Chalkhills Digest Volume 3, Issue 163
Date: Monday, 15 September 1997
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 3, Number 163
Monday, 15 September 1997
Today's Topics:
"I Love My Friends" Shelved for Now
Wait till your boat goes down
Bah, Humbug!
Questions about record labels
Darts & XTC
XTC + Tears For Fears
Return of the Chalkhills Shirt
Another demo tape request
Phil Manzanera and BOOKS ARE BURNING
Things, in general
Re: Skylarking Etymology
Dear Amanda
Synch my battle ship
Testimonial diner, sugarplastic and other random stuff
Designed to annoy
Dear Amanda
Thanks!
Shoot! Forgot something again.....
RED ALERT
'97 Memos on '95 Demos
Reactionary Vice
Co-inky-dink
Dumb & Dumber & XTC (sort of)
Mr.Partridge Take Away at 45
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F-U-C-K / Is that how you spell friend?
---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: "I Love My Friends" Shelved for Now From: wwilson@mail07.mitre.org (Wesley H. Wilson) Message-Id: <970910141025.13899@mail07.mitre.org.0> Date: Wed, 10 Sep 97 14:10:26 -0400 Yesterday I received the latest issue of "The Ups and Downs," the Stephen Duffy fanzine out of Cleveland, OH (The Ups and Downs, P.O. Box 14184, Cleveland, OH 44114-0184 USA). Bad news. Stephen Duffy has been dropped by his label, Indolent, which is owned by BMG/RCA. So, "I Love My Friends" (on which our Andy contributes) won't be available until Stephen gets another manufacturer and distributor. Which means we're denied an undoubtedly great record from Stephen until sometime next year. Has anyone (probably in the UK) seen Nick Heyward's second single on Creation, "My Heavy Head"? Has Nick been dropped by his label, too? Wes
------------------------------
From: Nojbart@aol.com
Date: Wed, 10 Sep 1997 15:53:28 -0400 (EDT)
Message-ID: <970910155059_1456852515@emout15.mail.aol.com>
Subject: Wait till your boat goes down
Dear all,
Could someone please have a go at transcribing "Wait till your
boat ...", and I will be very grateful.
By the way, I'm not the youngest,and the solos at the end of
"Books are Burning" still give me goose pimples.
Cheers,
John Bartlett
------------------------------
Message-Id: <v01540b00b03c9d6b0052@[169.132.97.87]>
Date: Wed, 10 Sep 1997 20:27:41 +0100
From: pjmuck@idt.net (Peter McCulloch)
Subject: Bah, Humbug!
I happened to wander aimlessly into the Virgin Megastore here in NYC today
(trust me, it's better to enter with a clearly defined plan), when all of a
sudden I came across a familiar gaunt face staring back at me from the
boxed set section. No it wasn't Lon Chaney in a movie still from the lost
classic, "London After Midnight", but Martin Newell on a new UK import
release, "Martin Newell's Box of Old Humbug". I'm not sure if anyone's
mentioned this here already, but the set contains 3 CDs: Greatest Living
Englishmen, The Off White Album, and Let's Kiosk, all reasonably priced at
$30.99/set. Greatest Living has two bonus tracks on it not on my US
release: "When My Boat Comes In" and "Elizabeth of Mayhem". One more added
treat: as I was removing the CDs from the slipcase, a b/w printed sheet of
Andy holding Martin in a headlock fell out. On the reverse side was
Martin's ballpoint autograph!
Incidently, there's been some debate on chalkhills lately as to whether or
not we should be mentioning other artists who might be enjoyed by XTC fans.
Well, whether it urks you or not, I'm mentioning it anyway: The new Ween
album, "The Mollusk" is absolute genius! Out of sheer ignorance, I had long
dismissed them as an idiotic novelty after hearing "Push the Little
Daisies", never to consider a revisit again, that is, until now. Oh sure,
no Ween album would be complete without the requisite excursion into
dimwitted adolescent humor ("I'm Waving My Dick in the Wind"), but such
songs are far outweighed by the latest ingenius turns (lampoons?) of
pompous, progressive rock. Shades of early Crimson, ELP, and the Moody
Blues abound on this release, executed as flawlessly as the Dukes sendups,
IMHO. Trust me, this one will leave you grinning ear to ear.
