Chalkhills Digest Volume 3, Issue 102
Date: Tuesday, 22 April 1997
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 3, Number 102
Tuesday, 22 April 1997
Today's Topics:
First Chalkhills (Tokyo Chapter) Get-Together (long post)
The ghost of slavery's ships
XTC BBS Japan
Rarities & Intro
Incredible But True...
write to me, the Vanishing Girl
Mummer is an autumn album.
Beck-T-C
Rants & Raves 3
Re: Young XTC fans
Youth
XTCetera...
A Dead Horse, A Cat o' Nine, and Thou
FS: XTC video
Trapped in your superficial, non-existent, fairy-story...
A request - once again
Some Humor...
XTC in Over The Hedge
Young XTC, Jazz Butcher, Swindon
These digests are too short.
The More Things Change, the More They Remain Things
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Can't you see I'm all broke up inside.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: nihilon@crisscross.com
Message-Id: <v03007801af805cf056d4@[202.217.215.175]>
Subject: First Chalkhills (Tokyo Chapter) Get-Together (long post)
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 00:16:53 +0800
Hi everyone,
The Tokyo Chalkhillians got together last night for the first time, and it
was a huge success. Everyone had a great time, and we plan to do it again
real soon.
We met at 6:45 p.m. in Shinjuku (a major busineess/shopping district in
Tokyo) at the "Abbey Road" McDonalds. This is your regular McDs with one
major difference. The front window displays 7 ft statues of the Fab Four
walking across the Abbey Road crossing! (The only mystery is why they are
in collarless suits and have moptops, but I digress. Everyone arrived on
time, apart from my teacher who was ten minutes late, but she had good
reason, which we will get into in a moment.
First Naoyuki arrived wearing his "Chalkhills" t-shirt (check his "Goosey
Goosey" on the Chalkhill's Children tape!), then the beautiful Naomi
(sorry, Naomi!) and then the others - Tetsuya, Hideki (with his XTC cap!),
Futoshi , Sigehito, Shinichi (Colin) and finally Naoko (my teacher!).
Nine of us - a great effort for the first time.
We took our photo against the Abbey Road scene (which may be displayed on a
homepage near you soon!!!) and headed off too find an Izakaya (Japanese
drinking hall which also serves small portions of food - the idea being
that you order a lot of different types of food, and have a little of each)
Problem number one. I had attempted to make a reservation the night
before, but I had been refused reservations at the Izakaya of choice unless
I ordered a set course menu. Since this is more expensive, less flexible
and not to everyone's taste, I decided we would just have to take our
chance with getting in.
What I didn't realise is that since university started this week, all the
izakayas would be full of partying students. There were lines of people
waiting everywhere! (The crowds were unbelievable - that's why my teacher
was late) The Chalkhills team graciously accepted my apologies, and the
lads soon found us a Chinese restaurant where we had a large table to
ourselves in the corner.
We started with a toast to the boys, and started eating. Then once around
the table, with everyone introducing themselves and telling about our first
XTC experience and favorite album. (All in Japanese - including me - with
prompts from my teacher!!)
Then once around the table again with our favorite other bands, favorite
song of all time, and favorite XTC song. Photos of Swindon were suddenly
produced. A couple of people had even made XTC purchases that day, and
they were proudly shown and discussed (Dear God single and Demo tracks CD)
and then a general discussion on XTC and related topics.
Oh yeah, we also ate and drank!
A toast was made in the names of all those who were unable to be with us
last night (Masato Mihara, Keiko Kanzaki, Akira Murakami, Nishimatsu Nisei,
Tateoka Miwa, Pat, Dean - If any of you ever come to Tokyo, call us - we'll
do it again!)
>From here we headed out to Shimokitazawa, to the Rock 'N' Roll diner, where
the DJ sometimes plays XTC songs for me, and the atmosphere is good, and
where I almost saw They Might Be Giants recently (Did I mention
AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!) We made a request for XTC, only to find the DJ had too
many requests for the night and wouldn't be accepting any more.
In my best broken Japanese, I explained that this was the Chalkhills
convention and it was vital that some XTC be played. He graciously
assented, and then announced that they didn't have any XTC discs. I know
for a fact they have "The Complete XTC", 'cos I've had it played a few
times. Unfortunately it was missing.
No problem. The guys dug in their bags, and we came up with English
Settlement and Go2. We had a quick vote, and the DJ played "Are You
Receiving Me? for us. A Cheer went up from our table, with all of us
singing along, and all the other tables looking on enviously (or was it
with pity and embarrassment!!) As the song ended, we all cheered again.
A short time later, we decided we needed more XTC, and to the drumbeat
played extremely well on the table (bare hands too) by Hideki, we sang
Making Plans For Nigel - Accapella!!! (and loudly) Then we had the
opportunity to pass around a walkman, and listen to a tape of Hideki's XTC
tribute band (XPRESS). Looking forward to seeing them live soon!
