Chalkhills Digest Volume 3, Issue 16
Date: Thursday, 31 October 1996
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 3, Number 16
Thursday, 31 October 1996
Today's Topics:
Back of Bone, etc.
Todd Rundgren and so on...
Toys R Us
I_Need_Protection
XTC and the women who love them
Re: Nonsvch Honeymoon
Kink for a Day
Let me add something to that.....
Re:Dear God, where are all the XTC women?
how many demos ?
Musicians and those d*mos
Fairy Tales
Chalkie Musicians Unite
UK radio listeners Andy on R1 7th Nov 96
XTC/The Kinks
Cathy Dennis Album
My brain is leaking!
Bungalow, etc.
Master Tunesmith in person
BUNNNNGALLOOOOWWWW, BYYYYY THE SEEEEEEEEEEAAAAA!
The Bunga-lowdown
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And I hear the passengers scream / I'm living in a haunted heart.
---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message-Id: <199610300258.WAA23931@Fox.nstn.ca> Date: Tue, 29 Oct 1996 21:57:19 -0500 From: enrico@fox.nstn.ca (Erich W.) Subject: Back of Bone, etc. Here's a month's worth of musings for all and sundry: On the back of R&RB, I'm going to guess that Colin's on the left (mouth open in a small 'O'), Andy's obviously in the middle, and Dave is on the right (the longer hair fits the time and the mouth is welded shut). Anyone care to differ? Re the FPAR dissers: this is perhaps the most relevent Andy lyric of all! You can see that even then Andy was jaded by the industry honchos; I wonder what was pissing him off at the time? Looking back over the 'desert island' picks, I'm wondereing why Rein of Blows didn't make the cut? I foolishly forgot to include it myself and am now whipping myself repeatedly with my headphone wire as it cycles repeatedly through the speakers and grills! On a similar note, why didn't Red Brick Dream make the final cut on TBE? Has anyone else noticed the irony of the lyricist of such songs as Reign of Blows, President Kill, Melt the Guns, and Human Alchemy collecting toy soldiers? Finally, to whoever it was who wanted a weekly theme song for we fellow Chalksters, how about we just track down Mr. Relph's ever-interesting (and revealing) lyric snippets following the Administrivia, find the appropriate song, snap it into the headphones, and groove through the post?
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 29 Oct 1996 23:16:07 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <199610300416.XAA17472@cyber1.servtech.com> From: Joshua Hall-Bachner <particle@servtech.com> Subject: Todd Rundgren and so on... >>This reminded me of descriptions of Rundgren's production of "Skylarking"... > >Um, isn't this topic in some doc somewhere (or shouldn't it be) saying >no god please don't start this shit again, 'cause there will always be >someone to rebut in the following fashion (which I'm gonna, 'cause >you're/they're wrong of course): You misunderstand. He wasn't saying anything about Todd's production. All he was saying is that the view of the critics on the movie "Dear God" seemed to mirror the view of the critics on Todd's production. That's all. Really. Wow. For once I don't have pages and pages of rambling, random thoughts to share with y'all. Too bad. :( /---------------------------Joshua Hall-Bachner---------------------------\ | particle@servtech.com http://www.servtech.com/public/particle/ | | "The few surviving samurai survey the battlefield. They count the arms, | \--the legs, the heads, and then divide by five." - They Might Be Giants--/
------------------------------
Message-Id: <v01540b00ae9bf9bd4967@[169.132.98.121]>
Date: Wed, 30 Oct 1996 00:40:17 +0100
From: pjmuck@mail.idt.net (Peter McCulloch)
Subject: Toys R Us
> #> I think "Toys" could well have
> #> stayed in the box, but that's mainly because of the lyrics. The
> #> same fate could befall Funk-Pop-A-Roll for the same reasons.
Interesting that five of the songs mentioned as being the most hated appear
on Mummer. "Funk Pop A Roll" has always been one of my favorites, if not
for the fact that it harkens my own sentiments. "Toys" and "Jump" were nice
added treats when I upgraded to the extended play Geffen releases. Someone
also mentioned "Human Alchemy" and "Deliver Us...", which I think make for
a refreshing excursion into darker territories than we're accustomed to
hearing from them. ("Deliver Us" used to scare the crap out of me). But
none of these songs come even close to the stinkeroo of all time (IMHO).