Regards,
Peter
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Sep 1997 10:12:26 -0500 (CDT) From: James Dupuy <dupuy@nol.net> Subject: Questions about record labels Message-ID: <Pine.GSO.3.96.970911093527.23864A-100000@grassy.nol.net> Hello Chalkhill People, The experiences that XTC has had with the music industry has stimulated my interest in how it all works. Now that XTC has made their own record label I was wondering how will they make more money than they would under someone elses label. I was also wondering about ditribution, promotion, protection from having someone copying their music and selling it for profit, who is footing the bill for studio time, and a few others. Does anybody know where I can get the down and dirty on how XTC or any independant label will deal with these questions? How does one go about forming an independant label? Here he come again Dress in all that skin Like he was still human being Look at he long ears And he big brown eyes And with them truth he is seeing Isn't it a shame you kicked that girl Isn't it a shame she kicked you back, jackass
------------------------------ From: Richard.PedrettiAllen@octel.com Message-Id: <199709121746.AA046126395@elroy.corp.octel.com> Subject: Darts & XTC Date: Fri, 12 Sep 1997 10:44:54 -0700 HOOOOO-WEEEEEE!! My dart team (steel-tip, thank you) crushed the opposition last night. I know, I know... you really don't care. We haven't had a win like that (12-5) in a long time. I attribute this stellar performance to the fact that Upsy Daisy is now in the juke box. Sometimes, when facing a strong opponent, a Funk-Pop-A-Roll attitude is the perfect thing to sustain an aggresive level of play. There were some Brits in town for 3com and they were really enjoying it and singing along. I talked with these folks and one guy saw XTC in '77 opening for The Jam in some dinky theatre. I was jealous. All they could say about the band was, "Brilliant!" But we know that... Cheers, Richard
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Sep 1997 10:14:06 -0500 (CDT) From: Jorge Eugenio De Leon Cavazos <al581299@mail.mty.itesm.mx> Subject: XTC + Tears For Fears Message-ID: <Pine.A32.3.91.970913100317.37416A-100000@academ04.mty.itesm.mx> Hi everyone, I believe I'm the Mexican biggest fan of XTC and I'm pleased to get subscribed to this list. I've got a question for you all... I've already read the XTC FAQ's and realised that Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal, from TFF, made the train noises for the "Big Express" song "Train running low on soul coal". Have they done any other studio work for XTC, like background vocals, guitars or something? Thanks. Jorge De Leon Monterrey, Mexico
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Sep 1997 20:14:07 -0600 (MDT) Message-Id: <199709140214.UAA24639@mailmx.micron.net> From: philco@micron.net (Phil Corless) Subject: Return of the Chalkhills Shirt Due to popular demand, and in plenty of time for Christmas, the Chalkhills Shirt is back for a fourth run! Email me for details, or see the Chalkhills Shirt Page at http://netnow.micron.net/~philco/chalk.htm * -------------------------------- Phil Corless Boise, Idaho philco@micron.net * -------------------------------- http://netnow.micron.net/~philco/
------------------------------ Date: Fri, 5 Sep 1997 23:47:29 -0500 (CDT) Message-Id: <199709060447.XAA24096@thor.inlink.com> From: jims@inlink.com (Jim S) Subject: Another demo tape request If anyone out there in Chalkhills land has the time and equipment to make a quality tape of the demos (you know, River of Orchids, My Dictionary... the new stuff, I'd sure make it worth your while. I am dying to hear these but have yet to find someone willing to help me out. If a kind soul out ther can help me, please drop me an e-mail. Thanks so much!
