MRS 'Follow That Dream' - 'Welcome Home Elvis'

Despite the resurgence in vinyl, for most fans buying new Elvis Presley vinyl in this millennium is a rare treat. I do like to buy vinyl that I will actually play, as I also buy Elvis books to read, so for my collection it is even rarer that I buy a new 45rpm in this age of digital streaming and downloads.

In fact the last 45RPM that I purchased was the 2015 unique RCA double-A side single ‘If I Can Dream / Bridge Over Troubled Water’ by Elvis and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. While I do not in general go for those fake ‘overdubs’ it seemed like a nice collectable at the time. More recently my Elvis 45rpm collection has grown with the FTD Vince Everett ‘Treat Me Nice’ single and this year the (Elvis Now In Person 1972) ‘Burning Love’ EP however they were, of course, “Bonus Discs” as part of expensive FTD Book / CD combos (AU$500).

Last month the UK label MRS released two exclusive 45rpms and in a totally unique format combining a Gatefold 45rpm sleeve with a high-quality 45rpm EP - as well as the neat addition of a ‘CD single’ to go with it. If this format has been utilised before, I cannot remember ever seeing it.

With both of these the 45rpm EP vinyl single features the main Elvis tracks while the CD single features a couple of extras.

Both these sets have the best 2024 audio remastering and the real treat is getting Elvis’ ‘Follow That Dream’ master recordings in STEREO. The original RCA stereo tapes were lost and so until now RCA have only released the mono versions or in the case of the track ‘Follow That Dream’ the stereo ‘Take 2’ outtake.

The layout is a 45rpm gatefold sleeve as a neat homage to the original 1962 RCA release. It is not actually the same photo and features the line “5 GREAT SONGS FROM THIS GREAT MOVIE” (gee, RCA’s original designer didn’t think very hard to create that 1962 cover line!).

Also note that the single features photos of Elvis from the same August 1961 photo-shoot – Elvis had big-hair and for once not dyed jet-black!

The 45RPM EP – available in clear or black vinyl – is a beautiful pressing with the audio quality equal to playing the CD. The top end of the audio bristles with a lovely clarity and the STEREO audio mix has been made to match the position of the musicians exactly like the other studio outtakes that were always in stereo. The Jordanaires singing on the right channel are beautifully separated from Elvis’ central vocal and it sounds superb.

While ‘Sound Advice’ is no doubt the most insubstantial number the STEREO version here makes it a delight as you can clearly hear all the musicians, Bob Moore’s bass, Hank Garland and Scotty Moore’s guitars all beautifully separated.

Similarly the delightful ballad ‘Angel’ sounds superb with Hank Garland’s tic-tac bass-lines and Boots Randolph playing Claves beautiful clear in the mix along with Millie Kirkham and The Jordanaires adding delightful backing vocals.

Note: In comparison the ‘Complete Masters’ Vic Anesini mono versions of the Follow That Dream masters sound very flat. The FTD 2004 ‘Follow That Dream’ release also had some unfortunate tape-stretch and speed issues. There is no question that these MRS versions are the best ever released by far.

For those that don’t want to play their vinyl, the CD features the same Stereo masters plus the officially-unreleased extra bonus track ‘Sound Advice’ Takes 2-5. Take 5 with Elvis commenting “it was awful” as they again mess up this simple arrangement, is a treat.

I remember the excitement of first hearing these Sinatra show tracks on the 1997 RCA ‘Platinum’ collection even though they sounded as if they were recorded off your family’s TV set. How things have changed as these newly found acetates plus 2024 remastering make these MRS versions bristle with a new clarity.

(Memphis Mansion’s Henrik Knudsen and Tony Stuchbury are thanked for supplying the acetate)

The 45rpm gatefold layout is a cool design with plenty of photos from the TV show capturing the old pop-music foes looking relaxed in each other company. I love the front cover with Sinatra looking straight at the camera while Elvis is perhaps dreaming of being somewhere else!

Note: Unlike the MRS Follow That Dream set, my clear vinyl EP in this set did not come in a plastic protection sleeve which meant it could easily slip out if you were not aware.

