September FTDs

GI Blues 2 is the one I have been waiting for. When it comes out i will get it and catch up on some of the older titles i don't have yet. Moody Blue is a good idea also. Happy news for me.

I figured that these two releases were eminent . I'll be buying both of these . Not many release left to go in the Classic Album series . I would guess that Blue Hawaii Vol 2 will come out soon. I can't think of any others that Sony has enough alternate takes for a release as a Classic Album. Maybe ELVIS - the second album fom 1956 ? Anyone have any ideas on the future of this series?

Lou - I don't believe there will be a Vol. II of "Blue Hawaii. I think that set is well-represented by the one that FTD put together and released. As far as future releases, I was told nearly two years ago that a "Flaming Star" soundtrack was set to go. If that's so (based on the recent "Stay away Joe" release), there could still be soundtrack releases for "Change of Habit", and a set for each "The Trouble With Girls" & "Live A Little, Love A Little." Then, there's the soundtrack to "Elvis in Concert." What else ? Who knows ? Possibly a two CD set that has both stand-up shows from the '68 Comeback Special. Speaking of possible releases, I've always been told that the reels for "Roustabout" are missing. If that's so, does anyone know where the outtakes that we have for "little Egypt" and the title song came from ?

I didn't even touch on the September releases in my prior post. I think that "Moody Blue" will make for a good set. I look forward to seeing if Vic or Sebastian can clean up Felton's gawd awful mix of "It's Easy For You." Also, who can argue with "Way Down", Pledging My Love", and of course the title track. I also look forward to some of the outtakes of the up-tempo version of "She Thinks I Still Care." Hopefully, the track-listing will be released over the next few days. As far as "GI Blues", it's a super soundtrack that belongs on the shelf of all fans. It states a third undecided release as well - I'd be shocked to see another soundboard coming so soon on the heels of the great "On Tour 1974" release. Perhaps, the soundtrack to "Flaming Star" will finally see the light of day. It would make sense, chronologically speaking, being released alongside "GI Blues."

Dont forget hopefully a third possible Memphis 69 outing may be on the cards!!!

For those who have the Jungle room series, there won't be anything new.. except for some live tracks perhaps...

After Moody Blue I think the following titles are missing in the classic albums series: Elvis (1956), King Creole, Flaming Star, Roustabout, Kissin' Cousins, Speedway, Elvis In Concert. Plus the soundtrack titles mentioned below. I am very much looking forward to the release of these titles:-)

...and I can't see any reason why the Aloha and MSG shows should be released by FTD after the treatment these releases have got on the Legacy editions. Nothing more to add... The 1968 Comeback Special though...

Agree with Jerome re Moody Blue. Would be a good opportunity to use any unreleased versions from the Spring tour shows from '77 as there are only 6 studio songs to play with re undubbed masters and outtakes. Not much to look forward to but these recordings did form part of the original album. As for the 3rd FTD, I personally wouldn't mind seeing another live outing because there are still some tours not yet documented such as the March, August/September and November '76 tours or On Tour April '72 and there's the 2-discs from the 'Fashion' book, even another classic bootleg re-release. Personally I would love to hear another SB from the August '73 including the Aug 20 M/S. Just not another nothing release like 'Hits of the '70's'.

Hello, on the 'Moody Blue' title I hope they feel at liberty to include 'Let Me Be There' shorn of the terrible fake audience overdubs from the 1970s. I know historical accuracy is desirable, but the repetition of horrendous errors of judgment really isn't obligatory. Make yourselves look smart, FTD.

Hampton Roads, Greensboro, or Richmond from the "On Tour" shows would make for a fine release.

"Moody Blue" was one of those LP's I heard only through my brother's purchase back in the day, originally. I never purchased it my self on vinyl but did on CD when it was released commercially. There are 2 songs I really liked on this album; "It's Easy For You" and "She Thinks I Still Care". I do, in fact, have the FTD Jungle Room issue and other various outtakes as released thru the years. I just wonder how many additional outtakes are really out there which we haven't heard before? The mention of the "Elvis" album on FTD would be nice but there's nothing out there which is new at this stage; RCA having erased most of the outtakes from those sessions. I, like a few others in this column and now at age 68, really wonder is this the end of FTD's run? Sad, but true, I'm starting to realize, unfortunately.

