New Book: Elvis on Record

[Colin B]

Elvis on Record - A Comprehensive Guide to UK Record Releases - 1956-2017

Front Cover:

Elvis On Record - Book Cover001.jpg

Back Cover:

Elvis On Record - Book Cover [Back]001.jpg

I wasn't expecting this until September, but my pre-ordered copy arrived today !

As a reference book, it invites comparison with the Elvis UK & Elvis UK2 books we had all those years ago.

Some first impressions:

Pros

Has the look & 'feel' of a top quality, professionally produced book.

Photos of sleeves & labels presented in full colour.

Full details of each release are given: release date, catalogue number, sleeve & label variations.

Full track listings given.

Covers the periods from his very first releases in 1956, right up to the Speedway album in March, 2017.
[The Elvis UK books only went up to 2002]

There is a separate section for bootlegs [their term is 'unlicensed'].

Cons

Considering what a colourful book this is, it's odd that they've used black & white photos of him on the cover !

No commentary given !
The Elvis UK books had a little write-up for each release with useful info like if there were changes in the track-listing from US releases.
They also pointed out & corrected any sleeve or label errors, & general points of interest connected with the issue.
In this book - nothing !

No chart positions given.

No writers shown.

No CDs listed.

The 'unlicensed' section is not 'comprehensive'.
It couldn't be, of course, as that would require a complete separate book !

Looks like this is going to be a fascinating read !

[TonyS]

Thanks Colin.
Obviously it's chronologicsl but do they have a quick reference text guide only as well in there rather than having to go through every page to find what you want?
Is it hardback or softback?
Who's the publisher?
Questions, questions I know.

[Colin B]

Thanks Colin.
Obviously it's chronologicsl but do they have a quick reference text guide only as well in there rather than having to go through every page to find what you want?
Is it hardback or softback?
Who's the publisher?
Questions, questions I know.

Right, let's see.

The singles, EPs & albums are listed in a chronological index near the beginning.

There is an alphabetical index towards the end, but the singles are only in the order of the 'A' side titles.

For example Mama Liked the Roses is not listed under 'M' - you'd need to know that the 'A' side was The Wonder of You - under 'T'.

It's a hardback book.

Couldn't see a publisher named anywhere.

[TonyS]

Thanks Colin.
Obviously it's chronologicsl but do they have a quick reference text guide only as well in there rather than having to go through every page to find what you want?
Is it hardback or softback?
Who's the publisher?
Questions, questions I know.

Right, let's see.

The singles, EPs & albums are listed in a chronological index near the beginning.

There is an alphabetical index towards the end, but the singles are only in the order of the 'A' side titles.

For example Mama Liked the Roses is not listed under 'M' - you'd need to know that the 'A' side was The Wonder of You - under 'T'.

It's a hardback book.

Couldn't see a publisher named anywhere.

Thanks, I was going to jump at this but as it seems a self published affair I'll wait to see one in person before I commit.
I've got all the records anyway.

[Colin B]

Cons

...No commentary given !
The Elvis UK books had a little write-up for each release with useful info like if there were changes in the track-listing from US releases.
They also pointed out & corrected any sleeve or label errors, & general points of interest connected with the issue.
In this book - nothing !...

Perhaps I was a tad harsh there !

Just occasionally, they've reproduced some press cuttings showing reviews, ads, record charts etc.

[Matt Helm]

VERY INTERESTING after all, Matt

[ttwii]

cover 2 crop.jpg

for those of you who are unaware. I have been working on an in depth UK vinyl release book.
It incorporates sheet music and press cuttings and is now available.
Price incl shipping is £68 paypal ttwii@hotmail.com

pm me for further info or email me at Elvis.vinyl.uk@gmail.com for further info

page 16.jpg

page 129.jpg

Elvis UK Singles page 18-28.tif

page 181.jpg

NB - This post was in a separate thread & I've merged it with the pre-existing one on the same subject - CB

[Colin B]

The introduction in the book invites comments & gives an e-mail address.