Several tracks here have still not been released officially by RCA, although they have been by MRS ‘Elvis On Television’ and also Memphis Mansion.

The audio quality on Elvis’ Sinatra special has never been particularly good but these sound amazing.

SIDE A of the 45rm EP with Fame and Fortune / Stuck On You is stunning. On HiFi speakers, with no background rumble and new remaster, it sounds very impressive.

Using the Introduction, Witchcraft/Love Me Tender duet and the Love Me Tender reprise creates a neat Side B.

On the CD we also get the full Elvis Sinatra TV show additions It's Nice to Travelling and Frank Sinatra and Nancy say farewell to Elvis.

MRS have also released the ‘Welcome Home Elvis’ CD single separately for collectors who are not interested in vinyl.

EIN NOTE: Since these sets came out MRS have announced their new Book / CD combo ‘The Complete Movie Masters 1960-62 - Plus Session Out-Takes’ which will contain these Follow That Dream tracks in stereo. The Elvis Sinatra tracks were previously released on the MRS CAMDEN set ‘Elvis On Television 1956- 1960’

Overall Verdict: These unique Gatefold 45rpm sleeves with 45rpm EP plus CD single are a neat addition to the MRS collection. The remastered audio is top-notch and the new MRS ‘Follow That Dream’ STEREO EP makes my old RCA EP redundant. For Elvis 45rpm collectors both of these new MRS releases are surely essential and the overall design makes them a stylish addition to any collection. Apparently these EP releases are already close to being Sold Out, making them even more desirable. Check with your local Elvis dealers.

Review by Piers Beagley.
-Copyright EIN March 2024
EIN Website content © Copyright the Elvis Information Network.

MRS CAMDEN reviews: The UK MRS label have re-released 3 CD titles on its new alternate budget label 'MRS CAMDEN'.
- One Night In Pearl Harbor 1CD
- Elvis On Television 1956 - 1960 2CD
- The Complete 1950's Live Recordings 3CD
All three were released late November 2023.
The releases on MRS CAMDEN are scaled-down budget versions priced for the mainstream market. The titles have slight changes from the original MRS deluxe versions and now come in a Digi-Sleeve packs with small booklets.
There are minor upgrades on each release but they still all pack a punch and cover important sections of Elvis' historical journey. Going from 1954 to 1961 it is one incredible rockin’ trip.
EIN's Piers Beagley checks them out as possible Santa bonus treats...
If you are in the UK and order them on Amazon you can still get them delivered by Christmas Day!
(CD Reviews; Source: ElvisInformationNetwork)

'ELVIS: At 3am Sahara Tahoe 1973' MRS CD Review: This Deluxe 2CD set features two shows from Elvis’ May 1973 engagement at The Sahara Tahoe in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Included is a rare 3am charity performance as well as the midnight show from the previous night.
Both shows for the first time are presented in stereo.
The accompanying booklet includes memorabilia and rare photos along with liner notes that set the scene.
Despite having to perform three concerts in the one evening, Elvis was feeling inspired and although it was 3am he still treated the ‘Mother’s Day’ benefit more like a Closing Night performance. Elvis was in extremely jovial spirits, teasing the band and adding some crazy lyrics. He also added unique live versions of ‘My Way’, ‘Faded Love’, ‘Funny How Time Slips Away’ and a rare ‘It’s Over’.
With the cassette hiss removed, the musicians and backing-vocals in stereo and Elvis’ vocal raised to the correct level, this MRS release sounds just like an RCA recorded multi-track and is the best representation of the “real Elvis” live in 1973 that fans could hope for.
Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley checks out a sensational STEREO Elvis double-pack.
(CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

'ELVIS: Closing Night 1972' MRS CD Review: This MRS 2CD set features a live performance recorded on 4 September 1972,during the last night of Elvis’ seventh engagement in Las Vegas at the Hilton Hotel.
The show is presented in stereo. A bonus CD of remastered rehearsal tracks, recorded days before the engagement began, is also included.
While Elvis is perhaps not as full-blast as on the 'Opening Night' here MRS's 'Studio D' engineer has done some brilliant audio remastering, removing the bad cassette-tape-hiss of all previous releases. Emphasising the instrumentation with this "Stereo remaster" not only elevates Elvis and the musicians' performance but also places the listener right into the audience.
This night Elvis rocked into 'Johnny B. Goode' and even performed the golden-oldies with some real respect.
It's a great show.
Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley discovers something new in this re-release - the near perfect bookend to MRS' examination of Elvis’ 1972 Summer Festival.
(CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

