Chalkhills Digest Volume 3, Issue 123
Date: Tuesday, 3 June 1997
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 3, Number 123
Tuesday, 3 June 1997
Today's Topics:
The prodigal daughter returns
Deeper Meaning is Crap
Re: Drums and Wireless
Bangs and Marsh
XTC at 16 RPM / Flaming The Pie
Bass and Trombones...amen!
Re: XTC DIRECT TO US
I Love Homosexuals
you take the low part and follow the kick drum with Daves
Oranges and Melons / Rocking the Boat
A failed attempt
Where was my Mind?
Partridge/Newell photo
Sgt. Pepper's Flying Goon Show
Beefheart: Safe as Milk
Videos
bliss
The Partridge Report: 6-2-97
Very short ramble today... more of a ram.
Get The Expert
Re: Gorky's Zygotic Mynci, etc
Deep-sixed, Melt The G, http & C.
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And I object to all the air male that she pick up.
---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 31 May 1997 16:55:34 -0400 (EDT) From: Natalie Jane Jacobs <gnat@umich.edu> Subject: The prodigal daughter returns Message-ID: <Pine.SOL.3.95.970531162308.11819B-100000@seawolf.rs.itd.umich.edu> And with such a load of Chalkhills in her in-box, as well! Well, I'm back from England's green and pleasant land, still pretty jet-lagged and tired, but the scars are starting to fade and I'm sure that nasty sore will heal in no time. I had a blast at the convention - pictures will be appearing on Perdix as soon as I can haul my sorry ass to the computing center where the scanners are - and it was really, really nice meeting all of you Chalkhillians who were there. (Cheryl, did I ever manage to buy you a drink?) Big, big, humongous, tremendous thanks to Mike Foster for pulling it all together and making it such a pleasant experience. (Nice T-shirt, too!) As I was with Simon for most of the time, I can't really add anything to his description, but I must point out that it was, of course, Simon's keen knowledge of the Dukes of Stratosphear's ouevre that led to us winning the "Smartest Monkey" plaque, which somehow made it through customs and is now sitting on top of my computer. I'd also like to thank those of you who complimented Perdix - it's an odd but gratifying ego boost to have a complete stranger say to you, "Natalie Jacobs? Don't you do Perdix? Great site!" :) Martin Newell, as a couple of people have mentioned, was terrific - the Dave Gregory impersonation was hysterical (and spot-on) - and afterwards, having already heard a little of "The Greatest Living Englishman" at Simon's house, I went out and bought it for myself. It's good - derivative, in a way, but derivative of good things (Moulding, "Revolver"), and its self-conscious Englishness compliments the music rather than weighing it down, at least to this American's ears. I also bought "Lost in Music" by Giles Smith - is this in print in America? It's very funny and worth reading even aside from the XTC references. I think someone here said it was lightweight and it is, but good for train/plane reading, providing welcome relief to the travel-worn brain. A final, slightly redundant purchase was a British version of "Skylarking," without "Dear God." I guess I'm a hardcore collector now because I now have "Skylarking" in three different versions - American CD, British CD, and American first-pressing vinyl. Shoot me now. So I did finally trawl through all those Chalkhills which winged my way during my absence... not much I can comment on, really. Kimberly Martin, you are cool and I want your zine. Ralph DeMarco, you are also cool. Andy Metcalfe (of the Egyptians, Robyn Hitchcock's former band) is a bassist that I like, though as a non-musician I don't know how how proficient he is - I just know that his sound is immediately identifiable and highly enjoyable. I guess that's all I have to say... no, one more thing: Andy's new demo that Peter played at the convention, "We're All Light," is fucking gorgeous. I've forgotten most of what it sounds like now, but every so often a fragment of it will come back to me like an angel's voice. Thank you so much, Peter, for playing it. New album, come quickly! Natalie Jacobs Perdix: The Andy Partridge Appreciation Page (too tired to think of tag-line) http://www-personal.umich.edu/~gnat/perdix.html
