Chalkhills Digest, Volume 11, Number 73

                Saturday, 31 December 2005

Topics:

                   RE: puffyamiyumifish
                     XTC Vs. Cracker
                 my top 10 albums of 2005
           Andy interview on BBC Radio Swindon
             Fruits fallen from God's garden
                           HNY

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I've got all morning, I've got all year.

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Date: Sun, 25 Dec 2005 09:58:51 -0800 (PST)
From: Tyler Hewitt <tahewitt@yahoo.com>
Subject: RE: puffyamiyumifish
Message-ID: <20051225175851.51518.qmail@web51713.mail.yahoo.com>

jude hayden wrote:
...but a lot of other Puffy songs are quite good,
super
catchy pop music. Check out their (again,
Sturmer-penned and produced) theme
song to the Teen Titans cartoon. And I recommend the
album "Nice."

J-Pop rules!

>From reading the last Chalkhills, it looks like Puffy
AmiYumi, as well as J-Pop in general are not much
appreciated in these parts.
While I can't (and don't want to) argue taste, I will
offer my opinion.
Actually, I don't have much of an opinion on Puffy
AmiYumi. I don't like the cartoon, it's boring and not
particularly well written or animated.
I do really like the Teen Titans theme, however(and
love that show). First time I heard it, I thought wow!
punky,with surf guitar and Japanese women
singers-what's not to love? I don't have their record,
so I can't say much beyond that. From what I've read,
it's been generally well-recieved.

As for J-Pop in general, it's kind like American or
British pop in that 90% is awful, but the rest is
pretty good. I've been gushing about The Pillows for
at least 2 years, and like Bump of Chicken a lot as
well. The Pillows have a couple of American releases,
so you can check them out without mortgaging your home
to pay Japanese import prices.

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 26 Dec 2005 23:25:23 -0700
From: "Thomas Vest" <tvtwo@hotmail.com>
Subject: XTC Vs. Cracker
Message-ID: <BAY109-F24F142B6722EB8F65AF3A5A1370@phx.gbl>

hey chalkfreaks!

anyone else notice that the artwork for Fuzzy Warbles 8 is nearly identical
to the artwork from Golden Age by Cracker?

noticed that when i was browsing knockoffproject.com tonight.

quite interesting.

is FW8 artwork definitely the "official" artwork for this release?

was this approved by andy?

does andy know?

does the shadow know?

ok, its late and that was cheap.

happy christmas.

Thom

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 28 Dec 2005 09:28:32 -0800 (PST)
From: Happy Puppy Records <happypuppyrecords@yahoo.com>
Subject: my top 10 albums of 2005
Message-ID: <20051228172832.34433.qmail@web53911.mail.yahoo.com>

Just in case those who were interested...in reverse
order:

#10 - Architecture in Helsinki - "In Case We Die"
Definitely the quirkiest (and I try to use that word
as little as possible) sound to emerge in a while.
This Australian band is probably the closest cousin to
the work that Brian Wilson did on Smile, only with a
more modern approach. They've got a playful sense of
musical humour and get better with each release.
http://www.architectureinhelsinki.com/

#9 - Petra Haden - "Sings The Who Sell Out"
What an amazing achievement; Petra took a 8-track
cassette with The Who's "Sell Out" on one track, and
sang along with it over the remaining 7 tracks. The
result isn't simply an acapella rendition of the
album, for not everyone has the talented ear (and
voice) that Petra does. It's a new way to hear the
album, and possibly more enjoyable.

#8 - Chumbawamba - "A Singsong and A Scrap"
A definite surprise for the year, Chumba have created
a honest-to-goodness folk protest album. Protest songs
are common with them anyways, but what's uncommon is
the ditching of electronic instruments, in favour of
an all-acoustic lineup, traditional folk song
structures and some of their best songwriting ever.
You thought you could sing along to "Tubthumping"?
http://www.chumba.com/

#7 - Sexsmith and Kerr - "Destination Unknown"
I've said it before-Ron Sexsmith can do no wrong in my
book. His latest album, an official pairing with his
oft musical sidekick Don Kerr, is charming, sincere,
uncomplicated and heartachingly beautiful. Ron
recorded a batch of demos for Don to listen to, but he
ended up just adding more layers to those original
recordings, which probably accounts for the easy-going
and unrushed feel.
http://www.ronsexsmith.com/

#6 - Tracy Bonham - "Blink the Brightest"
Another pleasant surprise of the year, from this
ex-alternative rocker. Tracy's albums before always
felt like she was trying to be someone else, and on
"BTB", she's writing from the heart and uses effective
production that never gets in the way of the tune.
http://www.tracybonham.com/

#5 - Paula Frazer - "Leave the Sad Things Behind"
I had a difficult time narrowing down one song from
this album, as there is something I like about all of
them. On 2001's "Indoor Universe", Paula expanded her
love of spaghetti Western music, and "LTSTB" goes even
further but doesn't alienate. The album makes me feel
elated and melancholy at the same time, and I have yet
to understand why.
http://www.paulafrazer.com/

#4 - Edith Frost - "It's A Game"
Another charming and wonderful album, capturing the
timeless quality of a song. Elements of country, folk,
and pop blend together and sound like they could have
been written 50 years ago. Many highlights including
the title track, "Lucky Charm" and "If It Weren't For
the Words".
http://www.edithfrost.com

