Just a couple of days before FTD will ship this massive project, the tracklist for 'A Boy From Tupelo' is now revealed:
DISC 1
MEMPHIS RECORDING SERVICE ACETATES
01 My Happiness 2:33
02 That’s When Your Heartaches Begin 2:52
Tracks 1-2: Self-financed demo recorded July, 1953 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Source for tracks 1-2: Digital transfer of acetate.
03 I’ll Never Stand in Your Way 2:04
04 It Wouldn’t Be the Same (Without You) 2:09
Tracks 3-4: Self-financed demo recorded January 4, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Source for tracks 3-4: Digital transfer of acetate in very poor condition.
SUN MASTERS
05 Harbor Lights 2:38
06 I Love You Because 2:43
07 That’s All Right (45 rpm master) 2:00
Track 5 possibly recorded July 5, 1954.
Tracks 6-7 recorded July 5, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Sources for tracks 5-6: Original SUN tapes.
Source for track 7: 45 rpm SUN single (plastic).
08 Blue Moon of Kentucky (45 rpm master) 2:07
Recorded July 7, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Source for track 8: 45 rpm SUN single (plastic).
09 Blue Moon 2:44
Likely recorded between August 15 and 19, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Source for track 9: Original SUN tape.
10 Tomorrow Night 3:01
11 I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin’)2:27
12 I Don't Care if the Sun Don't Shine 2:32
13 Just Because 2:34
14 Good Rockin' Tonight 2:15
Tracks 10-14 likely recorded between September 12-16, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Sources for tracks 10, 11, 13 and 14: RCA reference tapes (30 ips)
Source for track 12: Digital transfer of SUN tape, with repairs from a digital transfer of a tape copy.
15 Milkcow Blues Boogie 2:39
16 You’re a Heartbreaker 2:13
Tracks 15-16 recorded either mid-November or mid-December 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Sources for tracks 15-16: 78 rpm SUN single (shellac).
17 I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (slow version) 2:43
Recorded between mid-November 1954 and mid-April 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
The reel has March 5 written on it, but Elvis was at the Louisiana Hayride that day.
Source for track 17: Original SUN tape.
18 Baby Let's Play House 2:19
Likely recorded between January 30 and February 4, 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
“I Got a Woman” and “Tryin' to Get to You” were also recorded, but have been lost.
Source for track 18: RCA reference tape (30 ips).
19 I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone 2:38
Likely recorded mid-April 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Source for track 19: RCA reference tape (30 ips), with first part of ending from RCA tape copy (15 ips) and last part of ending from digital transfer of the RCA EPA-965 production master tape.
20 I Forgot to Remember to Forget 2:31
21 Mystery Train 2:30
22 Tryin’ to Get to You 2:36
Tracks 20-22 recorded mid-July, 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Source for track 20: SUN tape copy.
Source for track 21: SUN tape copy, with ending from digital transfer of 78 rpm RCA single.
Source for track 22: RCA reference tape (30 ips).
23 When It Rains It Pours 2:06
Recorded November 1-4, 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Source for track 23: Original SUN (vocal channel) slapback tape.
Elvis’ 1957 re-recording of the song was released under the title “When It Rains, It Really Pours”
RCA MASTERS
24 That’s All Right 1:59
RCA single version
Source for track 24: RCA reference tape (30 ips).
25 Blue Moon of Kentucky 2:05
RCA single version (78 rpm master)
Source for track 24: 'Elvis at Sun' master, derived from digital transfer of 78 RPM SUN single (shellac).
26 I Love You Because 2:45
RCA LP version – spliced from takes 3 & 5
Steve Sholes’ original notes have these takes as 2 & 4
Source for track 26: RCA master tape.
27 Tomorrow Night 2:56
RCA LP version – overdubbed and slowed down
Source for track 27: 1965 RCA work part tape for the “Elvis for Everyone” LPM-3450 production master tape.
DISC 2
SUN STUDIO SESSIONS
01 Harbor Lights (takes 1-2, level adjustments) 0:33
02 Harbor Lights (take 3/M) 2:53
03 Harbor Lights (take 4) 2:38
04 Harbor Lights (takes 5-6) 1:23
05 Harbor Lights (take 7) 2:25
06 Harbor Lights (take 8) 0:26
Tracks 1-6 possibly recorded July 5, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Source for tracks 1-6: Original SUN tape.
07 I Love You Because (take 1) 0:23
08 I Love You Because (take 2) 3:28
09 I Love You Because (take 3) 3:36
10 I Love You Because (take 4) 0:40
11 I Love You Because (take 5) 3:28
12 That’s All Right (takes 1-2) 0:20
13 That’s All Right (take 3) 1:58
Tracks 7-13 recorded July 5, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Source for tracks 7-13: Original SUN tape.