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 09 Sep 1997 12:59:00 +0000 From: cthulhu.engr.sgi.com!sgi.engr.sgi.com!tradesvc.attmail.com!NOVELL!TRADE!dstaffor (Stafford, Dave) Subject: Phil Manzanera and BOOKS ARE BURNING Message-ID: <MS-MAILG-3.0-Note-tradesvc-dstaffor-0873825827> The esteemed Wes said thusly: >I picked up a copy of "The Manzanara Collection" and was wondering if >anyone can explain to me whats up with two of the 801 tracks. I was >suprized to see "The Fat Lady of Limbourg" and a different version of >"Miss Shapiro" both attributed to the "801 Live" album. My vinyl and >cassette copy of "801 Live" contain a different version of MS and >neither has TFLOL on it. UK vs US release? Finally a question I MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP WITH. I have every Manzanera and 801 album there is, *EXCEPT* "The Manzanera Collection". I never bought it because I assumed that I have all the tracks. Now I'm at the moment I'm at work so can't give a definitive answer but I can put forth these possibilites: MISS SHAPIRO *also* appears on the amazing "Mainstream" by Quiet Sun. (Quiet Sun was kind of an early pre-801 801..) This is hard to find but does exist on CD. The version of Miss Shapiro on "Mainstream" is *COMPLETELY* different from the one on 801 Live, containing more verses and of course massive Enosification/etc. since it's a STUDIO version. "Mainstream" is an amazing record, containing Manzanera and Eno at their most creative. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (but strange). A couple of the other songs from 801 Live also came from this record... THE FAT LADY OF LIMBOURG originally appeared on Eno's second solo album, "Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy)". There is also a bad sound quality live version, by 801, which recently finally became "official" by being released on Eno's "DALI'S CAR" CD single. And on that single, it is attributed somewhat incorrectly as well. It was heavily bootlegged until the release of the single. So if your sounds like it was recorded at an outdoor festival with a crap tape deck, then it's probably the one from "Dali's Car". Cool song though... Many, many negative remarks have been directed towards the final track on "Nonsuch", so: I must protect "Books Are Burning". I'm a lead guitarist. Have been for many years. Several years ago, I pretty much STOPPED playing "masturbatory" guitar solos. I'm into ambient music now. "One note says much much more than 20 kind of thing".... But, as a listener and appreciator of many many forms of music, including quality pop like XTC and the Beatles...I have to say that the guitar solos at the end of "Books Are Burning" are EXTREMELY BEAUTIFUL and EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. I've been playing for many years, and have tackled some pretty tough solos with pretty good success (things like "Vrooom" or "No Language In Our Lungs" or "Good Times Bad Times" or "In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed"). One day a few months ago I attempted to play along to the ending of "Books Are Burning". I was quite unsuccessful, I failed to even get the basic structure. These solos were not just knocked off in a few minutes. They are carefully arranged, and executed with care, precision and a unique melodic sense. It is my assumption that the harsh, brasher short solos are Andy's and the more fluid, "Frippy" solos are Dave G's. The interplay between them is for me, as a musician, one of those rare moments in recorded music when pretense is cast aside and the goal (and result) is sheer beauty. The solos are short, concise and make their point without tricks, tapping, excessive whammying or any of the nonsense histrionics that *I* associate with "masturbatory" guitar playing (see Ritchie Blackmore, Jimmy Page, and any heavy metal guitarist from 1975 onwards including Eddie Van Halen and a few zillion others for examples of that). There are VERY FEW guitarists who can play a guitar solo that contains many notes and have each one count, each one bring a real feeling to a listener. And on those rare occasions that I *do* play an actual solo myself, I try to make each note count, and not rely on trickery or speed or tapping etc. It is my feeling that all of the notes, in all four of the Books Are Burning solos, COUNT. I would also suggest that anyone who dismisses these solos lightly should attempt to play the solos themself. Not only are they *not* easy to copy, but try to come up with something as good yourself. I know I can't, which is why I don't play "standard guitar" anymore. The ending of Books Are Burning is a fantastic outro to a well-crafted pop album, and is