“ Eternal Elvis ” was released around 1978 with no
record label attributed to this LP. About
a year later the LP was copied exactly under a different title: “ Songs
Hollywood Forgot ”, which also is an unlabeled LP.
I don’t have this second release so I can’t directly compare the two.
There are several versions of the “ Eternal Elvis ”
LP. The original LP was apparently
limited to 250 copies. The front cover
features a photo of Elvis in concert circa 1969 or 1970 flanked on both sides
with track listing text and graphics in blue ink on white stock.
The second issue from 1978 and the second edition of the second issue
from 1979 are identical, except that a small number of the 1978 second edition
copies came with a faux leather flap. This
front cover has a still photo from the film Jailhouse Rock also flanked on both
sides with track listing in blue text and graphics.
The back cover contains numerous 50’s era photos from films and
otherwise in black ink with a more detailed track listing description of each
track. There is also a counterfeit
version from 1980, the swirls on the front cover under the track listings are
completely gone and the graphics are grainy.
I have in my collection the second edition of second
issue from 1979. The LP itself is pressed
on translucent red vinyl ( as all of the pressings are apparently, except for a
few multi-color vinyl copies that were pressed of this second edition of the
second pressing ). The LP plays with an average amount of surface noise but over
all is a relatively quiet pressing. The
quality of the sources vary but given the material it is nothing to complain
about. The label of Side 1 is printed in
blue ink on white stock with a photo from Jailhouse Rock.
The side 2 label, also printed in blue ink on white, has a photo of Elvis
in concert circa 1972.
The most interesting tracks on this LP are the comments from the artists, writers, friends, and people who worked with and were around Elvis. Each comment provides a unique snippet of insight from each individuals perception of who the King was. The sheer simplicity and earthiness of the statements brings a human touch to someone who often seems untouchable and bigger than life, which is natural I suppose given that Elvis is “ The King ”. Perhaps the most telling comment comes from “ The Godfather of Soul ” himself, James Brown. Put in the context of conservative 1950’s America, “ He taught white America how to get down ”. While most of these music tracks have long since become available in better quality from better sources, the personal reflections and thoughts are still well worth the price of admission. Elvis’ popularity has grown since the release of this LP which simply suggests that the title of this LP is perhaps true; “ Eternal Elvis ”.
Side 1:
Glen Campbell memories – sounds like it was recorded via a phone conversation
Old Shep – alternate take 5, accidentally issued on some pressings of the original “Elvis” LP
Sammy David Jr. comment
You Don’t Know Me – movie version
The Jordanaire’s recollections’
Signs of the Zodiac – duet with Marilyn Mason from “The Trouble with Girls (and How to Get Into It)”
Violet (Flower of NYU) – from “The Trouble with Girls (and How to Get Into It)”
James Blackwood reflections – leader of the Blackwood Brothers gospel vocal group
Swing Low Sweet Chariot – recorded 1968 for “The Trouble with Girls (and How to Get Into It)”
Ray Walker and Gordon Stoker talk about Elvis’ influence
The Lady Loves Me – duet with Ann Margaret
Elvis Speaks – 1971 JC Awards speech
C’Mon Everybody – recorded 1963 for “Viva Las Vegas”
Bob Neal memories
Love Me Tender – spliced with film end version, taken from a film source
Mac Davis’ comments and memories
Fabian comment
Dainty Little Moonbeams – recorded 1962 for “Girls, Girls, Girls”
Side 2:
Elvis, Bill Black, Scotty Moore and Bob Neal Promotional Interview 8/31/55 Taxarcana (plays back too slow)
Fame and Fortune – from Frank Sinatra’s “Welcome Home Elvis” special
Stuck on You – from Frank Sinatra’s “Welcome Home Elvis” special
Wolfman Jack memories
The Next Step is Love – rehearsal from “TTWII”
Carl Perkins comments
One Broken Heart For Sale – recorded 1962 for “It Happened at the Worlds Fair”
James Brown comment
Jambalaya – Lake Charles, LA May 4 1975
Floyd Cramer comment
It Hurts Me – recorded 1964
David Cramer and Jody Miller statements
Debbie Mann’s statement
Let’s Have A Party – recorded 1957 for “Loving You”
Husky Dusky Day – recorded 1960 for “Wild in the Country”
Bones Howe’s comment and introduction
If I Can Dream – 1968 Comeback Special
Elvis Holiday Greetings
I’ll Be Home For Christmas – edited track
Ernie Boyes Jr.