14 Dialogue 0:20
15 Blue Moon of Kentucky (slow tempo outtake) 1:08
Tracks 14-15 likely recorded July 7, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Source for tracks 14-15: Digital transfer of SUN tape.
16 Blue Moon (takes 1-3) 0:38
17 Blue Moon (take 4) 2:59
18 Blue Moon (take 5) 3:25
19 Blue Moon (takes 6-7) 0:53
20 Blue Moon (take 8) 3:01
21 Blue Moon (take 9/M) 2:44
Tracks 16-21 likely recorded between August 15 and 19, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Source for tracks 16-21: Original SUN tape.
22 Dialogue fragment (before “Tomorrow Night”) 0:11
23 I’ll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin’) (incomplete take) 0:49
24 Good Rockin’ Tonight (fragment from vocal slapback tape) 0:10
25 I Don’t Care if the Sun Don’t Shine (takes 1-2) 1:13
26 I Don’t Care if the Sun Don’t Shine (take 3/M) 2:35
Tracks 22-26 likely recorded between September 12 and 16, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Source for track 22: RCA reference tape (30 ips) for “Tomorrow Night”.
Sources for tracks 23-26: Digital transfers of SUN tapes (also see source note for Disc 1, track 12).
27 I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone (slow version, take 1) 3:00
28 I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone (slow version, take 2) 2:51
29 I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone (slow version, take 3) 2:51
30 I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone (slow version, take 4) 0:10
31 I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone (slow version, take 5/M) 2:40
32 I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone (slow version, take 6) 2:40
33 I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone (slow version, take 7) 1:35
Recorded between mid-November 1954 and mid-April 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
The reel has March 5 written on it, but Elvis was at the Louisiana Hayride that day.
Source for tracks 27-33: Original SUN tape.
34 How Do You Think I Feel (guitar slapback tape, rehearsal + take 1) 3:17
35 How Do You Think I Feel (guitar slapback tape, rehearsals) 1:14
Recorded between mid-November 1954 and mid-April 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Source for tracks 34-35: Digital transfer of SUN (guitar channel) slapback tape.
36 When It Rains It Pours (vocal slapback tape, take 1) 1:37
37 When It Rains It Pours (vocal slapback tape, take 2 - rehearsa1) 2:12
38 When It Rains It Pours (voc
Loads of information above, folks, so can I appeal to people to study it and not ask questions to which no one really knows the answers. The set will be out within a month and there will be plenty of reviews and additional information available at that time.
Other than "How Do You Think I Feel" this entire CD and overpriced book isn't worth the paper it's printed on. I have most everything on various CD's purchased over the years and I'll not waste another cent on this pitiful excuse for something new. I'm sure the pictures within the book will be interesting aka a young Elvis but not at this price. I'm very disappointed in this over hyped Sun FTD release to be honest. A lot of bluster thru the years to "fish" we older folks into purchasing more of FTD's redundant hype. Time to call a halt to FTD. Period.
I hope the book is good! (I know the music is) And to hear him sing Little Mama will be great and worth my money alone.
No reason to buy this. Looka nice but considering the price & the # of tines one can play this, just not worth it. Deano1 thanks for your quarrel patcher comment.
"The Complete 1953-55 Recordings"? And yet just a day or two ago that stunning live version of "I Forgot To Remember To Forget" popped up. I wonder how RCA/FTD could ever satisfy long-time hardcore fans and newer ones, for whom a box like this is probably great. Basically, older fans with huge collections have most of this set already. I'm at a point where I want to be able to just pick which tracks I want instead of a whole set. (If I were a rich man, I would buy every scrap of Elvis they threw at me! I did for years. But now a high-priced big set like this is just not a smart purchase when I own at least 60% of it.)
Exactly KK. 'If I were a rich man'. As much as I love the Sun era, and the 50's do I really need this huge box? I'm not much of an outtake guy anymore, so that doesnt interest me. Probably have most of them anyway. Whatever is brand new such as Little Mama is in questionable quality so how many spins am I going to give that? To drag out a whole box, to hear 1 or 2 songs? And yes, the nagging fact that the newly discovered IFTRTF is not on here is irritating. There was a day where I would buy everything Elvis, but not anymore. Money is thight and I'd rather buy and discover brand new music I never heard before. There is a wealth of good stuff out there in all eras I never heard yet. But before I make a decision I will await some reviews.
