, no need for new things or maybe the 120th new compilation. But he has got all records and also the Elvis Bible.And in fact he just don't care. I love a remix because it brings something new, i don't believe all of them will be good but i believe the idea is good. But afther all this i still love the man because he is an Elvis fan. We just don't see things the same that's all.
data wrote on February 09, 2005
Loesje i am not the one that want's Elvis news to print only what i want. And look at my first two pieces here, what are they about, SALES and the reaso why Elvis can not get to number one, to me this has all to do whit sales. I just respond to a man that want's it all his way, and in fact he just don't care. Why make any comment about something if you don't care. And those are his words not mine.
data wrote on February 09, 2005
We are not asking you to shud up.We just want to give something a chance , you are the ones that don't like it, so don't do it. How can you say something about something that is not even there. A lot of people liked ALLC , you dit not so OK. But that is no reason why there should not come a new one for all the ones that do like a remix. And looking at SALES of wooden heart, i see still a lot of fans complaining about the same thing, they are not in the shops. WHY because shop keepers wil not sell it now or because BMG holds them back.
Lex wrote on February 09, 2005
Data: I do care, only not about new fans. And I don't want it my way (wasn't that a song?), but I only pointed out the guidelines of this site... I think you just reversed one of my expressions in a way that I did not tell it. 1. I did not say I do not want new fans. I only said that they are of no use to me... from my point of view. I am interested in new Elvis-things, and I am afraid there is not much "new". 2. I love it if Elvis makes another #1 with an original version. I just don't see a conspiracy theory here. I pretty much agree with Todd's statement earlier. BMG never wanted to have another 17 number one hits, they "just" wanted to have a good promotion campaign... and you can't say they don't have that. 3. I love new things, as long as they are not altered, and are really done by Elvis. I do care, but I just don't expect there is much left. Sorry. Those remix versions have nothing to do with Elvis. They are done by people I would avoid at any time. I have, besides Elvis, a pretty large CD collection... all those released after 1990 are by artists like Elton John, Tom Jones, Eric Clapton and such... people that were there for a long time. I just don't like the rubbish that is popular nowadays... and I think those remixes belong to that category. And I happily disagree with you and your club, but I still think I am right about those guidelines :-) 4. I love you too.
data wrote on February 09, 2005
Look at the things Lex put in his comments. He thinks ELvis fans or at least some are stupid(mostly those who don't agree with him),because he believes they don't know Van Gogh or the Venus from Milo. He is the man that knows everything about Elvis. And now he even tell's us there are schizophrenic fans among us. Not my words but his.
data wrote on February 09, 2005
Well Lex than we can all go to bed because there is nothing new anymore. Only take number 16 of , and i repeat that is not how Elvis would have liked it because he wanted number5.
Lex wrote on February 09, 2005
Data: it's indeed time for you to go to bed, I can't follow a thing of your rambling. I am really disappointed you start to think for our man, like I was afraid for. You forgot to mention "Walk A Mile In My Shoes" or such. P.S. I bet you copied and pasted "schizophrenic" :-)
data wrote on February 09, 2005
Why should i not copie the master. And there is a reason why you don't understand me, just start by looking at all you put here. I only repeat your words, before you chance them. I dit not say all those things , you dit. Why i do not know because first you just don't care and afther awhile you do. Lex there is something on a church tower do you know what it is? It turns like the wind. But remember this , afther all i do love you, why, because you are an Elvis fan. Good night.
Lex wrote on February 09, 2005
Am I disrupting this site?? I always thought I was one of those that makes it possible... P.S. I do know now where all those Irish jokes come from :-)
data wrote on February 10, 2005
I like a man that believes in himself. Amen
Lex wrote on February 10, 2005
Data: follow your own advise... go to bed! :-)
Lex wrote on February 10, 2005
Spinout: I think ridiculous refers to your spelling and grammar?
pacer1965 wrote on February 10, 2005
Are you going to insult any more countrys lex ? You have insulted german and british fans.Is there anymore countrys you want to add to your list ?