A splendid time was had by all!
Next time, we're going to find a place which has a video/CD player and
listen to nothing but our XTC music.
And I urge you all, wherever you are - to get together with people in your
area. It was wonderful, extremely satisfying, and an honor to spend time
with other Chalkhillians.
And Tokyo lurkers, e-mail me to be included in our future plans.
With love from Tokyo,
Steve (MGV)
Sorry about the length of this one!!
*----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't you know there ain't no devil, there's just God when
he's drunk.
(Tom Waits)
*----------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 20 Apr 1997 10:37:11 -0500 Message-Id: <v01530500af7fa17f9aaa@[204.153.64.176]> From: musicvil@idir.net (John Yuelkenbeck) Subject: The ghost of slavery's ships >>Can anyone name a better song by a white man about slavery than Human Alchemy? "Blind Willie McTell" by Bob Dylan As for the who's the oldest on the list question: I'm an ancient 36. Also, as the lone voice in the crowd, the Roches never did anything for me. However, I think I'll go have a re-listen because of the positive responses here. Should I put "OT" in the header if I'm not going to mention Amanda?
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199704201950.EAA22496@mail.ca2.so-net.or.jp> Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 04:57:03 +0900 From: n2_n@ca2.so-net.or.jp (Nishimatu) Subject: XTC BBS Japan Hi, Japanese Chalkies. I made XTC BBS Japan. http://www02.so-net.or.jp/~n2_n/xtc/board.cgi Please feel free to write in. I do want to know about the Tokyo party! ----- XTC no keijiban wo tukuri masita. Steve san no tame ni romaji de kaita houga ii kamo sirenaine. (Ms.)Nishimatu Nisei / Japan n2_n@ca2.so-net.or.jp,CQA03750@niftyserve.or.jp http://www02.so-net.or.jp/~n2_n/xtc/
------------------------------ Date: 20 Apr 97 21:37:30 -0500 From: Jennifer Ralston <jennifer_ralston@tbwachiat.com> Subject: Rarities & Intro Message-ID: <970420.213730@tbwachiat.com> Hi, me again... I have been holding onto a few rare XTC items for several years, and today I decided to compare them against the discog. I think I have a couple of things that aren't listed: 7" The Meeting Place b/w The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul, Virgin, 1986 VSY912, clear vinyl An incredible piece - the credits are scratched into the centre of the clear 45! Cool. "5 Senses" EP. Songs: Smokeless Zone, Officer Blue, Wait Till Your Boat Goes Down, Don't Lose Your Temper, and Strange Tales, Strange Tails... Virgin, 1980, 1981 VEP308. This last was made in Canada. I think I got it used (& CHEAP) in Montreal. Does anyone else have either of these? Maybe I just missed them on the Web site. And I was really happy to find the Extatic #5 CD with the Big Express/Ocean's Daughter demos over New Year's! $12 at a used CD store in Albuquerque (DeWitt??), if you can believe that. ***************** INTRO: For those of you who are sick of these things, please skip to the next post. I just wanted to tell you how I got into XTC. About 8 years ago (near the end o' high school), I had some friends in a band in Kansas City. They used to play a couple of songs called "Toys" and "Work," both of which I loved. When they told me these songs were covers of songs by "XTC," I was intrigued. (Can you imagine, now, covers of either of those being your first exposure? WOW!) To make a very long story short, XTC was the favourite group of at least 3 of the 6 members of this band, so they played me enough to get me hooked. And it's been a nonstop love affair ever since... (This story has been heavily edited for clarity, so Kevin, if you're reading, you will understand!) NOTE TO BRITS: I'm on my way to London & Liverpool in 2 weeks, if anyone will be around... feel free to e me with tips on where to go. Awaken you dreamers, jennifer Now playing: "The Prophecy," CIUT-FM jungle radio show! Bangin'!