"Pulsing, Pulsing" gets my vote, but at least Andy had the where-with-all
to salvage halfway decent rhythm tracks for a more creative undertaking in
"Shore Leave Ornothology".
Someone wrote:
>I don't know why they aren't more popular in general - they are a truly
>mindblowing act - I've heard a few theories: my throughly XTC-retardent
>friend Barry says he just cannot stand Andy's voice
If voice had anything to do with it, then Oasis would have never made it.
(or Tom Waits, for that matter). I have a few theories: sporadic album
releases, non-touring, changes in musical trends;- All factors which can
greatly reduce an artist's visibility (and therefore, success).
Speaking of the voice issue, this neatly ties in to the whole discussion
we've been having about women and their perception of XTC. My girlfriend's
harbored a dislike for them for a number of years, and she's finally
determined that it's primarily due to Andy's voice. (This coming from a
woman who has every record Yoko Ono ever made). Particularly grating on her
nerves are the earlier songs back when Andy was employing a deliberate
"hiccup" vocal approach, so, not surprisingly, she seems to prefer the more
accessible, newer material. Oddly enough, she's crazy about Danny Elfman,
who had virtually the same voice as Andy in his earlier years. Women: Can't
live with 'em, pass the beer nuts.
Simon sez:
>I suspect they
>- would be happy if they could get themselves into the same kind of niche
>as Richard Thompson and Christy Moore - heaps of respect and praise,...
>...As long as the band are bringing in money they
>will be allowed to do what they love most, make records.
Agreed, somewhat. One of the prime reasons artists such as Richard Thompson
have fallen under a different niche than XTC is due to the fact that he's
out there touring and supporting his albums. Sure, an indy label might give
them the flexibility and creative freedom they're looking for, but from a
financial standpoint, like it or not, it's usually essential for an indy
artist to tour. Mechanical royalties (record sales alone) are rarely enough
to support a musician. (unless they have a HUGE hit, which is probably
unlikely at this stage). At least for a while Geffen had come up with
creative ways of promoting and marketing the band and gaining them
exposure, in spite of the fact that they had an artist on hand who was not
willing to do tour support. It's no surprise that O & L is their most
successful album to date in the US, since at that point XTC had a little
more leverage after their fluke success with "Dear God". Geffen had an
easier go at it when it came time to promote O & L and specifically, "The
Mayor of Simpleton".
But an indy might not have the same clout, expertise, or budget to push XTC
to a "profitable" point. If touring is out of the question, I think they'll
have to tap into other avenues of potential profit to make a living,
i.e.:merchandising, licensing, or other performance royalites.
Peter
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v03010401ae9ca5dc5fc2@[206.15.131.163]> Date: Wed, 30 Oct 1996 02:24:05 -0500 From: Gene <isksa@ziplink.net> Subject: I_Need_Protection I feel like I'm walkin' 'round a-ten-a-feet tall. And if you wanna stay alive keep your body from the under-a-takers. Lost in your magical won-un-derland. I love Colin's songs, but these extra syllables always bothered me, like he couldn't think of words to fit the rhythm or something. Especially Wonderland (doesn't this song sound eerily like the band Japan?). But does anyone else think Blame the Weather is just a fabulously constructed song, good lyrics and good melody melded together? Unfortunately I could never figure out what in hell Colin was singing until I saw the lyrics in the archives: it always sounded something like "wenyalofsonawawinnow an dafaincumsuth'dor....." His vocals could have been so much better. I am of the camp that believes Colin is usually a superior (and more articulate) vocalist to Andy. From Papa relph: >That's right, I received a note from XTC's management So XTC actually has management finally? Or has this been an on-going thing for a while? I thought XTC were free agents for the past seven years (for good reason, after Ian Reid). And, if true, what's this so-called management doing about landing our guys a record contract?!! From: nonsuch@dircon.co.uk (Simon) > >>BTW: On the back of /Rag and Bone Buffet/, obviously the middle one (with >>the glasses, natch) is Andy. But my question: which is Colin, and which is >>Dave? > >Good question. I'd love to know the answer to this myself. What, it's not obvious? :-) Roundheaded guy with surprised look is Dave. I've always thought Dave is softer-looking, gentle. Guy with bike chain for hair is Colin. Colin's always had just really really great hair. Ever see that Helium Kidz picture in Chris Twomey's bio? Hillarious. Also, Colin has a somewhat pouty mouth. Doncha think that metal sculpture dude to the right seems kinda pouty with his flat, squared lip? I read somewhere that Andy and Dave literally took a huge pile of metal scraps from a rag-and-bone peddler, dumped them on a table and proceeded to do their self portraits plus Colin, in a matter of minutes. I find this amazing, both because I'm a designer and because I think the sculptures just look so much like them. In a Risko kind of way. It really shows in a lot of their sleeve art that Andy was an art student. So was David Byrne. Huh. Go figure. Gene
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 30 Oct 1996 02:05:28 -0600 (CST) From: "Jeffrey with 2 f's Jeffrey" <jenor@csd.uwm.edu> Subject: XTC and the women who love them Message-ID: <Pine.OSF.3.91.961030015904.21337B-100000@alpha1.csd.uwm.edu> Don't know why, but it seems like many of the bands I like have this weird "are there any women who like Band X?" (not *Brand X*) - I'm here to say that the first time the woman whom I'm now married to saw me, I was wearing an XTC D&W t-shirt. She recognized it & was impressed - which of course raised her yet further in my estimation (flag unfurled etc.). In fact, the person who *introduced* me to XTC - in 1980 or so, at U of Michigan as a freshman - was a woman. And it's not as if there aren't a number of vocal, female XTC fans on this list. So I don't know what the problem is, guys! ;) Jeff Ceci n'est pas une .sig In my CD changer: Archers of Loaf _All the Nation's Airports_ Robert Pollard _Not in My Airforce_ Tobin Sprout _Carnival Boy_
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 30 Oct 1996 10:39:05 +0000 (GMT) From: Chris Clee <cmc@sanger.ac.uk> Subject: Re: Nonsvch Honeymoon Message-Id: <Pine.OSF.3.91.961030103423.24974B-100000@manta> Well all this kerfuffle about girlfriends and XTC, I must admit that every girl I've been out with has come to like XTC to such an extent that they have subsequently bought their own copies. My wife and I had only 3 tapes in the car on our honeymoon and the tape that stayed on almost permanently for the whole trip was Nonsuch a most excellent album though my personal favourite is still English Settlement...maybe it's the pure "Englishness" of the music that seems to make it more appealing to the opposite sex here in jolly old England or maybe I just picked sound women ....who knows? Anyway bye for now Mr Chris
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 30 Oct 1996 13:28:01 +0100 (CET) From: "J. Isaacs" <jisaacs1@aixterm1.urz.uni-heidelberg.de> Subject: Kink for a Day Message-Id: <Pine.A32.3.91.961030132247.225369B-100000@aixterm1.urz.uni-heidelberg.de> On the subject of the Kinks, the XTC of the sixties (tremendous songwriting, very British, didn't tour for a while)- Is there a double CD version of "To the Bone"? Mine is a single CD version. Mind you, I bought it in Dresden, a city in a former Communist country, but certainly part of socialism's plan was not to deprive the workers of all good music. (Of course, I am a babbling idiot- communism left 7 years ago.) Someone who has a copy of the double CD, could you oplease contact me with the track list so I can envy aou from a distance? Also , buy "Arthur" by the Kinks, if ony to hear "Driving" and "Shangri-la". All you Kink neophytes (if I am using the term in the proper context) buy the very affordable, five star "Kink Kronikles" double CD. God save the Kinks. Oh yes, and XTC, of course. James