------------------------------ From: artsy@sprynet.com Date: Sat, 31 May 1997 20:08:12 -0700 Message-Id: <199706010308.UAA09853@m7.sprynet.com> Subject: Deeper Meaning is Crap Hiya amigos - Let me just add my vote to those who say Becki DiGregorio's CD is good (and should be on a major record co. roster!), and John Wedermeyer - you're a damn good guitarist yourself, man - but thanks for the report on Dave as well. All of the convention reports were cool to read, particularly Simon's. Thanks! Wish I coulda been there... I sure hope these rumors/reports about an imminent signing for our boys are correct!!! RogerFromOz - man, you got that right about over-analyzing things. During the 15 years or so I subscribed to Rolling Stone, I got really tired of reading some of the reviews that were so over-analyzing it was ridiculous. The artist and/or band that did some of these records probably had a huge laugh about the whole thing. Not to say that sometimes songs DO have some bigger, or 'hidden' meanings, but to suggest that every single line has some deeper meaning is crap. Marshall Armintor - you mistakenly said Pete Thomas, not Bruce Thomas, on bass for EC (but don't feel bad, I get 'em mixed up too) - but man, you were right about the bass-playing on those trax! The Attractions are killer, period. The new Macca - "Flaming Pie". If you wanna know more, email me privately. All I'll say here is that the first half of this CD sounds like it could've been recorded between Abbey Road and Band on the Run, if that means anything to you. And the second half ain't bad, either. An' it ain't ruined by the Anti-Lennon, either. So there. ****SWINDON, ENGLAND 31/05/97****(from the London Times)******************* Long-time quirky popsters XTC, long-since given up for dead, have evidently re-formed and are working on a new album. Due to (evidently) record label troubles in the past, the lads have formed their own record label, to be called Moulding Partridge Records, Ltd. Despite the newness of the label, other bands are already rumored to be in line to be added to the label's stable. At the forefront are the Dukes of Stratosphear, a band long-forgotten to most of the public, more so than XTC themselves. In a phone interview with Andy "Andy" Partridge, I learned that the band is evidently working on a 4-album set, which will include all of his demos over the past several years, all of Colin Moulding's demos during the same period, all of Dave Gregory's work with a myriad of other artists, the legendary Basement Tapes, and a variety of other trax, demos, and sound bites. Partridge told me some of the working song titles, which included "Screwed by (a) Virgin", "5-Year Constipation", "Stage Fright Boogie", and a rumored cover of the Ramones' punk classic "I Wanna Be Sedated", slowed down with strings. Partridge also shrugged off recent rumors about guitarist Dave Gregory's alledged homosexuality, saying that people who worry the most about homosexuals often are repressing those tendencies themselves. The phone interview ended with Partridge saying telling this reporter that the new album could take a while, because his legendary shed needed to be totally rewired first, and that the rumors of the Dukes being killed in a bizarre kitchen accident no truth to them whatsoever. *****************************************************************************
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Jun 1997 12:13:15 -0700 (PDT) Message-Id: <l03020900afb7120f2804@[207.211.99.49]> From: Dave Blackburn <dblack@inetworld.net> Subject: Re: Drums and Wireless To any Chalk people interested in XTC's production quirks, Some sonic musings: Every time I listen to Drums and Wireless, the English BBC compilation, I'm really impressed by the engineering and mix by the BBC studio folks; in fact some of the tracks from the O&L CD, sound better on the "live in the studio" versions on Drums and Wireless. I think the massive compression used on the O&L mastering definitely made it in your face but loses a lot of nuances in the various instrumental parts. On the subject of mastering, I have to voice a complaint about my copy of Nonsuch. The over-the-top compression and added high end to the master of what is perhaps XTC's first digitally tracked CD (my assumption..), makes it rather a harsh and aggressive listen compared to the full but smoother sound of English Settlement or Mummer. I love the different vocal effects Andy uses on different songs throughout the XTC epoch. The short pronounced delays instead of reverb really help define the sound of 80's Brit pop, but he is also not afraid to use distortion boxes and flangers (and what sounds like cupped hands in the "I'm speaking to the justice league of America... section in Melt the Guns) If anyone would be into discussing production or engineering aspects of the XTC oevre it might be a more fun way to exploit this wonderful website than banter back and forth about French trombone similes or who's flaming whom. Dave Blackburn
