Chalkhills Digest Volume 2, Issue 132
Date: Thursday, 4 July 1996
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 2, Number 132
Thursday, 4 July 1996
Today's Topics:
Re: Monkey Music
Re: Chills
Oh no, not Eno (and more!)
Rob W./problems
Re: animal noises
Re: MN The Great!
RE: monkey toonz
Too much monkey business
NEW BEST OF ALBUM DETAILS!!
derivatives...
hidden messages
Greenhouse Rush
monkeys
Trib Tape Duplicator and Artist
Monkey business
Demo Producer
XTC demos
Beatles, XTC & Monkeys
beatle girls
Random Thoughts
Re: Demos Olde and New
Red songs
...monkey note/Go2
Grassy knoll edge?
Odds n' Sods
The perfect trapper
Administrivia:
To UNSUBSCRIBE from the Chalkhills mailing list, send a message to
<chalkhills-request@chalkhills.org> with the following command:
unsubscribe chalkhills
For all other administrative issues, send a message to:
<chalkhills-request@chalkhills.org>
Please remember to send your Chalkhills postings to:
<chalkhills@chalkhills.org>
World Wide Web: <http://chalkhills.org/>
The views expressed herein are those of the individual authors.
Ra Ra for Red Rocking Horse!
---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message-Id: <v01530508adffc21d0502@[139.80.100.164]> Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 17:28:36 +1100 From: james.dignan@stonebow.otago.ac.nz (James Dignan) Subject: Re: Monkey Music >Monkey music > > Ape Man-Kinks > Gorilla-James Taylor etc etc etc. Monkey Man - the Specials King Kong Song - Abba (yes, Abba!) oh, and King Crimson's song Neurotica compares humans to a whole host of animals: eg, about two punks - "just look at that hammerhead hand in hand with the mandrill!" James
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v0153050badffc43181e7@[139.80.100.164]> Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 17:33:55 +1100 From: james.dignan@stonebow.otago.ac.nz (James Dignan) Subject: Re: Chills >I've just found out that Kiwi band Martyn Phillips and the Chills (as they >are now known) have released a new single called "Come Home" (NZ FLying Nun >label), which includes "a couple of members of XTC in the backing lineup" >(it says here). > >Of course, I've just placed an order, but can anybody enlighten us as to >which members of XTC participate, and what their roles are? Daves Gregory and Mattacks play on the Sunburst album, and on this single from it. Seems that the Chills flew to England to record, but there were problems with customs clearance (Martin was the only one who'd remembered he needed a visa!), so half the band ended up going home. It's not bad - not the best that Martin's come up with, but not bad either - and a welcome return to music for him after a couple of years off. James
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 2 Jul 1996 22:57:51 -0700 (PDT) From: Charles <6500mull@ucsbuxa.ucsb.edu> Subject: Oh no, not Eno (and more!) Message-Id: <Pine.SUN.3.91.960701132311.26291B-100000@ucsbuxa.ucsb.edu> Hello Chalkhillians, I tend to avoid offering opinions on controversial matters which are likely to elicit flames, but I think I must humbly make an exception to that policy at this point: Dear God, please do not let Eno produce XTC. Eno destroyed my interest in U2, and I feel confident that he could similarly work his ambient magic with XTC. I would rather my Dad produce XTC's next album, though frankly, I don't think my Dad would do a particularly good job, either. Anybody hear that Eno/Bono/Pavarotti collaboration? Not keen on Rick Rubin as an XTC producer either. Maybe its just me, but the last thing I want in an XTC producer is someone who is gonna push the band in some new direction, like "ambient" or "urban." I rather like XTC's direction as it is; they tend to evolve naturally according to whatever mystical internal mechanisms drive them. However, I may well be in the minority here -- I think a lot of people prefer a producer who is gonna "challenge" XTC in some way...as if writing brilliant, tuneful, intelligent, charming pop isn't challenging enough. Offhand, my producer choice might be John Leckie -- luv Psonic Psunspot. And while I am expressing humble opinions: I am lukewarm towards "Smartest Monkeys" but I do not dislike it; I do