'ELVIS: Opening Night 1972' MRS CD Review: Elvis’ first 1972 Las Vegas season ran from January 26th through February 23rd, 1972. Elvis was in great shape both physically and vocally, and he was once again serious about performing.
While a large number of fans think that Elvis started losing inspiration and impetus after the power-year of 1970, his rejuvenation of his first live performances in 1972 demonstrate another more positive aspect. Introducing the new songs 'You Gave Me A Mountain', ‘I'll Remember You’ , 'A Big Hunk O'Love' and the brilliant 'An American Trilogy' would enrich Elvis’ live shows for the rest of his career. So while Elvis collectors may have heard the bootleg recording multiple times before, you have never truly enjoyed this concert, or appreciated its importance, until this sessional MRS audio Remaster.
Elvis was in superb form and this set-list - along with the new MRS audio remaster - is truly sensational.
Check out EIN's detailed review here

(CD Reviews;ElvisInformationNetwork)

'Las Vegas Summer Festival 1972' MRS CD Review: This 4CD set contains a varied selection of live performances drawn from Elvis’ seventh engagement in the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel during Elvis’ summer festival in the month of August 1972.
It features the 11 August Dinner and Midnight Show plus 12 August Dinner and Midnight Show. For the first time ever these performances are released in "Stereo". Bonus rehearsal tracks, recorded days before the engagement began, are also included.
The accompanying 40-page booklet includes rare photographs, memorabilia and liner notes help set the scene.
Key songs include My Way, Fever, Its Over, Until It’s Time For You To Go, American Trilogy, What Now My Love, Little Sister/ Get Back, Never Been To Spain, For The Good Times and A Big Hunk O' Love'.
Elvis was in superb form and with more new songs in his set-list sounding even better with the new MRS audio remaster it is a power-packed set.

Go here for EIN's in-depth review .
(CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

MRS presents 'ELVIS: September 1970' in-depth Review: MRS's new 2CD deluxe set features a new previously unreleased soundboard from 2nd September 1970 and a bonus CD that covers the final rehearsals at the International Hotel on August 10th before the start of the summer festival.
In September 1970 Elvis was still excited to be back on stage and performing for his fans. Newspaper reviews of his concerts wrote about the excitement and fun Elvis was having back on-stage.
This brand-new previously unknown concert captures Elvis feeling 'loose-as-a-goose' yet still performing with a real intensity. His live versions of ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’’, 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' were truly exceptional this evening.
The accompanying 40-page booklet of the CD deluxe includes rare photographs and memorabilia taken during these engagements along with introductory notes.

EIN's Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley check out this new collection and enjoy a hilarious ride-with-the-king.
(CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

'Summer Festival 1970: The Rehearsals' In-Depth Review: MRS's new triple-CD set 'Summer Festival 1970: The Rehearsals' was released last month.
The CDs contain rehearsal highlights from one of the most memorable periods in Elvis’ career - his captivating performances at The International Hotel Las Vegas in the summer of 1970. With remastered audio and accompanying 40-page booklet the package is aimed at the general public, plus Elvis collectors who could not afford last year's FTD fan club deluxe release.
Elvis’ glorious rehearsals on 24 July at RCA studios are the real key to this release. Twenty seven classic performances and with Elvis not only rehearsing the familiar songs we would all come to know from the MGM movie but also songs he would never perform on stage.

EIN's Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley check out this new collection and discover some neat surprises along the way.