the one and only example that I am aware of of a group emulating one of the most famous guitar solos of all time (the John/Paul/George trade-off near the end of side two of "Abbey Road") and actually succeeding in creating something unique and new, yet it still evokes it's Beatles predeccesor and inspiration. I'd be very surprised if Andy and Dave *weren't" thinking about "Abbey Road" when they envisioned this. Does anyone know if they have mentioned it? And, please believe me, I'm not defending Books because it's a favourite of mine, but because I object to something melodic, simple and pleasant being compared to the tasteless excesses of the heavy metal crowd. I could point to several other earlier XTC guitar solos that come *A LOT* closer to masturbatory than this one does. Has anyone here read Fahrenheit 451? I think the song is about the danger of ignorance engulfing the world of the enlightened and educated. But what do I know? I'm just a guitarist admiring the stunning craft of two of the most remarkable guitarists now working - our own Andy and Dave. Perhaps a relisten is in order. I often find that a song I thought I didn't like sounds completely different if I approach it from a totally different angle. Like, what is the keyboard doing throughout this song? Or, direct your attention to the backing vocals. maybe I hate the vocal, but the guitar solos are amazing. Or vice versa. Anything is possible, with open-mindedness being the key. * * * NEW XTC ALBUM IN 1998 *** ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! that's the GOOD news... peace dave at studio seventeen
------------------------------ Message-Id: <341CB433.74BACED8@bowdoin.edu> Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 23:06:18 -0500 From: Ben Gott <bgott@bowdoin.edu> Organization: Loquacious Music Subject: Things, in general <Insert play on "Chalkhills" here>, AMANDA said: >River of Orchids-Honestly, it still hasn't caught on. Andy's veering >off into preachy territory here. Excuse me, what? "River of Orchids" happens to be my favourite of the new demos. Brilliant musically, and lyrically. I think it's anything but preachy...Sorry, Amanda. It had to be said. Bull Moose Records, the local music store, has (strangely enough) a copy of "Through the Hill," and they [had] a copy of The Brotherhood of Lizards' "Lizardland," in the cheap used CD bin, for $4.00. Amazing what those Mainers throw away! It was a pleasure to be a part of the recent Rifff chat (it must be up on a site somewhere, for those who missed it.) It's good to know that Andy's alive and well, and that this album deal really is progressing. It was also great to talk to all of you Chalkhillians in real time (or whatever you'd call that.) News from the XTC conversion front: I'm still working on my roommate. He knows all of the words to the Smiths' "There is a Light that Never Goes Out" (one of the best songs ever written, IMHO). Now, on to the tough part. What next? I think I'll try some "Oranges and Lemons." Or "Lemons and Limes." I gave Yazbek some general information for his record company about getting in touch with the Bowdoin Student Union Committee, or "SUC," when he's promoting the new album. We have tons of money, I think. If he ever ends up in Brunswick, you're all invited to sleep on my floor. My roommate can sleep in the hallway. Hey - XTC fans have to make sacrifices. Why not everyone else? Indigo Grrrls were at Bates on Saturday ($4000; $19-22 a ticket), and the concert was supposed to have gone well. I dunno. I was writing a paper for Africana Studies (in which I included an excerpt from a Morrissey interview. Wanna know how? E-mail me. Also, e-mail me if you would like to know the story of how Elvis Costello became our dorm mascot.) I wish I could be as inventive as Harrison with the name thing. It's probably because I didn't go to Kenyon. Oh well. Until next time, Ben "Just like a mad dog, he's barfing on the rug" Gott * ------------------------------------------- B e n G o t t :: Bowdoin College Internet :: http://www.wp.com/58596 Loquacious Music :: loquacious@imail.com (207) 721-5142 :: Telephone * -------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 20:58:31 -0700
From: relph (John Relph)
Message-Id: <9709142058.ZM1107@mando.engr.sgi.com>
Subject: Re: Skylarking Etymology
"Sherwood, Harrison" <hsherwood@btg.com> enthuses:
>
>With a wide-eyed enthusiam I haven't felt since that first glorious day
>I entered the wonderful world of Nancy Drew mysteries, I've recently
>been devouring the Aubrey-Maturin novels, written over the last 25 years
>or so by Patrick O'Brian. If you like historical sea-fiction, arr,
>mateys, it doesn't get any better than this...