------------------------------ Date: 20 Apr 97 21:33:09 -0500 From: Jennifer Ralston <jennifer_ralston@tbwachiat.com> Subject: Incredible But True... Message-ID: <970420.213309@tbwachiat.com> Hey kids, I have been catching up on Chalkhills for the past week and a bit. Work etc. has kept me so busy that I haven't been able to read it for a while, but I have kept up my subscription nonetheless as this list is probably my favourite out of the past couple of years. This would not be so incredible had I not had *OVER 100 DIGESTS* on which to catch up. That's right, folks, I hadn't read a digest since last fall -- longer than many of you have even been on this list! My day was not complete unless I'd read at least 10 digests (imagine!). Yes, I think my brain has finally turned to jelly, but it was a project I wanted to finish -- and I wanted my life back. If the collective intellect of the subscribers were not so impressive (no jokes, you've all been through this already), I'd probably be a gibbering idiot by now. As it is, though, I feel as if I've spent the past 10 days among a close group of friends. Anyway, having been a Chalkhillian for a couple of years now, but lurking for most of that time, I think I'm ready to say some things. After reading 8 months' worth of collected postings, some thoughts: 1. I love this list. 2. I am sick of the name "Todd Rundgren." 3. David Yazbek's CD is a joy to own, though it took me months to buy. 4. Yay! "Yacht Dance" is not a work of undiscovered genius! 5. The word is *anyway*, NOT "anyways." 6. Little synchronicities are such fun: to wit, reading Chalkhills while listening to XTC and running across a song quote while that song is playing... 7. So many of us have so much in common.** 8. Kids today! Some of 'em are smarter than I think I ever was. Ben Gott and Joshua Hall-Bachner have given me so much to appreciate over the course of my catching up... 9. If you don't like the content, wait 5 digests. Hopefully. 10. I love this list. Really. That's probably enough for most of you. But I'm about to post more, so you haven't heard the last of me. Stay tuned for my intro to XTC and a couple of rarities I have that I haven't seen elsewhere... (hopefully these notes will be posted in the order I send them!) Awaken you dreamers, jennifer **John Yuelkenbeck, I used to live in KC; I wonder who we both know? -Kevin Collins, are you still here? If so, you'll know why I was happy to see your name (If you are in fact *that* Kevin Collins). -Ira Lieman, who's been on the list longer than I, there is hope! I am a very nice Jewish girl, just one month younger than you, and I work at a rival advertising agency (in Toronto). But I'm not a Billy Joel fan, sorry. Steely Dan, maybe? :)
------------------------------ From: "KIMBERLY MARTIN" <KMAR0971@Mercury.GC.PeachNet.EDU> Organization: Gainesville College in Oakwood, GA Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 10:30:31 EST5EDT Subject: write to me, the Vanishing Girl Message-ID: <C19481679@Mercury.GC.PeachNet.EDU> Hello Chalkies, my name is Kim Martin, from Gainesville, GA and I just got my very first Chalkhills digest today, so if I say things that are redundant please forgive me for now. I'm 18 years old, have loved XTC since I was about 13...I used to hear the old stuff on a college radio 80's show and the first XTC album I got was "Drums and Wires." I got all the albums on vinyl and was disappointed to find out not too long ago that all of my albums are missing the xtra cd tracks...but hey, I love collecting. I recently got a copy of "Skylarking" with little interview snippets with Andy in-between the songs...does anyone know if this is rare at all? Plus, I've only seen a very few XTC videos in their entirety, namely, "senses...", "Dear god", and "Peter Pumpkinhead." I'd LOVE to see all of the videos, so can someone help me out please?? I love trading things thru the mail...I'll leave this short since it's my first posting, but I'd love to hear from anyone, esp. those in this area (Atlanta, etc)... Kim
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 21:14:24 +0200 (METDST) From: James Isaacs <jisaacs1@aixterm1.urz.uni-heidelberg.de> Subject: Mummer is an autumn album. Message-Id: <Pine.A32.3.91.970421210724.78377F-100000@aixterm1.urz.uni-heidelberg.de> I deference to Nat's thesis that Mummer is a spring album, and to whoever said it was a winter album( I ain't going back to search names, sorry, you know who you are.), I must state that Mummer is a fall album. Love on a Farmboys Wages has to with harvesting, sorta, Deliver us from the Elements, Human Alchemy is a very dark song, late-autumnish, Me and the Wind concerns a windy October, etc. Many of the songs do not have normal hooks, like the summery songs on Skylarking or Oranges & Lemons. And, I don't know if this has been discussed ( I don't recall seeing it in 2 years here), but does anyone think that XTC's lack of success may have to do with banding, the term for having all songs run into each other? I like it myself, it gives it a nice continuity as an album, but it is a pain to deal with on radio if one is playing from an album. College radio is no big deal. It is almost meant to be sloppy. But it always seems that commercial radio like to program album tracks that can run more seamlessly. Just a thought. James