John4126 wrote on February 10, 2005
You've got to hand it to JimSemple - the voice of reason amongst others who seem to have lost the plot. The only people buying these discs are exsiting fans - the general public arent interested. If they are they would be better advised to buy the new love cd or 30 no 1's cd. These releases were limited edition that initially were bought up by those who saw an opportunity to sell on ebay to make a fast buck thereby strangling the opportuntity for most to buy from the shops thereby adding to the collectibility/rarity value. Press 35,000 copies - BMG won't sell them all. I for one have been fortunate enough to get hold of copies of the cd's but if they werent limited edition and thereby collectible - i wouldnt have bothered. After all how many times do i want these tracks?
pacer1965 wrote on February 10, 2005
I agree John if these singles were not limited edition they would not have sold so many.But I am sure we will all fill our boxes. I hope you dont mind me saying but I would still have wanted them anyway because I like the design of them.I am not collecting the vinyls.I am only collecting the cds.I have plenty of the original vinyls
Eddie White wrote on February 10, 2005
Lex, Having a PhD in psycology, after reading your postings, I conclude that you are a very troubled and tormented person as regards Elvis. My advice is to be tolerant of other people's attitudes and don't embed yourself in your own misconceptions. You are obviously caught up in your own flawed opinions and would argue that Elvis should remain in the last century along with your dusty record collection. You, are, of course entitled to your distorted views, but don't expect me or others to be sucked in. I hope you don't find what I have said to be offensive. I do hope, however, that you will be happy with your old 78"s and don't forget to change the needle.
John4126 wrote on February 10, 2005
I know there are fans who collect all sorts of things for all different reasons. That's what so good about being an Elvis fan - so much to collect. I just get down when the estate cant get their act together and provide video footage and we get 30 seconds of the song played on totp. - it's no wonder a lot of people ridicule Elvis and his fans. My colleagues at work think it's all a big joke - they happen to be beatles fans and are content with their place in musical history and their obvious influence. Why does the Elvis world always get it wrong?
Eddie White wrote on February 10, 2005
John, Just tell your mop head colleagues that Elvis has outsold the Beatles worldwide. For instance,he has just beaten their record of the most number of weeks on the UK album chart and he has five singles in the top 40 singles chart. Countless other record breaking facts you can research for yourself. It's only Paul McCartney who headlines today and he's past his sell by date. The Beatles, of course have a huge fan base, I am sure Paul McCartney would acknowledge Elvis as his raison d'etre.
ranger wrote on February 10, 2005
Watched the Ireland v Portugal game last night; I think I should have stayed on this web-site! Did anyone get any sleep? As I suggested earlier I'm not mad keen on re-mixes, but I guess I'm not that concerned; and as someone commented, the original versions of ALLC and Rubberneckin' were on the singles. Please bring back rob-irish, he puts a different slant on things and, as he's in Belfast, he's one of the few people who seems to be getting the singles quite easily! One final word on re-mixes.... did anyone catch the Stones' 'Sympathy For The Devil' re-mixes last summer? In my opinion they were very poor.
Lex wrote on February 10, 2005
Pacer: I did not insult countries, certainly not Great Brittan, that happens to be my favourite country. If I refer to Irish jokes because of the behaviour of a couple of guys, that’s not insulting a country. The same goes for a remark about a language in a song. Enlighten a bit, please! Eddie: “Having a PhD in psycology”, funny you don’t even know how to spell it. But thanks for the good laugh! It’s amazing how many people mix up being a patient and being the doctor :-). FYI my record collection is not dusty, I have no 78s, and you don’t have to bother about my needle. You are completely entitled to your views… it looks like others can’t handle my views and need to get personal about it. John: you are so right… the 99% majority (?) over here shows why :-)
PaulFromFrance wrote on February 10, 2005
Ranger: I didn't heard the remix of "Sympathy for the Devil", but as far as I know, Mick and Keith are alive. So they are entitled to do what they want with their music. Anyway, as you state, the result is not as good as the original. When, almost 30 years after a singer passed away, some businessmen alter his work, it's another matter for me. Nothing more.