I am a bit amazed that the "owner" of the the Little Mama acetate is Sherif Hanna. I admit that I don't know much about this gentleman, but I find it odd that he's owned this rarity for so long and has finally come forward with it. I also read somewhere that he was the man who owned the cassette that was recently released as a rehearsal FTD. It may give some creedence to the often circulated rumour that he in possession of the soundboard to the final show in Indy. I heard that he got that one many moons ago from Bruce Jackson. Who knows ? Maybe he's got material enough to keep FTD afloat for a few more years.
I swear if I led FTD I would stop just because of people's narrow minded opinions. If you don't like sun era,oh well. If you can't afford it right away ,oh well,save your money or get a side job if you really want it,. If your only wanting new stuff,oh well. These packages are fantastic to some so stop badgering those who make it.
The source of the "Little Mama" acetate does come as a surprise considering that Ernst has said that the stumbling block to it's release in previous years was one of money. Surely somebody that would call themselves a fan would want an unreleased track released without holding out for big money. If I had something exclusive, I would hand it over to Sony with just a name credit due.
As for the track listing, some might be disappointed at the small amount of previously unreleased material but I am surprised that we are getting as much as we will be. We are getting unreleased out-takes of "Harbour Lights", "Blue Moon", and "When It Rains, It Really Pours", an unreleased radio session version of "Shake, Rattle and Roll", an unreleased six song Hayride appearance including a brand new song and an unreleased live version of "That's All Right" from Meridian. Did anybody really expect more than that?
I'm just disappointed that there's no Southern Maid Donuts commercial. But then you're never going to get everything.
No word about "Satisfied"? It was there when they took photos of the tape-box for the "Legendary Performer" booklet. After that it disappeared. Solution one: Everybody can access the RCA archives and somebody took "Satisfied" home. Then I would be there tomorrow and get my part of the cake. Solution two: Only a handful of people are allowed to work with the original tapes. Then it should have been investigated by Ernst or Joan Deary.
This hasn't come out yet but already we have the usual whingeing and negative coments. Real sad.
Well, I am looking forward to this release. Yes I do have most of the tracks. That I knew even before this list was published. So no whining from my end. And yes, it is not complete, yet that was to be expected too. There might be much more out there. YET it is nice to have this compilation as it is. Period.
As far as I remember, the illustration regarding the unreleased Sun track "Satisfied" pictured in the "A Legendary Performer" booklet was not the tape box but a list compiled by Steve Sholes documenting the contents of the various tapes received from Sun. This list dates back to 1955-1956, before the massive clear out of tapes in 1959. It is listed a being on box twelve along with the various takes of "I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin')", which are also missing. To say that Ernst or the late Joan Deary should have investigated the disappearance of the tape assumes they never have, something I doubt greatly.
As for the Southern Maid Doughnut commercial, while a recording was said to have surfaced in 2009, nothing was ever heard again from the said owners of the tape. This has happened many times in the past, Ernst has said that he has followed many leads which came to nothing. The truth of this era is clouded in enough mystery without hoaxers adding to the confusion.
I love these people who think any honest criticism of Elvis "product" is a personal affront to Elvis Presley, his legacy and themselves, as Elvis fans.
No one is "badgering" the ftd label, lol. When an artist has been around for as long as Elvis, you end up with a legit marketing issue: those who love Elvis, and have for years, are going to have everything they've been able to get hold of. And those brand new fans just starting their collections are going to love these big boxed collections because it saves them the years of work of collecting. (Which, by the way, is fine, but a little annoying when these folks complain that somehow those of us who collected for YEARS everything RCA put out are now less than loyal because we cannot always afford a new set with only 5 or 6 new-to-us tracks. So someone who is excited to get this boxed set because most of it is new to you can tell someone like me---who must have 20 different Sun collections at this point, on cd and vinyl, collected over years of visiting obscure little record stores and conventions---that I am not a good Elvis fan because I can't afford my 21st Sun collection. People really should think a little bit. The people thinking and commenting critically about this set are probably doing so because they spent years and hundreds of dollars collecting Elvis music from disparate sources. Now Ernst has put them all together in a box, with only a few newer things to entice someone like me. I am not saying other people should not buy it, or that it should not exist. But for those of us who actually own the majority of these tracks already, it would be nice if we could perhaps purchase only certain tracks digitally off this set. And maybe if it gets on iTunes, it will be that way. But understand, most of the complaints here are because we are longtime collectors, not Johnny-come-latelys who don't own Mystery Train 100 times over and have half a dozen Louisiana Hayride collections.