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 30 Oct 1996 08:50:48 -0600 (CST) From: AMANDA OWENS <ACOEA@jazz.ucc.uno.edu> Subject: Let me add something to that..... Message-id: <01IB8XTT9JIA9020UG@jazz.ucc.uno.edu> Here, in case anyone's curious, (and I know you're all KILLING YOUSELVES) to know, are the bands I would like to do the songs I suggested. This World Over-Crash Test Dummies. I know they were already on the thing, but I think that this would've been a much better song that All You Pretty Girls. Mayor of Simpleton-Elvis Costello. Whaddya think? The Mole From the Ministry-Marilyn Manson. You wouldn't even need distortion to make Marilyn's voice sound odd. He can do it by himself. That is all for now. Peace and grease, Amanda "Joe Don Baker is Mittens!"-Tom Servo, MST3K
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 30 Oct 96 09:01:00 -0600 From: svie@maryville.edu (Stephanie Vie) Organization: Maryville University Subject: Re:Dear God, where are all the XTC women? Message-Id: <212163.ensmtp@maryville.edu> In response to I believe Peter Dresslar's post, " I would be thrilled to just *date* a woman who doesn't *detest* XTC. > Everyone I date, I try to ease them into a little Oranges & Lemons, > maybe some Skylarking, and then I get major resistance. Okay, clearly > I'm seeing the wrong kind of woman, granted. If I ever meet a female who > is at all interested in the Lads, I'll try to hold on to her." I personally would like to say, I am a female, I love XTC to death, and I am agnostic. So, see, there are some out there, youjust have to know where to find them (usually at the 80's music clubs) --
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199610301658.QAA09805@aoife.indigo.ie> From: "Peter Fitzpatrick" <beatle@indigo.ie> Subject: how many demos ? Date: Wed, 30 Oct 1996 16:53:48 -0000 Hi, I've been lucky enough to procure a nice dub of the latest d*mos.... [no money changed hands and I'm not about to sell a copy either...] Can someone forward to me (by mail please, let's not start <another> war on chalkhills) a list of what's actually out there these days ? I can't bear the thought of there being more of these great songs out there that I haven't heard. Damn they're good ! now listening to : XTC "Nonsvch" http://aoife.indigo.ie/~beatle
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199610301658.QAA09810@aoife.indigo.ie> From: "Peter Fitzpatrick" <beatle@indigo.ie> Subject: Musicians and those d*mos Date: Wed, 30 Oct 1996 16:59:07 -0000 Phew......two postings in one day ! (Guess who's slacking in the office today huh ?) One reason I am hunting down dubs of those d*mos is that I am learning from them (hey, when you hear my version of "Nigel" for Chalkhills Children you'll see why I need to learn !). Is there anyone else out there who finds them instructional ? Apart from the whole songwriting thing I'm learning just how much work a "real" songwriter like Andy or Colin puts into their demos in preproduction. I'm also curious to find out just what equipment Andy uses these days. I read somewhere that he's got an ADAT (that's an 8 track digital tape machine to you non-musos). Listening to the older Nonsvch d*mos I've heard what sounds like the EMU Proteus in there. On the latest tapes I'm not so sure. I'm especially curious to find out what mixing desk (or board , depending on which flavo(u)r of English you speak) he's using. ...questions...questions.....questions.... now listening to : Beatles "Anthology 3" waiting patiently for : Chalkhills Children http://aoife.indigo.ie/~beatle
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199610301912.UAA17800@utrecht.knoware.nl> From: "Mark Strijbos" <mmello@knoware.nl> Date: Wed, 30 Oct 1996 21:50:54 +0000 Subject: Fairy Tales Dear Chalkies, 1. There's a giant record fair on November 9 & 10 in the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht, the Netherlands. It's being advertised as the biggest event of that kind in the world this year; with over a mile of stalls. Dealers from all over Europe and from Brazil to Japan will be present. I visited this fair previously and there were loads of XTC goodies available... If there are any other Chalkies (besides me and Andre de Koning) planning to go there please drop me a line so we can all meet and have a friendly chat... 2. Does anybody have a Peter Pumpkinhead UK 7"single for sale/swap? I need it badly - it's the only UK single I haven't got (except for Wrapped In Grey o.c. - anyone offering that? ) yours in ecstasy, Mark Strijbos at The Little Lighthouse http://utopia.knoware.nl/~mmello/index.html ===> Mark's useless XTC quote for today <== Decorate the inside of your heads