------------------------------ Message-Id: <l03102800af81782fbeb5@[146.6.72.31]> Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 15:10:13 -0500 From: jason garcia <h.h.name@mail.utexas.edu> Subject: Beck-T-C > I dare you to get "The New Pollution" out of your head. AAAHHHH!! When I read this, I was trying to do just that. (Not really trying, actually, just kind of enjoying it running around in there) >dripping with hip That should be an album title. May I, Josh? > Have you noticed that "Wonderland" on Mummer is about as Talking >Heads as you can get? Really?! What Talking Heads have you been listening to? (I'm not incredibly well-read with them, so just curious) Still haven't heard Macca's "The World Tonight" (out on radio NOW!!!!), Jason
------------------------------ Message-Id: <s35b91f2.024@elsevier.com> Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 16:12:16 -0400 From: Ralph DeMarco <r.demarco@elsevier.com> Subject: Rants & Raves 3 Dear One Armed Bandits & Affiliated Members: H.Davies posted: >I recently got the book "The New Book of Rock Lists" by Dave Marsh >and James Bernard and there is something in it that annoys me. Andy >Partridge is listed under the list of 'Rockers Who Should Read >Fewer Books' and there is the comment: "To take a break, and just to >remind yourself that you're a real guy, not a fictional conceit. >(You are, aren't you?)" Dave Marsh has been writing about rock music for decades and my impression seems to be that Marsh's concept of a perfect rock band, against whom all are judged, is Led Zeppelin. If Ray Davies, Elvis Costello, Robert Fripp and Andy Partridge are too intelligent for Marsh, perhaps MARSH AND BERNARD SHOULD READ MORE BOOKS! Now what Marsh and Bernard meant by "fictional conceit" I don't have the faintest idea but I suppose Marsh and Co. are intimidated and frustrated by ARTISTS who are SMARTER THAN THEM and couldn't care less what they, as critics, think - and neither should we. I guess they don't want to have to think too much when they give their oh-so important opinions about music. Remember, Marsh has been writing for Rolling Stone for ages and that magazine went from a newsprint format (with occasional hard-hitting political journalism) to a slick, corporate music industry teenie-bopper rag. Chow Ralphie
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 13:17:45 -0700 Subject: Re: Young XTC fans Message-ID: <19970421.132730.6454.0.GTR80@juno.com> From: gtr80@juno.com (Gerardo Tellez) Here are some responses to someone's letter. Yes, i'm "young". I'm 16. 1)How did you become expossed the addictive music of XTC? My friend let me borrow one of her XTC tapes (nonsuch) and told me to listen to it. She said it was very good. To tell you the truth, I didn't really like it very much the first time I listened to it. I just thought it was ok. Then about a week later I had a fever. I wanted to listen to music, but a lot of the music I listen to is alternative and I really didn't want to listen to it. I started listening to Nonsuch, and I loved it the second time around. Does this story sound familiar? It should. Someone in chalkhills wrote a similar story about his teacher. This was a little over an year ago by the way. 2)What does XTC do for you that makes you a fan? They make great music! What else can I say? A lot of the new popular bands (like No Doubt, Bush etc.) suck! How can people listen to that crap? I hope this helps answer your questions. Gerardo
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199704212047.NAA26644@f32.hotmail.com> From: "Ben Gott" <xtcfan@hotmail.com> Subject: Youth Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 13:47:23 PDT >1)How did you become expossed the addictive music of XTC?... As I've already mentioned, my older brother (35 and counting!) played "The Smartest Monkeys" for me, and I was hooked. >2)What does XTC do for you that makes you a fan? That's a good question. I think it's the fact that I can listen to their albums seven hundred times, and still find little gems. Here's a story: I had purchased "English Settlement," but had always pushed the forward skip button during "Knuckle Down," because I never liked the beginning bit. One day, I was on my way to NYC with my photography class, and I fell asleep with "ES" blasting in my ears. I woke up in the middle of the chorus of KD, and had to start it over. It was hard to believe that I had missed this incredible song for such a long time! Anyone else have this happen to them? I've also had this experience with gems like "She's So Square," "Human Alchemy" (YES! I LOVE THIS SONG!), "Generals and Majors," and "Snowman," to name a few. XTC surprises me. That's why I love 'em. <off topic>: I've never heard much Talking Heads (generational, I guess,) but I borrowed "77" from a friend last night, and I've been humming "Psycho Killer" all day. Any suggestions for my next TH album? E-mail me in a private fashion. </off topic> I've been yelled at for playing XTC too loudly, too. And singing. Thanks for all the suggestions about my yearbook quote. I'm still deciding between "Life's like a jigsaw..." and "I've got 1-2-3-4-5...," but I'll letcha all know later. Pain and pleasure and the church bells softly chime. (chirp chirp) -Ben * ----------------------------------------------------------- Ben Gott http://www.wp.com/58596 "We're pointing our wheels to tomorrow..."