prefer "Bungalow," though. I was bummed to see that people have mentioned most of the "people/monkey" songs that I was gonna contribute, but how about this one: "You Drive Me Ape (You Big Gorilla)" by that fondly remembered Los Angeles band The Dickies. XTC song I don't like? Well, "Travels in Nihilon" comes to mind. XTC drummer? I am glad someone mentioned Pete Thomas (drummer for Elvis Costello, at least one Squeeze album, two of John Wesley Harding's albums). He or Dave Mattacks would be my choices. And on the topic of bassists...I agree that Andy Metcalf is indeed one groovy dude. Plus he is a decent producer (I THINK he produced Squeeze's "Babylon and On," and some songs by the Reivers -- I could be wrong about the Squeeze production...I know he played on that album though). Some random thoughts: I have heard people complain about some sloppy Rundgren keyboards on Skylarking, but I have never really heard them. Is there some part on some certain songs I should be directing my attention to?? Nice work on the composer survey! My wife is a pretty big XTC fan (actually more of a Dukes of Stratosphear fan) and she was gonna send in her top ten composer list, but then she decided not to for two reasons: (1) She is not an official subscribing Chalkhillian (though she reads the missives over my shoulder); and... (2) She would have been the only person NOT to have included Andy in her top ten composers list! What gall! Ray Davies, Lennon/McCartney, and Brian Wilson (she loves Brian's "Pale and Precious" :-) ) were the only rock-era composers in her top ten. Gilbert and Sullivan were on her list though, which I thought was a decent choice...British, intelligent lyrics. And finally: I brew my own beer, and occaisionally name my batches after Kinks songs (like "Village Green Preservation Ale"); I would like to do the same with XTC songs/lyrics (like "Precious and Pale Ale," etc.) Any diabolically clever or at least amusing suggestions? Thanks for listening! Bye, Charles
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199607030854.KAA03957@leonardo.lls.se> Date: Wed, 03 Jul 1996 10:57:57 -0500 From: johanb <johanb@lls.se> Subject: Rob W./problems Paul C. wrote: >Hey Rob Warmowski, >You're entitled to your opinions. But from your post in Chalkhills #130, it >puzzles me as to why you're on this list. It sounds to me as if you've >developed a real chip on your shoulder about a number of things, XTC included. I agree. My posting yesterday should have contained some responses to Warmokowski's posting, but it seems that this part of my message disappeared. I had some serious problems with my e-mail program (?) when I was writing that-I saved the message and when I opened it again all the text from Warmokowski's message and my response to it had disappeared. I thought I had solved the problem and I sent my posting but this obviously didn't work. Is there any computer experts out there who can explain to me why this happened? Is it my mail program, my own incompetence, or what? Peace /JOHAN "The mad swede" Bengtsson. * -------------------------------------------------------------------- "TENT OF MIRACLES "Life has just begun" -the unofficial SPIRIT homepage" -Randy California. http://www.lls.se/~johanb/intro.htm * --------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Message-Id: <v0153050cadff7ed2e81c@[206.86.6.87]>
Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 03:00:01 +0100
From: sunhouse@best.com (John Wedemeyer)
Subject: Re: animal noises
Bob Estus asked about any animal noises, real or inferred in the XTC
catalogue.(Sorry....I have yet to figure out how to do that cool thing with
the arrows and the quotes that you all are so adept at)! Anyway, my fave
has to be the bullfrog (courtesy of AP) on "Knuckle Down". Check it out,
Bob!!
Also, on a non-XTC note, in response to Keith Hanlon's assertion that
Kenny G "has no talent"......now I am certainly not going to defend the
crap that he is putting out these days, but I would reccomend that Keith
check out Kenny's playing on the early Jeff Lorber Fusion
albums.("Watersign" comes to mind). Kenny Gorlick (his real name) can play
some sax when he chooses to, and those albums are the proof....