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199610301615.LAA18001@ngw2.hns.com> From: Fritz Stolzenbach/HNS <Fritz_Stolzenbach@notesgw.hns.com> Date: 30 Oct 96 12:14:26 EST Subject: Chalkie Musicians Unite Hey, Chalkheads! This message is being sent as a reminder to those chalkie musicians who expressed an interest in contributing to a collection of original music I'm putting together, and as a first notice to those who may have missed it the first time around. I've had a great deal of interest in the compilation, but still have room for a few more participants -- so (in the words of Publisher's Clearinghouse Sweepstakes spokesman Ed McMahon) "c'mon -- send it in!" So far, we've got a pretty eclectic mix going. I've been surprised by the breadth of style and attitude to our original music. There's room for all flavors here -- so don't be shy! Anyway, here's the original posting with explanations, instructions, etc.: Folks: I have an idea which I'd like to share with you. It occurs to me that many many many many of you out there are musicians with your own bands, songs, sounds, etc. Speaking for myself, I would be very curious to hear what the musos on the list have to offer in terms of their own musical vision, as opposed to the XTC covers which seem to be gathered into collections every couple of months. Now don't get me wrong -- this is an XTC mailing list, and Lord knows we love the Fab Three and their creations, but I'd like to learn a bit more about what my friends on this list are thinking and creating, too. So here is what I propose: 1. If you have music of any shape or sound you've created and would like to contribute to a Chalkies-only compilation, mail me anything you like, either on CD or cassette (no DATs, please). If you want your source material returned, please include a SASE. 2. Send also a blank 90-minute cassette and a SASE (about a dollar in stamps, last time I checked) if you want to receive your own copy of the compilation, whether or not you make your own contribution (one per customer, please). 3. Every artist gets one song on the compilation, so let me know which you want to share, if you're sending me an entire album or something. 4. Nobody is spending any money on these tapes, and they are being "distributed" largely among contributors, so don't expect me to sign any legal documentation to duplicate your work. If you feel paranoid about sharing your tunes like this -- well, as Mr. Dole puts it, "just don't do it." (And you should have all your work copyrighted anyway.) 5. Let's see if we can turn this around quickly -- anybody who wants to appear on the collection needs to send me their wares by Nov. 25, so I can get 'em out by Christmas. 6. Try to send original compositions, if possible -- though I guess this isn't a requirement. 7. Be forewarned -- I'm going to make this easy on myself by doing this on a pretty low-tech basis. No re-mastering, EQ fiddling or other such nonsense will be attempted. I'm going to behave as though I was making a tape on my home stereo for my friends; as good as I can get it using my CD player and tape-to-tape machine. Don't expect a sonic masterpiece! 8. If I get more than 90 minutes worth of stuff, I'll put the collection together on a first-come, first-included basis, then e-mail the latecomers about what to do next. (Also, in consideration for the folks who want space for their pieces, try to avoid sending 20-minute orgasmic fusion freak-outs. Don't we mostly like 3-minute pop songs anyway?) 9. Any ideas for a title for this masterpiece? 10. You might want to e-mail me privately to give me a heads-up that your stuff is on the way -- or publicly, if you think this is a dumb-a** idea altogether. (I hope you think this is a good idea, though. I do!) Oh, hey -- I guess I should include my address! Let me give you my work address, since bulky packages have a hard time fitting in my urban home mailbox: Fritz Stolzenbach -- LFF 630 Hughes Network Systems 100 Lake Forest Blvd. Gaithersburg, MD 20877 Thanks! -- FS FStolzenbach@hns.com
------------------------------
Message-ID: <7FzZcFA9D9dyEwu3@wordsrus.demon.co.uk>
Date: Wed, 30 Oct 1996 22:04:45 +0000
From: Tim Harris <tim@wordsrus.demon.co.uk>
Subject: UK radio listeners Andy on R1 7th Nov 96
In next weeks Radio Times Andy is billed as a guest ("the creatively
indulgent uncle of Britpop") on Soundbite: 9.00pm Radio One.