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v03102805af818f6f49f5@[152.170.240.251]> Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 17:50:11 -0400 From: Ira Lieman <ira@myself.com> Subject: XTCetera... Howdy Chalkhillbillies... First off, Happy Passover to whomever it might apply to. (I count four...any more?) While driving around running errands the past few days, I've been playing all the XTC tapes people have sent me (you guys are <snif> the best) and I'm now loving (ha) two songs that I really didn't pay attention to in the recent past..."Young Cleopatra" and "Terrorism." I don't know why, but they're both swimming around my head happily and I can't get enough of 'em! But then again, well, I'm also on a big Cure kick for some unknown reason. Maybe "Killing An Arab," "Terrorism," you know, the relativity thing. Thanks to all the people who have let me know that the BFF concert is sure to be cool...I'll try to get down to Irving Place bright and early so I can get a good position. And Parrish had the great idea of wearing the Chalkhills shirt (as he did in Austin) so if anyone else will be there, I'll be easy to pick out, probably. Brian's well-meaning flame of the people who were less than thrilled about Swindon made me chuckle. And it makes me want to go there even MORE. I might think about going to the UK in September or something...anyone else interested? Ta-ta... -ira "Glad that you want to be my wife, but honest..."
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199704212206.SAA04862@rohan.btg.com> Date: 21 Apr 1997 18:06:18 U From: "Sherwood, Harrison" <hsherwood@btg.com> Subject: A Dead Horse, A Cat o' Nine, and Thou H.Davies" <H.Davies@law.hull.ac.uk was of the opinion that: >> I recently got the book "The New Book of Rock Lists" by Dave Marsh >> and James Bernard [snip] Andy Partridge is listed under the list of >> 'Rockers Who Should Read Fewer Books' and there is the comment: "To >> take a break, and just to remind yourself that you're a real guy, not a >> fictional conceit. (You are, aren't you?)" [snip] What's wrong with >> trying to bring a bit of intelligence to pop music anyway? Ray Davies, >> Elvis Costello and Robert Fripp are also listed, by the way. Can't complain about the company Andy keeps, anyway, eh? If somebody put me on a list with those people, my chest would be so puffed up I'd have trouble getting through doors. Dave Marsh has always been a strong proponent of the anti-cerebral school of rock criticism. (He claims to have invented the word "punk"--as applied to rock, anyway. Of course, so do 180,000 other critix, so--grain of salt, eh?) And he has, it must be admitted, something of a point: rock and roll is first and foremost pre-intellectual and pre-verbal music. It should hit the groin and the feet _way_ before it hits the brain and tongue. And, by this way of thinking, music that concentrates on the brain to the detriment of the groin and the feet is ipso facto bad rock and roll. The problem with Marsh's twitty little list is that all of the rockers you cite are demonstrably smart enough to be intensely aware of the brain-versus-feet conundrum, and all have a laudable track record of making music that satisfies both the Apollonian _and_ Dionysian parts of the soul. Read Jon Anderson's liner notes to Yes's "Tales from Topographic Oceans" some time. Now _that's_ a guy who reads too many books. CrouchEnd@aol.com quoted from Andy's Musician Magazine "Autumn Almanac" endorsement at http://www.inetbiz.com/blackmon/articles/almanac.html (for which much thanks)...: >> It's like a rollercoaster, but it's not a high-speed chromium-plated >> space-age rollercoaster - it's this slow creaking wooden baroque >> kind of rollercoaster. ...but left out this tasty morsel: >> The woodiness of "Autumn Almanac" is really appealing. Everything >> sounds like sticks and branches and planks. The whole song is >> wallpapered in dead leaves, as far as I'm concerned. Yes, isn't it a crying shame that Andy Partridge reads all those damned _books_ all the time? And, finally, from kekkone@sci.fi (HYVAA SUOMI!!): >> I can't really hear much of a musical influence of the Kinks in >> XTC; the lyrical/thematical influences are much more obvious. Of course, of course.... Could there ever be a more Partridgean/Skylarkian/Mummeristical/pastoral verse than: >From the dew-soaked hedge creeps a crawly caterpillar, When the dawn begins to crack. It's all part of my autumn almanac. Breeze blows leaves of a musty-coloured yellow, So I sweep them in my sack. Yes, yes, yes, it's my autumn almanac. But (and please forgive me if I appear to be flogging a thoroughly deceased and even decomposing horse, here) the thing that hit me first about Autumn Almanac was the plainly _musical_ similarities. Check what Andy says: >> There are some lovely moments in it, like that section that starts >> "Friday evening....." It starts off in this mournful minor thing, and you >> think, "Oh dear, Friday evening, the end of something," and then >> suddenly: "People get together" - it clicks into major, and becomes >> very optimistic. It just lifts your heart up another rung. Besides the unexpected minor-major jump, there's also a signature unpredictable meter on that "Friiiiiiiii-day evening" that's so Andyesque it's uncanny--especially considering Andy Partridge was wearing his Peter Tork pudding-bowl and flailing pathetically at a cheap overamplified Woolworth's guitar behind Stray Blues when that song came out. In the Twickenham Studios that is my fevered imagination, I can hear a Dave Gregory arpeggiated guitar part, copped from "Ball and Chain," soaring over that "Friday evening" part. Also, couldn't you hear "Victoria" on Black Sea? Sister song to "Towers of London," maybe? Harrison "Mere stripling of 36--and keeping it that way, thanks very much" Sherwood