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Jun 1997 20:23:11 -0400 (EDT) From: "Christopher R. Coolidge" <ccoolidg@zoo.uvm.edu> Subject: Bangs and Marsh Message-ID: <Pine.A32.3.91.970601200809.120214B-100000@gnu.uvm.edu> Speaking of Dave Marsh, for those familiar with the work and reputation of Lester Bangs: Letter received by Dave Marsh, Jan '86 FROM THE CLOUD OF LESTER BANGS Marsh- You know that jive about "If there's a rock and roll heaven, they must have a hell of a band?" Don't believe it, pal. All of the talent went straight to Hell. All of it. The big acts up here are Jim Croce, Karen Carpenter, Cass elliot, and especially- Bobby Bloom!(Who? C.R.C.) If I have to hear that fucking "Montego Bay" even one more time, I may kill mysel...(ah, shit, keep forgetting). Anyway, I apply for admission to Hell every six months but they keep turning me down, claiming- dig this: I'm TOO GOOD-HEARTED! Write 'em and set 'em straight, willya? Tell them just what an asshole I can be when I feel like it. Met God when I first got here. I asked him why. You know, 33 and all. All he said was "M.T.V." He didn't want me to experience it, whatever the fuck it is. Gotta run. Literally. Another herd of hoary harp hacks heading here. Playing Zep's "Stairway" of course. Fucking national anthem in this burg. Take it from me, Dave. heaven was Detroit, Michigan. who woulda thunk it? Eternally yours, Bangs (Lester did most of his writing in Detroit for Creem magazine, and was a huge fan of the likes of The Stooges and the MC5, both of whom typified the Detroit rock scene in the early '70's in their own way, though unfortunately Grandfunk was more popular)I suspect Lester would have loved the Dukes Of Stratosphear; he probably would have had mixed feelings about XTC, old punk that he was. Christopher R. Coolidge Eleventh Hour Cauldron Publications
------------------------------ Message-ID: <339250D4.286E@sprintmail.com> Date: Sun, 01 Jun 1997 21:49:24 -0700 From: Stormy Monday <stormymonday@sprintmail.com> Subject: XTC at 16 RPM / Flaming The Pie Folxtc, Q. What do you get when you play a track from an XTC 33 and 1/3 LP at 16 speed? A. The Crash Test Dummies playing a well written song. * * * James Issacs was right: "Flaming Pie" overall is a good record, but the title track has all of the things that I HATE about the Antilennon's production style. Still, it has been a long time since Paul sounded this good, and I even like the Steve Miller stuff. Stormy Monday
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v01540b0dafb802941059@[139.80.100.164]> Date: Mon, 2 Jun 1997 16:55:19 +1200 From: james.dignan@stonebow.otago.ac.nz (James Dignan) Subject: Bass and Trombones...amen! >I agree with Bob Mould on his attitude, being gay is just your sexuality, >not your whole being. There's a hell of a lot more going on in a single >person to define whether they are good or bad than just who they fancy. or, to quote Billy Bragg - "Just because you're gay I won't send you away - if you stick around, I'm sure that we will find some common ground". >And as for Christian music. Most of my teenage years were spent listening >to it. When I discovered alternative, a lot of it dropped from my stereo >because it sounded too corny to me. But there *are* decent bands, believe >it or not. You just have to know where to look because they don't get >played often, or sometimes not at all. let's not forget Bruce Cockburn in that list of damn fine musicians who are proud about their Christianity. Being a Christian or not doesn't make one automatically a good or bad musician. There's a hell of a lot more going on in a single person to define whether they are good or bad than just their religiony. Which brings us back to the gay debate... re bassists: This crops up ever now and again on the list, and I can never help but mention John Entwistle, Tony Levin, Bruce Thomas, Nigel Griggs (Split Enz), Paul McCartney and (standup bass, but still the maestro) Danny Thompson James James Dignan___________________________________ You talk to me Deptmt of Psychology, Otago University As if from a distance ya zhivu v' 50 Norfolk Street And I reply. . . . . . . . . . Dunedin, New Zealand with impressions chosen from another time steam megaphone (03) 455-7807 (Brian Eno - "By this River")
------------------------------ Message-ID: <33927F9F.4C17@nlcomm.com> Date: Mon, 02 Jun 1997 01:09:03 -0700 From: james pitinii <jp@nlcomm.com> Subject: Re: XTC DIRECT TO US Dear sir, I think xtc (or any other recording artist) could set up a subscription list for their cd's. It would work like this: xtc sets a price (including shipping and handling) for the next cd they release. Interested parties would send the fee. XTC would use some of the money to record the cd and press it. Then they would ship it to the subscribers. No record company theives invited!