We were all happy and excited to hear that new "I Forgot to Remember to Forget" because we love Elvis and his voice. Some of us are less excited about a new pricy bode set containing lots of previously released material. See the difference? One is about pure love of Elvis and his voice and the other is about product and packaging, etc.)
I've been an Elvis fan for 30 years and I'm definately getting this set. It's the most complete collection ever. I'll be glad to have the Eagles Hall show from March 55 in one piece, the last release I can remember was on vinyl. It's a fantastic show
Very well stated KingKreole. I have been buying and collecting Elvis for over 50 years, so I cant even tell you how many times I have bought a particular song or album over & over again. I dont feel any less a fan if I pass this up. If it was cheaper, I would not hesitate, but now I would have to think about it. For the few extra songs I am missing, and some probably in bad quality, is it worth it to me. A very simple question in these tough economic times. It makes me laugh when I read a post from a person who first got into Elvis after he died or their first album was Moody Blue & puts down long time fans for whatever silly reason. It happens way too often on this site and it is ridiculous. Remember Elvis's career was revived after he died and his legned loomed larger than ever. A sad but true fact. The long time fans were there long before that.
KingKreole: I have been a long time Elvis fan and I too have bought these recordings over and over again. I totaly respect someone saying he is not willing to pay so much money for the odd additional outtake. But we cannot really expect miracles. After so many years it is unlikely that there is a lot of 'new' material in the vaults waiting to be released in the next cd. Just because we have all these songs doesn't make it a bad release in any way. If I was only interested in the music I would not be buying this set as I already own almost everything. I will buy it for the mainly for the book and because this is a very important and not so well documented part of his career. In my view this appears to be a very important but expensive release...
No problem on the "quarrel patcher" definition oldscudder....This box set looks very impressive, but I feel much like SteveV in that I don't care for alternate takes. If the song is completely different (example the fast version of "She Thinks I Still Care" that showed up the 70's box set) then that is something I want to hear, but I don't find myself listening to many of the FTD "classic" album outtakes. The first 11 tracks on disc two are outtakes of songs that I don't even care for the master version that much ("Harbor Lights" and "I Love You Because") so I can't see purchasing this box set for the few tracks I don't have which as dgirl says are probably bad quality recordings. I would probably buy every FTD and bootleg available if I had the money, but since that is not the case, I have to be selective in my purchasing.
Yes, it is expensive.
But.. most of the current crop of books start at £65.00 upwards, plus exorbitant postage costs, & you take "Pot Luck" over the printing quality, contents and value (ie "The Elvis Files Vol 4" has 562 pages, while "Jailhouse Rock", from the same publishers, is only 344 pages, with poor quality colour plates at the back, for exactly the same price..) So you could argue that with "A Boy from Tupelo" we are only paying £35.00 more for the 3 CDs . So, with what is clearly going to be a very interesting book, 512 pages long, I feel the set is priced favourably compared with the charges from the other publishers.
Having been a reader of this site for more than a year now, I feel I just have to started writing the occasional comment, because it's crazy the stuff that gets said here sometimes. People are complaining a lot about the price of this set. It's not really expensive in the grand scheme of things. A book of that size easily warrants a price of half the total price of the set alone. Personally, I am hoping they bother to proof read the thing this time. Provided the text is readable and grammatically correct (and the quality of printing/paper is alright - 'Fashion for a King' was a let down because of it) then I think this book should be a great one. And we should all be more excited about it! As for the CDs, well, the outtakes and live tracks are where the true value is. These songs never come alive quite how they do on 45 rpm, I have no interest in playing them on CD. However, new outtakes always make me weak at the knees with excitement. It's like tasting chocolate for the first time! How can you put a price on an experience like that? I can't wait for this thing. Good luck Ernst, you always have my full support. Just please oh please, proof read what you print!
There is no need for us here to have a negative vibe running through our comments. One can be critical without being plainly cold and negative. I feel more respect and courtesy is due sometimes to Ernst and Roger. The masses don't care - there are tons of people listening to elvis that don't know what FTD is. We here should care more and be more supportive. I know my life is better with all the FTD releases around, I can easily jump into (almost) any one of the sessions Elvis recorded. How cool is that? I feel very privileged.