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v01550101af819da9f253@[207.147.169.39]> Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 16:19:36 -0700 From: DHaakenson@worldnet.att.net (David Haakenson) Subject: FS: XTC video Pardon the interruption, but here's an XTC item for sale. Yes, you probably own a copy of a copy of a copy, but here's the officially released XTC video: I'm entertaining offers for my original XTC video (Japanese import, NTSC format, which is the same as that used for US and Canadian TVs/VCRs), released and purchased in 1982. This was not released in the US or Canada. This originally sold for $99 (I am not joking) and was available from a few places way back then. As far as I know, it is long out of print. It is in mint condition, and in stereo. It is an official Virgin Video release, though can't read the name of the Japanese label it was released through. There is a small XTC paper insert inside the box. The box is a regular video box, cardboard, with full color photos on both sides. There are color XTC labels on the tape. Tracks are: This Is Pop; Statue of Liberty; Are You Receiving Me?; Life Begins At The Hop; Making Plans for Nigel; Towers of London; Respectable Street; Generals & Majors; All of A Sudden; Ball & Chain; Senses Working Overtime. This is the same video that was released in the UK at the time, though UK copies are in the PAL TV format and can't be played on regular US/Canadian/Japan machines or TVs. I'm accepting offers at: DHaakenson@worldnet.att.net and reserving the right to reject all offers. Offers need to be in US$. No, am sorry in advance: will not make copies, but will entertain trades for very odd items (though I have nearly everything already). Thanks!
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 23:32:24 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <199704220332.XAA13024@cyber1.servtech.com> From: Joshua Hall-Bachner <particle@servtech.com> Subject: Trapped in your superficial, non-existent, fairy-story... Heh, just kidding. It ain't that bad. >I'd like to declare myself the only person on this list who hates the Ben >Folds Five. There. I've done it. I've said it. Um, I haven't heard enough of their stuff to hate them, but I heard "The Battle Of Who Could Care Less" on the radio and I wasn't impressed. >1)How did you become expossed the addictive music of XTC? Fellow listee Keith Sawyer gives me a tape, saying "You like TMBG? You'll love this." I play it. Mayor of Simpleton comes on. <bang> >2)What does XTC do for you that makes you a fan? Andy Partridge is soooo dreamy. :) Um, I mean the clever lyrics and infectious pop melodies. >The teens I seem to run into today are mostly into rap, ska, or alternative rock And the teens in 1979 were mostly into...? This is not just a modern phenomena (listening to the current "big thing," I mean.) >sarah:) >linnellgirl@tmbg.org Hi everyone, welcome Sarah, fellow teenage XTC fan. I can vouch for her. :) >I have heard some of you mention wearing your Chalkhills t-shirts. If I'm not mistaken, Phil Corless is doing another batch right now. Check Chalkhills (the site) for more details. BTW, it's official. At 15 years and 2 months, I am the youngest Chalkhillian (if there's anybody younger hiding in the corner, speak up!) According to my most recent count, there are at *least* six teenage Chalkhillians: myself, Mark Gottschalk, Ben Gott, AMANDA OWENS, Gerardo Tellez, and our brand-new subscriber Sarah Newhouse. Anyone else who I haven't counted? Josh No dark horse like me could cramp all of your style... /-------------Joshua Hall-Bachner-------------Chaos Harlequin-------------\ | particle@servtech.com http://www.servtech.com/public/particle/ | |"We all have our idiosyncracies -- maybe thinning hair, or gum disease." | \---- Kowanko, "Will You Come To?" ------ Thank You, And Goodnight. ------/
------------------------------ From: Jdmack01@aol.com Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 23:50:16 -0400 (EDT) Message-ID: <970421234842_-899016324@emout16.mail.aol.com> Subject: A request - once again Welp, it's been several months since I've posted this, but here it goes again. Maybe this time I'll get lucky . . . Does anyone have the Canadian single of "Love At First Sight" (with the live b-sides) for sale? Does anyone have a copy they could tape for me? Has anyone ever even seen this single before?! I swear, this thing has become like the holy grail for me! Does anyone know what this single would sell for if there WERE a copy for sale? J. D. Mack Jdmack01@aol.com "On and on and on. On and on and on" (name that tune)
------------------------------
Message-Id: <1.5.4.32.19970422052032.00681cf4@mail.execpc.com>
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 1997 00:20:32 -0500
From: Dean Zemel <dbzemel@execpc.com>
Subject: Some Humor...
Not related to XTC, in particular, but related to every internet mail list,
including Chalkhills:
Q: How many internet mail list subscribers does it take
to change a light bulb?