------------------------------ Message-ID: <c=AU%a=_%p=DPIEXCH%l=DPIEXCH/MHOEXCH/0016A2AA@pibcrmexh001.pib.dpi.qld.gov.au> From: "McDonald, Roger" <McDonaRF@prose.dpi.qld.gov.au> Subject: I Love Homosexuals Date: Mon, 2 Jun 1997 16:42:00 +1000 Dear Trainspotters, Sorry, I couldn't resist the subject tag... My mail today is actually directed at Marshall Joseph Armintor and a devilishly fine name it is too. Cue twilight zone music.... the very morning I recieived the Chalkhills with your enquiry in it I was looking for something to listen to on my walkman and in desparation I got out an old case full of tapes at least 10 years old. What a treasure trove! Do the following names mean anything to you - Cowboys International, Wire, the first Orange Juice album, John Cooper Clarke, Walter Steding, Ed Keupper and the Laughing Clowns, SW9, Jane Aire and the Belvederes? However the one that grabbed my eye(ouch!) was a tape with Pere Ubu's 'The Modern Dance" on one side and The Homosexuals on the other. Not having played it for about 6 or 7 years I was taken with how fresh and vital it sounded (The Homosexuals that is!). When I read your post I got goosebumps!! Your description is just about spot on. I would've said Wire (circa Pink Flag) with a twist of early zany (hate that word!!!) XTC. You take a song like Astral Glamour and in about a minute and a half there's enough ideas for twenty songs - the sort of pop stream of consciousness that Paul Weller tried for with Little Boy Soldiers (and failed so ignominiously) from the equally ordinary 'rockist' Setting Sons. I got my tape from an eccentric acquaintance (I wonder whatever happened to him?) who gave me a recommended records catalogue and compilation tape. It made me wonder if all the best music hasn't already been done by folks (not unlike some chalkhillians out there I suspect!) that have given up on world domination like myself. Unfortunately (and here's the bottom line - sorry to go on Chris Clee:)) I have no information about them either, apart from the fact that they sound English (check out the song "All About Cheap") and are $%^#$#@@! brilliant! A couple of years ago I saw the record in the local record import shop but I was more into The Damned that particular month(silly sod!). I do remember this eccentric friend actually had a couple of records by bands called Geurnica and After Dinner that were so rare that when you ordered them they actually cut your name into the end groove of the record for chrissakes!! Its a bit of a sad story really isn't it? Silly bloody Phil tosspot Collins sells bucket loads of records, The Homosexuals disappear from the face of the earth after delivering one absolutely brilliant record and XTC don't have a recording contract. What a terrible world we live in. Please mail me direct to lament other recommended records artists if you like. OldRogerDraftDodger
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v03102809afb826b5dde6@[206.112.203.77]> Date: Mon, 2 Jun 1997 03:56:42 -0400 From: arthur james virgin <audio@one.net> Subject: you take the low part and follow the kick drum with Daves Greetings, I must say, all this talk of DG's sexuality reminds me of my recent stint on the Crowded House mailing list. They would fill up 3 digests about Neil Finn's shoes and hair. It all leaves me scratching my head. BTW, if gay people are more creative I guess I have to go out and find myself a man in order to finish this album thats been rolling around in my head for the past 3 years. Now onto bassists. Not too hard for me to think of 6 right off hand: 1) Geddy Lee. The sum of this group may not be greater than its seperate parts, but I've yet to hear someone in rock meld such off the wall lines so seamlessly with a groove. 2) Nick Seymour (Crowded House). I always imagined all the pressure that he had to feel working with Mr. Neil Finn. How would you like to be responsible for bass parts to some of the most amazing songs in this era by one of the greatest living songwriters? 3) Matt Wilson (Trip Shakespear / SemiSonic). As under-rated as it gets. They arent just bass lines, they are melody lines. 4) Bruce Thomas (Attractions etc..). Hes out in the woods with his squirrel gun. 5) Tony Levin. Those 4 inch finger extensions are most frightening! 6) Colin Moulding. I always greatly respected all of his bass work, but it was during my first listening of "One of the Millions" when I realized just how much I took it for granted. Honorable Mention: Mike Mills (REM) If you know anything about him, you know he is much more than a bass player. Back to super lurk mode (Hey Rick!), AJ