"Arrer, women and seamen don't mix."
But I must agree. Excellent writing. Highly recommended. Much more
than just nautical novels, they also cover the natural sciences,
political intrigue, personal relationships, and more.
Also recommended, in the nautical line, are Dudley Pope's "Ramage"
series. Excellent writing as well, but less wide ranging than the
O'Brian series. It would appear that the Pope series is currently
being reprinted in England.
Reading these books often brings lines in XTC songs to mind, especially
I think about your warm white sheets unfolding
The more I have to drink
The more that I can think to say
"Sheets" being a play on words, either the ropes used to tie down the
sails, or the sheets that make her bed. And of course, sailors drink
their grog...
>"Skylark" as applied to
>the _bird_ dates from 1686. The skylark (Alauda arvensis) is,
>interestingly, "noted for its song, especially in vertical flight." No
>word as to whether that vertical flight is headed straight up or down.
Actually, their flight is gradually ascending, in spirals. They sing
as they fly, as part of a territorial or mating display. It's actually
quite impressive, just how long they will do this. My bird book says
VOICE liquid `chirrup'; famous powerful, prolonged
song-flight, often to a considerable height.
And all of this made me put on a few of the nautical songs: "Wait Till
Your Boat Goes Down", "All You Pretty Girls", "Seagulls Screaming Kiss
Her, Kiss Her", "Ship Trapped in the Ice".
On a different foot, Dean Martucci <martucci@surf.com> says:
>
>John R, enjoy that bungalow by the sea and heed the advice of seagulls.
Actually, cottage. Actually, tidal river. But close enough.
I did not hesitate.
'Twas a very nice vacation. And we did get to swim in the Atlantic,
eat lobster, watch terns and plovers, taste wine (they make some very
good whites on the New England coast), and tour mansions (70-room
cottages) in Newport, Rhode Island. But I digress.
-- John
------------------------------
Message-ID: <341CB531.8944ADCE@gate.net>
Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 00:10:25 -0400
From: Agony Andy <mdirvin@gate.net>
Organization: Dear Agony Andy
Subject: Dear Amanda
Amanda writes:
Dear Agony Andy, I'm a 19 year old girl who's falling in love with her
manager at work. He flirts with me and gives me special treatment, which
anyone else would take as a sign that he likes me. One small
problem-he's married and has a ten week old baby girl. What's a lovesick
girl to do?
Dear Lovesick Girl,
Run for you life!!!! ------- or sue him for sexual
harrassment........but don't mess up a weak man's family.......he'll do
it on his own! Think with your head, not your heart.
Yours Truly,
Agony Andy
btw...XTC song of the day: "I'm Bugged"
non XTC song of the day: who cares
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199709150424.AAA10462@fixed.underworld.net> From: "Kevin Keeler" <insanity@underworld.net> Subject: Synch my battle ship Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 00:22:30 -0400 I thin kthat I may actually cite this time around. You can thank me later. first, thanx to Mark Strijbos for the AP rifff transcript. I appreciate that. Secondly, in respone to the dedicated XTC chat room, i have administrative contacts w/ ednet (irc.underworld.net) folks. A #XTC is very do-able. positive feedback would be the deciding factor. Of course, if anyone else has taken thisproject under their wing, thats fine too. Yawn. And on one final note...I listened to a couple mp2's of Brian Stevens (link courtesy of Funk Pop a Roll) and must say I liked what I heard. however, they did all sound a bit too similar for my taste. Could someone please affirm or confirm that there is indeedsome variety on that album before I consider spending my cashish on it? I guess that is all. i may post again. So long, everyone. Love yourslef, love your dog. Love your ferret even more. ********************************* * Kevin Keeler * * Master of Reality * * insanity@underworld.net * * Buy a ferret * **********************************
------------------------------
From: "The Great Lemur" <GRIFE@Athena.valpo.edu>
Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 01:39:47 CST
Subject: Testimonial diner, sugarplastic and other random stuff
Message-ID: <22FB6200AD3@athena.valpo.edu>
Well,
This is my first (and hopefully not last) Chalkhills posting.