Orion, Smile – This is my list of possible future FTD release. Some of Elvis’ official albums featured compilations (For LP fans only, A date with Elvis, Elvis for everyone,etc) so these could still be released with modifications to make the collection complete. I would not put the Flaming star LP in my list since most of the tracks were released on other issues, and with the official Flaming star soundtrack release, this would create a duplicate title. 1 -Elvis (2nd album) 1956 – with any outtakes available + bonus track: the complete TV Guide interview 2 -Love me tender EP – bonus: Anyway you want me: +Interview done on the set 3 -Christmas album - with any outtakes available + outtakes from the 4 gospel songs (Peace in the valley, etc). 4 -King Creole – with all outtakes this time (including the duet on Crawfish) 5 -For LP fans only - replace the original songs with all of Elvis’s single release from the 50s not on an album, with whatever outtakes are available. 6 -A date with Elvis (In Germany) – Modify the title, and replace the original songs with the complete home recordings from Germany. Added bonus could include interviews in Germany (the phone interview with Dick Clark) for example. 7 -Flaming star soundtrack 8 -Kissin’ cousins soundtrack - with any available outtakes 9 -Roustabout soundtrack - with any available outtakes 10 -Elvis for everyone (1965) - replace the original songs with fans favorite (or any other idea). 11 -Speedway soundtrack - with any available outtakes 12 -Live a little, love a little soundtrack 13 -The 1968 Special – the original album + a compilation of all live shows. If they could find the interview that was done to promote the show, that would be an incredible bonus track! 14 -The trouble with girls soundtrack + bonus track: Charro! 15 -Change of habit soundtrack 16 -The 3rd Memphis album 17 -Live at MSG (with the other 2 MSG shows already out on bootleg). They could make an alternate cover with the great Adonis jumpsuit. 18 -Aloha from Hawaii – the 2 shows, 5 bonus songs + they could add the press conferences. 19 -Welcome to my world - replace the original songs with more home recordings which still haven’t been released. 20 -Elvis in concert (1977) – this should be the last official Classic album release. I know some release would have very few outtakes, but they still deserve the FTD Classic album release in the 7”format with booklet. TCB

Toubleman I agree with your list, but I think that they should not REPLACE, but merely augment the tracks on For LP Fans Only, A Date With Elvis and Elvis For Everyone. I also think A Date With Elvis and For LP Fans Only could get the Legacy Edition treatment, with additional non LP tracks from the 50s. Examples are Let Me, I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine, Don't Leave Me Now (Jailhouse rock version) the EP mix of Lover Doll, etc.

Not that I'm trying to lobby for a release of "Flaming Star", but I think a few of you are confusing this title with the Camden release that had the title song on it. I'm taking about a soundtrack release with "Flaming Star," Black Star", "Summer Kisses, Winter Tears", "Britches", "A Cain and A High Starched Collar."

With regard to the question of the existing "Roustabout" out-takes, they survived because of different reasons. "Little Egypt" was a composite track compiled for use in the movie and considered an alternative master, thus being cut out of the session reels and included on the master reel handed over to RCA, leaving them to decide which one to use on the LP. The original title track, now known as "I'm a Roustabout", was dubbed from the session and given to the songwriter. The actual title track "Roustabout" was recorded at different sessions to the other songs, two months later when they had rejected the original song. The backing track was recorded first, then two weeks later Elvis dubbed his vocal onto take eleven. These tapes do exist, although the takes are very similar because the only variations are in the vocal track. Sadly, the original session tapes were never handed over to RCA, they only required the masters, and have never been found. Exhaustive searches in the Paramount archives have been made, but they have never been located. It is quite likely that they were destroyed at some time, pre-1977 their importance was not as great as it became. Our marketing expert always demanded that Ernst buy the session tapes back from the bootleggers, although having no knowledge or evidence of anybody having them. I always think logically in these situations, if bootleggers had the tapes, they would have emerged on a release or two over the years.