------------------------------ Message-ID: <c=US%a=_%p=AETNA%l=HFD-EXCH003-970602140058Z-1661@aetna.aetna.com> From: "Witter, Karl F" <WitterKF@aetna.com> Subject: Oranges and Melons / Rocking the Boat Date: Mon, 2 Jun 1997 10:00:58 -0400 >[Roger McD] people who think that the main protagonist >watering his garden is actually a metaphor for his deep >yearning to shag the vicar's daughter with a watermelon! Good to know I'm not the only one who's noticed; Dick Francis, Steven King, Judith Krantz and Tom Clancy have pretty much beaten that metaphor to death. >[James Dupuy] One Of The Millions...seems to have the >sway of a boat adrift in the ocean That'll teach me to post quicker! I felt the nautical rhythm while purposefully keeping time with my toes to O&L. It strikes me as a boat rolling on the waves, how- ever, rather than adrift. Certainly it's not being rocked. Fave songs and album: Skylarking is my favorite album. It (along with O&L) was also the one I owned first. Doesn't that tend to happen for Chalkhillers and/or music fans in general, to attach most fondly to something when the bloom is on the rose? Not that it's faded now! Oops. Looks like I'm gone into deep fertilizer. Well, anyway, if favorite songs are the ones you sing along with, fervently, then they'd be on Skylarking, Black Sea, and The Big Express. Honorable mentions to O&L and Nonsvch. >[John Wedemeyer]Anyway, this is getting a little long About Dave Gregory going to your show, complementing you on your work, and talking some music? Geez, I usually wake up in the middle of *that* dream :-)! Post away! King Crimson fans, in multitudes, have kindly corrected me for my ignorance re Pat Mastellato, and his place in their "double trio". I do now remember it being mentioned more than once. You all can take a bow for your fervent dedication. Come to an humiliating end, Karl
------------------------------ From: Cheryl <McGREGOC@regents.ac.uk> Date: Mon, 2 Jun 1997 15:21:45 GMT Subject: A failed attempt Message-ID: <2EAF782669@asdf011.regents.ac.uk> Hey there You know.....it's not a good idea to try and explain why you like XTC when you are pissed off your bum. How do I know this? I tried. I had friends over for dinner a few nights ago and the question came up. Who are XTC and why do you like them? I don't remember much other than a slurred "XTzz are wonderfo" and "Margretsss heard tem" It was about then the world began to slide away from me. I don't know what else I could have told them, but the next day I said perhaps I should play a song or two to show them . All I got was a snicker and a "pass on that one, bob". *sigh* Drowning here in London, Cheryl
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 2 Jun 1997 09:47:02 -0500 (CDT) From: Marshall Joseph Armintor <mojo@owlnet.rice.edu> Subject: Where was my Mind? Message-ID: <Pine.SOL.3.91.970602094255.18306A-100000@long-eared.owlnet.rice.edu> Every single day of my life, I get Bruce Thomas's name correct, except when it counts on the very day I try to share my joy in his magnificent bass playing with others -- and I call on the drummer instead...as pointed out by many (ok, 3) of y'all. Musta been all that cough syrup I had that morning. Oh, and forgot to mention "Shabby Doll" from Imperial Bedroom, as a private poster pointed out. I am a bone-head. marshall
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 2 Jun 97 15:24:15 UT From: "William Hearne" <LHearne@msn.com> Message-Id: <UPMAIL14.199706021518390113@msn.com> Subject: Partridge/Newell photo There is a nice photo of Andy and Martin Newell together which can be found at: http://reality.sgi.com/relph/jangly/listener.html
------------------------------ From: Matt_Kaden/CAM/Lotus@lotus.com Message-Id: <852564AA.00627649.00@mta2.lotus.com> Date: Mon, 2 Jun 1997 14:12:59 -0400 Subject: Sgt. Pepper's Flying Goon Show I don't know why, but I enjoy associating certain things with other things. The past year especially, I've been reveling in the kaleidoscope of the innovations of Peter Sellers / Spike Milligan in the '50s, The Beatles, and Monty Python's Flying Circus. All of these forces combined together make a very entertaining mix tape (to say the least), and they all seem to compliment each other and share the same surreal, frantic energy. One can investigate the various ways in which all these people literally crossed over and influenced each other and I find great pleasure in thinking of them all as different manifestations of the same magic. For me XTC carry on this magic, and they are the only ones in this age I can say that about. I don't want to upset anyone here, but I'd like to recommend that anyone who hasn't looked into The Goon Show, you might get a lot out of it.