Best Wishes To You All,
John W.(sunhouse@best.com)
Song Of The Day; "Let's Make A Den"
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v02110112adfff5e0c696@[134.32.48.176]> Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 11:31:31 +0100 From: varga@ferndown.ate.slb.com (Stephen Varga) Subject: Re: MN The Great! In Chalkhills #130 Naouyki Isogai wrote: I'd like to ask a few things of someone who has an English copy of the CD of the Off White Album. I have a few things to ask too. Like I didn't know the damn thing had been released! The last thing I heard was in the Little Express when Humbug Records (or was it its distributor?) had gone into receivership and therefore there was no hope of a release until a new distributor had been found. I heard nothing more after that until I read Naouki's posting. Did news of the Off White Album's release get mentioned in an earlier edition of Chalkhills which I missed? I then got some further shocks. Having rushed down to my local Music & Video Club store, I was told the CD had been released back in April! 3 months of depravation! Even worse was the price. I was lucky to get it discounted at #12.49 because the normal retail price stands at a whopping #14.99 - (that's about 23 dollars to our American friends) for only 43 minutes worth of music! Nevertheless the music is very good. Excellent lyrics, sixtyish music and some great guitar sounds from our own Dave Gregory. If you liked the Greatest Living Englishman, you'll love this cos the styles are very similar - even without AP's production. By the way Naoyuki, although I have an English copy, the CD itself is manufactured in Tokyo. What do others think of this album? __________________________________________________________________________ STEPHEN VARGA ******* SCHLUMBERGER ATE ******* COBHAM ROAD ****** FERNDOWN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ***** WIMBORNE ***** DORSET ***** BH21 7PP ***** ENGLAND * -------------------------------------------------------------------------- TEL (44) (0)1202 850921 FAX (44) (0)1202 850990
------------------------------ Message-ID: <c=US%a=MARK400%p=GE%l=LINELNT1-960703120534Z-15082@linelnt1.light.ge.com> From: "Burgess, Christopher (MSX)" <BURGESSC@linelnt1.light.ge.com> Subject: RE: monkey toonz Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 08:05:34 -0400 <snip> >Blue Monkey --Thelonius Monkey >Schock the Monkey -Peter Gabriel >Monkey on my Back - blues standard >We are the Chimpanzees --the Chimpanzees(japanese Monkey band) >Monkeyberry Moon Delight --Paul McCartney (a reoccuring XTC item) >Velvet Underground & Nico --(sly monkey-in-you marketing ploy cover) >...any more monkey referrences smart guy?.... What about . . You Drive Me Bananas You Big Ape - The Dickies King Kong - The Dickies Apes of Things - The Yardbirds Gorilla My Dreams - Bram Tchaikovsky Monkey Lust - Leo Kotke Simian You and a Dog Named Boo - Lobo (not Los) Chimp-chimereee - Dick Van Dyke (nee Mary Poppins) anything by Cheetah Chrome That is all . . over and out. * ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Phone:(216) 266-8625 Fax: (216) 266-2313 Dialcomm: 8*346-8625 Christopher.Burgess@lighting.ge.com
------------------------------ Message-ID: <28F3D62F01291300@ametsoc.org> Date: Wed, 3 Jul 96 09:17:00 -0500 From: dgershmn <dgershmn@ametsoc.org> Organization: AMS Subject: Too much monkey business Well, I had been hoping not to have to contribute to this somewhat tenuous monkey song thread, but I've been pulled in. Aside from the song mentioned in this here message's subject line (as sung by Chuck Berry), you're missing one other monkey song directly connected to XTC: "Weird Monkeys" by Peter Blegvad, from his "Naked Shakespeare" album produced by Andy Partridge. Excellent song, and if I'm not mistaken, Andy plays on it (though I don't have my copy of the album handy at the moment to confirm that). Dave Gershman
------------------------------ Message-ID: <31DAECE0.7DB3@stokecoll.ac.uk> Date: Wed, 03 Jul 1996 14:57:52 -0700 From: "lbedd1sc@stokecoll.ac.uk" <lbedd1sc@stokecoll.ac.uk> Organization: stokecoll.ac.uk Subject: NEW BEST OF ALBUM DETAILS!! From : Lee Beddow, Stafford, England I took the liberty of ringing up Virgin Records press office today to try and find out any details of this new Best Of album from the boys and I was told the following. 1. It's called "Fossil Fuels - XTC Singles from 1977 to 199 something" (their words - obviously Virgin have forgotten how long its been since we've last heard anything and are probably embaressed!) 2. It is released on the 27th August 3. It is a double album and..... 4. It has the full blessing of Andy Partridge!! I did ask about the state of the band and the label but the press officer got a bit defensive and told me he had another call. Oh well, I least I got some useful information out of them. Roll on the 27th.............................. p.s. The satalite channel VH-1 showed Mayor Of Simpleton the other night and "....Nigel" last week. Is this the start of the great public XTC revival???!!!?? Cheers, Lee B.