And I'd like to start it off with a simple note of praise...
ORANGES AND LEMONS IS BY FAR THE BEST ALBUM EVER MADE BY ANYONE. It
just doesn't get much better.. although Big Express runs a damn close
second. I shared a lot of emotions with that cd. I laughed during
"pink thing" I cried during "hold me my daddy" and thought long and
hard about "chalkhills and children" it seems that each song has it's
own sentimental meaning to me.. and I have XTC to thank. (I rememebr
delivering pizzas and singing along to "mayor of simpleton on the
radio" Everytime i drive past the house I was going to I always break
into a chorus of that song.. it's hard for me not to.
anyway i shall trudge along sparingly to my next comment...
it pains me to say this, but i actually like TMBG's version of 25
o'clock better than the duke's... i don't know what it is about it,
but I just like it more... not tot say that the duke's did a bad job
with their's, by no means am i saying that, i'm just saying that i
think TMBG did a bit better... i was wondering if any chalkhiller's
felt the same way about tha or any other cover's (personnaly i
despise crash test dummies' "all you pretty girls" in comparison to
the original (but then again the original is one of my favorate
songs))
and now to the sugarplastic... what a great band... i have "bang, the
earth is round" and was wondering if anyone had a copy of their
previous release whose name escapes me for the moment... i really
would like to hear some earlier music from that XTC-esque group.
Also, just as a thought I had one night while listening to Tori Amos'
under the pink album, should she and AP do a tour together... just
for the name alone.. "AMOS AND ANDY, UNDER THE PINK THING TOUR"
I'd go in an instant.
ah well... that's all for now...
-The Great Lemur
------------------------------ Message-ID: <19970915093624.4080.qmail@hotmail.com> From: "Rob Crawford" <robcrawford@hotmail.com> Subject: Designed to annoy Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 02:36:24 PDT This will probably annoy a lot of people as I for one would have liked to have heard what would have resulted from XTC trying to sound more like ZZ Top (to be honest I would have bought it even if it was crap). The strange thing is DG would have been able to have a bit of fun (DG always seems to be forgotten about, yet his articles in guitar mags are interesting & fun). To a certain extent I agree with AP's mother who is reputed to have told AP to produce a hit single weather it's good or not, dosn't matter they have bills to pay. We all have to do it we shouldn't expect anything else of the band even if they are artists, and I reckon all true fans would respect the band. Releasing a commercial album (for chart consumption), and a real one a few months later may be one way around it. Hmmm, sounds like the KLF really dosn't it, and I also think that Jimmy Cautry and Bill Drummond would be and interesting pair of producers. Live 'n Hisses Rob... PS Yes I did intend to start some debate.
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 08:28:57 -0500
Message-ID: <000051B8.@mcmail.vanderbilt.edu>
From: Jason.Phelan@mcmail.vanderbilt.edu (Jason Phelan)
Subject: Dear Amanda
Dear Amanda:
Find a new place to work and let that guy ruin his marriage and hurt
his child with another woman that's not you.
Now, we return you tour our regularly scheduled chalkhill that is not
a soap opera.
Dear person looking for that song.
If I am not mistaken because I haven't had time to properly look, it
is by Dire Straits on their Making Movies album, (Which also has
excellent, Skateaway, Romeo and Juliet, and Les Boys!!!)