Multitrack of either one of the 3 on tour shows from april ,72 or one of the 2 remaining mutlitrack shows from aug ,1970 or even the opening and closing shows from jan/feb 1970,those shows should be there for all to enjoy.

100 % agree with Mature, those are great shows. Troubleman, I really hope that FTD think like you, you have some really nice releases on your list, I wonder if the releases from the label are put out in a certain order, maybe they wait with the albums where they still hope to find outtakes. I am especially looking forward to a release of the 57 Christmas album, and I really like the idea of putting interviews on them too.

i agree with Dazmans post As for the 3rd FTD, I personally wouldn't mind seeing another live outing because there are still some tours not yet documented such as the March, August/September and November '76 tours or On Tour April '72 and there's the 2-discs from the 'Fashion' book, even another classic bootleg re-release. Personally I would love to hear another SB from the August '73 including the Aug 20 M/S. Just not another nothing release like 'Hits of the '70's'.

After reading a previous post that –again- brought up the reminder that sooner than later FTD and Ernst will close up shop, it got me to thinking. As I look at the shelves of CDs that I have on Elvis, I can only tell you as a fan from the man from Tennessee that I would’ve been deprived of hours and hours of enjoyment that have come from the exhaustive work of Ernst Jorgenson. When he does decide to call it a day, I am sure the message boards will light up with musings about why the soundboard from Tugladospa, Wyoming (joke) wasn’t released or why this Classic Album wasn’t released on the FTD label. All I can say is that Ernst himself said that all of Elvis’ original albums will get the Classic FTD treatment IF there are things that can be included that make them worthwhile. I am guessing this means alt. versions and outtakes. With this in mind, I can only foresee the following Classic Albums being still in the offing by Ernst and the FTD label unless they want to offer up duplicate outtakes from other classic albums they’ve released. Here’s what I foresee: Flaming Star – movie soundtrack Elvis – The ’68 Special (these could possibly be issued as two two CD sets that includes both sit down and stand up shows) The Trouble With Girls - movie soundtrack Live A Little, Love A Little – movie soundtrack American Sound Studios 1969 – the remaining songs not found on BIM or FEIM Change of Habit – movie soundtrack Elvis in Concert – ’77 special While not Classics, I can also see releases of: the ’best of’ rehearsals from TTWII coupled with an Aug. 1970 show as well as Hawaii ’61 and even an FTD chronicling his 1950’s TV appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show. No, I didn’t forget the infamous On Tour shows from April of ’72. Then there are the re-recordings that Felton did in the 1980’s. These include songs that didn’t make the TMMB CD as well as the ‘duets’ with Tony Joe White as well as the Gatlin Brothers. Do I have to even mention there are still 5 multi-track shows from Aug. ’69 in Vegas ? There are also numerous albums that I don’t want to see FTD release since it would require Ernst to duplicate outtakes found elsewhere or because there is simply NOTHING to be done to improve what we have from SONY. These include: all volumes of Elvis’ Golden Records, For LP Fans Only, A Date With Elvis, Madison Square Garden, Aloha From Hawaii, all volumes of the Legendary Performer series, and Having Fun On Stage.

For me , having ALL the original albums in the 7" format is important. Even though they might not contain any outtakes, just so they match up with all the others is a valid enough reason for their release. Plus they look great and a good informative booklet is nice to have. I agree ADWE and FLPFO would be pointless but I'd like to see the remaining Gold Records (inc. Vol, 5) and EVERY soundtrack given it's own release.

Good list Troubleman! And we also do not have Golden Records vol 1, 3 and 4 yet on the classic album series.