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v02130596ae00322bf789@[128.89.11.23]> Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 10:29:45 -0500 From: abissaro@bbn.com (Andrew Bissaro) Subject: derivatives... hi, all. In Chalkhills 131 David Gershman doubted my exaltation of the Indigo Girls: >--So were the Captain and Tenille (sic). Your point? That they're a duo of songwriters, as are John and Paul. You were expecting the Rosetta Stone? >>* One (E. Saliers) has a high, sweet voice, and writes songs with charming >>melodies and uplifting lyrics. The other (A. Ray) is more intense, has a >>deeper, grittier voice, and writes songs that are darker, more mysterious. >>They temper each others' songs in exactly the same way John and Paul did. > >--"Exactly the same way"? I think not. The sunny/mysterious dichotomy does >not an equivalent make. If Judy Collins and Stevie Nicks joined forces, >would you automatically say we had another Lennon and McCartney on our >hands? Your analogy falls short: if....if... If..., not to mention that neither ladies you mentioned have the lyrical reach and melodic creativity of IG. (I usually don't "automatically" say anything.) >>* Their harmonies are just as irresistable and inventive; the arrangements >>on their latest album are as lush and adventurous as anything the beatles >>or xTc have done. > >--Oh, now I get it...you're just kidding, right? If I'm not mistaken, >irresistable/inventive harmonies are also the trademark of the Manhatten (sic) >Transfer, aren't they?... No, I'm not kidding. Again, your analogy falls short: Manhattan Transfer's harmonic style is in a totally different realm from the Lennon/Macca tradition. That's akin to saying that Jaco can be compared to McCartney because they're both good bassists. IG's style is in the arena of the Beatles: soaring, transcendent harmonies, rich with counterpoint that often enhances the lyrics. They may hue closer to the folk tradition, but the muscle behind their performances puts the pop in. Have you listened to IG lately? Go borrow "Swamp Ophelia" from the library and listen to "Touch Me Fall." You'll hear a 6 minute pop song with rich strings, tight drums, melodic, Moulding-esque bass, stirring, oblique, imagistic lyrics. Suddenly, this gives way to a string quartet a la "1,000 umbrellas" which then evolves to a huge balls-out climax that is totally different from what preceded it, yet doesn't at all sound out of place. Adventurous, exotic music such as this is one of the few things that makes me proud to be an American (but that's another discussion...). As for Joni Mitchell, she says that when she hears the current crop of imitators, they sound more like IG than her... You're right in saying that they're derivative of Joni (Emily's favorite songwriter), but Andy is just as derivative of Ray Davies, or McCartney. Your point? This leads me to raise the issue that XTC shouldn't be seen as these innovative blockbusters who are mastering uncharted territory with each new release. They are so derivative of 60s pop, it verges on ridiculous: friends have cited that reason to me as why they don't like xTc. Let's not kid ourselves: xTc are incredible songsmiths and arrangers, but they're not, NOT redefining pop music, like say, Talking Heads; they haven't sent the music world spinning off, like Nirvana, for example. >--Okay, are we comparing songwriting teams, or entire groups here? Both >musicians you mention ARE excellent, and they may be the best rhythm section >"IYHO," but the guys in Rush are great musicians too... Good point: I was vague. What I omitted in the heat of passion was that the rhythm section often gives a beatlesque drive to their more rockin' stuff. >--I'm pretty sure Whitney Houston brings tears to some people's eyes too. True, but not to mine. The only other act that hits me as deeply as they do is the Beatles (and a few Andy tunes). You may disagree, but from my subjective porthole, this is significant. Trust me--I don't become a fanatical follower of a band very often. Once I saw that IG is now a Band, I took a second look, and got hooked... cheers, ab
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 16:32:57 +0200 Message-Id: <1.5.4.16.19960703163120.128751fa@mc.village.it> From: Stefano De Astis <stefano@mc.village.it> Subject: hidden messages Did anyone notice a few words engraved on the vinyl (near the label) of the Dukes' records? I found this: 25 o'clock side 2: I can see four moles... side 1: to be taken twice dali psonic psunspot in side: loosely from the stiff beach out side: with pink warmth
