Elvis Disco

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Promotion has always been a key-element in getting the attention of the public. In the case of Elvis it started with Sam Phillips who personally handed out free singles to the radio stations. In the years to come the commercial circus of Tom Parker would take over in a professional manner.

It was clear that airplay was needed to get - and to keep - Elvis’s songs in the charts. Prior to the release of singles (or albums) RCA distributed the radio stations with so called ‘promotional material’ (in other words: promo’s). These come with the text “not for sale - promotional use only” printed on the sleeve and/or disc. Since they are pressed in very limited editions (ranging from 100 to 500 copies worldwide), these things have become highly collectible. The harder to get,the higher the price will be at record fairs or auctions!

Today RCA/BMG is still making use of promo’s to promote their major releases. And the more the word ‘promo’ is misused in the Elvis world, because in the true sence of the word a promo ‘promotes’ a new release on the radio. Though a lot of so called ‘promo’s’ are in fact nothing more than ’special products’. And I am referring to the free cd’s that come with books (Carlos Ares, Joe Tunzi, Dale Hampton) or occasions (Graceland’s christmas gifts, Rijff’s Elvis parties, BMG record fairs). These kinds of cd’s are “gifts” to the public, and the only common thing is the limited number.This is also the case with Stranger In My Own Home Town.

This is a special product made by BMG Denmark to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Danish fanclub. It was presented on the convention at Randers Denmark on the 25th of March 2000. The cd is packaged in a cardboard sleeve that can be folded out twice. The art direction was in the hands of BMG’s talented Thomas Camp who used - besides a 1970s image of Elvis - a photo of the Hernando de Soto bridge in Memphis on the front. A nice touch as it refers to the words ‘Home Town’ in the title ! The sand colour which is used gives this product a warm touch.The sleeve notes are written both in English and in Danish. Whereas the editor of this magazine - yours truly Arjan Deelen - writes in English about the concept of the cd. The Danish fanclub president Henrik Knudsen gives us a Danish write up on the history of his fanclub.

Furthermore you will find quotes made people in the Elvis World, congratulating the fanclub (Henrik Knudsen !) with this anniversary. Check out the quote made by the TCB-band. I never knew there were 2 Ronnie Tutts playing until now, since his name is mentioned twice. I bet James Burton was chasing the girls when this TCB-band statement was made, as he is nowhere in sight !

What makes this cd so special is that it is not just a bunch of songs that were picked in random order, but that it has a concept. The producers thought it would be nice to focus on the Blues side of Elvis. This idea was already used for RECONSIDER BABY (1985), but this cd continues where RECONSIDER BABY ended. So consider this one as its follow up !

The songs are: Reconsider Baby (New York, 1972), My Babe (Vegas, 1969), Stranger In My Own Home Town (informal rehearsal, 1970: 70s box), Baby What’d You Want Me To Do (Vegas, 1969) and Steamroller Blues (Memphis, 1974). What I particularly liked is that all the songs are mixed together. There are no fade-outs so it just sounds like a mini-concert.

Only 1000 copies are pressed (and a lot of them have been sold at the convention) so get this beauty if you can. It is one of the best special products I have seen. The whole project shows that this is a labour of love. Truly a fine job.
Well done, boys !

Emiel Maier

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Review published: Elvis Unlimited
Issue 7 - 2000 | Page 26 - 27