(CD REviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

MRS 'Elvis:Back In Living Stereo' in-depth Review: The new MRS set contains 6CDs of essential 1960-1962 master recordings, plus rare alternate outtakes - including plenty of officially unreleased material - and all of the personal home recordings Elvis made during the 1960s.
The 100 page book, with text from Gordon Minto, includes rare unpublished documents and photographs, supported by a comprehensive text discussing each of Elvis’ RCA studio (non-film) recording sessions held during 1960-62.
Musically the packed cds - over seven hours - present a stunning look at Elvis recording in the early sixties before the shine wore off. The "Master" sessions nicely contrast with the looser "Outtakes" discs and with Elvis getting even more uninhibited on the Home Recordings. - Very unihibited with a certain Nancy Sharpe!

But with so much thrown into the mix, and some tracks in poor audio quality, have MRS packed "Too Much" into the one release.

Go here as EIN's Nigel Patterson & Piers Beagley check out the positives and negatives in their in-depth review.

(Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

'Elvis - Made In Germany’ In-Depth Review: The new MRS 'Elvis - Made In Germany – The Complete Private Recordings’ 4CD set contains more than 3 hours of the private recordings Elvis made while off duty in Germany when he was serving as a soldier in the US army during the 1958 -1960 period and, includes rare tracks from a recently discovered tape comprising over an hour of unheard personal recordings.
The 152-page hardback book contains rare photographs and documents plus a comprehensive text provided by Gordon Minto, which discusses each of Elvis’ RCA studio (non-film) recording sessions held during 1957-58, before focusing on the private recordings he made in Germany.
The BONUS CD features the essential RCA studio masters from 1957-58.

With such an expansive book, along with hours of Elvis jamming with his friends in Germany, there is plenty to discuss as well as finding out what extra material this set contains over the official releases.

Go here as EIN's Nigel Patterson & Piers Beagley provide an in-depth review of this new MRS release

(Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

EIN's reviews of other MRS releases:

The Complete 50s Movie Masters Session Recordings

Elvis Studio Sessions '56 The Complete Recordings

The Complete Works 1953-1955

Elvis On Television 1956-1960

Elvis Live in the 50s The Complete Concert Recordings

Off Duty with Private Presley

Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley

Memphis Recording Service Volume 2 'The Rise of Elvis Presley' 1955

Memphis Recording Service Volume 1 'The Beginning of Elvis Presley' 1953-1954

'The Complete ‘50s Movie Masters And Session Recordings' In-Depth Review: This MRS 'The Complete ‘50s Movie Masters And Session Recordings' 5CD/Book combo pays tribute to Elvis Presley’s complete music recordings made for his movies during the 1950s.
The 5CDs contain the complete works of the master and session studio recordings made for each of Elvis’ movies during the 1950s, and all tracks have been remastered.
The 200-page book focuses on each of the recording sessions held for the four motion pictures made between August 1956 and March 1958.
The comprehensive text is complemented by rare and previously unseen photographs and documentation.

So what surprises will collectors discover in this new set, what is in this new collection that FTD have missed and how good will the audio sound.

Go here as EIN's Nigel Patterson & Piers Beagley provide an in-depth review of this new MRS release

(Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

‘ELVIS: Studio Sessions 1956' In-Depth Review: MRS newest release, a massive 3CD/172 page book compilation "Elvis Studio Sessions ‘56 The Complete Recordings". The 172-page book, with text by Gordon Minto, focuses on each of Elvis’ studio recording sessions during his first year of national stardom - from the first one in January, held in Nashville, then later in New York, before finishing his final session of the year in Hollywood in September. The full and comprehensive text is complemented by rare and previously unseen photographs and pieces of documentation.
The 3CDs contain the complete archival master and session studio recordings of Elvis Presley from 1956, along with bonus interviews. All 90 tracks have been remastered and restored. Also for the first time on CD is the complete ‘The Truth About Me’ from an original US 45rpm flexi-disc. Also included are all the out-takes from this interview.

Once again MRS release a first putting all of Elvis' key 1956 Studio Session masters onto one disc, with the addition of two other fully-packed cds of 1956 material and a stunning 172 page book. But what does this set offer over other previous releases
Go here as EIN's Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley check out this new volume from MRS to find what is on offer. Includes stunning example photos & a detailed audio investigation.
(Book Review: Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

'Follow That Dream'

'Welcome Home Elvis'

MRS 45RPM / CD releases

- Review by Piers Beagley

Go to EIN's CD Review Page

Return to EIN's Home Page