------------------------------ Message-ID: <c=US%a=_%p=BTG._Inc.%l=EXCH_SERVER-970602194445Z-44080@exchserver.btg.com> From: "Sherwood, Harrison" <hsherwood@btg.com> Subject: Beefheart: Safe as Milk Date: Mon, 2 Jun 1997 15:44:45 -0400 In Chalkhills Digest #3-122 jhackney@facstaff.wisc.edu (John M. >Hackney) axed: > Last issue Jason NeSmith mentioned that Captain Beefheart doesn't >venture much out of his trailer in the Mojave--- I could be mistaken, but >isn't he *dead*? I thought that he died about two years or so ago, of some >neurological disorder. Anyone able to confirm this? <blink>[RUNNING JOKE]--></blink> No, no no: it's _Andy Partridge_ who is dead. Haven't you been paying attention? <blink><--[END OF RUNNING JOKE]</blink> (Pause to allow HUMOROUS and NOT AT ALL FACTUAL nature of above JOKE to sink in, and for it to become apparent that the preceding paragraph is IN NO WAY meant to be interpreted as TRUE. Repeat: IT IS NOT TRUE THAT ANDY PARTRIDGE IS DEAD. You're thinking of Dave Gregory.)* No, Captain Beefheart is not dead. But apparently there have been rumors to that effect. From the FAQ at The Home Page Replica, a site dedicated to Sam Showing Scalp Flattop (Particular About the Point It Made) himself (the whole thing can be seen at http://www.rit.edu/~jcs1589/hpr/captain.cgi?item=faq): - What's he doing now? Don is presently living something of a reclusive life in a small Californian town only a few miles from the Oregon border. Since he has given up making music he has concentrated entirely on painting and drawing and has made a considerable reputation for himself at both. Far from the days when he'd receive little or no money in return for his musical efforts, Don now sells his wild, abstract paintings in the $10,000 to $35,000 range, his drawings selling for between $500 and $5,000. He's had dozens of exhibitions held around the world (mainly in Europe) and has plans for dozens more. He's said to be 'happy as a clam'. - Is it true that he's very ill? Probably not. This rumour was started by musician Henry Kaiser, someone who has sought to blacken Don's name for some time now for reasons best known to himself. (It's thought that he tried to get into the Magic Band at some point in the past and was turned down) The story goes that Don has either got lung cancer or multiple sclerosis. In a recent (and rare) interview, Don didn't actually *deny* that he was ill but he did make it plain that he had just built a larger studio for him to paint in; hardly the actions of someone who doesn't expect to be around much longer.The Keeper of the FAQ goes on to say that Henry Kaiser has since repudiated the interview in which he hinted that Beefheart was mortally ill. Harrison "Henry just wanted to lick him everywhere there's ink" Sherwood ----- "Dear Mr. Sherwood: I have 36.4 existence-challenged Dead-American friends who were deeply hurt and depressed by your insensitive and oppressive remarks about their lack-of-lifestyle. Remember: They did not _choose_ death. Recent studies show that predisposition toward deathness is genetically determined...."
------------------------------ Message-ID: <339325C1.698D@erols.com> Date: Mon, 02 Jun 1997 15:57:53 -0400 From: RocketRob <robertlc@erols.com> Organization: Pink Palace Productions Subject: Videos Hi All, I have about 6 hrs of XTC on vid for trade, I do take non-XTC stuff in trade aswell, let me know if your interested. Thankx Rob C.
------------------------------ From: h.h.name@mail.utexas.edu Date: Mon, 2 Jun 97 17:05:47 -0500 Subject: bliss Message-ID: <Mailstrom.1.05.44523.-9246.h.h.name@mail.utexas.edu> Fellas, We tried to listen to the radio where I work the other day and promptly turned it off, finding nothing but CRAP on it. So we settled for the Thai classical CDs we have (it's a Thai place) until my co-worker, Steve, finally said, "OK, let's see if the radio stations have improved their programming" "Ha!" I said. "Within the last half-hour? Don't think so..." only to then hear "Generals and Majors" blasting through the restaurant. The local "alternative rock" station (one of the great cliches of the '90s) apparently had some 80's flashback thing on, so I got to hear some XTC (to the rest of the world, one of the not-so-great 'where are they now?' bands). Rock on, XTC! Jason
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 2 Jun 1997 14:22:29 -0700 (PDT) Message-Id: <v01510103afb87f13ce2f@[206.15.85.26]> From: mf@well.com (Mitch Friedman) Subject: The Partridge Report: 6-2-97 Just a little addendum to what I divulged a few weeks ago . . . Sometime in the next week or so, the band's lawyers will go over a batch of new contract offers with a fine tooth comb and then they will decide on one or two but he refused to give me any clues or hints about which labels they are. Andy was just getting ready to compose a letter to a publishing company in the US that wants to do a book in which the members of XTC discuss every single song they've ever recorded to date. Anyone interested? Although Colin isn't totally involved yet and Dave is but hasn't contributed, Andy has begun to work on the Bootleg Album in the Shed on his own so far. He got a brand new Alesis drum pad kit which allows him to actually play the drums with sticks on pads but this new equipment has not been used on any of his demos to date. He agreed that the drum sounds on the demos are the only things that don't sound really authentic and says that this new set up has the sound and feel of almost live drums. He took all of your suggestions from several months ago about what you'd like to have on this Bootleg Album and said that anything that has been previously released, even in demo form, like "Find the Fox", "Let's Make a Den", "Haunted Heart", cannot be recorded without immense amounts of trouble and more legal issues. So he's come up with a list of about a dozen of the best of the leftover demos to begin work on and everyone will participate. So far he's thinking about "This is the End", "Broomstick Rhythm", "Everything", "Goosey Goosey", "Jelly Baby" (a bubblegum album outtake), "End of the Pier" (a 'new' one to me!) and others. Colin will choose a few of his own like "Car Out of Control" but that was all he could tell me thusfar. Don't expect it any time soon but do expect it sometime in the future. Reporting from San Francisco, this is Mitch Friedman. Now back to you John . . .