A: 1,331:
1 to change the light bulb and to post to the mail
list that the light bulb has been changed
14 to share similar experiences of changing light
bulbs and how the light bulb could have been
changed differently.
7 to caution about the dangers of changing light bulbs.
27 to point out spelling/grammar errors in posts about
changing light bulbs.
53 to flame the spell checkers
156 to write to the list administrator complaining about
the light bulb discussion and its inappropriateness
to this mail list.
41 to correct spelling in the spelling/grammar flames.
109 to post that this list is not about light bulbs and
to please take this email exchange to alt.lite.bulb
203 to demand that cross posting to alt.grammar,
alt.spelling and alt.punctuation about changing
light bulbs be stopped.
111 to defend the posting to this list saying that we
are all use light bulbs and therefore the posts
**are** relevant to this mail list.
306 to debate which method of changing light
bulbs is superior, where to buy the best light bulbs,
what brand of light bulbs work best for this
technique, and what brands are faulty.
27 to post URLs where one can see examples of
different light bulbs
14 to post that the URLs were posted incorrectly, and
to post corrected URLs.
3 to post about links they found from the URLs that
are relevant to this list which makes light bulbs
relevant to this list.
33 to concatenate all posts to date, then quote
them including all headers and footers, and then
add "Me Too."
12 to post to the list that they are unsubscribing
because they cannot handle the light bulb
controversey.
19 to quote the "Me Too's" to say, "Me Three."
4 to suggest that posters request the light bulb FAQ.
1 to propose new alt.change.lite.bulb newsgroup.
47 to say this is just what alt.physic.cold_fusion
was meant for, leave it here.
143 votes for alt.lite.bulb.
[ I left this one in for the etiquette-challenged among us -- John ]
------------------------------
Message-Id: <199704220647.XAA06702@sgi.sgi.com>
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 1997 10:47:30 -0700
From: hbmus047@email.csun.edu (Ian Dahlberg)
Subject: XTC in Over The Hedge
Hallo Chalk-talk members,
Mr. T Lewis, I knew you'd find a way to stick an XTC
reference into the strip! (Does it say "Black Sea" or "Black Spa?") For
those who haven't seen April 14th's Sunday funnies or don't receive the
"Over the Hedge" strip, fellow chalkster and cartoonist T Lewis put in an
XTC reference in sunday's installment. A copy of "Black Sea" was amongst a
pile of records that the two main characters, woodland creatures Verne, and
R.J., were listening to. It's kind of hard to explain beyond that. You
can view it at:
www.unitedmedia.com/comics/hedge/archive/latest_sunday.html
In other thoughts, I'd like to say that Ben Folds Five's
"Whatever and Ever Amen" is one of the catchiest pop albums I've heard in a
while. Very cool stuff; reckless here, tasty and thoughtful there,
wonderful. Also, as of late, I had been getting into the Gray's one and
only album, "Ro Sham Bo." Great Beatle-y shtuff going on. I'll have to
check out Jon Brion's other projects since his Gray's work was very nice.
The whole album's kinda depressing in nature but great musically.
That is all,
Ian Dahlberg
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 1997 08:40:17 -0500 (CDT)
From: Eric Morris <erm892f@nic.smsu.edu>
Subject: Young XTC, Jazz Butcher, Swindon
Message-ID: <Pine.A32.3.91.970422082951.45058B-100000@nic.smsu.edu>
First, thanks to Brian Carter for answering my inquiries about
Swindon. I may be backchannelling you for more.
Second, I am not THAT young of an XTC fan (28) but I didn't get
in until 'Dear God' (although I was familiar with 'Senses'). I taped my
roomie's copy of Skylarking, never listened to it, and it ended up in a
friend of mine's hands. They encouraged me to take a closer look, and I
owned the catalog within about 1 year. There are very few songs I do NOT
like from any released album, including Rag & Bone, etc. I picked up a
copy of Take Away in a record store once, and did not ever get into it.
My least favorite album is Go+, but there is no favorite. I rarely ever
use a thematic approach to making driving tapes anymore, I just put 6 XTC
CDs into the player, hit random and record whatever.
I have had friends listen to LOTS of XTC, but I think familiarity
is important to whether you really want to listen to music. Everyone has
a favorite band, whom they think produces incredible material throughout
every album. I'm right, and they aren't always, but explaining that is
challenging.
Third, the Jazz Butcher is very fine. My college group really got
into 'The Devil is My Friend', but I prefer the Distressed Gentlefolk
album ("Nothing Special") and the Chicken song ("The Best Way"). Very
appealing song, at least to vegetarians.