--
Tim Harris
------------------------------ Message-ID: <5FeZMCAJA9dyEwP+@wordsrus.demon.co.uk> Date: Wed, 30 Oct 1996 22:00:41 +0000 From: Tim Harris <tim@wordsrus.demon.co.uk> Subject: XTC/The Kinks I recently posted the music (chords) for Everyday Story of A Smalltown to the website. As XTC and The Kinks loom equally large as two extant (even though you have to hold your breath sometimes) groups I have most interest in, it occurs to me that this song could be considered as XTC's (Andy's) Autumn Almanac? In Loving Memory of A Name also has extremely strong Ray Davies-type sentiments. Anyone care to suggest any others? Tim Harris
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199610310126.MAA02560@warchives.riv.csu.edu.au.> From: "Simon Knight" <sknight@warchivegw.riv.csu.edu.au> Date: Thu, 31 Oct 1996 11:17:36 +0000 Subject: Cathy Dennis Album I found some information on the new Cathy Dennis album. Has anyone heard Andy's contribution yet? I've left in the relevant bits: (SNIP) she is now working with XTC's Andy Partridge and co-writing with The Kinks' Ray Davies. And her forthcoming third album, Am I The Kind Of Girl (out on August 12), sees Dennis make a significant change of musical direction. Say goodbye to dance-pop and soul. Say hello to guitars, ballads and lyrical sophistication, plus collaborations with two legendary figures in English guitar pop. She began to explore and appreciate artists such as Paul Weller and The Beatles, and other Sixties bands like The Kinks. And she reacquainted herself with childhood favourites XTC. (SNIP) The new album reflects these forward strides. It is a commercial and musically varied pop record. Dennis says, "There is so much of me on it. It's honest, it happened naturally, and was very enjoyable to make. It's very English and quite Sixties-sounding." Partridge brought in some of his characteristic quirkiness to the writing of the album's title track, in which Dennis begins by asking, "Am I the kind of girl who could be your boyfriend?" The collaborations with Partridge and Davies happened late in the making of the record and she worked intensively for a few days with each. "They are both strong personalities who are used to working on their own, and it was very interesting to see how they did things," she says. (SNIP) Am I The Kind Of Girl Co-written with XTC's Andy Partridge, it has a surprisingly beefy, rock-guitar arrangement. Dennis says, "It finished up being a little more rocky than I wanted."
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v03007800ae9db8e64139@[207.77.26.90]> Date: Wed, 30 Oct 1996 21:25:16 -0500 From: Ira Lieman <aym@axe.intercall.com> Subject: My brain is leaking! Hi Chalkaholics. I'm Ira, and I'm an addict. Ha! Well, I say my brain is leaking because I wind up lurking for a long while and then I wind up having so much to say I know I'll forget something. So let's start quickly. First, I was talking to Tim from CT (Hi!) and we were talking about the possibility of a NY-Metro area get together. What seems to be the logical way to go is a get together at his house (which he has so graciously offered) the first weekend of December. Tim lives in New Haven, CT, and I know there are at least three of us (you know who you are, John and Gene) from New Jersey who might be willing to get up there, either by car or possibly by train to New Haven. I urge, no, I implore anyone in the area that wants to get together and listen to music and eat and drink and watch movies and have a good time with people they know (well, sorta) from Chalkhills to contact either Tim (mailto:tken@dictaphone.com) or myself and let us know! If you can't make it to New Haven and think NYC is more convenient or something, let us know too! There's no law that's saying we can't do this more than once... And Tim also says that I use a different collective noun to refer to the list each time I post. Is that true? :) ---- GM Quinn from Oz wrote: >In 1878, Dave Gregory led the first official Australian side to >England. Dressed in distinctive butcher-striped jackets and >peakless blue and white caps, they bore and unfortunate resemblance >to convicts, albeit nattily-attired ones. The tour was never >consummated with a Test match, for despite the 1877 win in Melbourne, >England remained unconvinced about the quality of cricket in the >colonies. Well being that I work in the city, I have to get up at about 7 am to get into work before 8:45 or so. So I put on the Today show (NBC) until about 20 after 7 and I run into the shower. Believe it or not, David Gregory is a political correspondent for NBC! Well, it's not the same one that we know and love who plays guitar for XTC, but neither is the one who played cricket 120 years ago. Just thought all our non-American friends out there would get a kick out of it. ---- Just received the "Atmosphear to Ocean" set -- and I really like (some of) it! Skylacking as a whole is the best of the bunch. And my favorite songs on it (I trust I won't offend anyone here) are our fearless leader Relph's "Another Satellite", John Neil's "Summer's Cauldron", and Dan Prendiville's "Man Who Sailed Around His Soul." Actually, I like TMWSAHS so damn much I had to rewind it and play it three times. :) And it made me pop Skylarking back in so I can hear the original (I haven't played it in like 2 weeks, the mind goes rusty). Now this begs the question: Does anyone know that this song is NOT in 4/4 time? Not that I'm taking away from DP's take on it (which I utterly LOVE) and Reuben Blades' cover, but the song is in 7/8! OK, granted, it's not the *EASIEST* beat to play to, but IMHO that's what makes the song so different! Try it! You'll understand! Ba - Ba - Ba - Ba Ba!- Ba - Ba - Ba Ba!- Ba - Ba - Ba Ba!- Ba - Ba - Ba Ba! The people on the #126 bus to Hoboken really didn't like it when I kept drumming it on the way home last night. Anyhoo, that's enough for this time. - ira "Me I'm found floating round and round Like a bug in brandy in this big bronze cup..." [hic!] < - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - > Ira Lieman - aym@intercall.com <> http://www.intercall.com/~aym "If the opposite of pro is con, what's the opposite of progress?"