------------------------------
Message-Id: <199706022210.PAA25604@mail.eskimo.com>
From: "Matt Keeley" <mrme@eskimo.com>
Date: Mon, 2 Jun 1997 15:09:29 +0000
Subject: Very short ramble today... more of a ram.
Or possibly a ble.... anyway,
>From me, and it still goes!
> Hello all. Just a little reminder, POST TO THE RYKO MESSAGE BOARD!!
> Just follow this handy link:
http://www.rykodisc.com/3/indexs.html
HAVE YOU POSTED YET?? AND WHY NOT??
Thank you, and now no more for this post of the Ryko thing.
>From: jhackney@facstaff.wisc.edu (John M. Hackney)
> Last issue Jason NeSmith mentioned that Captain Beefheart doesn't
> venture much out of his trailer in the Mojave--- I could be mistaken, but
> isn't he *dead*? I thought that he died about two years or so ago, of some
> neurological disorder. Anyone able to confirm this?
I'm not sure if he's alive, but if he's not, it would explain why he
doesn't venture much from his trailer...8) (Now that's callous!)
OBXTC: I just got Black Sea and White Music... Anyone else think
that "I'll Set Myself on Fire" would be a Barnes and Barnes song if
Colin said "yeah" at the end...? Pretty good song, though.... And I
still take back the thing about Colin's early stuff sucking...
especially Heatwave. But right now, I'm not too fond of Crosswires.
(Just remember, next post, I'll say that Crosswires was one of his
best and I'm a stupid git...)
BTW, in the administrivia for the last issue it said "enough about
the bass players, already" or something to that effect... while I was
one of the people who contributed to that one, I'll have to agree...
but what I'm really sick of is the whole "Is Dave gay?" thread....
ugh. I personally don't care. He's a kick ass musician. Why do we
need to know his personal life things... heh? Anyway... (gotta reach
my "anyway" quota!)
Matt
-=>Matt Keeley mrme@eskimo.com<=-
I Have Learnt | Visit my home page
the Value of | http://www.eskimo.com/~mrme
Human Sacrifice| I used to be temporarily insane!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Now I'm just stupid! -- Brak
Yeah.