Eric Morris
Asst Debate Coach, SW Missouri State U.
erm892f@nic.smsu.edu
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 22 Apr 1997 08:54:57 -0500 (CDT) From: LOUISIANA LOLLIPOP <ACOEA@jazz.ucc.uno.edu> Subject: These digests are too short. Message-id: <01II0081DLC88XTW7L@jazz.ucc.uno.edu> Guess I'll have to start posting my usual 2-4 times per digest again! ;) And now, for responses....... >From Simon Sleightholm >Any other Chalkies carried out criminal acts in the name of the band? Does ripping a three page article out of a library copy of Rolling Stone count? >From Jon in Philly >I thik the thig being sung is "stand clear!" Oh, so sory. Yo now how it iz with these dam computurs with noe spel chekers. >From Greg Marrs What you are talking about was 1995's "A Testimonial Dinner-Songs of XTC". I'm not sure about the whole royalty thing, though. As far as I know, the cd was merely put out as nothing more than a tribute from some of the bands that ravenously love XTC. I personally felt that the songs were a bit tepid, esp. Spacehog's Senses Working Overtime. (How could "The Good Things" not have stuck in your head? That's just XTC in disguise!) As far as the rest of it goes, I loved "All You Pretty Girls" (Need I say why?) and "The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul", and loathed "25 O'Clock" and "Dear God". >From Natalie Jacobs >Oh it's sad to be all alone... Tell me about it :) >From James Dupuy >How did you become expossed to the addictive music of XTC? The scene-May, 1994. I read in a CTD Rolling Stone interview that Brad Roberts (God # 2...just call me polytheistic.) worshipped XTC. He even ended the inter- view by leaning into the tape recorder and saying "Andy, I love you, I love you. Come to me, Andy." Anyways, I figured that anything he listened to has to be good music, (with the exception of Lyle Lovett, that is.) So I was looking through my 22-year old sister's tape collection and came across a compilation tape that had "Dear God" on it. I listened to it and was stunned at the honesty of the lyrics. I wasn't floored, because at the time I was a bit offended, being the good little Cath I am, but I grew to really like it, and the rest is history. >What does XTC do for you that makes you a fan? Two words: David Gregory >From Mr. JHB >Then I must be dripping with hip, eh? Oh, as always! ;) >From Don Rogalski >I'm sure Amanda will be curious about my connections to the fabled city. Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh!!!!!!!!!!!!! >but I did graduate from the same university as Brad Roberts. Are you around the same age, or did you just go to UofW also? >saw Neil Young jamming with CTD's harmonica player--- yes, even though Neil had asked "Any keyboard players out there?" You are lucky. I have a pal in the Peg who recorded a demo at Brad's home studio when he still lived in Winnipeg.......I'll be emailing you later! Ciao Chalkhillbillies! Amanda XTC song of the day-Towers of London non-XTC song of the day-Kiss and Tell-Bryan Ferry quote of the day "Just what England needs-another queen who can't dress." (Joan Rivers on Boy George.)
------------------------------
Message-Id: <199704221418.KAA23391@rohan.btg.com>
Date: 22 Apr 1997 10:18:34 U
From: "Sherwood, Harrison" <hsherwood@btg.com>
Subject: The More Things Change, the More They Remain Things
Amusing, the little knuckleballs (Yoo Kay, Oz, etc.: "googlies," or perhaps
"shooters," it's hard to tell) Life Itself throws us sometimes.
In article "Misheard lyrics and the usual fiddle faddle..." in Ish #3-99, a
loquacious young person of common acquaintance was heard to ask:
>Okay, not actually a mishearing, but a question.....in the ending part of
>"The Loving", when there are about six different thigs being sung, what the
>heck is (Colin, I think) saying? Sounds like "strange trip"
...thereby setting off a not particularly polemical firestorm of vague
agreement that is only now sputtering its way to an end, two long, hot
issues later.
So I was just now cruising the archived back issues of Chalkhills, and I
decided to see what the Very First Issue looked like. The disconcerting
impression one comes away with is, Plus ca change...
> Chalkhills Archives, Part A
>
> Tuesday, 18 April 1989
[snipping, snipping, snipping]
>Date: Mon, 17 Apr 1989 10:34:28 PDT
>From: John M. Relph <relph@presto.ig.com>
>Subject: Welcome, everybody.
>
>Well, I know you're already tired of this, but
>
> Welcome to Chalkhills!
>
>So my first question is, what are the background singers singing near
>the end of "The Loving" from _Oranges and Lemons_?
Harrison "The correct answer, of course, is "It's both a penis _and_ a
baby" Sherwood
==============================================================================
"If I were on a lifeboat with Fiction Damage and there were insufficient
supplies to sustain all of us, I would gladly sacrifice myself that they
might survive. Their contribution to American culture is that great."
--Mike Keneally (Frank Zappa, Z, Beer for Dolphins)
Smell the Damage! http://www.erols.com/damage/home.htm
------------------------------ End of Chalkhills Digest #3-102 *******************************
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