ciao, ( or "chow" for you's out west )
Phelan
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 09:40:57 -0600 (CST) From: "DADDY'S GIRL" <ACOEA@jazz.ucc.uno.edu> Subject: Thanks! Message-id: <01INO0JJTQEA8XDQV6@jazz.ucc.uno.edu> To everyone who wrote in and told me the song title/band. I never realised it was Dire Straits! I thought it was gonna be some obscure band that maybe one of you had heard of. I feel kinda dumb right now. Well I'm going to run out and buy that album today. Bringing up the guitar solo on "Books Are Burning" got me thinking a bit about the way that XTC's albums come to a close. We have Andy's voice echoing out part of the word "complicated" on Drums & Wires, the sound of rain falling and a low, growling echo on Black Sea, sleigh bells chiming off on English Settlement, an abrupt guitar chord on Mummer, a mishmash of metallic sounds on The Big Express, loud drums fading off in the distance on Skylarking, Andy's singing of about four different phrases intertwined with keyboards and drums on Oranges & Lemons, and the dueling guitars on Nonsvch. (I didn't post about Go 2 or White Music because...shame shame....I still haven't listened to either of those cd's all the way through!) XTC tend to give us a brilliant sendoff after listening to @50 minutes of...well...brilliance! The dueling solos were just that-another way to send off the listener with more than a mere. "Thanks for buying this." But enough on that. Saw Dear God on M2 again, and heard King For a Day on the muzak again. I could be doing anything at work, and when I hear that song come on, I'll drop everything and sing. The first time I was mopping, second time I was handling drinks (customers were giving me the weirdest looks, because when I needed to take someone's order I'd sing it in time to the music.) And now I must be going. Ciao! Amanda XTC song of the day-Chalkhills & Children non XTC-Bitter Sweet Symphony-The Verve
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 09:44:14 -0600 (CST) From: "DADDY'S GIRL" <ACOEA@jazz.ucc.uno.edu> Subject: Shoot! Forgot something again..... Message-id: <01INO118D26A8XDQV6@jazz.ucc.uno.edu> Check out the classifieds, my new list is up. I've got acoustic stuff, more interviews, more demos, etc., etc. PPS-If anyone can help me out with my small yet vital wants list, I will bow down before you for all eternity. Daemon est deus inversus, Amanda (The devil is the shadow of God)
------------------------------ From: Matt_Kaden/CAM/Lotus@lotus.com Message-Id: <85256513.0051B29C.00@mta2.lotus.com> Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 11:06:22 -0400 Subject: RED ALERT Hello All, S.O.S smoke signal flare morse code HELP! I need the following missing (laughing, cloying, pushing it if you ask me) pieces: > "Dear Madam Barnum"; "Humble Daisy" > Demo versions from the French Gribouillage CD EP. Chain Of Command; Ten Feet Tall; Helicopter; Officer Blue; Making Plans For Nigel; When You're Near Me I Have Difficulties; Officer Blue; Towers Of London; Cuba Dub; Ball And Chain; Punch And Judy Demo versions from Extatic label Demos 1 CD Now, this is not a light matter. I can help you out, if you help me out. We're all in it together, remember. Song de jour: Broomstick Rhythm ...with the swirling sky You guessed it!
------------------------------ From: Matt_Kaden/CAM/Lotus@lotus.com Message-Id: <85256513.00547D54.00@mta2.lotus.com> Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 12:39:44 -0400 Subject: '97 Memos on '95 Demos The Green Man: For some resin I was expecting to be disappointed with these demos. It was refreshing to hear this melody, which conjured up eerie drones and tribal rhythms of Mummer yet reached forward in a new way. It grew on me like all the others (except for Bumper Cars). Dame Fortune: Oh, okay. He's even sharper than he used to be. The structure is (and I choose the word carefully) perfect, and the melodies will haunt us all, let's face it. And that short guitar solo, exclamation! Give the guy a Starburst. River of Orchids: My first thought was "he's over my head again", since I couldn't even begin to listen to the words. It was enough keeping up with the intertwining rhythms and notes, you see... First of its flavor for the Partridge Bunch. Now that I hear the words, well, I agree with him. I forgot to include that I am fond of this song. Church of Women: So, Andy thinks White Music is naked. What the hell is this? One thing that can be said for nudity, it's somewhat free from fashion. Wonder Annual: It doesn't get much better than this, In My Humble Onion. You and the Clouds Will Still Be Beautiful: Although I went to Bard, I never really got into Steely Dan... or Chevy Chase for that matter. I'd Like That: Me too. Easter Theatre: AAAHHHH!!! AAAHHAAA... HA! The best one in the lot. I think what we've got here is Andy's masterpiece. The Last Balloon: Happy and sad, that's right. I call it melancholy. Now if anyone asks me what a lullaby is, I'll have something to play 'em. Bumper Cars: pardon? I Can't Own Her: I didn't know music could do this! I've been thinking about the notion that the bridge makes the whole thing fall apart. Well, of course it does, yes... But the return to the beginning directly after it "And I may as well wish for the moon in hand" is made all the more powerful because of this juxtaposition. Without the inane bridge where Andy EXPLAINS the song, how could we return to the beginning phrase with such a new depth? Your Dictionary: At first, it seemed silly and I wasn't sure his concept was all that strong (it's just that I know the man so damn well, I feel like he's testing his new ideas on me). The music instantly grew on me and now I like the words. I always love it when unexpected layers are added for a second verse. Overall, Mr. Partridge has learned a great deal since we last spoke and I hate to use a word like "maturity" but it seems to be the keyword in describing his new improved approach to composing, recording, singing, arranging.