Crawfish wrote on February 10, 2005
This is getting ridiculous. I seriously think that Lex, if you can't take criticism then don't dish it. We should all be friends and more importantly friends of Elvis together. Whether you like it or not Lex, and I too prefer the original Elvis tracks and I too, as most of us, had the originals as and when they were issued (but don't feel the need to brag about it), but the new fans are the next generation of fans and bring Elvis to their attention IS important; we must just try to channel it the proper way. Don't waste this fabulous site on slagging fellow fans. It's way too personal at the moment. Sorry!
Crawfish wrote on February 10, 2005
AND PS: This section is for reviewing/discussing the sales of Wooden Heart!
Viva wrote on February 10, 2005
God, I'm enjoying this, really gets the blood flowing through the veins, but try to tone down the personal attacks on each other - it's getting messy. I will be amazed if WH gets to no1, but extremely happy if it does. Please tell me Rob_Irish isn't banned, he was the only one who agrees with me. Occasionaly. Actually, probably never, but I did like reading his comments. Surely nothing he wrote is as offensive as some of the abuse submitted here? Remixes: Elvis's releases were tampered with and altered without Elvis's approval on many occasions, and he got livid about it. Remixes are great if done right, the key is not to change the song too much, just beef up the bass and drums a bit; that's all they did with ALLC, the song actually changed very little, so what's the problem? they only used technology which wasn't available in Elvis' day. If it was, he would have used it himself.
PaulFromFrance wrote on February 10, 2005
Viva: You assume that Elvis would have recorded songs the way ALLC was done? This is allways the same story: fans who believe they know what Elvis would do if he was alive. You really have a bad opinion about his talent, if you serious think what you say. You're kidding, aren't you ? I think Elvis never would have reached this low level.
Viva wrote on February 10, 2005
Are you seriously suggesting that Elvis would not have developed his music along with the rest of the world? With that way of thinking then Elvis would not have used any of the gadgetry used on numbers such as Way Down, or the overdubbs used on the moody blue version of "Unchained Melody". I'm afraid it is you who has a low opinion of Elvis' talent by suggesting he would not have broken new ground in his recordings. Also, you are as guilty of pretending to know what Elvis would have done if he was alive as anyone else on the planet. I won't say any more on this as that is not the subject of this news item. I suggest you do the same.
LuckyJackson wrote on February 10, 2005
C'mon Guys, enough of all the arguing! Jim Semple, try HMV in Solihull, they have had a good selection of cds and vinyls this week, including Wooden Heart:-) P.S Bring back Rob Irish!
dailyone wrote on February 11, 2005
whew it is all happening here . because elvis music has so much variety i can understand the content . this is good to get it off your chest . the music must change for the future . wooden heart is a great tune for adulsts , teens and the children . come on get it to number 1
dailyone wrote on February 11, 2005
just to break it up how would you like a remix of wooden heart by ixl . its just a laugh lighten up .
Elvisrocks wrote on February 11, 2005
Elvis is not getting to number one as they aren't making enough and , if they made more he would have a much better chance of getting to number one, as even dedicated fans like me can't get hold of them , then casual fans or people who just like the songs , who would probably buy the single if it was there are missing out
ranger wrote on February 12, 2005
I've only seen four copies of 'Wooden Heart' this week, and they were all sold out by 9.10am on Monday. As I'm going into London this morning I'll be checking the various major stores there. The U2 single is everywhere, with an offer of three copies for £6 (CD1, CD2 & the DVD versions) in HMV; presumably all counting towards the chart. This is as unbalanced as Chelsea's transfer policy. I've never known the record industry to be so backward in coming forward; the bottom line is that many people cannot purchase a product that they are fully prepared to buy! They have their £3.99 ready. Wasn't the situation better when, if you wanted a record, there was only one version of it (eg. Jumpin' Jack Flash, Waterloo Sunset, Like A Rolling Stone etc. etc.)and you could find it in your local high street? Just a thought. Lex rubbished the idea that the chart is being rigged. How could anyone possibly come to any other conclusion?
Viva wrote on February 12, 2005
It doesn't look as if WH will get to No1. Why? Because not enough people liked it? Because it was beaten fair and square in the sales? Alas, once again the answer is no. The singles are not there to be bought, and those that are, are hidden in the store rooms while every other new release is given ample shelf space and massive visibility. This is just criminal. Being beaten fair and square is fine. Being robbed makes me sick to the pit of my stomach.