Orion – You forgot Elvis` second album in 1956 which I`m sure will be released since there is enough material (outtakes of Rip it up, 1956 interviews). I also believe that the 3 remaining soundtrack albums will also get released, since they did release `Girls! Girls! Girls!` and `King Creole` with very few outtakes. The full package with the booklet, history of the soundtrack is what fans like as well. They could even add radio promos if they want. Like `VivaLasDavies` said, it would be missing from the collection not to have all original albums. I forgot about the talking album `Having fun on stage` which could be released with an added concert (2 CD set). Since many of the songs on golden records volume 2, 3 and 4 have been covered on other releases (as bonus tracks), these may not warrant a classic album release. I like the idea of the Hawaii 1961 show, and the 50`s TV appearance getting an album release. We should all enjoy each release while we still can. It`s been a great ride since the first release in 1999! Thank you Ernst and Company! TCB

I agree with everyone who's posted - let's hope we have all of the original albums in the 7" format eventually. (plus the soundtracks Orion mentions,and all of the others). That would be a lot to look forward to! They would look great displayed on a shelf right next to our Elvis singles and E.P collections.

I think many agree on wanted/remaining classic albums. But please, no Love Me Tender, For LP Fans Only, A Date With Elvis, Golden Records, Elvis For Everyone, MSG, Aloha or other compilations! They have no sense as all tracks will be covered elsewhere. (If the 2 remaining concerts from MSG exists in stereo or soundboard, that's another story though...)

What would be the point of issuing all the soundtracks as 7" and omitting LMT. The whole point is to have them ALL in this format. Also, Elvis (68), MSG and Aloha should be included. For people who see them as unnecessary, fine, don't buy them. When it comes to duplication we've all got the option to pass on any release.

LMT has 4 tracks... Charro has 2. Should they get their own 7" just to complete a series of titles? I'm just asking:-) I think the original idea behind the classic albums series was exactly that: to reproduce original classic ALBUMS. LP's released (or planned) during Elvis' lifetime. But it seems that the definition has been stretched a bit. Stay Away Joe was never a classic album, but FTD gave it a classic album treatment which is good (even without original cover art). Follow That Dream, Kid Galahad and Viva Las Vegas were never classic ALBUMS, but the number of tracks made it possible to give them this treatment (on the borderline regarding the number of tracks though...). Viva Las Vegas was an obvious choice with enough material for a whole album. And both the film and the soundtrack was regarded a classic by many. If FTD manage to make a classic album out of the LMT EP (and Charro for that matter), that is just fine. Then anyone who want the title on his or hers shelf can buy it:-)

Re: Sept. FTDS. Will definitely buy "Moody Blue." It's unlikely that I'll buy G.I. Blues Vol 2. I'll tell you my intentions on the third release later.

Hello, there were probably too few songs in LALLAL, Charro, TTWGirls and CoHabit to warrant individual soundtrack CD's - I suspect they'll compile the soundtracks together in one set. Elvis recorded more extensively for Kissin' Cousins, Speedway and Roustabout. And, while there seem to be few surviving out-takes for these, I think they have enough scraps to issue individual releases. The second album 'Elvis' (1956) can easily be supplemented with the out-takes of Rip It Up, the LMTender songs, interviews, and the New Frontier Hotel recordings. There is plenty of mono and binaural 'Peace In The Valley' era material to augment the 1957 Christmas LP. There's no shortage of out-takes for a Flaming Star release but one needs to be in a certain mood to withstand the endless rejects of Britches. 'Elvis In Concert' is of enormous historic import and should certainly get the FTD treatment. Whether the master tapes are salvageable is debatable though - the so-called 'digitally remastered' Sony/BMG release is in wretched quality, and I understand Ernst was appalled by the condition of the reels. My feeling is that we are most fortunate so many session reels survived from Elvis's career, and FTD is nearing the end of its remit. If you can recall how apathetic the record company was to the huge demand for unreleased Presley material in the 2 or 3 decades before the advent of FTD, I think they've generally done a fantastic job.