I e-mailed Paul Alner & repeated the 'pros' & 'cons' which I had posted on here.

He swiftly replied that, if that's the worst review the book gets, he'll be happy !

All the missing aspects I highlighted he put down to time & space restrictions.

He also explained that there are no 'bootlegs' in the book.

The 'unlicensed' releases he lists were all legitimate in the UK !

[Tulsa Mclean]

cover 2 crop.jpg

for those of you who are unaware. I have been working on an in depth UK vinyl release book.
It incorporates sheet music and press cuttings and is now available.
Price incl shipping is £68 paypal ttwii@hotmail.com

pm me for further info or email me at Elvis.vinyl.uk@gmail.com for further info
page 16.jpg
page 129.jpg
Elvis UK Singles page 18-28.tif
page 181.jpg

NB - This post was in a separate thread & I've merged it with the pre-existing one on the same subject - CB

If the books looks like those pictures you posted, I like it . Will look for a copy in Memphis to save postage!. Thanks.

[ttwii]

]If the books looks like those pictures you posted, I like it . Will look for a copy in Memphis to save postage!. Thanks.

The book is available only from The Elvis Shop London and myself, I will be taking some copies to Memphis this August so if you want one PM me and we can arrange to meet (they will be $75) I wont have many as they are 2.7kg each!
The book is indeed self published (no publisher, not even ftd thought it a viable subject) the original Elvis UK book is 30 years old and lacked colour and also had many records missing. I took it upon myself with the help of a few others to start from scratch and produce a colourful and informative book that would cater for new and old collectors alike, then we put our own money up to make sure others could share the information I had gathered, I have no doubt it could have included more, and I would have loved to do that but each extra page made the project more expensive. Originally it was a 300 page book but I wanted press clippings to give it a historical perspective and sheet music to give the singles section more colour (most UK 45's had no picture sleeve). From the feedback I have had, including Colin's, I am happy that the book has accomplished what I intended.

[Colin B]

If the books looks like those pictures you posted, I like it . Will look for a copy in Memphis to save postage!. Thanks.

...I took it upon myself with the help of a few others to start from scratch and produce a colourful and informative book that would cater for new and old collectors alike...
From the feedback I have had, including Colin's, I am happy that the book has accomplished what I intended.

I didn't realise at first that "ttwii" was Paul Alner himself !

Yes, the book has achieved what it set out to do.

I have listed a few 'cons' - but they are outweighed by the 'pros' !

A recommended purchase...

[Tulsa Mclean]

]If the books looks like those pictures you posted, I like it . Will look for a copy in Memphis to save postage!. Thanks.

The book is available only from The Elvis Shop London and myself, I will be taking some copies to Memphis this August so if you want one PM me and we can arrange to meet (they will be $75) I wont have many as they are 2.7kg each!
The book is indeed self published (no publisher, not even ftd thought it a viable subject) the original Elvis UK book is 30 years old and lacked colour and also had many records missing. I took it upon myself with the help of a few others to start from scratch and produce a colourful and informative book that would cater for new and old collectors alike, then we put our own money up to make sure others could share the information I had gathered, I have no doubt it could have included more, and I would have loved to do that but each extra page made the project more expensive. Originally it was a 300 page book but I wanted press clippings to give it a historical perspective and sheet music to give the singles section more colour (most UK 45's had no picture sleeve). From the feedback I have had, including Colin's, I am happy that the book has accomplished what I intended.

I´ve sent you a pm....

[javilu]

Great job, Paul.
Congratulations!

[Tulsa Mclean]

Are there any pictures of labels or sleeve of the unreleased lp: Elvis For You RD-7586 included in this book?.

P.S: This lp was supposed to include the songs Summer Kisses, Winter Tears & Flaming Star plus Loving You songs from the original lp. It was shelved, later all these songs were included on the lp Summer Kisses, Winter Tears RD-7723 released in Sept 1965.

[Colin B]

Are there any pictures of labels or sleeve of the unreleased lp: Elvis For You RD-7586 included in this book?....

No.