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 11:45:03 -0500 (CDT)
From: y9d62@ttacs1.ttu.edu
Subject: Reactionary Vice
Message-id: <Pine.PMDF.3.95.970915112359.539142962B-100000@TTACS.TTU.EDU>
Speaking of:
XTC throws away good songs to B-sides: Isn't that the truth. I never
would've bought Mummer if not
for the B-sides included. I wish
they'd have put the B-sides on all
albums.
Curtiss MacBeth's website: pretty neat, though it's probably not
pretensious enough for this list. Everyone
happy!
This list: if there's over 1000 people on it, then why do I only see
the same few ever post? (that was aimed at you, you know
who you are)
My smug remarks: because I said so
Everyone else's smug
remarks, especially
regarding the value
of particular XTC songs: guitar solos, codas, modulations at the
bridge...I've been looking at this whole thing
wrong; it seems that I have to justify why I like
a piece of music. Very well, but please don't let
me go on too long, as I may become pointless and
boring. Though, it's certainly my
right to do so.
Dominique
------------------------------ From: Richard.PedrettiAllen@octel.com Message-Id: <199709151952.AA190513160@elroy.corp.octel.com> Subject: Co-inky-dink Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 12:50:55 -0700 >Big Country, around the time of Mummer, released an EP called Wonderland also... XTC, around the time of Van Halen's and Aretha Franklin's identical song name, released a single called "Jump."
------------------------------ Message-ID: <341D9C05.51AE3D60@digital.net> Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 16:35:17 -0400 From: Michael Liquori <mliq@digital.net> Subject: Dumb & Dumber & XTC (sort of) I don't know if anyone has mentioned this before, but I was watching Dumb & Dumber on TBS last night, and I for the first time realized that when they go to the restaurant called "Dante's Inferno" (where the hitman dies), the song playing almost the whole time is Peter Pumpkinhead. But it isn't XTC. It's sounds like a country version or something. I didn't stay up to watch the credits so if anyone can fill me in I'd be interested. Also, is anyone distributing demos? I'd like to get my hands on them. Yet another Florida Chalkie (Gainesville), (If you are keeping track, I know a lurker Chalkie also in Gainesville) -Michael Liquori -mliq@digital.net
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 19:04:55 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <199709152304.TAA02035@mh004.infi.net> From: david bohan <bunky@nr.infi.net> Subject: Mr.Partridge Take Away at 45 This is my first post so go easy. Many years ago I had cmae across the vinyl(is there anything else) of Mr Partridge "Take Away". The first time I threw it on the player, I thought I had come across some new direction in XTC music. Matter of fact, I was so wrapped up in this new disc, I played it nonstop for several days. As I go to record it, I notice that the player is set on 45 speed. Needless to say, I was blown away. I flipped it to 33 and soon came to the conclusion that perhaps Mr. Partridge had indeed planned forsuch a discovery. I found that I liked the 45 version better. So I'll leave it to some of you to let me know what you think of all this. Mind you, this was back in the mid eighties when this music was hip. Though, it could pass for techno nowadays. Give it a try!!! Dave
------------------------------ End of Chalkhills Digest #3-163 *******************************
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