#3 - The Legends - "Public Radio"
Johan Angergard has been a busy guy lately. A major
force behind the AHK, The Legends is all him, doing
everything. While the last Legends album was the most
perfect rock/pop record, Johan doesn't repeat his
formula. Instead he's fused his knack for pop songs
with the musical styles of The Cure and Gary Numan,
and that takes a little more time to warm up to, but
still excellent.
http://www.labrador.se/artists/legends.php3

#2 - Roger Joseph Manning Jr. - "Solid State Warrior"
While Andy Sturmer of Jellyfish is off making
PuffyAmiYumi superstars, Roger has been slowly
compiling his first solo album. I first heard a track
3 years ago and was very impressed, but I had no idea
what I was in for. An amazing record. The guy's a
genius. Roger can match musical talents with anyone.
http://www.rogerjosephmanningjr.com/

#1 - Acid House Kings - "Sing Along with the Acid
House Kings"
A perfect album. It has everything - singalong
choruses that are super-catchy, wonderful harmonies,
charming vocals, interesting and funny lyrics, etc. I
was totally blown away the first time I heard it, and
it still sounds as fresh and familiar 100 spins later.
Plus, you have GOT to see the karaoke DVD that comes
with it.  Lotsa free mp3s at their site too.
http://www.acidhousekings.com/

Top Reissues:
Kirsty MacColl - From Croydon to Cuba (box set)
The Orchids (all three albums remastered with bonus
tracks)

Hon. Mentions:
Kate Bush - "Aerial"
Paul McCartney - "From Chaos.."
Beck - "Guero"

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 28 Dec 2005 23:10:18 +0000
From: "Ian Sutton" <sutty31@hotmail.co.uk>
Subject: Andy interview on BBC Radio Swindon
Message-ID: <BAY109-F21F28B027DA51B20EC5B86EF360@phx.gbl>

BBC Radio Swindon are heavily advertising their New Years Day special which
is an interview with Andy and goes out at 1400GMT.

Andy was in the studio on Christmas Eve and he explained that he always
wanted to write a cheesy Christmas song.  The original idea was that the
staff at Virgin would sing it and as a number of them were called Mary it
could be released by a collaboration called The Virgin Marys.  As the BBC
would never allow this to be played they combined Andy and Colin's voices
and the rest is history.

In a previous digest someone expressed surprise that Andy would write a
Christmas song.  He explained that it is good to celebrate the end of
another year for whatever reason.

BBC Radio Swindon can be found at:

www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/local_radio/radio_swindon

Ian

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 29 Dec 2005 05:04:12 +0000 (GMT)
From: Paul Culnane <paulculnane@yahoo.co.uk>
Subject: Fruits fallen from God's garden
Message-ID: <20051229050412.7806.qmail@web86907.mail.ukl.yahoo.com>

  Firstly: Simon: Puffy's music is something I thought would be right
up your alley.  Just the ticket to suit your musical taste, I reckon.
Can discuss further, but you still wont talk to me (why do people shy
off when I tell them that I love them?).  Oh, well, s'pose it might be
my cheap deodorant or something.

  Secondly: hello Haines!  Was thinking about you just yesterday
(looking nostalgically thru some old photos). I agree with your
views. mp3s are generally el-crappo, and I disdain the foll-de-roll of
downloading stuff from the computer.  I'm a last-century schizoid man,
I dig a well-mastered proper compact disc anyday.  Hey man, email me
off-list with details of another piece of outmoded gear, your simple
telephone number, is that okay?  I give good phone.

  How is everyone's head?  I hope the wild weather up in the Northen
Hemishphear hasn't caused too much distress.  It's friggin' HOT
here-

  Now playing: the future (and past) of rock & roll: Wolfmother
(self-titled).

  Thank you
SGT ROCK
Aka Paul-of-Oz

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 31 Dec 2005 13:06:25 +0000 (GMT)
From: Paul Culnane <paulculnane@yahoo.co.uk>
Subject: HNY
Message-ID: <20051231130625.51260.qmail@web86915.mail.ukl.yahoo.com>

  Well I hope you had a good way of seeing out this "annus horribilis"
and bring the new one in, which I hope is good for you baby in all
ways.

  How did I do mine?  I watched a fillum with my Mum, sister, my bro
and stuff.  We had a mild but nice meal.  Staggered home after too
many reds, noticed the guy downstairs had open house.  I couldn't
resist.  Being my open friendly self, I found myself embroiled in a
viper-nest of black guys freakin' out.  I remarked, "this is cool
music, and it's such a full-on system".  One of the boys replied: "oh,
so you're that funky honky upstairs , man, your system can kill us at
ten paces".

  I made sure to get photos with all these characters.  They are all
very cool.  Will deliver said pics when I get 'em ready, to selected
recipients.  But hey, they were funkin' .  I thought, "cool, but I'll
show you".  I simply excused myself after a polite interlude, and
plugged in some Stevie Wonder.  That exhibited comprehensively how
it's done. Lo & behold, a pair of these dudes knocked on my door, to
offer me yet another mega-B52-scoob.  On this occasion, I declined,
but I said to them, as I say to you:

  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!  I mean, In Excelcis

  Hang on, there's twenty more minutes to go as I type this (where's
my kazoo and megaphone?)- But I'm over it.

  2006 gotta be better, it can't much worse.
  Love PORL

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End of Chalkhills Digest #11-73
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