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199706022233.AAA07697@utrecht.knoware.nl> From: "Mark Strijbos" <mmello@knoware.nl> Organization: The Little Lighthouse Date: Mon, 2 Jun 1997 23:40:16 +0000 Subject: Get The Expert Chalkers, Somebody ( I forgot who...) at the Basingstoke Convention said he remembered seeing the XTC stuff being given away on the Beeb's Multi Coloured Swap Show back in 1981. Could this person please describe the event here on the list or in a private message to me ??? Or does anyone happen to own a video tape of this ? Thanks to Daniel P. I now have a decent playable copy of the "XTC Play At Home" videofilm and I was wondering... Is the video mix of Love On A Farmboys Wages featured in this film any different from the album version or not ? Seems to me the bass and the lyrics(!) are not exactly the same. Does the official Smartest Monkey know anything about this? I'm in XTC, Mark Strijbos at The Little Lighthouse http://utopia.knoware.nl/~mmello ===> Mark's Random XTC Quote <=== Even I never know where I go when my eyes are closed
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199706030206.LAA09441@inetnif.niftyserve.or.jp> Date: Tue, 03 Jun 1997 11:04:00 +0900 From: =?ISO-2022-JP?B?GyRCQ2YwZkJnPXUbKEI=?= <PXD07057@niftyserve.or.jp> Subject: Re: Gorky's Zygotic Mynci, etc Gorky's Zygotic Mynci are a wonderful Welsh band, not well known enough in my opinion. Their first? three albums, "introducing GZM", "Patio" and "Bywd Time" are all full of quirky pop (neo-psychdelia?) although I feel more currency with various Canterbury bands, rather than XTC. Actually some of the highlights off their albums are "Why Are We Sleeping", covered off "Soft Machine vol.1" and "O Caroline" (in English and Welsh) off the immortal Matching Mole's debut. They also have a song called "Kevin Ayres" with the liner notes "our hero"! Hmm.. anybody else out there with an affinity for this stuff? >From: Dean Martucci <martucci@surf.com> >Subject: Gorky's Zygotic Mynci >Can anyone tell me more about this band? I just found their album >"Barafundle" and it is super. Probably it's more kosher to reply >directly to me rather than the digest, but in any case I think some >of you will enjoy this band. >Sort of a dreamy folk XTC sound; lot's of High Llhamas in there too. >I believe the musicians are actually Scottish (yes?). They are also >partial to using the emminently readable Welsh spelling wherever >possible on their sleeve. The last that I heard of, Don Van Vliet was alive but not particularly well, fighting Multiple Sclerosis, although I have also heard that the MS is simply a ruse and he is just staying quiet. Perhaps we are getting confused with the late Frank Zappa, who did die of prostate cancer in December 1993? >From: jhackney@facstaff.wisc.edu (John M. Hackney) >Subject: Captain Beefheart lives? > >Chalkhillians, > Last issue Jason NeSmith mentioned that Captain Beefheart >doesn't venture much out of his trailer in the Mojave--- I could be >mistaken, but isn't he *dead*? I thought that he died about two >years or so ago, of some neurological disorder. Anyone able to >confirm this? Speaking of bassists, if you will allow me to add my two cents, some time ago I read a Matthew Sweet quote as to how he used to brag that he was a better bassist than Paul McCartney, as he "didn't do any tricky stuff". According to Matthew, he wanted a "grinding, crackling Rickenbacker sound, like Chris Squire of Yes". But as time went by, he realised what a great sound you can get from a Hofner Bass, and also came to recognize Paul M as a great bassist. IMHO, there are many good bassists who do all sorts of tricky stuff, lending pleasure to the ear (John Entwistle, Mike Watt, Flea) but as to carrying a song,really making the bass part of it, nobody has topped the left handed Beatle, including Colin Moulding. Daisuke Nakai PXD07057@niftyserve.or.jp
------------------------------ Message-ID: <339388F5.3DA6@bhip.infi.net> Date: Mon, 02 Jun 1997 23:01:54 -0400 From: gregory <mattone@bhip.infi.net> Organization: InfiNet Subject: Deep-sixed, Melt The G, http & C. Chalkhills Champions! Hello again from Bradenton! Hello, Derek, how the heck are you? ITEM #1 - I believe a post I made to Chalkhills never made it in the digest. This latest issue (Volume 3, Number 122) would suggest so. ITEM #2 - Anybody heard my "Melt The Guns" MIDI yet? ITEM #3 - Anybody been to http://www.mindmagic.com? ITEM #4 - Brian Matthews wrote: >"I don't feel that any piece of music from a catalog needs a virtuoso on >bass guitar, unless it's appropo... the bass is a supporting aspect of the >musical whole for the most part..." >I agree. "Walking" bass lines are appropriate only in certain musical >situations; in addition, how does that make the mark of a great bass >player? In my opinion, bass lines are the most spectacular when they >ground the song-- root it in space and time, if you will. Even better, when >they ground the song and have melodic merit of their own, >independent of >the song as a whole. P. McCartney has often been sited >for this style with >his Beatles work. Mr. Moulding is definitely of >this school of thought...< I agree with your agreement, Jim. Thanks. Mr. Moulding may not make the top ten, but he puts his two-cents worth in, and they seem like a couple of pretty shiny pennies to me! -Brian
------------------------------ End of Chalkhills Digest #3-123 *******************************
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