We all know that's not much left from the sun. But when we going back in time we'll see that Elvisfans was happy with the sun sessions 2 lp set. never knowing that there are more tapes excist. But nobody complains. These day's the fans always complain. crying out loud for more and more and more. Almost nobody is satisfied anymore for what FTD,SONY releases. Ok IFTR was a big suprise. About the price. Making books is very expensiv. especially if it is limited Like FTD releases what's only availble via fanclubs, not in the general stores. Maybe is the book overpriced.And do we have almost everything on it. But it's a real tribute for the beginning of a legend and thanks to the SUN label and Elvis presley is the music world changed
I've got a set on order, and can't wait to receive it. I agree it's a bit pricey, but if it was too pricey I'd skip it and not complain. I mean I can't afford a BMW, but my Lexus is more than sufficient for me. You buy what you can afford and enjoy it. Same with Elvis's music. When it comes to the price of collecting Elvis (or anything), there is 'something for everybody.' Besides, I'd rather order one than kick myself for not getting one before they are sold out and end up being sold for two- three times the original price on places like E-Bay.
I have to laugh after reading the additional comments, especially those from folks in my age bracket, now 67 and counting, about the "Johnny Come Lately" younger, newer fans. I've been an Elvis fan since age 11 and I have most everything I ever wanted via normal retail or in particular FTD. I'm an avid 1950's fan and it was only recently I caught up with Elvis' 1970 output via FTD (of course), which is like listening to certain songs for the first time. Some outtakes (especially from the 1950's) Jailhouse Rock in particular, make FTD a welcome outlet; a matter of fact, the only one. Unfortunately, we're getting to the bottom of the barrel on Elvis material. The only thing I'm really looking for now and I've said it before is his outtakes from the 1957 era all on one FTD CD. It would indeed be wonderful if "Old Folks" like us could download specific songs from iTunes or Amazon.Com as what is included on this rather pricey set with book.
WOW! What a tracklist! There quite a few surprises songwise, like 4 takes of Harbor Lights recorded after the master, 2 more takes of When It Rains It Really Pours, the radio demo of Shake Rattle & Roll and of course the Hayride performance with Little Mama. Then there's the book with over 200 unpublished pictures. Wow! I can't imagine people complain about this set. Yes, it's expensive, but it was first announced in 2004 so there have been lots of time to save money for it. Yes, it's not complete, but you can hardly blame Ernst or FTD for not including a live recording which only just surfaced, well after the set went into production.
I, for one, am very happy Sherif Hanna decided to cooperate and have Little Mama included on this set. OK, maybe he should have done that earlier, but I can imagine it's very hard for a collector to part with a unique piece of history like that. Has anybody noticed that the acetate was actually destroyed in the process of transferring it to the digital domain? Gone forever now is this unique item. Thanks for sharing, Sherif. I'm looking forward very much to hearing this new Elvis song for the first time. Thanks for this labor of love, Ernst and FTD. Keep up the good work!
Agree this looks like a fantastic release, just like Prince from Another Planet. RCA is doing a good job! Although they have made quite a few bad choices in the past, they have also made some great choices, like the 50's masters box at the time, and the #1 hits CD with fantastic sound.
I've got Elvis AT SUN and all the other main label releases (vinyl and CD) that have been released through years going back to THE SUN Sessions (USA) LP in the mid-'70s. I've got enough SUN stuff. Pass.
Little Mama is a real gem...no problem with the quality. Imagine a 68 version while jamming with the guys or 69 version of it...with full band!!!
The pics in the book are fantastic!
Special thanks to Sherif Hanna for sharing one of his prized possessions..the "Little Mamma" acetate...maybe ElvisNews could do an updated interview and find out just what this guy has hidden in his collection....
From covering The Clovers cool Little Mama in concert to Olivia Newton-John covers. Elvis, what happened?
Steve V It's like you stole my thoughts.
You mean you didn't like the way The King's flares swayed in time with 'If You Love Me (Let Me Know)', Steve? Shame on you.
Deke57: More tapes from Sherif hanna's vaults? well, Rock Around The Clock and Only you. But that seems quite unlikely.
Hurrah ! I have a lot of respect for Mr. Wlalner's opinion ! It goes beyond any nonsense I so often read from fans who mean well but cannot judge objectively (and express their radical or arrogant opinion to satisfy their ego). Don't always agree with Thomas (he overreacts towards the FTD Team) but recognizes their efforts. Too bad this Boy from Tupelo and SUN project has cost too much time and too much money... Agree with the fact that the future of FTD (sales especially) is up to finding those missing outtakes that people like Sheriff (a smart trader ? only interested in dollars ?) hide away from fans. Egoïstical thinking from Mr. Hanna. I heard more details of what he still want to market for big bucks...(missing movie outtakes, KCreole, etc...) confirmed by people who have dealt with him in the past. Negative outcome of course.
The only way out is that IF FTD or Sony put enough $$$$$ on the table, he might reconsider I've been told...Shameful !