------------------------------ From: box@nemesis.com.au Date: Thu, 31 Oct 1996 14:09:32 -0500 Message-ID: <TCPSMTP.16.10.31.14.9.32.2156250573.1768779580@nemesis.com.au> Subject: Bungalow, etc. #> From: kraig olmstead <kraigo@netcommcorp.com> #> I would humbly #> propose that the song of the week be "Bungalow" so I can figure #> out what it is I'm missing. Speaking as someone who adores this song, the basic appeal to me is the atmosphere it produces. Peace, serenity, isolation... my idea of a perfect getaway. The song doesn't try to be anything it's not, it doesn't try to be clever or witty, it just flows with a warm beauty, and I get carried away every time I hear it. My only problem with the song is it's not long enough. #> From: DeWitt Henderson <dewitth@lanl.gov> #> to me, it seems that every time someone brings up a song, there #> begins a little war about it. That's the best thing about XTC: their appeal is so wide that their own fans can argue over which songs are the best. I think it was found in one or more of the various song polls here that more than half their songs were nominated by different people as their favourites. #> From: Herne <herne@earthlink.net> #> it just seems that so many British songwriters have this #> attitude about America. Deep down they want us to worship them I don't think that's right at all. Despite the fact that the majority of non-US western countries *don't* expect the US to worship them, the way the news media in these other countries bangs on so much about the US means they know a lot more about your country than you know about theirs. #> You don't see many American songwriters going on about what #> Parliament's doing now do ya? I dare say those Americans don't give half a stuff about politics in any other country than their own. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but if you live in such a relatively insular country as the US it's very easy to remain unaware of the rest of the world unless you go searching for facts. It's a similar case here in Australia -- a lot of our news is what happens in America and the UK. If you asked people here you'd find heaps of people who know the name of the US president, but only about one in fifty would know the name of the current New Zealand or Indian prime ministers [India has five hundred million citizens, a lot more than the US and the UK combined]. In turn, you could bet that just about anyone in New Zealand could name Australia's prime minister, and I'm sure they feel the same way about Australia as England feels about the US. But I'm babbling. :) #> I find it odd that none of the #> instrumentals have been able to invlove me emotionally in any #> way. Frost Circus is beautiful. I can almost see the tiny ice figures slowly rotating on their carousel in the first light of a quiet winter morning... Adam On the music box: Some techno bollocks on the radio
------------------------------ From: JStoffs@aol.com Date: Wed, 30 Oct 1996 22:19:04 -0500 Message-ID: <961030221903_220656202@emout14.mail.aol.com> Subject: Master Tunesmith in person There's been some talk on this list about Jason Falkner, formerly of The Grays and Jellyfish. He will be opening for Suzanne Vega on Nov.7 at Chicago's Park West Theater at 7:30. My wife and I will be there with our elbows on the stage, and would cheerfully like to meet any of you fellow listers. Write me at JStoffs@aol.com (Jeff Stoffel) Thanks!
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Oct 1996 22:27:03 -0500 (EST)
Message-Id: <199610310327.WAA03197@cyber1.servtech.com>
From: Joshua Hall-Bachner <particle@servtech.com>
Subject: BUNNNNGALLOOOOWWWW, BYYYYY THE SEEEEEEEEEEAAAAA!
A little suggestion regarding the little tiff we had over the f-word a
little while ago:
My school is currently embroiled in a free-speech discussion just like that
one, and a teacher offered the following suggestion: why not, when you feel
the need to say "fuck," instead say "making whoopee." It conveys the same
idea, but in a less "offensive" way. In response, I will henceforth use
"making whoopee" whenever I have the urge to cuss. You have been warned.
>In this vein, I would humbly
>propose that the song of the week be "Bungalow" so I can figure out what
>it is I'm missing.