Jamie – I do agree that it would seem logical that “Elvis” (the second RCA release by Elvis) should be released, but there just doesn’t seem to be enough material to augment its release. I’m just basing this theory on Ernst’s own statement regarding his own directive for putting a package together - that a release has enough additions to make it worthwhile. Without supplementing them with outtakes and false starts etc., then the FTD release becomes just another SONY/BMG package and not a ‘collector’s CD’ like the rest. I agree in theory that “Change of Habit” is a stretch, but I’d like to see it released. I believe that there is just as much material (counting outtakes, work parts, and overdubs) as there was to put together “Follow that Dream”, “Kid Galahad”, and “Easy Come, Easy Go” soundtracks. The only problem is that “Rubberneckin” comes from the American Sound sessions in Memphis, and that would take away a track from a third release of these Memphis sessions, but that’s a small problem if at all. The same goes for a release of “The Trouble With Girls.” I actually thought that this one would’ve been released a year or two ago when the out of nowhere release of “Swing Down, Sweet Chariot” with the backing vocals by the Blossoms was ‘leaked’ by its accidental inclusion of the “Complete Masters” release instead of the master that has the Mellow Men on backing vocals. To me, that’s proof that the material has been readied, and that’s there’s material from this soundtrack session most of us haven’t heard. When it comes to “Live A Little, Love A Little”, it’s a case of whether or not there is enough ‘left-overs’ to compile a release. It’s my hope there is as I’d love to hear some of the outtakes of “A Little Less Conversation.” To lengthen the release (if needed), Ernst could add “Charro” and “Let’s Forget About The Stars.” All this speculating on my part, shows just how much fun it would be to work on these projects. Then again, Ernst could throw us a curve like he did when he released “Hits of the 70’s”, and “Our Memories of Elvis.”

I think tht the camden "flaming", "Almost" and "friends" should be treated classic album that would cover the soundtracks of the latest movies.

The Camdens, good though they were at the time of release, are not coherent albums. The tracks are just scattered around, which is why the minor soundtracks, even though they are very short, would be well served by separate releases.( I'll admit "Charro" might be a stretch!)

Hi Orion, thanks for your comments. I agree there seem to be few out-takes from the sessions for 'Elvis' (1956). However, I can't believe they're going to pass up a chance to get further value from the 'Rip It Up' out-takes, and the alternative version of 'Old Shep'. The decision to release an FTD edition probably depends on what plans exist for the LMTender sessions - they would certainly add enough playing time to warrant an extended FTD release. I hadn't spotted the leaked 'Swing Down, Sweet Chariot' so thanks for tipping me off.

I believe they have to release the ‘Love me tender’ EP since they did the same for ‘Follow that dream’ which also had 4 songs on it (Sound advice was not included in the original release), and so does ‘Flaming star’ – 4 songs only. Wild in the country only had 5 songs. They could add ‘Anyway you want me’ as bonus track (B-side of the single), and the alternate ending version of LMT for a total of 6 tracks. Add to that the ‘Elvis talks’ interview he gave on the set, and you have enough material for a classic release. As I mentioned previously, ‘Charro’ and ‘Let’s forget about the stars’ would have to be bonus tracks (Either on the ‘Trouble with girls’ or ‘Change of habit’ release) since there was only 2 songs recorded for that movie. Change of habit had 4 songs recorded for the film (‘Let’s be friend’ wasn’t used), so ‘Rubberneckin’ could still be added to the third Memphis album, since it belongs there. I agree with Orion that it would be fun to work on these projects, and I’m sure that Ernst and Co. will probably throw us another curve before they are done! TCB

I would have no issue with them releasing a ftd with two or even three lps on one if there is not enough to make up a single release. itll just be nice to complete the collection.

Regarding LMT as FTD release: on CD 1 original songs, Anyway You Want Me, all outtakes possible and movie versions, taken directly form movie - such as "Don't Leave Me Now (movie set version)" form JHR vol 1. The second CD could contail all audio from the movie (dialogues etc) minus the songs so it could fit into a CD :)Hahahahah, just kiddin' :D

Love me tender as a classic album? I want a august 1970 mutitrack show or a april 72 on tour show. I think some go overboard with the classic album ideas,camden releases as classic releases? really?

I'm guessing you bought "Wild In The Country" as a "classic album"?