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 09:55:27 -0500 (CDT) Message-Id: <199607031455.JAA14086@bucky.win.bright.net> From: snsi@win.bright.net (Jeff Smith) Subject: Greenhouse Rush Notice First post follows: nonsuch@dircon.co.uk (Simon Sleightholm) Posted: >although parts of "Life Is Good In The Greenhouse" are SO silly In a short defense of Greenhouse I read a interview/blurb with Boy George back in '83 or '84 in which he stated that Greenhouse was his favorite "summer song". dgershmn <dgershmn@ametsoc.org> Posted: > but the guys in Rush are great musicians too. My bother would be SO happy to here this. Any seconds for Neil Pert for dummer and Geddy Lee for producer? Wait didn't Amie Mann sing with Rush and Boy George listens to XTC. Links and more links. Jeff Smith | '71 HD Sprint 350SX, Temp '77 GS 400 X snsi@win.bright.net | Barnes, WI
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 3 Jul 96 09:30 EST From: Jeffrey Langr <0005392548@mcimail.com> Subject: monkeys Message-Id: <64960703143046/0005392548ND3EM@MCIMAIL.COM> One more monkey tune: "King Kong" - Kinks Jeff L.
------------------------------ From: richard.pedrettiallen@octel.com Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 10:56:54 -0700 Message-Id: <1DAB5E50.1240@corp.octel.com> Subject: Trib Tape Duplicator and Artist Since the "upgrade" of my PC, I have lost the emails from two people both of which I now seek. The first owns a recording studio (in Ohio?) and had offered to do the tape duplication at cost. I need to discuss cost and turn-around time. The second had offered to provide the artwork for the cover of the tape. (I had thought about making a pseudo-contest out of this but decided that since there would be only one piece of cover art, that I would have to turn down too many people.) This particular person wrote me the day that I posted the original information in Chalkhills and offered their services explaining that even though they wouldn't be contributing to the music, they would like to be involved. I had already had an idea for a cover but I granted them the right to provide the cover art and haven't heard another word. (They had shared some of their ideas with me and I will require that they reiterate them, so... any fakers can save their keystrokes.) Please respond to me directly and SOON! I want to keep this project on track! Cheers, Richard
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 20:18:13 +0100 Message-Id: <v01510103ae003dc588bb@[194.128.83.69]> From: fisher@easynet.co.uk (Mark Fisher) Subject: Monkey business Has everyone forgotten *Monkeys in Human Skin Suits*? That was the song that came to mind when I first heard *Smartest Monkeys* - I know it was only on a demo compilation, but it did feel like Andy had already been there. Simon Sleightholm's comments on the awkward lyrics in *Smartest Monkeys* are spot on. Colin is always best at his most abstract. He can be beautifully economical in his writing, giving just enough to send your imagination racing, but no more. *Nigel* and *Bungalow* are good examples of this. I always think he is weaker when he gets explicit and spells everything out. Mark Fisher (fisher@easynet.co,uk)
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 18:34:33 -0400 (EDT) From: Karthik Swaminathan <kqs7816@is4.NYU.EDU> Subject: Demo Producer Message-Id: <Pine.OSF.3.93.960703181830.21675B-100000@is4.NYU.EDU> Sorry I cant' post quotes from the newsletter, there is a thunderstorm here in NYC and my modem quit and deleted the chalkhills newsletter I'm trying to reply to. To the person who didn't find the demos up to par: Demos are made for two reasons: 1. to give to some club-booker or A&R person to further ones music career. 2. to put down some rough ideas for further development. I am sure the Demos were made for the later reasons and were probably not meant for public consumption anyway. I'ts like getting a pencil sketching of the Last Supper and wondering where the color is... To the people who have faith in xTc self-producing: The two records that they are credited for co-producing are The Big Express and Oranges and Lemons. Parts of the Big Express are amazing, creates quite an atmosphere (though This World Over overly commercial 80's sound always makes me cringe). Oranges and Lemons is just too slick for my taste. I've read also that Colin and David are not usually happy with Andys production heaviness in the Chalkhills book. Maybe it would work if they were all three equally participating in the production. And to the College Professor who cant stand the misuse of the word 'irony': How do you know that your not missing the *irony*? Ha!Ha! K.
