Mike, I hope it is okay to post this. You posted the link on facebook a few days ago and I didn't know if you wanted to post it here yourself.
New Book 'Elvis Music FAQ' - Some Details: Author Mike Eder, who has contributed to JAT and the Elvis Files books, will have his first book out later this year "Elvis Music FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the King's Recorded Works".
EIN members have asked us for some more details about this book and what it entails. Here EIN asks author Mike Eder some preliminary questions..
EIN: How long have you been working on the book?
Mike Eder: I was signed late fall 2011 upon my submission of an outline and sample chapter. I began my main period of work at the start of 2012. The text was finished last December and I am now doing the very final editing, photo placement, etc.
EIN: How will the book differ from Ernst Jorgensen's 'A Life In Music' book?
Eder: Being that I respect his work, and also knowing that most fans have read it, I decided to try to make it as different as possible.
His work was done hands on, and mine was done through being a hard core fan for 31 years. Much of the book is my take on Elvis' records issued during his lifetime, my only real goal being an attempt to find some balance when assessing Elvis the artist and human being. This isn't going to be a whitewash, but I made it my goal to write about Elvis' issues with some open compassion.
Along with the records, I also cover every major career event such as films, tours, sessions etc. I put the importance back on what Elvis himself tried to
present as an artist. I am a pretty independent thinker when it comes to music so I can guarantee my take on his career differs from those published before. I was also as meticulous as possible on getting the facts correct.
Actually if any book influenced this one it was Robert Matthew-Walkers seminal 1978 "Elvis Presley : A Study In Music". He praised songs or knocked them as he saw fit. There were no sacred cows, nor were there any songs beyond redemption. The format of my book is completely different in both style and opinion, but his success at thinking about Elvis independently from others was an inspiration if you will.
EIN: What 'Inside scoops" can fans expect?
Eder: I own more than 400 books on Elvis. and set myself the goal of not copying any previous style or conclusions. There are enough unique items in the book to keep the hard core fan interested, and both they and more casual Elvis listeners will find a lot together in one place. Whenever I could I discussed facts and subjects I hadn't seen in other books. When that was not possible I tried to focus on things not covered elsewhere in enough detail. On top of that I think it still covers all the basics.
EIN: Colonel Parker, good or bad?
Eder: Parker never went about things the way I would have. Even the 1955 RCA contract should have had an addendum permitting Sam to continue recording Elvis. Yet placing my own instincts aside, I must admit he was very astute in the fifties. That goes especially where television was concerned. If I were Elvis I would have fired him upon hearing the "G.I. Blues" demos or at very least when I saw he wasn't going to let me tour.
- Elvis Music FAQ aims to be the one essential companion that explains the reason why the voice heard over the speakers still carries such resonance. Dozens of rare images accompany this engaging text.
Paperback, 400 pages. Backbeat Books - Out October 15, 2013.
Source:
http://www.elvisinfonet.com/
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