I don’t know why some fans have a problem with Love me tender as a classic album release. So far, FTD have released all of Elvis’ 45 EP movie soundtracks as Classic albums with the exception of Love me tender. Since they’ve created classic album releases for ‘Wild in the country’, ‘Stay away Joe’, and possibly ‘Flaming star’, and these were not released as 45 Extended Play, then why leave out Love me tender? I do agree that the Camden albums should not be released as classic albums since they were a budget label with compilations of songs that are, or can be covered elsewhere. I have no problem with fans wanting only soundboard concerts, but please do not criticize the fans who like the Classic album releases. Remember not too long ago when fans were clamoring for unreleased 1969 concerts? Now some are complaining that there are ‘way too many of those’ and they sound ‘too much the same’! Eventually, the same will probably be said about August 1970 concerts! So again, to each his own, and remember that there will be an end to the FTD label soon. Then what? - TCB

Nope dont have wild in the country,its just too boring,as is love me tender,i will skip it if released. Fans can buy what they want,but camdens should not be released on ftd,there out of place as was hots of the 70's.

The sound on Sold OUT ! is almost as good as many of the multi track recordings, and besides that I really enjoy both soundboard and Audience recordings (the best of them). I really think that FTD has been good at mixing the bag of releases, so we each year get a lot of different recordings; book projects, soundboards, multi track, classic albums, soundtracks, one audience, and the mixed cds, so (almost) no one has to wait too long for what they want. I really hope that they will release soundboard concerts from these periods , if they have them; September 1970, November 1970, July/August 1971, Aug/Sep 71, Now 72, April 73, June/July 73, Aug/Sep 73, July 75, Aug 75, Maj 76, Aug 76, Now 76, Dec (Vegas) 76, April/Maj 77 + most of what they have on multi track also, and even several from the same periods if the material is really good (maybe opening/closing shows).If this sound a little greedy, then it is because I am (at least when it comes to Elvis).

I think that a live CD will be the best option for the September batch since there are already 2 7" Classic albums. I see no point in releasing LMT or any other soundtrack, EP much less the Camdens, where the out takes from those sessions are either exhausted (eg. King Creole) missing (eg. Speedway) or the session tapes were destroyed (eg. Christmas '57 songs). Keep the unreleased principle, without it what's the selling point ? 'Our Memories...' was an exception though with nearly half of the undubbed songs were unavailable elsewhere.

If the 3rd release is a multitrack will praise it,i promise,on tour april 72.

The "selling point" is a simple one - a lot of people would like them in the 7" format, with or without outtakes. I see no reason to argue AGAINST a release that clearly would sell. To state the point yet again, if you don't want it, don't buy it but don't advocate denying others the opportunity.

Viva: well sorry for bucking the trend here. If things like LMT would fill a hole in your CD collection then I have no problem with that. The context of my criticism is if FTD would re-hash the same stuff that's been commercially available for many years now for more than double the price, then it would make no business sense. Leave such material to The Heritage label. BTW: this oft repeated "don't like it don't buy it so don't deny others the opportunity" might sound noble but it's damn annoying when your taken out of context.

To further clarify it's appeal factor wouldn't be very broad.

Not intending to be "noble", just stating the obvious.

I think that every movie deserve an ftd release. Even Change of habit and The trouble with girls. It's nice the complete the whole list of the movie soundtracks. If there where only a few songs than make the disc shorter in the total playing time but also the price cheaper. Or fill the disc with more american sound recordings, they were recorded almost the same time. There are enough recordings left. Love me tender is very easy to fill the disc: put there an Ed Sullivan show on it. Also almost recorded the same time.

Sure after all the multitrack shows they have are released including the overlooked april 72 shows,then release all the movie soundtracks you want. The dont like it dont buy it line is overused and just as annoying as those who think who everyone who doesnt want to buy what they have over and over again are not real fans or whatever other nonsence is said. I get that everyone likes something differt,i for one am not a hug fan of the oversized 7" format but alot like them so see its just a matter of taste.

C'mon guys! Let's drop it. You've been raving about this at every occasion. Now that's getting really annoying! I think we all know by now, who's going to say what about new releases, whose jokes are not funny for a long time and who critisize every FTD. Let's keep our usual comments to ourselves, OK? If FTD is about to face The End - our moaning isn't going to keep it going; but they're still doing GREAT job, so let's appreciate it, when they are still around! Thanks in advance.