------------------------------
Message-Id: <v01540b01ae006a064fac@[169.132.98.189]>
Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 19:34:21 +0100
From: pjmuck@mail.idt.net (Peter McCulloch)
Subject: XTC demos
David wrote in the last chalkhills:
< Is it just me, or does something magical happen to these demo's before
they become album cuts? Some of their demo's are very good, but not
near the songwriting quality that appears on the albums.
One of the reasons I'm fanatic about finding XTC's demos is because I'm
consistently amazed by the quality of the "lost" songs that never came to
fruition. You may not have the best demos, Dave (though i don't have
Verne/Bulls), but I have most of them, and there are plenty of hidden gems.
My personal favorites are "Rocket", "Find the Fox", "It's Snowing Angels",
and "Bags of Fun with Buster". True, many songs materialize into better
ones, like Goodbye Humanasaurus/Then She Appeared or Blue Beret/That Wave,
but it's fascinating to hear how certain songs transcended into others.
By the way, if anyone's interested in doing demo trades, let me know. As I
said, I've got most of them, but I'm particularly interested in finding
Jules Verne, Bull, Giant Peach, and Andy's 5 song home demos.
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 03 Jul 1996 19:25 -0600 (MDT) From: Miles or Gigi Coleman <coleman@cougarnet.byu.edu> Subject: Beatles, XTC & Monkeys Message-id: <0DTZVZ134002UK@ACS2.BYU.EDU> My fellow Chalkhillians, ><<BTW, when I listened to Anthology 2 (especially Taxman - "if you > drive a car..."), I realized, how truly great he is.>> > Ummm..... I think that was John, unfortunately. Paul played the > screamin' lead solo. As far as I always heard, they decided to switch > instruments for that song. It is some great playing, however. :) Speaking of _Revolver_, from which Taxman & Eleanor Rigby & Yellow Sub come, has anyone compared I'm Only Dreaming with Duke's Shiny Cage? Holy Hannah! Sounds like Colin recognized the good and gave it his own twist. From the guitar strums at the beginning of the verses to the solo bass licks at the end of each verse to the (I don't know the technical term) guitar bits that sound like they've been played backwards at the end. Don't think anyone would disagree...? (Well, actually, I'm sure someone might.) Those who may not of heard all of _Revolver_ check it out and hear an album that has got to be one that has to have primarily influenced the Swindonian swingers. BTW, my Beatle fanatic buddy told me that one of the Wilson brothers (Beach Boys) said that _Revolver_ influenced them to write _Pet Sounds_ which then influenced the Fab 4 to come up with _Sgt. Peppers_. Any concurring responses? He also supposedly said that when the BB heard _Sgt Peppers_ they knew it was all over. Monkey memo-- The King Kong Song -- ABBA Miles and Gigi Coleman Provo, Utah http://www.byu.edu/~coleman Family Home Page http://www.mission.net Index for Alumni of LDS Missions
------------------------------ Date: 03 Jul 96 21:32:32 EDT From: studio 17 productions <104151.1063@CompuServe.COM> Subject: beatle girls Message-ID: <960704013231_104151.1063_IHO59-1@CompuServe.COM> God bless Dave Gershman for his fine comments about the impossibility of the Indigo Girls being as talented as Lennon-McCartney. There will NEVER be another Lennon-McCartney now that John is gone. Nothing comes close. That's why all these other groups are HERE now. Yes, Partridge/Moulding are close/growing the same way the Beatles did when they left the road. There are a lot of parallels there... Also: Elvis Costello, sometimes. and even Neil Finn. and countless others who sometimes, for a brief shining moment, capture that quality we call "Beatlesque". And I too, have RESPECT for the Indgio Girls...but not as much for the originals. thanks Dave! my sentiments EXACTLY. dave "it's in the order of the hedgerows..."
------------------------------
Message-Id: <1.5.4.32.19960703220805.0066e4ec@mindspring.com>
Date: Wed, 03 Jul 1996 18:08:05 -0400
From: jes <xtc@mindspring.com>
Subject: Random Thoughts
Re: Sara Lee
ee92pmh@brunel.ac.uk seems to have asked:
"Is this the same Sara Lee that used to play bass in Gang Of Four, replacing
Dave Allen who went off to form Shriekback with Barry Andrews?"