IMHO, Colin displays some of his better lyrics in this song. Usually rather
unsubtle, here he displays a deft hand with words, as just a minimal
description can conjure a vivid image of a tiny shore hamlet, a land of
peace and understanding, where everything is peachy...it's a very happy,
laid back, peaceful song, and the lyrics just describe the Bungalow in
question so well...that's my take, anyway.
>I would love to hear if anyone feels as I do, and if not to at least give
>me a few reasons to even reconsider that abomination.
I must say...when I bought the album, I hated it. I said, "What the whoopee
is that?!?" Only listening to the people on this list and giving it another
good listen showed me what a great song it was. Give it another try.
>I agree that 'People
>are greedy and suck" is a good reason not to have a middleman, and I
>don't have Andy's address either, but there must be some way.
:) Ask Mitch, for one...he might have some ideas (after all, he *knows*
Andy...) I, personally, can barely afford to buy the albums when they come
out, so financing a new guitar is out of the question. :(
>Makes me wonder what songs some of you DO like, eh?
Yacht Dance and My Bird Performs. Among others.
> Actually, there are 14 songs on "Factory Showroom".
>You just have to find the extra one. ;)
I claim credit for introducing the TMBG newsgroup to this track, as I had a
little e-chat with the producer and he sort of told me about it. :)
> a.)the political songs---not all of them
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I daresay it's a darn good thing; otherwise, you wouldn't have much left.
Personally, the only "crusade" songs I can't stand are Monkeys and Cockpit.
Just too bludgeoning for my tastes.
>GO 2. Voted least favorite XTC album in a Little Express
>Survey some years back
That's funny...it seems to have at least a moderate fanbase 'round here. I
like it; Barry's keyboards really do add a lot. As for WM...I don't even
listen to my copy. It just doesn't appeal to me at all.
>I like the lyrics to Funk Pop A Roll for their possible religious overtones.
>I may be the only one hearing this, of course. Suspend your disbelief for a
>moment, please. Even the pope's opinions can evolve.
I'm sorry, you're reaching here. I mean, any interpretation is fine, but
there is a pretty obvious point to the song, and the Catholic Church ain't
it. I mean, I can interpret almost any sufficiently
metaphoric/vague/colorful song to mean almost anything by "forcing"
references as you do above -- but it doesn't mean anything. The song is
about the music industry, not the Church.
Josh, invading on our privacy
/---------------------------Joshua Hall-Bachner---------------------------\
| particle@servtech.com http://www.servtech.com/public/particle/ |
| "The few surviving samurai survey the battlefield. They count the arms, |
\--the legs, the heads, and then divide by five." - They Might Be Giants--/
------------------------------
Message-Id: <v03010401ae9ddbddcbd0@[206.15.131.170]>
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 1996 00:16:31 -0500
From: Gene <isksa@ziplink.net>
Subject: The Bunga-lowdown
Oh
No
Bungalow.
Do repeatedly asked questions that aren't really based on any factual
information count for the FAQ? In this case I guess you can phrase it
"What redeeming qualities whatsoever does 'Bungalow' have for anyone in
their right mind?" In which case you can pull up reems and reems of
messages from the past three years (could go even further back probably,
but I wouldn't know firsthand).
Having said that and pissed everyone off, I'll add that I really like
Bungalow. It's the only song on all of Nonsuch that broke new ground for
XTC, not a reworking of past sounds. I like the melody. I find the song
relaxing. It evokes a vivid mood, like it came straight out of a 60's
British TV serial. All good songs for me should have a definite mood,
taking me to different place, so to speak. Bungalow does. Colin's
twice-dubbed intro voice, the organs and the choir work with the words in a
tongue and cheek way. It's a middle class man working for a vision, to fly
away from his daily grind to an idyllic place that's only in his mind. And
for everyone who points to The Smartest Monkeys as tiresome because it's
trite and obvious, I hold up Bungalow as the most subtle song on the album.
That's especially evident when Books Are Burning directly follows it.
I guess that's enough reason to like a song.
As far as the best way to hook someone to XTC, I suggest:
(1) if person in question is not a younger sibling, adopt him or her as such.
(2) garner said person's respect and act like you do cool things, even if
in reality you're
really quite socally inept (remember, it's all in the attitude)
(3) play XTC moderately to frequently, but not incessantly
(4) lend albums
And voila, it shouldn't be long. Worked on me.
Gene
------------------------------ End of Chalkhills Digest #3-16 ******************************
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