I don't know how many Sara Lee's there are out there, but this is probably
the same one who played with Robert Fripp in the League Of Gentlemen (which
also featured Barry Andrews) and was responsible for the bass parts on the
B-52's major comeback album.
Re: GO2
I think that this is a most maligned and misunderstood album. Second albums
usually are. The seeming lack of a single (note that the non-LP "Are You
Receiving Me" was the only single release from that period), and the anger
of Andrew's compositions probably cause most fans to place this one near the
bottom of the fave list. I have a soft spot in my heart for it, and
probably rank it as my third or fourth fave. (behind Drums, Skylarking, and
possibly Black Sea). Four of my favorite XTC tracks are on there
("Beattown," "Meccanic Dancing," "Battery Brides," and "Jumping In
Gomorrah") and I think the cover is a SCREAM.
RE: Random comments
I'm curious if there are any other people out there who are, like me, in
their late 30's, find XTC to be the greatest thing ever created on God's
Great Earth, but who also have a great affection for The Grateful Dead.
Also, are there any readers of this newslist out there living in Atlanta GA
who might want to get together for a listening party? I had a rather
interesting experience not too long ago where a friend pieced together a
Grateful Dead listening party, where he streamed together a collection of
bootlegs and videos of the Dead, and played it as though it were a concert.
I would be willing to supply the songs and the Ambience, if there is
interest. Please e-mail me.
xtc@mindspring.com
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Jul 1996 14:48:05 +0900 (JST) Message-Id: <199607040548.OAA03610@gol1.gol.com> From: mwicks@gol.com (Michael Wicks) Subject: Re: Demos Olde and New Hello All! A quick reply to Mr. David.Criddle who wrote: > I was having a discussion with a fellow chalkhillian, and we were > thinking that Andy must write a bunch of songs, pick the best ones, go > out and read some fine literature for inspiration, then rewrite the > whole darn thing. The lyric content of the album material just seems > to be much deeper, more clever, more sophisticated. Indeed! It's weird, because some demos sound so good, you wonder why they were even left off the album (Motorcycle Landscape, Spare a Penny, Gangway Electric Guitar Is Coming Through, Blue Beret, Everything, This Is The End, and a host of others!) Who's decision was it as far as selecting the final cuts to the albums? In the end, was it (as in the case of Skylarking) the producers, (as in the case of Mummer) the record companies, or did Andy and the rest of the band have the final word? It is great to have the opportunity to hear the original songs (like penciled sketches) as they were first recorded, and then put on the finished version (in all its kaleidiscopic hues) and just sit back and go, woah, that's really outstanding! (for lack of better words, sorry!) Here's hoping that the new batch of demos are sprinkled with the same magic that have blessed previous xtc songs...but, I wonder, as do all of us Chalkhillians, which songs will actually make the final cut? Any ideas, based on the known demos so far? Here's a brief list of some of the songs that I think might just be on (but then again, what do I know? I thought Yazbek spelled Pinocchio right! : - ) BTW, these are in no particular order, about as random as it comes, since I like ALL of the new demos! But, what about Colins? Haven't heard any of his, how bout any of you out there? Wonder Annual Prince of Orange River of Orchids Knights in Shining Karma Church of Women (Some Lovely) My Brown Guitar Your Dictionary The Last Balloon It's Snowing Angels and....oh, yes, my favourite song of Andy's new ones so far: Easter Theatre!!! More demo talk - Jules Verne/Mummer Demos - next time! Michael (watching the Wimbledon QuarterFinals at 12:43AM in Japan) Wicks
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199607040643.QAA00135@warchives.riv.csu.edu.au.> From: "Simon Knight" <sknight@warchivegw.riv.csu.edu.au> Date: Thu, 4 Jul 1996 15:51:38 +0000 Subject: Red songs Just a tidbit: Does anyone else notice the slight similarity between Split Enz's "I see red" to XTC's "Red"? Right down to the hiccup/shattered vocal style. Does anyone know which one came first? I'm curious.
------------------------------
From: jrsnipp@interserv.com
Date: Thu, 4 Jul 1996 05:54:12 -0700
Message-Id: <199607041254.AA02303@relay.interserv.com>
Subject: ...monkey note/Go2
On monkey songs, someone mentioned
> I Want To Be Like You-from Jungle Book [occasionally covered by Phish]
> ("I'm the king of the monkeys, I'm the jungle VIP")
Personally I recommend Los Lobos version of this song. (Available on
Another Band from East LA, Los Lobos collection, as well as Stay Awake, a
compilation of Disney tunes by cool artists. Worth it for the Replacements
"Cruella de Ville" and Tom Waits "Heigh Ho (The Dwarfs Marching Song)"
alone.)
XTC content: On the subject of Go2, its always been "that other XTC album"
that never really drew me in. I think Whitemusic is far the better early
XTC album. Go2 always seemed much more quirky, less consistant. However,
given what everyone has said lately, I vow to take it to work today and
listen to it again while reflecting upon all that has been said here
lately. I'll let you know what I think. (I just know you all REALLY give
a damn what I think. ;))
Until then,
Joe "What's so funny about peace, love and understanding" Snipp
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199607041351.PAA04094@utrecht.knoware.nl> From: "Mark Strijbos" <mmello@knoware.nl> Date: Thu, 4 Jul 1996 15:50:43 +0000 Subject: Grassy knoll edge? Dear Chalks, I have just acquired the Radios In Motion sampler CD (thanks,Annie!) and as I was listening to Grass I was wondering if anybody knows if all/some of the older tracks on this sampler have been remastered/mixed for this occasion? I'm not quite sure, but especially Grass seems to sound much clearer and cleaner than on my Skylarking CD. Any info would be much appreciated... Re my earlier MiniDisc posting: John from Boulder,Colorado (keone) - your message did reach me but I can't send any email to you - all my mail is bounced... Sorry! bye, Mark ===> Mark's useless XTC quote for today <== I would have liked to have made this instrumental but the words got in the way
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v02110115ae017aa8df1a@[134.32.48.176]> Date: Thu, 4 Jul 1996 15:51:23 +0100 From: varga@ferndown.ate.slb.com (Stephen Varga) Subject: Odds n' Sods To add to the monkey references, I haven't seen any songs listed by the Blow Monkeys. Don't ask me for any song titles. I don't have any interest in that band! As for linkinking XTC with Rod, Jane and Freddy, here's one. If someone can better it, feel free. 1. Rod, Jane and Freddy were regulars on Rainbow. 2. Rainbow was a Thames Television production. 3. Thames Television's logo features some of the Towers of London 4. Towers of London is a song by XTC Does XTC have any relevance against the highly successful chart topping Indie bands of today such as Blur, Oasis, Supergrass, Lightning Seeds, etc. etc? I think it does. For example, Boys will Boys (I hope that's the right song title!) by Blur reminds me of XTC in the Barry Andrews era, and some of the music from these bands have a sixties psychedelic sound, which of course is a regular XTC feature. If these Indie bands can make it big, why can't XTC? Some of the tracks by Oasis sound less commercial than many XTC songs. Noel and Damon can't sing for toffees either. What's the problem then? Is it lack of a trendy image? Band members too old? Lyrics too clever? Lack of promotion by their former record company? With a new label is there any hope? XTC felt out of place with a lot of 80's bands, but I do not feel that's the case today. In the 70's, XTC's association with the Punk Movement helped to accelerate a record deal. Perhaps in the 90's an association with the Indie bands might bring them some real success? (Doesn't mean they have to become one though, just like XTC were never a punk band!) This is Pop!
------------------------------ From: godholly@sprynet.com Date: Thu, 4 Jul 1996 08:33:43 -0700 Message-Id: <199607041533.IAA23816@m2.sprynet.com> Subject: The perfect trapper Any Pixies fans in the crowd? David Lovering, I think, would make an excellent drummer for XTC. Take a listen to the Pixies 'Surfer Rosa' and 'Doolittle' CDs. I think you'll all agree. If not you'll have at least listen to two really enjoyable albums. --Tom
------------------------------ End of Chalkhills Digest #2-132 *******************************
Go back to Volume 2.
4 July 1996 / Feedback